Notes From The Capitol

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn Here,

Below is more information from the Governor Crist on ’Sunshine Week", which is really a yearly week-long commemoration of open government. In his latest “Notes from the Capitol”,  the Governor commends the signing into law the  Anti-Murder Act, which allows for the enforcement of stiffer laws for parolees who violate their parole after committing a murder. The Governor also speaks of being joined by John Walsh, who lost his young son, Adam Walsh, in a senseless and brutal staining. Governor Crist describes Mr. Walsh as being "a tremendous advocate of public safety and host of America's Most Wanted. John Walsh was instrumental in the federal passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act in July of 2006

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Notes from the Capitol
March 16 , 2007

Dear Friends,

This week has truly been a week of firsts. Florida joined the rest of the
nation to participate in 'Sunshine Week', a yearly week-long commemoration
of open government. Florida, the first state to begin this observance with
Sunshine Sunday in 2002, has long been a leader in ensuring the public's
access to information.

As Floridians, we are fortunate that the sun shines not only on our faces
but also sheds light into our government. The Sunshine Law creates a window
for Floridians to look through to observe and participate in the democratic
process.

Monday, I had the privilege of signing into law the first bill of the 2007
Legislative Session, the Anti-Murder Act. Throughout the day, I was joined
in Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Deltona and Tallahassee by local elected officials
and members of the law enforcement community, as well as families of child
murder victims. I am so grateful for their support of this important
legislation. The children of Florida are our first priority, and the
Anti-Murder Act makes them safer by keeping individuals who violate the
privilege of probation off of our streets.

At the ceremonial bill signing in Ft. Lauderdale, I was joined by John
Walsh, father of slain child Adam Walsh, a tremendous advocate of public
safety and host of America's Most Wanted. John Walsh was instrumental in the
federal passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act in July of
2006. The act enables child protection investigators to have direct online
access to criminal history records and warrants. The Florida Department of
Children and Families is the first state agency in the country to implement
the program.

The technology is already enhancing the state's ability to protect child
victims of abuse and neglect. Florida once again leads the way for the rest
of the nation by providing unprecedented access to technology that will help
protect both the victims of child abuse and neglect and the public servants
charged with protecting them.

On Wednesday, I had the honor of participating in the ceremony where the
first African American female justice of the Florida Supreme Court and the
first female president of a Florida community college were inducted into the
Florida Women's Hall of Fame.

Later in the week, I had the opportunity to ride on the nation's first
hybrid school bus. The Manatee County School District purchased two buses,
which are projected to reduce by 50 to 90 percent carbon emissions that
contribute to global climate change.

We are able to celebrate all of these Florida firsts because of the rich
culture and tradition that has made our state so strong. This week we marked
the beginning of the fourth annual Florida Heritage Month, celebrated from
March 15 through April 15. During the upcoming weeks, Floridians will have
the opportunity to appreciate Florida's rich cultural heritage. To mark the
occasion, Lt. Governor Kottkamp and I joined Secretary of State Kurt S.
Browning to dedicate the latest installation of the Indian Heritage Tableau
sculptures downtown in Tallahassee.  The American Royalty sculpture
represents the residents who lived in Florida during the time of the first
European contact.

So many people contribute to the complex history of our great state and to
the rich diversity of cultures we see today. I look forward to participating
in other events throughout Florida Heritage Month and celebrating many more
firsts for our state in the weeks and months ahead.

May God continue to bless the great state of Florida,

Charlie

____________________________________________________________________
Volume 1, Issue 9
Copyright(c) 2007 State of Florida

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Evelyn out.

 

 

Sunshine Week and Raising Public Awareness of Open Government and Full Access to Public Records

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here

 

with news “From the Loft to the Streets". This latest news letter is a direct reflection of why I feel it is so important to know and understand of one’s constitutional rights In this issue of General McCollum newsletter, he addresses the our right to know what is in happening in our government and how it is best working to serve and to protect the of people.

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Attorney General Bill McCollum’s  “News Briefs”
Date: March 16, 2007

Volume 5, Issue 11:

Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

This week Florida recognized Sunshine Week, a time dedicated to raising
awareness about open government and full access to public records.
Historically, our state is a national leader in providing public access
to government meetings and records. I am proud of our state’s
reputation, but I believe we can do more.

Having uncomplicated and expedient access to public records is your
constitutional right. Florida’s Constitution provides that you have the
right to know how government officials, on all levels, spend taxpayer
dollars and make the decisions affecting your lives. And, in light of
the many technological advances available to us today, I believe there
is more that the Attorney General’s Office can do to make it infinitely
more efficient for the citizens of our state to access this information.

On Tuesday my office launched the Government Accountability Project, in
partnership with the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, to
encourage state and local government entities to be more proactive in
providing Florida’s citizens the information and records they need in
order to hold their government accountable. Here, the Attorney General’s
Office will strive to bridge the gap between records already available
and the information citizens want but may have difficulty obtaining. It
is my hope that this office will serve as an example for other government
entities across the nation.

Our project will unfold in two phases. Again, we will first work to
determine what discrepancies exist between the information already
available and that which is difficult to obtain. Then, once we have
identified any such discrepancies, we will collaborate with state and
local government entities to eliminate these and help ensure Florida’s
citizens have ready access to the information they need to hold their
leaders accountable. The new Government Accountability Project will be
coordinated by Associate Deputy Attorney General Simone Marstiller who
brings extensive experience in public service to the project. The project
is now showcased on a new website designed to give Floridians expedient
access to public records and is available through the Attorney General's
website. To access the website, please visit:

http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/Main/20AB6480E324FC5885257297006997E7.

