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Governor Drops Appeal On Welfare Drug Testing
Last week, Governor Rick Scott decided not to pursue a lawsuit that would require wel- fare recipients to take drug tests. The move means that he will not ask the U. S. Supreme Court to review the case.
The Governor’s office had not request that the high court hear the case by the deadline last Tuesday.
During his first term, Governor Scott an- nounced that he would require welfare recipients to take mandatory drug tests. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the law.
U. S. District Judge Mary Scriven ruled the law was an unconstitutional search and seizure. Governor Scott filed an appeal with the U. S. Circuit Court in December. The appel- late court upheld Judge Scriven’s decision.
Governor Scott had also issued an Execu- tive Order that required random drug testing for state employees. A federal drug struck down that Executive Order. However, the 11th Circuit Court reversed port of the ruling. The court said em- ployees in sensitive jobs could be required to sub- mit to random drug testing.
The Governor’s office said in a written state- ment that “The governor is continuing to protect Florida children any way he can and create an en- vironment where families can get jobs so they are able to pursue their dreams in safe communi- ties.”
In response to the governor’s decision not to pursue the case, Senate Democratic Leader Arthenia Joyner said, “Governor Scott’s priority to drug test Floridians unfortunate enough to fall on hard times was at best, a com- plete waste of taxpayers’ dollars, and at worst, a
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT
ARTHENIA JOYNER Senate Democratic Leader
reinforcement of his monarchy-style of govern- ing.
“Many of the people forced to rely on emer- gency government help didn’t do so because they wanted to, they did so because they had to. Florida was in the throes of one of the worst eco- nomic calamities to ever hit this state, and as the good paying jobs disappeared, so too did the abil- ity of tens of thousands of people to provide for their families.
“But rather than attacking the root cause of the problem by rebuilding an economy that works for everyone and offers real opportunities, Governor Scott attacked the people.
“This notion that people drawing temporary help are more inclined to use drugs has been de- bunked repeatedly. Forcing them to submit to drug testing as a condition to help their children is not only preying on their vulnerabilities, but a blatant violation of their civil rights. Governor Scott’s decision to finally end this taxpayer- funded witch hunt is long overdue.”
Coach Wants To Create Program To Help Undisciplined Students
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Coach Rod Dorsey has been working with inner-city children for more than 20 years. Currently, he coaches basketball at a gymnasium in Copeland Park, and he also conducts programs at other centers.
“What I’m trying to do now is create something for the kids who are having problems in school.
“They’d always come to Copeland Park to hang out.”
Dorsey said for most pro- grams offered at the park, the age cut off is 14, and he wants to see it extended.
“I’ve been fortunate to have secured a lot of sponsors. I coach through the city because they help me with the venues and transportation for the ath-
letes.
“I’ve started a basketball
class for kids at the NFL YET Center on 34th Street, and we are targeting the kids the schools have turned their backs on. We want to get them financial aid so they can go to college.”
Coach Dorsey said the school system, some parents, and a lot of communities have given up on our young people, and it’s time to take a step back and assess what they need.
“It’s not hard to see why these kids just give up so quickly. At a very young age, they are rejected, and by the time they reach school age, you can see how damaged they are.
“We need more adults to step up and not be afraid to spend time with these kids and give them what they’re not get- ting at home.”
Activist Appointed To Charter Review Board
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
In a letter dated March 4, 2015, activist Gerald White was appointed by Commis- sioner Les Miller to serve on the 2015 Charter Review Board. The term is for one year, and this is White’s fourth time being appointed to serve on that Board.
White has served in county government for more than 30 years as an appointee to several boards, including being the former vice-chair of the County Hospital Authority Board.
“I want to thank Comm. Miller and his colleagues for having confidence in me.
“This appointment puts me in a position of being able to help a lot of people.”
White, the only African American on the Board, said he will remain active in voter reg- istration, and being an outlet for citizens who had been ig- nored by government.
“I really enjoy being a part of activism in government. I also enjoy being a part of the mechanism that makes people be held accountable for the de- cisions they make.
“Although I did seek a seat on the County Commission
once, my interest now is serv- ing in this capacity or at an- other level of county government.”
The Charter Review Board is made up of 14 appointees by the County Commission. Each commissioner appoints two charter members.
The Board is charged with reviewing the County Charter and recommending changes.
Joining White on the CRA are Joe Affronti, Joseph Caetano, Sharon Calvert, Juan Capote, Debbie Cox- Roush, Earl Lennard, William Michel, Jan Plat, Yomari Sapna Rodriguez, Marilyn Smith, Edith Stewart, India Witte, and Art Wood.
GERALD WHITE
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015