ABATE of Florida, Inc. ● Polk County Chapter The Iron Press DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE
JUNE 2019 Vol 36 issue
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter Our Mission Statement: WHO WE ARE ABATE is a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiast from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals that share a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of Freedom. We promote motorcycle safety, training & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors and friends who work, pay taxes, and get involved with our community. We serve and support our country and believe in freedom. We use all legal means to protect our rights without infringing on the rights of others. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of Florida as a motorcycle rights organization or a “MRO”. ABATE of Florida, Inc. currently is the only political MRO in Florida representing the interests of its members and the motorcycling public at large. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is dedicated to securing and protecting the rights of all motorcyclists in the state
ABATE’S Objectives are to: Keep all bikers informed on legislative actions and events that affect their safety and rights. Be a powerful political force in legislation that affects Motorcycle safety and rights. Provide a lobbyist that will represent ABATE interests at State and National levels. Promote voter registration and to motivate members to speak up for their rights. Promote safety without infringing on individual rights and freedoms. Educate the public and Motorcycle Awareness and safety Issues.
ABATE’s Accomplishments: ABATE was the driving force behind the changes in Florida’s Helmet Law. Florida Motorcyclist, over the age of 21 and who carry at least $10,000 medical insurance coverage now enjoy the Freedom to Choose whether to wear a helmet or not. ABATE has developed & copyrighted “The Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program” (MSAP). The program is presented to non-motorcyclists to educate them on how to safely share the road with motorcycles. It is taught in local schools & to civic organizations at no charge in the hope of reducing motorcycle accidents and deaths through education, not legislation. ABATE had gained a positive and respected position in Tallahassee. Because of our Lobbyist and Legislative efforts, State Representatives are aware of ABATE members and our vigilant quest. ABATE reminds travelers every day to “Look Twice Save a Life, Motorcycles are everywhere” through our billboard campaign.
Disclaimer Guidelines for Submissions The views expressed in this newsletter are not Members are asked to submit articles, photos and necessarily those of ABATE of Polk County Chapter other materials that would be of interest to their fellow or ABATE of Florida Inc. This newsletter encourages members by 11:00pm on Friday following the all members to submit ABATE related material, Meeting. All board members are encouraged to photos, events, and commentaries, etc. ABATE of submit their articles as soon as possible following the Florida, Inc. and the Polk County Chapter of ABATE monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous accepts no responsibility for the comments, views or or accusing letters, profanity or nudity. opinions contained in the newsletter. Polk County Identification Statement Chapter reserves the right to edit or omit any article ABATE of Florida, Inc. submitted for publication. All materials submitted to Polk County Chapter Polk County Chapter for use in this letter becomes PO Box 2743 property of the chapter. Lakeland, FL 33806
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 1
Position Name Email President James “Doc” Reichenbach [email protected] Vice President Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected] Secretary Shelly Johnston [email protected] Treasurer Debby Handy [email protected] Sgt. at Arms Marcus Hotelling [email protected] PR/Communications Sally Carroll [email protected] Webmaster Dan “Slo Mo” Henderson [email protected] Masterlink Editor C/O State Office [email protected] Membership Laurie Hanley [email protected] Safety Program Victor Piorkowski [email protected] Legislative Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected] Products Shane [email protected] Legal Larry Crow [email protected]
Position Name Phone Email President Mark “Zman” Zinser 863-559-9550 [email protected] Vice President Greg Vernon 863-934-9719 [email protected] Secretary Laneata “Lo” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected] Treasurer Rawson (Rusty) Goff 813-426-5171 [email protected] Sgt. at Arms Tim “Roadmap” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected] Membership Ralph Snearly 863-206-9028 [email protected] Safety George Swatzbaugh 410-852-6663 [email protected] Products Ralph Snearly 863-206-9028 [email protected] PR Kyra Waldron [email protected] Legislative Mark “ZMan” Zinser 863-559-9550 [email protected] Delegates Tim “Roadmap” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected] Dewey Cain 863-688-0608 Newsletter Jenni Stapleton 813-707-4808 [email protected] Webmaster Steve Ammerman 813-363-9540 [email protected]
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
Hey y'all and greetings to all of our ABATE Brothers & Sisters. Here's hoping lots of “wind-therapy” is happening on two wheels for all. First up is as I write this, Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Let us never forget those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for our great country to exist as the land of the free and the home of the brave!! Our GREAT military allows our freedom to exist! God Bless you all.
