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From the Miami Herald:

In a world where the far right frequently uses our families as political pawns, people often fail to realize that a war is being fought for the next generation of LGBTQ people in our nations schools. The sad truth is that majority of schools in the U.S. do not protect LGBTQ student from bullying and harassment. In 2008 Equality Florida passed a state-wide anti-bullying law that resulted in 67% of Florida's students being protected by LGBTQ specific protections. The only state that protects more LGBTQ students is California.

Tune into this week's edition of As I Am Radio for an electoral update from Equality Florida's own Executive Director, Nadine Smith.

In a Huffington Post piece yesterday, freshman Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL) talks about the US House candidate who out raised all other House candidates this last reporting period- himself. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/us/politics/03military.html?hp

This election year, voters will be asked about six proposed constitutional amendments on a variety of issues. Proposed amendments relating to campaign finance laws and legislative redistricting, will have an impact on Florida elections for years to come.

Yesterday at the town hall meeting in Tampa, President Obama expressed his support for benefits for same-sex couples.

Last night the President gave his much anticipated State of the Union speech. Surely, the economy was to be a big part of the speech, but many wondered if LGBT Americans were going to be included. The President delivered a feisty speech, with a touch of humor, that touched on hate crimes and "Don't Ask, don't tell".  Here is the text from that portion of his speech:

From the Miami Herald:

It's being reported this morning that the White House has asked Sen. Carl Levin (D), the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to ask him to hold off on a hearing that would consider repealing "Don't Ask, don't tell".

From the Palm Beach Post:

From Tampabay.com In Democratic race for attorney general, candidates offer contrast in style, experience

Read full article here

The Fair Districts Florida campaign has announced they have officially made the ballot for the 2010. Read the press release below. 

From the Orlando Sentinel: Sometimes Martin Gill forgets what day it is. And then he starts to feel stressed and anxious and realizes, Oh, this must be Wednesday. Wednesday, between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m., is when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit in Miami releases its rulings on its Web site.

Join Us for 2010 Lobby Week in Tallahassee March 15-17, 2010. Register Today! In just a few short weeks, the Florida State Legislature will be called to session. Your state elected officials will be making big decisions that will have a lasting impact on your life.

President Obama's department of justice is taking a stand for LGBTQA students. This very inspiring step forward is an example of a small yet very important change that has occurred from the Bush administration to the Obama administration. Read this story from the "Advocate" for more: The Justice Department is stepping in to defend a gay high school student who was bullied for being effeminate.

Yesterday, a powerful earthquake struck Haiti. The quake, measuring nearly 7.0 on the Richter scale, caused the collapse of many buildings and an unknown number of fatalities. At least 1.8 million people live within the area where the earthquake had its highest intensity. Text messages from Haiti simply read "S.O.S." You don't have to be a helpless spectator to the devastation- here's several ways to help right NOW:

Democrats finally have a viable candidate for the CFO cabinet slot. Until now, this was the only race in which Democrats did not have a candidate, oddly, for the only seat currently held by a Democrat. Ausley is now running to replace Alex Sink as she leaves to run for Governor.