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	<title>Florida Family Action Archives - FFV</title>
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	<title>Florida Family Action Archives - FFV</title>
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		<title>URGENT: Contact the Senate President Bill Galvano and Governor Ron DeSantis Today</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/action-alerts/parental-consent-abortion-alert/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2019 15:45:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Action Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2019 session]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abortion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bill galvano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Erin Grall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[florida abortion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[florida ethics and religious liberty commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[governor desantis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HB 1335]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jose Oliva]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kelli Stargel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parental consent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[president galvano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rep. Erin Grall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ron desantis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SB1774]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senator galvano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senator Kelli Stargel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Speaker Oliva]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Susan B Anthony List]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://flfamily.fusionaz.com/?p=47266</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Senate President Galvano or Governor DeSantis must act immediately to advance the bill requiring parental consent before abortion!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/action-alerts/parental-consent-abortion-alert/">URGENT: Contact the Senate President Bill Galvano and Governor Ron DeSantis Today</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>URGENT ACTION ALERT:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unless Senate President Galvano or Governor DeSantis<br />
acts immediately by using their influence to advance the bill requiring parental consent before abortion&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Florida becomes the only conservative state in the<br />
</strong><strong>country not to pass any pro-life legislation.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Respectfully, Call First &amp; Email Second:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Senate President Bill Galvano and Governor Ron DeSantis<br />
and ask them to “<em>Immediately use their influence to see that the <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Parental-Consent-Bill-White-Paper.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u7820439.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn%3DqpH7MJiPppC1xKSruPhm6SUZokpVnSZ6cGvlcfWxhak26Bh-2B3NFoxPwpcRHr3IVE0B1Bkx8pOuMXZ1rzz6QaOlja0NaeBTSjQIsAMQrkEKye1ThQsGg8B3AbvxGU3IC7FpEZm7gQMcgAEDrI5kuapQ-3D-3D_4r0dXVUDcZhuJDld0W2MFWupClvJpTe8BjJOyv1xbueq-2BjcKRMvYw167oZtKXLDmCwNCRmF5Gp-2FpZT148Qr9Qe-2Bcicqb23z-2BVOiMferRuTstVw5srrlG2CmiRw8kl2Fjio2TxOcic99QaUxRZhk3Y1StnoHbUDKK-2F-2FgsdnpauH6oaDMXxZRXNyMU2TTj-2BYB5ATP9netSUQ-2F94xrUHed0fSYrrsVaJn3RPkUQFLNLcrsBh5JJOhcqqYU0-2BQpJ1Q2mHMiPejv-2Ff7T7VxRJovGBpuGqXsp-2B8YMxPHktIPiE1f-2FaCeCo0GM1ayATTDb5kabTI9H6u64gtDyMSBsPjNVhuBQYAIWbATtVTnhvDufDCvDrB-2FOIX0yKTnsNK6EhKseUHfKcNwagULakhm6U5ppG2g-3D-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1556378771461000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGH8OxiZ9hsjEh-eiQrmAJ3q8A5vQ">Parental Consent Before Abortion Bill</a> passes the full Senate.</em>”</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Senate President Bill Galvano<br />
</strong>(850) 487-5021 and (850) 487-5229<br />
<a href="mailto:galvano.bill.web@flsenate.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">galvano.bill.web@flsenate.gov</a><br />
and <a href="mailto:bill@billgalvano.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bill@billgalvano.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Florida Governor Ron DeSantis<br />
</strong>(850) 717-9337 and (850) 488-5603<br />
<a href="https://www.flgov.com/email-the-governor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.flgov.com/email-the-governor/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1556378771461000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFyZVEUs4qYBMV5lKANEnN0H1_AtA">https://www.flgov.com/email-<wbr />the-governor/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Background:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The bills requiring parental consent before a minor can obtain an abortion, SB 1774 by Sen.<strong> Kelly Stargel</strong> (R) &amp; HB 1335 by Rep. <strong>Erin Grall</strong> (R) werethe priority pro-life bills this year for most leading pro-life organizations including Florida Family Action, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Susan B. Anthony List, Americans United for Life, and many others. <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Parental-Consent-Bill-White-Paper.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u7820439.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn%3DqpH7MJiPppC1xKSruPhm6SUZokpVnSZ6cGvlcfWxhak26Bh-2B3NFoxPwpcRHr3IVE0B1Bkx8pOuMXZ1rzz6QaOlja0NaeBTSjQIsAMQrkEKye1ThQsGg8B3AbvxGU3IC7FpEZm7gQMcgAEDrI5kuapQ-3D-3D_4r0dXVUDcZhuJDld0W2MFWupClvJpTe8BjJOyv1xbueq-2BjcKRMvYw167oZtKXLDmCwNCRmF5Gp-2FpZT148Qr9Qe-2Bcicqb23z-2BVOiMferRuTstVw5srrlG2CmiRw8kl2Fjio2TxOcic99QaUxRZhk3Y1StnoHbUDKK-2F-2FgsdnpauH6oaDMXxZRXNyMU2TTj-2BYB5ATP9netSUQ-2F94xrUHed0fa-2BjSzs-2BqIFq1jgBUfcl9e-2FiCK48FKidVlkL-2BMR1S5E-2FVuM6L0bIlvtJAMxyj-2FHB-2FZrpEd5fgBak-2BMtJOoZlaPh-2Brm2w7obKVC7Df-2BHiDtQwH8V0IMmU-2BddDuiFqKOvvAEgXspqXhEBxTVtOjWq9nLw8wdcYbVhZhuaLPFHVYzfcEMKps8mPx-2BvtLbY1fqM5XQ-3D-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1556378771461000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHUuhIUQakkv3Rw-rCBQ3mSEMR48w">Full white paper on why the bill is important here</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Speaker of the House, <strong>Jose Oliva</strong>, a champion for life, made this bill a legislative priority and it therefore passed all three house committees and the full House of Representatives.  The Senate bill, however, was grossly delayed in being placed on agenda for its first committee, Health Policy, and even though it passed that committee, it has been stalled because the Judiciary Committee (second committee of reference) stopped meeting weeks ago. The Senate President <strong>Bill Galvano</strong> has the power to tell the Rules Chairman to remove the second committee of reference (Judiciary) and let the bill go to the third committee, Rules, and then be sent to the Senate Floor for a full vote where we have the votes to pass it. Governor <strong>Ron DeSantis </strong>can also use his influence to clearly indicate to the Senate that this bill is a legislative priority for him and must be passed or else he will not support their other priorities. This is the kind of bold leadership required to get this bill passed.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">NOTE:  The House bill can be picked up by the Senate and voted on (skipping passage of 2 of the 3 Senate Committees), but without a super majority 2/3 pro-life vote, the bill will die. The votes for this strategy do not exist, so merely taking up the house bill for a full Senate vote will not work.This bill is necessary to protect Florida’s children and it will only pass if President Galvano or Governor DeSantis use their authority and influence now.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We have all worked very hard to elect pro-life legislators and we currently have pro-life majorities in both the Florida House, Senate and Governor&#8217;s Office. The only question is whether leadership will maneuver these bills and use political capital to see them through.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Florida Family Action</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL  32806</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Info@FloridaFamilyAction.org  <wbr /> *    Phone:  407-418-0250</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/action-alerts/parental-consent-abortion-alert/">URGENT: Contact the Senate President Bill Galvano and Governor Ron DeSantis Today</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Legislative Insider’s Report Week 3 of 9</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2018insidersreportweek3/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jan 2018 17:04:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2018 Florida Legislature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2018 session]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abortion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abortion Facilities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ACLU Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Putnam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[al laws]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amber Kelly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bill Bunkley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chris sprowls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commissioner stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Constitution Revision Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crisis pregnancy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Policy Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FFPC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[florida abortion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[florida catholic conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[florida constitution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[florida ethics and religious liberty commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida House]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Legislature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida LGBT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida NOW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Planned Parenthood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Senate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida SOGI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida supreme court]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gambling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insider's Report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jennifer Sullivan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kelli Stargel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislative Prayer Breakfast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LGBT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marco paredes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[No Casinos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pam tebow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paul seago]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Planned Parenthood Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[planned parenthood womens health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pregnancy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pregnancy care centers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pregnancy resource centers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pro-abortion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pro-Family Days]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pro-Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profamily days]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[proposition 22]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Religious Liberty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Richard Corcoran]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ricky polston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SOGI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tallahassee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trophies of Grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unplanned pregnancy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[win family services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women's Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Womens Healthcare]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=7541</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We were excited to see so many new faces this week in Tallahassee for our 5th annual Pro-Family Days! Each year the event has grown, and this year is no exception. Over 250 supporters and legislators from around the state joined us on Monday and Tuesday for this exciting event!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2018insidersreportweek3/">Legislative Insider’s Report Week 3 of 9</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We were excited to see so many new faces this week in Tallahassee for our 5<sup>th</sup> annual Pro-Family Days! Each year the event has grown, and this year is no exception. Over 250 supporters and legislators from around the state joined us on Monday and Tuesday for this exciting event! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">On Monday, Pro-Family Days attendees were trained on how to lobby and were briefed by policy experts <strong>Bill Bunkley </strong>of Florida Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; <strong>Marco Paredes </strong>of Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops; <strong>Paul Seago </strong>of No Casinos; <strong>Amber Kelly </strong>of Florida Family Action; and FFPC President <strong>John Stemberger</strong> on important bills facing the Legislature during the 2018 Session. Some of the bill topics discussed included life, education, religious liberty, gambling, and LGBT issues.</span></p>
<table style="width: 400px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left">
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<td><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Honoring_PC_Directors.jpg" alt="Honoring PC Directors.jpg" width="375" height="250" border="0" hspace="10" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tfoot>
<tr class="photocaption" align="center" valign="top">
<td><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>Pastor Dean Inserra exhorts and prays for some of Florida&#8217;s pregnancy<br />
center directors as we honored them on Monday night.</em></span></td>
</tr>
</tfoot>
</table>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Monday evening we had the distinct pleasure and incredible privilege of honoring pregnancy care center directors from across Florida in a special celebration of life on the infamous anniversary of </span><em style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Roe v. Wade. </em><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">We are so grateful for the work these men and women do on a daily basis to love, support and care for these new mothers (and fathers) facing an unplanned pregnancy.</span></p>
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<td><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Week_3_-_Pam_Tebow_Interview.jpg" alt="Week 3 - Pam Tebow Interview.jpg" width="375" height="250" border="0" hspace="5" /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="photocaption">
<td style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Al Laws, WIN Family Services, interviews our keynote speaker, Pam Tebow</span></em></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">On Tuesday, FFPC hosted a Legislative Prayer Breakfast attended by 250 people, including many elected officials. Guest speakers included Commissioner of Agriculture </span><strong style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Adam Putnam</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">; House Speaker</span><strong style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> Richard Corcoran</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">; Senator </span><strong style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Kelli Stargel</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">; Representative </span><strong style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Jennifer Sullivan</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">; and keynote speaker </span><strong style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Pam Tebow</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">, a homeschool pioneer, pro-life activist, and mother to Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. Click here to watch the livestream </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">from her </span><a style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;" href="https://www.facebook.com/floridafamilypolicycouncil/videos/10155226665266680/">keynote address</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> (starting at 21:18) and </span><a style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;" href="https://www.facebook.com/floridafamilypolicycouncil/videos/10155225286711680/">sit-down interview</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> with </span><strong style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Al Laws</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> of WIN Family Services.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">During Pro-Family Days, attendees also met with their legislators; toured the Florida House of Representatives with House Speaker <strong>Richard Corcoran</strong> (R-Land O’ Lakes) and Rep. <strong>Chris Sprowls</strong> (R-Clearwater); and heard from Supreme Court Justice <strong>Ricky Polston</strong> at the Florida Supreme Court. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Visit our <a title="Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/floridafamilypolicycouncil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> and <a title="Instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/florida_family_policy_council/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> pages for photos from this year’s event.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">More photos will continue to be added in the coming days. Tag yourself and share these photos with your friends and encourage them to join us next year for Pro-Family Days! Follow us on Facebook and <a title="Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/FLPolicyInsider" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> to continue to receive our most current updates on what’s happening around the state relating to the issues of life, marriage, family, and religious liberty. </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Constitution Revision Commission Update</span></strong></p>
