As you've probably read, President Obama and Democrats in Congress are aiming to pass a final health care package before the end of March. Not every detail is decided yet, but the final package will most likely look like the plan President Obama released two weeks ago. (For more information, see below.)

The president has offered a proposal that resembles the health care bill the Senate passed in December, but with a few key fixes. It's definitely not the bill most of us hoped for at the start of this fight, but it does do some important things.

For more info, here are a few helpful links:

• An overview of the president's proposal from WhiteHouse.gov

• A CNN report on the highlights of Obama's health care proposal

• A ThinkProgress article on the president's proposal and the differences between it and the Senate legislation

Thanks for all you do.

Many Santa Rosa Democrats enjoyed our JJ Dinner last fall, including some or our friends from Okaloosa County.  They in turn have invited us to their KK Dinner.  Sounds like fun and the neighborly thing to do.

School Issues -- Teacher's View

Legislative Candidate Debut

New Voting Machines

Monday, March 8, 6:00 pm

Santa Rosa Democratic Headquarters

5746 Stewart St., Milton

(Hwy 87, 7 blocks North of Milton High School on east side)

Rhoda Chavers, President of the Santa Rosa Professional Educators will be the featured speaker.  She will explain why  educators refused to sign onto stimulus funds for schools, the salary dispute with the school board, the class size amendment proposal, and school board candidates.

A Democrat has filed as a candidate to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of disgraced Ray  Sansom of House District 4 (includes Navarre and Precincts 41 & 23 of Santa Rosa County).  Qualifying closes at 11 am Monday, and she expects to make her campaign debut at our Pot Luck.  The Special Election will Be April 13.  Come to this event and meet her.

Jim Bryan, the Democratic candidate for our Congressional District is also expected to be present.

Santa Rosa County will have new voting machines this year.  Supervisor of Elections Ann Bodenstein will explain about these machines and election law changes.

Potlucks are open to the public and there is no charge.  Bring a dish to share.  Beverages are furnished.  There will be door prizes.

As a public service, we collect non-perishable food items in behalf of the Manna Food Bank at Potlucks.

Special Election Scheduled for April 13 in Florida House District 4

The Qualifying period to be nominated ends at noon March 8.

This tight campaign time schedule presents an excellent opportunity for a Democrat to be elected to fill the vacancy due to the resignation by disgraced Ray Sansom.  Democratic Parties of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa Counties are ready and able to turn out the vote for a qualified Democrat candidate.  Voters are fed up with the self serving Republican clique that controls local politics.  The only thing Democrats need, is a candidate.

Might you be the Candidate?

Being elected to the Florida House means you will be a decider on important issues like school funding, property insurance, property taxes, oil drilling, fishing regulations, health care and highway funding -- just to name a few of pending challenges.  This part-time position of public service pays $29,687 per year.

This District includes all of Navarre plus Precincts 41 & 23 in Santa Rosa  and parts of Okaloosa Counties.

If you are interested in knowing more about running as a Democrat for this office, send a reply to this email or contact Seegar Swanson Jr 936-8704 or Jerry Mallory 499-4585.

You can hear from two outstanding speakers concerning this vital topic:

Dr. Enid Sisskin has completed postdoctoral work at the National Institute of      Environmental Health Services and sits on the board of directors of several local and regional environmental organizations.  She will discuss offshore drilling and its relevance to the northwest Florida Gulf Coast.  Those of us who have heard her speak know she is entertaining while presenting important information.
Sam T. Mullins, Geologist is the owner of Well Data Services, Inc. of Milton, a firm that monitors oil wells in Santa Rosa County, the Mobile area and elsewhere.  He will speak on how the Florida environmental laws preclude drilling for oil, not only off shore but onshore.  He has expertise on where oil and natural gas reserves might be found in Florida and Alabama. (Sam is anxious to speak to us with our understanding that his job may requires him to be travel out of town on short notice.)

We will be voting on new machines this year.  Ann Bodenstein, Supervisor of Elections, will make a short presentation and pass out information on 2010 election changes.

This is a Potluck event:

• Monday, Feb. 8, 6:00 pm
• Holley by the Sea Recreation Center, 6845 Navarre Pkwy. (Hwy 98) Navarre
• No charge, just bring a dish to share.  Beverages furnished.
• Door prizes, Democrat merchandise for sale, free literature.
• Again, we will be collecting non perishable food items to donate to the Manna Food Bank
• Open to the public, visitors welcome.

Ed Asner as FDR  There are still seats available for this live performance at Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville.  The play starts at 7:30 pm, Saturday, Feb 6.  Tickets are on sale for $30.  Call (850) 729-6000 to reserve a seat and arrange for tickets. 

NO Yard Sale this Weekend-

Santa Rosa County Executive Committee News

The Santa Rosa County Democratic Executive Committee will hold it's quarterly business meeting Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 pm at the Democratic Headquarters, 5746 Stewart Street, Milton.

Yard Sale is Cancelled due to the Cold

Sat. Dec. 5, from 8 am 'til 1:30 pm the Santa Rosa County Democrats will hold the monthly Yard Sale

Location Santa Rosa County Democratic Headquarters 5746 Stewart Street, Milton.  (Highway 87 going north 7 blocks past Milton High School.)

Come browse and get bargains. There are lots of holiday decoration items.

Donate Items  We have a large inventory of furniture, electronics, holiday decorations, recreation items, books, kitchen ware, table ware, tools, and home repair items.  But we can always use more. We have regular customers who come each month looking for newly donated items. Do you have something to contribute?  You can drop off items Sat. anytime after 7 am.  If you want them picked up call Seegar Swanson, 936-8704.

Help Needed Volunteer workers are needed.  Come when you can between 7 am  and 2 pm.

Fri., Dec 11, beginning at 6 pm at Gulf Breeze Recreation Center 800 Shoreline Drive in Gulf Breeze proper, the Santa Rosa County Democrats will hold its annual Holiday Social.   There is no charg e, but it is a potluck so just bring a dish to share. Beverages will be furnished.   This is a family event so bring the kids.  Santa will greet you at the door and there will be gifts for all children 16 and under.

Sing-a-long: Marian Young will lead us in singing festive songs.  There will be door prizes and attendees will be given the opportunity to tell their favorite holiday story.

It is the custom at these events to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Manna Food Bank for  distribution to the hungry in Santa Rosa County.  We will also collect Toys for Tots so needy children can receive a gift this year. 

Democrat Potlucks are open to the public, regardless of race, age, gender, faith or political party affiliation.

Santa Rosa County Democratic Party Website

America has waited too long for affordable health care that ALL can take advantage of. Please join in declaring your support for comprehensive health insurance reform NOW! Extremists are using the same negative arguments when Medicare was proposed. DON’T LET THEM COMPROMISE YOUR PRINCIPLES !

Work with President Obama and other members of Congress TODAY, TOMORROW, AND THE NEXT DAY to support including the following provisions in any health insurance reform:

·Include a public option that will insure those who can't afford private coverage;

·Include a public option that will give incentive to private insurance companies to rein in costs;

·Allow the federal government to negotiate drug prices and set standards for importing drugs

·Ensure all Americans have a choice of health care plans they can afford regardless of age or any pre-existing condition

·Ensure all Americans have the security of knowing they will not lose health insurance coverage;

·Make sure all Americans are free to choose their doctor and to follow the course of treatment their doctor recommends

Fred and Bessie Vallianos, Democrats

State Committee Man and Woman

Santa Rosa County, Florida