Frank M. Petosa President		THE FJA LOBBY TEAM – STANDING UP FOR JUSTICE March 31, 2008
It seems hard to believe, but by the time this issue reaches you, we will already be nearly half way through the 2008 Regular Legislative Session. The Session began this year on March 4, and as always, things took off at a fast and furious pace. From the outset, all eyes were focused on Florida’s budget shortfall. In an unusual move that highlights the grim state of Florida’s economy, one of the legislature’s first orders of business this year was to cut half a billion dollars from the current 2007-2008 fiscal year budget, which runs through the end of June. Once they had that behind them, they had to start figuring how to deal with a projected four billion dollar shortfall in the revenue projections for next year. That, however, hasn’t stopped the legislature from pursuing other issues as well. With so much on their plate, the legislature rolled full steam ahead into the annual sprint to try to accomplish as much as possible in the short 60-day period that is the Regular Session. In its first week, both houses held a full set of committee meetings as well as floor sessions. Despite the legislative preoccupation with pressing fiscal questions, a lot of substantive issues are now making their way through the committee process. As is the case every year, FJA leaders, lobbyists and staff are there, working hard to advance good, pro-consumer legislation and to ensure that bills that would take away the rights of Floridians to seek justice don’t become law. In the “Legislative Notes” section of this Journal you will find summaries of the very broad range of issues that FJA is involved with, both good and bad. These summaries actually represent only a small portion of the bills that FJA is monitoring this year. At this point, a total of about 2,350 bills have been filed for consideration during the Session. FJA staff examines and evaluates every single bill that is filed for its potential impact on the rights of Floridians. As a result of that assessment, this year FJA has flagged over 400 bills that bear very close watching, with about 120 of those identified as having a significant enough impact that we know our active involvement will be required if and when the bill comes up for a hearing. And, this doesn’t even take into account the many potentially bad amendments that can pop up at any time and on virtually any bill. Watching over this process is a huge job every year. Fortunately, FJA has not only a core group of professional staff in Tallahassee, but also committed FJA members who dedicate their time and energy to come to Tallahassee, learn the ropes and actively participate in the lobbying process. We would not be able to accomplish what we do in the legislative arena without them. They add immeasurably to the resources we can bring to bear on an issue and, ultimately, to our effectiveness and success. That is why it is important that we have a “farm league” in place, so we can ensure that FJA will always have strong, dedicated members filling out the ranks of our lobbying team. Law school does not really provide its graduates with a full appreciation of the profound effect our legislative process has on our justice system! It is almost impossible to develop that understanding without coming to Tallahassee and experiencing it first hand. That’s why I was extremely excited that twenty of our Young Lawyer members came to Tallahassee to participate in our annual Young Lawyers Lobby Week during the second week of Session. By necessity, the first time here involves some basic introduction and education. But those who get bitten by the bug come back year after year to help our legislative team. These member lobbyists become assets whose value increases exponentially with each visit. History has also shown that these members will stay active and go on to become future FJA leaders. In fact, I myself started as a Young Lawyer and visited Tallahassee for the first time as participant in the FJA Young Lawyers Lobby Week. These members – the old hands who know the ropes cold and the young recruits who are just starting out – are an integral and vital part of FJA’s legislative program. They take time out of their schedules and away from their clients and practices, so they can protect those of every other FJA member, as well as the rights of every Floridian. Every FJA member owes these members who come to Tallahassee for Legislative Session and Committee Weeks a sincere debt of gratitude. At FJA, we know you need to know how the Legislative Session will impact your practice. That is why FJA will continue to keep you informed on all important bills through the Capital News, delivered weekly to your inbox. And when you read your Capital News, make sure you check out our newest member service – Florida Justice TV – which brings you the sights and sounds of happenings in Tallahassee each week. Both are also available online at www.FloridaJusticeAssociation.org. After Session, don’t forget to look for a full legislative wrap-up in the Journal, which will provide detailed summaries of all the important legislation that passed. As always, if you have any input on legislation or any questions about the legislative process, please let us know. FJA’s legislative team in Tallahassee is there to help. Give them a call!