Write or contact Martin County Democrats for more information CONTÁCTENOS Sede demócrata del condado de Martin 948 SE Central Parkway Stuart, FL 34994 Horas sin cita previa: de lunes a viernes, de mediodía a 3:00 p. M. * * Nota: Llame con anticipación o envíe un mensaje antes de venir a la oficina. Debido al coronavirus, es posible que la oficina no esté abierta durante las horas indicadas anteriormente. ¡Éxito! Mensaje recibido. Enviar

The All Stars website page is meant to be a place to recognize the people who have worked many years supporting Martin County Democrats. Esta página del "Salón de la Fama" demócrata del condado de Martin está destinada a ser un lugar donde se pueda celebrar a las personas que han hecho contribuciones significativas a los demócratas del condado de Martin a lo largo de los años ... un lugar donde podemos poner una cara Demócratas del condado de Martin y reconocer a aquellos que han marcado la diferencia. Nuestro primer miembro del Salón de la Fama es Jackie Trancynger. Activista que no teme ser vista y escuchada, ha inspirado a muchos a lo largo de los años. Haga clic en para leer su historia.

This is the 5th in a series on Martin County Democrats who have made a difference. Be sure to click on each picture to view in expanded mode with commentary. Also, there are links in blue that provide explanation, so be sure to click on those links too. Tip: If you're using your phone, try to find a laptop or desktop. It's so much better to read this on a large screen! The Amazing Grace Linn In March 2023 a storm that had been brewing for a year thrust then 100-year-old Grace Linn into the local and national spotlight. The year before, Ron DeSantis had signed the "Parental Rights in Education" bill into law - known by opponents as "Don't Say Gay" - that brought about book banning in our public schools. At that time, the Martin County School Board heeded calls of DeSantis and the conservative group Moms for Liberty to object to books that merely mentioned systemic racism, gender bias, and the LGBTQ+ community. This outraged Grace. During the fall, Grace crafted her famous yellow quilt which depicted some of the books that had already been banned in Martin County schools. Word got out about this amazing centenarian and her quilt, and she appeared on Ali Velchi's program on MSNBC. By the time of the school board meeting in March 2023, there were close to 100 books that had been targeted and banned in this county, and Grace felt she had to speak out and address the school board in person. Her friends Michael and Claire Panella , who had helped her research and des ig n the quilt, also played a role in writing the speech that went viral. In her speech she spoke passionately of her first husband, Robert Nicoll, who had been killed in World War II by the Nazis. She made the poignant point that he had died defending the freedoms we enjoy, freedoms the Nazis took away from their own people, including the right to read books. As she said so eloquently to the school board, "Banned books and burning books are the same. Both are done for the same reason: fear of knowledge. Fear is not freedom. Fear is not liberty. Fear is control." After the video of her speech went viral on Tiktok with more than 1.5 million views, she began appearing more on MSNBC and other cable channels as well as local and independent news. Grace was dubbed "Warrior Queen" by many due to her insistence that "we must fight back and not let history repeat itself, we must not allow for censorship, and we must treat everyone equally." This has been her battly cry, and Grace has undoubtedly inspired many by her activism and outspoken support for everyone. If you haven't seen the video of Grace speaking before the school board, click here to view it or do a search on Youtube. Born in the USA Grace’s parents immigrated to America from Italy in the early 1900s. Her father Antonio DeNicola (b. 1890) and her mother Rosa Romano (b. 1896) were engaged in Italy, but Antonio wanted to get established in America first before they got married. He left Rosa and came to America in 1908 where he first joined his brother in Roseto, PA, a town that had been settled by immigrants from southern Italy in the 1880s. He went to school to learn English and eventually became a foreman who specialized in finishing cement. After he felt financially secure, he contacted Rosa to come to America and they were married. Grace was the baby sister to her three older brothers Jerry, Daniel, and Floyd. She was born on October 18, 1922 in Mingo Junction, Ohio, and much of her youth took place during the Depression. She says she learned much from her parents, who were good people who looked after others. She remembers her parents "had a fruit and vegetable garden in their backyard and gave away food to help the hungry. In fact, the sidewalk in front of our home was marked to let the hungry know that this was a place where you were welcomed and could get food." Another way her parents showed compassion for others was that Grace's mother was the local midwife in the area and she sheltered an abused mother and her children in their home for a while. By displaying good character themselves, Grace's parents instilled it in her. Her parents required that every day she had to tell them of at least one act of kindness that she had performed herself on that day. Reflecting on the influence of her parents on her own life, Grace has said, "I didn't become what I am on my own. It was inherited and it was lived with my parents." Grace was very precocious. She quickly learned to play the piano and French horn. Though she entered grade school predominately speaking Italian, she quickly learned the English language. She had read the Bible three times by the time she was 12. She also learned to drive a car when she was 12 (and she still drives today at age 102!). She made excellent grades in school and actually skipped two years ahead, graduating from high school at age 16 with a college scholarship. However, the culture was different then and she was not allowed to go off to college on her own at such a young age – even though her brothers and the other boys in town had been able to do that. That reinforced in her the belief that girls were treated differently from boys - that they didn't have the same rights and privileges. Later, when she started working at a hospital, this became even more evident by the salary she received versus the salaries of the men who worked along side of her. Another lesson she learned at a young age was that being an immigrant caused you to be treated differently. She remembers the insults that were slung her way just because her parents were from Italy and spoke Italian in the home. Having experienced the sting of discrimination first-hand, Grace grew up believing fervently "that all people have the same worth - that they should all be treated equally." It has been her rallying cry ever since those early days in Mingo Junction, and it influenced her decision to make the Banned and Targeted quilt and speak out in defense of targeted groups. Be sure to click on each picture for more details. Quilted front door entrance at Grace's house Grace and Banned Books Mingo Junction 3rd grade classmates Three brothers with Grace Early Married Life After finishing school at 16 but with no college in town to attend, Grace lived at home with her parents and helped them out at home. She also loved to dance, and so she would sometimes go to nearby clubs with her brothers - never by herself - where she could socialize and dance. It was during this time that she danced with Dino Paul Crocetti, who later became known as Dean Martin. Her heart was not taken by the future Dean Martin, however, but by another gentleman she had known since school named Robert Nicoll, who had recently been drafted by the Army. They were married on March 30, 1940 in Mingo Junction. She soon left Ohio for Fort Hood, Texas, where Robert had been transferred. World War II, however, interrupted their time together as Robert was sent to Falmouth, England as part of an ammunitions unit, which supplied armament for the French Resistance, and Grace returned home to her parents in Mingo Junction. But there was one difference from before: Grace was pregnant. Months passed and Grace remembers reading about the horrors of war and fearing for her husband. One day she saw a man dressed in military clothing walking up the street and her heart sank. She suspected that he had bad news to share with her, and she was right: Robert was missing in battle. A couple of months later she found herself in the hospital giving birth to their daughter Nicci. It was only three days later when Grace received a telegraph while still in the hospital confirming that Robert and 16 members of his group had indeed been killed by the Nazis three months earlier in a bombing. Grace 1st wedding Wedding Day Robert and Grace before deployment Grace holds picture Life in Weirton, WV A widow with a newborn and no financial support, Grace went back home from the hospital to live with her parents in