“As a 30 year citizen in South Florida, I know the issues that affect all of us, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for our district in Tallahassee.”
Education
A mother of three, Maria understands how important education is to ensuring a future for our children and for our country. As a state representative, she visited every elementary school in the district, talking to teachers and administrators to find out firsthand how Tallahassee could improve Florida public schools. She successfully sponsored legislation that expanded the number of languages available for teacher certification from 4 to 15. Maria is also a staunch advocate for assessment reform and has worked on legislation that would offer more options for students interested in accelerated high school graduation options.
Florida’s Families
Maria recognizes the importance of family cohesiveness and how legislation can often rip families apart. As a representative she successfully passed legislation that provides for an interim dissolution of assets during divorce proceedings, which would decrease the need for costly temporary relief hearings. Additionally, Senator Sachs passed HB 863, a bill that authorizes electronic communication to supplement parental visitation rights following a dissolution of marriage.
Energy
Sen. Sachs with an electric vehicle (EV) in Israel
Senator Sachs believes that the Sunshine State has the potential to become a leader in alternative and renewable energy development. In 2010, she hosted the 21st Century Energy Summit with United States Rep. Ted Deutch. The summit featured an impressive panel with experts ranging from the United States Department of Energy, the National Green Energy Council and community leaders.
“We’ve all already heard why renewable energy is a great idea. It’s now time to move past this conversation and talk about how we can make Florida stronger, how we can make Florida a leader in the technology of the future and how we can create jobs in a sustainable economy.”
Redistricting
As a member of the Florida Senate’s Reapportionment Committee,Maria has worked tirelessly to ensure that the state’s redistricting process conformsto the tenants of Amendments five and six- that the new districts are compact, contiguous, are not politically biased and preserves existing communities.
Senator Sachs has hosted a series of forums with residents to spread awareness about this important process and give constituents a chance to express their opinions regarding the composition of the new districts. Residents can build and submit their own districts by clicking here.
Check out pictures from our recent redistricting events below:
