Today on Context Florida:
Former State Board of Education Chairman Gary Chartrand issued an impassioned plea on behalf of Florida’s 78,000 voucher students, writes Julie Delegal. Chartrand wants the plaintiffs, namely the Florida Education Association, which represents teachers, to drop its lawsuit opposing the diversion of tax dollars to the voucher program. The FEA lawsuit is now at the appeal stage. Chartrand’s article spurred some ideas as to how the voucher program might survive ongoing lawsuits.
Marc Yacht says it would behoove presidential aspirants to study the country through its citizens’ eyes rather than standard party politics. Average Joe and Jane have a very clear understanding of what needs fixing and that they’ll look to candidates who understand their concerns. The two major parties are struggling with the increasingly popular Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. The message is clear, the American public wants to be heard and they expect their elected officials to listen — not only listen but show related action.
Florida lawmakers did one thing worth celebrating in this year’s Legislative Session, says Sally Swartz: They approved a law that protects residents from SLAPPs — Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. Two champions deserve special credit for the success of the anti-SLAPP campaign: the Florida Press Association and the Motion Picture Association of America.