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<td><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Week_3_-_CRC_Testimony.jpg" alt="Week 3 - CRC Testimony.jpg" width="274" height="212" border="0" hspace="10" /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="photocaption">
<td style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">CRC Commissioner John Stemberger presents Proposal 22</span></em></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">On Thursday, the CRC&#8217;s Declaration of Rights Committee passed out</span><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Proposal 22, the <a href="https://flprivacy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida Privacy Restoration Act</a>. The proposed amendment will clarify that the privacy clause in Florida&#8217;s Constitution guarantees a right to informational privacy. Opinions by the Florida Supreme Court in recent years have not upheld a right to informational privacy, but have granted other rights, such as a right to abortion.  While abortion would remain constitutional under Roe v Wade if the <a href="https://flprivacy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida Privacy Restoration Act</a> passes, it is possible that reasonable laws regulating abortion, such as parental consent for a minor to obtain an abortion, would now be ruled constitutional. This has angered groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Florida chapter of the National Organization for Women. These groups attempted to scare commissioners into voting no by telling them that liberties we have enjoyed for decades will disappear. This is outrageous and patently false, but leftist groups will brook no limitation on abortion, no matter how reasonable. They demand that abortion be available any time</span><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, any place, for any woman who wants one.  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;">Commissioner Arthenia Joyner painted the judicial activism that has taken place as &#8220;progress&#8221; in the same way that women have been granted the right to vote and blacks were given civil rights. What Commissioner Joyner failed to mention was that the courts didn&#8217;t grant those rights, but rather a constitutional amendment and federal legislation did. Zach Jones, an FSU student, passionately testified that while he was pro-choice, the courts did not have the ability to grant a constitutional right to abortion and that if Floridians wanted a constitutional right to abortion, they would need to pass a constitutional amendment that said so. After nearly two hours, the Declaration of Rights Committee voted 4-3 to advance Proposal 22. It heads to the CRC&#8217;s Judiciary Committee next and will be heard on Thursday, February 1st.  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, for this week&#8217;s update on our legislative agenda! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE</strong> </span><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0357__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0357&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 357</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/576/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 576</strong></a><strong> Adoptee Birth Certificates</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Richard Stark (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This bill mandates opening up birth records to birth parents and adult adoptees (even without the consent of the birth parents in adoptions after July 1, 2018) by requiring the Florida Department of Health to issue noncertified copies of unaltered, original birth certificates to adoptees and birth parents.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ABORTION</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT </strong></span><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h1429__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1429&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 1429</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1890/BillText/__/PDF"><strong>SB 1890</strong></a><strong> Dismemberment Abortion</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Erin Grall (R), Rep. Joe Gruters (R), Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prohibits dismemberment abortion, where an unborn child is killed by an abortionist using instruments to cut or rip the child’s body apart piece by piece and then extracts the pieces from the mother.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="float: right;" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Week_3_-_Testimony_Dismemberment_Bill.png" alt="Week 3 - Testimony Dismemberment Bill.png" width="250" height="199" border="0" hspace="7" vspace="0" />Action:</em></strong> The House Health Quality Subcommittee heard the bill this week.  Florida Family Action’s Political and Communications Director, Amber Kelly, <a href="https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/1-24-18-house-health-quality-subcommittee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">testified</a> on the bill (<a href="https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/1-24-18-house-health-quality-subcommittee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">her testimony can be seen from 1:18:15 1:20:24</a>).  Amber spoke about the fact that while cruel and unusual punishment is prohibited in punishing criminals, the practice of dismemberment abortion is allowed which is cruel to the unborn child. The bill does not prevent a woman from choosing to have an abortion, but it does ensure that once a woman has chosen to have an abortion that a child is not killed brutally.  The bill passed its first committee stop in a 9-6 vote. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE </strong></span><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h1273__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1273&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 1273</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1718/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 1718</strong></a> <strong>Contraception Mandate</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Holly Raschein (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mandates employers provide insurance plans which pay for contraception, including abortion inducing</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> drugs. The exemption for employers is limited to religious objections by religious nonprofits or small, privately-held companies and it requires notification of objection to providing coverage. Insurance companies are still required to provide coverage of contraception to employees who work for an exempt organization.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE </strong></span><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0189__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0189&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 189</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/320/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 320</strong></a><strong> Abortion Clinics</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Amy Mercado (D), Sen. Linda Stewart (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This bill prohibits anyone from interfering with women attempting to enter abortion clinics. Sidewalk counselors or protestors could face fines, civil suits, and criminal penalties for simply calling out to a woman to not abort her baby. This bill goes beyond prohibiting criminal and inappropriate interference with abortion facilities and limits free speech. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">CULTURE </span></span></strong> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT </strong></span><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0157c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0157&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HR 157</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/480/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SR 480</strong></a><strong> Declaring Pornography a Public Health Crisis </strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recognizes the public health crisis created by pornography and acknowledges need</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> for education, prevention, research, and policy change to protect Floridians.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>SUPPORT <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0839__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0839&amp;Session=2018">HB 839</a> / <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s1158__.DOCX&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1158&amp;Session=2018">SB 1158</a> Display of State Motto in Public Schools</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Daniels (D), Rep. Ponder (R), Sen. Perry (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Requires each Florida school and each school district building to prominently display the state motto “In God We Trust.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> The House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee heard the bill on Tuesday and passed the bill unanimously.  It only has one more committee stop before it can head to the floor of the House for passage out of that chamber.  It has yet to be heard in the Senate.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">EDUCATION</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT</strong></span> <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0731c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0731&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 731</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/732/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 732</strong></a><strong> Home Education </strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Clarifies that a home education program is not a school district program and parents who wish to homeschool their children must register with the district school superintendent only for the purpose of complying with the state&#8217;s attendance requirements. It requires the district school superintendent to accept the parental notification and register the program upon receipt of the notice. The school district cannot require any additional information unless the student chooses to participate in their programs or services. The bill also stipulates that the content of a child’s portfolio shall be determined by the parent, not the school district.  Finally, it allows school districts to provide homeschool students access to career and vocational courses and requires that industry certifications, national assessments, and statewide, standardized assessments offered by the school district be available to homeschool students. For homeschool students who are dual enrolled to earn college credit, the bill stipulates that course or program limitations may not exceed the limitations for other dually enrolled students.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> After a couple of technical amendments and with no debate, the Senate version passed out of the Education committee unanimously on Monday.  It has two remaining committees.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT</strong></span> <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0001__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0001&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 1</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1172/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 1172</strong></a><strong> Hope Scholarship Program </strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Byron Donalds (R), Sen. Bill Galvano (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Establishes the Hope Scholarship for students after an incident of battery, harassment, hazing, bullying, kidnapping, robbery, sexual offenses, harassment, assault, threat or intimidation. The student will have an opportunity to transfer to another public school or to apply for a scholarship to attend a private school. Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> The Senate bill was taken up on Monday in the Education Committee. An amendment to the bill added additional language which allows a school principal to investigate allegations and establish the at-fault parties, the circumstances surrounding the incident, etc.  Opponents suggested that the offender should be penalized rather than removing the victim from a hostile environment.  The bill sponsor noted that there are already rules and consequences in place for those who harass, bully, or otherwise threaten or intimidate another. Some committee members suggested that they would like to see additional programs, like counseling, being</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> included to help the victims. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FREE SPEECH</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT </strong></span><strong><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0909__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0909&amp;Session=2018">HB 909</a> / <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s1234__.DOCX&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1234&amp;Session=2018">SB 1234</a> Free Speech Zones on Campus</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Rommel (R), Rep. Clemons (R), Sen. Baxley (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Protects the right of free speech outdoors on public campuses of higher education such as state colleges</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, universities, law schools, etc. Prohibits a public college, university, law school, etc. from creating “free speech zones” or restricting free expression except in cases that are reasonable and content-neutral. No student, faculty or staff member would be allowed to materially disrupt another individual or organization’s scheduled or reserved activities. If a violation occurs, the Attorney General or the person whose rights were violated may take the violator to court </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">within one year of the violation for reasonable compensation. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> The House Post-Secondary Education Subcommittee took up the bill on Tuesday and passed the bill in a 9-5 vote in a party line</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> vote. The House version must pass two more committees.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">GAMBLING</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE </strong></span><a href="http://flhouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0223__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0223&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 223</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/374/BillText/c1/PDF"><strong>SB 374</strong></a><strong> Fantasy Contests </strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Jason Brodeur (R), Sen. Dana Young (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Exempts fantasy gaming contests such as fantasy sports leagues from being subject to gambling penalties and regulations. In effect, legalizing fantasy gambling.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> The House Tourism &amp; Gaming Control Subcommittee heard the bill on Tuesday and passed it unanimously. The House bill still has two more committees.  The Senate Rules committee picked up its version on Thursday and passed it in a 9-2 vote, which means it is now headed to the Senate floor.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE</strong></span> <a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/840/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 840</strong></a><strong> Legalizing Fantasy and Designated Player Games/Expanding Slot Machines</strong><br />
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Hutson (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In addition to exempting fantasy gaming from state gambling regulations, this bill would remove the requirement that greyhound, thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness horse permit holders conduct live racing at their pari-mutuel facilities in order to be eligible for or keep their slot machine and cardroom licenses. This bill would allow these facilities to take wagers for intertrack races and simulcasts. It would also legalize designated player games (playing against a designated player rather than the house). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE</strong></span><strong> <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h1293__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1293&amp;Session=2018">HB 1293</a> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1802/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 1802</strong></a><strong> Preview Games and Machines </strong><br />
Sponsor: Rep. Al Jacquet (D), Sen. Perry Thurston Jr. (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Legalizes preview or pre-reveal machines, slot machines which draw individuals in by revealing the prize before the game is started. A Florida judge has already ruled the machines constitute gambling. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action: </em></strong>None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">HUMAN TRAFFICKING</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT</strong></span> <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0167__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0167&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 167</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s1044__.DOCX&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1044&amp;Session=2018"><strong>SB 1044</strong></a><strong> Civil Action for Human Trafficking Victims</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Allows a victim of human trafficking to bring a civil cause of action against a human trafficker or facilitator (a person or business who aids in or turns a blind eye to human trafficking activities). Under this provision, a victim of human trafficking could receive payment for medical bills, mental health services, repatriation, etc. as well as monetary damages for pain, loss, trauma, etc. A trafficker or facilitator would also be liable under this section to provide an additional $100,000 in damages to the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (established by HB 169/SB 1046) and, in some cases, additional damages to law enforcement to aid in future human trafficking rescue efforts. Punitive damages would be equally divided between the victim and the trust fund.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT</strong></span> <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0169__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0169&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 169</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1046/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 1046</strong></a><strong> Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking </strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Creates the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention within the Department of Law Enforcement. This fund would be funded by penalties and damages obtained under as referenced in   HB 167 / SB 1044 and other sources, including funds appropriated by the Legislature. The trust fund would be used to assist victims of human trafficking with medical and mental health exams and treatment, living expenses, lost wages and repatriation. The funds could also be used for a variety of education and prevention efforts, creating a survivor’s resource center, or for vacating convictions against trafficking victims incurred due to trafficking, etc.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT</strong> </span><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h7039__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=7039&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 7039</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1502/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 1502</strong></a><strong> Increased Penalties for Human Trafficking </strong><br />
Sponsors: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Requires a 10-year minimum mandatory imprisonment sentence for any individual, who knowingly or recklessly without regards to the facts, engages in, attempts to engage in, or financially benefits from human trafficking. Removes fees to expunge certain portions of criminal records for victims of human trafficking as it relates to their trafficking. Redefines the term “Adult Entertainment Establishment” to include additional adult-style businesses.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">LIFE </span><br />
</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT</strong> </span><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0041c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0041&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 41</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/444/BillText/c1/PDF"><strong>SB 444</strong></a><strong> Pregnancy Support Services</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R), Sen. Aaron Bean (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Requires the Florida Department of Health to contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) to provide pregnancy support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant. FPCN would then provide support to pregnant women and address their wellness needs. The bill requires FPCN subcontractors to promote and support childbirth only. All services provided must be voluntary and cannot include religious content.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">LGBT</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE</strong></span> <a href="http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0347__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0347&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 347</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/66/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 66</strong></a><strong> Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act”</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Darryl Rouson (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The worst bill in the Florida Legislature because of its effect on public safety and freedom of conscience. It adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination. Would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A full list of <a href="http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=60154&amp;SessionId=86"><strong>House</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/00066"><strong>Senate</strong></a> co-sponsors.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <strong><em>Action:</em></strong>  None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE</strong></span> <a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/717/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>HB 717</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s0696__.DOCX&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0696&amp;Session=2018"><strong>SB 696</strong></a><strong> Banning Conversion Therapy</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Evan Jenne (D) / Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This bill makes it unlawful for people in Florida who are licensed to provide professional counseling and others, like pastors who are licensed counselors, to counsel youth under the age of 18 struggling with their “sexual orientation and/or gender identity” to think and live in a heterosexual manner consistent with their biological gender, even if the child (as the patient) asks for their help to do so. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">MARRIAGE</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT </strong></span><a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h1323__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1323&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 1323</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1580/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 1580</strong></a><strong> Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage </strong><strong> </strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Clay Yarborough (R), Rep. Danny Burgess (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Creates the Marriage Education Committee, which is tasked with developing the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage, which is required to include resources on conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence, and parenting responsibilities; current information from marriage education and family advocates to assist in forming and maintaining a long-term marital relationship; and information regarding premarital education, marriage enrichment education, and resources that are available to help restore a marriage that is potentially moving toward dissolution. Clerks will be responsible for posting the guide on their websites and individuals applying for a marriage certificate must certify that they have read it or similar resources.</span></p>
<table style="float: left;" border="0">
<caption><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="" style="float: left;" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/27292288_10215778489723938_49331405_n.jpg" alt="John Stemberger, Rep. Clay Yarborough, Richard Albertson" width="258" height="258" border="0" hspace="10" /></caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;"><em style="font-size: 10.6667px; text-align: center;">FFPC President John Stemberger, Bill Sponsor Rep. Clay<br />
Yarborough, and Richard Albertson of Live the Life</em></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><em>Action:</em></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> The House Civil Justice and Claims picked up the bill this week. Florida Family Action President John Stemberger testified on the divorce problem that the state of Florida has.  Richard Albertson of Live the Life also testified on the economic impact of divorce on Florida taxpayers.  There was no opposition to the bill in public testimony; however, one member of the committee seemed to want to ensure that same-sex couples would be included in the guide. The bill passed out of committee, mostly along party lines, in a 10-4 vote.  The Senate version is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday afternoon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d2120e;"><strong>OPPOSE</strong></span> <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s0130__.DOCX&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0130&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 130</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/6027/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 6027</strong></a><strong> Same-Sex Marriage</strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. David Richardson (D), Sen. Gary Farmer (D)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Removes the language in state statute which prohibited same-sex couples from marrying and the State of Florida from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">RELIGIOUS LIBERTY</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #129117;"><strong>SUPPORT</strong></span> <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0871__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0871&amp;Session=2018"><strong>HB 871</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1290/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 1290</strong></a><strong> Free Enterprise Protection Act </strong><br />
Sponsors: Rep. Jay Fant (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prohibits any level of state government or individual acting on behalf of the state from discriminating against a business based upon their internal personnel or employee benefits policies or their exercise of free speech and religion as protected under the Florida and federal Constitutions. The state and its subdivisions would be prohibited from revoking tax exemptions and benefits; denying grants, certifications, licenses, etc.; and access and entitlement to property, facilities and speech forums, among other provisions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Action:</em></strong> None.</span></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2018insidersreportweek3/">Legislative Insider’s Report Week 3 of 9</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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		<title>Florida Family Policy Council Praises Governor Scott for Veto of “Whiskey and Wheaties”</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/updates/florida-family-policy-council-praises-governor-scott-veto-whiskey-wheaties/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 May 2017 19:24:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FFPC President John Stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Policy Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Legislature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governor Rick Scott]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governor Scott]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SB 106]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whiskey and Wheaties]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=7476</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>(TALLAHASSEE, FL) On Wednesday evening, Governor Scott vetoed SB 106, dubbed “Whiskey and Wheaties” by the media. The bill, if passed, would have allowed grocery stores and big box retailers [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/updates/florida-family-policy-council-praises-governor-scott-veto-whiskey-wheaties/">Florida Family Policy Council Praises Governor Scott for Veto of “Whiskey and Wheaties”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">(TALLAHASSEE, FL) <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1232372006"><span class="aQJ">On Wednesday</span></span> evening, Governor Scott vetoed SB 106, dubbed “Whiskey and Wheaties” by the media. The bill, if passed, would have allowed grocery stores and big box retailers (like Walmart and Target) to sell hard liquor in the same way that they sell other food and consumer products. Currently, hard liquor must be sold in a stand-alone store or a wall must separate the main store and the liquor store.</p>
<p>Supporters of the measure claimed that the requirement for a wall was antiquated and that the bill was simply implementing the free market.  Opponents attacked the measure as bad for small business and as opening the door to increased consumption and theft by youth and those struggling with alcoholism.</p>
<p>Florida Family Action supporters, along with many other opponents of the bill, sent almost 10,000 communications to Governor Scott asking him to veto this bad bill.</p>
<p>John Stemberger, President and General Counsel of Florida Family Policy Council, issued the following statement:</p>
<p>“I want to thank Governor Scott for his leadership on this issue. While we know that he has been under pressure from those on both sides of the issue, he did the best thing for Florida’s families.  Alcoholism is far too prevalent in our society and we believe that appropriate safeguards should be kept ensuring that we do not exacerbate the epidemic in Florida, especially with our youth. Government has a role in protecting citizens by placing reasonable restrictions on addictive and mind-altering substances.  In this case, in the end, the government did the right thing.  I would also like to thank FFA supporters for responding to the call to take action which played a major role in killing this bad bill.”</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/updates/florida-family-policy-council-praises-governor-scott-veto-whiskey-wheaties/">Florida Family Policy Council Praises Governor Scott for Veto of “Whiskey and Wheaties”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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		<title>Legislative Insider&#8217;s Report Week 7 of 9</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2017-week7insiders/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Apr 2017 20:06:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alcohol]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Policy Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FFPC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Policy Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Human Trafficking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pro-Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sexual Orientation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SOGI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tallahassee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whisky and Wheaties]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=7462</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The question on everyone’s mind this week is “Will they or won’t they?”  Speculation is running rampant in the Capitol as to whether or not the Legislature will finish its business before the end of the normal 60-day session, which is May 5th.  There are a number of issues which have yet to be resolved, most importantly the budget. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2017-week7insiders/">Legislative Insider&#8217;s Report Week 7 of 9</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Florida Family Policy Council&#8217;s&nbsp;</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Legislative Insider&#8217;s Report&nbsp;</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>2017 Legislative Session &#8211; Week 7 of 9</strong></span></p>
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<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/FL_House_-_April_2017.jpg" border="0" alt="FL House in Session" width="300" height="169" /></p>
<p class="photocaption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">The Florida House in Session</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The question on everyone&#8217;s mind this week is &#8220;Will they or won&#8217;t they?&#8221; &nbsp;Speculation is running rampant in the Capitol as to whether or not the Legislature will finish its business before the end of the normal 60-day session, which is May 5th. &nbsp;There are a number of issues which have yet to be resolved, most importantly the budget. &nbsp;We&#8217;ve heard that the </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Joint Legislative Budget Commission</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;likely won&#8217;t meet until next Wednesday, which doesn&#8217;t give them much time to conduct their business. &nbsp;The budget is the one thing that the Legislature must do each legislative session. &nbsp;Another important issue before the Legislature this year is gambling in the state. The House and Senate seem to be miles apart on the issue and while the </span><a style="font-size: 10pt;" href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/florida-politics-blog/fl-reg-senate-house-gambling-conference-20170419-story.html">SunSentinel reported</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> that the Gaming Conference Committee would be meeting on Thursday at 4 pm, it was never formally announced. &nbsp;It was then canceled </span><a style="font-size: 10pt;" href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/florida-politics-blog/fl-reg-gambling-conference-20170418-story.html">according to the SunSentinel</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> once the Florida Supreme Court approved the language for a constitutional amendment which would require voter approval of the expansion of gambling in the state.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Another issue that needs to be resolved this year is the implementation of Amendment 2, which legalized medical marijuana in the state. &nbsp;<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Both House and Senate committees heard implementing bills for Amendment 2 this week.&nbsp; The House bill bans smoking, vaping, and edibles and requires a doctor to have at least a 90-day relationship with a patient before marijuana can be prescribed.&nbsp; Opponents to these measures said that these restrictions were unacceptable.&nbsp; While some legislators agreed that 90 days is too long for patients to wait for medical marijuana, representatives were less willing to accept claims that Floridians voted for the right to smoke marijuana.&nbsp; During debate, multiple members made it clear that some of the provisions would change when it goes to conference with the Senate.&nbsp; The measure passed its second committee in a 16-8 vote, along party lines. It will likely be heard in its final committee next Monday.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>The Senate bill implementing medical marijuana is not identical to the House version and opponents&rsquo; comments centered around the limited licensing of medical marijuana growers and dispensaries.&nbsp; The bill passed 6-1 and will likely be heard in its final committee next Tuesday (the last day of regularly scheduled committee meetings).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now for some of the bills that we&#8217;re most closely monitoring&#8230;&nbsp;</p>
