Compulsive Gambling and Problem Gambling Awareness Week

By Executive Director Pat Fowler

Joe went from placing dollar bets on football games at his high school to racking up so many sports betting debts, he and his wife had to declare bankruptcy. What began as a fun childhood pastime escalated into a devastating addiction. Today, Joe lives in Orlando and is in recovery with support from his wife and two daughters.

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is sharing the stories of compulsive gamblers like Joe as part of this year’s Problem Gambling Awareness Week (PGAW). During the week of March 6-12, the FCCG and its many supporters and partner agencies around the state are spreading the message of hope that help and treatment is available for those adversely affected.

The recovering compulsive gamblers working to help FCCG this week are in various stages of recovery, and each of them has a personal perspective on the pain inflicted upon themselves and their family as a result of compulsive gambling.

Every day we hear statistics about a variety of topics including dangerous activities, life style risk factors, and diseases of the world. Most of these statistics go in one ear and out the other. They are just numbers. But when a real story of hardship and devastation is tied to the numbers, it makes us think and consider the people behind the ratios and percentages.

Most of these featured gamblers called the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling’s 24-hour HelpLine, 1-888-ADMIT-IT, seeking confidential guidance and resources on their road to recovery. Increasingly, those calls are coming from problem sports bettors who cannot just watch a basketball or football game for enjoyment. For them, compulsive betting on sports leads to escalating debt and deteriorating personal relationships. For some of them, their disease even leads to illegal acts to finance their gambling. It is fitting, then, that this year’s PGAW is focused on the impact that problem sports betting can have on both the gambler and their families.

With statistics documenting an increase in this type of betting in Florida, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling is planning a series of events during PGAW to spread awareness about problem sports betting and its effects.

Family conflict over gambling was prevalent in 89 percent of the households. More than half of the sports bettors were having difficulty at work due to their gambling. Half of the sports bettors had committed illegal acts such as fraud, larceny and embezzlement to finance their gambling. Suicidal thoughts or attempts were confirmed in 11 percent of those who called.

More than two dozen Florida municipalities across the state as well as elected officials, treatment support organizations, and gaming entities have joined with FCCG in this year’s theme of “Don’t Throw it Away: Blow the Whistle on Problem Gambling” to raise public awareness and highlight treatment options available to gamblers and their families. FCCG has also launched a Web site dedicated to PGAW, www.BlowTheWhistle2011.com.

The FCCG is urging Floridians to help raise awareness about the resources available through the confidential and multilingual HelpLine, 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848). Together, all of us can ensure the people behind the statistics receive the help they need.

Pat Fowler

Executive Director, FCCG

Senator Fasano Files Legislation To Impound Assets of Pill Mill Operators

By Greg Giordano

State Senator Mike Fasano has filed Senate Bill 1238 which will apply the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act to the assets of pill mill operators who are found guilty, plead no-contest or have adjudication withheld for knowingly operating an unregistered pain clinic.  Previous legislation filed by Senator Fasano requires pain clinic operators to register with the Florida Department of Health (Senate Bill 462, which was signed into law in 2009).

“If the rules and regulations that Florida has put into place have not scared off pill mill operators,  passage of this law will,” Senator Fasano states.  “Failure to register as a pain clinic will allow law enforcement to impound all assets of the pill mill.  Without the building, land and equipment needed to operate, the pill mill operators will shut down and leave the state.”

The legislation will allow for the seizure of all real and personal property that is acquired through the knowing operation or management of an unregistered pain clinic.  Although not exhaustive, the list of items that could potentially be seized includes real property, tracts of land, money, negotiable instruments, vessels, vehicles, equipment and aircraft.

The proceeds of the sale of the assets seized under this act will be deposited into the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.  The purpose of the Trust Fund is to help compensate victims of crime who apply for relief through the fund.  The Trust Fund is funded through fees paid by those convicted of most crimes, including most traffic infractions, as well as any dedicated dollars such as Senator Fasano’s bill directs.

If passed, the legislation will go into effect on October 1, 2011.

