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Dear FFASA Supporter,
Another legislative session came to a close in May and Senate
Bill CS/SB 362 and House Bill 81 died in the Justice Appropriations
Committee. Once again, the hope of Florida prosecutors is crushed by
the Legislature's inaction. The good news is that we can do
something about it!
Through FFASA, we can show strength and demand accountability
from legislators in Tallahassee. In order to persuade legislators in
Tallahassee to address the issue of high prosecutor turnover, it is
critical to convince those leaders who shape public opinion at the
state and local level, including the press, the business community,
charities, and community organizations, of the need to retain
experienced prosecutors to effectively protect our communities.
For this purpose, FFASA began an educational mailing campaign to
reach the media, the general public, and to obtain the support of
community organizations. FFASA's success has been immediate. With
only weeks from its creation, FFASA already has over 150 subscribers
to this free e-newsletter. Another early success is receiving the
support of a distinguished organization that has served our citizens
for thirty years. FFASA thanks the Chairman of the Broward County
Crime Commission (BCCC), Mr. Frank R. Pinter, for the opportunity to
address the Board of Directors of such prestigious organization. I
proudly announce that BCCC has extended its support to FFASA by
becoming a Supporting Organization. "Click
here to learn more about BCCC"
FFASA's message is spreading because it has merit. Those who hear
our message come to the realization that high prosecutor turnover
must be effectively addressed because it diminishes public safety
and our quality of life. With your support, our grassroots
organization will continue to move the issue of prosecutor turnover
to the front burner.
When the legislature convenes March 6, 2007, FFASA's strong
message will reach each legislator in every committee in
Tallahassee. FFASA pledges to organize a legislative committee that
will visit key legislators in order to effectively convey the plea
of state prosecutors. Please spread the word to family, friends, and
co-workers and encourage them to become members, sponsors,
supporters, or to simply make a donation. We must engage the public
to force legislators to listen. Thank you for taking a stand and
joining FFASA!
Juan Carlos Arias
FFASA President & Founder
| Senate Bill CS/SB 362 and House Bill 81 Die at
Committee |
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The 2006 Regular Session adjourned May 5, 2006 and
Senate Bill CS/SB 362 and the identical House Bill 81,
introduced by Rep. Ari Porth, died in the Justice
Appropriations Committee. The bills, designed to provide a
financial assistance program for career state trial lawyers,
received unanimous votes at the Judiciary Committee and the
Governmental Oversight and Productivity Committee. On March
30, 2006, the bills moved to the Justice Appropriations
committee were they died when the 2006 came to a close in May.
"Click
here to see the legislative progression of Senate Bill
362" or "Click
here to see the legislative progression of House Bill
81"
FFASA pledges its commitment to actively support
similar bills when the 2007 session begins March 6, 2007.
FFASA's Board of Directors will devise a comprehensive
strategy to reach lawmakers by mail, in person, and through
"citizen's mailing campaigns" to demand action and
accountability. Together, we will make a difference!
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| FFASA's Levels of Sponsorship |
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In order to engage the public and legislators through
an effective educational campaign, we need the financial
support from concerned citizens like you. Since FFASA's
officers and directors are non-salaried volunteers, 100% of
membership fees, sponsorships and donations will be invested
in spreading our message and securing support. The following
are the two levels of sponsorships:Lifetime Donors--
Businesses, law firms, family units, or individuals who make a
one-time donation of at least $1,000.00, will have their names
in the organization's stationary, webpage's Home Page, all
newspaper advertising, brochures, and will receive a beautiful
plaque at our first public reception.Founding
Supporters -- Businesses, law firms, family units, or
individuals who make a one-time donation of at least $300.00
to $999.00 Their names will appear in the stationary, some
advertisement, and the organization's brochure. Any
donation, regardless of the amount, is welcomed! Help us
keep our communities safe, please join and support FFASA
today!
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| FFASA UPDATE |
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FFASA is incorporated in the State of Florida as a
corporation for the common good and general welfare under
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a 501(c)(4)
corporation, FFASA can influence legislation through lobbying
as a primary activity. The Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services has authorized FFASA to solicit
donations under section 496 of the Florida Statutes.
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| FFASA's Board of Directors |
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FFASA's Board of Directors is constituted by accomplished
professionals who donate their time and talents for the
benefit of the community. Together and as individuals, they
exemplify FFASA's professionalism and relentless commitment to
the advancement of public safety. Click on the link and go to
ABOUT FFASA to find the link that takes you to the members of
the Board of Directors.
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Juan Carlos Arias President & Founder
Alan A. Pascal
Treasurer
Francis Viamontes Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Juan Carlos Arias, Chairman
Gregg Rossman,
Vice-Chairman
Dan Kanner
Elyse S. Miller
Peter T. Patanzo
Alan A. Pascal
Phillip R. Semenick
Raag Singhal
Francis Viamontes
ABOUT FFASA
FFASA is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, grassroots
organization committed to educating the public regarding the
need to retain experienced prosecutors.
FFASA’s officers and directors are non-salaried volunteers
committed to creating public awareness of the negative effect
prosecutor turnover has on public safety.
FFASA’s only agenda is to create public awareness and to
achieve legislation that would encourage prosecutors to make
their job a career.
FFASA is committed to educating the general public by
advertising the issues in major publications and by making
compelling presentations at local clubs and
organizations.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 11 - FFASA presentation to the Board of Directors,
Broward County Crime Commission
May 31 - Meeting, FFASA Board of Directors
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