ABATE of Florida, Inc.

~ Southwest Chapter
Volume XXXII, Issue I X

MAY 2013

Legislative News

A B AT E

MSAP Instructors Community service

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

PO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

Southwest Chapter

southwest.abateflorida.com MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code ________________________________________________________ Email Address: Phone: ____________________________________________ _______________________________ (Include Area Code) YES NO YES NO _________ US Congress

May we use your phone number for our phone tree? Are you a registered Voter? _________ FL House Select ONE of the following: ____ New/Renewal - Annual Membership Due $20.00 ____ Lifetime Membership $ 150.00

Please Lister your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card: _________ FL Senate

Name of Chapter you wish to join _________________________________________________

____ Transfer Membership to: ____________________________________________________ ____ Change of Address: ________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Sponsored by Chapter Member : _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER USE Dues Paid by Cash Copy of By Laws Membership Expiration Check Money Order Mailed Date: Membership Card _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older All members receive with their paid membership a membership card, our bi-monthly Masterlink magazine, Chapter Newsletter, Chapter voting privileges and personal involvement in Statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride PG 2

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. MISSION STATEMENT

WHO WE ARE We are a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals that share a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of FREEDOM. We promote motorcycle safety, training, & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors & friends who work, pay taxes, and get involved with our community. We serve and support our country and believe in freedom. We use all legal means to protect our rights without infringing on the rights of others. OUR GOALS To become a powerful and viable political force in legislative matters concerning the motorcyclist. To promote the safe riding habits without infringing on individual freedoms. To motivate the bikers to write letters to their legislators before, during, and after the legislative session. To furnish our members with a newsletter to keep all bikers informed in regards to upcoming legislation.

Southwest Chapter Meeting Schedule This months Chapter Meeting MAY 5TH, 2013 10 a.m. at Harley Davidson of Fort Myers
Located at 2160 Colonial Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-275-4647
southwest.abateflorida.com
NEXT CHAPTER MEETING JUNE 2ND PRESENTLY, MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE IS THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE EACH CHAPTER MEETING FOR BOARD APPROVAL FOR SUBMISSIONS NEW ADVERTISERS OR AD CHANGES MUST

Will be held on

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and or the Southwest Chapter. This publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter accept no responsibility for the comments, opinions or views contained in this newsletter. Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to:

15TH OF EACH MONTH

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER; ISSUE DATE: MAY 2013
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter

BE SUBMITTED BY THE

Wayne Cerra (cell) 239-989-3349

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes. ABATE of Florida, Inc. 2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights Reserved ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Southwest Chapter do not condone drinking while riding or driving

http://southwest.abateflorida.com/
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 3

PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906

Presidents Message

note, our safety money has been put back into the budget but Im wary until I see it, stay tuned. Your Chapter Officers have been working on the State meeting and the Bears for Bears so as we near these events we could use your support. Also, last bike night of the season is May 11th and what a better way to ride into Bike night in Down Town Ft Myers than coming out to Naples and supporting the 1st annual Ovarian Cancer ride ending at Fords Garage. Leesburg is going on as I write this letter and I would have loved to join the members and friends who rode out to this event. Trying to slow things down puts a damper on the weekends. Last but certainly not least we have up-

Hello Everyone, May is National Motorcycle Safety month and to celebrate we kicked off our annual Bears for Bears event at Sun Sports on April 20. Thank you Sun Sports for hosting the event and to Lt Schmidt of LCSO for taking time out of his schedule to help with the kick off. May 26th is the time we hand over the collected new stuffed animals to LCSO. Tallahassees Freedom ride is behind us and there was a strong presence from ABATE members this year at the State house. Maybe the weather had something to do with it as last year it was in February and 20 degrees. The names were called for fallen brothers and sisters and the last name was read by the Granddaughter of a Caloosahatchee member who perished as he was hit head on by someone who didnt see him, Rest in Peace Dale Vest.

coming Chapter elections and appointments. I am encouraged by the meeting turnouts and those members who have been on board and those who have stepped up to continue to make the Southwest Chapter a premier Chapter in Many Bills are being looked at this session the State. and it looks like we will be getting a tex- Ride Safe and ride often, ting bill through this year. On another Wayne

ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter

EXECUTIVE BOARD & TRUSTEES PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6748 Southwest.abateflorida.com
President Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 abatesw@gmail.com Vice President Jimmie Dennis 239.440.4213 jd@pincherscrabshack.com Secretary Tracy Davis 239.645.7936 forbubblesonly@gmail.com Treasurer Todd KC Burns 239.634.3080 swflabfc@aol.com Sergeant At Arms Ken Coon 765.464.9542 kwcoon1@aol.com Membership Trustee Moe Moser 412.999.3397 ironcitysupplyco@yahoo.com PR Communications Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 abatesw@gmail.com Legislative Ken Teddybear Miller 239.693.7035 km_13219@yahoo.com Newsletter Editor Barbara Babs Bardell 239.822.3272 Babsie67@comcast.net Products Jimmie Dennis 239.440.4213 jd@pincherscrabshack.com Safety Coordinator Victor Piorkowski 239.823.6159 pior10@yahoo.com State Delegate Pam Mix 239.362.8807 ptigger@comcast.net State Delegate Victor Piorkowski 239.823.6159 pior10@yahoo.com Webmaster Taylor Musburger 239.334.1620 ABATE@Musburger.net Advertising Fred Glennon 339.235.2189 freddog1956@gmail.com Photographer Pam Mix 239.362.8807 ptigger@comcast.net Chapter Chaplain Tom Provenzano 239.267.8641 tprovenz@comcast.net Road Captain Scott Turner 239.633.5765 scott@turnerteamfl.com

Chapter Meetings held at Harley Davidson of Fort Myers 1st Sunday of each month
*MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. 2012 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights Reserved Donation to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Income TaX Purposes ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter Does Not Condone Drinking and Driving or Riding
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 5

HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MRO*

Riding our Motorcycles Through the Storms Getting Through the Storms of Life

A year ago, we wrote to you about our just having returned from S. Indiana, where we were deployed to work with the victims/survivors of the tornadoes in that area. SevDEAR FELLOW ABATE MEMBERS eral months ago, Tom had spent some time on Staten Island working with flood and Hurricane Sandy victims/ survivors, providing crisis intervention and spiritual care. We are now fully in tornado season for a large portion of our country and hurricane season for our area is only a month, or so, away. Again, it made us think of the storms we have encountered during our motorcycle years.
Riding Out the Storm As motorcyclists, how many of us decide to ride our bikes when there are storms on the horizon? Before leaving on the ride, we check the weather reports and look at the radar. Many of us decide to go. If we have a long trip ahead, we almost always decide to go. If wet and/or cold weather is ahead, we will pack the proper gear and we will be prepared to get through the worst. Sometimes we will need to stop along the way and hunker down. However, based on our motorcycling experiences, we know the weather will only cause a short delay on our trip. The primary reason most of us choose to ride with poor weather on the horizon is that we know the poor weather will be temporary. We know that if we go through the storm, there will be the reward of sunshine on the other side and a great ride will welcome us. Sometimes going through poor conditions will make us better appreciate the nicer conditions, once we reach the other side. How do we know all this? We know because we are experienced. We deal with the weather every day of our lives. A number of years ago, Tom took off from Florida on one of our old GoldWings to head up to Connecticut, to visit his daughter and grandkids. The plans were to take two or three full days, leave I-75 at Charleston, ride up the east coast (literally along the coast), ride the ferries from barrier island to barrier island in North Carolina, take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and just be a tourist. As soon as he was entering the Daytona Beach area, a steady rain settled in. The rain did not give up until two days into the ride. He had a few good things going for him: a good motorcycle to bring him through; a good rain suit; and knowing that sooner or later, the sun would shine on the other side. Also, his daughter, her husband, and the grandkids would be there to welcome him, at the end of the ride. Sometimes, our lives seem like storms that have to be ridden out, just like we ride out the weather as a biker. There are financial problems, family situations, health issues, relational issues, job situations, things happening that we have little or no control over, etc... Weve never heard a biker get angry

with God about the weather conditions. So the question needs to be asked, Why do we need to be angry with God or forget about Him entirely, when we encounter the storms of life? Take a look in Job 1:6-12. It is clearly obvious that Satan wants you to curse or be angry with God when we encounter lifes storms. God never promised us that everything would be perfect, in this earthly life. However, for those that believe upon Him, He has promised He will be there to get us through! And, there is the promise of eternal life in Paradise, at the end of life's ride. Deuteronomy 31:6 -Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Romans 8:35-39 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. KJV How can we be prepared for lifes storms? How can we get through them? Get to know God and experience Him every day in your lives just as you have gotten to know the weather as bikers. The more you get to know and experience Him, the more you will know on how to deal with life. Dont be angry with God. Your real adversary is Satan, not God. We remember a song written in the early 70s by Andre Crouch, Through it All. A few of the lyrics in the song are something like this: I thank God for the mountains and I thank God for the valleys for if I had no problems, Id never know that God could solve them, Id never know what faith in His Word could do. Please accept what God has done for you, to get you to the other side of the storms. Wouldnt you rather face lifes storms with God, than without Him? Please pray this prayer. "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You. I ask forgiveness of my sins. I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of my life. Im tired of facing lifes storms without You. I will keep my eyes focused on you and no longer curse You. Blessed be your holy Name. All this I ask and pray, in the Name of Jesus. Amen." Blessings, Tom and Kathy Pastor Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member and Southwest Chapter Chaplain) and Pastor Kathy (SW ABATE Life Member - Foursquare Chaplain)www.messiahsmessengers.org or tprovenz@comcast.net 239-267-8641

AD EXPIRES 12/13

AD EXPIRES: TRADE

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 9

LIKE NEW
4 Year Old

EDUCATOR VIOLIN
With Case
CHRIS PROFFITT
AD EXPIRES: TRADE

thebikermap@gmail.com

Please Contact Member Roger @ 239.772.8448

AD EXPIRES 2/14

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS

Keith Baker Darrell Barnett Denee Bartels Scott Blink Chet Butz James Burkholder Nora Burkholder Don Campbell Frances Cazes Wayne Cerra Jonathan Conant Terry Covington Audrey Cran Maggie Cran Rick Cran Rob Cran Robert Cruz Crusan Jim Crystal Dan Curry Ginny DAsti Biffle Davis Mary Dicenzo-Porter Al Diagiaco Frank Disomma Cindy Doak Randy Eck Marius Espeleta Brian Galvin Sonny Gartrell Steven Goldstein Lynnda Gray Larry Gullia Bob Hall Harry Hoover Jeff Hoover George Huttman Susan Red Huttman Dan Jackson Cindy CJ Jordan Frankie Kennedy John Kennedy Ed LaCombe Julio Lopez Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez KD Marlowe Russell May Rev.Rea Means Don Meredith Jr. Jo Ann Miller Kenneth Miller John Mitchell Jim Mozeleski Taylor Musburger Terry Padilla Bob Penn Asuncsion Peppers Richard Peppers Victor Piorkowski Kathleen Provenzano Rev. Thomas Provenzano Bill Robinson Janet Rolfe Tabitha Rossi Roland Salsberry Jencye Schmitt Jerry Schmitt Bruce Scheiner Elsie Seif Robert Simon Kelly Smith Randall Spivey Richard Stergulz Sandy Stergulz Grandpa Stewart Lynda Stewart Russell Sullivan Scott Turner Ruth Vorys Teresa Webster D. Payton Wells Michael Wieland Jama Wyatt Steve Wyatt

SERVING YOUR PERSONAL PRINTING NEEDS Personal Letterhead, Business Cards, Stamps, Posters SERVING YOUR COMPANY PRINTING NEEDS Direct Mail, Brochures, Presentation Folders, Newsletters, Post Cards, Continuous Forms, Catalogs

A Family Operated Business Serving LEE, CHARLOTTE & COLLIER COUNTIES Continuously for 45 Years
Proven Quality of Work, Customer Service and Consistently Beat the Competitions Price.
919 SE 13th Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33990 239.772.8200 infor@gatorpressprinting.com Fax 239.772 -3926

