Conservative Accomplishments in Florida for 2011

It was actually a very good year for Conservatives in Florida when looking at the Legislative Accomplishments.  Although we only got a partial victory on E-Verify.  We wanted an Arizona or Georgia style Law but we had to settle for less.  Nonetheless, the Immigration Bill SB2040, does deny state benefits to illegals through the use of E-Verify, implements E-Verify for Florida's Workforce program, and ensures that violent criminals will be deported after serving their sentences.

Here is a summary of the other Conservative Accomplishments:

Conservative accomplishments by the 2011 Florida Legislature

President Mike Haridopolos and Speaker Dean Cannon

1.  Balanced Budget - Balanced Florida’s budget with no new taxes or fees, cutting over $4 billion in spending

2.  Medicaid Reform - Passed historic Medicaid legislation that cuts waste, attacks fraud and reduces cost

3.  SmartCap - Passed a constitutional amendment that caps runaway government spending

4.  Health Care Freedom - Passed the Health Care Freedom Act, a constitutional amendment that will shield Floridians from the Obamacare insurance mandate

5.  Pension Reform - Passed historic pension bills that will require government workers to pay into their pension system for the first time since 1975

6.  Defending the Unborn - Passed stronger parental notification rules, no taxpayer funding for abortion coverage, and ultrasound requirements

7.  Supporting Religious Freedom – Passed a bill to repeal a provision of Florida’s constitution that discriminates against churches and faith-based organizations

8.  Protecting 2nd Amendment Rights - Added new protections for Floridians who exercise their right to carry concealed weapons, stopped local governments from imposing excessive restrictions on gun rights

9.  Tort Reform - Passed bills to protect Medicaid providers and teaching hospitals from frivolous lawsuits

10.  Tax Cuts – Passed over $300 million in tax cuts, including $200 in property tax relief and $30 million in tax exemptions for small business

11.  Education Reform – Ended tenure, expanded charter schools, vouchers and virtual schools

12.  Fighting Pill Mills – Passed tougher penalties for pill mill operators, funded prescription drug database without taxpayer dollars

13.  Supporting Veterans – Cut property taxes for soldiers fighting overseas

14.  Expanding Property Tax Relief – Passed constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for first-time homebuyers

15.  Drug Tests for Welfare – Passed a bill to require a drug test for any person applying for welfare benefits in Florida

16.  Honoring Law Enforcement Officers – Passed the Andrew Widman Act to keep more violent felons off our streets