Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 8-29-17

Local
FAMU Alumni Hear From State Legislators
Alumni of Florida A&M University gathered at the HOPE Center Saturday, Au- gust 19, 2017, to hear from state legislators from this area.
Senator Darryl Rou- son (District 19), Repre- sentative Sean Shaw (District 63) and a represen- tative from Representa- tive Wengay Newton’s office answered questions. Rep. Newton (District 70) was unable to attend as he was traveling to return his daughter to college.
His office was repre- sented by his Legislative Aide, Cyrus C. Calhoun, III, a 2016 FAMU B. S. graduate with a major in Po- litical Science from the Col- lege of Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities. He is a 3rd generation Rattler.
Senator Rouson,
whose district differs since new lines were drawn, spoke on the significant role of the alumni today while legisla-
tors are at home and prepar- ing for the local Legislative Delegation Meeting, writing bills and getting ready to at- tend their first committee meeting in Tallahassee in September.
Senator Rouson ex- pressed gratitude to Rep. Shaw and all of the Florida Black Caucus for pulling to-
gether at the end of the ses- sion to assure the research rich FAMU be included in the marijuana bill from an education perspective.
Rep. Shaw told the group the significance of staying involved year round and being the voice of FAMU with all elected offi- cials. He thanked his con-
stituents for sending him to Tallahassee and requested they question him when he is not working in their best interest or attending forums or sessions when they invite him to come.
School Board member
Tamara Shamburger
was invited and attended the meeting. She introduced herself to the Rattlers. Her questions went from local to state and even federal fund- ing issues.
Representative New- ton’s representative gave a meaningful presentation, addressing alumni readi- ness to support FAMU and how to schedule visits with supportive data.
Barbara Pippin Cohen, FAMU Director of Government Relations, re- viewed the 2017-2018 Leg- islative Budget Request and distributed a pocket brochure of the information for all in attendance.
Senator Darryl Rouson, Rep. Sean Shaw and Rep. Wengay New- ton’s Legislative Aide, Cyrus C. Calhoun, III.
FAMU Alumni, Tampa Chapter President, Wendell Duggins, standing with several Rattlers to include Mary White Darby, Wim- berly and Maryse Dixon.
Included in this group are: Rosalyn McIntoch, Toni Alexander, Dr. Walter L. Smith, Carla White, Herman Monroe, John Robinson, Tony Bell and Dr. Aaron Smith.
Dayle Greene, Theresa Balliou, Terri Collins and other Rattlers.
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2017