The Columbia Federated Republican Women will meet  Monday, February 13, at ‘Ray’s Deli & Grill,’ 419 SW SR 247 (Suite 101), Lake City (across street from Fairgrounds).  Meet & greet - 6:00 p.m. (and order food). The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. with Guest Speaker – Columbia County Commissioner Stephen Bailey speaking about the Water Supply Protection Working Group, working on issues with the Suwannee River Water Management District and our water supply in all the eleven Counties that make up our district.  Invite your friends to this informative meeting. Visit the Florida Association's web page at http://www.ffrw.net/home.html.  All women are encouraged to attend - we are dedicated to empowering women of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the political system. For more info contact President Gayle Cannon: 386-303-2616, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

by Frances Rice

To defeat Barack Obama and the Democrat Party, we Republicans must accomplish this one very important goal – win just 25% of the black vote.  That’s it.  Win 25% of the black vote and we’ll beat the Democrats and put an end to Obama’s job killing agenda FOREVER.  Read the full story here.

I am sure most of you are aware that Tuesday, January 31st is our Presidential Primary in Florida.  If you haven’t voted yet, please remember to do so.  This Is possibly the most important election of our lifetime.  I know it is for me.  Regardless of who your favorite candidate is, we all must focus on making President Obama a one term President….

H.R. 1179

Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011

It is well known the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) forces health care plans to provide coverage of abortion and use our tax dollars to pay for abortion. In addition, PPACA does not protect the conscience rights of health care insurers, providers, and personnel who decline to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.

In response, H.R. 1179, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011, was introduced by Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R, NE-01) on March 17, 2011. The Senate companion legislation is S. 1467 by the same name.

The legislation amends PPACA “to permit a health plan to decline coverage of specific items and services that are contrary to the religious beliefs of the sponsor, issuer, or other entity offering the plan or the purchaser or beneficiary (in the case of individual coverage) without penalty.�

It also applies similar guidance to the state health insurance exchange programs and becomes retroactive to when PPACA was signed into law by President Obama as if the language was included.

President Obama and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sabelius, a Catholic, are rushing to ensure the people are not heard and this critical piece of legislation never reaches the President's desk. On February 18, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services used its regulatory power to remove what was left of conscience rights for health care professionals. On August 1, 2011, they also issued orders requiring health plans to cover contraception and sterilization and on January 20, 2012 that rule became official.

We must speak out and protect the conscience rights of health care providers and professionals!

To send a letter (FREE) to your representatives click here.

Jacksonville Grassroots Events January 23-31 To see the schedule of events click here.