<h1><span style="color: #008000; font-size: 24pt;"><strong>GOOD BILLS</strong></span></h1>
<h2><strong>ADOPTION / FOSTER CARE&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0363c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0363&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 363</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/200/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 200</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Temporary Respite Care for Families in Crisis</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Frank White (R), Rep. Patricia Williams (D), Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R)</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This bill helps families in crisis by allowing parents to place their children with respite care families temporarily while they work to better the situation for the entire family (whether it is seeking treatment for addiction, finding a job, etc.) This program is for families where there are no allegations of abuse/neglect which would cause DCF to remove the children from their home. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p>The Senate Judiciary Committee heard this bill on Wednesday. Once again, the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar testified against this good bill, essentially demanding the program be changed in order to support the bill; their requested changes would destroy the program by essentially expanding foster care and requiring government interference in this remarkable program.&nbsp; While the Family Law Section claims they are only looking out for the best interest of children, their motives seem to be more about making sure their lawyers stay in business.&nbsp; Despite Sen. Anitere Flores&rsquo; concerns with the bill it passed in a 6-2 vote.&nbsp; This bill is scheduled to be heard in its final committee next Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>LIFE</strong><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</strong></h2>
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<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/AK_with_Sen._Bean.jpg" border="0" alt="AK with Sen. Bean.jpg" width="225" height="186" /></span></p>
<p class="photocaption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: center;">Amber Kelly with Sen. Aaron Bean</em></span></p>
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<p><strong style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0969c2.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0969&amp;Session=2017">HB 969</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/1130/BillText/c1/PDF">SB 1130</a>&nbsp;Pregnancy Support Services&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R) and Sen. Aaron Bean (R)&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This bill would require the Department of Health to contract with a network of crisis pregnancy centers to provide&nbsp;support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant for the term of their pregnancy through the first year of the child&#8217;s life. &nbsp;The services provided cannot&nbsp;be coercive nor contain religious content.</span></p>
<p>This bill was scheduled to be heard in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services committee on Tuesday, but due to a busy agenda and a medical emergency during the committee meeting meant that it was not considered.&nbsp; According to Senate rules, the meeting could not be extended without a motion from the floor of the Senate.&nbsp; Unfortunately, this means the bill is dead for the year as it was the committee&rsquo;s final meeting of the year.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>EDUCATION&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p><strong style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0833c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0833&amp;Session=2017">HB 833</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/692/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 692</a>&nbsp;Revising Student Eligibility for Virtual School&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This bill removes a requirement that 2nd through 5th graders be enrolled in a public school in the year prior to enrolling in virtual school. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p>HB 833 is scheduled to be picked up the full House next Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0015c2.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0015&amp;Session=2017">HB 15</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/1314/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 1314</a>&nbsp;Expanding the&nbsp;Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Denise Grimsley (R)&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This bill expands the students who are eligible for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The House passed the bill on Wednesday in a 117-0 vote.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=57178&amp;SessionId=83">HB 549</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/00906">SB 906</a>&nbsp;Publication of State Assessment Tests for Parental and Educational Review&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Randy Fine (R), Sen. Greg Steube (R), House PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee</span></p>
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<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/AK_with_Rep._Fine.jpg" border="0" alt="AK with Rep. Fine.jpg" width="225" height="175" /></p>
<p class="photocaption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Amber Kelly with Rep. Randy Fine</span></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This bill seeks to require the publication of certain state assessment tests every three years. &nbsp;Currently, no one has access to the questions on these exams, including the Department of Education nor any government officials. &nbsp;Students are being told that they cannot tell anyone the content of test questions, including their parents.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>During its final committee stop on Thursday, the House bill was amended to e<span style="font-size: 10pt;">liminate the state Algebra II end-of-course exam, r</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">equire paper-based state language arts and math tests for third- through sixth-grade, m</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ove the state testing window to later in the spring, and shrink it to a shorter time frame and c</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">hange the value-added model of evaluating teachers. &nbsp;The bill was passed unanimously out of the Education committee. &nbsp;SB 906 is dead for the year, but&nbsp;the amendment makes it similar to <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/926/BillText/c1/PDF">SB 926</a>, which would eliminate more end-of-course exams, extend paper testing to more grades and detach the value-added model for teacher evaluations. That bill has cleared all of its committees and is ready to be picked up by the full Senate.</span></p>
<h2><strong>GAMING</strong></h2>
<p><strong style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0937c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0937&amp;Session=2017">HB 937</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/1370/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 1370</a>&nbsp;Warnings for Lottery Games</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Keith Perry (R), House Tourism &amp; Gaming Control Subcommittee</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This bill would require a warning placed on lottery tickets that lottery games can be addictive.</span></p>
<p>The House bill was passed quickly out of its final committee on Wednesday in a 26-2 vote, with only <strong>Rep. Tom Goodson </strong>(R) and <strong>Rep. Richard Stark</strong> (D) voting no on the measure.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Senate version was passed out its second committee on Wednesday as well.&nbsp; Members of the Senate Judiciary committee questioned the bill sponsor as to whether the warning could also print something like &ldquo;For help, call&hellip;&rdquo;. While that is not currently in the bill, it could be amended to the bill and would be a positive change to a good bill.&nbsp; The vote was 5-3 with <strong>Sen. Audrey Gibson (D)</strong> once again commenting that the lottery is not gambling, but rather funding for education.&nbsp;&nbsp; This bill may be scheduled for its final committee next Tuesday, the final day for regularly scheduled committee meetings.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>HUMAN TRAFFICKING&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h1383__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1383&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 1383</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/852/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 852</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Child Victims of Human Trafficking&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jeanette Nu&ntilde;ez (R), Sen. Rene Garcia (R)</p>
<p>This bill seeks to help children who have been the victims of sex trafficking by requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to maintain a database of services available for victims of commercial sexual exploitation,&nbsp;increases the situations in which a defendant&rsquo;s confession may be used at trial, outlines procedures for assisting victims, and requires officials to follow up with victims within six months to evaluate services used and their effectiveness.</p>
<p>This bill is scheduled to be picked up by the full House next Tuesday.</p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=59136&amp;SessionId=83">HB 1165</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/972/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 972</a>&nbsp;Victims of Human Trafficking</strong><br />Sponsor: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Randolph Bracy (D)</p>
<p>This bill allows victims of human trafficking to sue the individuals who engaged in their trafficking, including businesses who profited from their trafficking.</p>
<p>On Monday, this bill was heard in Senate Criminal Justice and passed favorably in a 7-0 vote.&nbsp; The Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled this bill for its Wednesday meeting and also passed it in a 7-0 vote.&nbsp; It will hopefully be heard in its final committee next week and move on to the Senate floor, despite its late movement during the legislative session. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h1167c3.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1167&amp;Session=2017">HB 1167</a>&nbsp;/ <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/970/BillText/c1/PDF">SB 970</a>&nbsp;Florida Compensation Trust Fund for Survivors of Human Trafficking</strong><br />Sponsor: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen.&nbsp;Randolph Bracy (D)</p>
<p>This bill establishes a trust fund to compensate victims and pay their legal fees, pay for human trafficking education and awareness training for communities, and advertise the national human trafficking hotline. &nbsp;Finances for the trust fund will come from court penalties, civil actions, seizure of properties used by traffickers, and donations from outside sources or the Legislature.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On Monday, this bill was heard in Senate Criminal Justice and passed favorably in a 7-0 vote.&nbsp; The Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled this bill for its Wednesday meeting and also passed it in a 7-0 vote.&nbsp; It will hopefully be heard in its final committee next week and move on to the Senate floor, despite its late movement during the legislative session. &nbsp;</p>
<h1><span style="font-size: 24pt; color: #ff0000;"><strong>BAD BILLS&nbsp;</strong></span></h1>
<h2><strong>LGBT RIGHTS</strong></h2>
<p><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0623__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0623&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 623</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/666/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 666</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or &ldquo;Florida&rsquo;s Competitive Workforce Act&rdquo;&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Jeff Clemens (D)</p>
<p>The CWA adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida&rsquo;s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination and would allow men access to use women&rsquo;s showers, locker rooms, bathrooms, women&#8217;s domestic violence shelters, etc. &nbsp;</p>
<p>This bill which we have described as the worst bill proposed in the Florida Legislature due to its effect on public safety and religious liberty has not been scheduled to be heard in committee.&nbsp; We continue to educate legislators on the dangers of this piece of legislation, and it continues to be dead on arrival despite some liberal Republican support.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>ALCOHOL</strong></h2>
<p><a style="font-size: 10pt;" href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0081__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0081&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 81</strong></a><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a style="font-size: 10pt;" href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/106/BillText/c2/PDF"><strong>SB 106</strong></a><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;Hard Liquor in Grocery Stores&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Bryan Avila (R), Sen. Anitere Flores (R)</p>
<p>Dubbed &#8220;Whiskey and Wheaties,&#8221; this bill would&nbsp;allow grocery stores and large retail stores to sell hard liquor in their main store rather than building or renting a separate store to sell liquor.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While we previously believed this bill might be dead for the year, it may have been resurrected. &nbsp;The bill is on the Special Order Calendar for next Tuesday. We hear the lobbying corps has been out there pounding the pavement working on members to get them to vote yes on this bad bill.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>:<strong> If you find this and other editions of the Insider&#8217;s Report helpful please consider giving a gift to support our work<a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app212a?df_id=1440&amp;1440.donation=form1&amp;NONCE_TOKEN=3260DD01EE6B53652FDB4B8325685BFB"> here</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2017-week7insiders/">Legislative Insider&#8217;s Report Week 7 of 9</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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		<title>Legislative Insider’s Report: Weeks 5 and 6 of 9</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2017-weeks56insiders/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:43:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2017 Session]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abortion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Constitution Revision Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Easter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Policy Council]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Florida Senate]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Gainesville]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insider's Report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jacksonville]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislative Insider's Report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LGBT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Panama City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Religious Liberty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Schools of Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Session]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Tallahassee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tampa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virtual School]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=7459</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We hope this message finds you and your family well and that you had a blessed celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ this past weekend. We're now entering the final three weeks of Legislative Session. Both chambers are considering major legislation regarding the budget, school choice, gambling, and more! </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2017-weeks56insiders/">Legislative Insider’s Report: Weeks 5 and 6 of 9</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Florida Family Policy Council&#8217;s&nbsp;</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Legislative Insider&#8217;s Report&nbsp;</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>2017 Legislative Session &#8211; Weeks 5 and 6 (of 9 weeks)</strong></span></p>