Well, once again, the soon to be world famous “Skills On Wheels” rodeo has been a success! Not only was there a record turn-out (close to 200!), but the weather was beautiful and a great time was had by all! So many people to thank for helping out (Greg DJ ing, George for the great food, Roadmap for putting it together, scorekeepers, front gate sign-in table, Membership Booth, Safety Booth, Wretched Few for Security, Games set-up and down, and on and on. And it couldn’t have happened without those of you who supported the event just by your donations and time to be there. Including other Chapters support (Lake County ABATE, CMA, and others). And to those behind the scenes helping to make it all come together, a sincere “THANK YOU”. And a HUGE thank you to Ginny and The Boondocks for letting us have their property for this event!! Can't wait til the next one already!! Also our Chapter Guns Give Away went to two lucky winners at the end of the Rodeo.
Speaking of Gun Give Always, ABATE STATE has theirs going on until December. For a $5.00 donation, you can win a 30/30 Lever Action Henry (made in USA), or second place a Double Barrel 12GA Shotgun!! Tickets can be obtained from any Chapter Member or at our meetings the 3rd Sunday of every month at 1 o'clock at The Boondocks, North Highway 98, Lakeland, Also, it looks like we have our new officers for this election cycle, as all offices are running un-opposed, with only “Products Office” vacant (which we will address asap). A huge thank you for those who stepped up to be an officer, and make this Chapter possible. RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY....Zman
Wow what a great rodeo, and a big congrats to the winners of our gun drawing. Thank you for everyone's support. At this time I would like to thank our members for your confidence in me for serving as your Vice-president for the past 3 years. This New Year I am taking a break from that position to serve as a member. I will still be around to help out as much as I can and share my vast knowledge as being a past board officer. The chapter is doing better than it ever has so stay tuned for some great things to come and it all could not have been possible without you the member. And again thank you in advance.
Greg Vernon....VP
Secretary
THANK YOU to today’s meeting attendees: Lo Alexander, John T. McDermott Roadmap, Robert and Karrie DeLeon, Stan Severson, Moe Hillier, Brittany Roman, Mike Harmon, Aaron McCormick, Gary and Tammy Saunders, Ralph Snearly, Greg Vernon, Linda Vernon, John Tardy, Cecil Mitchell, George and Karen Brand, John S. Alexander, Dan Webb, Steve Ammerman, Renee Meyer, Charlie Lentz, Rachel Aguilera, Fawn Gray (Mitchell), George Winezeft, Blaze Alexander, Dewey Cain, R.M. Goff, Muff McLeod, Rafael Febre, Gerry Elliott,
1:07p The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence were led by President Z Man who pronounced our seventh annual Skills on Wheels Rodeo a great success! He thanked Tim and GK and everyone else for helping. Get your book of tickets for the State Raffle in December. A Henry 30/30 and an O/U double barrel. 5. Congratulations to last week’s Polk raffle winners: Greg and Lake County Joyce!
VP, Greg Vernon praised the Rodeo and told us the speakers are fixed.
Secretary, Lo Alexander thanked everyone for signing in. Also Bill, Cecil, John T., George, Mike H., Ralph, Dewey, Steve, Z, and Barb for Rodeo help. A motion to accept last month’s minutes was made and seconded. EVERYONE AGREED.
Treasurer, Rawson Goff hasn’t tallied all the receipts yet, but we had a good crowd. Acceptance of his report was moved by Lo and seconded by Dewey. UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 2 Sgt. At Arms, Tim “Roadmap” McDermott reported that everyone he spoke to was having a good time. He thanked everyone who came. He said the Lake Co. “Can You See Me Now?” run is Saturday and we could meet up. He also has some "Look Out for Motorcycles” yard signs.
