"The raging monster upon
the land is population growth. In its presence, sustainability
is but a fragile theoretical concept."
- Edward O. Wilson, in The Diversity of Life
Floridians for a Sustainable Population
(FSP)
is a non-profit, statewide
organization of concerned environmentalists. We believe that
unrestrained population growth is the chief factor in the development
sprawl that is eating up our wetlands, our forests and our necessary
agricultural acreage. To keep our rivers, our shorelines and
our reefs healthy and productive, we must address the impact
of rapid population growth on our quality of life and the potential
for a sustainable Florida for our grandchildren.
We invite you to browse our links and gather some information on this vital issue. And then, we hope you will join us in our efforts to achieve an equitable balance of people and resources in Florida.
Because the major propellant of U.S. population growth is our current U.S. immigration policies, both legal and illegal (which has accounted for more than 84% of U.S. growth in the past few years -- NumbersUSA.com), FSP is committed to urgently advocating immigration reforms that benefit U.S. citizens. (See our Mission link.)
Florida's current 18+ million population is still growing despite the economic recession brought on by the banking and developer industries. It will continue growing but at a somewhat slower rate since our climate will still be attractive to those who can afford our high cost of living. Some projections are for 20 million by 2015.
The critical issue of population growth is still ignored by elected officials in Congress and in our Florida legislature as well as by most major environmental groups. This will not change until a decisive majority of our citizens recognize that there will be no good tomorrows unless we set a new course.These two activist organizations are where you can put your efforts on the national scene: www.numbersusa.com and www.fairus.org.
To redirect Florida to a sustainable future, join Floridians for a Sustainable Population and stay in the loop. (See our FSP Store for our video library and see our Join Us link.)
It took over five years of
effort, nearly $2 million and seven court filings but we are
finally confirmed on the November 2, 2010 ballot after collecting
over a million petition signatures of registered voters. Floridians
for a Sustainable Population supported this effort to control
sprawl from the very beginning. Our Advisory Board member, Lesley
Blackner, co-authored this constitutional amendment that will
give people the final up or down vote on land use changes.
Amendment #4 needs 60% of the voters to approve this historic effort to take back control of our communities from the Growth Machine and the elected officials who do their bidding. See Lesley's Featured Article
To help win this approval we need to get the word out far and wide. Use these links for Info Brief, Palm Cards, FHD Tutorial and a great Slide Show that can be projected in a power point presentation or used as a DVD on a TV screen.
For the story of how rampant growth has exploded your taxes, read Lesley Blackner's response to Derek Catron's story in the August 23rd Daytona Beach News-Journal Online.
Visit www.floridahometowndemocracy.com for more information.
COSTS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION TO FLORIDIANS
Over $3.8 BILLION IN 2008, TWICE THE COST IN 2005.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) released their Florida study in June on the costs to Florida taxpayers in 2008 for the estimated 950,000 illegal aliens residing in our state. Over $3.8 billion -- more than double the cost in 2005, and almost $1 billion more than Florida's projected budget shortfall for 2009. This rapidly rising annual price tag covers only the costs of K-12 education and medical care for illegal immigrants and their children, and incarceration of illegal aliens who have commited other crimes in Florida. Another aspect is that while 9.4 percent of Floridians are officially unemployed, illegal aliens fill more than 8 percent of jobs in the state.
Read the report.
2009 ZOGBY POLL -- 83.5% of Florida voters believe illegal aliens have a negative impact on the state budget. 57% believe illegal immigration should be reduced through better enforcement. 68% say they favor continuing work site enforcement.
To report illegal aliens call 1-866-DHS-2ICE or go to www.reportillegals.com
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310 million ; U.S. population (as of August, 2010) By: NumbersUSA.com Sources: Census Bureau, INS, USDA, CPS
For an excellent primer on a number of immigration issues go to www.numbersusa.com/content/issues.html |