Legislative News

Call to Action – Boys State / Girls State Funding

We still need your help to ensure funding for Boys State and Girls State remains a priority during the final stages of the legislative process.

Our voice still matters. Emails and phone calls remain among the most effective forms of advocacy, and your outreach directly influences the process.

When contacting legislators, please reference the following appropriations:

• Senate Appropriation 2602 — Senator Tom Leek
• House Appropriation 2799 — Representative Michelle Salzman

We also encourage you to contact the budget leaders overseeing the final negotiations:

• Senate Appropriations Chair — Senator Ed Hooper
• House Budget/Appropriations Chair — Representative Lawrence McClure

Referencing these appropriation numbers helps legislative staff quickly identify the request during conference negotiations and ensures your message is routed appropriately.

Boys State and Girls State provide hands-on civic education and leadership development for high school students across Florida, teaching the principles of government, citizenship, and public service. These programs have shaped generations of community leaders, public servants, and veterans.

Please take a few minutes today to call or email your legislators and respectfully ask them to support these appropriations.

Your advocacy makes a difference.

For God and Country.

Phone Script for Legislators

Introduction

“Hello, my name is ___ and I am a constituent from ___ and a member/supporter of The American Legion. I’m calling to respectfully ask for support of funding for Boys State and Girls State.”

Reference the Appropriations

“I’m specifically asking for support of:
• Senate Appropriation 2602 sponsored by Senator Tom Leek, and
• House Appropriation 2799 sponsored by Representative Michelle Salzman.”

Budget Leadership

“I also respectfully ask that Senator/Representative ___ support these items during conference negotiations and work with Senate Appropriations Chair Senator Ed Hooper and House Budget Chair Representative Lawrence McClure to ensure this funding remains in the final budget.”

Why it Matters

“These programs provide hands-on civic education and leadership training for high school students across Florida and help develop the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.”

Closing

“Thank you for your time and for supporting youth leadership programs in Florida.”

Respectfully,
Stuart Scott
Legislative Chair