Rick Scott Archives - FFV

President Obama and his administration put the safety and privacy of every child in America at risk. What can YOU DO?

Admin — Wed, 18 May 2016 18:47:31 +0000

Stunningly, on Friday, President Obama and his administration put the safety and privacy of every child in America at risk.

His Department of Education issued new “guidance” mandating that schools which receive federal funding adopt “gender inclusive” policies that permit boys who say they are girls (and girls who say they are boys) to play on girls’ sports teams – and even use girls’ bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, and hotel rooms on overnight trips!

Already in Orange County, FL School Superintendent Bill Sublette has already cowered and indicated he will “obey” the President’s threat to comply.

President Obama said in a USA Today article that this new mandate was a matter of “dignity” for transgendered students. But what about the dignity, decency and privacy of the other 99% of the young ladies? President Obama has his own daughters attend nice, expensive private schools that don’t have to comply with this nonsense. Yet he forces other school girls of families that can’t afford private schools to be subject to a gross invasion of privacy, embarrassment and a loss of dignity by forcing them to dress and shower with other boys who “feel” like they are girls. Obviously Mr. Obama has forgotten what Jr. High is like. This whole thing is utter madness.

When the safety and privacy of our children are put at risk by a president who values his sexual revolution agenda over their protection, we are called to speak and to act.

But what can we DO about it?

For starters, the governors in at least six states have told the Obama administration they will NOT comply with his unlawful and dangerous edict.

But Florida is not yet one of them. We need your help to make that happen. States MUST push back!

And that means you and I must let Governor Scott, legislators, and school board members know that we oppose this unnecessary endangerment of our children. Now is the time to make your voice heard

It will take just 3-5 minutes of your time –

First you can sign this petition respectfully urging Florida Governor Rick Scott to stand with other governors in defending and protecting our children. Click HERE.

Second you can give a gift today to stand with the organization in Florida that’s standing up for our children and grandchildren and is unafraid to stand up to legislators and governors of either party to give your values a voice. Your gift – of $25, $50, $100, or even $500 or more – will go to work right away toward efforts to make sure Florida children have privacy and safety when they use the restroom, locker room, or shower at school. Give to the Florida Family Policy Council today HERE!

Third you can help us spread this important time-sensitive message by forwarding this email to your family and friends who may also be concerned with this issue.

President Obama and his administration are working to turn our taxpayer-funded schools into a social laboratory experiment that puts children at risk. Will you stand with us today as we refuse to surrender our children’s privacy and safety to President Obama’s political agenda? Declare with us, “Enough is enough!”

For more information and additional Things You Can Do Today to stop Obama’s radical agenda for our schools click here.

May God give us the courage to be bold for our children and to call out leaders, who have the responsibility to govern us, when they act lawlessly!

Thanks so much for your time today. I hope we can count on you.

Sincerely,

John Stemberger
President and General Counsel

PS: Please sign the petition to Governor Scott now by clicking HERE!

Give to the Florida Family Policy Council by clicking HERE.

And finally, please help us spread this important time-sensitive message by forwarding this message to your family and friends, or by sharing on Facebook or Twitter.

The post President Obama and his administration put the safety and privacy of every child in America at risk. What can YOU DO? appeared first on FFV.

LifeNews: Florida Gov. Rick Scott Signs Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood Abortion Business

Admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 20:12:27 +0000

LifeNews: Florida Gov. Rick Scott Signs Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood Abortion Business

Article from LifeNews.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not surprisingly the head of the nation’s biggest abortion business is not happy.

“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.”

But leading pro-life groups hailed Governor Scott for signing the bill.

“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.”

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.

“This is a historic victory, and we are thrilled to have been an active part of this effort,” Stemberger said.

Abortion activists are considering a potential lawsuit against the new law.

“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.

State Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, previously emphasized how Florida citizens’ taxpayer dollars are funding abortions.

“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.”

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.

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.

