Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement regarding the end of the 2009 Legislative Session:
“This year, Florida faced one of the toughest budget years in recent history. Lawmakers were forced to reduce the state budget, but under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Jeff Atwater, House Speaker Larry Cretul and all of our Republican leaders worked hard to protect services and programs that are imperative to all Floridians.
“Under Republican leadership, lawmakers listened to the needs of Floridians and passed meaningful legislation that will strengthen Florida’s economy. We extend our most sincere thanks to Governor Crist and all the members of Florida Legislature for their hard work on behalf of the people who sent them here. “
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
STATEMENT FROM RNC CHAIRMAN STEELE REGARDING PRESIDENT'S POSITION ON DC SCHOOL VOUCHERS
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:
“No one should be fooled into believing that President Obama’s ‘extension’ of Washington, D.C.’s school voucher program is a victory for students or a step toward better education in the District of Columbia. It’s not, and denying District schoolchildren who are currently outside of the program the right and ability to attend better schools is nothing to celebrate. If the president is serious about finding budget cuts, he should start by reducing his own proposals for reckless spending programs, not by eliminating a modest program for a limited number of children from very low-income families who otherwise would be condemned to failing schools.
The president’s decision to end the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program leaves future DC students and parents with less choice and less opportunity to get a better education.
Rather than stand up to do what is right, President Obama, who has written two books—one with a title of ‘Hope’ and the other of ‘Dreams’—has pledged to deny the hopes and dreams of poor, minority families who simply seek the opportunity that I had, the opportunity that he himself had, and the opportunity that we all seek for our own children—a better education.
The president should ask Congress to reverse course and reinstitute this important education initiative so District schoolchildren get the quality education they want and deserve.”
“No one should be fooled into believing that President Obama’s ‘extension’ of Washington, D.C.’s school voucher program is a victory for students or a step toward better education in the District of Columbia. It’s not, and denying District schoolchildren who are currently outside of the program the right and ability to attend better schools is nothing to celebrate. If the president is serious about finding budget cuts, he should start by reducing his own proposals for reckless spending programs, not by eliminating a modest program for a limited number of children from very low-income families who otherwise would be condemned to failing schools.
The president’s decision to end the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program leaves future DC students and parents with less choice and less opportunity to get a better education.
Rather than stand up to do what is right, President Obama, who has written two books—one with a title of ‘Hope’ and the other of ‘Dreams’—has pledged to deny the hopes and dreams of poor, minority families who simply seek the opportunity that I had, the opportunity that he himself had, and the opportunity that we all seek for our own children—a better education.
The president should ask Congress to reverse course and reinstitute this important education initiative so District schoolchildren get the quality education they want and deserve.”
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Alan Grayson AWOL On Stimulus Oversight Hearing
From the NRCC:
Alan Grayson AWOL On Stimulus Oversight Hearing
Despite Campaigning as a “Watchdog” Trial Attorney, Grayson Skips Critical Hearing on Progress of Taxpayer Dollars
Washington – It seems Alan Grayson can’t live up to his harsh rhetoric from the campaign trail last year. While he claimed he could clean up Washington, he was notably absent from the most recent subcommittee hearing to track the billions of dollars in stimulus funds that were approved by Congressional Democrats.
“All the talk of supposed oversight during Alan Grayson’s campaign was obviously hot air,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Instead of handing over a trillion-dollar blank check to Nancy Pelosi, Alan Grayson should be ensuring that every single taxpayer dollar is being spent wisely and not on pork-barrel projects. If Alan Grayson isn’t interested in holding the federal bureaucracy accountable then who is going to hold him accountable?”
