CRIST PROMOTES PLAIN TALK INITIATIVE
~~ ~~ Governor Crist begins implementation of the Plain Talk Initiative ~~ ~~
January 8, 2007
Contact:
ERIN ISAAC
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Crist today met with Holly Benson, Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and her senior staff to discuss the implementation process for the Governor’s Plain Talk Initiative.
“The people are entitled to clear communication with their government,” said Governor Crist. “This is the people’s government, and clear, plain language will be used to make it open and transparent to all.”
Governor Crist established the Plain Talk Initiative in his first executive order to ensure clear, common language is used in government documents and information is presented in a logical sequence. The new standards require short sentences written in active voice and a visually clear layout design. The deadline for review of existing communications, publications and other documents is April 2, 2007.
“Citizen and employee feedback is a critical component of this program and will ensure a higher standard of service to all Floridians,” said Robert Sparks, Assistant Chief of Staff for Citizen Services.
Citizens and state employees will have the ability to offer suggestions or examples of government communications that are unclear, confusing, or contain language not commonly used in everyday conversation. A “Plain Talk” icon will be created on www.MyFlorida.com.
“The Department of Business and Professional Regulations regulates more than one million professionals and businesses across the state,” said Secretary Benson. “I am confident these new guidelines will increase the agency’s effectiveness and in turn improve customer service.”
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