Milk Party kicks off today

Advocates from across the state will kick off a new movement today designed to help Florida's children.

The Children's Movement of Florida — the Milk Party — is a citizen-led, nonpartisan organization that hopes to educate politicians, business leaders and parents about the dire state of children in the Sunshine State.

David Lawrence Jr., retired publisher of The Miami Herald, is co-chair and president of the movement, along with Roberto Martinez, a Coral Gables attorney and a member of Florida's State Board of Education.

"This is ultimately about all children," Lawrence said. "It involves everyone."

Milk Party events and rallies will be held throughout the state during September to catch the attention of government and business leaders.

Television personality Anna Johnson, whose passion is for children, will be the local steering committee chair. She said local advocates are already on board to give their support to the movement.

"We must be one voice to leaders," Johnson said.

According to its website, the Children's Movement of Florida's mission is not about raising taxes, but rather about raising children.

Among the issues the movement wants to address are the hundreds of thousands of children not covered by health insurance, and the state's pre- kindergarten program, which fails to meet most national standards.

IF YOU GO

* When: Today, 5 p.m.

* Where: The Old Capital building, downtown

Read the full article here.