Senate sponsor State Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, who sponsored the bill, previously said her legislation will ensure women are receiving quality health care.

“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.

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.

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.

The high court heard oral arguments on March 2 and is expected to announce its ruling in June.

Link to article: http://www.lifenews.com/2016/03/28/florida-gov-rick-scott-signs-bill-to-defund-planned-parenthood-abortion-business/

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Florida Legislature Passes Bill Cutting State Funding to Planned Parenthood and other Abortion Providers

Admin — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 01:08:02 +0000

BREAKING NEWS:
March 9, 2016

Florida Legislature Passes Bill Cutting State Funding to Planned Parenthood and other Abortion Providers
Bill to be sent to Governor Rick Scott for signature or veto

TALLAHASSEE, FL – 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.

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’s health centers in Florida that provide a comprehensive range of women’s health services.

Since October 2015, the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) has led a sustained statewide campaign urging Governor Rick Scott 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:

-Prohibit Florida from entering into Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers that provide elective abortions

-Cut Title X family planning service contracts with Planned Parenthood in Broward and Collier Counties

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.

“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.” said John Stemberger, President and General Counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council.” 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.”

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.

# # #

CONTACT: Nandi Randolph
Florida Family Policy Council
407-251-5130
info@flfamily.org

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Week 6 of 9: Florida Family Policy Council’s Insider’s Report Week 6 Florida’s Legislative Session

Admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:14:57 +0000

Florida Family Policy Council’s Insider’s Report Week Six of Nine in the Florida Legislative Session

VOTER GUIDES NOW AVAILABLE!

Florida Family Policy Council’s 2016 Presidential Primary Voter Guide is now available! This voter guide has extensive research on each of the presidential candidates with issues that are important ranging from abortion and judges to immigration and common core. If you are already subscribed to our email alerts you can get your digital copy HERE. If you’re a pastor/church, you can even order paper copies hand delivered to your congregation by clicking HERE. In addition, we are still looking for volunteers to help deliver these guides. If you are interested in helping in your county, email your complete contact information and county to KorieK@FLfamily.org or please call us at (407) 251-5130.

UPCOMING EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE for the Awakening Pastor’s Summit in Orlando, Friday March 4^th and the Awakening Conference, Saturday March 5^th!

The Awakening 2016 (Saturday, March 5) will be a unique and inspirational God and Country event bringing people together around our shared values. Join more than 40 national religious and political speakers for an in-depth day of spiritual renewal and patriotism! The new theme in 2016 is “A New Birth of Liberty.” Now is the time to take a stand and restore America’s future! Click here to get your tickets now before they’re gone! Admission: $50.

Pastors Awakening Summit (Friday, March 4) Florida Family Policy Council, Watchmen on the Wall, Liberty Counsel & Vision America cordially invite pastors and their spouses to join us for the Pastors Awakening Summit at Faith Assembly of God Church in Orlando, Friday, March 4^thin partnership with Liberty Counsel’s The Awakening 2016 Event on Saturday, March 5^th.Pastors and their Spouses will receive complimentary admission to both the Pastors event on Friday, March 4 and The Awakening event on Saturday, March 5th, a gathering of over 2,000 Christians. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE BOTH DAYS FOR PASTORS ONLY. Lodging registration is FULL to stay Friday, March 4th at the Gaylord Palms Resort, however, we do have a waiting list for registrations in case of cancellations and discounted rates for pastors who would like to reserve rooms at their own expense. Registration for the Pastors Awakening Summit are limited and will be accepted on a first call basis. For more information or for a list of speakers, click HERE.

