YOU DID IT!     DEMOCRATS UNITE TO PROTECT VOTER-APPROVED SMALLER CLASSES

May 2, 2006

Thank you on behalf of all Floridians!

Today, Democrats and responsible Republicans in the Florida Senate worked together to protect voter-approved smaller classes.

Irresponsible Republicans were pushing the repeal bill, which needed a 3/5 majority to override the voters. But, because of your hard work, Republican leaders were only able to muster 20 out of 40 votes.

We beat ’em! You refused to keep quiet, and you blocked the Republicans from repealing the law. Your petitions were able to achieve an unexpectedly large margin -- convincing SIX Republican senators to join all 14 Democrats in doing what is right.

You and I know that quality neighborhood schools are critical to the foundation of our communities and our future, and smaller classes are vital to better schools. And although only six out of 26 Republican Senators understand that simple principle, the vast majority of Florida voters agree with us -- recognizing the importance of each child having the opportunity to learn, and each teacher having the opportunity to teach, in a less crowded classroom.

The protection of smaller classes by a bipartisan group of senators is a sign that when all of us activists make our voices heard, the legislature is forced to listen.

We hope that today’s vote will mark the end of the devious efforts to undermine the voters’ will by Jeb Bush and Republicans like Ken Pruitt, but we can never be certain. We’ll keep our ear to the ground, and alert you with any updates. I look forward to being in touch with you again as we near this important election.

THANK YOU!

Sincerely,

Karen Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party