Membership, Ralph Snearly reported that we have six new members! Welcome!
Products, Ralph Snearly has new chapter shirts in long and short sleeve.
PR, Kyra Waldron reported that she has the police escort lined up for the TOYRUN. Discussion followed.
Safety, GK Swatzbaugh was absent and excused.
Legislation, Z Man could finally announce that the anti-texting bill PASSED. Alas, the Gov. also signed a bill that will finance a toll-road that appears to be a highway from Tampa to the Georgia line. We have been informed that Georgia was not advised nor asked to sit in on the discussion. Another part of the boondoggle will “connect” Polk Co. to Collier Co. The Japanese are working on electric bikes. New York city is looking to tax 500-700cc motorcycles. See Z Man’s article in this newsletter.
Webmaster, Steve Ammerman mentioned that “The Wretched Few” support suicide awareness among Vets. He also said that he posted info re: Low Down. See below
OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS: More nominations for the 2019-2020 Board of Directors were heard. Officer nominees responded yea or nay as follows: For Webmaster, Steve accepted; for Delegates, Dewey and Tim accepted; for Legislation, Tim declined, Z Man accepted; for newsletter, DDD was absent, although Jenni was also absent, she sent her acceptance; for Safety Officer, Tim declined, GK sent his acceptance; for Public Relations, Kyra accepted; for Membership, Ralph declined, David Waldron volunteered; for Products, Ralph declined; for Sgt. @ Arms, Tony was absent, Tim accepted; for Treasurer, Rusty accepted; for Secretary, Lo; for Vice President, Greg declined, Tim volunteered; for President, Z Man declined, Greg declined, Steve declined, Mike was suddenly absent, Dan declined, Z Man accepted. [Thanks to ALL who participated.]
Good of the Order: New member Breeze invites everyone to his place June 1st. at 2:30p for a reception for Low Down who was injured when hit from behind by renegade dump truck. There will be vendors, an ABATE booth, hot dogs, hamburgers, commercial and home- made beverages, and more. Very reasonable prices. THROW DOWN for LOW DOWN!...... The “Wreaths Across America” ride will be the second Sunday in December. The Angel Tree run will be the first Saturday. The CMA meets upstairs at H-D on the 2nd Sunday. [Our TOYRUN remains the first Sunday of December. KSU @ 1:00p.at Christina Park.]……………….Thanks to Blaze Alexander for his impressive donation!...... Thanks as always to Ginny for her hospitality. The redesigned back garden is very comfortable.
These Minutes were summarized by me, Lo Alexander. May 24, 2019
Adjourn: Z Man moved to adjourn, Greg seconded at 2:23p.
Sgt. of Arms CAN’T BELIEVE ITS ALREADY FRIDAY THIS IS THE DEADLINE FOR NEWS LETTER SUBMISSIONS,WE BEEN BUSY.MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH AND HOPEFULLY A BUNCH OF US WILL RIDE OVER TO GROVELAND AND SUPPORT OUR LAKE COUNTY CHAPTER FOR THEIR ANNUAL" CAN YOU SEE ME NOW” RIDE.EVERY WEEKEND HAS HAD SOME SORT OF MOTORCYCLE FUN! LETS NOT FORGET OUR CHANCE WITH THE STATE GUN DRAWING, 5BUCKS HAS 2 CHANCES TO WIN A CHANCE AT A HENRY 30/30 OR AN OVER AND UNDER SHOTGUN! 10 BUCKS COULD WIN EM BOTH!ON ANOTHER HAND ,IT IS ELECTION TIME.WE HAVE ALL POSITIONS FILLED EXCEPT" PRODUCTS”.ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO STEP UP TO LEARN THIS POSITION WILL HAVE PLENTY HELP WITH THE JOB! PLUS LETS NOT FORGET WE HAVE OFFICER SEMINARS WHICH CAN BE FUN AND REWARDING.ANYONE IS ALLOWED TO ATTEND ANY CLASS AT THESE SEMINARS.ALL OFFICES WILL BE ON SATURDAY,EXCEPT PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT WHICH ARE ON SUNDAY.I HOPE EVERYONE RIDES SAFE OUT THERE AND FIND YOU SOME NEW RELAXING BACK ROADS TO RIDE!WHEN I SAY THIS ,YA JUST CAN’T BELIEVE THERES MORE,BUT I FIND SOME OF MY OL HUNTIN ROADS HAVE BEEN PAVED!ALL THOSE YEARS AS A YOUTH GOING DOWN THEM WASHBOARD ROADS MORE SIDEWAYS THAN STRAIGHT ,THAT I WOULD SOMEDAYI WOULD BE RIDEING MY MOTORCYCLE ON THEM !KINDA SAD BUT KINDA COOL…YALL COME TO THE NEXT MEETING AND MEET YOUR 2019-2020
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 3
Membership/Products
Membership
