"Too many legislators acted as little more than rubber stamps for Gov. (Ron) DeSantis’ nonstop assault on our freedoms. . ." Josh Weierbach, Director of Florida Watch ___________________________________________________
FL Legislators Receive Failing Grades in People First Report Card
An assessment of how state legislators voted on key issues facing Florida residents resulted in failing grades for the majority in the recently released 2023 People First Report Card. Public interest organizations Progress Florida and Florida Watch graded each Florida legislator based on their voting records on key issues, including health, the economy, public schools, housing affordability, clean energy and water, reproductive freedom, equality, and
safeguarding democracy. The groups described the session as a "gut punch," based on passage of a package of laws backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that systematically rolled back support for education, human and reproductive rights, labor, and voting rights. Many of these egregious laws are facing court challenges. “Now, taxpayers are going to be left to pay the bills for this relentless onslaught of unconstitutional legislation that did nothing to address the real issues facing everyday Floridians,” noted Florida Watch Director Josh Weierbach in releasing the report card. All 112 GOP legislators rated received a failing grade, along with one Democrat, Jacksonville Rep. Kimberly Daniels. Just 14 legislators -- including Jacksonville Rep. Angie Nixon --- received perfect grades for voting records that "put people first." State lawmakers representing the Beaches, Rep. Kiyan Michael (R) and Sen. Clay Yarborough (R) both received "F's" with scores of 11% and 15%. If you missed BAM's 2023 Legislature Report Card, you can find it here.
Volunteers Needed! Beaches Back-to-School Book Bash
The Beaches Back to School Book Bash is August 19th! We need your help to make this event celebrating the importance of reading and access to books a success. The celebration will feature food, fun and kids activities plus free giveways of books and school supplies. We'll have acrobats, face painting, a fire truck visit, bounce house and more. We'll also be registering voters, updating people's vote-by-mail status, and providing families with information about ballot initiatives and recent legislation. Even if you don't have kids (or grandkids), we can put you to work! We need volunteers to help set up, register participants, help with food and information tables, direct traffic and clean up afterwards. If you have an hour or two, we can use you! Join BAM and a host of community partners and lend a hand from 11 am to 2 pm at Donner Park in Atlantic Beach! Email BAM at beachesactivistmovement@gmail.com to help.
Don't Miss Plan C Documentary Aug 10 at WJCT
Jacksonville NOW and the Women of Color Cultural Foundation are hosting an exclusive showing of Plan C, the award-winning documentary about an inspiring grassroots effort to protect access to abortion on Thursday, August 10 at WJCT Studios. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the documentary will air at 6:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $20. Net proceeds will go to Floridians Protecting Freedom and local outreach activities for the abortion ballot initiative. Get more information and reserve your spot here.
Share Your Ideas Aug 15 with Mayor Deegan
Mayor Donna Deegan will hold one in a series of community conversations Tuesday, August 15 from 6 - 8 pm at the Beaches Library. Deegan is gathering ideas and input on a host of
topics including,
Infrastructure
Health
Economy
Public Safety
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Constituency and Community Outreach
Military and Veteran Affairs
Find a complete list of community conversation dates and locations here. Dates are subject to change.
Mark Your Calendar! BAM Membership Meeting September 14th
We have an exciting and timely program planned for our next membership meeting on September 14 at 7 p.m. at the Adele Grage Cultural Center! Guest speakers Millie Leeds, president of the Jacksonville Young Democrats, and Era Gashi, president of the UNF Democrats, will join us to talk about Gen Z and Millennial voters --- what issues they care about, where they get their information,and how they vote. Mark your calendar and plan to attend as we discuss ways we can support and engage younger voters who will be critical to the outcome of the 2024 election!
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