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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Legislative Session Filled With “Good and Bad”…Rep. Brad Drake States.

Rep. Brad Drake comments on Legislative actions taken in Tallahassee this session in presentation to Republican Club of NW Florida.
By Sid Riley
At the regular monthly meeting of the Republican Club of NW Florida at Jim’s Buffet and Grill at noon on Tuesday, newly elected State Representative Brad Drake spoke to the membership. He spoke bluntly about his feelings regarding this just completed session of the Florida legislature.
“Some of our accomplishments were good----others were bad”, he stated solemnly. “It is hard to fight a deficit situation as extreme as the one we had to face. The Florida Constitution requires that we reach a balanced budget each year. We can not incur debt, and we can not print money. That means when revenues fall, difficult decisions have to be made”, he explained. He stated that the approach of trying to spend ourselves out of debt which is the approach now being taken in Washington, is not an option for the State of Florida.
“I voted against more government regulation, more fees, and more special interest bills, than any of the other 119 legislators who were present. I earned the designation of being called ‘Dr. NO’ at this session”, Drake continued. “I feel the level of government regulation and intrusion into our lives is out of control. I voted no against the new regulations which require even canoeist and horse riders under the age of eighteen to wear life vests and helmets, regardless of the situation. Decision making by parents is removed from the situation.”
Drake also stated that he had sponsored a “Prayer in Schools” bill which would have allowed students who chose to pray at school the freedom to do so. “The bill didn’t even get a hearing”, Brad complained. “I will introduce it again at the next session.”
“I am embarrassed and saddened that our leadership chose to solve the budget problems by raising fees and thus passing the burden on to Florida’s citizens. Families and individuals are already suffering enough, and our Legislature should not make it worse,” Drake stated sadly. “Additionally they raided several trust funds which were created as dedicated funding for worthy, special needs. This was very distasteful to me.”
Drake also provided a review of what funding for Jackson County was passed.. In closing, Drake pledged to continue to work for conservative approaches in government in the coming sessions.

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