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RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PASS H.B. 3, S.B. 500 OR SIMILAR LEGISLATION CREATING A CHILDREN�S ZONE PROGRAM AND/OR A CHILDREN�S ZONE PILOT PROJECT IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

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WHEREAS, a proposed community initiative known as the Children's Zone seeks to improve such circumstances; and
WHEREAS, bills have been filed for consideration during the 2008 state legislative session, H.B. 3 by Representative Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall and S.B. 500 by Senator Larcenia Bullard, that would create a statewide Children�s Zone program and a 10-year Children�s Zone Pilot Project in Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, the Children�s Zone program is modeled after the long-established and successful Harlem Children's Zone; and
WHEREAS, the Children�s Zone program is based on the belief that in order to help children from troubled communities become healthy adults and responsible, fulfilled members of their communities, two things must happen: first, they must be surrounded by a critical mass of adults who are engaged in activities with their children; and second, early in their lives, such children must be exposed to sound health care, intellectual and social stimulation, and consistent guidance from caring, attentive adults; and
WHEREAS, the Children�s Zone program seeks to establish a comprehensive, community-based, coordinated, and targeted system of strategies and services to revitalize communities with an increased sense of culture, pride, and togetherness, to support parents, and to provide comprehensive care for all children within the zone,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to pass H.B. 3, S.B. 500, or similar legislation creating a statewide Children�s Zone program and/or a Children�s Zone Pilot Project in MiamiDade County.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, Chair and Members of the MiamiDade County State Legislative Delegation.
Section 3. Directs the County's state lobbyists to advocate for the passage of the legislation set forth in Section 1 above and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to include this item in the 2008 State Legislative Package.