BlogWood: MT Archives

Legislative update

The Legislature’s first day didn’t produce any big surprises. The biggest news had to do with flag worship and the Republican’s ancient strategy of chipping away at the rights of women:

House Committee Wants Flags in Every Public Classroom

A House committee voted unanimously Tuesday to support a bill which seeks to place an American flag in every public classroom in the state - but doesn't want to pay for them.

Every public school, community college and university would have to properly display a U.S. flag in classrooms, according to the legislation approved by the Education K-20 Committee.

The panel voted down an amendment offered by Rep. Shelley Vana, D-Lantana, regarding paying for the flags.

Instead, the bill directs principals of public schools and presidents of universities and community colleges to try to raise money from private organizations to pay for the flags.

Rep. Frank Attkisson, R-Kissimmee, said he thought that veterans organizations and civic groups would be "pleased and proud" to pay for the flags.

Countered Vana: "We should put our money where our mouth is."

Gov. Jeb Bush said he would have to look at the cost of the proposal. "Most classrooms that I go to have the flags up already," Bush said.

In the Senate, a companion bill (SB 612) cleared two committees last month and is waiting for floor action.

Abortion Bill Set For Debate

House Speaker Johnnie Byrd said a bill seeking to give parents the right to know when their daughters under the age of 18 seek abortions will be debated by the full House this week.

Byrd, R-Plant City, is putting on hold his broader parental rights constitutional amendment, which Senate leaders oppose. Senate President Jim King, R-Jacksonville, favors the narrower measure limited specifically to abortion notification, and Byrd said it's important to get something moving with a chance of passing.

``What we want to do is do the doable,'' Byrd said.

Constitutional changes, if approved by the Legislature, need voter approval. A staff and wire report