FFPC President & General Counsel John Stemberger will be speaking at two events this coming week in Orlando & Vero Beach:

ORLANDO, Thurs, Feb 25: Legal Issues Facing Florida Christian School Leadership, (11AM)

As part of FFPC’s Protect My Ministry lecture series, our President & General Counsel John Stemberger will be speaking at the 2016 FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) Administrator’s Conference on the topic of Legal Issues Facing Florida Christian School Leadership on Thursday, February 25, 2016, from 11am-11:45am in Orlando. Location: Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

VERO BEACH, Fri, Feb 26: The Begining of the End: 10 Reasons we are winning the Pro-Life Battle (12PM)

FFPC President & General Counsel John Stemberger will be giving a special lecture on “The Begining of the End: Ten Reasons we are winning the Pro-Life Battle” at the monthly luncheon of the Republicans for Life Club of Vero Beach. Location: Vero Beach Yacht Club, 3601 Rio Vista Blvd. Vero Beach, FL 32963

Click HERE for a list of other upcoming lectures & special events in your area!

Now on to the happenings of the Florida Legislature this week….

Abortion

SB 1722: Termination of Pregnancies by Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) continued to move forward this week, passing favorably along a party-line vote (5-3) out of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, its final Senate committee. The bill faced more resistance in this Senate subcommittee than its House companion bill did in its last committee in the House.

FFA’s Amber Kelly testified in the committee (watch HERE at minute 72:20) with the fact that there are currently 636 federally qualified community health centers in the state which provide services that organizations like Planned Parenthood facilities do not (i.e. mammograms). It is FFA’s position that funds should be shifted to these community health centers immediately as Planned Parenthood has morally disqualified itself from receiving public funding. It should be noted that this legislation removes public funding for all abortion clinics in the state, not just Planned Parenthood. Senator Grimsley (R-Sebring) expressed concern that if organizations like Planned Parenthood are no longer receiving state funding that low-income women will not able to receive appropriate healthcare.

Planned Parenthood brought a number of women to testify in committee about the necessity of Planned Parenthood facilities in low-income communities. The abortion giant is making it clear that they will not go without a fight and is working hard to discredit any arguments that are made against them.

During debate, Senator Sobel (D-Hollywood) went so far as to argue that abortion is part of the family planning process and should be covered by government funding. Current law prohibits the direct funding of abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother is in danger.

In the end, while Senator Grimsley and the Subcommittee Chair, Senator Garcia (R- Hialeah), said their concerns had not been completely absolved, they would vote in favor of the bill, but expected to continue to work with Sen. Stargel to resolve the issue of capacity in serving the needs of low-income women.

Religious Liberty
SB 110: Pastors Protection Act by Sen. Bean (R-Jacksonville) passed favorably out of the Rules Committee this week in a party-line vote. It is currently on the Special Order calendar for next Tuesday (February 23^rd).

This piece of legislation passed out of its final committee without amendment. Sen. Darren Soto (D-Kissimmee) attempted to amend the bill to further limit the religious liberties of churches and pastors. After the first amendment failed in a committee vote, Sen. Soto removed a second proposed amendment from consideration. Christian Family Coalition once again organized a group of pastors to protest the Soto amendments and support the bill without amendment.

Equality Florida, the leading LGBT advocacy group in the state, has continued in its steadfast opposition of the bill arguing that it is not necessary and that pastors are not at risk. They have organized a coalition of pastors who oppose the bill stating that it is unnecessary and they do not feel that their religious liberty is at risk.

The House version of the Pastors Protection Bill has already passed favorably out of all of its committees.

Gambling
The House Regulatory Affairs Committee voted to expand gambling in the state last week through the Seminole Gaming Compact and the Pari-Mutuel facilities. This week the Senate followed suit.

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee was originally slated to discuss two gambling bills, one regarding the proposed Seminole Compact (SB 7074) and the other regarding decoupling pari-mutuels (SB 7072), last week. However, major amendments were filed late by Senate President-Designate Joe Negron (R-Palm City) and the Chairman Rob Bradley (R-Orange Park) delayed discussion on these bills to give time for the other Senators to review the amendments.

This Wednesday, the Senate’s Regulated Industries Committee used its 2-hour meeting to discuss these two bills. Sen. Negron’s amendment to SB 7074 regarding the Seminole Compact was introduced to ensure that if the Legislature approved fantasy sports in the state after the compact was approved, that the state’s revenue sharing agreement with the Tribe would not be affected. ‘This provision was necessary, he argued, because the Compact explicitly prohibits online gambling unless the Tribe offers it first. The debate over whether fantasy gaming is gambling is happening in many US states this year, and conclusions are varied. Sen. Negron withdrew his other two proposed amendments to this bill. Some senators expressed the desire to have the Florida Legislature have additional input and control in the negotiation process with the Seminole Tribe. Others expressed frustration that the Compact may be deferred until next year and abrogating the Legislature’s responsibility in the matter.

SB 7072 relates to pari-mutuel facilities and would heavily expand gambling in the state. It does this by removing the requirement that pari-mutuel facilities have live races in order to offer other forms of gambling, such as slot machines. There were a number of proposed amendments to this bill. Perhaps the most controversial of these was one by Sen. Negron which would have allowed fantasy sports in the state. Sen. Latvala (R-Clearwater) called for a point of order on the amendment stating that the amendment was not germane to the rest of the bill. Sen. Bradley upheld the point of order and so, for now, fantasy sports remains an ambiguous issue in the state. There is currently a bill relating to fantasy sports (HB707/SB832) rolling through both the House and Senate, but neither have passed through all of their committees. Amendments by Senators Abruzzo (D-Wellington), Margolis (D-Miami) and Stargel (R-Lakeland) all failed.

Looking forward, it is very possible that neither bill will be passed by the Legislature this year.

Education
HB 669: Educational Choice by Rep. Sprowls (R-Clearwater) passed the full House of Representatives 79-34 on Thursday. This bill would, among other things, include educational opportunities for Florida’s students by allowing students to attend any public school anywhere in the state, provided they are not at capacity. It would also require public schools to provide syllabi to parents of course materials in advance so that parents can review what their children are required to learn or read and could opt them out if they were uncomfortable with the materials being taught. The House bill does not have a Senate companion bill. Therefore, once the Senate receives this bill, it will need to be referred to one or several Senate committees before being considered by the full Senate for a final vote. This action is possible but we do not know the likelihood of this occurring with 8 business days left until the last day of committees (March 1) on the 50^th day of Session.

HB 835: Relating to Education by Rep. Eisnaugle (R-Orlando) passed the House overwhelmingly Thursday 112-0. This bill protects the right of parents to educate their children at home according to what’s best for their child, without fear of school district overreach. There have been several cases in Florida recently where school districts have overstepped their authority in homeschooling situations. An amendment was added to the bill on the House Floor, to strictly limit a school district’s authority to terminate a student’s enrollment in a home education program. Though this bill passed the full House unanimously, the Senate’s (similar) companion bill SB 1522 by Sen. Stargel (R-Lakeland), has yet to move in the committee process.

Human Trafficking
SB 784: Relating to Human Trafficking by Sen. Flores (R-Miami), which increases penalties for traffickers and massage establishments who perpetuate/facilitate such activities, and clarifies victims under 18 should not be convicted for prostitution charges, cleared its final committee yesterday (Fiscal Policy) 11-0 and will now head to the Senate Floor for consideration. It’s House companion bill HB 545 by Rep. Spano (R-Riverview) is also ready to be heard on the House Floor, having passed through its committees. The bills are identical and we expect unanimous support in both chambers for this legislation. FFA proudly supported this bill in committee Wednesday.

The post Week 6 of 9: Florida Family Policy Council’s Insider’s Report Week 6 Florida’s Legislative Session appeared first on FFV.