As a first step towards government transparency, I have put the outside
legal counsel contracts with my office on the website for the public
to review.

Taking an active role in state and local government is not only a right,
but an important responsibility. I urge all Floridians to take advantage
of the laws that grant access to government records and documents. As an
elected official, I appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate my strong
commitment to an open, efficient and responsible government and am
dedicated to keeping Florida on the national forefront of this important
issue.

Thank you.

____

 

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Evelyn out.

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here

 

With even more news “From the Loft to the Streets”. The following message come the Governor Charlie Crist.  In his latest newsletter, Charlie will deliver the State of the State Address at 11 A. M. on Tuesday, March 6, 2007.  For more details on what will be addressed and where you can view it read the release below.

 

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Notes from the Capitol
March 2, 2007

Dear Friends,

Two months ago today, I had the great privilege of taking the oath of office
to protect and defend Florida.  The last 60 days have been both challenging
and rewarding. Looking forward, I am optimistic about the great things we
can achieve for the people of Florida in the 2007 Legislative Session.
     
Tuesday, March 6, 2007, I will deliver the State of the State Address at 11
a.m. in the chamber of the Florida House of Representatives. Floridians can
view the address live on the Florida Channel or by Web cast at
www.myflorida.com or www.flgov.com. I encourage you to listen and learn more
about my vision for Florida's future and making the Sunshine State a better
place to live, work and raise a family.
     
We live in a great and diverse state. Just this week, we marked the
conclusion of Black History Month.  From the commemorative event in
Pensacola honoring Reverend H.K. Matthews and others who worked to
desegregate Northwest Florida, to the beautiful artwork by Eluster
Richardson displayed in my office, I gained an even greater appreciation for
the struggles as well as the contributions of African-Americans. These great
Americans helped build our state and our country.  

As we honor the determination of those who stood against injustice, we
should recognize their contributions not only during Black History Month,
but also throughout the entire year. We draw strength from the brave men and
women who inspire and motivate us to do better.
     
I am hopeful that during the upcoming legislative session we will increase
the safety of Floridians, provide tax cuts for businesses and families and
increase teacher pay. We will work to decrease the burden of property taxes
and strengthen Florida's vibrant economy, natural resources, schools and
universities.
     
I am grateful for the leadership of House Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate
President Ken Pruitt. Together with we will work to improve the quality of
life for the people of our state.  I am looking forward to the exchange of
ideas. This is the time to plot new courses, embrace new possibilities and
implement new solutions. We are poised to do great things for the state of
Florida and her citizens.

May God continue to bless the great state of Florida,
     
Charlie

____________________________________________________________________
Volume 1, Issue 7
Copyright(c) 2007 State of Florida

 

 

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Evelyn out.

McCollum Presides Over First Council Meeting on Status of Black Men and Boys

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here

with more "From the Loft to the Streets". Below is a news release from our Attorney General, Bill McCollum. On February 27, 2007, the General hosted the first meeting of the Council on the Status of Black Men and Boys. At that meeting, the General praised the Council for their positive dialogue and discussion. The focus of the meeting was to bring into the light many of the problems that blacks men and black youth face in education, employment and the of black crime as well as the high rate the males is Florida prison system. The meeting also focused on opening the doors to possible solution to preventing and saving black male by means that would turn their lives around for the better. For more details see the article below.

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Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release

February 27, 2007

 

McCollum Presides Over First Council Meeting on Status of Black Men and Boys

 

 

 Attorney General, Bill McCollum, applauds Council for proactive dialogue

 

            TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today hosted the first meeting of the Council on the Status of Black Men and Boys. At the meeting’s conclusion, McCollum praised the Council for their positive dialogue and discussion.

 

            “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with this distinguished group of individuals and will continue to provide them the support needed to continue their quest,” said Attorney General McCollum. “One of my top priorities is to bring together both the people and the resources needed to help today's youth make the choices that will send their lives in a positive direction. I am confident this dedicated group will recommend sound strategies to achieve that goal and others.”

 

            The Attorney General presided over the meeting, during which members selected a chairman and a vice chairman. Levi Williams was elected to serve as the Chairman of the Council. Williams is currently a partner in the law firm Fertig & Gramling and has extensive professional experience in the areas of civil rights litigation, organizational management and promoting community change and outreach. He serves on the Broward Community College Board of Trustees and is a former member of the Urban League of Broward County and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County. Christopher Norwood, a public affairs consultant from South Florida, was elected Vice Chairman. He works in the areas of Public Policy, Community Relations & Youth Development. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Charlee Homes For Children, the South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Miami-Dade Public Schools Student Services Advisory Committee (Chair).

 

            Created by the Legislature during the 2006 Legislative Session, the Council is charged with making a systematic study of the conditions affecting black men and boys including homicide rates, arrest and incarceration rate, poverty, violence, drug abuse, death rates, disparate annual income levels, health issues and school performance.

 

            The goal of the Council is to propose measures to alleviate and correct the underlying causes of the conditions described above. These measures may consist of changes to the law or systematic changes that can be implemented without legislative action. The Attorney General’s Office called the first meeting and will provide administrative support to the Council.

 

            A complete list of the members of the Council on the Status of Black Men and Boys is available here.

 

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Evelyn out!