Well its that time of the year when Firefighter, Police, EMS workers go to Tallahassee to try and see OUR Legislators. I know Wrobert, its all our fault
. I have been going over there this time a year for the last 4 or 5 years and I can tell my impressions. 1. I don't think the Legislators are attentive to their constitutes as we would like them to be. 2. They seem to be very attentive to the Leadership of which ever house they are working in, ie the Senate or the House. 3. I think that when money is doled out by special interst it seems to work as long as it is handed out in large quanities. Insurance, banks manufacturing and yes even Public and private sector Unions give money.
Last year I went, and the State was cutting into schools, medicaid and the like and although as a group these may not be our issue, as people they are. I have a friend who has a child with a mental disability, not sure if that is PC, but my friend is retired and has a good retirement, he has always been able to provide insurance for his child, but maintained medicaid 'just in case'. He recieved a letter while we were in Tallahasse last year, advising him his sons eligibility would be cut off.
When I had the opportunity to discuss this with our legislators from this area, one told me it would never happen and the other said it was because he did not use it and that is why he was being cut off. Both were poor answers to say the least.
If you ever have the opportunity and you are passionate about an issue or a multitude of issues, I encourage you to go, set up appointments with your Legislators beforehand and let them know why you are coming, sometimes you will actually see the person or a lot of times you will see his staffers. I think you will find out whether he is representing you or the leadership in Tallahassee. I'll let you know how things go, hopefully we will have a good trip.
. I have been going over there this time a year for the last 4 or 5 years and I can tell my impressions. 1. I don't think the Legislators are attentive to their constitutes as we would like them to be. 2. They seem to be very attentive to the Leadership of which ever house they are working in, ie the Senate or the House. 3. I think that when money is doled out by special interst it seems to work as long as it is handed out in large quanities. Insurance, banks manufacturing and yes even Public and private sector Unions give money. Last year I went, and the State was cutting into schools, medicaid and the like and although as a group these may not be our issue, as people they are. I have a friend who has a child with a mental disability, not sure if that is PC, but my friend is retired and has a good retirement, he has always been able to provide insurance for his child, but maintained medicaid 'just in case'. He recieved a letter while we were in Tallahasse last year, advising him his sons eligibility would be cut off.
When I had the opportunity to discuss this with our legislators from this area, one told me it would never happen and the other said it was because he did not use it and that is why he was being cut off. Both were poor answers to say the least. If you ever have the opportunity and you are passionate about an issue or a multitude of issues, I encourage you to go, set up appointments with your Legislators beforehand and let them know why you are coming, sometimes you will actually see the person or a lot of times you will see his staffers. I think you will find out whether he is representing you or the leadership in Tallahassee. I'll let you know how things go, hopefully we will have a good trip.
