April 3, 2009
Dear Friend,
The budget will be a primary focus of mine during the next few weeks, but I will also be working to pass two of my bills that are moving through the Florida House. Momentum is continuing to build in support of legislation I am sponsoring with two other representatives to authorize an electronic prescription drug monitoring system in Florida that would help physicians and law enforcement officials better prevent abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs. The bill passed its third committee/council with unanimous support this week and has one more stop before hitting the House Floor. Click here for more info about the bill and to track its progress through the legislative process.
Another bill I am sponsoring to help the Florida Public Health Institute more effectively promote public health awareness is scheduled to be heard next week by its last committee/council before reaching a vote on the floor of the House. Click here for more info about the bill and to track its progress through the Legislature.
This week was also a very important week because it was Safe Teen Driver Awareness Week in Florida. Safe teen driving is a priority of mine, and I was proud to stand side by side with former State Representative Irv Slosberg and other safety advocates for a press conference at the Capitol to promote teen driver safety. I am sponsoring a bill that would limit the number of teenage passengers allowed in a vehicle driven by a sixteen or seventeen year old, which unfortunately has faced an uphill battle in the Florida Legislature. However, I will continue fighting to enact legislation that will make our roads and highways a safer place to drive.
While there is a lot of news to report from Tallahassee, the following items may be of interest to you as well.
New Safe Teen Driving Website: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has launched a new website geared towards teenage drivers to promote safe driving. Visit www.takethewheel.net to find information on tips, dos and don’ts, consequences and a survey that rates your safe driving practices.
Health Tip: For individuals who regularly take medications, it can be difficult to stay on schedule. The American Heart Association offers the following suggestions to help you keep track of medications that you may need to take at specific times of the day:
• Make taking your medication a part of your daily routine, as you would brushing your teeth.
Take your medicine while performing another daily activity, such as having breakfast.
• Use a daily pill box to organize and track when you've taken your medication.

• Track taking your medication on a calendar, and mark off the day afterward.
Use a white board to keep track of when you've taken your medication.
• Ask a family member or friend to remind you each day.
These are good suggestions, but make sure to follow up with your doctor before making any significant changes to your routine.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-65
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90.
For more information, visit my official website at http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4364&SessionId=61

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