SERVING ALL YOU PRINTING NEEDS

LEGISLATIVE REPORT ~ MAY 2013 Submitted by Ken TEDDYBEAR Miller

Good Morning Freedom Fighters: Did I mention last month about how one door closes and another door opens? Well, when it comes to politics its more like a revolving door, a never ending cycle. Even though this years local elections are in full swing, the pols in Tallahassee are busy with fundraisers for next year. According to the reports most of this early money seems to be coming from lobby and special interest groups. Wow, imagine that!!! The Cape Coral mayors race is starting to heat up. At least three people have filed to run against incumbent Cape Coral Mayor John Sullivan. Cape Coral businessman Dan Ashby, stepfather of wounded Army veteran Corey Kent who recently returned home to the Cape, is running for Cape Mayor, joining candidates Vince Cummings and Marni Sawicki to challenge Mayor John Sullivans re-election. Ashby talked about his sons experiences after losing his legs in Afghanistan, and how that led him to the mayoral contest. Cape Coral has given so much to our family after Coreys experiences, he said. Im a veteran, and Im proud of what my son did and the Cape is part of our family I want to bring some business sense and common sense to the citys leadership. Still, this race is not about Corey: Its about what we can do as a community. A resident of Cape Coral since 2003, Ashby said he has experience in business and as a motivational speaker, and wants to use that to propel the Cape as it emerges from the economic downturn. From ABATE of Florida, Inc. Darrin Scribe Brooks Hey Everyone, Committee Chairman Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, who voted against the bill, said he wanted to remain consistent in resisting measures perceived as expanding government intrusion. He has previously opposed allowing stepped up enforcement of seat belt requirements, and the use of red light cameras. "Where do you cross the line of digging in your bag and getting a French fry and driving?" Patronis asked. The bill would make texting while driving a secondary offense, meaning drivers would have to be pulled over for something else before they could get a secondary ticket for texting. The fine would be $30 plus court costs, which could be as much as $129. A second ticket within five years would be marked as a "moving violation" against one's license and come with a $60 ticket, before court costs are added that could run up to $179. Holder, claiming that polls indicate that up to 95 percent of Floridians support the ban, said police may track records to determine if an individual was texting while driving, but he would expect that to occur typically only when there had been a crash or during a death investigation. "One of the most important parts of this bill is to empower parents and drivers ed teachers to be able to tell their children and students that texting while driving is illegal in the state of Florida," Holder said. Florida is in the minority, most states have at least some restrictions on texting while behind the wheel. The bill has exceptions, such as allowing the use of talk to-text technology, reporting emergencies, and allowing texting while a vehicle is stopped, such as at a red light. The bill had been previously unanimously approved by the Transportation & Highway Safety and Civil Justice subcommittees. The Senate version (SB 52) has also cleared two committees and awaits a hearing before the Judiciary Committee.

TEXTING BAN ON OPEN ROAD TO FULL HOUSE VOTE

TXT BILL 2 SEN FLOOR

In a room full of people texting updates to and otherwise using electronic devices, a long sought measure to ban such behavior while driving was given a green light to the House floor on Wednesday. The measure (HB 13) was approved with just one "no" vote in the House Economic Affairs Committee, it's last preliminary hearing before heading to the full House. "It's the beginning of the change that is necessary in our culture that people learning a new activity, whether it be driving or whether it be texting, that certain activities are appropriate and certain activities are inappropriate, and texting is inappropriate while behind the wheel of an automobile," said Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, the sponsor of the House legislation. Legislators have struggled to advance the proposal in past sessions, particularly in the House, where concerns have aired over imposing new rules that infringe on personal liberties.

A bill that would ban texting while driving is headed to the Senate floor after clearing its last committee stop unanimously. The measure (SB 52) was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, bringing a years-long debate closer to an end. "Hopefully, we've gone beyond public support into public frustration that we haven't passed something," said Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, the bill's sponsor. "I think this is the year." The House companion (HB 13) is also ready for the floor.

POSSIBLE END OF THE ROAD AHEAD FOR NO-FAULT INSURANCE

Efforts to drive fraud out of the state's no-fault auto insurance system may not get a full test run. The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Tuesday began looking at the possibility of replacing the system, just a year after a major overhaul that is now tied up in court. Lawmakers last year tried to tackle fraud in the state's Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, insurance sys-

AD EXPIRES 1/14

AD EXPIRES 8/13

tem, but the changes ran up against a Tallahassee circuit court judge, who last month blocked, at least temporarily, part of the law. That has lawmakers now looking at simply scrapping PIP, the required coverage for other motorists injuries that was intended to avoid car crash claims getting tied up in court. "I think it's clear that PIP has got a defined life in the state of Florida," said Committee Chairman Sen. David Simmons, R-Maitland. Simmons is confident that if lawmakers were to decide next week to move forward with a bill to replace the nofault system that premium prices for most Florida drivers would come down. He pointed Tuesday to an Office of Insurance Regulation report that nearly 90 percent of Florida drivers with insurance already are covered with some form of bodily injury protection. "All of this certainly leads to the conclusion that for many policy holders in the state of Florida they would see a reduction in policy premiums by getting rid of PIP," Simmons said. The trade off to bodily injury coverage as the bargain basement of coverage is that without no-fault, court cases would be expected to increase as crash victims have to recoup medical coverage from the party at fault. Insurance companies quickly lent their support to discussions of replacing no-fault, the state system that was designed in the 1970s to steer people away from court after auto accidents by providing up to $10,000 in medical crash coverage regardless of the party at fault. "We understood that the monumental effort to try one last time to reform PIP was important, we supported that," Michael Carlson, executive director of Personal Insurance Federation of Florida, told the committee. "On behalf of about 45 percent of the marketplace, despite the chilly temperature in this room, we are warming up to this idea. We think that after years, decades of attempt to reform PIP, to drive out fraud, I think we have reached the point of impasse." Backers of the 2012 no-fault reform had hoped that nearly 70 percent of the cost in claims prior to last year's law would be eliminated with the end of repayments for nonemergency massage therapy and acupuncture treatment. However, Judge Terry Lewis sided with the claim by chiropractors and massage therapists that the law illegally prevents accident patients from using PIP claims to pay for their treatment. The state has already filed an appeal with the strong backing of Gov. Rick Scott, but some supporters of the 2012 law said the reform effort has effectively been "kneecapped" by the judge. Paul Jess, representing the Florida Justice Association, a trial lawyers group, said that even without Lewis' ruling, the "new PIP isn't going to work any better than the old PIP." The new law required insurance companies to cut the rates on the no-fault portion of coverage by at least 10

percent starting Oct. 1 or demonstrate why they couldnt. A second filing, where rates are expected to drop 25 percent, is set for Jan. 1, 2014.

