SPOKE BEFORE FLORIDA HOUSE & SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEES - MET WITH LEGISLATORS

DATE: Monday, January 24- Wednesday January 26

LOCATION: CAPITOL - TALLAHASSEE

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I was excited to partner again with BEST (The education division of Freedom Works) to travel to the Capitol to meet with Florida lawmakers. There were some important bills on the agenda that week.

 

First, I spoke before the Senate Education Committee, addressing the very real concerns facing Palm Beach County. In my speech, I pushed for School Choice, for accountability for the board, the need for early intervention, expanding the scholarship opportunities and Charter schools, what has happened to our students under these mandates as well as the need to defend parents' rights.

 

The Senate had SB1300 slated for the agenda, but had dropped the very critical amendment to that bill the night before. I spoke specifically about that amendment and the need for it to be revived. That amendment dealt specifically with protecting parents rights to address the board, to criticize board members and make sure public comments aren't blackout out during broadcasts. 

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I happened to be the only one speaking before the House Education Committee, I spoke again about the school board ignoring all three branches of government while imposing their mandates. I urged the House to "pick up the ball that the Senate dropped" and protect parents' and citizens' First Amendment rights. 

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There was a press conference later that day, and then I was able to talk directly with Rep. Stan McClain, head of the House Education Committee, for about a half an hour on Palm Beach County and the specific issues we're facing. I told him eye to eye that we need them to step up, provide choice, accountability and protection of our rights. I went through what's been happening to the children as well as at school board meetings. 

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I was able to talk with Sen. Diaz's office with Laura Zorc, Director of Education Reform with BEST / Freedom Works. We stressed the critical nature of our situations and the need for immediate and decisive measures to defend parent choice and individual rights, along with addressing the list of specific concerns.

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There was a rally hosted by several School Choice groups in the main courtyard on Wednesday. Lawmakers like Chris Sprowls, Randy Find, Stan McClain and several others who are all supporting parents and school choice were on hand and spoke at length. 

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Most of lawmakers in Tallahassee do not know what is going on down here, so I urge you to contact as many as you can, regardless if they are in your district or not. Share your story with them, show them evidence of what is going on. 

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The squeaky wheel gets the grease! We can turn this ship around, but it will take getting the message out and being consistent. Keep sending them emails and calls!

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Let's keep working together!

Jen 

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