As of last State report we have 180 members. I would like to thank all new, life and renewing members for their contribution/ commitment to ABATE of FL-Polk County. Together we ensure our rights and safety. In June I’ll be stepping down as Membership Trustee, if interested in serving contact Z Man or attend June meeting. Thank you in advance… Due in June: Tony Gonzalez, Stephen “Block” Klapach Jr, Gary Oullette, Dian Raney, Patrick Raney, John Smiley and Debbie Zinser. Please renew a month early to avoid expiring and losing your years of continuous membership. Dues can be paid at our Chapter meeting or mailed to ABATE, Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806 If you have not updated your contact information recently, did not receive your renewal notice or are a new or renewing member and haven’t received your membership card, please email me at [email protected] or call 863-206-9028. Thanks, Ralph
Products
Thank you for the privilege to have served as Products Trustee, it’s time to pass the baton. If interested in this position contact Z Man or attend June meeting.
New Chapter shirts are available. Also available are: small patches, stickers, license plates, “Biker Lives Matter” t-shirts (smaller than 2x) and pins. Still have 2018 Toy Run t-shirts in large, x-large and 3x-large. If you have any questions or would like to order any product you can email me at [email protected] or call 863-206-9028. State products are available to view on their website @ www.abateflorida.com. Ralph
Safety
No Submission
Legislative
Hey y'all....here's the latest from Tallahassee and beyond.....Zman
May 23, 2019 Jim Saunders TALLAHASSEE --- After repeated legislative battles about the issue in recent years, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill that will revamp the controversial insurance practice known as “assignment of benefits.” DeSantis and other supporters of the bill (HB 7065) pointed to abuses of the so-called AOB process. The bill signing, while expected, was a major victory for the insurance industry, which contends that AOB fraud and excessive litigation have helped lead to higher property-insurance rates. “I thank the Florida Legislature for passing meaningful AOB reform, which has become a racket in recent years,” DeSantis said in a prepared statement. “This legislation will protect Florida consumers from predatory insurance practices.” Assignment of benefits is a decades-old practice that has become controversial in recent years, at least in part because of an increase in residential water-damage claims. Those claims have primarily dealt with issues such as broken water pipes and leaks, rather than hurricane damage. In assignment of benefits, property owners in need of repairs sign over benefits to contractors, who ultimately pursue payments from insurance companies. While insurers have complained about fraud and litigation, plaintiffs’ attorneys and other groups argue AOB helps make sure claims are properly paid. They
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 4 accuse insurers of often trying lowball amounts paid for work. Lawmakers in recent years considered changes to the AOB process but could not reach agreement, amid heavy lobbying by groups on both sides of the issue. This year, however, the House and Senate bridged differences and sent the bill to DeSantis. The bill includes numerous changes, including creating a system that will effectively limit attorney fees in AOB lawsuits filed by contractors against insurers. The fee changes, which involve a formula, would not apply to lawsuits filed by policyholders. Also, the bill will let insurers offer policies that restrict or do not allow assignment of benefits. The concept is that such policies could be offered at lower prices to homeowners. The AOB bill was one of 25 that DeSantis signed into law Thursday. Several of the measures were what are known as “local” bills, which deal only with issues in specific parts of the state. Also, DeSantis signed a series of “claim” bills, which direct government agencies to pay money because of injuries or deaths. Ordinarily legal damages in such situations are capped by the state’s sovereign-immunity laws. Among the other bills signed was a measure (SB 186), sponsored by Sen. Tom Lee, R- Thonotosassa, that creates a public-records exemption for photos, videos or audio recordings that depict the killing of victims of mass violence. Such incidents of mass violence are defined in the bill as involving the killing of three or more people, not including the perpetrators. The bill pointed to the potential impact on victims’ family members if such photos or recordings are made public and cited mass shootings in recent years at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. In addition, DeSantis signed a measure that will make it a crime to sell, distribute or show child-like sex dolls. Supporters of the measure (SB 160), such as Senate sponsor Lauren Book, D-Plantation, said it is designed to combat pedophilia.