Opinions on “The Rules of Civil Political Disagreement”

In a recent Facebook exchange, the Collins Center’s Tony Carvajal and I were bemoaning the lack of civility in modern political discourse. I suggested that what’s needed now is a Hoyle’s for Civility that outlines what’s fair and what scores below the belt.

I invite everyone who is tired of the current climate of rhetorical distortion and hate politics to weigh in and suggest what the Rules of Civil Political Disagreement should be. Here are a few opinions that were suggested:

Before inserting a knife into someone’s back, consider other methods of accomplishing same that would be less painful. -Jan Scheff

Do not use harmful images aimed at a candidate/political figure to imply the action in the image, ie. the crosshairs on a map of a candidate’s district recently used by a well-known politician that many construed as crosshairs of a gun sight. Not appropriate in any situation. -Arlette Braman

i’d expand No. 10 to include any references to not only Nazi’s, but Hitler, Eichmann, the Holocaust – none of it should ever be used. -sandra fish

Monitor your volume and tone. Screaming condescension isn’t necessary. Oh, and don’t jab the air with your index — or any other — finger. -Karen Thurston Chavez

Allowing others the space to have their say without being yelled over or yelled down. It seems that too many people jump in to shout down what others are saying before they’ve even finished having their say! (while at the same time people need to be succinct in their points and not use the floor to deliver a personal soliloquy!) -Priscilla Hudson

I have a great idea to eliminate negative campaigning. It’s a riot. Remember all of the “Truth” campaigns – This Group for Truth, That Group for Truth. And everybody had the Truth down pat, and it was THEIR candidate, no not him but HIM, who had a stranglehold on the rightness of all? Well, I was thinking, I would like to start a group called Mailboxes for Truth. And it works like this – If I receive ONE piece of negative campaign material, I write a note on it, slap a stamp on it, and send it back to the return address on the card. The note says – “Due to your negative campaign materials, you just lost my vote.” This accomplishes two things – makes me feel like I can influence the ridiculous campaigns local politicians seem intent on running, and it gives immediate feedback to a campaign that their method of promoting negative campaigning isn’t flying AND is actually costing them real, tangible votes.  -Patty McNally

My suggestion probably shouldn’t be included, for it almost goes without saying, “Make sure the people who speak for you follow the same rules.” Please no “attack dogs” or organizations (who appear to be independent, but are really formed to support the politician) break the Hoyle rules of politics either. -Ed Barber

From the perspective of having spent the last six years thinking about rules of the road in a civil civic discourse, this list is smart and complete. My only recommendation of an addition might be “No removing the context of a quote or a situation in order misrepresent someone.” What The Village Square calls the “war on context” does great damage to the intelligence and productivity of our civic conversation. -Liz Joyner

To view the original article and suggest your own ideas, click here: https://ronsachs.wufoo.com/forms/the-rules-of-civil-political-disagreement/

Let Florida Shape Its Own Water Policy, Not Feds

By: State Rep. Trudi K. Williams

As chair of the House Select Committee on Water Policy, I, along with other members of the committee, have been charged with looking at Florida’s water policy, including changes to federal policy that may significantly impact Florida’s ability to manage its own resources. An example of such federal policy is the numeric nutrient criteria mandate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized for Florida.

As it stands, EPA singled out Florida as the only state in the nation subject to these federal standards – despite the fact that Florida has been a national leader in aggressively enforcing water quality standards to protect our streams, lakes, rivers and estuaries.

Our state has invested millions of dollars over the past three decades through an EPA-approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program that has helped achieve substantial progress in reducing phosphorous levels in Florida waters. If any state should be hit with intrusive, invasive and indefensible water regulations, it shouldn’t be Florida.

… Continue Reading

Senator Mike Fasano Files the Next Step Needed to Put Pill Mills Out of Business

By Greg Giordano

State Senator Mike Fasano has filed legislation that will take Florida to the next level in its efforts to put pill mills out of business.  Following successful legislation in 2009, which created the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, and 2010’s pill mill regulation bill, Senator Fasano continues to fight the scourge of prescription drug abuse and diversion that is made possible by unscrupulous pill mill operators.

