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2005 Legislative  Memorandum

TO:      Bishops of Florida

            Diocesan Department Heads

            Conference Commissions and Committees

            Interested Others

2005 Legislature
The 2005 Florida Legislature will be in regular session from March 8 until May 6, 2005 and major public policy issues of interest to the Conference will be under consideration.  This memo includes information to assist you in being an active participant in the political process. 

Conference Website Legislative Page
On the Conference website, the following items are available via the Legislative Page 1) Resources, including the 2005 Public Policy Issues, House and Senate bills of interest and legislator contact information; 2) Legislative Reports; 3) Testimony; 4) Correspondence; and 5) Legislative Alerts. 

FCC Advocacy Network

The Conference maintains an electronic network of those interested in its public policy work.  FCC Advocacy emails, including legislative reports and action alerts, are sent to this network, which includes diocesan leadership and those on FCC committees.  Other interested parties may subscribe to the FCC Advocacy Network by completing the online form under the Take Action link on the Conference’s webpage www.flacathconf.org.  Please feel free to pass this e-memo to any whom may be interested. 

 Ø      Legislative Reports
The Conference has issued a preliminary 2005 legislative report available on the website and will issue subsequent reports periodically during the legislative session, with a final report after the session concludes.  Weekly email summaries on legislative actions of interest will be provided to the FCC Advocacy network.

 Ø      Action Alerts
During the 2005 session, the Conference will email regular legislative action alerts.  These alerts seek timely action by members of our advocacy network, such as contacting a legislator to voice the Conference’s position regarding pending legislation.  The specifics of the message and all necessary contact information are provided with each alert.   

Communicating with Legislators

Each of us shares in the responsibility to instill the values of the Gospel as a norm for society.  We are called to become informed, active and responsible participants in the political process, which is part of our democratic system.  When we communicate to a legislator on an issue of public policy, we fulfill both spiritual and civic purposes.  Please join us in our legislative efforts by becoming informed, talking with others, and communicating with your legislators.  And, please pray for your legislators and all those serving in government. 

Thank you.
DMMc: mt

Florida Catholic Conference
 201 W. Park Avenue * Tallahassee, FL * 32301-7715
Phone (850) 222-3803 * Fax (850) 681-9548