BY THE NUMBERS: FLORIDA’S DEATH PENALTY
May 21, 2019 NSF Staff
TALLAHASSEE --- Serial killer Bobby Joe Long is scheduled to be executed at 6 p.m. Thursday at Florida State Prison in the 1984 murder of Michelle Simms in Hillsborough County. Long would be the first Death Row inmate executed since Gov. Ron DeSantis took office in January. But Florida has a long history of executions after the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, following a four-year hiatus stemming from a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Here is a by-the-numbers look at the death penalty in Florida, according to information from the state Department of Corrections: --- 1924: The year Frank Johnson became the first inmate executed in the state’s electric chair. A 2000 law allowed the use of lethal injection. --- 2: The number of prisons where men on Death Row are housed. They are Florida State Prison and Union Correctional Institution. --- 1: The number of prisons where women on Death Row are housed. They are held at Lowell Annex. --- 97: Number of executions since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The first execution after reinstatement was of John Spenkelink in 1979. --- 28: Number of inmates executed under former Gov. Rick Scott, the most of any governor since the death penalty was reinstated. --- 8: Largest number of executions in a year since the death penalty was reinstated. That occurred in 1984 and 2014. --- 0: The number of executions that occurred in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 2007.
44.9: Average age of inmates executed. --- 341: Number of Death Row inmates as of Monday. --- 202: Number of white males on Death Row. -- - 127: Number of black males on Death Row. --- 9: Number of male Death Row inmates classified as “other.” --- 1: Number of white females on Death Row. --- 2: Number of black females on Death Row. --- 80: Age of oldest Death Row inmate, Nelson Serrano, who was convicted of murdering four people in 1997 in Polk County. Next oldest is William Kelley, 76, who was convicted in a Highlands County case. --- 27: Age of youngest Death Row inmate, Michael Bargo, who was convicted in a 2011 murder in Marion County. Next youngest is David Sparre, 27, who was convicted in a Duval County case. --- 7: The number of life sentences Bobby Joe Long is serving for murders, along with the death sentence in the murder of Michelle Simms.
150: The amount in dollars paid to the executioner, who is allowed to remain anonymous under state law.
The Legislature on Tuesday formally sent 11 bills to Gov. Ron DeSantis
May 21, 2019 NSF Staff
The Legislature on Tuesday formally sent 11 bills to Gov. Ron DeSantis, including a measure that would make it a crime to sell, distribute or show child-like sex dolls. The House and Senate early this month unanimously passed the bill (SB 160) about sex dolls. Supporters of the measure, such as Senate sponsor Lauren Book, D-Plantation, said it is designed to combat pedophilia. Among the other bills sent Tuesday to DeSantis was a measure (SB 186), sponsored by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, that would create a public-records exemption for photos, videos or audio recordings that depict the killing of victims of mass violence. Such incidents of mass violence are defined in the bill as involving the killing of three or more people, not including the perpetrators. The House voted 108-6 to approve the bill, while the Senate approved it unanimously. The bill points to the potential impact on victims’ family members if such photos or recordings are made public and cited mass shootings in recent years at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. DeSantis will have until June 5 to sign, veto or allow the bills to become law without his signature.
TEN DEAD ISSUES FROM THE 2019 SESSION
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 5 May 6, 2019 Jim Saunders
TALLAHASSEE --- Maybe next year.
