Nov. 14, 2013In regards to the Progress Florida document, we thought this would be a great opportunity to share again JMI’s purpose and history in Florida, and respond to the commentary in a statement from JMI President Dr. Bob McClure below. – Valerie Wickboldt, VP of Communications at The James Madison InstituteFrom the Desk of Dr. J. Robert McClure:
Anyone who knows of or has worked with JMI would read the first few lines of this report and realize that it is full of cherry-picked misinformation and misleading statements. The James Madison Institute’s priorities are solely driven by our Florida-based staff and completely focused on the well being of our great state and its people.We are nonpartisan, and our policy ideas are fueled by our dedication to JMI’s founding principles of expanding opportunities for all people, encouraging government efficiency and transparency, and promoting a strong Florida economy. And we have a 25 year history of working with people of all political affiliations to back this up. We receive support from thousands of people who believe in our guiding principles and our board is also made up of supporters who stand by the principles in which we view every issue.JMI is focused on a variety of issues from health care choice to school choice, from increasing job opportunities to decreasing the number of juveniles sent to harmful detention centers, and to educating the next generation about America’s Founding Principles. We have partnered with groups from all sides of the political spectrum to educate the public on sound policy solutions that consider the long-term and short-term needs of Floridians.Former Florida State University President Dr. J. Stanley Marshall founded JMI in 1987; he established JMI because he cared about the future of Florida, and for more than 25 years we have continued his Florida-focused legacy.As such, JMI pre-dates the State Policy Network and many of the other think tanks in the nation. All SPN member think tanks are independent of SPN; being a member of SPN is like a business belonging to its chamber.Because Florida is such a dynamic state, we often share our stories with other think tanks around the country, and one thing is for sure: Each think tank is proud of its home state, and we’re proud that there are organizations like ours looking out for the best interests of their individual states. The fact that we may have similar issues happening in each of our states should not be surprising.Florida is the bellwether for the country. JMI is open regarding our mission and principles and our research stands on its own where it has appeared. We hope you’ll take time to read our many reports listed on our website at www.jamesmadison.org. When you do you will see our vast issue focus and our many varying partners from over the years.We’d be happy to discuss any of our policy stances with you case-by-case if you desire. You can also watch our JMI Impact video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMViqngcedM and view our full history in our 25 Moments piece here: /library/doclib/JMI25MomentsAnnualReport4.pdfThank you for your time,
Dr. Bob McClure
2013
