Progressive Warn: Secret ALEC Meeting on Amelia Island Is a Democracy Killer
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Feb 1, 2012, 11:43:03 AM2/1/12
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FOR
IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: Susan Smith
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 (813) 390-3616
Caucus President Susan Smith stated, “The secretive process of allowing corporate lobbyists and billionaires to write legislation, which they then pass off to Florida legislators, is a betrayal of the intent of representative government. The closed-door gathering of legislators is not government in the sunshine.”
ALEC is a corporate front-group that writes "model bills" for its legislative members to promote throughout the country, in order to further the privatization of public institutions. Public education has been a primary target of ALEC’s coordinated efforts. Vouchers, charters, high-stakes testing and, most recently, parent trigger bills are a means of funneling public resources to the private entities which fund ALEC.
“We believe that Floridians value public education and see it as the key to our children’s future success. By allowing outsiders to influence the legislative process, ALEC members are abdicating their responsibility to put Florida’s interests first. And by meeting behind closed doors, Florida legislators are undermining the public trust.” Smith said.
The DPCF is calling on Florida politicians to stop accepting invitations to swanky junkets and to boycott ALEC events going forward. In addition, the DPCF encourages all concerned Florida taxpayers to contact their state representatives to advise them that public education in Florida is not “for sale” to the highest corporate bidder.
Invitation to the event:
The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida is a chartered caucus of the Florida Democratic Party.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 (813) 390-3616
Progressives Warn: Secret ALEC Meeting on Amelia Island Is a
Democracy Killer
TALLAHASSEE, FL
– The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida (DPCF) calls on Florida
legislators to boycott the upcoming academy being hosted by the American
Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). The ALEC K-12 Education Reform
Academy will be held February 3–4, 2012 at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia
Island, Florida. The DPCF sees this interference by outside interests as
a threat to our democracy. Democracy Killer
Caucus President Susan Smith stated, “The secretive process of allowing corporate lobbyists and billionaires to write legislation, which they then pass off to Florida legislators, is a betrayal of the intent of representative government. The closed-door gathering of legislators is not government in the sunshine.”
ALEC is a corporate front-group that writes "model bills" for its legislative members to promote throughout the country, in order to further the privatization of public institutions. Public education has been a primary target of ALEC’s coordinated efforts. Vouchers, charters, high-stakes testing and, most recently, parent trigger bills are a means of funneling public resources to the private entities which fund ALEC.
“We believe that Floridians value public education and see it as the key to our children’s future success. By allowing outsiders to influence the legislative process, ALEC members are abdicating their responsibility to put Florida’s interests first. And by meeting behind closed doors, Florida legislators are undermining the public trust.” Smith said.
The DPCF is calling on Florida politicians to stop accepting invitations to swanky junkets and to boycott ALEC events going forward. In addition, the DPCF encourages all concerned Florida taxpayers to contact their state representatives to advise them that public education in Florida is not “for sale” to the highest corporate bidder.
Invitation to the event:
You are cordially invited to attend ALEC’s K-12 Education Reform Academy, February 3&4, 2012 at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida. For invited legislators like you, ALEC will cover your room for up to two nights at the host hotel. ALEC will also reimburse up to $500 for travel expenses, which includes coach airfare, cab fare, and a reimbursement of 55.5 cents per mile driven.
This event will address the top reforms in K-12 education that ALEC believes each state must have to ensure the successful and productive education for all American students. We will discuss what you as a state legislator can do to address a variety of issues surrounding K-12 education reform, including charter schools accessibility, accountability and transparency, standards for teacher excellence, open enrollment, vouchers, tax credits, and blended learning options.
If you are able to join us, please fill out the registration form found here and return it via email to Monica Mastracco at mmast...@alec.org as soon as possible.
Feel free to contact Dave or me if you have any questions regarding this invitation.
We hope to see you in Amelia Island!
This event will address the top reforms in K-12 education that ALEC believes each state must have to ensure the successful and productive education for all American students. We will discuss what you as a state legislator can do to address a variety of issues surrounding K-12 education reform, including charter schools accessibility, accountability and transparency, standards for teacher excellence, open enrollment, vouchers, tax credits, and blended learning options.
If you are able to join us, please fill out the registration form found here and return it via email to Monica Mastracco at mmast...@alec.org as soon as possible.
Feel free to contact Dave or me if you have any questions regarding this invitation.
We hope to see you in Amelia Island!
The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida is a chartered caucus of the Florida Democratic Party.
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