The success of the previous legislation is already evident.  The Department of Health has been working with over 200 pain clinics in the state to resolve issues of ownership and other registration-related matters.  Of those 16 either voluntarily withdrew their applications or had their license administratively revoked.  Additionally, the Florida Department of Health has inspected 81 pain clinics since the 2010 law went into effect on October 1, 2010.  Thus far, 15 physicians have been disciplined for violations at their pain clinics and 14 have received emergency suspensions (shut downs) of their license to operate.

Senator Fasano recognizes that pain management is a legitimate medical specialty.  However, pill mills continue to operate in the state, contributing to what the Florida Medical Examiner has reported as a daily death rate of 7 people with a causal relationship to prescription medication.  Senator Fasano’s legislation targets those who continue to skirt the law by creating enhanced penalties for pill mill operators who do not comply with standards of care and state law.

“It is imperative that the legislature continue to work to save lives by reducing the availability of prescription medication for abuse and diversion,” Senator Fasano states.  “This bill will give prosecutors more tools to hold those who break the law accountable for their actions.”

Senator Fasano’s bill also strengthens the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) by requiring it to conform with national standards for similar programs nationwide.  Additionally, the State Surgeon General is given the authority to look at the possibility of entering into agreements with other states to help limit the illegal transfer of drugs between states.

“I look forward to working with Attorney General Pam Bondi and my colleagues in the Florida Legislature to put Florida at the forefront in the battle to close down pill mills,” Senator Fasano states.  “It is my goal to stop Florida from being a destination state for prescription drugs.”

Cuts to Mental Health and Substance Abuse Funding Will Financially Burden and Endanger Florida’s Communities

by Bob Sharpe
Facing a projected $3.6 billion budget deficit, the State of Florida is again “stuck between a rock and a hard place.” An economic downturn plagued by high unemployment, a low tax base, revenue shortages and a large population with substantial needs for public services has forced Legislators to search for means to cut expenditures and “fill the gap.” … Continue Reading

Keys to the Cities

By Mayor Joy Cooper

Florida’s cities wholeheartedly share Governor Scott’s objective of creating jobs and fostering an economic climate in which Florida’s employers and families can thrive. Florida’s cities can play a key role in this important mission and cities stand ready to work shoulder to shoulder with the governor over the next four years.

As Governor Scott and the new Administration begin its work, city officials want to create a new partnership with state leaders.  This is why, as president of the Florida League of Cities, I created the Keys to the Cities Task Force.

In support of Governor Scott’s leadership, the Task Force created Keys to the Cities – a resource to provide additional insight on issues important to Florida’s cities, coming from the perspective of more than 400 communities in which the vast majority of Floridians live, work, learn, worship and play. The Keys to the Cities document we presented to Governor Scott also includes areas where we believe cities can work with the governor in a landmark partnership to enhance the high quality of life that the people of our state expect and deserve.

… Continue Reading

Protecting Homeowners from Tax Increases When Property Values Fall

By Greg Giordano

Senator Mike Fasano has filed legislation that will help protect homeowners who experience tax increases even though the values of their home drop.  Senate Joint Resolution 210 will be considered by the Florida Legislature in the coming months.  The joint resolution, if passed, will put the issue before voters during the 2012 general election.

Due to the Save Our Homes amendment to the Florida Constitution, homesteaded property owners enjoy the protections of a 3% limit on the increase of property taxes when the assessed value of the property exceeds 3% each year.  However, due to a rule implemented by the Florida Cabinet during the administration of former governor Lawton Chiles, property owners are penalized when their property values.  The mechanism known as the “Recapture Rule” allows for tax increases to occur during times when property values plunge.   Originally intended to keep a consistent revenue stream for local governments that rely on property taxes to run their respective programs and services, the “Recapture Rule” actually acts as a punitive tax on homeowners.  When property values plummet it is usually due to a poor economy, much like what Floridians have experienced in recent years.  During such economic conditions most people are ill-equipped to pay for increases in taxes, especially when the value of their homesteaded property drops considerably.