Mingo Junction and raise her daughter. A few years later she went out one night to go roller skating - one of her favorite hobbies - and she met a gentleman with striking coppery hair who caught her fancy. Tom Householder was a veteran who, coincidentally, had been stationed in Italy and thus could speak Italian to some degree. They fell in love and eventually married and he was welcomed into the home with Grace's parents. Tom adopted Nicci and they had a daughter of their own named Gloria (Gigi). When Gigi turned 5, Grace decided it was time to get a job of her own. By then, they had moved across the Ohio River into Weirton, WV and she heard that nearby Weirton Medical Center needed an overnight switchboard operator and admissions clerk. One of the job requirements was that you be able to type; however, as a high school student taking college-prep type classes, she had not been allowed to take a typing class. To remedy the situation, she borrowed a typewriter and taught herself almost overnight how to type before she had to report to work. Grace has said, "My roles as wife, single mother, and then mother and wife were my proudest achievement during this portion of my life," but it was time to engage in the working world. She ultimately spent 33 years at Weirton Medical Center. During the early years there, she saw the great need for automatic billing in the hospital. Just as she had taught herself to type, she taught herself computer programming and eventually designed systems that her hospital could use. In fact, she more or less started the computer department at the hospital. She sat in on all the medical committees in the hospital and developed many systems to help these departments as well. In particular, she developed a pharmacy unit dosing and microbiology reporting system which other medical centers all over the world also began using. Grace and her computer system received special recognition by the CDC for this beneficial new technology. In a largely male-dominated profession, Grace also became the first woman president of the Computer Hospital Users Group for NCR and the first woman president of the Federation NCR Users Group. As Grace tells it, in spite of her accomplishments she still did not receive the salary of her less accomplished male workers, thus reinforcing in her the idea that sexism exists in the workforce. Her daughter Gigi has summarized what life was like in the Householder household during much of the time in Weirton: "I arrived home one night at 11:30 unannounced and the driveway was full of both familiar and unfamiliar vehicles. I was greeted at the door by my mother in roller skates, for she was breaking the skates in....I also saw my mother fixing a broken piece of equipment, conversing with a friend in Italian, teaching another how to sew, counseling someone on how to approach a problem, and designing a new outfit for me to wear the next day....That was a typical evening at home where I grew up." She understood well that life at her home was quite different from those of her friends, but she understood how full and interesting life was with her mom. Tom Householder Householder family Grace with her team at retirement Another recognition for Grace Grace teaching computer programming Grace with co-worker before retiring Grace skating Jensen Beach and Married Again In 1987 Grace retired from the medical center - where she had moved from switchboard operator all the way up to Director of Managment Information and Communication - and she and Tom moved to a condo in Jensen Beach and planned to build a single family home in the area. She and Tom led a full life and Grace became involved in the community. Among various activities, Grace took a leadership role in Planned Parenthood and she taught computer skills to adults at one of the local schools. In 1990, one month before they were to move into their new home, Tom died of heart failure. A widow again, Grace moved alone into the home she and Tom had planned to have together, and she still lives there today. For the next ten years Grace worked on fundraising with Planned Parenthood, worked as office manager for Florida Sportsman Magazine Fishing Shows, and became heavily involved in an environmental advocacy group in the area. It was at one of the environmental group meetings that Grace met Fred Linn and, after a brief courtship, they decided to marry - much to the chagrin of the other single ladies in Grace's circle of contacts who fancied Fred. They remained married for 22 years until he passed away from a heart attack in November 2022. During the years before Fred passed, they took in one of Fred's grandchildren and raised him until he finished high school, advocating passionately for a good public education for him. Florida bound Fred and Grace Dancing Queen Country dancer Birthday fun The Kiss 100th Birthday Party Seamstress for life A little whimsy Award-winning photo Friends and laughter Claire, Michael, & Grace Passionate Advocacy It was just a short time after Fred died that Grace's video at the school board became viral. She was beseiged with interview requests from national and local media - MSNBC, CNN, WPTV, Stuart News - you name it. This caught the attention of movie producer Sheila Nevins of Ruby River Productions, and she began to consider making a documentary film on the increasing censorship taking place in schools across the country. She contacted Grace, and after a conversation with her, she knew this spirited centenarian should be featured in her documentary. The result was "The ABCs of Book Banning." The film was well received and nominated for an Oscar for short documentary. Grace was invited to fly to LA for the Oscar's luncheon, where she had the chance to meet movie stars, many of whom already knew of Grace's work. When actress Annette Benning saw Grace, she ran up to her and gave her a big hug, saying she respected so much the work that Grace had done on book banning. Grace later returned to walk the red carpet and attend the Oscar's ceremony. It was the memory of a lifetime. Grace was happy the film got nominated because the publicity allowed her to continue to have an audience for discussing the danger of censorship and book banning. PEN America is a nonprofit whose purpose is to advocate for the freedom to write and they have been especially critical of book bans. This group was behind "The ABCs of Book Banning," and they created a short video featuring Grace. See this moving video below. Likely because of the bullying she received as the daughter of immigrants, Grace has a special place in her heart for all marginalized people. She uses her celebrity status to advocate strongly for equality and acceptance for all. Last year, along with drag artist Shelita Taylor, Grace was the Grand Marshall for the Treasure Coast Pride Parade. She is quick to point out that "some of the finest people I have known in my lifetime have been from the LGBTQ+ community." This is why she was particularly taken back when books began to be removed from school shelves simply because they had a gay character, and it motivated her to speak out strongly on their behalf. At 102 years young, Grace continues to live in the home that she and Tom had built. Coming from an outliers family in Italy, where her maternal grandmother lived to be 115, she exhibits the same independence and health of her forebears. She still drives herself places (even at night), reads and learns, attends Democratic Club, Democratic Women's Club. and Stuart Women's Club meetings, goes to protest rallies, and watches MSNBC and other news outlets to keep abreast of the current political scene. She also continues to quilt, have her tea and Italian cookies at 2:00 pm each day with her friends, regularly attend musicales held by her good friend Dr. Marie Juriet-Beamish, attend the concerts put on by the Altantic Classical Orchestra, spend time with her devoted daughter Gigi, and enjoy the wide circle of friends she has accumulated over the years. There is no doubt that Grace has led an active, full, and curious life and, at 102 1/2 as of this writing, she continues to be a trailblazer and an inspiration to all. Oscar nominated for Best Short Documentary Grace with drag performer Shelita Taylor Grace at the Oscars! 2024 TC Pride Grand Marshall Grace and Susan Callahan Targeted and Banned quilt by Grace Thank you, Grace, for showing all of us that a life full of creativity and positivity, one that has such a far-reaching effect on so many, is a life well-lived. Thank you for standing up and speaking out so eloquently about book censorship taking place in our local schools and communities. Thank you for standing up for the marginalized in society, especially the LGBTQ+, with your words and interactions. Thank you for supporting your local Martin County Democratic Party and bringing attention to our efforts. Most of all, thank you for being you and spreading your light within our community and beyond. For all of this and more, we honor you , Grace DeNicola Nicoll Householder Linn , as a Martin County Democratic Party All Star!!

