from staff
State Rep. and attorney Charles McBurney is in the middle of his first full legislative session. Recently, McBurney took time from his many meetings to answer a few questions about the session and what he’s looking to accomplish personally and as a member of Legislature.
In general, how is the session going?
The Legislature is moving quickly on proposed legislation. For me, it has been a fascinating process. From the first day, it hits home what a privilege it is to serve, but also what a tremendous responsibility I have to the citizens I represent and to the State of Florida.
You are in your first official session. What were your goals entering the session and is it reasonable to expect a lot the first time?
Advocating fiscal responsibility in the face of decreased revenue to the State; promoting civic education in the schools; promoting quality of life in the neighborhoods; curbing gang violence; protecting our river resources; and fighting for fair allocation of education dollars.
Persistence is the key in this process. There are times when, for one reason or another, you may not be able to attain all that you would like during the first session, but it is important to keep pressing your views.
Without too much detail, describe a typical day.
My day starts early, about 5:30 a.m., reviewing e-mail correspondence and legislation to be considered that day. I found that early morning quiet time is critical because once the day gets going it is very difficult to find time for in-depth concentration.
Once the day starts, it is filled with appointments, frequently in fifteen minute intervals, with intermittent time for committee meetings or the session. The meetings or appointments may last into the early evening hours, then it is time to get organized and get ready for another day.
Which committees were you assigned to and what’s your reaction to being on them?
I serve on five committee: as vice chairman of Education Innovation and Career Preparation; and also on Business Regulation; State Affairs; Joint Legislative Auditing Committee; and the Schools and Learning Council.
Every one of these committees is crucial for meeting the need of the people of Florida. I have been somewhat surprised that many of the issues that have come before the committees are ones in which I have had either professional experience or have dealt with directly in community activities.
As a body, what is the Legislature trying to accomplish this session?
The Legislature’s priorities include limiting taxes, spending within the state’s income; avoiding burdensome or needless regulations; bringing relief and reforms to our insurance system; improving access to affordable health care; and attempting to build a vibrant and diverse economy for the 21st century, including developing a world class educational curriculum; and curriculum, making Florida more attractive for investment and our environment.
Is there a single top priority or are there a handful of things the Legislature is concentrating on?
We are all deeply concerned about having a credible budget, as well as affordability issues.
If you had to pick one thing, what would you say is the single most important thing the Legislature must accomplish this session?
Under the Florida Constitution, the only requirement of the Florida Legislature is to pass the budget. Also under our Constitution, that budget must be balanced. These are times of severe revenue shortfalls when difficult decisions will have to be made, but these are times which also require that government do what it should always do: set priorities, just as families must do.
How has being an attorney helped you so far?
It is of enormous assistance, particularly in evaluating the interrelationship of how enacting legislation affects other areas of the law and the importance of drafting legislation so it will have its intended effect.
What is the buzz around Tallahassee about Gov. Crist potentially being John McCain’s running mate for president?
We hear that is a possibility, but, frankly, my focus has been on my work as a legislator with little time for speculation on the matter.
Who are you rooming with?
I decided to rent my own apartment since I anticipate members of my family will be visiting me during the session.