SENATE COMMITTEE SENDS AUTO FEE BILL TO THE FLOOR

A bill rolling back motor vehicle registration fees is headed to the Senate floor despite facing an uncertain future in the House. The measure (SB 1832) easily cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee, the only committee the bill was sent to by Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville. After the vote on Thursday, Gaetz issued a statement making it clear he wants the bill to pass. "Not only will his bill rid our state of an antiquated government subsidy for the insurance industry, but, more importantly, it will keep money in the pockets of our hardworking taxpayers," Gaetz said. "I am glad to see the proposal, which will reduce vehicle registration for every Floridian who drives a car, move to the Senate floor." The bill would reduce the annual cost to register a motor vehicle by $12. Those fees were increased in the 2009 session as part of a deal to close a budget gap; Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said the new bill would roll back the four -year-old hike by 55 percent. In return, insurance companies would lose a premium tax credit of up to 15 percent of the salaries they pay to Florida-based employees. Doing away with the tax credit will raise about $231 million a year, according to the committee's estimates, which will cover the projected $224 million cost of rolling back the fees. But the bill faces strong resistance from the insurance industry and business groups. Associated Industries of Florida has started airing a television ad calling the insurance credit "the Working Tax Cut" and urging senators to vote against it. House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, told reporters late Wednesday that the bill would need to be assigned to a committee because there isn't a counterpart in the House. Few committees are scheduled to meet again in the legislative session, which is set to last for about two more weeks, but Weatherford noted he could call a meeting if he needed to. Supporters of the credit said it could cost the state jobs, though they concede that taxes are just one aspect of a company's decision when it comes to where to locate call centers and other offices. "The bigger factor may be the negative message that the elimination of the salary credit will send to insurers and other businesses considering a move to Florida or some other state," said Paul Sanford, a lobbyist for the Florida Insurance Council. Sen. Garrett Richter, the Naples Republican who was the only vote against the bill, also backed the notion that the bill could set the state back as it continues to recover from the Great Recession. "We must create more jobs, and eliminating job incentives

AD EXPIRES: 01 Mar. 2013

is not the way to accomplish that priority," he said. But other Republicans said the state had already done quite a bit to help insurance companies, including overhauling the state's medical malpractice laws in recent years. "I will continue to do everything I can to have a viable insurance industry in the state of Florida," said Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine.

MENTALLY ILL GUN LOOPHOLE BILL ADVANCES

A bill seeking to strengthen the ban on firearm sales to mentally ill people overwhelmingly passed the House on Wednesday, though it still needs Senate approval. The measure (HB 1355), which is backed by the NRA, would prevent gun sales to people who have voluntarily committed themselves for treatment. Currently, those who voluntarily seek mental health help don't face any restrictions on gun purchases once they leave treatment. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Watson, D-Miami Gardens, passed the House 117-1.

GUN TOTING TEACHER BILL ADVANCES

A bill that would allow school principals to designate a dis-

trict employee to carry a concealed gun on school grounds in an effort to bolster security cleared the House Judiciary Committee, readying the bill for the House floor. The bill (HB 1097) passed 11-7 over the objection of school boards and district officials who don't want more guns on campuses. "School boards support armed, trained police officers in schools," and want more money for that, Wayne Blanton, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association, told the panel. "We hope to have an officer, deputy or marked car out in front of every school....But this bill sends the wrong message. Our young people will go out on the street and they will say .... 'My teacher has a gun, why can't I have a gun too?'" Juhan Mixon, of the Association of School Administrators, said the association surveyed its members and they were overwhelmingly opposed to the bill. The PTA and the ACLU also oppose the measure. The bill is a response to the Newtown, Conn. school shooting late last year. Sponsor Greg Steube, RSarasota, said he didn't know if an armed school employee might have changed that tragedy. "They sure (would have) had a fighting chance," Steube said. The bill, which was approved earlier this year in an education subSOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 15

committee, initially had three additional committees assigned to hear it, but was withdrawn and sent only to Judiciary.

SCOTT SIGNS FUNERAL PROTEST BAN

LAWMAKERS CALL FOR HEARINGS ON GUN-CONTROL BILLS

Two Miami Democrats called Tuesday for the Legislature to hear bills dealing with gun control before the 2013 session ends, with several of those filed in the wake of the Connecticut school shootings having gone nowhere. No one expects any major gun control legislation to pass in the GOP-controlled Legislature, but Rep. Cynthia Stafford said there should be at least a discussion of the issue. "In order to have the discussion, both sides need to be heard," Stafford said, joining Sen. Dwight Bullard in calling for several stalled bills to get a hearing. Legislation carried by Bullard in the Senate (SB 362) and Stafford in the House (HB 123) would change the 'stand your ground' self-defense law. Stafford said instead of allowing someone immunity to shoot when they feel threatened, the bill would require an overt aggressive act. "It's no longer 'I thought he or she looked dangerous,' or 'I thought I would be harmed or killed, so I used deadly force,'" she said. "This bill would help to eliminate those assumptions." The bill hasn't had a committee hearing in either chamber. Stafford and Bullard said they're frustrated by what they called a Republican-led blockade of gun-control bills. Republican Senate President Don Gaetz, however, said other Democrats have gotten controversial bills heard. He pointed to Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, whose domestic partnership bill got three hearings in the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee, which Sobel chairs, before passing on Monday. "The best advice I would give to Sen. Bullard is to just bear in mind that Republican Senate leadership is not telling people what to put on an agenda," Gaetz said. "If he has a concern, he needs to go see the committee chair." Stafford and Bullard also called on Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the availability of black-market, military-style ammunition in urban neighborhoods. Bullard said some of his constituents were unable to leave their homes due to the violence around them. "There's a war going on outside," he said. "We're talking about drive-by (shootings) at one o'clock in the afternoonchildren walking to school. We're talking about church services ending and within an hour, people are dead." Both Scott and Gaetz have pointed to Florida's crime rates, which are the lowest they've been in 41 years, as evidence that the state's approach is the right one. Bullard said the crime rate may be down overall, but in some parts of Florida, it's rampant. He also said the media aren't covering many of those stories.

Gov. Rick Scott's office said Thursday that earlier in the week he signed several pieces of legislation, including a ban on protesting within a certain distance of a funeral (HB 15). That measure creates a 500-foot no protest zone around any funeral, and had passed both the Senate and House unanimously. Most of the bills Scott signed Wednesday were minor or technical measures, many of them reauthorizing various trust funds and state compacts or adopting the current version of the statutes, for example. Scott on Wednesday publicly signed one bill (HB 155) that outlaws the gaming machines used at internet cafes, effectively shutting down the industry.

