GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY On June 2nd, NCJW members joined advocates across the country in  #Wear Orange to demand better laws to stop the gun violence in America.

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STATE OF THE STATE It's June and the minds of weary advocates turn to escapism.  Escape to northern climes, escape to an easy chair with a good novel and a cold drink -- escape from the roiling political system!!  This year our desire to flee might be particularly strong.  But, as much as we want to put our feet up and forget, the issues don't go away just because the summer doldrums are setting in.Not only is the election in full-swing, but we may have unparalleled access to the ears of our legislators.  They will be in their districts, and they may be at candidate forums or in less formal environments where we can ask them questions.  We should take advantage of these opportunities. It is also essential that we  direct our efforts to educating the public about the importance of registering  to vote and actually voting.   Moreover, we have a responsibility to ensure that Floridians are informed about the issues.

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GET READY to VOTE on AUGUST 30TH! Not many people are aware that there is a Primary on August 30, 2016 in Florida.  No, it is not a Presidential primary, but it is a primary for Federal and State Senators and Representatives, among others.  Also many local positions -- and possibly even some state ones-- will be elected on that day.  Unusually, there is also  a proposed Constitutional Amendment on the ballot on August 30. Florida's electoral system is very difficult for the average citizen to understand.  And, this year, everything is a little more complicated than normal because Florida has undergone a major redistricting.  This means that your district and precinct may have changed, your state senators  and representatives may be different, and you may even have a new polling place.  Many (if not all) registered voters will  receive a new Voter Identification Card this summer. These changes also mean that there is more room for errors.  So, when you get your Voters ID card, it is vital that you check the accuracy of the following:  your name, address, and PARTY AFFILIATION. To vote on August 30th, you need to be aware of the following: 1.  If you are not already registered, you must register by August 1, 2016.  2. If you want to vote in the primaries on that day for partisan positions (e.g. senators, representatives, sometimes county commissioners, state attorney, etc.), you must indicate your party affiliation when you register.  Florida is a closed primary state, so in just about all these races, you can only vote in your own party's primary.  Not all incumbents who are running are facing challengers, so in some cases, there will not be primaries.  Candidates have until June 24 to qualify to be on the ballot. 3.  If you choose "No party" affiliation you will still be able to vote in the non-partisan races, e.g. for school boards, property appraisers, county and circuit court judges -  and others.  These are IMPORTANT offices in your community that make a real difference in the quality of all our lives.  Everyone, whether registered with a party or not, will also be able to vote on the following constitutional amendment that will be on the August ballot: Constitutional Amendment #4 - The Florida Tax Exemptions for Renewable Energy Measure, is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Brandes (R) and in the House by Rep. Lori Berman (D) and Rep. Ray Rodrigues (R) last session.

• a vote FOR  the measure would extend property tax exemptions for solar power and other renewable energy equipment to commercial properties.
• a vote AGAINST the measure would prevent property tax exemptions for commercial properties for renewable energy equipment.   

So far, there is little opposition to Amendment #4.  Many editorials have come out in support of it.  For example, the editorial in The Tampa Bay Times on April 1, 2016 stated: "The Legislature's measure on the August ballot is a clean shot, good for business, homeowners, the solar industry and the state's economic climate. It could induce big businesses — from the largest retail chains to manufacturers and shopping malls — to invest significantly in energy-efficient technologies that create jobs, improve public health, diversify and strengthen the electric grid and position the state to better address the impacts of climate change. This is a good step in fashioning a larger and smarter energy policy, and voters should support the amendment "      http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-one-good-one-bad-solar-amendment/2271572 For more information, see  http://www.flsolarchoice.org/get-the-facts-on-4/ TAKE ACTION: If you have not done so already, REGISTER to vote  today!   Make sure every person you know, who is eligible, is also registered to vote! For more information click here:  http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/for-voters/voter-registration/register-to-vote-or-update-your-information/

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