Democrats Release 'Guiding Principles' for 2012 Session

The Democratic caucuses in the Florida House and Senate released a set of Guiding Principles for the minority party as it works through the 2012 legislative session.

It has become clear to Democrats in the Legislature that it is not enough to just speak out against bad ideas and policies, Rep. Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg, stated in a release.

Its not enough to stand up in fervent defense of hard-working, middle-class Floridians, seniors, children and small-business owners. It is time now for Democrats in the Legislature to clearly communicate to Floridians what guides us and how our values and beliefs shape the legislation we propose and the legislative stances we take.

The broadly written principles range from quality-of-life issues to a belief that all Floridians have access to affordable health care.

The following release is from the Democratic caucuses:

"Members of the Democratic caucuses of the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate present our Guiding Principles that are founded on values and beliefs to move Florida forward.

Your Government

• We believe that to hold public office is to hold a sacred trust, and that in holding this trust, government must be fair, honest and open.
• We believe in and respect all sections of and amendments to the Florida and United States constitutions.
• We believe in three independent, separate branches of government, and we believe that each should be adequately and appropriately funded to fulfill their constitutional duties.
• We believe in our court system and the system of law that exists in our country and in this state, and insist it remain independent and free from partisan influence.
• We believe in responsible stewardship of public dollars.

Your Prosperity

• We believe in a strong, vibrant middle class and expanding opportunity. We dont believe in smaller government or bigger government. Rather, we believe in more effective, better government.
• We believe that fiscal responsibility is fundamental to sustained economic growth as well as effective government.
• We believe in and support our front-line working Floridians and celebrate the positive impact they have had on our state.
• We believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of the working men and women of Florida, and that free enterprise is the key driver of economic growth.
• We believe that small businesses are the backbone of our local communities and Floridas economy. As small businesses thrive, so does Florida.
• We believe that an innovative, green economy presents Florida with opportunities to invest in its future beyond tourism and agriculture and instills self-reliance.
• We believe that Floridas current tax system is broken and must be overhauled to make it fair and equal for all Floridians.

Your Quality of Life

• We believe that education is the key to Floridas current and future successes, and as such, we believe in policies that protect public education.
• We believe that all Floridians must have access to affordable, high-quality health care.
• We believe in law and order and in preventing crime by addressing the root causes of crime.
• We believe that a balance between protecting Floridas land and water and smart growth exists.
• We believe in policies that recognize and support the diversity of todays American family.
• We believe government must aggressively fight discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, gender, or sexual orientation; defend liberties; and respect our private lives.
• We believe that Floridas immigration policies should be tough, fair and practical.
• We believe that the common civic ideals that Americans and Floridians share transcend any differences between us and should be the basis upon which we forge unity."