Discussion by Florida Senate District 19 Democratic Candidates on Important Early Childhood Issues.

The Children’s Movement of Florida will host a candidate forum for the contested Florida Senate District 19 primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Robert W. Saunders Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave. Tampa, FL 33602. Doors will open at 5:30 pm.

In partnership with Hillsborough County’s Early Learning Coalition, our aim is to bring together candidates for the Senate District 19 seat to discuss issues affecting Florida’s most vulnerable residents – children ages 0 to 5 years old. Candidates will be asked about their positions on increased investment in early childhood education and health care, including accessibility, quality, and affordability.

The primary election will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Eligible voters will be able to vote by mail (absentee), by voting early, or by voting at the polls on Election Day, Nov. 8. There will be one Democratic on that ballot, along with the Republican primary winner.

Participating candidates for District 19, which covers sections of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties:

• Ed Narain
• Augie Ribeiro
• Betty Reed
• Darryl Rouson

The forum will be moderated by Ernest Hooper, East Hillsborough Bureau chief and columnist at the Tampa Bay Times.

Water and light refreshments will be served. There will also be a short meet-the-candidates after the forum ends. If you have any questions, contact Khanisa Nelson, outreach and engagement coordinator for The Children’s

Movement of Florida – Suncoast, at (561) 602-0001 or [email protected].
Please RSVP here to help us accurately determine the amount of refreshments.

Let’s take an important step in making Florida the best state in the nation for young children.