Silent Auction for Docktails Below are the artworks donated by local artists for the silent auction. The theme for this year is Democracy. Artworks will be on display at the Dolphin Bar during Docktails and will be available for purchase via silent auction during the evening. Cash, check, and credit card will be accepted. Each 8x10 piece will have an opening bid of $80 on the night of Docktails. Underneath each photo you will see the Number assigned to the artwork, Artist Name, Art Title (in quotes), Advanced Purchase Price, and Size of the piece. Click on each thumbnail to bring up a larger view of the artwork. You can then zoom in to view the artwork up close. T H A N K Y O U to all the artists, donors, and volunteers. Without you, this would not have been possible. Proceeds will be used to Get Out the Vote, and one thing's for sure: Voting for Democrats is something our Democracy surely needs this November 8th! #1 Jacquelyn Roesch-Sanchez "Left=Blue, Right=Red, 33 Shades in Between" Advanced Purchase Price: $165 8 x 10 #2 Jenene Skrupky "The Eagle Flies Free" Advanced Purchase Price: $88 8" diameter #3 - SOLD Allie Comer "Democracy is ________" #4 Mallo Bissett "Freedom's Fields" Advanced Purchase Price: $165 8 x 10 #5 E.L. "Beth" Smith "Freedom's Fireworks" Advanced Purchase Price: $110 10 x 8 #6 Mallo Bissett "Midnight Sail" Advanced Purchase Price: $165 8 x 10 #7 Jenene Skrupky "Soar Like an Eagle" Advanced Purchase Price: $165 10 x 8 #8 Barbara Bucci "We The People" Advanced Purchase Price: $165 8 x 10 #9 Jenene Skrupky "Sweet Land of Liberty" Advanced Purchase Price: $88 10 x 8 #10 Dawn Cameron "Best for All" Advanced Purchase Price: $88 8 x 10 #11 Jenene Skrupky "Star Spangled Banner" Advanced Purchase Price: $88 10 x 8 #12 Dawn Cameron "Vote" Advanced Purchase Price: $88 8 x 10 #13 Jenene Skrupky "Joe Cool" Advanced Purchase Price: $137.50 14.5 x 17.5 #14 Jenene Skrupky "Cutest Little Donkey" Advanced Purchase Price: $110 12 x 15 #15 Jenene Skrupky "Who's Your Donkey Game" Advanced Purchase Price: $110 19 x 19 #16 Jenene Skrupky "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" Advanced Purchase Price: $110 29 x 20 #17 Jenene Skrupky "Give Me Liberty Etched Mirror" Advanced Purchase Price: $165 13 x 39 #18 Jenene Skrupky "Royal Flush" Advanced Purchase Price: $88 9 x 9 #19 Colleen North "Democracy" Advanced Purchase Price: $132 10 x 8 #20 Corina Pelloni "Rising Women Voters" Advanced Purchase Price: $165 8 x 10 #21 Mark Johnson (donated by Ed Matson) "Saving the St. Lucie Estuary" (Print 17/50) Advanced Purchase Price: $275 34 x 27 #22 - SOLD Kathie Dustira "Pastel of Lake Champlain"

Online Docktails Auction through Noon on Nov 3 You can avoid the bidding process entirely by purchasing any item at the retail price. We'll make arrangements to get the item to you. Any items not purchased by noon on 11-3 will only be available through the silent auction held during the even t. Click on each picture to view larger photo. 1 Angela Crow "Cascading Water" SOLD Cold Wax and Acrylic Original 11x14 Framed 16x20 Retail Value $400 2 Barbara Bucci "Liberty for All" Collage Treasure Box 12 X 8.5 X 4 Retail value $225 To purchase, click HERE. 3 Chris Kling "Talking at Gilbert's" SOLD Oil 11 x 14, linen panel 18 x 20, framed Retail value $750 4 Dot Galfond "Waterfall in Blue" **Click here for full view** Fused Glass 12 x 6 Retail value $400 To purchase, click HERE . 5 Jacquelyn Roesch-Sanchez "Regal Raiment XXX, 2020" **Click here for full view* Fiber Art/Art to Wear Viscose thread: Handloom knitted, hand sewn, crochet edging H: 26", W: 48" D: .125" (size M/L) Retail value $750 To purchase, click HERE . 6 Lynne Morgan "Energy" **Click here for full view** Oil & cold wax 24" x 24" Retail Value $900 To purchase, click HERE . 7 Mallo Bisset "Royalty," 2023 Oil painting, palette knife H: 16" x W: 20" x 1.5" Retail value $650 To purchase, click HERE . 8 Atlantis Health Solutions - Dr. Thomas Kleinman Gift certificate and two pillows Consultation/examination by Dr. Kleinman, x-rays if needed, first day treatment AND two Chiroflow Waterbase pillows Retail value $500 To purchase, click HERE . 9 Beth Rosenberg Condo Getaw ay * * Click here for pictures of this beautiful c ondo** 4-night Condo stay (2 bedrooms, 2.5 bath) and gift certificate to Hudson's or Boathouse restuarant This is a great place to have friends and family stay while visiting....or treat yourself to the downtown experience! Retail value $1600 for 4 nights for 2 bdrm, 2.5 bath and study...and two $50 gift certificates from Hudson's/Boathouse. To purchase, click HERE . 10 Fine Wine Celebration Donated by Docktails Committee Celebrate the new year right - or give great Christmas presents - by purchasing this assortment of fine wines, including a bottle of Dom Perignon, two Tiffany flute wine glasses, and decorative wine holder. Retail value $300 To purchase, click HERE . 11 Dimar Florist SOLD $150 Gift certificate Select a beautiful floral arrangement from Dimar Florist with this $150 gift certificate. 12 Martin Downs Country Club Pro Shop Gift certificate for 4 includes cart. Valid anytime between now and Nov 4, 2024 Retail value $300 To purchase, click HERE . 13 Martin Downs Country Club Pro Shop Gift certificate for 4 includes cart. Valid anytime between now and Nov 4, 2024 Retail value $300 To purchase, click HERE .

