By James Call
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-991883.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The Children's Movement of Florida Monday announced a five-point Legislative agenda for the 2012 session. James Call reports the nonpartisan group's focus is on early learning and health care.
The two-year old grass roots organization claims 300,000 supporters. It says lawmakers can improve the lives of children by supporting parental skill building programs, providing screening and diagnosis for children with special needs and implementing mentoring initiatives. David Lawrence leads the Children's Movement and says the 5 step program would cost less than $30 million.
"If we can't get 30 million dollars for some fundamentals in a 70 billion dollar budget then I sure would have to question how serious people are children as a priority. I don't say that meanly I'm saying that very straightforwardly and thoughtfully and sensitively as I can."
Lawrence is on an 11-city Books and Cookies tour to publicize the group's legislative wish list. He was joined at the Tallahassee kick-off event by Dr. Mel Jurado, director of the Florida Office of Early Learning, Tallahassee Senator Bill Montford and Taxwatch's Dominic Calabro.