Pro-Life Leaders Re-Launch Campaign to Defund Planned Parenthood in FL

Admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:06:30 +0000

CONTACT: Ryan Hughes
Shirley & Banister Public Affairs
703-739-5920/800-536-5920
rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2016

Pro-Life Leaders Re-Launch Campaign to Defund Planned Parenthood in FL
Demands Gov. Rick Scott Utilize Executive Action Immediately

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC), led by President and General Counsel John Stemberger, has announced they will be re-launching a statewide campaign – on behalf of thousands of pro-life Floridians – calling on Gov. Rick Scott (R) to fully defund Planned Parenthood in the state, and redirect those funds to the more than 600 community health clinics in Florida.

The campaign – consisting of sustained grassroots and media efforts – will urge, and if necessary, demand that Governor Scott entirely strip Planned Parenthood of all state public funding sources within his influence, particularly the Medicaid contract, which makes up a substantial portion of Planned Parenthood’s taxpayers’ support.

FFPC is asking Governor Scott to take immediate executive action on the following two things:
1) Terminate Florida’s Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood.
2) Terminate the subcontracts of Title X funds with Broward and Collier County.

“We are now reenergizing our effort to lobby Governor Scott and continue to send him the message that he has a moral duty to defund the largest abortion provider in America and send those funds to other qualified health care providers, said John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council. “Just last two weeks Governor Sam Brownback defund Planned Parenthood in the state of Kansas and a Federal Judge in Utah upheld Utah’s Governor decision and authority to defund Planned Parenthood.”

“Governor Rick Scott has the clear legal authority to terminate Medicaid contracts with unqualified providers of services, and he now also has a moral, ethical and fiscal duty to do so given Planned Parenthood’s egregious conduct which includes waste, abuse, and potential fraud,” Mr. Stemberger added. “In both his gubernatorial campaigns, Rick Scott campaigned that if elected he would be a pro-life Governor. We would now like him to take action like a pro-life Governor. The pro-life and pro-family community that supported the governor in the last two election must have their voices heard on the urgency of this matter, and we hope this rally will finally force the governor to listen.”

The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, is one of 38 other state based policy councils around the country which are associated with Focus on the Family. Many of these organizations are the leading pro-life, pro-family organizations in their respective states.

For more information or to arrange an interview with John Stemberger, please contact Ryan Hughes with Shirley & Banister Public Affairs at rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

###

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Time for Gov. Scott to stop money for Planned Parenthood

Admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 17:13:23 +0000

Time for Gov. Scott to stop money for Planned Parenthood

Article originally published in the Sun-Sentinel’s Opinion Section | Wednesday, December 9, 2015 | 9:44pm

Due to the windfall following the release of videos exposing Planned Parenthood‘s egregious behavior, Gov. Rick Scott continues to make excuses for his lack of action on stopping the flow of state taxpayer money to the organization in Florida. And both he and Politifact has fallen back to the excuse that because no court has yet formally “found” Planned Parenthood “guilty” of the sale of human tissue, there’s no reason to act.

Is this leadership? Is this what pro-life Floridians expected of the governor they twice went to the polls to support?

Six other states have completely rejected any funding for Planned Parenthood, including revoking Medicaid funds. Scott has the legal authority to terminate Medicaid contracts with unqualified providers of services, and he now also has a moral, ethical and fiscal duty to do so given Planned Parenthood’s egregious conduct which includes waste, abuse and potential fraud,

Florida’s Planned Parenthood affiliates have not been guilty of all the apparent crimes of Planned Parenthood clinics in other states. However, there is a clear commonality of practice among clinics that ties them together, and the potential for abuse anywhere is rampant.

Regardless of whether a court ultimately rules against Planned Parenthood with regards to its willingness to sell baby body parts to tissue procurement companies, the facts and outstanding questions surrounding the group’s recorded actions should be noted.

Some defenders of the organization claim “Planned Parenthood said discussions of payments were only about recouping costs, not making a profit.” But if this were true, why wouldn’t Planned Parenthood act like an innocent party and outline precisely what its actual costs are with regards to transportation, implantation, processing, preservation, quality control and storage. The fact is, most procurement companies have staff inside clinics who handle all aspects of obtaining the baby body parts for sale.

