Florida gubernatorial debate to focus solely on children

The first-ever gubernatorial debate to focus solely on the future of Florida's children will be held next month at the University of Miami and organizers expect both Democrat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott to participate.

Working as partners with UM, the Children's Movement of Florida said Wednesday it will host the Oct. 16 debate, which will be broadcast statewide on television and on the Internet.

In a conference call with reporters, David Lawrence Jr., co-chairman of the Children's Movement of Florida and former Miami Herald publisher, said he has spoken extensively with Sink and Scott about children's issues.

Sink told Lawrence that she intends to participate, while Republican Rick Scott is still in talks with organizers.

"You would think this is the first debate (Scott) would want to do," Lawrence said. "I can't believe he wouldn't accept."

Lawrence said the idea of a gubernatorial debate about children's issues is historic and long overdue.

"Florida consistently ranks at or near the bottom in measure after measure of how we invest in our children — the time has come to change that," he said.

The event is open to the public. Organizers expect an audience of 3,000 parents, children's advocates and other supporters of the Children's Movement of Florida.

The focus of the debate will be on five issues:

• Access to health insurance and quality health care.

• Screening and treatment for special needs.

• Quality prekindergarten opportunities.

• High-quality mentoring programs.

• Support and information for parents.

The panel for the debate will consist of Lawrence, former Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings and Bob Butterworth, former Florida attorney general and former secretary of the state's Department of Children & Families.

No public funds are being used by the Children's Movement of Florida, which has raised nearly $1 million in donations from foundations and private contributors.