EDITORIAL: Priorities for the Florida Legislature 2014
By Treasure Coast Newspapers, Stuart, Fla. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Protect local fertilizer limits: With leadership from Sewall's Point, local governments across the
Push for lagoon funding:
Re-study southern flow-way: Despite widespread understanding that the only way to stop
Oppose Patronis bill: Rep.
SHAPING OUR FUTURE
Return local authority over short-term rentals: In 2011, the
Require All Aboard Florida to pay costs for "quiet zones": Privately owned All Aboard Florida plans to run 16 passenger trains daily each way between
End state's red light camera program: In 2011, the
Regulate "sober homes": Sober homes -- recovery residences for individuals attempting to establish or maintain abstinence from drugs or alcohol -- have proliferated in
EDUCATION/SOCIAL ISSUES
Increase funding and accountability for voluntary pre-kindergarten programs: Based on brain research,
Increase per pupil funding for K-12 programs: Gov.
Accept federal funding for expansion of
Increase oversight and penalties for assisted living facilities that put their residents in jeopardy: Some improvements have been made administratively to improve conditions at assisted living facilities, but legislative action is needed to increase inspections and provide more timely and certain punishments for homes whose employees prey on the elderly and disabled.
ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY
Make it easier for voters to see who is influencing public officials during campaigns:
Require agendas of public meetings to describe matters of discussion: Floridians should not be surprised by what their representatives vote on. The vast majority of the time
Do not allow secret searches: While some might argue the open nature of state university presidential searches keeps superior candidates from applying, publicity about the applicants also can dissuade trustees from hiring a subpar candidate. Lawmakers should reject SB 728, which would keep secret anything identifying applicants for president, provost or dean and allow closed meetings to identify and vet applicants and discuss compensation.
___
(c)2014 the Treasure Coast Newspapers (Stuart, Fla.)
Visit the Treasure Coast Newspapers (Stuart, Fla.) at www.tcpalm.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 1257 |
St. Lucie County Community Calendar, updated March 2
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News