It also begs the question of why the president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards, admitted in her letter to Congress in August that some of her affiliates charge between $45-55 per specimen, and others charge $60 per specimen. If it’s not payment for actual costs, it’s profit. And that violates federal law.

The organization’s leaders also have yet to address other important questions the American people deserve to know, including why Planned Parenthood, as Richards also admits, sometimes alters abortion procedures without the woman’s consent to procure better fetal body parts, or allows infants to be born alive to then harvest their organs.

Whether or not Planned Parenthood claims to “maintain its policy is to report all suspected instances of sexual abuse,” on at least 12 occasions in states across the country, they have failed to report the sexual abuse, including rape, of young girls, and has instead performed abortions on these little girls to then return them back to their abusers. This is in direct violation of state laws requiring an organization like Planned Parenthood to report apparent sexual abuse of minors.

There are examples of Planned Parenthood’s continued failure to prioritize the health and safety of women and comply with state and federal law, not to mention its continued pattern and practice of engaging in waste, abuse and potential fraud of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. For any one of these reasons, Planned Parenthood should no longer be eligible to receive taxpayer dollars.

Most news outlets, and especially Politifact, have failed to examine any of Scott’s numerous false public claims to the effect that he lacked the legal authority to terminate Medicaid contacts because these were governed by federal law.

States considering termination of Medicaid Provider Agreements with Planned Parenthood are well within their legal rights. They are not required to qualify providers that are under investigation, that violate federal or state law or that act unethically. Indeed, according to the HHS Office of Inspector General, more than 9,000 providers have been excluded as Medicaid providers over the last two decades.

In the end, facts are facts. And the fact that Planned Parenthood has a rancid history is true. And no organization with such a history, and that is currently under investigation at every level should receive a dime from Florida taxpayers.

So let me restate to Gov. Scott: Do you stand for women’s health, or do you side with the money-hungry posers who put up the facade of caring about women’s health but time and again engage in a pattern and practice of behavior which would disqualify any other health care provider?

John Stemberger is president of the Florida Family Policy Council.
Copyright © 2015, Sun Sentinel

Article PDF Available HERE

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Celebrating Ten Years of Fighting for Life, Marriage, Family and Liberty

Admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 20:52:17 +0000

Celebrating Ten Years of Fighting for Life, Marriage, Family and Liberty

Check out this video summary of ten years of advocacy in local, state and national news:

Click on the below image to download a copy of our exciting anniversary brochure (PDF).

We recently celebrated our 10th anniversary as an organization and produced this dynamic history video and beautiful anniversary brochure to give our supporters a concise overview of our accomplishments and achievements over the past decade. Thank you for your interest in our work and we would welcome your financial support by making an online contribution here.

The post Celebrating Ten Years of Fighting for Life, Marriage, Family and Liberty appeared first on FFV.

Taxpayer Rally to Defund Planned Parenthood Postponed to Spring 2016

Admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 22:22:12 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TAXPAYERS RALLY TO DEFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD POSTPONED TO SPRING OF 2016
Concern for Victims of Colorado Springs Shooting Cited

(Tallahassee, FL) In light of the situation in Colorado Springs and the concern for the victims of the shooting on Friday, the Florida Family Policy Council’s Taxpayers Rally to Defund Planned Parenthood on Monday, December 7, 2015 in Tallahassee at the State Capitol Complex has been rescheduled to the spring of 2016. Compassion and healing for the victims of this horrific act are at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.

“This violent and horrifying act by someone who has a troubling and violent past, is in complete opposition to the pro-life cause,” said John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council. “We believe that we must continue promoting the pro-life message and reiterate the concern we have for every human life including the victims of this tragedy.

“However, we also admonish those on the other side of this issue who are attempting to use this tragedy for their own political gains.

“Florida Governor Rick Scott continues to allow state contracts and taxpayers dollars to fund* the violence that happens inside of Planned Parenthood every day and this must be stopped. But the Taxpayers Rally to Defund Planned Parenthood cannot continue while the families and loved ones of these victims are grieving.

