3/6/11
Drastic cuts to the state’s civil rights agency.
Source Barber-Heinz FCHR
We are writing to let you know of the drastic recommended budget cuts to Florida’s only independent, state civil rights entity – the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) – and ask for your support! The Governor’s budget recommendations propose a 56% reduction in FCHR’s current staff (from 53 to 23 positions) and a 40% reduction in FCHR’s annual budget, which essentially leaves the agency unable to function!
We are consistently reminding the Florida Legislature that discrimination issues impact ALL OF US. Be it the bullying that is plaguing our young people, the hate crimes which destroy our sense of community and safety or the workplace and housing discrimination that is alive and well around our state.
The anti-discrimination laws governing our Commission protect Floridians based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial or marital status in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations and state employee whistleblower retaliation. I have attached a letter which we are asking organizations with populations served by our Commission to add to their letterhead, sign and send to the House and Senate appropriations subcommittee Chairs listed below. We are primarily targeting the Chairs, however, feel free to send it to members who you may know on these subcommittees.
I know we are all fighting the same fight right now so we thank you for your time and attention to this matter! Please let me know if you are able to send a letter or if you have any questions.
We are so grateful for your assistance! Leah Barber-Heinz Communications Director 850-528-1597
Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations
CHAIR: Senator Alan Hays (R)
VICE CHAIR: Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto (R)
- Senator Larcenia J. Bullard (D)
- Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla (R)
- Senator Anthony C. “Tony” Hill, Sr. (D)
- Senator Dennis L. Jones, D.C. (R)
- Senator Jack Latvala (R)
House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee
Representatives:
Source:Leah Barber-Heinz, Public Information Director, Florida Commissoin on Human Relations www.fchr.state.fl.us 850.528.1597