Overview of 2022 Bills Did you know that more than 3500 bills have been filed for the 2022 Florida legislative session? With those kind of numbers, it's overwheming to keep track of it all. This section of your website is meant to help you with that. We have selectively divided up the bills into two categories of noteworthy bills: General Bills and Environmental Bills. Under each category, we have i ncluded the top 30 or so bills that are the most noteworthy (Yes....this is subjective....Email your webmaster at MCDemWeb@gmail.com to give your input on bills that should be listed if you don't see them here.) General Bills include such topics as Abortion, Equality, Healthcare, Education, Gun Control, Criminal Justice, etc. Environmental Bills obviously relate to the environment. Some of these deal with Home Rule issues. Each bill shows the bill sponsor: If the name is in red font, then they're Republican . If blue , then the sponsor is a Democrat . The bill sponsors are linked to their official website where you can find contact information for calling or writing them. Clicking on the official's name should take you to their page. Bill titles are linked to the official Florida government site, where you can get more details about the bill and see where the bill sits. (Note: Some bills never go anywhere, some sit in committees and stay there, and some bills move from committees out to the floor for voting.....Before you contact legislators or write LTEs, be sure to check the bill's status.) Some organizations such as Equality Florida and Friends of the Everglades and 1000 Friends of Florida have issued their approval or disapproval of bills and these have been noted above the bills and are offered as a guide for your own research and decision making.

Martin County Democratic Club Membership Application Today's Date * required First Name Last Name Email Phone Martin County Street Address City State Zip code Check circle if you live in a gated community Is it OK to share your contact details with other Club members? * Obligatorio Yes No https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2025annualdues Method you will use to pay Club dues. If online, FIRST click on underlined link below, complete the ActBlue payment, and THEN SUBMIT this application. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2025annualdues By submitting this application, you certify that you are a member of the Democratic Party of Florida. Submit Application After Paying Online or Mailing Check

A few noteworthy (mostly bad) bills coming up in 2024 Don't like what you see? F ight back. Click here for ideas on how to respond to these bills. HB 1 Requires teaching the history of Communism, including "cultural Marxism." Many feel this would mean teaching against multiculturalism, globalism, women's rights, and LGBTQ rights. HB 1291 SB 1372 Attacks academic freedom. Prohibits certain discussions about systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege. HB 1349 Bans Floridians under age 16 from using social media platforms. Many feel this would be detrimental to those youth who are part of minority groups, such as the LGBTQ. HB 1122 Stops local communities from removing statues honoring Confederate generals...also allows DeSantis to remove city or county leaders who vote to take down such statues HB 1301 Cuts off funding for airports and seaports which follow public health guidelines from the federal govt and other measures HB 17 Allows transfer of firearm after 72 hours even if results of background check are not known HB 1223 Lowers minimum age for purchasing a firearm to 18....This basically undoes the more restrictive bill that was passed after the Parkland shooting. HB 1365 Prevents cities and counties from allowing unhoused people to sleep on public property HB 465 Targets students at Florida universities who speak out in support of Palestine...a very anti-free speech bill HB 1639 Targets transgenders receiving healthcare...allows insurance companies to charge higher prices and to cover "detransitioning" SB 1260 Makes it harder for Floridians to file for unemployment benefits...requires "skills assessment" and filling out applications weekly in person HB 601 Bans civilian oversight boards to local police...puts power for reviewing police misconduct at the state level HB 901 SB 1120 Bans government agencies and schools and colleges from flying LGBTQ pride flags and other political type flags HB 789 SB 738 Penalizes citizens who challenge and lose a state environmental decision by requiring them to pay up to $50,000 in the state's court costs. NOTE: HB 789 sponsored by Overdorf HB 269 Gives tax break to those who buy planes in Florida. NOTE: Sponsored by Overdorf SB 7000 SB 7002 SB 7004 Essentially deregulates public schools, lowers academic standards SB 32 Requires DEP to adopt rules for mangrove replanting and restoration HB 531 Triples sentences for theft if county lines are crossed. NOTE: Sponsored by Snyder HB 49 SB 1596 Rolls back child labor protections for 16 and 17-year-old children HB 1195 Local governments would need a two-thirds supermajority for property tax increases

**Note: Be sure to click on all pictures throughout the article. Doing so makes them easier to see and provides description.** Jackie Williams: Renaissance Woman So my first day as a reporter I interviewed Joe Namath, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Larry Nelson, Mike Ditka. ' This is my first day! ,' I said, 'How can this get any better?!' S itting on the blue couch i n her family room filled with furniture her father made, Jackie was excitedly recalling her first day as a sports reporter for The Stuart News in 1992. It is but one of several paths she has pursued during her lifetime: athlete, educator, nonfiction author, freelance writer, award-winning film producer and scriptwriter, political and social advocate, and caretaker. Yes, Jackie truly embodies what it means to be a Renaissance woman. Skilled in a variety of areas, she has reinvented herself throughout the years as the need arose, always striving to educate and enlighten others. It is notable that she has attained success in her diverse careers and volunteer work even during those times when diversity itself was not as welcomed as it is today. The Jersey Life Jacquelyne Louise Williams was born to Charles and Frances Dorman on June 30, 1945 in Paterson, New Jersey. Like many in Paterson, Jackie's father came from Dutch ancestry, the original family name being Dohrmann. Her mother's maiden name McLean suggests her Scottish and English roots. While her father did not have any siblings, Fran more than made up for that by having six sisters and a brother, many of them living in close proximity to the Dormans. Being an only child, Jackie quickly learned the value of family and in those early years developed a very close relationship with her many cousins, ties that continue to this day. Prominently displayed in her family room today are pictures of the cousins, numerous photos capturing cherished moments from the many "Cousins Trips" they have all taken together over the years. When Jackie was nine, the family moved to the nearby town of Little Falls, a quintessential American town that thrived during the boom years following World War II. Jackie recalls that living in Great Falls "was easy. It was fun. People liked each other. It was small town America…I played [trumpet] in the band in high school and if we won a [home] football game, then the band would march from the high school to the center of town, about a mile away…and then we’d turn around and come back. Now, mind you, that was the main street of the town. It was closed to traffic while we had this parade. That wouldn’t happen today….It was a special time, a different time. We