“We will continue to push forward to end abortion and end the taxpayer funding of abortion providers in our state,” said Stemberger.

*Through Florida’s contract with Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid provider and through Title X funding which six other Governor’s and states have discontinued. See here for a full explanation of Florida’s funding of PP.

For more information contact media@FLFamily.org or Nandi Randolph at 407-251-5130.
# # #

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Pro-Life Taxpayers Plan Rally at Florida State Capitol to Demand Action

Admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 14:29:33 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2015

CONTACT: Ryan Hughes
Shirley & Banister Public Affairs
703-739-5920/800-536-5920
rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com

Pro-Life Taxpayers Plan Rally at Florida State Capitol to Demand ActionGovernor Rick Scott Must Stop Sending Taxpayer Dollars to Fund Unqualified and Unlawful Healthcare Providers

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) announced that a movement of pro-life Floridians, represented and led by FFPC President John Stemberger and co-sponsored by the Students for Life’s Defund Planned Parenthood Bus Tour will hold a major rally at the Florida State Capitol. The rally, which will be held on Monday, December 7th, will bring together pro-life Floridians from all over the state to demand action from Governor Rick Scott by ending the state’s Medicaid and Title X contracts with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.

The capitol rally heralds the next step in a statewide and national campaign to raise awareness of an issue that has received national attention. Mr. Stemberger sent a letter requesting action to the Governor and his office.

“Governor Rick Scott has the clear legal authority to terminate Medicaid contracts with unqualified providers of services, and he now also has a moral, ethical and fiscal duty to do so given Planned Parenthood’s egregious conduct which includes waste, abuse, and potential fraud,” said Stemberger. “In both his gubernatorial campaigns, Rick Scott campaigned that if elected he would be a pro-life Governor. We would now like him to take action like a pro-life Governor. The pro-life and pro-family community that supported the governor in the last two election must have their voices heard on the urgency of this matter, and we hope this rally will finally force the governor to listen.”

Details of the capitol rally are as follows:

WHO: Pro-Life Taxpayers and National Speakers (TBA)

WHAT: Florida Taxpayer Rally to Defund Planned Parenthood

WHEN: Monday, December 7, 2015 | Rally: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET |

Pre-Rally with Music and Snacks from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Florida State Capitol, 400 S Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

HOW: Carpool with friends or FREE coach bus service from Miami and Orlando

(Contact info@FLFamily.org for departure times and locations)

For more information or to arrange an interview with John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council, please contact Ryan Hughes with Shirley & Banister Public Affairs at rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

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Several Threats Give Opportunities to Get Involved and make a Difference in December

Admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 17:58:56 +0000

ACTION ALERT :

Several Threats Give Opportunities to Get Involved and make a Difference in December:

Mark your calendars and get involved…

Help Stop Dangerous So-Called Non-Discrimination Laws being proposed in Tampa, Jacksonville and Pensacola:
Three Florida cities are being confronted with proposed changes in local and county ordinances to include “non-discrimination” language (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity [SOGI] language) which create legal weapons to punish Christians who are simply living out their faith in their businesses and use of private property. Many of these SOGI laws also involve a gross invasion of privacy and create safety and security issues by allowing fully biological men to use women’s bathrooms. Don’t be fooled by smooth sounding names like “Human Rights Ordinances,” “Equal Rights Ordinances” and the latest deceptive name, the “Competitive Workforce Act.” Adding totally subjective terms like sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to legitimate non-discrimination statutes directly undermines our First Amendment rights of religious liberty, free speech and freedom of association.

TAMPA:
Tuesday, Dec. 1^st at 6:00pm: The Hillsborough County Charter Review Board is currently discussing placing a referendum on the ballot to add language to the county charter which would make sexual orientation and gender identity protected classes, equivalent to race, religion, and gender! Note: The Hillsborough County Commission quietly passed a Human Rights Ordinance last year which made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Adding this to the county charter would make it nearly impossible to change should there be problems with the language.

