Community Changemakers: “Fighting for a better quality of life.”

by Michelle Guerin, South West Florida Chapter AFL-CIOApril 19, 2016April 25, 2016

In our latest Community Changemakers, Michelle Guerin, Field Representative for the Southwest Chapter of the South Florida AFL-CIO, sits down with former Ironworker, Larry Aguilar, to talk about labor, apprenticeships, immigration reform and local community work that’s helping provide new opportunities for disenfranchised youth in the Ft. Myers area.

Labor

Labor Spotlight: “My work speaks louder than other peoples’ opinions do.”

by Yennifer Mateo, Volusia-Flagler AFL-CIOFebruary 24, 2016April 4, 2016

In our monthly Labor spotlight, Field Representative for the Volusia-Flagler AFL-CIO Yennifer Mateo interviews Theresa King was the first woman ever to be elected as President of the Florida Building and Construction Trades.

Legislative • Taxes and Economy

Recurring Tax Cuts Will Reduce Investments for Years to Come

by Alan Stonecipher, Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic PolicyFebruary 18, 2016February 24, 2016

... the decisions made about tax cuts in this legislative session will impact the amount available for appropriations to meet state needs not only this year, but also future years.

Community • Legislative

To find conservation leaders, go to the polls in November

by Aliki Moncrief, Executive Director of Florida Conservation VotersFebruary 16, 2016February 18, 2016

The Senate’s current budget proposal provides only $22.3 million (one tenth of a penny) for buying conservation lands compared to the $300 million historically allocated to Florida Forever. Voters intended for Water and Land Conservation Amendment to at least restore Florida Forever funding closer to historic levels.

Health Care • Legislative • Taxes and Economy

Paid For, Never Redeemed

by Greg Mellowe, Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic PolicyFebruary 3, 2016February 16, 2016

State Savings in Florida’s Medicaid Program Due to Floridians’ Lagging Incomes Are More Than Sufficient to Fund the Extension of Coverage to 800,000 Uninsured, Low-Income Adults.

Legislative • Taxes and Economy

Scott Budget: Tax Cuts Consume Growth Dollars, Leaving Little for Investments in State Services

by Alan Stonecipher, Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic PolicyJanuary 29, 2016February 3, 2016

Governor Rick Scott's budget proposal for the 2016-17 fiscal year is notable for one stark fact: It proposes spending more than twice as much money from general revenue growth on tax cuts than on increasing funding for vital state services.

Labor • Legislative

It Is Time To Show State Workers Some Respect

by Andy Madtes, AFSCME FloridaJanuary 21, 2016January 29, 2016

As you would expect, it takes a lot to keep our state moving forward. That task falls to the hardworking men and women who serve in state government. And leaders across the state, on both sides of the political aisle, are asking the question if we are investing enough in these dedicated employees.

Legislative • Taxes and Economy

Threadbare Mental Health System Exemplifies the Case Against Tax Cuts

by Greg Mellowe, Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic PolicyJanuary 20, 2016January 21, 2016

Even the relatively few who are eligible to receive services  ultimately fall into the numerous gaps in Florida’s publicly funded mental health system.

Labor • Legislative

Fracking in Florida Will Change our State Forever

by Amy Datz, Environmental Caucus of Florida, Professional Environmental Scientist for over 40 yearsDecember 16, 2015January 11, 2016

Hydraulic Fracturing or Fracking will be a hot button issue in the 2016 legislative session.

WDRRWF • Who Does Rick Really Work For?

Scottcare: Florida “Open for Business”

by David FernandezOctober 29, 2014

Who does Rick really work for?: That’s a good question, because it’s really tough for Florida’s working families to trust Rick’s flipping positions on healthcare policy.