rode our bikes everywhere, we played in the street, we walked to school….It was before the Vietnam War, before that divided everything. The war changed everything.” Jackie’s father Chuck had a secure job with the power company and over time worked his way up to Safety Supervisor. Although many women of that era stayed home, Jackie’s mother did not. Fran began to work outside the home, first in a jewelry store and then in a laboratory that manufactured the hormone therapy drug Premarin. Jackie attributes this second income for later paying her college tuition and preventing her from acquiring student loan debt. It was a time, she says, when families could do that and live within their means, unlike today. As for politics, both of Jackie’s parents identified as Democrats and so she naturally thought of herself as a Democrat. In fact, politics was a big influence in Jackie's life from an early age. For one, while he r dad's whole family were all Democrats, all of her mother's family were Republicans. Fortunately, the family did not consider their political differences an issue. Secondly, when Jackie was 12, her father ran for the school board. He lost, but city leaders in Little Falls encouraged him to run for city commissioner as a Republican since that was the majority party. He decided to be true to himself and ran as a Democrat. The first time he lost but ran again and won, ultimately serving a few terms as city commissioner and even becoming the mayor for a while. Then in 1972 he ran for freeholder, a Dutch term used in New Jersey for county commissioner. Jackie vividly remembers campaigning with her father and mother. It was a family act, which contrasted with the other candidates who typically did not bring their wives and children to events. The Dormans were all in it together: “That got him a lot of votes….We would go together to events and, since he was a golfer, we’d pass out [divot repair tools] with ‘Dorman Fore Freeholder’ written on them to give to the men...and emery boards with ‘Dorman’ printed on them for the women….And so you’d go to these events and pass out this stuff that had your name on it and you’d say hi to everybody…It was fun! It was good!.... My dad was a good politician and knew how to handle people. He was a little bit of an entertainer, a little bit of a ham” and that helped him win elections. High School Years Going to high school in Little Falls in the early 1960s was the ultimate playground for Jackie. She was active in virtually all facets of school life - academics, band, and sports - but athletics was her first love. As she wistfully remarks, "I was a really good athlete but was at least 10 years ahead of the time that I really could have done something in women's athletics." After all, Title IX, the law which initiated the age of parity in athletics between girls and boys, was not passed until 1972. Until then, there was virtually no money for women's athletics and therefore very few teams. Jackie receives trophy for Green Team Green Team doing floor exercises GAA Officers (Girls Athletic Assoc) Jackie receives trophy for Green Team 1/5 What Passaic Valley High did offer was intramural competition between girls' teams during the year. The girls were divided into the two school colors: the Green team and the White team. Throughout the school year they participated in such activities as floor exercises, basketball, and relays. It all culminated into a two-night "Girls Show" competition which was open to the public. Jackie was named the Green Team Chief and she led her team to victory on the first night's competion. Being the Chief was a great experience which taught her how to be an organizer and leader. (This is a photo gallery. Click to make larger. Then click on the forward arrow to view the 5 pictures and read the descriptions.) Senior picture...a spy? Elaine Ashton was an exchange student from England who came to live with the Dormans for her senior school year and more or less has been a family member ever since. Throughout all these years, she and Jackie have remained friends. With Elaine now living in Toronto, they still manage to stay in touch, having dinner together monthly via Zoom. As Jackie notes with a grin, "I think the exchange program was a success." Jackie learned golf by playing with her dad during her early years and she also took golf lessons. In fact, as a teenager she boldly decided to ask if she could play golf on the boys’ team since there wasn’t a girls’ team. As usual, Jackie tried to push the envelope: “I went all the way to the athletic director and said, ‘You know, I take golf lessons and I’d like to play on the boy’s golf team…It’s not a contact sport and I’d like to play.’” And without seeming to even consider her request he snapped back, ‘Oh, no…You’re pretty good and the boys would feel bad if they lost to you!...Are you crazy?’” Jackie had learned yet another lesson that day about life not being fair to women athletes. One pivotal moment apart from athletics came to Jackie in her sophomore year. It was a snow day from high school back on January 20, 1961. She sat home alone while her parents were at work and turned on the TV to watch John F. Kennedy – the youngest president ever elected -- deliver his inaugural address at the first ever televised inauguration. She remembers he stood there on this cold day with no hat on his full head of hair. She was taken in by the image and especially by Kennedy’s words. This was the speech famous for many eloquent passages but perhaps most notably for “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Since her father had run for city commissioner that election cycle, his name appeared on the ballot along with JFK’s and that made JFK’s inauguration even more special to 15-year-old Jackie. It was a transformative moment: “It was the first time I had seen an inauguration and it was like WOW! You know? And here was this young man standing there with the wind blowing in his hair…really feeling like he’s speaking to you…and saying ‘Let’s pass the torch’ and I’m 15 and I’m thinking ‘I can catch that!’ It was very important to me.” Starting then, politics and public service guided much of her life – just as it did many of her contemporaries. Excerpts from JFK's inaugural speech Click on square in lower right to enlarge view. An interesting look at JFK Inauguration Day 1961 Click on square in lower right corner to enlarge view. College and Beyond in New Jersey When it came time for college, Jackie went to Rutgers University, but back then women were treated differently and the women students had a college apart from the main campus called Douglass College. Due to her love of sports, she majored in Physical Education with a minor in English. She played field hockey, basketball, softball, and tennis while at Rutgers but is quick to point out that her experience was a different world from what women’s college athletics is today. Today, noting the irony, she points out with a laugh that the Rutger’s women’s softball team – just the softball team -- has a budget of $3 million dollars! "We didn't even get uniforms. We wore our own white shirt and black shorts." What a difference 55 years makes! After earning a BS degree in 1967, she went to the University of Massachusetts for graduate school as a teaching assistant in Physical Education. Upon completing her master’s degree in 1968, she was fortunate to become a professor and coach at Middlebury College. Although in many ways teaching and coaching at Middlebury was the perfect job for her, these were turbulent times in the country. Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy had been assassinated, and the nation was torn apart by Vietnam. Jackie left the ivory-towered walls of Middlebury College to engage in public service by working at an elementary school in a ghetto back in Paterson. It was a move she felt called to make. VIrtually all the students at Elementary School #28 were lower-income African Americans who came from disadvantaged homes. The school facilities were poor and somewhat dangerous, but Jackie obtained great satisfaction interacting with the students. She felt she was making a difference and, in fact, developed a physical activity that actually improved their reading abilities. It was unique to her school and her students tested highest in the city for reading in spite of their disadvantages. In 1972 she was asked to join the physical education faculty at the nearby County College of Morris. This college had just recently been built and so it was an offer she felt she could not refuse. From 1972-1980 she taught physical education and coached women's field hockey, basketball, and softball. Also in 1972 Jackie married Joe Williams. While the marriage did not work out, she excelled in coaching and during her years at CCM her teams all went to the regional championships. Life in Stuart Golf Professional In 1980 Jackie decided to move to Florida. It was a big move, but it was one she was eager to make, for she was getting involved in the golf business. Jackie joined the teaching arm of the LPGA, the Ladies Professional Golf Association, and got a job as assistant golf professional at Martin County Golf Club (now called Sailfish Sands) in Stuart and eventually became head pro. Jackie had the distinction of being one of four women head golf professionals in the nation, once again pushing the envelope on women's role in sports. In fact, in 1989 Jackie was honored with the LPGA Teaching Division's Southeastern "Professional of the Year" award. Freelance Writer Although she loved teaching golf, Jackie was made to change course once again. In 1994 the golf course administration changed and Jackie lost her job. Through the help of a friend, she began to work as a freelance writer, working for such publications as The Stuart News, HomeTown News, and the Jupiter Island News. Jackie tells the most amazing story about her first assignment as a sports reporter for the Stuart News: She was to go to the Cobblestone Golf Club in Palm City for a charity golf tournament. Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Larry Nelson, and Mike Ditka were the celebrities that were to play. Her main assignment was to talk to Mike Ditka, who had recently been fired as Chicago Bears coach, to see if he was planning to take the Miami Dolphins job. Jackie adds that “the night before the tournament my sports editor calls me and says ‘Look, I didn’t want you to go and be surprised so I’m gonna tell you that they have a special guest coming…and that special guest is Joe Namath.’ So my first day as a reporter I interviewed Joe Namath, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Larry Nelson, Mike Ditka….This is my first day! I said, ‘How can this get any better?!’ She goes on to relate her first encounter with Joe Namath that day, too. She had been watching him at the putting green before the tournament began and he was missing his puts to the left. So Jackie stood behind him and bravely spoke up: “You know, if you were to keep your shoulders square and just let your arms swing through, the ball will go in the hole.” “What do you mean?” he replied. “I said, ‘Keep your shoulders square and just let your arms swing through.” “ ‘OK.’ Ball went in the hole. And he did it again. So he pointed to me and said ‘YOU…ride with me!’ And so I got to play the first nine holes with Joe Namath. He was very, very nice. Nice to me, nice to everybody there.” Jackie got her scoop (Ditka told her he wasn't taking the job) and she had a great time with the famous athletes who were all so gracious and friendly. It was a day definitely to remember! For over 7 years Jackie wrote a weekly sports column for the Stuart News and she also covered various sporting events throughout the region. While on assignment, she met the editor of the Jupiter Island News, a monthly publication for the Residents Association of Jupiter Island. They were in need of a writer and Jackie was offered the job. Twenty-seven years later, she continues to attend the town’s city council meetings and write articles about Jupiter Island. One perk to this work is that she gets to attend the speaker’s program that Jupiter Island has for its residents. In this small, intimate setting arranged for the exclusive residents of Jupiter Island, she has heard talks from such well-known figures as Mikhail Gorbachev, Sandra Day O’Conner, Dick Cheney, Paul Krugman, Doris Kearns Goodwin (Jackie’s favorite nonfiction writer) and many others. What a gig! Author During these years of freelancing, Jackie started a bigger project. She decided to write a book that showcased the women of the LPGA Hall of Fame, focusing on their struggles to succeed in a male-dominated sport. The book profiled 16 golfers including Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Patty Berg, Kathy Whitworth, and Nancy Lopez. While doing her research for the book, the World Golf Hall of Fame happened to be having its grand opening in St. Augustine. Jackie wrangled a press pass and used the opportunity to interview and photograph the LPGA women. Jackie recalls takiing her father with her for this event: "It was just the coolest thing….My father went with me, and he was like a little kid because everybody [all the famous professional golfers, both male and female] was being inducted. And so you’d walk along and there would be Tom Watson, and there was Jack Nicklaus, and there was this guy and that guy…I was so happy I could bring him to that….It was unbelievable. And then later we went to a cocktail party where all the people were there and so he got to actually meet these people, you know?” It is a treasured memory for Jackie and no doubt one her father fondly remembered for the rest of his life. “Playing from the Rough: The Women of the LPGA Hall of Fame” was published in 2000 and was well received. Even today, it can still be found on Amazon and eBay. When asked why she’s not living on Jupiter Island from all the income from the book, she exclaims with her hearty laugh, “Why? I didn’t make any money!” Nonetheless, it was a great experience personally and it added to the library of LPGA books that others can read today, be inspired by, and learn from as they consider the world of women in sports. Film Producer and Scriptwriter Though her freelance writing career was satisfying in many respects, Jackie knew she needed a regular job with a guaranteed salary and health insurance coverage. As she had done several times previously, in 2001 Jackie reinvented herself once again – this time by securing a job as writer/producer for MCTV, the official station for Martin County government. She and her co-workers began to show the County Commission meetings, which is still being done today, and they also created lots of special programming that featured various county departments or happenings in the county. An animal lover herself, one of her most beloved projects was the “Pets on Parade” show, which is still being shown today. Acting as host, Jackie would spotlight various pets from the Humane Society. She is proud to note that, even to this day, they have a 100% adoption rate for the animals that appeared on the show. When pried, the ever-modest Jackie reveals that from 2005 – 2008 “Pets on Parade” won the National Association of Counties production awards. During her tenure at MCTV, Jackie wrote and produced two award-winning full length films. “Book to the Future” was a fun project made to celebrate Martin County Library’s 50th anniversary in 2007. It was a take-off on “Back to the Future” and, instead of a