<p>Dear Friend,</p>
<p>We hope this message finds you and your family well and that you had a blessed celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ this past weekend.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We are sorry that we missed sending you week 5 of our Insider&rsquo;s Report, but we&rsquo;ve included it in this week&rsquo;s report.&nbsp; The Legislature slowed down a bit in Week 6 because of Passover and Good Friday, but for the days that the Legislature was in session this week, each chamber began passing their version of the budget and most of the normal committee meetings were canceled. &nbsp;</p>
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<p>The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) met in Tallahassee this past week and several local residents made statements at the public hearing held at Florida A&amp;M University. At every city the CRC has held a public hearing in thus far, many citizen&#8217;s have testified and expressed concerned about Article 1, Section 23, Florida&#8217;s Privacy Clause which was enacted in 1980 by a vote of 60% of voters to protect citizens from the government collecting private information. &nbsp;But nine years after it was passed in 1989, the Florida Supreme Court ignored the legislative intent and history of the amendment and suddenly found a fundamental right to abortion for a minor child in the clause in case of In Re: T.W. A Minor, 551 So. 2d 1186 (1989). &nbsp;There has been a strong show of support of pro-lifers and constitutionalists asking the CRC to fix the privacy clause. Planned Parenthood supporters are also appearing asking the CRC to protect Florida&#8217;s very strong right to abortion. Interestingly, none of the mainstream media covering the hearings have reported this issue accurately. &nbsp;We reported several weeks ago that our President, <strong>John Stemberger</strong> was appointed for the next year and a half to the CRC by Florida Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran. &nbsp;The CRC only gathers every 20 years as per the Florida Constitution. &nbsp;For more information on upcoming public hearings in <strong>Gainesville, Jacksonville, Panama City</strong> and <strong>Tampa</strong> check out the official website at <a href="http://www.flcrc.gov">FloridaCRC.gov</a>.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Rep._David_Richardson.jpg" border="0" alt="Rep. David Richardson" hspace="10" width="200" height="216" /></p>
<p class="photocaption"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Rep. David Richardson on the House floor<br />Credit: Scott Keeler, TB Times</span></p>
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<p>During Week 5, there was a move by Rep. <strong>David Richardson</strong> (D) to add non-discrimination language for sexual orientation and gender identity to a bill regulating ridesharing companies (i.e. Uber, Lyft).&nbsp; Rep. Richardson who is one of two openly gay-identified legislators in Florida, filed two separate amendments to the bill.&nbsp; The first stated that these services are public accommodations and adding the non-discrimination language to the law governing public accommodations (adding some of the most controversial parts of the Competitive Workforce Act to statute). This amendment failed in a voice vote. Rep. Richardson then moved to the next proposed amendment which would require each company&rsquo;s non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This also failed in a voice vote, but Democrats then forced a roll call vote (meaning we know how each member voted).&nbsp; We expect to see more of these types of moves in the future and will be on the lookout for them.</p>
<p>The biggest news out of Week 6 in the Legislature was in the House during Floor Debate on a controversial bill which allocates $200 million to &ldquo;Schools of Hope&rdquo;.&nbsp; Schools of Hope are charter schools which are established within 5 miles of perpetually failing schools; however, the organizations establishing these schools must have a proven track record of success within impoverished communities. &nbsp;Prior to the debate, Rep. <strong>Shevrin Jones</strong> (D) held a press conference with Tallahassee mayor and extreme left wing Democrat, gubernatorial candidate <strong>Andrew Gillum</strong> opposing the bill.&nbsp; All told, the House spent over five hours debating the measure this week before passing it 77-40 along party lines.&nbsp; The Senate then picked up the bill but refused to pass the House language meaning it will be sent to committee.</p>
<p>Now for the action report from <strong>Amber Kelly</strong>, our Communications and Political Director, on the bills that we&#8217;re most closely monitoring&#8230;&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #008000; font-size: 24pt;"><strong>GOOD BILLS</strong></span></h2>
<h3><strong>ADOPTION / FOSTER CARE&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0363c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0363&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 363</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/200/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 200</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Temporary Respite Care for Families in Crisis</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Frank White (R), Rep. Patricia Williams (D), Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R)</p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This bill helps families in crisis by allowing parents to place their children with respite care families temporarily while they work to better the situation for the entire family (whether it is seeking treatment for addiction, finding a job, etc.) This program is for families where there are no allegations of abuse/neglect which would cause DCF to remove the children from their home. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Senate version was heard in its first committee during Week 5. &nbsp;Despite the 5-0 vote in favor of the bill, senators expressed concern about some of the provisions of the bill. Some of the senators&#8217; concerns were based on a misunderstanding of the situations in which the program operates. Specifically, some senators were concerned that the program is for families dealing with troubled youth, which is not the case. &nbsp;The Family Law section of the Florida Bar opposes the bill; it appears their opposition is&nbsp;</span>solely<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;because they believe lawyers need to be involved in the process and a foster-care lite system should be implemented. Florida Family Action is continuing to support the bill and encourage senators to support this highly successful, worthwhile program.&nbsp;The Senate Judiciary committee will be hearing the bill next Wednesday.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The full House heard this bill in second reading on Tuesday and passed it in a 96-16 vote on Wednesday. The nay votes primarily centered around concerns over notifying a non-custodial parent that the custodial parent was going to enter into a respite care agreement. &nbsp;Rep. Lori Berman (D) proposed two amendments to require notification prior to an agreement, which does not always work in crisis situations requiring immediate care or changing the notification period from five days to two. Both amendments failed.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong>LIFE</strong><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p><strong><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0969c2.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0969&amp;Session=2017">HB 969</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/1130/BillText/c1/PDF">SB 1130</a>&nbsp;Pregnancy Support Services&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R) and Sen. Aaron Bean (R)&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This bill would require the Department of Health to contract with a network of crisis pregnancy centers to provide&nbsp;support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant for the term of their pregnancy through the first year of the child&#8217;s life. &nbsp;The services provided cannot&nbsp;be noncoercive nor contain religious content.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The full House heard this bill in second reading during Week 5 and passed it in a 79-38 vote, but not before House Democrats spent both days grilling bill sponsor Rep. Jackie Toledo (R). &nbsp;Claiming that they were concerned with center standards and rising costs, Democrats opposed this bill. Perhaps the most shocking statements were made regarding ensuring that women had access to abortions and their opposition to providers who were pro-life.&nbsp; If you have a few extra moments, <a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4647&amp;LegislativeTermId=87">be sure to thank Rep. Toledo for her sponsorship of this bill</a> and standing strong during the hours she was questioned on the House floor.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Senate version of this bill is scheduled to be heard in its second committee stop (of three) next Tuesday. While time is running short, this bill can still pass this legislative session.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>EDUCATION&nbsp;</strong></span></h3>
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<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Amber_Kelly_with_Sen._Tom_Lee.jpg" border="0" alt="Amber Kelly with Sen. Tom Lee" hspace="5" width="200" height="184" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Amber Kelly presenting Sen. &nbsp;Tom Lee (R) </span><br /><span style="font-size: 8pt;">with the &#8220;Champion of the Family&#8221; award</span></p>
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<p><strong style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h1391c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1391&amp;Session=2017">HB 1391</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/1556/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 1556</a>&nbsp;Clarifying Homeschool Requirements&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Eric Eisnaugle (R), Sen. Tom Lee (R)</p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This bill seeks to ensure that school districts cannot interfere with a family&#8217;s decision to homeschool once they are provided proper notice unless they receive corroborated outside evidence that the children are not being&nbsp;educated&nbsp;properly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The House bill was very quickly passed out of its final committee on Thursday morning during week 5 in a unanimous vote by the Education Committee. &nbsp;It is headed to the floor of the House, but the Senate version has yet to pass its first committee. The Senate bill was heard in a workshop this week but has not been scheduled for a vote.&nbsp; FFA requested that the committee chair </span>schedule<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> the bill for a vote, but it has not yet been granted.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0833c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0833&amp;Session=2017">HB 833</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/692/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 692</a>&nbsp;Revising Student Eligibility for Virtual School&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)</p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This bill removes a requirement that 2nd through 5th graders be enrolled in a public school in the year prior to enrolling in virtual school. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The House bill passed favorably out of its final committee unanimously and is now on 2<sup>nd</sup> reading in the House.&nbsp; It has not yet been put on the Special Order calendar to be heard.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Senate version was heard in an Education Committee workshop but has not yet been voted on to pass it to the next committee. &nbsp;A similar bill, <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/868/BillText/c1/PDF">SB 868</a>, which includes provisions regarding open enrollment and Florida Virtual School is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday in its second (of three) committee.&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Amber_Kelly_with_Rep._Sullivan.jpg" border="0" alt="Amber Kelly with Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R)" hspace="5" width="200" height="235" /></p>
<p class="photocaption"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Amber Kelly with Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R)</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0015c2.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0015&amp;Session=2017">HB 15</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/1314/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 1314</a>&nbsp;Expanding the&nbsp;Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Denise Grimsley (R)&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This bill expands the students who are eligible for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The House bill passed out of its final committee and is scheduled to be heard in the full House next Tuesday. During its final committee stop, the bill was amended to once again include an expansion of the Gardiner Scholarship Program (which had been removed during its first committee stop due to funding concerns).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Senate version was scheduled to be heard by the Education </span>Committee <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">but wasn&rsquo;t during week 5. It is once again scheduled for consideration in that committee for next Monday. The Education Committee is the first stop out of four total for the Senate bill so it must start moving quickly if it is to pass this year. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=57178&amp;SessionId=83">HB 549</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/00906">SB 906</a>&nbsp;Publication of State Assessment Tests for Parental and Educational Review&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Randy Fine (R), Sen. Greg Steube (R), House PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This bill seeks to require the publication of certain state assessment tests every three years. &nbsp;Currently, no one has access to the questions on these exams, including the Department of Education nor any government officials. &nbsp;Students are being told that they cannot tell anyone the content of test questions, including their parents.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee passed its version of the bill unanimously, but it has not yet been scheduled to be heard in Education (the final stop).&nbsp; The Senate bill still has not been scheduled for a vote in its first committee (although it has been workshopped).&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong>GAMING&nbsp;</strong></h3>
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<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/rep--mike-larosa-closing-gamin.jpg" border="0" alt="Rep. LaRosa Closing HB 7037" hspace="5" width="250" height="188" /></p>
<p class="photocaption"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">Rep. Mike LaRosa (R) closing on HB 7037</span></p>
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<p><a style="font-size: 10pt;" href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h7037__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=7037&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 7037</strong></a><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;Addressing Gambling Long-Term&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsor: Rep. Mike La Rosa (R) and the Tourism &amp; Gaming Control Subcommittee</p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This bill will constrict or freeze gambling in Florida by requiring the Governor to renegotiate the state&rsquo;s compact with the Seminole Tribe, with terms for a 20-year contract.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This bill was scheduled to be heard by the full House during week 5. Upon the introduction of the bill, the House picked up the Senate gambling bill (SB 8) and amended it to conform it to HB 7037.&nbsp; During both the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>&nbsp;reading, while some members chose to participate in questions and debate, it was largely understood that a conference committee would be convened to negotiate the vast differences between the chambers&rsquo; bills.&nbsp; The bill was passed 73-40, along party lines.&nbsp; The Senate refused to concur and a conference committee has been announced with the following members: Sen. Galvano (Alternating Chair &#8211; R), Rep. J Felix Diaz (Alternating Chair -R), Sen. Benacquisto (R), Sen. Braynon (D), Sen. Flores (R), Rep. Geller (D), Sen. Hutson (R), Rep. La Rosa (R), Rep. Metz (R), Rep. Moskowitz (D), Rep. Nunez (R).and Sen. Thurston (D).&nbsp; It remains to be seen whether the House and Senate will be able to come to terms regarding gaming this year.&nbsp; FFA continues to encourage the House to stay strong on its bill to restrict the expansion of gaming long-term.&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Senate_Regulated_Industries_Meeting.jpg" border="0" alt="Senate Regulated Industries" hspace="5" width="225" height="127" /></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0937c1.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0937&amp;Session=2017">HB 937</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/1370/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 1370</a>&nbsp; Warnings for Lottery Games</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Keith Perry (R), House Tourism &amp; Gaming Control Subcommittee</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This bill would require a warning placed on lottery tickets that lottery games can be addictive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The bill was heard in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee (first of three committees) and passed 7-3. Sen. Gibson (D) opposed the bill because she does not believe the lottery is gambling. There was no action on the House version of the bill.</span></p>
