Community Alliance of Sarasota County Holds First Annual Legislative Breakfast

Posted on 09/14/2011 @ 10:39 AM

Tags: West

The purpose of the Community Alliance of Sarasota County is to “advance communication, collaboration and advocacy of the health and human service needs of all citizens in Sarasota County through more integrated, effective and efficient delivery systems.”

At its legislative breakfast on Tuesday morning, the organization demonstrated its commitment to that communication and collaboration. Kathryn Shea, president and CEO of The Florida Center for Early Childhood, represented the Alliance admirably as she provided details about how the state budget cuts of recent years have affected residents of Sarasota County. She pointed out the many areas where access to services for young children and families, as well as for the disabled and the elderly, has suffered. She asked the state legislators who were present to do their best to avoid more budget cuts, and to do anything in their power to find ways to restore funding to programs such as the Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic (the only one of its kind in Florida) and Early Steps (which serves babies and toddlers with developmental disabilities).

Rep. Ray Pilon and Rep. Greg Steube, who both represent portions of Sarasota County, spoke to the group as well. Both representatives indicated that they believe the “worst may be over” when it comes to state budget cuts. Click here to read the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s account of the event.