Delorean, the actors - who were all county employees - "flew" around in a ’57 Chevy from the Elliot Museum and through their adventures they tell the story of the founding of the library. One of the films she is most proud of is “Indian Riverside Park: Window to the Past.” This is a one-hour documentary which through video, pictures, and interviews weaves a fascinating tale on the origins and development of historically significant Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach. Anyone living on the Treasure Coast would learn a great deal about our area’s history by viewing this film. The film won the national “Golden Quill” award for scriptwriting from the Florida Historical Society. The National Association of Counties also honored this film in 2007 with scriptwriting and production awards. Caretaker By 2008, Jackie felt the need to assume her most personal role – the role of caretaker for her parents – and so she retired from MCTV to devote herself to those responsibilities while also continuing to write for the Jupiter Island News and to continue her involvement with Martin Democrats. Jackie's father passed in 2020 at age 99, and she now lives with her quick-witted 98-year-old mother Fran and their own Humane Society family member Daisy. Political and Social Advocate Jackie’s work with Martin County Democrats has been an important part of her life since the late 1990s when she sought out Martin Democrats and began to attend DEC meetings. There she met Bob and Louise Cunha, Dave Dew, and a handful of other Democrats. Then when the Democratic Club got formed in 2003 and Louise became its President, Jackie began to attend those meetings as well. When Louise decided to step down in 2011, Louise convinced Jackie to run for President. As Jackie says with a laugh, “Louise gets me into everything.” Jackie served two terms – from February 2011 to February 2015 and then again during those early Trump years February 2017 to February 2019. Jackie says that “Louise Cunha had done such a good job (as President) that I just had to build on what she had started.” One of Jackie’s initiatives was to start having guest speakers at almost every meeting. She also notes that during her time as President club membership increased significantly, though she acknowledges that Obama and especially Trump had a lot to do with the increase. She believed then and still today that the Club needs to become more active locally, especially in helping to find and encourage good Democratic candidates to run for office. It isn’t easy in red Martin, but it’s something we must do. Jackie also served on the Nominating Committee for two years and is now actively involved in the Sunshine Committee, which focuses on bringing in new membership to the Democratic Club. She’s excited about this committee and its possibilities for adding to our Martin County Democratic base. When asked if she considers herself a progressive or a centrist Democrat, Jackie responds with “Can you be a progressive centrist? I think that is what I am.” She says she often can see both sides to an issue and this draws her toward the center. This is also reflective in her years of service to Martin County Democrats. As someone explained who has long been a Democratic Club member, “Jackie is a great person and was a very competent leader of the Democratic Club. She was able to deal with guests the club hosted with great charm and professionalism.” Jackie has demonstrated time and again with Martin Democrats an awareness of compromise, of working together to accomplish a goal, of getting something done, of stepping up and serving - traits that are especially needed in today's world. Jackie is truly a Renaissance woman who has used her multiple talents in countless ways over the years to benefit all she touched through her roles as teacher, communicator, leader, and team player. Thank you, Jackie, for your decades of service. We Martin County Democrats are fortunate to call you our latest Martin County Democrat All Star! If you 'd like to send Jackie a note after reading all about her, you can email her here .

Environmental Caucus of the Martin County Democratic Party CAUCUS AMBIENTAL DEMOCRÁTICO DEL CONDADO DE MARTIN Haga clic en los accesos directos a continuación o desplácese por esta página para ver estos temas: Descripción general de Caucus Declaraciones de misión Principales problemas en los que nos centramos Otros grupos ambientales Calendario Minutos Estatutos Donaciones El Caucus Ambiental Democrático del Condado de Martin es un capítulo local del Caucus Ambiental Democrático de Florida (DECF). El caucus se reúne a las 6:30 pm el tercer martes de cada mes, actualmente a través de Zoom. Las reuniones consisten en una discusión general sobre temas ambientales en las noticias y cómo podríamos responder. Más específicamente, entre otras preocupaciones, abordamos los asuntos de la ciudad de Stuart, la actividad de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Martin y el trabajo de la legislatura estatal y más allá. La mayoría de las reuniones incluyen un orador invitado para informarnos sobre un tema ambiental en particular o para escuchar directamente a un funcionario o candidato demócrata local que se postula para un cargo. Damos la bienvenida a todos los demócratas a ser parte de nuestro caucus mientras aprendemos, hablamos y trabajamos para defender nuestro medio ambiente. Para participar en nuestro grupo, complete el formulario de contacto indicando su interés en MC Dem Env Caucus y alguien se comunicará con usted. Volver arriba Overview Declaraciones de misión MC Caucus Ambiental Democrático El Caucus Ambiental Democrático del Condado de Martin tiene la intención de: Identificar y priorizar las preocupaciones ambientales que afectan a nuestros municipios locales, condado, estado, país y mundo. Contemplar soluciones a esas preocupaciones y recomendar cursos de acción. Educar, colaborar y respaldar a los candidatos demócratas que adoptan nuestra agenda. Educar al público y generar apoyo para nuestros objetivos Coordinar con otros grupos ambientales dentro de nuestros distritos legislativos: Distrito del Senado 25 y distritos 82 y 83 de la Cámara Como capítulo del Comité Ambiental Democrático de Florida (DECF), en MC Dem Env Caucus también apoyamos los objetivos de DECF. Caucus Ambiental Democrático de Florida El Caucus Ambiental Democrático de Florida (DECF) se esfuerza por apoyar a los legisladores, candidatos, legislación y empresas de Florida que preservan, protegen y mejoran los recursos naturales de Florida. Las preocupaciones del DECF pueden incluir, entre otras, la calidad del aire, las costas y las costas de Florida, los acuíferos, las vías fluviales, los humedales, la vida silvestre, las áreas naturales restantes y las tierras y parques silvestres de propiedad pública. DECF tiene la intención de: Ayude a elegir candidatos demócratas que respalden acciones adecuadas en cuestiones ambientales críticas. Proporcionar a los miembros del partido y al público en general datos creíbles relacionados con cuestiones ambientalmente sensibles, como opiniones informadas, alertas legislativas y conocimientos técnicos y científicos. Supervisar la legislación y las políticas locales y estatales que afectan el medio ambiente de Florida y alertar a los legisladores y al público. Fomentar la administración ambiental responsable como parte de la política del Partido Demócrata de Florida. Volver arriba Mission Statements Principales problemas medioambientales Con la creciente población de Florida y con nuestros gobiernos locales y estatales que a veces eligen el crecimiento y el desarrollo y los intereses corporativos sobre la protección de nuestro medio ambiente, los problemas que enfrentamos son infinitos. Aquí hay una muestra de las