Leaders of two groups representing philanthropy in the state explain why it is in non-profits' best interest for the Legislature to crack down on telemarketing schemes that are mostly about enriching the telemarketers and have little to do with charities.
The column, published in the Tallahassee Democrat, is by David Biemesderfer, president and CEO of Florida Philanthropic Network, and Rena Coughlin, board member of Florida Nonprofit Alliance. They say a bill in the legislature appropriately cracks down on deceptive and unethical practices in the industry to protect the public.
The plan, proposed by Adam Putnam, Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, followed publication of the Tampa Bay Times series "America's Worst Charities," many of which were in Florida.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes (SB-638), R-St. Petersburg, and Rep. Jim Boyd (HB 629), R-Bradenton.