As State Director for Convention of States Florida and a home schooling mom, I decided to take my two sons, Joseph and David, on a field trip to the state capitol in Tallahassee.
We were on a mission.
I told the boys that we were going on a scavenger hunt for legislators with the help of David Gantt and David Hildebrandt, our Legislative Liaisons and our guides, who confirmed that is pretty much what it would be.
I didn’t realize how true it was until we had scoured through three floors of what looked and felt like a maze of cubicles and hallways and doors. Despite the daunting legislative labyrinth, we were able find over fifty locations that served as a base where our State House Representatives have been feverishly working for the prior two months.
Unfortunately, most offices belonging to our beloved lawmakers were not occupied because they were meeting with fellow legislators in regard to a very controversial bill. It was legislation drafted in response to the tragic shooting that took the lives of 17 students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. They were on their third day of questions and debate and were expected to vote that day.
Dutiful legislative aides (referred to as LAs) could be found camped outside every representative's office in a classy blue cubicle of their own.
They greeted us with smiles and were eager to hear about the mission of our visit, which was to present them with an audio CD produced by Convention of States Action, along with a newsletter, palm card and contact information. Also included, was an invitation to attend a Legislative Homecoming Event in their home district.
COS Florida leaders known as District Captains will follow up with personal calls and email correspondence to encourage them to meet with their constituents and Convention of States supporters to share on their experiences during this past legislative session, supporters are encouraged to ask questions and give feedback on the bills they sponsored this year.
As a result of these gatherings, we hope to convince our State House Representative or State Senator to allow us to meet later and share information on how more work needs to be done to prepare Florida for an Article V Convention of States for the purpose of proposing amendments.
Our ultimate goal is to have comprehensive legislation passed in 2019 that will clarify the process of commissioner selection, participation in the Convention of States, and ratification of amendments.
We need supporters such as yourself to impress upon our state legislators that this project is important and necessary for the future of our country. We want be assured that Florida will be a prepared and effective participant in this Article V process.
My sons and I took a major step toward making this happen by personally inviting over 50 state house representatives to get involved.
Won’t you help us by encouraging your state rep or senator to get involved, too? Call them and ask them to contact us by responding to the homecoming invitation sent by flhomecoming@cosaction.com. If you’d like to help plan, host, and attend your district’s homecoming, send us an email yourself.
