On Wednesday the League of Women Voters of Florida announced their Florida voter service website BeReadyToVote.org is up and running online in advance of the August Primary. Visitors to BeReadyToVote.org can check their voter status, find their polling place, and access a candidate voter guide powered by VOTE411.
The Florida Elections Division is extending the hours of its Voter Assistance Hotline after complaints and reports throughout the state that the state’s online registration database was malfunctioning. The decision allows voters more time to register or make changes to their registrations before the primary deadline. The League of Women Voters of Florida and the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law had urged the state to extend the hotline hours.
Florida has taken the lead in both residential and utility solar. All across the state neighbors are banding together to bundle their buying power and use their roofs to save money and reduce their utility bills.
Solar co-ops have helped propel the state into a leading position for rooftop solar, with the state leading the nation with a 110% growth rate in residential rooftop solar permits. The co-ops help by bundling consumer buying power and bringing discounts, as well as easy to understand information about how solar can help homeowners save money.
Solar United Neighbors, a non-profit based in Washington D.C., working with their partner the League of Women Voters of Florida, has launched 34 solar co-ops around the state, with many more planned or in process for 2018. Currently there are active co-ops in Orange County, St. Petersburg, Miami-Dade, Highland, Citrus, Franklin, Bay, and Sarasota counties,as well as the Upper Keys. In the past two years, the co-ops have accounted for 10% of all new residential solar in the state.
The co-ops are installing their 1,000th home this summer, using local solar installers from around the state. In just over two years the co-ops have invested almost $10 million in rooftop solar, added 267 jobs, and helped Florida consumers save millions.
Now growing by $1 million a month for rooftop solar, co-op participants all across Florida are jumping on board. “The best part was that by working with the co-op, it was really easy,” said Charlie Behrens, a co-op participant from Orlando. “The last time I went solar, I had to do all of the legwork myself. This meant vetting the installers, researching different hardware, figuring out endless financial permutations and lots of cold-feet second-guessing. This year when we wanted to add panels via the co-op, we had a good clear decision within a day, and at a lower price than we could ever get as just one rooftop.”
Co-op participants work together and with the support of Solar United Neighbors to learn about solar. They form a bulk purchase group that selects one installer through an open bidding process. Participants select the installer whose proposal best serves the needs of the group. The selected installer then develops personalized proposals for each homeowner. Participants then decide if going solar is right for them. The co-ops are free to join and there is no obligation to proceed or purchase a solar system.
Experts say Florida should be one of the top three states in the country for rooftop solar due to days of sunshine and high electric bills stemming from almost year-round use of air conditioning.
“Rooftop solar is one of the very best investments a homeowner in Florida can make,” said Dr. Jim Fenton, Director of the Florida Solar Energy Center at University of Central Florida. “Depending on some variables such as roof orientation, utility, etc., homeowners can expect almost a 14% return per year.”
“Standing room only at our public meetings around the state from cities to small towns showed us that the time was right to use this fun social media device to expand awareness,” said League president Patricia Brigham.
The results speak for themselves. Angela DeMonbreun, state director of Solar United Neighbors, says the neighborhood co-ops contributed nearly 10% of all new residential rooftop solar in Florida in 2017, and is the largest and fastest growing marketplace for Solar United Neighbors, which introduces solar co-ops in nine states.
1,000th home gets solar through the co-ops this summer
$19.6 million worth of solar invested in Florida because of co-ops
$500,000 worth of solar is added every month through solar co-ops
Videos can be viewed on the League’s YouTube channel. For local interviews of volunteers or solar owners, contact Deirdre Macnab, Chair, League of Women Voters Campaign for Solar (407) 415-4559.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) today announced the installation of veteran state board member and Orange County league leader Patricia “Patti” Brigham as the organization’s new state president. Outgoing president Pamela Goodman will pass the gavel to Brigham at the meeting of the state board on Saturday.
Goodman has presided over three years of unprecedented growth in membership and expansion of league engagement in voter education and advocacy. Her term capped 13 years serving in voluntary leadership positions at local, state and national levels. She is resigning from league leadership to pursue a new professional opportunity. As executive director of Ruth’s List, she will be working to encourage more women to run for public office in Florida.
“Our strong board of directors and our leadership succession plan allows this organization to seamlessly continue its mission under the new leadership of Patti Brigham,” Goodman said. “Our members are the lifeblood of this organization and I am confident their passion, commitment and professionalism will continue to make LWVFL a powerful force for Florida’s voters and our future.”
A proven national and Florida grassroots leader and coalition builder, Brigham joined the LWVFL state board in 2015 and moved into the position of first vice president in 2016. After joining the League of Women Voters of Orange County (LWVOC) in 2013 Patti quickly assumed leadership duties, serving on the Membership Committee and working with young League members to organize and host “Speak Easy with the League” events. In 2014 she formed the LWVOC Gun Safety Action team which was later adopted statewide. That same year she was appointed to the LWVOC Board of Directors and served for two years. In 2016, in the days following the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Patti partnered with Goodman to form the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence which now includes more than 100 organizational partners.
