Florida’s Legislative Session usually starts in January and ends in March. Because of this year’s redistricting — a process that re-draws political district boundaries every ten years based on census data — the session may extend beyond the typical 60 days.

The Legislature’s actions in 2011 have already jeopardized the health and vitality of Florida’s communities. State lawmakers voted to slash budgets and otherwise weaken critical agencies such as the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Environmental Protection and Water Management Districts.

Now Clean Water Action is preparing to battle additional legislative changes in 2012 that could further jeopardize Florida’s water supply, public health and economy. Priorities include:

Water Supply: Clean Water Action is concerned about efforts to double the length of consumptive use permits for public water from the current 20-30 years to 50 years. If approved, this change would give water utilities and indus-tries — for-profit water users — half a century’s control of water that should be managed, protected and conserved for the public’s benefit. The proposed change would not include any requirements for water conservation strategies, fre-quent monitoring or reporting by permit holders.

Environmental Permitting: Clean Water Action will fight the creation of “speedy permit” programs that bypass a comprehensive review process and give permittees permission to pollute. Allowing polluters this kind of free pass would jeopardize the health of water resources and Florida’s tourism and fishing economies.

Everglades Funding: Continued state and federal fund-ing for Everglades Restoration will boost Florida’s economy, create new construction and recreational jobs, benefit fish-ing and hunting industries, and provide safe drinking water for one-third of Florida’s population. Creating natural stor-age areas that reconnect the historic flow of the Everglades will help retain water during the wet season for use during dry seasons. Policymakers should restore funding to levels received under Jeb Bush’s leadership, which reached $100 million annually for Everglades restoration projects.

Good Government: The Legislature should focus on Florida’s economy, creating jobs and protecting water resources — not wasting taxpayer money by clouding the constitution with ballot initiatives that do not benefit Flori-da’s families and businesses. More must be done to increase communication and cooperation between local, state and federal agencies to facilitate more effective partnerships.

Please contact your State Senator and State Representa-tive today. Tell them to protect your interests, not special interests in the 2012 Legislative Session.