I have some big news to report from the Capitol. Just moments ago, the Florida Senate passed Senator Rob Bradley’s (R-Fleming Island) good Florida Forever bill (SB 370). Bradley’s bill would replenish the Florida Forever Trust Fund with at least $100 million a year.
This bill marks a significant step forward for the future of land conservation in Florida, and it wouldn’t have happened without conservation voters like you. In 2014 when together we passed the Water and Land Conservation amendment, millions of voters sent a clear message demanding more funding for parks and conservation. Since then, we’ve made implementation of the amendment a key issue that legislators can’t ignore and thanks to your persistence, the Senate is making funding for Florida Forever a budget priority.
Today’s victory is a clear sign from the Senate that they want the House to act on Florida Forever.
Now the pressure is on for the Florida House of Representatives to hear their version of this bill in committee. There are five weeks left in the 2018 Legislative Session, so stay tuned for more updates.
Your voice matters. Please continue to call your state Representatives and ask them to pass the Florida Forever funding bill. They are listening.
Thank you for all that you do for Florida.
–Aliki Moncrief,
Executive Director, Florida Conservation Voters