When lawmakers hit the road Saturday after ending the 2019 legislative session, they left behind hundreds of bills and issues that did not pass. But there’s always the 2020 session, which will start in eight short months.
Here are 10 high-profile issues that didn’t make it through the Legislature:
--- ABORTION: The House approved a measure that would have required parental consent before minors could have abortions, but the issue stalled in the Senate. Lawmakers also did not pass a proposal that would have barred doctors from performing abortions after fetal heartbeats are detected.
--- CAMPUS SURVEYS: With some Republicans raising concerns about indoctrination on college campuses, the House supported a proposal that would have required surveying faculty members and students about their ideological viewpoints. But the Senate balked at the idea and refused to include it in a higher-education package.
--- CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION: Though many lawmakers were unhappy with proposals placed on the November ballot by the state Constitution Revision Commission, they did not agree on plans to rein in --- or even eliminate --- the powerful panel. The Senate passed two measure targeting the commission, but the House didn’t follow suit.
--- FRACKING: With support from Gov. Ron DeSantis, environmentalists hoped lawmakers would ban the oil- and gas-drilling technique known as “fracking.” But the issue died in the House and the Senate, after a controversy emerged about allowing another drilling technique that uses many of the same chemicals as fracking.
-- GAMBLING: Powerful Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida negotiated for weeks on a possible gambling deal that could have included sports betting in the state. But time ran out on the issue without a bill being introduced. DeSantis said Saturday he will work on reaching a deal with the tribe.
--- GENETIC INFORMATION: The Senate in the closing days of the session did not take up a House proposal that would have prevented life insurance companies from using genetic-testing information in making decisions about customers’ policies. Supporters of the proposal pointed to privacy concerns, while the insurance industry argued it was over-regulation.
--- MARIJUANA POTENCY: Though lawmakers in March approved allowing patients to smoke medical marijuana, they split on a House plan that would have limited the level of euphoria-inducing THC in smokable pot. The House backed the limit, saying high levels of THC can lead to psychosis. But the Senate refused to go along with the limit.
--- NURSE PRACTITIONER POWERS: While House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, pushed through major health-care legislation, he was unable to get the Senate to agree to a proposal that would have allowed advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to work independently from doctors.
--- SCHOOL BOARD TERM LIMITS: Republicans in recent years have frequently floated the idea of imposing eight-year term limits on members of county school boards. But proposals aimed at placing the issue on the 2020 ballot stalled in the House and the Senate this year amid opposition from many school districts.
--- SMOKING AGE: In an issue that became known as “T21,” the Senate passed a bill that would have raised the minimum age to buy tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21. The proposal also would have banned local governments from passing ordinances dealing with the minimum age. But the House did not take up the issue in the session’s closing days.
FROM THE AMA :
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Office of the United States Trade Representative is once again including some motorcycles among the European goods targeted for tariffs, this time in retaliation for European subsidies to Airbus. Previous tariff proposals were tied to the European nations' restrictions on U.S. beef. The World Trade Organization has found repeatedly that European Union subsidies to Airbus have caused adverse effects to the United States, according to the USTR. Motorcycles between 500cc and 700cc, as well as motorcycle parts and accessories, are on a preliminary list of goods that also includes salmon, cheese, lemons, olive oil, wine, cashmere sweaters, steins and wall clocks. The tariffs would apply to about $11 billion worth of European goods. YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MICH. - The AMA joined ABATE of Michigan, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and other motorcyclists in March to oppose a plan by the U.S. Environmental Protection
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 6 Agency to allow year-round sales of E15 fuel. The AMA opposes the EPA plan because none of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all- terrain vehicles in use in the United States is approved by the EPA to operate on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Allowing more E15 into the marketplace increases the risk of inadvertent misfueling by consumers. Ethanol can cause damage to engines, fuel systems and exhaust components in vehicles not designed for a specific blend. "We urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency not to allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol to take advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure waiver which would, in turn, allow year-round sales of this fuel," AMA