<h3><strong>HUMAN TRAFFICKING&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h1383__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=1383&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 1383</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/852/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 852</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Child Victims of Human Trafficking&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jeanette Nu&ntilde;ez (R), Sen. Rene Garcia (R)</p>
<p>This bill seeks to help children who have been the victims of sex trafficking by requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to maintain a database of services available for victims of commercial sexual exploitation,&nbsp;increases the situations in which a defendant&rsquo;s confession may be used at trial, outlines procedures for assisting victims, and requires officials to follow up with victims within six months to evaluate services used and their effectiveness.</p>
<p>The House bill passed out of its final committee unanimously and is on 2<sup>nd</sup> reading for consideration by the full House.&nbsp; The Senate version was passed out of its final committee, was placed on the Special Order calendar, and is scheduled for 3<sup>rd</sup> reading and final vote next Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=59136&amp;SessionId=83">HB 1165</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/972/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 972</a>&nbsp;Florida Compensation Trust Fund for Survivors of Human Trafficking</strong><br />Sponsor: Rep. Ross Spano (R), House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee</p>
<p>This bill allows victims of human trafficking to sue the individuals who engaged in their trafficking. &nbsp;</p>
<p>The House version has passed out of its final committee and will be placed on the 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;reading calendar next week.&nbsp; The Senate version had been scheduled to be heard in its first committee during week 5, but was postponed.&nbsp; The bill is scheduled to be heard in its first committee next week and will also be heard in its second committee (Judiciary) if the first committee passes it favorably.&nbsp; We thank Sen. Greg Steube (R), who chairs Senate Judiciary, for placing it on his agenda this week.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>RELIGIOUS LIBERTY&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=PCS%20for%20HB%20303.DOCX&amp;DocumentType=Proposed%20Committee%20Bills%20(PCBs)&amp;Session=2017&amp;CommitteeId=2909"><strong>HB 303</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/436/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 436</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Religious Liberty in Public Schools or &ldquo;Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act&rdquo;&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Kim Daniels (D), Rep. Patricia Williams (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)</p>
<p>This bill codifies the current state of religious liberty in public schools.&nbsp;It prohibits a school district from discriminating against students, parents, or school personnel on the basis of religious viewpoints or expression and clarifies that a school cannot penalize or reward a student&rsquo;s religious expression in their coursework, artwork, or other specified assignments. &nbsp;It provides equal access to all religions and non-religions before, during, and after school.</p>
<p>This bill was placed on the Special Order Calendar in week 5. Once the bill was read, the Senate version was picked up and amended to conform to the House version of the bill.&nbsp; With very little fanfare, the bill was passed 114-3 and sent back to the Senate to either concur or refuse (sending it to conference). It remains to be seen what will happen with the bill, although Senate President Negron opened session stating that this bill was a priority for him.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>ISRAEL</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0281__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0281&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 281</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/574/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 574</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Opposing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D), Sen. Kevin Rader (D)</p>
<p>This Resolution pronounces that the Legislature opposes and requests the repeal or fundamental alteration of UN Resolution 2334, which&nbsp;stated that Israel&rsquo;s settlement activity constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, has no legal validity and is a major obstacle to the vision of two states living side-by-side in peace and security. &nbsp;It calls on the US to ensure that the UN Resolution is&nbsp;no longer one-sided and anti-Israel&nbsp;and&nbsp;authorizes all final-status issues toward a two-state solution to be resolved through direct, bilateral negotiations between the parties involved.</p>
<p>The Senate adopted the Resolution by voice vote during week 5.</p>
<h2><span style="font-size: 24pt; color: #ff0000;"><strong>BAD BILLS&nbsp;</strong></span></h2>
<h3><strong>LGBT RIGHTS</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0623__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0623&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 623</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/666/BillText/Filed/PDF"><strong>SB 666</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or &ldquo;Florida&rsquo;s Competitive Workforce Act&rdquo;&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Jeff Clemens (D)</p>
<p>The CWA adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida&rsquo;s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination and would allow men access to use women&rsquo;s showers, locker rooms, bathrooms, women&#8217;s domestic violence shelters, etc. &nbsp;</p>
<p>This bill which we have described as the worst bill proposed in the Florida Legislature due to its effect on public safety and religious liberty has not been scheduled to be heard in committee.&nbsp; We continue to educate legislators on the dangers of this piece of legislation, and it continues to be dead on arrival despite some liberal Republican support.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>GAMBLING</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/8/BillText/c1/PDF"><strong>SB 8</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Gaming Expansion Bill&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsor: Sen. Bill Galvano (R)</p>
<p>This bill was amended by the House to conform to its good gambling bill. The Senate refused to concur and the two chambers will convene in conference to iron out their differences. The following legislators were named to the conference committee: &nbsp;Sen. Galvano (Alternating Chair &#8211; R), Rep. J Felix Diaz (Alternating Chair -R), Sen. Benacquisto (R), Sen. Braynon (D), Sen. Flores (R), Rep. Geller (D), Sen. Hutson (R), Rep. La Rosa (R), Rep. Metz (R), Rep. Moskowitz (D), Rep. Nunez (R).and Sen. Thurston (D).&nbsp; It remains to be seen whether the House and Senate will be able to come to terms regarding gaming this year.&nbsp; FFA continues to encourage the House to stay strong in its resolve to restrict the expansion of gaming long-term.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0149__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0149&amp;Session=2017">HB 149</a> / <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/592/BillText/Filed/PDF">SB 592</a> Fantasy Gaming </strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Jason Brodeur (R), Sen. Dana Young (R)</p>
<p>The bill effectively legalizes fantasy sports contests in Florida and states that it is not gambling.</p>
<p>This bill unanimously passed the House Ways &amp; Means Committee (second of three committees) during Week 5. This bill has met with no resistance in the House to date. While the Senate companion has not moved, the larger Senate gaming bill (SB 8) does address fantasy gaming.&nbsp; If the two chambers are able to come to an agreement on a gambling bill, we wonder if this might be part of the package.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>ALCOHOL</strong></h3>
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<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Amber_Kelly_with_Rep._Scott_Plakon.jpg" border="0" alt="Amber Kelly with Rep. Scott Plakon.jpg" width="200" height="164" /></p>
<p class="photocaption"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; Amber Kelly with Rep. Scott Plakon (R)</span></p>
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<p><a style="font-size: 10pt;" href="http://myfloridahouse.org/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0081__.docx&amp;DocumentType=Bill&amp;BillNumber=0081&amp;Session=2017"><strong>HB 81</strong></a><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;/&nbsp;</strong><a style="font-size: 10pt;" href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/106/BillText/c2/PDF"><strong>SB 106</strong></a><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;Hard Liquor in Grocery Stores&nbsp;</strong><br />Sponsors: Rep. Bryan Avila (R), Sen. Anitere Flores (R)</p>
<p>Dubbed &#8220;Whiskey and Wheaties,&#8221; this bill would&nbsp;allow grocery stores and large retail stores to sell hard liquor in their main store rather than building or renting a separate store to sell liquor.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This bill was placed on the Special Order Calendar for the 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;time and then postponed once again while the House was in session.&nbsp; Rep. Scott Plakon (R) proposed two amendments to the bill which opponents say are meant to kill the bill. One of the measures would require all store employees in a retail store selling hard liquor to be at least 21 years of age.&nbsp; Rep. Plakon believes this is good public policy and expands the choices that retailers currently have; it allows them to sell alcohol in their main store but ensures that those who are underage won&rsquo;t be responsible for liquor sales.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With two postponements and the fact that it hasn&rsquo;t been scheduled for the third time, we believe this bill is dead for the year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/updates/2017-weeks56insiders/">Legislative Insider’s Report: Weeks 5 and 6 of 9</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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		<title>Right down the street from our offices…My Story, Experiences &#038; Perspective after the Orlando Massacre</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/news/orlandomassacre/</link>
					<comments>https://www.flfamily.org/news/orlandomassacre/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2016 15:53:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Policy Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gay nightclub]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hate crime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LGBT Discrimination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mass Murder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nightclub]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nightclub shooting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Orlando Shooting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Nightclub]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Pulse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United We Stand]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=6765</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>This is my community.  These are our streets and neighborhoods.  The people that were killed and injured are not just “gay.”  They are human beings!  They are my neighbors!  They are fellow Americans!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/news/orlandomassacre/">Right down the street from our offices…My Story, Experiences &#038; Perspective after the Orlando Massacre</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><center><big><big><strong>Right down the street from our offices…</strong></p>
<p><strong>My Story, Experiences &amp; Perspective after the Orlando Massacre</strong></big></big></center><big><center>By John Stemberger</center></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Grimmie.jpg" alt="Grimmie.jpg" width="150" height="186" align="right" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" />On Saturday evening around 8pm, I took my older children to see the memorial for Christina Grimmie at the Plaza Theater just a few minutes away from my home near a shopping center we go to regularly.  We were saddened by the Friday night shooting of this beautiful 22 year old singer who recently rose to fame through the NBC competition <em>The Voice</em>. However, the sadness of this event was nothing compared to what I was about to learn the next day&#8211;another horrible tragedy would occur just six hours later and only a couple of miles away.</p>
<p><strong>I first learned about the shooting…</strong></p>
<p>I first learned about the Orlando shooting while I was in church with my family on Sunday morning.  A friend of mine in the counter terrorism community started texting me regarding the shooting.  I immediately read the news story on Drudge Report and was stunned to learn, not just the extent of the killing, but that it happened so close to my office and home.  My family and I drive through and shop in that area known as South Downtown (or “SoDo”) near the Pulse nightclub every week.  At the close of the church service, the pastor asked all of us to gather in small groups and pray for the families of the victims.  Stunned with disbelief by the details of the story I had read just moments ago, I could barely speak, much less pray.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Rubio_press.jpg" alt="Rubio press.jpg" width="250" height="140" align="left" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" />Right after church, I spoke with Senator Marco Rubio who had called my cell phone and briefed me on what facts were known at that time by government officials.  He also asked me to encourage our supporters, pastors and other church leaders around the state to please pray for the families of those killed and for the City of Orlando.</p>
<p>In the hours that followed, I learned that this shooting was the &#8220;deadliest mass shooting in US history.&#8221; It happened right in my community, to many who identified as gay, and at the hands of an Islamic jihadist. I became physically sick to my stomach and disturbed to the core over this news.</p>
<p>Sunday afternoon, I worked with my staff by phone and text issuing the following public statement as soon as possible:</p>
<p><em><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/pulse.jpg" alt="pulse.jpg" width="300" height="170" align="right" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" />“The people shot by the Islamic jihadist were sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. They were citizens and workers. They were precious souls. Most importantly they were people who were made in the image and likeness of God himself. They were image bearers of the Creator and worthy of dignity, value, and respect.</em></p>
<p><em>This is an unspeakable tragedy and we should take extended time to mourn, to pray for the families of those murdered and injured, and to consider the depth of evil in the hearts of men that this senseless act represents. Finally, we should also pray for and support law enforcement as they investigate and bring to justice all persons involved.” </em></p>
<p><strong>I was mocked and openly attacked by gay-rights activists simply for asking people to pray for those injured and the families of those killed. </strong> <em><br />
</em></p>
<div>Almost immediately gay-rights activists on Twitter and Facebook began to lash out at me personally and the Florida Family Policy Council as a direct result of issuing the above statement.  These are just a handful of the hundreds of messages I received:</div>
<p>“<em>I will work against you and your hate</em>”</p>
<p><em>“Your beliefs and words aid society in seeing LGBTQ people as ‘less than human’ which justifies killings like this.”</em></p>
<p><em>“Shame on Mr Stemberger! Shame on all … who follow this hate monger!”</em></p>
<p><em>“Just checked out your page- you ARE a hate group</em>”</p>
<p>“<em>Get out of my city!”</em></p>
<p>You support “<em>violence against LGBT citizens</em>”</p>
<p>“<em>STOP THE HATE</em>”</p>
<p>“<em>You have demonized in the past with your words, words that inflicted violence</em>.”</p>
<p>“<em>Mr. Stemberger hates gays. He founded several hate groups to further this hatred!</em>”</p>
<p>“<em>How about you stop advocating hate</em>”</p>
<p>“<em>You mean the precious souls you encourage your supporters to hate</em>”</p>
<p>“<em>You spew hateful rhetoric</em>”</p>
<p>After reading my public statement, even <em>Orlando Sentinel </em>columnist George Diaz wrote a syndicated column Tuesday that went out to newspapers nationwide.  In his column, he personally called me a “<em>gay basher</em>” and said “<em>the LGBT community doesn’t want a drop of your crocodile tears</em>.<em> They see what you do as hate crimes</em>.”</p>
<p><strong>“A Time for Weeping and a Time for Justice”<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/twitter_tweet.jpg" alt="twitter tweet.jpg" width="300" height="177" align="right" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></strong></p>
<p>I also tweeted out several messages Sunday on Twitter including one that said:  “<em>There will soon be a time for anger, Justice &amp; exposing radical Islam. This is not that time. This is a time for prayer &amp; mourning</em>.<em> Ecclesiastes 3</em> ”  So we must pray for and demonstrate great compassion for the victims and families of those who were murdered.  Our faith demands nothing less as our first and initial response.</p>
