CPA Leads Collaborative Policy Training for Florida Legislators

At the request of the Florida House of Representatives’ Democratic leadership, the Center for Policy Alternatives conducted a policy training for Florida state legislators January 7-8 in Tallahassee. CPA organized the training – "The Progressive Consensus: Policy Solutions for Florida’s Future." National and state level progressive partner organizations including the People for the American Way, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the Center for Law and Social Policy, Florida Institute for Economic Justice, AFSCME and SEIU were enlisted to provide policymakers with ideas and progressive solutions to some of the most important public policy issues facing Florida. The agenda included policy sessions on strengthening public education, progressive tax structures, elder care, assessing privatization of public services and more. One highlight of the training was a presentation by CPA’s CEO Ann Beaudry on "Values-Based, Consensus-Building Leadership: The Challenges of Governing."

Because of turnover due to term limits in 2000, more than half of Florida legislators are first-term lawmakers. Representative Doug Wiles, House Minority Pro Tempore and 1996 Flemming Fellow, commented that the training was one of the "most important" events members could participate in prior to the legislative session in March. He stated that since his Flemming experience, he looks to CPA as a "pathway to effective public policy solutions."

From left to right: Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Doug Wiles (Flemming Fellow ’96), CPA CEO Ann Beaudry, House Democratic Leader Lois Frankel, CPA Southeast Director Tracie Pough and Chair of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators Frederica Wilson (Flemming Fellow ’01).