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Special Session and Renewables

From the Florida Times Union: "By Friday, at least one lawmaker had already said she would buck the governor and introduce legislation reaching beyond the single issue in Crist's proclamation. Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, said she would propose a bill setting aside $150 million to boost solar, wind and other alternative

energy sources. "Only through adopting significant policies to change our energy future can we truly make a difference for generations to come," Rehwinkel Vasilinda said.

You can read the entire story here.

Special Olympics Gala

Congratulations to Sara Dunbar and all of the other athletes who were honored at the Special Olympics Pre Independence Day Gala. Thanks too to all of the organizers of the event. Special Olympics are both heart warming and inspiring. Their motto: "Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt". Photo gallery here.
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Tallahassee Democrat

Endorsement

Message From Michelle

Thank you for giving me the hardest job I've ever loved. I have enjoyed my service as your State Representative more than you can imagine. With your encourage-ment, I have filed my paperwork to run for re-election.

Over the last two years, I have worked hard everyday to make a difference and I fought for the issues you care about. I secured two additional days off for our hard working state workforce, and I have been working to make clean and renewable energy a reality. I also fought for women's rights and against bad legislation that hurt our teachers. I succeeded in creating jobs through the formation of the Film Entertainment and Television Caucus. I also authored and passed the most sweeping recycling legislation in more than a decade. These are just a few of the things we have accomplished.

The composite picture above tells the story of my legislative service as well as my motivation for seeking office in the first place. We must protect our unique and sensitive environment while seeking to create clean jobs and a vibrant economy, all while seeking excellence for our children and their grandchildren. Each is possible if we have the political will.

Since I first began running in 2006, I have championed the idea of excellence in all we do. Our state is ranked at the bottom of so many indicators. From infant mortality and child well being to high school graduation rates, our state is settling for mediocre.

I have offered solutions that include collecting the billions in taxes our state is already owed from internet purchases. I was also the first to suggest creating bigger incentives for film production through the Film, Entertainment and Television Caucus, which I formed in the state legislature. This bipartisan caucus is designed to continue focusing legislative energies on bringing more film production to Florida.

Let me be clear. I am not in favor of oil drilling, coal, or nuclear. Some have misconstrued my vote on HB1219 in 2009. I am not in favor of drilling for oil near our coasts. Anyone who suggests otherwise is purposely distorting my record. I am the leading proponent of renewable energy funding in the Florida House, and I was the only member of the Legislature to pass money for renewables during the 2009 session.

I encourage you to learn more about how I have voted and where I stand on many issues by clicking on the MY View tab to the right.

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Community Service

Written by Michelle
Saturday, 20 October 2007
Community and Professional Service Elected to the Florida House of Representatives, November 2008 Education: New College, Sarasota; University of Florida Law School J.D. Department of Legal Affairs, Attorney General, State of Florida, Civil Division August 1985-October 1985, Paralegal October 1985-March 1986, Attorney Assistant General Counsel, Department of Environmental Regulation June 1986-July 1989 Instructor, Tallahassee Community College extended Studies Program, September 1987-1988 Principle Professor, Tallahassee Community College, Legal Studies and Applied Ethics 1989-Present Founding Member: Oasis Center for Women and Girls Leadership Tallahassee Class XXIII Tallahassee Women Lawyers Board of Directors 2004-2006 American Association of University Women Board Member 2006-2007 Leon High School Foundation Board of Directors, Public Relations and Marketing Co-Chair 2005-2006 Greater Tallahassee Area Chamber of Commerce Co-Chair for Nuts and Bolts Program 2006-07, Nominating Committee for Board of Directors 06-07 Florida Bar, Paralegal Regulation Study Committee 2005-2006 Zonta International Women’s Service Organization Tallahassee Chapter Board Common Cause/Florida Board Member and Civic Education Chair Leon County Democratic Executive Committee Elected November, 2004 Tallahassee Girl’s Choir of Choice Honorary Board Member 2006 Leadership Tallahassee Class XXIII “Strength in Diversity” 2005-2006 NAACP, Tallahassee Branch Capital Tiger Bay Club of Tallahassee Children’s Campaign Supporter since 2005 and Invited Participant to the “5 Promises Legislative Agenda” Mayor’s Race Relations Summit Panel Moderator, October 2006. Gentiva Corporation Advisory Board of Advanced Home Health Care 1994-present Legal Services of North Florida 30th Anniversary Endowment Campaign 2007 United Faculty of Florida Union Member Capital City Democratic Women’s Club, Legislative Liaison Democratic Club of North Florida Advisor for Tallahassee Community College Democrat Club 2005-2007 North Florida for Democracy, Charter Revision & Membership Outreach Committee 2003-2004 Kerry Legal Team, October, November 2004 Bible Day Camp Teacher, Blessed Sacrament Church June 2004 P.A.C.E. School for Girls Board of Directors 1994-98 Girl Scout Assistant Leader 1991-2000 Montessori Cooperative Early School Personnel Committee, 1988-1989 Florida State Employees United Way Campaign DER Key Coordinator 1986-1988
Last Updated ( Saturday, 17 October 2009 )

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MIchelle's Bio

Fairness and Respect

We must reclaim respect and fairness for Florida's public servants and work to solve the health care crisis in Florida, particularly as it effects our most vulnerable: our children, our elderly, and our sick.
Work

Michelle has been continuously employed as a life guard, waitress, lawyer and community college professor, helping to support her family since she was fourteen.
The Early Years

Class President 1974
Student Government 1974-76
Lettered Varsity Soccer & Track Teams 1974-77
1st New York State Key Club President
Canandaigua Academy, NY
Susan B. Anthony

Michelle grew up close to where Susan B. Anthony campaigned relentlessly for suffrage. Here is one of her favorite quotes: “It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.”
~Susan B. Anthony
Public Service

Michelle fell in love with the founding fathers in 4th grade and has wanted to be a public servant ever since!
Ahead of the Curve

Michelle developed, wrote, and oversaw the process for the Request for Proposal/Invitation to Bid for Tallahassee Community College’s venture into new learning technologies.
asynchronous learning

Michelle developed and wrote content for 14 Legal Studies Program Courses offered online. Her's was the first full program to be offered completely online.
Soccer

Michelle played varsity soccer throughout her high school career and encourages her daughters to stay active.
Early Graduate

Michelle graduated high school in just 3 years!
Environmental Protection

Michelle spent 4 years as an enforcement attorney for the Department of Environmental Protection (Now DEP) before joining Tallahassee Community College.
Michelle Moved to Florida

Michelle moved to Florida in 1977 to attend New College. Accepted to Cornell, her grandfather convinced her to come south.
Michelle attended

New College in Sarasota. Then graduated from the University of Florida Law School.

Photo Gallery

Marvin Goldstein performing at Thomas Fundraiser

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, Democrat, for State Representative, District 9