<p>Several well-meaning supporters of ours have even disagreed and some publicly criticized me for calling for prayer and a time of mourning before expressing anger and demanding justice.  I stand by my original statements.  Unless we are a first responder&#8211;police, fire, or medical personnel, our first response as Christians to any crisis of this magnitude should be to drop to our knees and pray for and mourn with the victims and families who have been affected by this tragedy. We should ask God for mercy, and to give us wisdom and help us to be focused on what is most important in those moments.</p>
<p><strong>Prepare to be attacked and publicly condemned if you disagree.</strong></p>
<p>Christians should be prepared to be attacked and persecuted if they do not bow down and pledge allegiance to the gay pride flag and all it supposedly represents.  In stunned disbelief, I was listening to CNN at 1:30am on Sunday night and I heard the leading gay-rights activist from Los Angeles being interviewed.  She openly said you don’t need to find a terrorist cell to find this kind of hatred.  All you need to do is look right here in America at fundamentalist Christians.  The CNN anchor did NOTHING at all to challenge her or question her about her outrageous claim.</p>
<p>Last night on CNN, Anderson Cooper (who I normally respect for being objective and fair) shamelessly transformed from reporter to radical gay activist when he began to attack Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, saying it was hypocritical for her to express concern for the LGBT community because she acted to uphold the marriage amendment passed by 62% of Floridians.  He was relentless at making this highly offensive and intellectually dishonest accusation.</p>
<p>We need to be prepared for the stunning and false narrative of the Left which is that all major world religions, including but especially Christianity, breed hatred and create a hostile environment which &#8220;causes&#8221; the kind of violence we saw in Orlando. The goal of gay-rights activists is to try and get Christians to stop proclaiming God&#8217;s design for marriage, gender and human sexuality.  And they are not playing fair.  The goal to simple.  If you disagree in any way, no matter how gentle, loving or respectful they will call you a &#8220;hater&#8221; and a &#8220;bigot.&#8221;  They will scream at you publicly and test how committed you are to your beliefs.  Their strategy is to manipulate and bully Christians into submission to the new orthodoxy of the moral revolution. Please know that as for me and &#8220;our house&#8221; at the FFPC, we will never be moved by this attempt at intimidation.</p>
<p><strong>We need more AMERICAN flags, not rainbow flags!<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/flag.jpg" alt="flag.JPG" width="200" height="200" align="left" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" />The Pulse nightclub is right next to a Dunkin Doughnuts, Wendy’s, Radio Shack and a 7-11 store where I often buy gas and get my children Slurpees.  I ride my bike through this area of town often.  This is in part why this tragedy has affected me so deeply.  This is my community.  These are our streets and neighborhoods.  The people that were killed and injured are not just “gay.”  They are human beings!  They are my neighbors!  They are fellow Americans!  Honestly, I am really tired of seeing special interest rainbow flags and wish we could see more American flags, as we stand together in unity against our greatest mutual enemy, radical Islamic jihadists!</p>
<p>Sadly, it seems that today our nation’s flag flies more often at half-staff then it flies full and high. It&#8217;s almost as if the tune to Taps is being played over our country as America and her first principles are slipping away.  But we can reverse this!  We can recover as a nation if we unite around what is true, just and beautiful. We are all human beings made in the image and likeness of God.  We are also all Americans.</p>
<p>I love the dialog in the <em>Two Towers</em> Lord of the Rings trilogy when Sam says&#8230; &#8220;There is some good in this world Mr. Frodo, and it&#8217;s worth fighting for!&#8221;  Well there is still a lot of good in the world and in America that is worth fighting for.</p>
<p><strong>We Will Never Stop Fighting for What is Good<br />
</strong></p>
<p>Please know that no matter how fierce the opposition is we will never stop defending God’s design for marriage, human sexuality and family structures.  We will do this unapologetically, but in ways to try and reach this lost and dying world.  We will never stop fighting against the attack on these institutions and we will never stop proclaiming the truth in love.  We will <strong>always</strong> seek to do two things at the same time with equal intensity and with no contradiction.  We will love people and speak truth.  Jesus commanded us to do nothing less.</p>
<p>The most common question I get is &#8220;How do you continue to work and labor doing what you do and not get discouraged?&#8221;  The answer is that I have come to grips with my role long ago.  I just want to be faithful till the very end. Do we stop proclaiming the Gospel or speaking truth in love because the world rejects the truth?  Do we give up on evangelism because we are not “winning” and seeing results with unbelievers?  Do we give up as parents because we are not seeing “results” in our children?  No, we develop a holy resilience to failure and setbacks and press on in faithful obedience to any task that we are called to accomplish.</p>
<p>We are serious about fighting and winning the battles we engage in. But our goal ultimately is to be faithful.  I am done with the emotional ups and downs of the roller coaster of wins and losses—super-elated with a win or totally depressed with a loss.  I want to learn the discipline of being content with the knowledge that I was faithful to do everything within our influence to stand for life, marriage, and family.  Until the end&#8230;</p>
<p>Thank you for your prayers, your financial support, and for standing with us.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/John_Stemberger.jpg_email_image.jpg" alt="John Stemberger.jpg email image.jpg" width="125" height="159" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5" /></p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/john_stemberger_signature_tight.jpg" alt="signature" width="100" height="106" border="0" /></p>
<p>John Stemberger, President<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
PS- I am enclosing a number of educational resources below, along with other ways that you can help.</p>
<p><center>___</center></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>What can I do in light of the Orlando shooting?</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>BE EDUCATED:</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">RADIO</span>: FFPC President John Stemberger was interviewed on Moody Radio Monday, where he shared his own personal story and perspective on the Orlando nightclub shooting. The shooting occurred just down the road from FFPC&#8217;s office in Orlando.  Listen <a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=_opPSND3G8BlrctuFHYcbw" target="_blank">here</a> to the interview on SoundCloud.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">PERSPECTIVE</span>: Maggie Gallagher wrote a thought-provoking article in the<em> National Review</em> Monday quoting the Ethics &amp; Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore and FFPC&#8217;s John Stemberger as she admonished her readers that this is <a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=Fke2L6NiaoO-267fLjfAxQ" target="_blank">“Not an Occasion to Score Political Points…”</a></p>
<p>Our friend Michael Brown wrote a great article entitled <em><a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=eKDk726QEjGrGZwmrqfBmw" target="_blank">&#8220;Right and Wrong Reactions to the Tragic Massacre in Orlando.&#8221;</a> </em><em> </em></p>
<p>And Gary Bauer shared his thoughts on why the Left is covering up the shooter&#8217;s ties to radical Islam in <em><a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=bO_y3Sr3gXN9Q2HdBh9i2w" target="_blank">&#8220;This is Becoming the Left&#8217;s M.O.&#8221;</a>  </em></p>
<p><em>National Review </em>addressed the topic of the Left&#8217;s denial of radical Islam in the article,<a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=OA7HftJc3LvapRgos3szSg" target="_blank">&#8220;Obama Would Rather Declare War on the English Language than Speak of Islamic Terrorism.&#8221;</a></p>
<p><strong>ADVOCATE:</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Profile_Pic.jpg" alt="United We Stand" width="\200" height="NaN" align="right" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">SOCIAL MEDIA</span>: We have created several social media graphics for you to share and use on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram over the next week. Let us all come together with symbols and messages that unite us and do not divide us. First and foremost, we are human beings made in the image of God&#8211;and then we are Americans. How about we show more American flags in solidarity and less multi-colored special interest symbols? Download and use our social media graphics (including a Facebook profile picture) <a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=JnOcYri6w6gbfiOR1KPOfw" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p><strong>DONATE:</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BLOOD</span><strong>: </strong>Wherever you may be in Florida (but especially in Orlando), you can help by donating blood. There is an urgent need for O Negative, O Positive, and AB Plasma blood donors. Currently, they are overwhelmed with blood donors (out the door!) at local clinics, but the Orlando Sentinel is reporting that <a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=eQHvBlaVU8u-HK2cNG4Bmw" target="_blank">OneBlood</a> (officially coordinating the drive) has requested those wishing to donate blood to return in the coming days as the stock will need to be replenished to continue supporting those in need. You can also make an appointment to donate blood with the <a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=W19IRGtfCvSuxuIJePqB4w" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>.  You can also volunteer at Orlando hospitals.</p>
<p><strong>PRAY:</strong></p>
<p>&#8220;This is an unspeakable tragedy and we should take extended time to mourn, to pray for the families of those murdered and injured, and to consider the depth of evil in the hearts of men that this senseless act represents. We should also pray for and support law enforcement as they investigate and bring to justice all persons involved.&#8221;  You can read John Stemberger&#8217;s full statement about the tragedy released in an email Sunday calling Christians to mourn and pray <a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=1vhUvBX1Z4Hc7kVEkqe69Q" target="_blank">here</a>.  There are also many prayer vigils you can attend in your city and in cities across Florida.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"># # #</p>
<p></big></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/news/orlandomassacre/">Right down the street from our offices…My Story, Experiences &#038; Perspective after the Orlando Massacre</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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		<title>FFA Celebrates Official Opening of 2016 Field Offices</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/events-cat/2016fieldoffices/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2016 18:55:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2016 Primary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amber Kelly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amber Kelly Brandon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boca Raton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brandon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brandon Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Broward County]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buddy Helland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buddy Helland Broward]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Policy Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FFA Event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FFA Field Office]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FFPC Event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FFPC Voter Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Field Director]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Field Offices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Action Event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Family Action Field Offices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Election]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grand Opening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Stemberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[June 13 2016]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[June 7 2016]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislative Arm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oakland Park Event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oakland Park Florida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oakland Park June 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pensacola]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tampa Bay Event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tampa Bay June 13]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Volunteer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[volunteer broward]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Volunteer Opportunities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[volunteer tampa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Volunteering Broward]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Volunteers Needed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Voter Guides]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=6706</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In addition to our already open and existing field offices in Pensacola and Boca Raton, we are announcing the Grand Openings of our Florida Family Action Broward and Tampa Bay locations! This is a great opportunity to learn more about our field operations, enjoy food and fellowship, earn prizes and valuable gift cards, hear special speakers, network with new friends &#038; more.  Make plans to join us now!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/events-cat/2016fieldoffices/">FFA Celebrates Official Opening of 2016 Field Offices</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><big><big><center></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FFA Celebrates Official Opening of 2016 Field Offices<br />
</strong><em>Join with us as we organize Florida to take back America!</em></p>
<p></center></big></big><br />
<big></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Florida Family Action Website" href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=s1o_tmg6Y_YL8PbJwv_lYQ" target="_blank">Florida Family Action (FFA)</a>, the legislative, lobbying and mobilization arm of the Florida Family Policy Council, is excited to announce the official start of its field operations to educate voters and get out the vote through phone calls, neighborhood walks, and distribution of voter guides in preparation for the 2016 Primary and General Elections.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In addition to our already open and existing field offices in <strong>Pensacola</strong> and <strong>Boca Raton</strong>, we are announcing the Grand Openings of our Florida Family Action <strong>Broward</strong> and <strong>Tampa Bay</strong> locations! This is a great opportunity to learn more about our field operations, enjoy food and fellowship, earn prizes and valuable gift cards, hear special speakers, network with new friends &amp; more.  Make plans to join us now!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/broward_2016.jpg" alt="broward 2016.jpg" width="250" height="156" align="left" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" />Broward Grand Opening Celebration &amp; Reception<br />
</strong><strong>Tuesday, June 7 | 5-8 PM<br />
</strong><span class="contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_1095_1148" tabindex="0">4861 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 1</span><br />
<span class="contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_1095_1148" tabindex="0">Oakland Park, FL 33334</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>For more information, contact:<br />
</em><em><strong>Buddy Helland</strong>, Field Director at (754) 779-2508 or</em><a href="mailto:buddyh@floridafamilyaction.org" target="_blank"><em>buddyh@floridafamilyaction.org</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p>Invite your friends on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1707349876169813/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/tampa_2016.jpg" alt="tampa 2016.jpg" width="250" height="155" align="right" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" />Tampa Bay Grand Opening Celebration &amp; Reception<br />
</strong><strong>Monday, June 13 | 6:30-8:30 PM<br />
</strong><span class="contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_1344_1392" tabindex="0">911 S. Parsons Avenue, Suite A</span><br />
<span class="contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_1344_1392" tabindex="0">Brandon, FL 33511</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>For more information, contact: <strong><br />
