Ausley will invest wisely in Florida’s future

Jacksonville, FL – The Florida Education Association (FEA) – with more than 140,000 members – has endorsed Loranne Ausley in her campaign for CFO. Ausley is the first candidate endorsed by FEA for November’s General Election.

“I am proud to have the backing of the Florida Education Association as our campaign moves forward to November. As a state budget expert, attorney, and Chair of Florida’s Children Health Insurance agency I’ve fought against state government’s pay to play culture, made government work efficiently, and protected our children,” said Loranne Ausley.

Ausley was a vocal opponent of SB 6 which would have penalized teachers unfairly, undermined a teacher’s ability to lead a classroom, and taken away local control of Florida’s schools.

You all know about my race for CFO against Jeff Atwater.  It is the race of a lifetime.  But this Saturday I have another race and a different opponent.  I would like to introduce you all to my campaign manager Jonathan Ducote.  Jonathan and I will be competing in the North Florida Olympic Triathlon at Cherry Lake, which consists of a .9 mile swim, a 25 mile bike ride and a 6.2 mile run.

What first began as bonding experience for the two of us has now evolved into a full blown rivalry.  Twenty-eight year old Jonathan actually believes he has a chance at beating me.  Youth vs. experience.  We are putting it to the test.  What do you think?

And let’s make this a little more interesting. If you think Jonathan has a chance, please make a $28 contribution to my campaign.  If you think I am going to win, please make a $46 contribution. I don’t know about you, but I think there are going to be a few more $46 contributions.

The first statewide poll reaffirms what you and I have known all along … Jeff Atwater is beatable.

According to the Mason-Dixon poll released today 41% of voters are undecided and Atwater only has 33% of the vote. This poll shows that we are already on Atwater’s heels and more importantly – if we communicate we win.

Can you help us keep communicating?

1) Encourage ten people to sign up on our website

2) Make a contribution

“The BP oil spill is the largest ecological disaster of our lifetime. It has the potential to destroy Florida’s unique coastal ecology, world class tourist destinations, and a seafood fishing industry that has weathered a tough economy in addition to new federal restrictions. While Florida did not cause this disaster, we must do everything we can to ensure that we limit damage while ensuring that BP is held accountable for its actions. This catastrophe underscores the need for Florida to rebuild our reserves and trust funds which have been under attack by the legislature.”

My Op-Ed in the Florida Times-Union

Florida has more than 800,000 children who still are without basic health care insurance.

Children without health care insurance go without basic services they need for their very survival. Being without health insurance is not just about lack of insurance; it is truly about life and death.

To allow children who live in the richest country on Earth to go without basic medical care is unconscionable. These children suffer from untreated diseases, do worse in school and suffer through preventable illnesses far more than they ever should – especially in a society that claims to have superior medical care.

They suffer avoidable pain, incur disease conditions that can affect them for the rest of their lives and endure symptoms most of us can cure with a simple trip to the doctor.

Let’s consider the economic consequences. Each child who grows up sick, or without access to basic or preventative medical care, is far less likely to ever become a productive member of our society.

Most will never become industrious taxpayers who give more financially than they receive. And finally, the lack of insurance stresses our already stressed health care delivery system because far too often their first treatments come too late and in the most expensive manner.

Children who do not have access to a physician often end up being sent for emergency treatment. Emergency room and crisis care costs the system far more than the cost of early treatment.

Make no mistake; we all pay for these incurred emergency medical costs and higher taxes to compensate for what the industry calls “uncompensated care.”

I know from first-hand experience that there are real, workable solutions. Through Florida KidCare, children can get medical and dental check-ups, vaccinations and necessary treatment when they are sick.

Many families pay just $15 to $20 per month; most pay nothing.

Through Florida KidCare, these children now have access to the very system that can help them grow up healthy and productive.

Florida KidCare recognizes that a wise investment on the front end can save us millions on the financial back end.

Please help us spread the word about Florida KidCare.