Florida Catholic Conference Presents Legislative Awards

With more than 250 Catholics from across Florida gathered in Tallahassee for Catholic Days at the Capitol, the Florida Catholic Conference presented legislators awards for fighting for the Churchs values in the public square.

The conference gave Rep. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, the Defensor Vitae (Latin for Defender of Life) Award, noting that the Republican legislator was continuing to push bills requiring parental notice for teen girls considering having abortions in Florida.

As a mother, Rep. Stargel understands that parents need to have an opportunity to talk to their daughters about this life-changing procedure, said Sheila Hopkins, associate director of social concerns/respect life for the conference.

The conference also awarded Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, its Defensor Parentum (Defender of Parents) Award for fighting for the Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship program which helps more than 30,000 students across Florida.

Senator Negrons sponsorship of this key program that serves students of low-income families provides parents with an opportunity, not otherwise available to them, to select the education setting most suitable for their children, said James Herzog, associate director for education with the Florida Catholic Conference.

The conference presented Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales with the Defensor Dignitatis (Defender of Dignity) Award for hisrecord on life and in promoting the Florida Agricultural Workers Safety Act.

Senator Alexander has been a great friend to farmworkers during his legislative tenure, said Michael Sheedy, associate director for health for the Florida Catholic Conference.