Background:
The hearings, entitled “Follow the Money,” allow members of the subcommittee to question the officials in charge with distributing the stimulus funds to the various states. At the subcommittee’s second hearing, “Follow the Money II,” only 30% of the subcommittee’s members showed up, with Grayson being unaccounted for:
“Just three of the 10 members bothered to show up for the subcommittee's second meeting, dramatically titled ‘Follow the Money Part II.’…
“While Mr. Miller and the panel's top Republican were there, only Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, Pennsylvania Democrats, came to the hearing. Absent were Democratic Reps. Steven R. Rothman of New Jersey, Lincoln Davis of Tennessee, Charles A. Wilson of Ohio, Alan Grayson of Florida and Bart Gordon of Tennessee.” (“Stimulus oversight left up to taxpayers,” Washington Times, 05/06/2009)
To make matters worse, it was reported today that the details of the stimulus funds may not be released entirely until spring 2010:
“Although President Obama has vowed that citizens will be able to track ‘every dime’ of the $787 billion stimulus bill, a government website dedicated to the spending won't have details on contracts and grants until October and may not be complete until next spring — halfway through the program, administration officials said.” (“Details thin on stimulus contracts,” USA Today, 05/06/2009)
This is particularly embarrassing to Grayson after DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen touted Grayson’s ability to provide oversight and transparency for the American people:
“‘People are willing to make public investments if they know their money is being well spent. That's where Alan Grayson comes in. He understands it's important to invest in the public good. But he doesn't want to be wasting a penny of taxpayer money.’” (National Journal, 03/14/2009)
Alan Grayson AWOL On Stimulus Oversight Hearing
Despite Campaigning as a “Watchdog” Trial Attorney, Grayson Skips Critical Hearing on Progress of Taxpayer Dollars
Washington – It seems Alan Grayson can’t live up to his harsh rhetoric from the campaign trail last year. While he claimed he could clean up Washington, he was notably absent from the most recent subcommittee hearing to track the billions of dollars in stimulus funds that were approved by Congressional Democrats.
“All the talk of supposed oversight during Alan Grayson’s campaign was obviously hot air,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Instead of handing over a trillion-dollar blank check to Nancy Pelosi, Alan Grayson should be ensuring that every single taxpayer dollar is being spent wisely and not on pork-barrel projects. If Alan Grayson isn’t interested in holding the federal bureaucracy accountable then who is going to hold him accountable?”
Background:
The hearings, entitled “Follow the Money,” allow members of the subcommittee to question the officials in charge with distributing the stimulus funds to the various states. At the subcommittee’s second hearing, “Follow the Money II,” only 30% of the subcommittee’s members showed up, with Grayson being unaccounted for:
“Just three of the 10 members bothered to show up for the subcommittee's second meeting, dramatically titled ‘Follow the Money Part II.’…
“While Mr. Miller and the panel's top Republican were there, only Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, Pennsylvania Democrats, came to the hearing. Absent were Democratic Reps. Steven R. Rothman of New Jersey, Lincoln Davis of Tennessee, Charles A. Wilson of Ohio, Alan Grayson of Florida and Bart Gordon of Tennessee.” (“Stimulus oversight left up to taxpayers,” Washington Times, 05/06/2009)
To make matters worse, it was reported today that the details of the stimulus funds may not be released entirely until spring 2010:
“Although President Obama has vowed that citizens will be able to track ‘every dime’ of the $787 billion stimulus bill, a government website dedicated to the spending won't have details on contracts and grants until October and may not be complete until next spring — halfway through the program, administration officials said.” (“Details thin on stimulus contracts,” USA Today, 05/06/2009)
This is particularly embarrassing to Grayson after DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen touted Grayson’s ability to provide oversight and transparency for the American people:
“‘People are willing to make public investments if they know their money is being well spent. That's where Alan Grayson comes in. He understands it's important to invest in the public good. But he doesn't want to be wasting a penny of taxpayer money.’” (National Journal, 03/14/2009)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Governor Crist Announces Town Hall Meeting in Pensacola
Governor Charlie Crist today announced he will hold a town hall meeting at Pensacola Junior College to provide an opportunity for the citizens of Florida to voice their concerns about issues important to them.
“During these difficult economic times, we are faced with new and ever-changing issues that must be resolved,” said Governor Crist. “Town hall meetings provide an excellent forum for Floridians to express their concerns and offer suggestions for the future of our state.”
Details for the Pensacola town hall meeting are as follows:
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
12:00 p.m. – Doors Open, Participants Register
1:00-1:45 p.m. – Town Hall Meeting
1:45-2:00 p.m. – Media Availability
(All times CST)
Pensacola Junior College
WSRE AMOS Studio
1000 College Blvd, Building 23
Pensacola FL 32504
Contact: Sandy Ray
(850)572-3279
“During these difficult economic times, we are faced with new and ever-changing issues that must be resolved,” said Governor Crist. “Town hall meetings provide an excellent forum for Floridians to express their concerns and offer suggestions for the future of our state.”
Details for the Pensacola town hall meeting are as follows:
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
12:00 p.m. – Doors Open, Participants Register
1:00-1:45 p.m. – Town Hall Meeting
1:45-2:00 p.m. – Media Availability
(All times CST)
Pensacola Junior College
WSRE AMOS Studio
1000 College Blvd, Building 23
Pensacola FL 32504
Contact: Sandy Ray
(850)572-3279
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