CIL : Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc.

The Gavel Falls: 2008 Legislative Session Begins

The 2008 Florida Legislative Session began March 4. There are a number of tough issues that lawmakers face but perhaps the most difficult is the state budget. The poor housing market, declining consumer spending, and rising unemployment means budget cuts are likely.

State Representative Sandra Adams and CIL Director of Advocacy Rogue Gallart

Florida State Representative Sandra "Sandy" Adams represents District 33 which includes parts of Orange, Seminole, and Volusia Counties. First elected in 2002, Representative Adams has a background in Law Enforcement and is married with three children. She is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College, and has been a Florida resident since 1964.

Recently, Representative Adams responded to questions posed by CIL regarding social services and other issues being addressed in the 2008 Session. Here are her comments:

Florida's economy is experiencing a period of unprecedented economic downturn. Because of higher property taxes and property insurance premiums, coupled with the rising cost of electricity and gas, living and doing business in Florida is becoming increasingly unaffordable. As the housing market has slowed and wallets are stretched thin, Floridians have less money to spend. And since Florida's budget is mostly derived from sales tax revenues, when Floridians spend less, the government takes in less money.

Because of this economic slowdown, our state is facing a historic budget shortfall. Late last year, the Legislature met in special session to reduce the 2007-2008 budget by nearly $1.1 billion. With revenues continuing to fall short of expectations, legislators are being forced to further reduce this fiscal year's budget by an additional $500 million in order to meet our constitutional requirement of maintaining a balanced budget.

Unfortunately with a shortfall this large, agencies and programs will see funding reductions. With that fact in mind, it would be prudent that social service agencies prepare for budget reductions. The best safeguard agencies can take is the process of weighing available resources and competing needs against each other to make the best possible use of resources during a time of declining revenues.

In July 2007, Governor Crist signed an executive order that formed the Governor's Commission on Disabilities. The members of the commission are appointed by the Governor and represent state agencies and major disabilities organizations as well as individuals from the disability community. The commission gathers stakeholder input and makes recommendations for future legislation.

The Legislature strongly supports programs for persons with disabilities and legislation that specifies the rights of Floridians with disabilities. Recent evidence of initiatives to support people with disabilities can be seen by the increase in funding for programs for persons with developmental disabilities.

The Legislature has also showed strong support for veterans. To compliment the services the Federal government provides for veterans, Florida also offers a number of services. One service provided by the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is housing. Florida has one assisted living facility that serves 150 veterans and five veterans' nursing homes serving 600 veterans.

I appreciate the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida contacting me regarding important issues being addressed in the 2008 Session. Please be assured that even in the midst of a historic budget shortfall, the Legislature is committed to funding disability and veteran services.

The legislative session is scheduled to run through May 2. You can reach Representative Adams through her district office: 2074 Winter Springs Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765-9347, Phone:(407) 977-4020.

Orlando Fringe Festival Shows Interpreted for Central Florida Deaf Community

The Orlando Fringe is the oldest annual un-juried theatre festival in the United States providing a venue for theatrical performing artists. Staying true to the Fringe roots, all acts will remain uncensored, exposing patrons to performances ranging from mild to wild. During the 12-day 2007 festival, over 30,000 patrons enjoyed 77 shows, 243 pieces of visual art and 45 kid-friendly shows.

So you have always wanted to attend the Orlando Fringe Festival but didn't have an interpreter? NOW is your chance. The Orlando Fringe, in cooperation with the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, will be interpreting some of the Fringe's finest shows. Currently we have 3 shows scheduled and if more are added the site will be updated.

If you have any specific questions regarding the shows that are interpreted please contact Doug Davis at 407-623-1070. For more information on the Orlando Fringe Festival please visit www.orlandofringe.org.

  • Almost Walking a Straight Line, Blue Venue, Saturday, May 17th @ 2:10pm
  • Crown Hill Cemetery, Blue Venue, Saturday, May 17th @ 6:20pm
  • Parlour Games, Brown Venue, Friday, May 23rd @ 10:05pm