ONLINE SALES TAX BILL MOVING IN SENATE

Internet retailers would have to collect sales tax when Florida residents make online purchases and remit the money to the state under a bill that cleared a Senate committee Thursday. The measure would offset the increased revenue brought in by the measure by lowering other taxes, including offering a sales tax holiday for shoppers at brick and mortar stores. The "revenue neutral" offset provision helps Republican backers of the idea avoid any notion that the proposal is a tax increase, although they also claim that the bill simply modernizes the tax laws to require collection of money that should have been flowing into state coffers all along. In addition to offsetting new revenue through what would surely be a popular break from the sales tax, the bill (SB 316) also would lower the communications services tax rate. That tax is charged on things like telephone service, and cable and satellite TV. Bill sponsor Sen. Nancy Detert said Florida residents would notice their home Internet service would be cheaper, offsetting the additional cost of items purchased through that Internet connection. Online retailers like Amazon don't collect sales taxes on Florida purchases, even though Florida lawmakers say that technically, the purchases should be subject to the state's 6 percent sales and use tax. "It's something that we should have been collecting and haven't," said Detert, R-Venice. The bill is strongly supported by physical retailers who rely on non-Internet sales, who have claimed for years they're at a disadvantage because buyers would rather purchase items online to save sales tax. "This bill helps to support the bricks and mortar stores in our state," said Detert. "We're helping small business and we're helping with a tax refund to consumers." The bill passed 10-1 in the Senate Finance and Tax Subcommittee, with the lone no vote coming from the panel's chairwoman Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange. While voting for it, Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, questioned why lawmakers were insistent on offsetting the new revenue with other tax cuts. "This is money we're already due, so it shouldn't have to

BE A PART OF SOUTHWEST CHAPTER OF ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SAFETY CLASSES

BOOK A CLASS TODAY!

THE SOLUTION

have an offset," Clemens said. But legislation that could be interpreted as raising taxes has never played well in the GOP-dominated Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott has begun a re-election campaign and is expected to be cool to anything opponents might portray as a tax increase. "We're doing a tax shift," insisted Detert.

HELMET POLL

Here is a online poll asking if "motorcyclist should have to wearhelmet ?" http://www.timesfreepress.com/polls/2013/ apr/should-motorcyclists-have-wear-helmets/results/ I would like to thank whoever sent this in to us, but they did not put their name on the email..... Please remember to always sign your emails.....

ANOTHER ONLINE HELMET POLL

Here is another one of those instant online polls asking if motorcyclist should wear helmets. http://floridastategasprices.com/index.aspx?fuel=D

SENATE VOTES TO LIMIT DRONES

Police would have strict limits on when they could use unmanned aerial aircraft, known as drones, in Florida under legislation (SB 92) that passed the Senate unanimously on Wednesday. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, still needs House approval. Police would still be able to use drones if they get a warrant to do so. They'd also be able to use them in the event of a high risk of an imminent terrorist threat, or to prevent imminent danger to life, such as to facilitate the search for a missing person, to prevent serious damage to property, or to forestall the imminent escape of a suspect or the destruction of evidence.

Ground" law allows people to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is needed to prevent death of great bodily harm. But the appeals court said Little, who faced a second-degree murder charge, should be able to use the law. "His status as a felon in illegal possession of a firearm did not preclude that claim of immunity,'' the ruling said. "And Little established by a preponderance of the evidence that his use of force was justified to prevent his imminent death or great bodily harm as provided (in the Stand Your Ground law)." The court, however, asked the Florida Supreme Court to consider the issue, a process known as certifying the issue to the high court. OH CANADIANS, DRIVE AWAY: Gov. Rick Scott will sign a bill repealing an international driving permit requirement for foreign drivers today during a visit to the Florida Chamber of Commerce's International Days. The law, passed last year, was meant to help police be able to understand drivers' documents, but Canadian snowbirds were caught off guard by the new requirement, and there were fears many wouldn't come to Florida. The repeal bill (HB 7059) was rushed through this year's legislative session.

OUT-OF-STATE DISABLED VETS WELCOME:

Disabled military veterans would no longer have to have been a Florida resident prior to joining the service to be eligible for a discount on property taxes under a committee bill (SPB 7032) before the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee on Tuesday.

FROM THE AMA.....

SCOTT SIGNS INTERNET CAF BILL

With little fanfare, Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday signed a bill (HB 155) to prohibit the electronic games used at Internet cafes and likely shut down the industry that critics have likened to "storefront casinos." The bill would not affect slot machines at state-approved pari-mutuel facilities and tribal casinos. The proposal was shepherded quickly through the Legislature after an investigation led to raids last month at Internet cafes across the state and the arrests of 57 people. The scandal also forced the resignation of former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, who in the past did consulting work for Allied Veterans of the World, a charity at the center of the investigation.

'STAND YOUR GROUND' SHIELDS CONVICTED FELON

Though convicted felons are not supposed to carry firearms, a state appeals court Wednesday rejected arguments that a felon should not be able to use the "Stand Your Ground" law as a defense in a Lee County murder case. The 2nd District Court of Appeal sided with Aaron A. Little, who argued that he shot another man in selfdefense during an altercation. Prosecutors contended that the "Stand Your Ground" law should not apply because Little was engaged in illegal activity --- he was a convicted felon carrying a firearm. The controversial "Stand Your

On May 6, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) will introduce the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act. The bill will protect motorcyclists rights and promote crash prevention as the most effective use of taxpayer money to save motorcyclists lives. Sensenbrenner is currently seeking to add original cosponsors before the introduction of the bill. The bill incorporates Sensenbrenners legislation (H.R. 904) introduced in the previous Congress. H.R. 904 would prohibit the U.S. Department of Transportation from providing funds to state and local authorities for the purpose of creating motorcycle-only checkpoints. However, this bill also contains language to force the DOT to focus motorcycle safety efforts on crash prevention programs. The Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act amends Section 153 of Title 23, United States Code, by removing motorcycle helmets. This change will prohibit the DOT from providing grants to a state to enforce helmet laws. It will also prohibit the DOT from interfering in state matters with federal funds. For many years, the American Motorcyclist Association has strongly encouraged the voluntary use by adult riders of helmets certified by their manufacturers to meet the DOT standard as part of a comprehensive motorcycle
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

M E M B E R S H I P D R I V E
Membership Report
Submitted by

Moe Moser, Membership Trustee Were now through the second month of our three-month membership drive and contest. So far, 29 new members have been recruited! Please try to recruit at least one new member during the month of May to be eligible for the drawing. The winner will get a large chapter patch and dining gift certificates. Welcome to all our new members! The following were inadvertently omitted from last months Newsletter: Steve Caserman Shelly Caserman Ashleigh Dempsey Douglass Loccisano And for April: Gary Nelson Philip Provost Susan Schmidt

Albert White Stephanie Nichols Shannon Danielle McCarty Adolfo Ayes April Ritter Chet Mainer Jamie Goldberg Ross Goldberg Carla Thibodeau Due to renew in April: Ken Coon Harry Hudson Eric Malasky Robert Speakman Sally Tietz Due to renew in May: Mark Bolton Todd Burns Tom Conlon Jon Houghten Ray Kuczera Joe Minnelle Keith Osborn Ed Reilly

Scott Schuette Daniella Souza Hector Valdes Please renew your membership when it comes due. We cannot afford to lose a single voice in our fight for motorcyclists rights. Surely your freedom is worth $20 a year! Renewals expire the last day of your
month. Membership applications can be picked up at local motorcycle shops throughout Lee County and many offer discounts to ABATE Members (just show your card) and at our Tuesday Bike Night at The Joint in Cape Harbor from 6p-9p

Membership Is $20.00 per year or a

life membership for $150.00. Membership includes a $4,000.00 accidental death or dismemberment policy, local discount with participating businesses and a VOICE to be counted as a member of a Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) to make roads safer and drivers accountable for their actions.

