This event will be an opportunity for our elected state legislators and candidates to hear directly from consumers and family members, members of the judiciary, mental health professionals and other advocates about the needs in our community. 

Key state legislators and candidates will also share their perspectives on the upcoming session and the challenges they face in balancing the state budget.

Michele Gillen, Chief Investigative Reporter for WFOR-TV Miami, will moderate the panel discussion. Judge Steven Leifman, Chair, Florida Supreme Court Task Force on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues in the Courts and Chair of the South Florida Behavioral Health Network, will make the opening remarks.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Consumers and family members will receive seating priority.

Confirmed Panelists

Senator Rene Garcia (R-38)

Senator Oscar Braynon (D-33)

Representative Dwight Bullard (D-118) & Candidate for State Senate (DEM-39)
Representative Joseph A. Gibbons (D-105)
Representative Erik Fresen (R-111), candidate for District 11

Representative Barbara Watson (D-103)

Representative Cynthia Stafford (D-109)
Senate Candidate John Couriel (R-35)
Senate Candidate Scott Hopes (R-39)

House Candidate Kionne McGhee (D-118)
House Candidate Holly Merrill Raschein (R-120)
Judge Jeri Beth Cohen, Circuit Court Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Juvenile Division, Unified Family Court/Complex Litigation Division
Judge Steve Leifman, County Court Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Criminal Division
Judge Judith Rubenstein, County Court Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Domestic Violence Division