The following action items have been recommended by LWVF for 2011-2012 program planning:
Government In Florida:
1. Constitution:
*Action:Reapportionment process, ethics, and extension of ethics reform to county and city government.
2. Finance and Taxation:
Support a state fiscal structure that is equitable in its distribution of the tax responsibility and responsive to public needs.
3. Election Law:
*Action: Support greater flexibility in the selection of early voting sites.
Education in Florida:
1. Promote adequate funding of public education. No use of public funding for vouchers, and promote achievement testing for all schools.
Justice in Florida:
Social Policy in Florida
Financing & Delivery of Health Care
*Action: Support implementation of the Federal Health Care Reform Law in Florida, emphasizing access for all and control of costs.
Immigration
Libraries
*Action: Support the continued funding of public libraries in the state.
Handgun Control
Sustainability:
*Action: Support public transportation projects, governmental actions that result in sustainability by meeting needs of the present without endangering the future, support the adoption of a renewable portfolio standard.
Natural Resources in Florida:
*Action: Promote the passage of comprehensive energy policy that includes targets for expansion of renewable energy and conservation efforts.
PROPOSED LOCAL PROGRAM 2011-2012
EDUCATION. Support continued accreditation by regional accreditation association for Seminole County Schools. Monitor and support inclusion of of schools as an element of concurrency in local Growth Management decisions. Monitor the implementation of the Pre-Kindergarten program and the effect of FCAT on Seminole County students. Study the effectiveness of the class size amendment and its effects on funding. Adopt the following LWVF Issues for Action as a local priority: Promote adequate funding of public education with no use of public funding for the expansion of funding of private education through a voucher system.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Support expanded library services in Seminole County. Maintain Yardstick for measuring Charter Government. Monitor and support the provisions and implementation of the Seminole County Comprehensive Plan. Investigate the current ethics policies in place for municipal and county government, review for compliance with the Sunshine Law and monitor its use.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND SOCIAL POLICY. Support availability of primary care for medically indigent persons. Work to improve access to information on county housing services and affordable housing options. Support action to identify and meet the unmet needs of Seminole County children. Monitor the effect of reduction of funding for social services in Seminole County.
NATURAL RESOURCES. In accordance with State and National League positions, encourage a pro-active approach toward preserving and protecting air, land, and water resources through implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, Green Space Referendum, programs for recycling and for safe disposal of toxic wastes, and both district and state programs for ecosystems management. Heighten environmental awareness at all levels.
TRANSPORTATION. Support the concept of regional transportation Authority with adequate funding. Act to incorporate into its development program an integrated system which considers alternate modes of transportation including, but not limited to, restricted access highways, bus, light rail, bikeways, and sidewalks. Support public education efforts to promote safe use of alternative as well as traditional transportation means.
MENTAL HEALTH. Support efforts to increase public awareness of mental health issues and measures to provide access to quality mental healthcare to each resident of Seminole county, whatever his/her age, income or insurance status. The care should be delivered in the most appropriate setting–whether inpatient or outpatient—and should include access to the most effective medications, including “second generation” or “atypical” medications. Monitor the effect of budget constraints on mental health care.
JUSTICE/JUVENILE JUSTICE – Support and take action on current local and state positions.