May 2013
Sun Mon

Motorcycle Safety Month

Tue
1

Wed
2

Thu
3

Fri

Sat
4 Love Bug Ride

5 6 SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING 10AM 12 13

THE JOINT Cape Harbor

6-10 pm 14 BIKE NIGHT 15 16 17

BIKE NIGHT

10

11 FORT MYERS BIKE NIGHT 18

THE JOINT Cape Harbor

6-10 pm 19 20 21 BIKE NIGHT 22 23 24 25

THE JOINT Cape Harbor

6-10 pm 26 BEARS FOR BEARS 27 28 BIKE NIGHT 29 30 31

HARLEY DAVIDSON
OF FORT MYERS

SEND OFF

THE JOINT Cape Harbor

6-10 pm

May 26th, 2013

June 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 Sat

2 SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING 10AM 9

THE JOINT Cape Harbor

6-10 pm 10 11 BIKE NIGHT 12 13 14

BIKE NIGHT

8 Southwest Hosting State Meeting

See Back Page

15

THE JOINT Cape Harbor

6-10 pm 16 17 18 BIKE NIGHT 19 20 21 22

THE JOINT Cape Harbor

6-10 pm 23 24 25 BIKE NIGHT 26 27 28 29

THE JOINT Cape Harbor

6-10 pm 30

MEETING MINUTES
ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
GENERAL MEETING 4/7/2013
HARLEY DAVIDSON, FT. MYERS CALLED TO ORDER AT: 10:14am.

someone in mind and dont want to go yourself. Shoot Fred an email. 2. Some of our advertisers do offer members of Abate 10% discounts. They are Sun Sports, SW Cycles, House of Trikes, Palleden Cycle. Those are just a few. NEWSLETTER & FLYERS: BARBARA BABS BARDELL 1. Anyone who would like to submit an article please see me, we are open to member articles approved by the board, classifieds. Email them to me. WEBSITE: TAYLOR ATM MUSBURGER 1. Absent, still making improvements on the Chapter Website. SAFETY DIRECTOR: VIC PIORKOWSKI 1. Need members list of those who want to be certified PRODUCTS: WAYNE CERRA 1. T-shirts & Patches putting an order in Monday. LEGISLATIVE REPORT: KEN TEDDYBEAR MILLER 1. In the newsletter. DELEGATE REPORT: No meeting last month, no report ROAD CAPTAIN: SCOTT TURNER 1. Todays lunch ride if to Low Key Tiki in St James City. 2. Next dinner ride will be to Nervous Nellies on Ft Myers beach. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Petition To be included in the Florida budget to receive funds for MSAP 2. Billboards cancelled, but will go forward with discounted price 3. State meeting, June 8th NEW BUSINESS: 1. Nominations GOOD OF THE ORDER 1. We have 2 people that can do patches for us. Tonia Fisher who is a new member and Joker @ Purr Performance. 2. Smokey is still in the hospital and still out of it but doing ok. Benefit next Sunday at Crazy Olive, come out and show your support. 3. Marsha Penn(Burnouts wife) not doing so good with her cancer. Stop by and say Hi. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:45am

Anyone besides the Sec taking notes? No Please silence Cell phones. Salute flag/Prayer/ Welcome Guests/new members PRESIDENTS REPORT: WAYNE CERRA 1. Certificate, Ken Miller, Legislative Trustee. 25yrs 2. Bike Week winner, LEE JOHNSON OF ORANGE PARK, FL 3. Tallahassee, need delegates 4. May is Nat. Motorcycle Safety month. Proclamations from Ft Myers and CC
VICE PRESIDENT: JIMMIE DENNIS 1. Cape Coral Bike night Saturday April 13th, need support 2. Bears for Bears, 2 events April 20th Sun Sports and May 26 @ HD w/Sheriff Dept We need people to man tables. Collection boxes need to be obtained and set out 3. Leesburg Bike week April 27 28 4. Jimmie will be getting boxes for Bears for Bears. If you have a business and would like one let him know. If you would like one but cant get it let us know and we will bring it to you. SECRETARYS REPORT: TRACY DAVIS 1. Motion to accept last months minutes as written in the newsletter made by Brett seconded by Carl. TREASURERS REPORT: TODD KC BURNS 1. Motion to accept last months report made by Lynn seconded by Ray. SARGENT AT ARMS: KEN DIESEL COON 1. No incidents to report MEMBERSHIP REPORT: MOE MOSER 1. New member 17 Renewals 2 Membership is 250+ 2. Membership drive is from March 1,2013 May 3, 2013. Bring is 5 or more members and get your dues paid for the next year. Also we will be having a drawing for winners and different prizes will be offered. ADVERTISING: FRED GLENNON 1. We still need more advertisers. If you have

THANK YOU
TO OUR VOLUNTEERS, ADVERTISERS AND SUPPORTERS OF OUR MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION

AD EXPIRES 12/13

AD EXPIRES 8/13

LEGISLATIVE REPORTCONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

DOT standard as part of a comprehensive motorcycle safety program to help reduce injuries and fatalities in the event of a motorcycle crash. However, helmet mandates do not prevent crashes. The AMA believes that comprehensive motorcycle safety programs must promote strategies that are designed to prevent motorcycle crashes from occurring in the first place. Current law states highway safety plans must prevent crashes and reduce injuries. The Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act would require highway safety plans to include programs that prevent accidents in order to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles by amending Section 402 of Title 23, United States Code. Historically, the enforcement of helmet mandates has siphoned away scarce funds from effective crash prevention programs such as rider education and motorist awareness. This bill is critical to ending the discriminatory practice of MOCs and saving motorcyclists lives. The motorcycling community needs you to contact your representative now to ask them to become an original cosponsor. Just follow the "Take Action" option to send a pre-written email directly to your representative. To view the AMA's efforts to end motorcycle-only checkpoints, go to http://capwiz.com/amacycle/utr/1/EYQGSZAJUK/ AEQYSZAJZW/9479071421. Please join the AMA to help us fight to end motorcycleonly checkpoints. More members means more clout against our opponents, and your support will help the AMA fight for your rights on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government.

FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION, WASHINGTON, D.C. ABATE releases multi-year motorcycle fatality analysis, calls for increased education, enforcement and penalties.
With one of the longest and hottest riding seasons on record, higher gas prices and a slight increase in motorcycles registrations, 2012 saw a small increase in motorcycle fatalities with over half of those being fatalities being riders not endorsed to operate a motorcycle. The year also saw an increase in motorcycle tourism since the enactment of the rider choice law on April 12, 2013 allowing adults to choose whether or not they want to wear a helmet. Recently, reports from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) analyzing the fatality and fatality rate increases since the helmet choice law went into effect have been presented in an erroneous and biased manner. "Our primary concern about the accuracy of the data from OHSP is that two single points of data are being compared, when a multi-year comparison will give the clearest and most accurate depiction of motorcycle fatalities," said

Vince Piacenti, Statistician, for ABATE Michigan. "The average fatality rate on motorcycles from 2005 - 2011 is 119.7 with a standard deviation (sigma) of 8.4. Standard practice is to add +/- 3 sigma to be statistically significant. This means that the normal year-to-year fatality rate can vary from 95 to 145. Anything within this range is normal variation; the fatalities would have to be above 145 or below 95 to make a statement with statistical confidence. Fatalities in 2012 were 129, which fall within the normal range of variation and proves conclusively that the helmetlaw amendment has had no adverse effect on motorcycle safety." What should concern the Michigan State Police, OSHP and the public is the fact that more than half of the fatalities involved riders NOT endorsed to drive a motorcycle. "Losing a member of our motorcycle family is devastating. To know that a death could be prevented from motorcycle education and increased enforcement from State Police is unimaginable. Our mission at American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, or ABATE Michigan, as we approach Motorcycle Safety Awareness month in May is motorcycle safety. ABATE encourages the Michigan State Police to be proactive this coming riding season by focusing on car driver/motorcyclists awareness and motorcycle education," added Vince Consiglio, President, ABATE of Michigan. "But we also want to make sure those that ride without an endorsement face stiffer fines and we also support limiting Temporary Instructional Permits (TIP) to two per adult. If you need more than two TIPs, you shouldn't be riding." Because more than half of Michigan motorcycle fatalities are unlicensed-or unendorsed- motorcyclists, ABATE's goal in teaching motorcycle rider education classes and going into the drivers' education classrooms is to ensure that everyone arrives home safely. "A motorcyclists has a responsibility to know how to handle his or her bike," Consiglio added. "However, a motorcyclist is much more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in the event of a crash. The majority of Michigan 2012 fatalities were wearing helmets." A motorcycle endorsement on a driver's license is required by law to ride on public roads and can be obtained by attending and passing a motorcycle rider education class, which are available statewide for a fee. A list of Secretary of State approved Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program instructors, along with their locations and contact information can be found the Secretary of State's website. ABATE Michigan supports public and private rider education. A current list of ABATE Michigan motorcycle rider education classes locations and times can be found on ABATE Michigan's website. On April 12, 2012 the requirement for motorcycle helmets was amended to allow adult choice for motorcyclists 21 and older, providing they completed an accredited motorcycle-safety course or had a minimum of 2 years riding experience.

AD EXPIRES 12/13

"Our members have reported an increase in motorcycle tourism since the enactment of the rider choice law," said Scott Ellis, Executive Director of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, which represents more than 1,800 restaurants, bar, party store, hotel, and casino establishments across the state. "From Monroe to Muskegon to the Keweenaw Peninsula, more out-of-state motorcyclists are stopping, staying and spending money at our restaurants, hotels and attractions." At least 20 different state license plates were counted on motorcycles at last year's sixth annual Muskegon Bike Time. With the increase in participants, planners are already concerned how many bikes and vendors can fit in the downtown area for this year's event. ABATE is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the overall rights and promoting the safe operating practices of all Michigan motorcyclists. ABATE Michigan has partnered with public schools and private driving instructors to teach more than 75,000 new drivers about motorcycle awareness, using resources donated by ABATE members.

Motorcycle Only Checkpoint Bill To Be Dropped

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner from Wisconsin, announced Monday, April 15th that he will file a bill to prohibit the federal funding of motorcycle only roadside checkpoints. Sensenbrenner had this to say in a "Dear Colleague" that is circulating in the House of Representatives. "In the 112th Congress, I introduced H.R. 904, a bill to prohibit the Department of Transportation (DOT) from providing funds to state and local authorities for the purpose of creating motorcycle only checkpoints. Section 1 of the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act contains the same language as H.R. 904. However, this bill also contains language to force the DOT to focus motorcycle safety efforts on crash prevention programs, not national helmet mandates." The bill will officially be introduced on May 6, 2013 and get its official bill number then. However, we must start the push now. It's important to contact your sitting member of the House of Representatives and ask them to be an original cosponsor of this important legislation. Ask them to contact Congressman James Sensenbrenner and lend their support. An "Original Cosponsor" is someone who supports the bill before it is made public and is a way to strongly support a new bill. The more original cosponsors the better. You can contact the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 The entire text of the Dear Colleague and the Bill are below.

STOP MOTORCYCLE CHECKPOINT FUNDING

Dear Colleague: On May 6, I will introduce a bill to protect motorcyclists' rights and promote crash prevention as the most effective use of taxpayer money to save motorcyclists'

lives. I ask for your support as an original cosponsor of the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act. In the 112th Congress, I introduced H.R. 904, a bill to prohibit the Department of Transportation (DOT) from providing funds to state and local authorities for the purpose of creating motorcycle only checkpoints. Section 1 of the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act contains the same language as H.R. 904. However, this bill also contains language to force the DOT to focus motorcycle safety efforts on crash prevention programs, not national helmet mandates. Section 3 of the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act amends Section 153 of Title 23 USC by removing "motorcycle helmets" from the title. This change will prohibit the DOT from providing grants to a State to enforce helmet laws. This will stop the DOT from manipulating State policies with federal money. Section 4 of this bill amends Section 402 of Title 23 USC. Current law states that highway safety plans must prevent accidents and reduce injuries. The Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act would require highway safety plans to include programs that prevent accidents in order to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles. This small change will make a significant impact because it highlights that preventing accidents is the best way to save motorcyclists' lives. Please contact Todd Washam (todd.washam@mail.house.gov to cosponsor this bill. I look forward to your support on this important issue. Sincerely, F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. MEMBER OF CONGRESS A BILLto stop motorcycle checkpoint funding, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ''Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act''. SEC. 2. GRANT RESTRICTION. The Secretary of Transportation may not provide a grant or any funds to a State, county, town, or township, Indian tribe, municipal or other local government to be used for any program to check helmet usage or create checkpoints for an operator of motorcycle or passenger on a motorcycle. SEC. 3. MOTORCYCLE SAFETY. Section 153 of title 23, United States Code, is amended(1) in the section heading by striking ''and motorcycle helmets''; (2) in subsection (a) by striking ''such fiscal year-'' and everything that follows through ''(2) a law'' and inserting ''such fiscal year a law''; (3) in subsection (b) by striking ''State laws'' each place it appears and inserting ''a State law'';

