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Dear [Decision Maker],

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Florida faces increasing pressure from falling state revenues. In the past year, the budget has been reduced by more than $4 billion. During the Special Session the legislature made additional cuts to programs and services.

The effects of these drastic budget cuts can be measured in growing waiting lists for services, hardship for our most vulnerable residents, rising unemployment and additional burdens on both nonprofits and local communities. The impact on Florida's economy will be felt now and for many years to come as the reduced investment in prevention programs turns into higher societal costs down the road.

There is growing agreement among our community partners, bipartisan groups and legislators on both sides of the aisle that a new approach is needed, one that is based on strategic budget cuts, stronger emphasis on prevention programs, particularly those serving children, and consideration of additional revenue sources. Please adopt the following guiding principles, which have been endorsed by United Way of Miami-Dade, The Children's Trust, and many others in our community:

1.Make strategic, not across-the-board, cuts: Protect Floridans' health and safety by prioritizing budget cuts. The highest priority should be protecting the health and safety of children and other vulnerable residents.

2.Maximize revenues: Protect programs that draw federal matching funds that enhance the state budget; cutting or underfunding programs that draw down federal funds results in a net loss of revenues.

3.Focus on prevention: Further state spending toward prevention programs, such as early childhood education, which will save money for the state in the long run.

4.Use potential new revenue sources: Use new sources of revenue that will reduce the budget shortfall, as well as support economic growth and development.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]

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Governor Charlie Crist and members of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation

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