</strong></em><em><strong>Amber Kelly</strong>, Senior Field Director at </em><em>(850) 567-8143 or </em><a href="mailto:amberk@floridafamilyaction.org" target="_blank"><em>amberk@floridafamilyaction.org</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p>Invite your friends on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/293033671029597/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">For a list of all the FFA Field Office locations and Grand Opening Celebrations, or to get involved with us by volunteering for phone banks, neighborhood walks, or voter guide distribution, click <a title="Volunteer With Us" href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=PEKTQcI55LEOpHJr3ak8IQ" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you do not live in one of the areas where our four field offices are located and would still like to volunteer and make calls remotely and become eligible for our prizes and incentive structure contact <strong>Amber Kelly</strong> at (850) 567-8143.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/PixelServer?j=Jv3To9DD9ISMMzrJUrijxQ" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></big></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/events-cat/2016fieldoffices/">FFA Celebrates Official Opening of 2016 Field Offices</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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		<title>Panelists and Moderator Announced for North Florida GOP Congressional Debate</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/press-releases/panelists-and-moderator-announced-for-north-florida-gop-congressional-debate/</link>
		
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		<pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2016 18:47:35 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=6656</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Today, the Florida Family Policy Council announced its panelists for the North Florida Congressional District 2 Debate. All Republican candidates in District 2 are participating in the debate, including Neal Dunn; Jeff Moran; Ken Sukhia; and Mary Thomas. The debate forum will focus on social, domestic, economic and foreign policy issues. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/press-releases/panelists-and-moderator-announced-for-north-florida-gop-congressional-debate/">Panelists and Moderator Announced for North Florida GOP Congressional Debate</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><big></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           Contact: <a href="mailto:Media@FLFamily.org">Media@FLFamily.org<br />
</a>May 10, 2016                                                                                              (407) 251-5130</p>
<p> </big> </p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Panelists and Moderator Announced for<br />
</strong><strong>North Florida GOP Congressional Debate</strong></h1>
<p><big></p>
<p align="left"><strong>(Tallahassee) </strong>Today, the Florida Family Policy Council announced its panelists for the <strong>North Florida Congressional District 2 Debate</strong>. The debate will take place on<strong> Thursday, May 12, 2016 </strong>with an opportunity to <strong>meet and greet the candidates from 6:30-7 PM EST</strong> followed by the <strong>debate from </strong><strong>7-9 PM EST</strong> at the <a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=Te7enQH9mNR8qI36O3DB4w">Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center</a> (555 W Pensacola Street) in Tallahassee. All Republican candidates in District 2 are participating in the debate, including <strong>Neal Dunn; Jeff Moran; Ken Sukhia; </strong>and<strong> Mary Thomas. </strong>The debate forum will focus on social, domestic, economic and foreign policy issues.</p>
<p><center><a title="Register for the Debate &amp; Straw Poll" href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=BF0tD3rlRHo0oSwaOjxMcw"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/Dist_2_Cong._Debate_2016.jpg" alt="horizontal cd2 debate graphic" width="500" height="246" border="0" /></a></center>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">The debate will be moderated by <strong>Preston Scott</strong>, Host of <em>The Morning Show with Preston Scott</em> (100.7 WFLA), and the panelists include:</p>
<p align="left"> &#8211; <strong>Catherine Baer</strong>, Chair of <em>The Tea Party Network</em>, a coalition of over 80 Tea Party, 9/12, and conservative organizations in Florida;</p>
<p> &#8211; <strong>Bill Cotterell</strong><em>, </em>retired <em>Tallahassee Democrat</em> reporter and bi-weekly columnist, covering Florida government &amp; politics since 1969;</p>
<p>&#8211; <strong>Christian Cámara,</strong> Florida Director, senior fellow and co-founder of <em>R Street Institute,</em> a non-profit public policy research organization focused on free markets and limited, effective government;</p>
<p>&#8211; <strong>Jerome Hudson</strong>, <em>Breitbart</em> columnist, longtime political analyst and member of Project 21, <em>The National Leadership Network of Black Conservatives</em>;</p>
<p>&#8211; <strong>Sara Johnson,</strong> millennial conservative leader, Young Republican, and <em>No Casinos</em> Central Florida Field Director recently named to <em>Florida Politics’</em> list of &#8220;30 under 30&#8221; rising stars (2015);</p>
<p><em> </em>&#8211; <strong>Sal Nuzzo,</strong> Vice President of Policy and Director of the Center for Economic Prosperity at <em>The James Madison Institute.</em></p>
<p>Due to Congresswoman Gwen Graham’s announcement indicating she will not run for reelection, and the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to redraw congressional districts, most political analysts project the winner of the August 2016 Republican Primary will likely become Florida’s next Congressman or Congresswoman from District 2.</p>
<p>Immediately following the debate, a separate straw poll event will be held by Florida Family Action. For more information or to register for the free debate and straw poll, visit, <a href="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/R?i=NJbw83vZJlJbzcvavQdMUg">www.FLfamily.org</a> or call 407-251-5130.</p>
<p>The Florida Family Policy Council’s mission is to strengthen Florida’s families through public policy education, issue research, and grassroots advocacy.<br />
<center># # #</center><br />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://ffpc.convio.net/site/PixelServer?j=XHpCzkNRY1UTAvQS5PXiBQ" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></big></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/press-releases/panelists-and-moderator-announced-for-north-florida-gop-congressional-debate/">Panelists and Moderator Announced for North Florida GOP Congressional Debate</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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		<title>LifeNews: Florida Gov. Rick Scott Signs Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood Abortion Business</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/news/governorscottdefundspp/</link>
		
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		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2016 20:12:27 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=6620</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed a bill that would revoke taxpayer funding from the Planned Parenthood abortion business and any other clinics that also do abortions. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/news/governorscottdefundspp/">LifeNews: Florida Gov. Rick Scott Signs Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood Abortion Business</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2016/03/28/florida-gov-rick-scott-signs-bill-to-defund-planned-parenthood-abortion-business/" target="_blank"><strong><big><big>LifeNews: Florida Gov. Rick Scott Signs Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood Abortion Business</big></big></strong></a></p>
<p><big>Article from <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2016/03/28/florida-gov-rick-scott-signs-bill-to-defund-planned-parenthood-abortion-business/" target="_blank">LifeNews.com</a>.</big></p>
<p><big>Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed a bill that would revoke taxpayer funding from the Planned Parenthood abortion business and any other clinics that also do abortions.</p>
<p>Earlier in March, the Florida Senate passed the bill, sending it to Scott’s desk. Like many other pieces of legislation introduced across the U.S. in recent months, the bill came in response to a series of undercover videos showing the Planned Parenthood abortion business selling aborted babies’ body parts.</p>
<p>The bill would defund the Planned Parenthood Florida affiliate of taxpayer dollars, and require abortion doctors to have hospital admitting privileges or patient transfer agreements. In addition, it would increase abortion clinic inspection requirements and licensing fees.</p>
<p>In Florida, the abortion group receives about $200,000 in taxpayer Medicaid funds every year, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The bill will redirect those funds to comprehensive health centers instead.</p>
<p>Not surprisingly the head of the nation’s biggest abortion business is not happy.</p>
<p>“This cruel bill is designed to rip health care away from those most at risk,” says Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, in a statement. “…In their callous zeal to pass this legislation, politicians in Florida actually suggested that women could turn to elementary schools and podiatrists to seek the essential reproductive health care they would no longer be able to access at Planned Parenthood. At Planned Parenthood, we will not stop fighting for those patients who depend on us for care.”</p>
<p>But leading pro-life groups hailed Governor Scott for signing the bill.</p>
<p>“Abortionists will finally be held to the same standard as all other physicians who perform invasive procedures in a non-hospital setting by the requirement to have admitting privileges or a transfer agreement with a nearby hospital,” says Ingrid Delgado of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. “It is incomprehensible that opponents suggest the bill makes women less safe.”</p>
<p>John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council, an Orlando-based social conservative advocacy group, hailed the law as protecting women’s health because he said more inspections will ensure greater quality care.</p>
<p>“This is a historic victory, and we are thrilled to have been an active part of this effort,” Stemberger said.</p>
<p>Abortion activists are considering a potential lawsuit against the new law.</p>
<p>“We’re evaluating all of our options and will do everything in our power to protect access to care,” said Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates.</p>
<p>State Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, previously emphasized how Florida citizens’ taxpayer dollars are funding abortions.</p>
<p>“We pay their light bill, we pay their salaries, we pay all kinds of things when the state contracts with these clinics,” Bean said. “Let’s get Florida out of the abortion business.”</p>
<p>The reality is that Planned Parenthood’s non-abortion services have been declining rapidly, according to its own annual reports. Between 2009 and 2014, Planned Parenthood’s cancer screenings and breast exams/breast care dropped by more than half, according to its annual reports. “Cancer screenings” fell from 1,830,811 to just 682,208 in that same period of time. “Breast exams/breast care” fell by more than half, from 830,312 in 2009 to 363,803 in 2014 and Pap smear tests dropped nearly two-thirds, from 904,820 to 271,539.</p>
<p>The Florida legislation would redirect the tax dollars to other non-abortion community health services, ensuring that women will have access to basic health services. Community health centers, which offer comprehensive health care to women and families, outnumber Planned Parenthood facilities by 20 to one.</p>
<p>Senate sponsor State Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, who sponsored the bill, previously said her legislation will ensure women are receiving quality health care.</p>
<p>“It is not a bill that restricts a woman’s right to choose … It’s getting the same level of care that she would have if she walked into any other clinic,” Stargel said.</p>
<p>Previously, an ACLU spokesperson said they would consider suing the state if the legislation becomes law. However, the spokesperson said it would depend partly on the outcome of another Florida law that the pro-abortion legal group is challenging. That law requires women to wait 24 hours before having an abortion. In February, the 1st District Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the pro-life law, allowing it to take effect, LifeNews reported.</p>
<p>The ACLU also could be waiting on the outcome of the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision on a Texas pro-life law that requires abortionists to have hospital admitting privileges and abortion clinics to meet the same standards as other outpatient surgical facilities. The Texas law is arguably responsible for saving the lives of tens of thousands of unborn babies by closing abortion clinics that are unable to protect women’s health.</p>
<p>The high court heard oral arguments on March 2 and is expected to announce its ruling in June.</p>
<p><em>Link to article: <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2016/03/28/florida-gov-rick-scott-signs-bill-to-defund-planned-parenthood-abortion-business/" target="_blank">http://www.lifenews.com/2016/03/28/florida-gov-rick-scott-signs-bill-to-defund-planned-parenthood-abortion-business/</a></em></big></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/news/governorscottdefundspp/">LifeNews: Florida Gov. Rick Scott Signs Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood Abortion Business</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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		<title>Florida Legislature Passes Bill Cutting State Funding to Planned Parenthood and other Abortion Providers</title>
		<link>https://www.flfamily.org/press-releases/florida-legislature-passes-bill-cutting-state-funding-to-planned-parenthood-and-other-abortion-providers/</link>
					<comments>https://www.flfamily.org/press-releases/florida-legislature-passes-bill-cutting-state-funding-to-planned-parenthood-and-other-abortion-providers/#comments</comments>
		
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		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2016 01:08:02 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.flfamily.org/?p=6537</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Today the Florida Legislature passed HB 1411: Termination of Pregnancies by Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) in the Senate and Rep. Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland) in the House of Representatives. The bill cuts state taxpayer funding to abortion clinics, including Planned Parenthood, all across Florida.  </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/press-releases/florida-legislature-passes-bill-cutting-state-funding-to-planned-parenthood-and-other-abortion-providers/">Florida Legislature Passes Bill Cutting State Funding to Planned Parenthood and other Abortion Providers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><big><strong>BREAKING NEWS:<br />
March 9, 2016</strong></big></p>
<p><big><big><strong><center>Florida Legislature Passes Bill Cutting State Funding to Planned Parenthood and other Abortion Providers</center></strong></big></big><br />
<big><em><center><big>Bill to be sent to Governor Rick Scott for signature or veto</big></center> </em></big></p>
<p><big><strong>TALLAHASSEE, FL – </strong>Today the Florida Legislature passed HB 1411: Termination of Pregnancies by <strong>Sen. Kelli Stargel</strong> (R-Lakeland) in the Senate and <strong>Rep. Colleen Burton</strong> (R-Lakeland) in the House of Representatives. The bill cuts state taxpayer funding to abortion clinics, including Planned Parenthood, all across Florida.</big>  </p>
<p><big>Under the terms of the bill, funds that would have gone to Planned Parenthood, will now be available to hundreds of deserving low-cost community health clinics and women&#8217;s health centers in Florida that provide a comprehensive range of women&#8217;s health services.  </p>
<p>Since October 2015, the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) has led a sustained statewide campaign urging <strong>Governor Rick Scott</strong> to defund Planned Parenthood.  This legislation comes on the heels of that six month campaign.  The bill does precisely what FFPC was urging Governor Scott to do, namely:   </p>
<p>-Prohibit Florida from entering into Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers that provide elective abortions </p>
<p>-Cut Title X family planning service contracts with Planned Parenthood in Broward and Collier Counties  </p>
<p>In addition to defunding Planned Parenthood, the bill also increases and improves inspections at abortion clinics, brings the abortion clinic regulations into conformity with other ambulatory surgical centers and enhances the protections governing fetal remains. </p>
<p>&#8220;Republicans in the Florida Legislature are to be commended for showing leadership and for doing the right thing by passing this historic piece of legislation which restricts state funds to this corrupt and fraudulent organization, that is also the largest abortion provider in America.&#8221; said <strong>John Stemberger, President and General Counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council</strong>.&#8221;  On behalf of thousands of Floridians who object to their taxes going to fund Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics in the state, we now continue to urge Governor Rick Scott to sign this good bill into law thereby defunding Planned Parenthood along with every other abortion provider in the state.  We know that tens of thousands of voters who elected him have already contacted him and urged him to take this action.&#8221; </p>
<p>If signed into law by Governor Scott, Florida would join a growing number of states that have also cut state funding to Planned Parenthood including, Texas, Utah, Kansas, New Hampshire, Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana.  </p>
<p><center># # #</center></p>
<p><strong>CONTACT: Nandi Randolph<br />
Florida Family Policy Council<br />
407-251-5130<br />
<a href="info@flfamily.org" target="_blank">info@flfamily.org</a> </strong></big></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.flfamily.org/press-releases/florida-legislature-passes-bill-cutting-state-funding-to-planned-parenthood-and-other-abortion-providers/">Florida Legislature Passes Bill Cutting State Funding to Planned Parenthood and other Abortion Providers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.flfamily.org">FFV</a>.</p>
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