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Photo of the Florida Capitol with the words Legislative Update 2023

In the first week of the 2023 legislative session, we have seen a mixed bag of proposed policies regarding public schools and the needs of Florida’s students. A bill that would result in devastating cuts to your school district has its last hearing in the Senate and will reach the House floor Thursday. On a more positive note, there have been bright spots of bipartisanship as bills strengthening suicide prevention programs and expanding children's access to healthcare have received unanimous support at their respective committee meetings.

It is critical that we tell our elected officials what we want for our children, teachers and public schools.

Read the update below and visit the Advocacy Dashboard to take action for students. We make it easy to identify and contact your legislators via email and/or social media. Together, we can advocate for policies that invest in children and support their future.

 

Protect kids from harmful cuts

The House is poised to vote this Thursday on the Legislature's priority bill to expand education vouchers- estimated to cut more than $4.6 billion from public school funding. The most recent data shows that Florida is 43rd in public education funding -- more than $5,000 behind the national average. We cannot afford this massive giveaway of precious dollars.

Florida students face numerous challenges caused by the disruptions of the pandemic and an unprecedented exodus of qualified educators. Now is the time to stabilize education funding to support the very real needs of students, not to irresponsibly spend on a program with no financial limits on how much it drains from local schools.

Tell politicians to use our tax dollars responsibly to invest in our children and the public schools where the overwhelming majority of Florida's parents choose to send their children.

Say YES to bipartisan bill for kids' healthcare

A bill that would give more of our state's neediest children access to basic health care has bipartisan sponsorship and passed its first committee with a unanimous bipartisan vote. When children are healthy, they are ready to learn. Healthy children lead to healthy communities where all children can have a strong start and reach their full potential. 

According to the Children's Movement of Florida, our state ranks near the bottom in terms of providing our children with access to quality health care. Without routine screening, only an estimated 30% of children with developmental issues are identified before they reach kindergarten. Early intervention can support families and caregivers to promote success in school and in life.

Tell Florida lawmakers that you support the bipartisan effort to expand access to basic health care for children. 

Thank lawmakers for suicide prevention bill

A bill that would study and strengthen the state's suicide prevention programs passed its first committee with a unanimous bipartisan vote this week. 

Suicide is a major public health issue and the second leading cause of death among youth. The good news is-- suicide is preventable Preventing suicide requires strategies at every level- for individuals, families, schools, and communities. 

Thank lawmakers for their support of the bipartisan effort to strengthen suicide prevention programs. 

 
 

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