Senator Fasano’s resolution will allow Floridians to decide whether or not the Florida Constitution should be amended to prevent a property tax increase if the value of the property is lower than it was the previous year.  Adoption of the proposed amendment has the potential of savings taxpayers enormous amounts of money in any year the value of their home declines.  With the Save Our Homes still in force, homeowners will be able to budget for a relatively stable and predictable tax bill each year.

With the session starting in March, Senator Fasano is hopeful that the Legislature will consider the resolution before the session comes to an end during the first week of May.  Because this is a joint resolution of the Florida Legislature the governor is not required to approve the measure.

So, Just How Close Is Florida?

By Steve Schale

Tis the season for speculation on 2012, so it came as no surprise that after my Holiday self-imposed no-telephone call break, I found several messages on my phone from reporters asking my take on whether Florida is truly a toss-up state for President Obama, especially after what here (and everywhere else) happened in November.

My answer:  Absolutely.  There is no question that Florida in 2012 will be competitive.  For those who want to write off President Obama here, or anywhere for that matter, history has proven never to count him out.  Personally, I believe he can and will win Florida in 2012.  But more on that later.

… Continue Reading

Senator Fasano Begins to Unveil Legislative Priorities for 2011

By Greg Giordano

Now that the general elections are over, State Senator Mike Fasano is preparing for the 2011 regular session of the Florida Legislature.  Although it is not scheduled to meet until early March, the Legislature is already preparing for twice-a-month committee meetings in the run-up to the session’s start.  Senator Fasano plans to work on many important issues during the coming months.  Continuing his efforts to improve public safety will be one of Senator Fasano’s top priorities. … Continue Reading

Little Wren Speaks with a Big Voice

By Jessica Basham

If you’ve ever wondered which bird sings the familiar, loud “doodalee, doodalee, doodalee” song, it is one of the most common backyard birds in Florida, the Carolina wren.

The Carolina wren is a lively little bird that often fluffs itself into a puffy, round shape to appear larger than its 6- or 7-inch body.
For its size, the male has one of the loudest voices of all birds.
… Continue Reading

Amending our conceptof what’s ‘fair’ redistricting

National NullifyNow! Tour Comes to Florida: By Greg Giordano

The national NullifyNow! Tour stopped in Orlando on the tenth of October with great fanfare. The date, 10-10-10, was chosen for the symbolism the convergence the 10’s represented. The central Florida stop of the states’ rights organization The Tenth Amendment Center’s tour was just one of many that includes Chattanooga, Ft. Worth, Phoenix and Los Angeles. The rally was a celebration of the United States Constitution’s Tenth Amendment. The beautiful sunny Sunday was also a call to action for liberty-minded people to become involved in stopping the spread of the federal government into areas that are best left to the states. The education and advocacy group The Tenth Amendment Center was founded by Michael Boldin, nationally recognized speaker and author who has made it his life’s mission to free the 50 states from the grip of the federal government.

Pasco County resident Andrew Nappi is the director of the nascent Florida chapter of the Tenth Amendment Center. He and Francisco Rodriquez, a noted constitutional scholar and states’ rights speaker, organized the first ever statewide Florida stop along the NullifyNow! countrywide Tour. The event brought together a diverse blend of groups whose primary goal is to stir up grassroots support to take action at the federal and state level. Encouraging states to nullify overreaching federal laws and regulations that limit what sovereign states can do is the overarching goal of the tour. The recent court decision to allow Florida and 39 other states to challenge to the federal health care reform law is an example of nullification in action.

Nappi kicked off the daylong event with a rousing speech extolling the virtues of nullification. He noted that the Founding Fathers “stingingly” ceded limited powers to the federal government. Nappi told the crowd of over 400 that there have been encroachments of federal jurisdiction into state government and pointed out that there is a system of checks and balances to challenge those encroachments. More importantly Mr. Nappi encouraged that “nullification of unlawful general government acts” is the only way to stop the intrusion.

This writer had the opportunity to help educate the crowd about the most effective ways to communicate with state legislators. Building relationships with lawmakers and an understanding of timing the legislative process were two key points that were stressed during the presentation. This writer stated “ a strong state government, fueled by citizen participation, will help stave off a runaway federal government whose tentacles reach farther and farther across our borders as each year passes. You are the ones who can go out and beat back those tentacles by making sure your lawmakers know what is important to you. And, perhaps more importantly, are willing to take action to ensure your voice is heard.”

