Keith's Journal

As Bridget and Conor started school this week, I have spent a lot of time thinking about children across Florida who will load their backpacks with books, board bright yellow buses, and make their way back to the classroom. More than 42,000 eager students will return to school, ready to discover a remarkable world filled with knowledge and wisdom. But all is not well with the Florida school system.

Join me on the campaign trail and when we meet a teacher, ask them what they think of the FCAT. The focus on these tests has severely constrained teachers' ability to teach and respond appropriately to student needs. That hurts teachers and it ill-prepares our students to compete in an increasingly competitive world. The state legislature did some work on this in the 2008 session – but much more needs to be done.

We recently heard news about declining ACT scores and once again Florida is ranked near the bottom – just 48th nationally. This is a disgrace. We should take the advice of our Education Commissioner and ensure schools have enough emphasis on tougher coursework. It is time to make it the business of schools to educate our children for a lifetime, not just test for passage to the next grade.

During my time in the state legislature and out on the campaign trail, I have met teachers who have to hold down a second job because being a teacher in Florida simply does not pay enough. A public school teacher in Florida today earns $6,000 less than the national average. This is an insult to the professionals who teach our children. It is also irresponsible policy. We know that the best teachers produce the best students – and all of us should want that for Florida’s future.

Floridians have a lot to be proud of, but the state of our educational system is not one of them. I am passionate about this issue – and not just because it affects the quality of education my children will receive. We need to build a world-class education system so that Florida can remain competitive in the 21st century and beyond.

I wanted to take a moment to provide my constituents with an update on the John Ringling
Bridge issue.

I understand the confusion and concern that many have expressed regarding the name of the Ringling Causeway Bridge and the recent City Commission action. I want to make it clear that the state legislature in no way altered the official name of the road or bridge. My aim was simply to help recognize a local leader by having an honorary sign placed on or near the bridge commemorating his work. By no means did I intend to rename any road or bridge, and certainly not one with such significance to our community.

I have been in touch with the Florida Department of Transportation and have worked out a resolution that will allow a plaque to be placed on the bridge in lieu of the honorary designation sign in order to alleviate any confusion over the name of the bridge.

The level of civic engagement that has been evident throughout this process has made me even prouder to be a part of the Sarasota community. I regret that the confusion may have caused undue anxiety for many residents, but I am confident that this arrangement will satisfy everyone involved.

When I first ran for the State House in 2006, I said that we need leaders today who are not about currying the favor of lobbyists or the powerful. That's still true, and it is why I am seeking re-election. The hyper-partisan process in Tallahassee has failed. Families in Florida – like my family and yours – are hurting and are demanding action. It is time for pragmatic, principled leadership.

There is a growing online community that wants the power of government out of the hands of narrow, special interests and back in the hands of those who will fight for the interests of our working families and citizens. They want action now.

I am proud that GoFitzGo.com is a part of this community.

Through this site, I hope you will take action – sign up for to volunteer, request a yard sign, sign up for regular updates, or donate.

I also hope that you will contact me. Only by working together – online or in our communities and neighborhoods – can we bring the change that government so desperately needs.

Please visit again soon. We will be updating our campaign journal, as well as our news and events pages often.

I am honored to serve the people of State House District 69 and look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to build a stronger Florida.