“This is an exciting time for the League with the growth we’re experiencing and so many young people eager to be ready to vote,” Brigham said. “I hope to carry forward Pam’s many accomplishments and build on them.”
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. League has never endorsed a candidate or a political party in its 98 year history. Voting rights, voter registration, and election reform are consistent priorities of the organization. Other current issues include Education, Healthcare, Natural Resources and Solar Energy expansion, Gun Safety and Juvenile Justice. LWV Florida has experienced an 80 percent growth in membership in the last 3 years and is now the second largest league in the country. Florida touts the largest local leagues in the country with Palm Beach County, Orange County, and St. Petersburg leading the way. The League is represented in 30 counties throughout Florida.
“Election years are when the League becomes particularly vital to voters to help them make informed choices,” Brigham added. “I’m ready and excited for the challenge!”
To learn more and find your local chapter, visit lwvfl.org.
Students led the cry demanding gun law reform at a Wednesday afternoon rally in Tallahassee, as thousands gathered in support at the Historic Florida Capitol. Hosted by the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters of Florida, the young people raised up their voices with intelligence and grace just one week after 17 people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School by a 19-year-old using a military-style assault weapon.
“The League of Women Voters of Florida is honored to stand with these courageous, passionate, and fierce students and this movement for safe gun legislation in Florida,” said Pamela Goodman, president of the state League. “We support their call for a ban on assault weapons in our state and vow to speak to every legislator in every office, committee, and session until our officials adjourn in 2½ weeks. Hear the bills, debate them, and pass them.”
Patricia Brigham, co-chair of the Coalition and 1st vice president of the Florida League agreed. “Today we heard the voices of our future voters. Through the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the many others who rallied by the thousands at the Capitol, we are seeing the tide turn toward responsible gun reform before our eyes. Our students are leading the way.”
For the past two legislative sessions, the Coalition and League have supported a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
In the wake of yet another horrific massacre in our state and as students’ outraged voices join the growing cry demanding action, the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters of Florida are holding a Rally To Support Gun Safety Reform at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 21 on the steps of the Historic Florida Capitol.
For the past two legislative sessions, the Coalition and League have supported a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Sen. Linda Stewart have introduced bills calling for these bans, but neither have been placed on their legislative committees’ agenda to be heard.
At Wednesday’s rally, dozens of students, many who have spoken passionately and eloquently in recent days, will lead the charge for meaningful change. Afterward, petitions that contain thousands of signatures calling for the assault weapon and large-capacity magazine bans will be delivered to Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Joe Negron, and House Speaker Richard Corcoran.
“We demand these bills be heard – and passed,” said Patricia Brigham, Coalition co-chair and 1st vice president of the state League. “What possible argument can be made that legislation designed to loosen gun laws get a full airing year after year, while smart gun safety bills languish? Our legislators are literally allowing our residents – our children – to be slaughtered.”
The fact that the 19-year-old who killed 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week legally bought the AR-15 rifle he used for the premeditated murders should be catalyst enough to move our legislators to action.
“After the latest horrific tragedy in Parkland, Gov. Scott and the Florida Legislature must act now to ban military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines,” said Andy Pelosi, co-chair of the Coalition and director of The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus. “Our students and staff need to know that they are safe. The time for action is now.”
The rally will include a number of speakers, including students, Sen. Gary Farmer, Rep. Smith, Angie Gallo of Florida PTA, Brigham, and the Rev. Joe Parramore.
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence was created by the League of Women Voters of Florida after the Pulse shooting to promote smart gun legislation. It has grown to include more than 120 local, state, and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Hispanic Federation, the Florida PTA, Equality Florida, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, and Doctors for America.
As Floridians continue to grapple with the massacres at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, our state is mourning yet another mass shooting, this time at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County. At least 17 people have died, while many others have been injured. Our thoughts are with the Parkland community and those families forever impacted by today’s unspeakable tragedy.
The shooter, now in custody, was reportedly a former student who apparently chose an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle to use as his weapon. These types of weapons have been used in mass shootings again and again, including Aurora, Colorado; Newtown, Connecticut; San Bernardino, California; Orlando, Florida; Sutherland Springs, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Right now, the Florida Legislature has before it legislation to ban military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines but has failed to act.
This shooting is further proof that semiautomatic weapons do not belong in the hands of civilians. They are weapons of mass destruction. The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters of Florida call upon our Legislature currently in Session to hear and pass the ban on assault weapons — HB 219 and SB 196.
Our hearts break for the young lives that were ripped away in a senseless and all-too-common act of brutality. The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is committed to fighting for smart, responsible gun legislation. The federal government will not change these laws; the state of Florida can and should protect its citizens, and most importantly its children.
As our community continues to recover from the Pulse nightclub massacre and the nation reels from yet another fatal school shooting, the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is rolling out a series of gun safety public service announcements.
The Coalition will begin sharing more than a dozen short videos today featuring heartfelt testimonials that highlight the need for common sense gun laws, including a state ban on military-style assault weapons.
“So often the conversation promoting dangerous gun legislation is based on incorrect, unreliable, and outright dishonest information,” said Patricia Brigham, Coalition co-chair and 1st vice president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “The Coalition’s goal is to separate fact from fiction to save ourselves from a dangerous gun culture that is literally killing us.”
