Florida’s People Florida’s Promise

Last session, the Florida Legislature cut billions of dollars out of the state’s budget, significantly impacting human services. Projections of continuing budgetary problems suggest that the 2009 Legislature will make further cuts that will result in thousands of children and families – and others – losing services that could adversely impact their lives.

A few months ago, several organizations joined forces and formed “Florida’s People Florida’s Promise”, a citizen education and civic engagement effort founded by AARP, CBC of Seminole, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Florida Coalition for Children and Florida TaxWatch.

The mission of “Florida's People Florida’s Promise” is to build an unprecedented grassroots movement to protect Florida’s most vulnerable citizens. “Florida’s People Florida’s Promise” will accomplish this by urging Florida’s leaders to avoid simple yet drastic budget cuts and find fresh, wise, and cost-effective solutions to provide Florida’s citizens with the tools and opportunities for success in all stages of life. The end game is to create an unprecedented movement for protecting the already decimated human services system in Florida. During the 2009 legislative session the goal is to bring together associations, providers, businesses, educators, community groups, and individuals across all programs: mental health, alcohol & drug abuse, health care, children, elders and individuals with developmental disabilities.

You can make an impact by going to www.floridaspeople.org and signing the “Declaration of Inter-Dependence”, a general message about protecting vulnerable Floridians. You can also sign the "Endorsement Pledge", where you pledge to help promote the “Florida’s People – Florida’s Promise” initiative.

If you have any questions or comments call 850-577-5165, email Leslie Spencer or Laura Cantwell, or visit “Florida’s People Florida’s Promise” website at www.floridaspeople.org.