Gubernatorial candidates to discuss children’s issues at debate in October

Representatives from The Children’s Movement of Florida and the University of Miami announced today they will host a debate with Florida gubernatorial candidates Oct. 16 to discuss issues affecting children in Florida.

Organizers of the debate, which will be held at UM’s BankUnited Center and is open to the public, said Democratic candidate Alex Sink has confirmed her attendance.

The movement’s co-chairman, David Lawrence, said he had not heard if Republican candidate Rick Scott would attend, even though he and Scott met about six weeks ago to discuss children’s issues.

“Nothing is more fundamental than what is and will be the status of children. I can’t believe he wouldn’t accept,” said Lawrence during a conference call with media today, adding that he thinks this gubernatorial debate is the first nationwide that focuses solely on children’s issues.

He said the hour-long debate, which will begin at 6 p.m., will give the candidates time to make opening and closing remarks on issues related to children, but the question and answer format of the gathering will focus mostly on the five priorities of The Children’s Movement —health insurance for children, improved screening and treatment for special needs children, better quality pre-K programs and improved parenting and mentoring skills.

Lawrence said the questions will be asked by a three-person panel, including himself, Bob Butterworth, former secretary of the state Department of Children and Families, and Toni Jennings, former Florida Lieutenant Governor.

The debate will be broadcast statewide, but Lawrence said organizers had not finalized agreements with a network.

Donna Shalala, president of the University of Miami, said she hopes the gubernatorial forum will create awareness about children’s issues in Florida.

“Children don’t contribute to campaigns and don’t vote, and are often ignored even though it’s very clear that Florida’s future depends on our investment in children and our adult leadership in that,” Shalala said. “Much of what states do impacts children, whether it’s education or healthcare or safety. Therefore, a gubernatorial debate on children is absolutely appropriate and significant.”

Read the full article here.