Among those speaking of their personal pain, deep-felt beliefs, and law enforcement experience in the videos are Pulse survivor Chris Hansen; Mayra Alvear, whose daughter was killed at Pulse; David Barden, whose young nephew was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary; Dr. Marcus Levy, pediatric surgeon; the Rev. Bryan Fulwider; Charles Davis, gun owner and Vietnam veteran; and retired Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Verity.
Brigham and Carol Davis, co-presidents of the Orange County League of Women Voters, are also featured.
“These factual videos continue to shine a light on the reality of safe gun legislation needed in Florida and our country,” said Pamela Goodman, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “We are thankful for the voices of these people and are empowered to spread their voices to our lawmakers.”
The rollout comes as Florida legislators are considering proposed gun bills that include allowing firearms to be brought into places of worship and weakening the concealed weapons background check system. It also coincides with the release of “49 Pulses,” a documentary that shares survivors’ stories.
As the Coalition releases the videos on social media, it asks those who watch to share them with their family and friends, tell their own stories of how gun violence has affected their lives, educate themselves further at preventgunviolenceflorida.org, and contact their legislators.
Facebook pages and Twitter feeds. In the coming days, versions will appear on both
organizations’ Instagram accounts.
“We are very excited to launch this series of informative and compelling videos across the state with the intent of driving people to take action to reduce gun violence,” said Andy Pelosi, Coalition co-chair and director of The Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus.”
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence was created by the League of Women Voters of Florida after the Pulse shooting to promote smart gun legislation. It has grown to include more than 120 local, state and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Hispanic Federation, the Florida PTA, Equality Florida, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, and Doctors for America.
The League of Women Voters of Florida congratulates the hundreds of thousands of Floridians committed to grassroots action in succeeding to submit more than 1.1 million petitions and place the Second Chances Voting Restoration amendment on the ballot.
“League members have been working diligently and consistently on this issue for years, and we are thrilled that our efforts, and the efforts of so many other dedicated organizations and citizens have achieved this momentous accomplishment,” said Pamela Goodman, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida.
Nearly 1.5 million people in Florida who have served their time and paid their debts to society are permanently excluded from voting. This amendment will make sure Floridians who have paid their debts in full are given the opportunity to have their voices heard. The amendment specifically excludes those individuals who have committed murder or a felony sexual offense.
“Through the hard work of Florida voters and unwavering dedication of a truly grassroots movement, we have reached a historic milestone and have officially placed the Second Chances Voting Restoration Amendment on the ballot,” said Desmond Meade, Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy and spokesperson for Second Chances Florida Campaign. “Voters took matters in their own hands to ensure that their fellow Floridians, family members, and friends who’ve made past mistakes, served their time and paid their debts to society are given a second chance and the opportunity to earn back their ability to vote.”
The next step will be to spread the message of Florida For 4, and vote Yes on Amendment 4 this November.
For more information, visit lwvfl.org. To learn more about the Second Chances Campaign, visit secondchancesfl.org.
The League of Women Voters of Florida announced on Thursday that Marty Monroe has accepted the position of lobbyist for the upcoming 2018 legislative session. Marty Monroe
LWV Florida president Pamela Goodman stated, “Marty brings a treasure chest of League knowledge and a great background of skilled advocacy to the League of Women Voters of Florida. She is passionate and professional, and will represent us with grace, wit, facts, and force in Tallahassee. We are honored to welcome her to our team.”
Monroe stated, “I am delighted to be a part of this team of dedicated, tireless, and very focused advocates for good government and great outcomes for our citizens of Florida.”
Marty attended public schools in College Park/Orlando, graduated from Tusculum College with an undergraduate degree, and completed her graduate work at Florida State University. She lived for a short time in Ft. Myers, and returned to Tallahassee to work for several statewide campaigns. She also took a part-time job lobbying on behalf of the Florida Association on Aging/Florida Council on Aging.
Early in her career, she worked in the Florida Department of Education as a regional coordinator. While working with School Boards around the state, she was introduced to curriculum publishing companies.
Marty was recruited to work as a Sales Representative for Scott Foresman/Addison Wesley and later for Glencoe McGraw-Hill. She led the nation in sales for a newly formed division of Glencoe McGraw-Hill, which sold curriculum software/testing. Marty exceeded sales goals, receiving company leadership awards such as the Pacesetter Award.
She had another opportunity to work for a leading national integrated software curriculum company, Compass Learning. As an Account Executive, she met multiple territory expectations in the first year to join the Million Dollar Club.
As the software market expanded, Marty accepted the challenge of opening a new market in Alabama for Scientific Learning, a neurological intervention software company. In her initial year she generated over a half a million in sales and services.
Marty’s most recent sales position involved large enterprise sales solutions. She served as the Southeast Sales Account Manager for Educational Solutions Development, which provided administrative software for school systems nationwide. She oversaw installation of multiple year sales contracts totaling over $20 million.
Marty has been a member of the League of Women Voters for many years. She has served on the local board, and most recently served as interim executive director of the LWVFL.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
