On Sat. Feb. 20 2016 Nathan Crabbe wrote an editorial in the Gainesville Sun where he mentions Bob Graham’s comments on the failure of our elected representatives to carry our what the people of the State of Florida mandated.
It seems that our legislators simply cannot bring themselves to allow money to go to the springs and rivers—they must re-direct it to their interests and tangibles such as salaries and insurance. Why can they not do this simple thing? Could it be that the rivers and springs cannot pay back a favor?
It remains an enigma.
Editorial: Cheers and jeers
Published: Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 6:01 a.m.
“Last Modified: Friday, February 19, 2016 at 12:11 p.m.
The Florida Legislature is at it again with Amendment 1.
And former Gov. Bob Graham, who campaigned for the amendment, has had enough.
“They’re basically ignoring what the public has clearly indicated it wants, not just the spirit but the clear words,” Graham told the Associated Press.
Jeer: State lawmakers, for continuing to ignore the will of the 75 percent of voters who passed Amendment 1 to “acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands” — the language included on the ballot.
The state is being sued for spending less than 10 percent of last year’s funding on land conservation, while spending far more on routine expenses such as salaries and insurance. Yet legislators are pulling the same routine this year with the $652 million allocated through a state real-estate tax for Amendment 1.
The Tampa Bay Times reported the Senate’s budget would spend just $22.5 million of the money on the Florida Forever land-conservation program. This week, Senate leaders rejected an amendment by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, that would have allowed $225.5 million to be spent on Florida Forever.
Voters need to follow Graham’s advice and get active in lobbying lawmakers through groups like the one he formed, the Florida Conservation Coalition (floridaconservationcoalition.org).
This post approved by MBWE
Love Bob Graham, Thank you sir for all you have done!
He is a True Florida Hero
I wish we had more politicians like him!