The Hillsborough County Democratic Party

FUND SALARIES NOT VOUCHERS

This week, Florida teachers learned that they have slipped from 45 to 46 on the National Education Association’s annual report of average teacher salaries. Florida teachers earn $48,000/year; $12,000 below the national average.

Where Floridians DO lead the nation is in funding for private, often religious vouchers. Last year, Florida funneled almost $970 million into these programs, and bill SB 7070 before the Senate Appropriations Committee right now would expand that program.

The proposed legislation also ventures into new territory by funding the vouchers from general revenue. Until now, vouchers were funded using tax credits. This new bill would deliver taxpayer dollars straight to schools that are neither accountable to public education standards, nor accessible to all students.

The Florida Supreme Court already weighed in on vouchers decisively in Bush v. Holmes in 2006: “The diversion of money not only reduces public funds for public education but also uses public funds to provide for an alternative education in private schools that are not subject to the ‘uniformity’ requirements of public schools”. De Santis, however, has appointed three new Supreme Court judges, tilting the court to the right and potentially opening the door for the new program.

We the members of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee, call on the
Senate Appropriations Committee to oppose SB7070. We believe that EVERY CHILD in Florida has the right to a quality education. Every child means EVERY child, no exceptions. SB7070 diverts public funds from public schools and sends them to schools which are not accessible to all, and not accountable to taxpayers. Instead, we urge the Committee to fund teacher salaries. The best way to invest in our
children’s futures is to give our teachers salaries which are competitive with the national average.

Press Release = Democratic Party of Hillsborough County Florida, USA Condemns Terrorist Attack at Mosques in Christchurch New Zealand

Tampa, FL 3/15/2019: The Democratic Party of Hillsborough County Florida, USA strongly condemns the terrorist attacks at the Mosques in Christchurch New Zealand. There is no place for hate in a civilized society and all citizens should condemn this heinous act.

The escalation of hate speech globally, starting at our highest levels of government, has contributed to the marginalization of minority and oppressed groups, resulting in violent and heinous acts around the world.

We urge the White House, once again, to understand that continued hate speech and the encouragement and acknowledgement of these groups on Twitter, Facebook, in press briefings and in all public forums only foments actions like that taken last night in New Zealand.

Condemning the action does not absolve the current administrations of its role in creating a culture of divisiveness and influencing the actions in New Zealand and elsewhere.

We stand by New Zealand and offer our heartfelt condolences. We pray for the families who have been affected, thank the helpers, the first responders and local police for their heroism, and we look to a future where we can engage in productive dialogue without fear of retribution and terrorism.

Hillsborough Democrats oppose TECO’s extension & Trump’s Declaration of Emergency

On February 18th, the membership of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee ( HCDEC) unanimously adopted a Resolution in opposition to the TECO Energy’s plan to build a nearly 900 million dollar fracked gas power plant in Hillsborough County.

The body also directed the Chair of HCDEC, Ione Townsend, to write to each member of the Hillsborough County US Congressional Delegation to express the Party’s opposition to President Trumps Declaration of Emergency at the southern border.

Find the documents here:

• TECO Resolution.pdf
• Letter to Billirakas et all.pdf