Senator Sachs was the keynote speaker at The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Shining Star Awards Ceremony.

The event helps to support the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coaltion of Palm Beach County, Inc. This organization reaches out to expectant mothers and assists them in accessing early prenatal care.

An advocate for children’s health, Senator Sachs said, “I am committed to doing whatever I can to promote the health of Florida’s most vulnerable, our children.”

Mothers have been honored with special festivals and celebrations since ancient times. This past Sunday we celebrated the modern Mother’s Day, which became an official holiday in 1914. Almost 100 years later we continue this tradition of showing moms how much we appreciate all they do for our families. Mother’s Day is very special for me because my mom came to this country from war-torn Italy when she was just a young woman.

As an Italian citizen she wanted nothing more than to earn the rights of American citizenship. She studied the language, passed her citizenship test, and became an American citizen. I am so proud of my mom who chose this country and who is especially proud to be an American.

It is also important to recognize my mother-in-law, Nina , who came to this country from the Ukraine after World War II.

As a Survivor she carried with her the horrors of the loss of so many family members and the devastation of her country, yet she came with the hope of building a new life in this wonderful country. Because of their courage and that of many other mothers around the world, we should honor our moms not just on Mother’s Day, but every day.

Redistricting is a historical event, occurring every ten years throughout the United States.  Because of Amendments 5 and 6, this year has been particularly challenging.  The Florida Supreme Court rejected the maps drawn by the Republican-controlled Senate and suggested maps of their own.

The former District 30 has now become the new District 34.  It is important that every citizen know and understand the boundaries as established by the Court.  This edition is dedicated to explaining the lines of the new district so that each citizen will be able to choose the people who will represent them in government.

Most of my current Senate district and former House district is contained in District 34.  It spans the length of the coast from Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale.

I have been a part of this community for more than 20 years and will continue to support those principles and ideals we all value.  These issues include education, veterans affairs, safeguarding the State of Israel, and of course, the economy.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss these issues or others, please know that my door is always open.  It is an honor representing you in Tallahassee and in our district.

(L to R) Barbara Dawicke, Trial Court Administrator; Chief Judge Peter Blanc; Senator Sachs; Greg Coleman, Florida Bar Board of Governors.

Senator Sachs met with the Judges and Judicial Assistants of the 15^th Judicial Circuit to discuss proposed changes to the Florida Court System that were adopted by the Legislature this year. Resolution 7111, which will be on the ballot for voter approval in November of 2012, proposes three major changes to Article V of the Florida Constitution: (1) requires Supreme Court Justices to be confirmed by the Senate; (2) allows the Legislature to repeal Judicial Rules by a simple majority instead of a two-thirds majority; and (3) allows the Speaker of the House of Representatives to review all files of the Judicial Qualifications Commission regardless of whether there are impeachment considerations. Senator Sachs stands in strong opposition to these constitutional changes. “The Constitution established three separate branches of government,” said Senator Sachs. “These proposed changes are an unjust intrusion on judicial independence.” This year, Senator Sachs is working with Chief Judge Peter Blanc and President of the Florida Bar, Scott Hawkins, to tour major law firms throughout Palm Beach County to speak to attorneys on these proposed sweeping changes. Senator Sachs is a practicing attorney and member of both the Florida and California Bar.

Senator Sachs addressed the members of the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches. The Senator was appointed to the Florida Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force in 2009. “Florida ranks as the state with the third highest occurances of human trafficking,” said Senator Sachs. “We need to be vigilant in stopping the scourge of human trafficking in this state.” The Senator looks forward to filing legislation to help rid the state of this crisis. Anyone who wishes to join this Blue Ribbon Committee against human trafficking in Florida can contact the office.

To learn more about the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches, please visit http://www.htcpb.org/.

Recently, Senator Sachs toured Florida Atlantic University’s Seatech campus in Dania Beach with members of her Blue Ribon Energy Committee. One of the highlights of the tour was the first-of-its-class underwater ocean turbine project, which will generate energy from ocean currents. “State-of-the-art energy facilities like this one at Seatech are igniting the renewable energy revolution that will lead the way of powering our cities for generations to come,” said Senator Sachs. “When I encounter technology like this, I am optimistic about the future of the Sunshine State.” The committee is committed to gathering information on renewable energy sources and identifying ways Florida can achieve energy independence.  The committee advises the Senator on energy policy so that she can implement new ideas on the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee. In addition to ocean turbines, the committee will look into biomass, cellulosic ethanol, and nuclear energy. The next facility that will be toured is a nuclear energy power plant in South Florida.

Sen. Sachs addresses children at the Office Depot event

This morning, Senator Sachs participated in The Office Depot Foundation’s National Backpack Program which provides free backpacks to at-risk youth nationwide.  She spoke to the children, telling them to fill up their new backpacks with “big dreams and big ideas.”  Through this event, Office Depot donated approximately 6,000 backpacks to children in the Delray Beach area.  These backpacks come packed with essential school supplies.  This year alone, 350,000 children will receive new backpacks thanks to the charitable efforts of the Office Depot Foundation. Since 2001, 2.5 million children nationwide have benefited from this program.  ”I commend Office Depot for their dedication to community service, even in times of economic hardship,” said Senator Sachs.

Senator Sachs met with the Blue Ribbon Committee on Education to discuss research findings on a wide range of contemporary issues in education.  These areas included:

Sen. Sachs speaks with the Blue Ribbon Committee on Education

• Magnet schools
• Charter schools
• Virtual schools
• Vocational schools
• Private schools
• Specialized schools
• Home schooling
• Traditional schools

In September, the Committee will begin scheduling visits to public schools.  Senator Sachs encourages anyone with an interest in educational issues who would like to apply for a position on the Committee to contact the office.

“[T]he alarms are not too much to ask of day cares entrusted with the lives of vulnerable young children.  So Sachs’ bill deserves support.”

Today, the Sun Sentinel editorial board endorsed my proposed legislation, Haile’s Law, to prevent day care van deaths.  In doing so, they remind us that legislation alone cannot solve all of our problems.  It is the responsibility of all caregivers, whether family, friends or paid professionals, to safeguard their children.  Together, diligence and technology can avert another needless death.

To read the full article, click here - http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/editorials/fl-kids-hot-cars-nb-editorial-20110808,0,7682578.story.

It has been one year since the tragic death of Haile Brockington. My heart goes out to the Brockington family. What began as a cause has become a crusade. Now, more than ever, we must put politics aside and focus on the safety of our children.

Coverage in the Palm Beach Post - http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/a-mothers-heartache-terrible-time-in-the-year-1696324.html