Director of Government Relations Greg Pecoraro said at the hearing. "Despite the EPA's belief that additional misfueling measures are unnecessary and outside the scope of the proposed action, this action would greatly increase the risk of inadvertent misfueling for motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle owners. This risk alone is sufficient to reconsider this action." The full text of the AMA comments can be found at www.americanmotorcyclist.com. ALBANY, N.Y. - The New York State Assembly approved congestion pricing in Manhattan, which would include motorcycles in the tolls to be charged to motorists entering the busiest areas. The AMA has been working with the Riders Against Congestion to get an exemption from the tolls for motorcyclists. All road users want to reduce congestion and get where they are going faster. Creating incentives for the use of motorcycles and scooters can reduce congestion and help other road users get where they are going faster. The potential benefits of increased motorcycle and scooter ridership have been studied. A 2007 traffic model produced by transportation engineering and planning firm Sam Schwartz PLLC simulated the impact of incorporating higher ratios of scooters and motorcycles. Based on those findings, shifting the daytime vehicle mix to 80 percent cars and 20 percent scooters and motorcycles would result in annual reductions in carbon dioxide emissions by more than 26,000 tons, decrease delays by more than 4.6 million hours per year and decrease fuel consumption by more than 2.5 million gallons per year. New York Assembly Member Félix W. Ortiz (D-Kings) has introduced A.B. 6080, which would explicitly exempt all motorcycles from any congestion pricing program fees, wherever such a programs are adopted.
Industry News TOKYO - Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki will work together to develop swappable battery technology, to further electric motorcycle development. The consortium will tackle the issue of batteries, which has limited the cruising range and, subsequently, the broad appeal and acceptance of electric motorcycles..
THAT'S IT FOR THIS MONTH...... RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY....Zman.
Webmaster
Hi Polk County, Summer time is here. The lovebugs are dying out and it's time to prepare for the heat. Stay hydrated. Bring bottled water with you or stop frequently to get some. Wear long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun. Have fun and ride safely. I'll be headed to North Carolina to tame the Dragon for the first week in June. Staying at the Two Wheel Inn in Robbinsville, NC. For those who have never been, I'll be posting pictures all week from the Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Blue Ridge Parkway, Smoky Mountains National Park and the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley on our Facebook page ABATE of Florida - Polk County Chapter. I go the first week in June every year. Join me next year.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 7
ABATE came to Florida in the mid 1970’s. At that time it was a group of individual and unaffiliated chapters. In 1979, ABATE of Florida, Inc. was formed by the individual chapters. This union was the basis for today’s organization. Throughout the years, ABATE of Florida, Inc. has strived to be an effective political force for the rights of motorcyclists in Florida. We have also attempted to keep up to date on all legislation on a federal level and have tried to input our concerns to our federal officials. ABATE of Florida, Inc. has hired a professional lobbyist to aid us in our fight for freedom of choice. Our lobbyist has also been instructed to keep a close watch on all State or National legislation that would affect all motorcyclists.
Please note any political information in the chapter newsletter is for your educational purposes only and is not meant as promotional materials. All members are encouraged to submit articles, photos, and other materials that would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the chapter meeting except when announced otherwise. All board members are encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters or profanity.
Calling all members we are looking for letters from YOU!!! It does not have to be about the chapter it can be about legislative issues, community activities that have happened or other vital information. Please send your submissions to either PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806 or email [email protected]
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 8
Join Us!
At our next meeting June 16, 2019 at 1:00PM
Boondocks 8515 US Hwy 98 North Lakeland, FL
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 9 A.B.A.T.E upcoming EVENTS
Polk County Chapter
June 16 Chapter Meeting 1:00pm @ BOONDOCKS 8515 Hwy 98 North
June 23 Newsletter submission deadline
State
June 08 State Meeting St. Augustine FL
August State Meeting Ft. Lauderdale FL
Other Chapters
Webster’s is Always the first Sunday Every WED 6 PM - ?? MOJO’s – Lakeland
Every THURS 7 PM - ?? JOHNNY G’s – Lakeland
Every Thurs 7 PM - ?? LA’s MIDWAY – Across from Winter Haven Airport
Every FRI 7 PM - ?? POUR HOUSE – Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven
First THURS, 6PM - ?? VFW on North 98
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 10
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter 11