The two headline speakers were former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson and New York Times bestselling author Tom Woods. Governor Johnson, rumored to be in the running for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, had the crowd on its feet as he discussed his eight years reforming state government in New Mexico. He pointed out the proliferation of knee-jerk legislation that defines much of what happens in statehouses all across America. He brought the crowd to a round of hearty applause when he shared that soon after a track and field team member was injured pole vaulting in one of New Mexico’s public schools, a bill soon arrived on his desk mandating that all pole vaulters in public schools must wear helmets. The governor noted that he vetoed the bill, as he did over 700 other bills during his tenure, a figure that was more than the combined vetoes of all the country’s governors in that particular year. The governor’s point being that people can take responsibility for their own actions and don’t always need the government telling them what to do.

As a border state governor, Johnson also spoke about his thoughts on immigration as well as the federal government’s failed efforts to reduce the importation of marijuana into the country. These issues will no doubt be a part of his platform if he decides to enter the next presidential race. Based on the numerous standing ovations he received in Orlando he looks as though he will at least be a viable candidate among those who care about personal liberty and a smaller federal government.
The keynote speaker of the day was Thomas Woods, New York Times bestselling author of ten books, most recently Nullification: How to Resist Federal Tyranny in the 21st Century. Woods defines states nullification as “the idea that the states can and must refuse to enforce unconstitutional federal laws.” He points to President Thomas Jefferson’s words that “nullification is the rightful remedy” when the federal government oversteps its bounds. Woods’ rallying cry is that the “mainstream has put the Constitution through a paper shredder.” Throughout his presentation he had the crowd on its feet many times in wild applause as he pointed out that , despite mainstream disapproval (i.e. political figures, major news media and political pundits) “we need nullification of unconstitutional federal law.” Woods then proceeded to point out the historical precedent in the nation’s founding documents to prove his point.
Additional speakers followed Woods’ presentation. One of the final speakers, constitutional scholar and lecturer Francisco Rodriquez, followed up on this writer’s presentation from earlier in the day by teaching the crowd how to spend time building a network of advocates working on Tenth Amendment issues throughout the year. Rodriquez explained that if each person dedicated only 15 minutes a week (only 2 minutes a day) towards effective contact with their legislators, they will be able to keep Tenth Amendment issues in the minds of lawmakers year round.
The 10-10-10 event ended with the undeniable fact that Florida has stepped onto the national stage as a force to be reckoned with in the arena of nullification. As a fitting coda to the conference, a federal judge in Florida decided last week that Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum’s challenge against the federal health care law can move forward. No doubt if the announcement had been made at the NullifyNow! event it would have brought wild cheers from those assembled.

The writer has 16 years of experience working in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate as the chief legislative assistant to current Senate President Pro-Tempore Mike Fasano.

Labor Day Message from Agency for Workforce Innovation Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo

By Cynthia R. Lorenzo
Director, Agency for Workforce Innovation

As our nation takes time to honor the achievements of American workers this Labor Day, we at the Agency for Workforce Innovation applaud the more than 9.2 million dedicated men and women who compose the workforce of our great state. The resilience, the talent and the ingenuity demonstrated by Florida’s workforce and our business community are helping pave the road to economic recovery while well-positioning our state for the new decade ahead.

Recognizing the unprecedented challenges Floridians have faced during this national recession, AWI and our partners in the workforce system have worked diligently to enhance the services we provide and to develop innovative strategies for ensuring Florida’s employers and workers have the support and assistance they need. … Continue Reading

FWC Outta’ the Woods

Get Your Hunt On
By Tony Young

Even though you can hardly tell, summer is officially over. Kids have returned to school, and hunting season’s already been going on for a month now in South Florida. Finally, the time of year we’ve been waiting for is upon us – the beginning of archery season.

