An organization for education reform called Foundation for Florida’s Future states as it’s mission:  To make Florida’s education system a model for the nation.

As such, it has published the Florida Formula for education, which states, “The Florida Formula encompasses a combination of reforms – rigorous academic standards, standardized measurement, data-based accountability, effective teaching, outcome-based funding, school choice – to improve the quality of education for Sunshine State students.”

The Foundation also reviews the State’s Legislative Agenda each year, and grades the Legislature on their voting record.  The website states, “The Foundation for Florida’s Future grades lawmakers on a scale of A–F based on their support for education reforms that improve the quality of education for Sunshine State students. Learn how your lawmakers measure up.”

It’s website also lists its 2012 Reform Agenda, details how it graded each Senator and House Representative, which Legislators made the Honor Roll, as well as individual grades for both Senators and Representatives.

If you’re a voter in Florida, chances are you’ll be voting for your State Senator and House Representative in the upcoming election.  Check out the grades and see how your representatives are making the grade.  Or not.

In the Florida Senate, the highlighted “A-List” includes:

JD Alexander, Lake Wales, District 17
Lizbeth Benacquisto, Wellington, District 27
Anitere Flores, Miami, District 38
Don Gaetz, Destin, District 4
Andy Gardiner, Orlando, District 9
Jeremy Ring, Margate, District 32
Bill Simmons, Altamonte Springs, District 22
John Thrasher, Jacksonville, District 8

Senate Failures are:

Audrey Gibson, Jacksonville, District 1
Arthenia Joyner, Tampa, District 18
Nan Rich, Sunrise, District 34
Eleanor Sobel, Hollywood, District 31

In the House, the highlighted “A-list” includes:

Michael Bileca, West Miami, District 117
Jeff Brandes, St. Petersburg, District 52
Marti Coley, Marianna, District 7
Richard Corcoran, New Port Richey, District 45
Erik Fresen, Miami, District 111
John Patrick Julien, North Miami Beach, District 104
Kelli Stargel, Lakeland, District 64

And, the House Reps who Flunked out are:

Joseph Abruzzo, Wellington, District 85
Lori Berman, Delray Beach, District 86
Mack Bernard, West Palm Beach, District 84
Dwight Bullard, Miami, District 118
Daphne Campbell, Miami Shores, District 108
Gwyn Clarke-Reed, Pompano Beach, District 92
Jeff Clemens, Lake Worth, District 89
Janet Cruz, Tampa, District 58
Reggie Fullwood, Jacksonville, District 15
Luis Garcia, Jr., Miami, District 107
Joe Gibbons, Pembroke Park, District 105
Evan Jenne, Fort Lauderdale, District 100
Marty Kiar, Davie, District 97
Rick Kriseman, St. Petersburg, District 53
Mark Pafford, West Palm Beach, District 88
Steve Perman, Boca Raton, District 78
Ari Porth, Coral Springs, District 96
Scott Randolph, Orlando, District 36
Betty Reed, Tampa, District 59
Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, Tallahassee, District 9
Hazelle “Hazel” Rogers, Lauderhill, District 94
Darryl Rouson, St. Petersburg, District 55
Franklin Sands, Sunrise, District 98
Ron Saunders, Tavernier, District 120
Elaine Schwartz, Hollywood, District 99
Irv Slosberg, Boca Raton, District 90
Cynthia Stafford, Miami, District 109
Dwayne Taylor, Daytona Beach, District 27
Geraldine “Geri” Thompson, Orlando, District 39
Perry Thurston, Jr., Fort Lauderdale, District 93
Jim Waldman, Coconut Creek, District 95
Barbara Watson, Miami Gardens, District 103
Alan Williams, Tallahassee, District 8

It’s important to note that the districts mentioned above were the seats the legislators held before the redistricting of the Senate and House earlier this year.  Many of the districts have changed and some of the winners and losers above may be running for the same seat next month.  For example, here in North Miami Beach, Representative John Patrict Julien, who earned an A from the Foundation for Florida’s Future, will now be running in District 107 against Barbara Watson from Miami Gardens, who earned an F.

A possible reason for Barbara Watson’s Failing grade could be her inability to vote for anything.  Or, it might be for her inconsistency.  It’s anyone’s guess.  But, consider this:  She was on the Appropriations Committee for Bill 1331 regarding School Choice for Pre K-12, for which she voted “Yes.”  When this bill got to committee two weeks later, she voted “No.”

I guess she was for it before she was against it.  John Kerry would be proud.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, Rep. Barbara Watson: The Party of No, she is the very same Barbara Watson who votes “No” on pretty much everything.

The only piece of legislation she introduced during her entire term was one that would force North Miami Beach to give up the state approved surcharge on water rates and fees to customers outside our city limits.  This mandate would have necessitated raising NMB residents’ own water bills in order to make up the difference.  Luckily, her bill died in committee.

Now she’s asking for your vote.

Representative John Patrick Julien not only earned an A from the Foundation for Florida’s Future, but he also earned a spot on the Honor Roll.

He also won’t raise your water rates.  I’m just saying.

On August 14th, Vote Responsibly.

Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”