Opportunity to Influence Florida Legislation

Just in time for the 2016 session, the Florida Move to Amend Coalition has two State Memorials (Resolutions) ready to be heard by their respective Committees. SM 694 was introduced by Senator Jeff Clemens in the Florida Senate. The related HM 457 was introduced by Representative Dwight Dudley in the Florida House. On December 3rd, citizens of Florida are barraging Capitol Hill with thousands of emails and phone calls demanding action on HM457 and SM 694.


These companion bills both urge Congress to propose to states an amendment to the U.S. Constitution stating that political contributions and expenditures by corporations may be regulated by federal, state, and local governments, as well as establishing that corporations and artificial entities have no constitutional rights.


The best way to wake up our Legislators is to demand action with one united voice. Timing is everything. On December 3rd, Floridians are giving a shout out to their representatives asking them to cosponsor these bills. If you want to participate, but don't know who your representatives are or how to contact them, click here to get the info you need.

Rhana Bazzini Invited to Speak in Tampa

Rhana Bazzini, Erik Wekerle, Bob Abbenzeller, Doug Hughes

Manasota Move-To-Amend's, Rhana Bazzini, was one of four panelists discussing Pay 2 Play, an inspirational documentary about the difference one person can make to take money out of politics. This Tampa film screening and follow-up discussion was co-sponsored by the Bridge, Unity of Tampa, Connection Partners and the Tampa Bay Timebank. Erik Wekerle, a representative from Florida Wolf PAC was also on hand for the panel. And Doug Hughes - the gyrocopter pilot and Florida postman who landed on the Capitol lawn to advocate for a Congress that works for the people - also joined the panel. If you haven't seen the movie yet, check out the trailer.

City of Sarasota Passes Resolution

At a prior meeting, Manasota Move to Amend supporters used the Sarasota City Commission's public comment period to explain how Corporate Personhood is a local issue that impacts Sarasota residents. On June 15, a resolution was on the Commission agenda. And it passed, UNANIMOUSLY.

While corporations are setting the agenda on issues in our Congress and courts, We-the-People are not; for we can never speak as loudly with our own voices as corporations can with the unlimited amplification of money. This undermines our freedom and authority as citizens. Today all five Sarasota City Commissioners agree that we need to amend the Consitution to fix this. Thank you Mayor Willie Shaw, Vice Mayor Suzanne Atwell, Commissioner Liz Alpert, Commissioner Susan Chapman, and Commissioner Shelli Freeland Eddie.

Public Comment Period, Sarasota City Commission

On June 1st at 6pm, Manasota Move to Amend representatives spoke out during the public comment period of the Sarasota City Commission.  We called on our Commissioners to pass a resolution stating that Money is not Speech and Corporations are not People.  We made quite a strong impression with our blaze of red t-shirts in the audience.

Over 600 communities have passed resolutions in support of Move to Amend; 16 states have signed on; and 300 communities have actually placed it on the ballot for a vote of the people. Everywhere it has appeared on the ballot – whether it be Madison, WI, Salt Lake City, UT or the state of Montana – it has passed by an overwhelming majority. Let's add Sarasota to the list!

Citizens United Decision, 5 year Anniversary

On the fifth anniversary of the Citizens United Supreme Court Decision, Sarasota took to the streets. Five years ago, on January 21, 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are persons, entitled by the U.S. Constitution to buy elections and run our government. We, the people of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United and other related cases, and move to amend our Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights.

Coordinated and color-coordinated!