Please e-mail, call, and attend the Charter Review Board meeting and respectfully ask them to vote against placing this on the 2016 ballot.

EMAIL: Click here to contact the Charter Review Board! Tell the board that you do NOT want this language added to the Hillsborough County Charter!

CALL: Brandon Wagner, Operations and Legislative Affairs Officer for the Charter Review Board at (813) 276-2640.

ATTEND: Attend the public hearing on Tuesday, December 1^st at 6 pm to speak out against this proposal. The meeting will be held in the 2^nd floor boardroom at County Center (601 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602)

JACKSONVILLE:
Jacksonville’s new Mayor, Lenny Curry, has called for three community hearings or conversations on the idea of revisiting whether or not the city should enact a “Human Rights Ordinance” (HRO) like the one that was defeated soundly in 2013 by the City Council. The first community discussion was held last week. There is no specific language or ordinance proposed at this point and we don’t know if we will looking at a bill or a referendum in the future. We do know we need to pack the house in a show of opposition to this bad idea in these next two hearings. Come early. Usually those coming early and put in a speakers card will have a better chance at being able to address the panelists and ask questions.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:00pm: On the topic of Religious Freedoms, Thoughts & Beliefs to be held at the Edward Waters College Milne Auditorium – 1658 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6:00 pm: Understanding the Law & its Effects on Business Jacksonville University Policy Institute – 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32211

PENSACOLA
There will be a meeting at East Brent Baptist church on Tuesday December 1 at 7:00pm to discuss plans to defeat this bad SOGI ordinance being proposed. The first reading of a new amended bill will be presented and comments from the public will be allowed at some future meeting the date of which is in flux but will likely be held in February. Please show up at the planning meeting which Tom Thompson will run. Or please contact all City Commissioners in the City of Pensacola to voice your opposition to the Human Rights/ Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. Tell them: “Please vote NO on the proposed Human Rights Ordinance in Pensacola.”

cbare@cityofpensacola.com – 850-426-7935
aterhaar@cityofpensacola.com – 850-377-3949
ljohnson@cityofpensacola.com – 850-435-1609
pcwu@cityofpensacola.com – 850-477-5279
smyers@cityofpensacola.com – 850-484-0902
gwingate@cityofpensacola.com – 850-607-0185
bspencer@cityofpensacola.com – 850-426-8314
jcannada-wynn@cityofpensacola.com – 850-346-7264

SAVE THE DATE: Defund Planned Parenthood Rally in Tallahassee: Dec 7, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015, 1-2pm is the main rally time and there is a pre-rally program from 12-1pm all at the Florida Capitol complex in Tallahassee. National speakers, snacks and drinks, music, education and information on how to take a stand for life. Details for this exciting event will be announced next week. Make plans to join us on Monday Dec 7 in Tallahassee.

WE ARE HIRING: Field Directors across Florida- Join our team!

Florida Family Action our 501c4 sister organization is hiring field directors across the state but especially in the cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, and in Panama City. We are more interested in finding motivated and hard-working people than we are in what part of the state they live but we do have particular interests in these above regions. Please pass this notice on to those you think may be interested and qualified for this position. The Field Director’s job description and salary can be downloaded here:

SAVE THE DATE: 2016 Pro-Family Lobby Days at the Capitol & Legislative Prayer Breakfast, Jan 25-26, 2015

January 25-26, 2015, Tallahassee, FL. Do not miss this most exciting event now in its third year where we bring supporters up to Tallahassee and train them to lobby legislators on the most important issues. Save the date now and email info@FLfamily.org and we will send you the reservation information as soon as it is available. The legislative training and issue briefing runs Monday night, January 25, from 3-7 PM and on then on Tuesday, January 26, from 7 AM to 3 PM for the Prayer Breakfast and the Lobby Days event at the Capitol.

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