Besides hunting the rut, archery season provides a great opportunity to take a trophy whitetail and arguably is one of the best times to do so. If you’re stealthy enough and have done your homework, you’ve got a good chance of having a nice one come within shooting range of your bowhunting setup. … Continue Reading

New EPA Water Regulations Threaten Floridians Surviving on Low and Fixed Incomes

By State Senator Chris Smith

The new water regulations proposed by the EPA would require the state’s water utilities to spend tens of billions of dollars to upgrade water treatment facilities. Although the goals of the new regulations are noble, at a time when the state of Florida is facing a $5 to $6 billion budget deficit and our counties and cities are facing proportional deficits, now is not the time to implement these new regulations. During this period of high unemployment, these costs could impede our state’s economic recovery, force Florida businesses to cut jobs, and increase the price of utilities, food and other necessities for Florida employers, families and consumers. … Continue Reading

A Glimpse of the Florida Legislature’s 2010 Special Session

By Representative Joe Gibbons
July 30, 2010

On July 20, the Florida Legislature was called into special session in response to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Recognizing the threats to our coastal communities and ecosystems, Governor Charlie Crist called the session for the sole purpose of asking the Legislature to allow voters to consider amending the Florida Constitution this fall to prohibit near-shore drilling in state waters 3 to 10 miles from our coastline.

House Speaker Larry Cretul began the session telling Florida House members that the governor lacked veto power over proposed constitutional amendments and the proposed amendment would not resolve the current issues caused by the spill. He said additional studies were needed before the House and Senate should respond. Rather than acting on the constitutional amendment, he established six workgroups to address problems facing Florida’s coastal communities. … Continue Reading

Florida Steps Up for Space

By Sen. Mike Haridopolos

“We cannot cede our leadership in space. That’s why I’m going to close the gap, ensure that our space program doesn’t suffer when the shuttle goes out of service…. by continuing to support NASA funding, by speeding the development of the shuttle’s successor, by making sure that all those who work in the space industry in Florida do not lose their jobs when the shuttle is retired, because we can’t afford to lose their expertise.”
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama
August 2, 2008, Brevard Community College – Titusville

When then-candidate Barack Obama visited Brevard County in August 2008, he made a clear promise to the Space Coast and to all Americans that our space program would be a priority of his administration. So when he visited again on April 15, 2010 with a different proposal, it became disappointingly clear that our leaders in Washington had turned their backs on the promises of the last election.

Despite Washington’s inaction, Florida’s Legislature has strengthened its commitment to making sure that our region remains the world’s premier spaceport. Our goal has always been to ensure that Florida continues to lead the world in space and that we do not lose badly needed jobs to other states. … Continue Reading

Gov. Crist Can Improve Florida Transportation by Signing HB 1271

By Doug Callaway
Floridians for Better Transportation

Gov. Crist has demonstrated strong leadership by vetoing the Legislature’s effort to raid $160 million from Florida’s Transportation Trust Fund, which pays for needed transportation projects with revenue collected from gas taxes.

This action will ensure that money paid by Florida motorists through state gas taxes will continue to serve its intended purpose — creating jobs and keeping Florida’s transportation system safe, efficient and effective.

With this accomplishment under his belt, Gov. Crist can now finish the job and leave a lasting and positive legacy on transportation issues by approving a second piece of the puzzle – HB 1271, a comprehensive bill containing key priorities for Florida’s transportation system. … Continue Reading

Be Prepared: The start of the 2010 Hurricane Season

By David Halstead, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management

In April Governor Crist gave me the distinct honor of appointing me as the Director of the Division of Emergency Management. While the vast majority of my time since that appointment and the time of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) has been involved with preparing for the potential future impacts that may be caused by the Deepwater Horizon incident, it is time to shift some of that focus to the beginning of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The weather experts tell us that we can expect a busy hurricane season. The current forecast calls for an above average year for the formation of hurricanes. While we respect those that forecast these numbers, it is important that we remind our citizens and visitors that it only takes one storm to cause loss of lives and devastating property damage. Hurricane Andrew was a devastating Category 5 hurricane that struck our state in 1992. That was a year in which the forecast called for a below average year for the formation of hurricanes. So again while the higher numbers bring to light the start of the hurricane season, we have to remain focused on individual responsibility and being prepared for the one storm that may impact the state and your community. … Continue Reading