preocupaciones que abordamos en nuestro caucus: Descargas del lago Okeechobee Restauración de los Everglades, incluidas las áreas de tratamiento de aguas pluviales (STA), el depósito EAA, la finalización del CERP Contaminantes que ingresan a nuestras vías fluviales: fertilizantes, pesticidas, herbicidas con glifosato, desechos agrícolas, biosólidos, contaminación de fuentes difusas Amenazas ambientales debido al desarrollo de la ciudad y el condado, así como a la legislación local y estatal. Degradación del hábitat de la vida silvestre, incluida la disminución de pastos marinos para los manatíes y la acumulación de lodo en nuestras vías fluviales, lo que reduce la producción de criaderos de ostras y la calidad del agua. Cambio climático y aumento del nivel del mar Pozos de perforación petrolera, fracking y de inyección de aguas profundas Transporte de materiales peligrosos (oleoductos, transporte ferroviario de alta velocidad de GNL y otros materiales peligrosos) Volver arriba Top Environmental Issues CALL TO ACTION ! Here are ways for you to get involved in speaking up for the environment PETITIONS Go to FloridaRighttoCleanWater to sign a petition for putting Right to Clean and Healthy Waters amendment on the 2026 ballot. Note that you can print out a blank petition to fill out, or you can click on "Get a Prefilled Petition." By clicking Prefilled Petition, it will lead you through some questions and then you can print out the petition with most of your information already on the petition. Sign the "Stop Overdevelopment in Martin County" petition! http://chng.it/MRZYCqsDPD WRITE YOUR OWN LETTER Educate and influence the public. Choose a topic and write a Letter to the Editor to the Stuart News and/or Palm Beach Post. See this for links to each newspaper's online LTE form. . LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES/MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Attend Martin County Board of County Commissioners meetings. Learn what the Commission is doing. Speak up for the environment, for keeping our Comp Plan intact, for minimizing growth and depletion of our natural resources. Check our Calendar for info on when they meet. Back to Top Call to Action Resources Environmental Resources There are many groups locally, statewide, and nationally that focus on environmental issues. To view a list of some of the groups we learn from and work in concert with while advocating for the environment, go here . Here are links to various organizations that provide information on plants, bugs, growing gardens in Florida, and other topics of interest. UF/IFAS Extension Martin County https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/martin/ Wildflower seeds https://www.floridawildflowers.com/ Native Plant Finder https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/ Bug guide https://bugguide.net/node/view/15740 Butterflies and Moths of North America https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ Atlas of Florida Plants https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ Audubon Native Plants for Birds https://www.audubon.org/native-plants Bylaws Estatutos Estatutos actuales de MC Dem Env Caucus ... próximamente Estatutos anteriores de MC Dem Env Caucus Donaciones Para apoyar al Caucus Ambiental Democrático del Condado de Martin, haga clic en este botón. Te llevará a nuestra cuenta ActBlue donde podrás realizar tu donación. ¡Gracias! Si prefiere enviar un cheque por correo, hágalo a nombre de MC Dem Env Caucus y envíelo a: MC Dem Env Caucus 948 SE Central Parkway Stuart, FL 34994 ¡Done ahora! Bylaws and Donations

Enviar una carta al editor (LTE) a Stuart News / TC Palm es una excelente manera de hacer llegar su mensaje al público de Treasure Coast. Su LTE puede educar o persuadir a otros y aumentar la conciencia sobre su tema. Incluso podría dar lugar a discusiones y potencialmente podría influir en los responsables de la formulación de políticas . Es una de las pocas cosas que podemos hacer que llegue a una audiencia tan grande. Así que involúcrate e influye en los demás escribiendo tu LTE. Vaya a https://ewstcpalm.wufoo.com/forms/q1jkscld1v7h87e/ para enviar su carta en línea. Treasure Coast Newspapers publica regularmente cartas al editor de los residentes del área. Las cartas enviadas deben: 1) Tener menos de 300 palabras. 2) Incluya el nombre completo, la dirección postal, la ciudad, el número de teléfono durante el día y la dirección de correo electrónico del autor para fines de verificación. 3) Ser dirigido AL EDITOR, no dirigirse a otra persona o una copia de una carta enviada a otra persona. 4) Debe abordar temas públicos y no debe sonar como lanzamientos comerciales. 5) Debe ser una carta original escrita por el remitente. Stuart News / TC Palm generalmente no publica cartas de escritores fuera de su área de circulación. Solo se acepta una carta por mes de cualquier individuo. Su carta al editor debe incluir el nombre del autor, la dirección y el número de teléfono durante el día. Las cartas están sujetas a edición para mayor claridad y extensión, y pasan a ser propiedad de The Palm Beach Post. Extensión máxima: 200 palabras. Envíe su carta por correo electrónico a letters@pbpost.com o envíela por fax al (561) 820-4728. También puede enviarlo por correo postal a: El poste de Palm Beach 2751 S. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33405 Letter to Editor

Florida legislative session 2022 bills Call to Action on 2022 Bills What should you do? TAKE ACTION. .....We should all be aware of what legislation is pending and provide input: Contact your local representatives and let them know whether you support or disapprove of pending bills and urge them to vote accordingly Contact the bill's sponsor and let them know you support or disapprove of their bill and why. Contact members of the committee where the bill lies and urge them to approve or not approve the bill Write a Letter to the Editor letting the public know about some of the good or troubling bills. The bottom line: The more legislators hear from the public, the better. It's the way democracy works. Before listing them all, there are 2 bills sponsored by 2 of our local representatives that deserve special attention. Many may find them troubling and will want to contact Snyder and/or Overton regarding these bills: A bill sponsored by Representative Snyder: HB 747 ( Snyder and Altman ) and SB 1820 ( Baxley ) – Protections of Medical Conscience Some have called it the “Health Care Refusal Bill” or “No Service to Gays” bill. It allows healthcare providers and insurers to deny a patient any sort of care on the basis of religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. Also allows for employment discrimination in healthcare for the same reasons. Many feel this bill would codify discrimination against LGBTQ, non-Christians, etc. A bill sponsored by Representative Overdorf: SB 198 ( Rodriguez ) and HB 349 ( Sirios and Overdorf ) – Seagrass Mitigation Banks Authorizes the state Board of Trustees to create “seagrass mitigation banks” on state-owned submerged lands which would be used to offset the unavoidable loss of seagrass from coastal development projects. In essence, if developers seek permits for coastal or marine development projects that would destroy seagrasses, this bill would give them the option of buying credits in a mitigation bank to cover costs of seagrass restoration projects elsewhere. Those opposed to the bill say mitigation banks like this often fail and they believe having such a system would enhance development elsewhere . In other words, it gives a pass to developers so they continue to use land for their own purposes with very little consequences. This bill does not address the real issues facing manatees and the loss of seagrass. It's a ruse.