(4) in subsection (f) by amending paragraphs(2) and (3) to read as follows: ''(2) SECOND-YEAR GRANTS.-A State is eligible for a grant under this section in a fiscal year succeeding the first fiscal year in which a State receives a grant under this section only if the State in the preceding fiscal year had in effect at all times a State law described in subsection (a) and achieved a rate of compliance with such law of not less than 50 percent. ''(3) THIRD-YEAR GRANTS.-A State is eligible for a grant under this section in a fiscal year succeeding the second fiscal year in which a State receives a grant under this section only if the State in the preceding fiscal year had in effect at all times a State law described in subsection (a) and achieved a rate of compliance with such law of not less than 70 percent.'' SEC. 4. HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS. Section 402(a)(2)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking clause(iv) and inserting the following: ''(iv) to prevent accidents in order to reduce injuries and

deaths resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles;''.

House Committee Approves Ethanol Study Bill

The United States House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology approved a bill that would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a comprehensive study on the E-15 gasoline fuel blends. The committee approved the bill, HR 875, by a vote of 18-17. Committee Chairman had this to say, "Time and again, we see instances where American businesses are unnecessarily harmed by the EPA's regulatory and political agenda." Both the American Petroleum Institute and the Environmental Working Group, two organizations that do not often agree, back Mr. Sensenbrenner's E15 bill. The American Automobile Association (AAA), as well as groups representing snowmobile, boat and motorcycle owners also support the bill. Motorcycle champion, James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), authors HR 875. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages you to contact your U.S. Representative and ask them to cosponsor this important legislation. You can reach the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. -Mark Twain

See you in the wind, TEDDYBEAR

AD EXPIRES: TRADE

FREE SOUTHWEST CHAPTER OF ABATE MEMBERSHIP WITH MOTORCYCLE PURCHASE

AD EXPIRES: 01 Dec. 2012

THANKS TO SUN SPORTS FOR SPONSORING OUR BEARS FOR BEARS KICK-OFF

Floridas Lee County Legislative Delegation

Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-79, Chair T. Wayne Miller Jr. Building, 15191 Homestead Rd. Lehigh Acres, Fl. 33971. Phone: (239) 694-0161 E-Mail: Matt.Caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: Charlotte Gammie Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-30, Vice Chair 1926 Victoria Ave., 2nd Floor, Ft. Myers, Fl. 33901 Phone: (239) 338-2570 E-Mail: Benacquisto.Lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov Legislative Assistant: Matthew Hunter, Tiffany Edwards, Lynda Fino, Tamara Holliday Sen. Garrett Richter, R-23 32999 E. Tamiami Trail, Suite 203, Naples, Fl. 34112-4961 Phone: (239) 417-6205 E-Mail: Richter.Garrett.web@flsenate.gov Legislative Assistant: Becky Kokkinos, Michael Nachef, Sandra Mummert Rep. Dane Eagle, R-77 1039 SE 9th Place, Room 310, Cape Coral, Fl. 33990 Phone: (239) not yet determined E-Mail: Dane.Eagle@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: Paige Biagi. District: Bradley Davidson Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, R-78 2120 Main St., Ft. Myers, Fl. 33901. Phone: (239) 5332440 E-Mail: Heather.Fitzenhagen@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: Edward Metzger. District: Christine Deramo Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-76 Alico Lake Commons, 17595 S. Tamiami Tr., Suite 218 Fort Myers, Fl. 33908. Phone: (239) 433-6501 E-Mail: Ray.Rodrigues@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: James Mullen. District: Jasmine Villanueva Office of Governor Rick Scott State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Phone: (850) 488-7146 E-Mail: www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott Office of Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St.. PL-05, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Telephone: (850) 488-4711. Facsimile: (850) 921-6114 E-Mail: www.ltgov.com/ContactUs.html Florida Senate Web site: www.flsenate.gov Office of Senate President Don Gaetz 404 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 Phone: (850) 487-5229 E-Mail: Officeofthesenatepresident@flsenate.gov Chief of Staff: Chris Clark Florida House of Representatives Web site: www.myfloridahouse.gov The Honorable Will Weatherford, Speaker Florida House of Representatives 402 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 717-5038 E-Mail: Will.Weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov Legislative Assistant: Joy Hampton, Ralph Lair United States Senate (www.senate.gov) Nelson, Bill - (D - FL) 716 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-5274 Web Form: www.billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm Rubio, Marco - (R - FL) 317 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-3041 Web Form: www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/ contact United States House of Representatives (www.house.gov) U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R, FL-17 Washington DC Office 221 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515 p (202) 225-5792, f (202) 225-3132 Punta Gorda Office 226 Taylor Street, Suite 230, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 p (941) 575-9101, f (941) 575-9103 Contact Congressman Rooney through his Congressional web site. U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R, FL-19 Washington DC Office 1123 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 p (202) 225-2536 Cape Coral District Office 804 Nicholas Pkwy, East, Suite 1, Cape Coral, Fl. 33990 p (239) 573-5837 Contact Congressman Radel through his Congressional web site

AD EXPIRES 11/13

Looking for a FEW GOOD MEN!!

The SWFL Chapter of Leathernecks Motorcycle Club Intl., Inc. We welcome Marine Veterans, FMF Corpsmen And Active Duty Men and Women Marines If you love riding a motorcycle and want the Brotherhood/Sisterhood you had in the Corps, then we are what you want! For further information contact RailRoad at: 239-321-3298 Or visit our website at: www.leathernecks-swfl.com
AD EXPIRES- TRADE

MAY 5TH, 2013

NEXT CHAPTER MEETING JUNE 2ND

Our Caring Circle Please keep in your thoughts & prayers the following members and their loved ones.

Marsha Penn Smokey Clark Lily Arenas

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

April Chapter Meeting Harley Davidson of Fort Myers Ride out to Saint James City To Low Key Tiki

AD EXPIRES - TRADE

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 35

PG 33

Fred Glennon 339.235.2189

freddog1956@gmail.com