According to the Florida Comprehensive Assessment((为征税对财产所作的)估价,被估定的金额)Test,Florida’s students are reading and performing math at higher levels than ever before,and minority students are closing the achievement gap.Since the Governor’s education reforms began in 1999,71percent of 4th graders are reading at or above grade level,compared to only 48percent in 1999.The percentage of African-American the 4th grade students reading at grade level or higher has increased from 23percent to 56percent,and of Hispanic students from 37percent to 66percent.
In addition to his commitment to improve education in Florida,Governor Bush has led the state to unparalleled(无比的,空前的)economic growth and fiscal responsibility(财政责任).Since 1999,Floridians have enjoyed 14billion in tax relief,and Florida has seen record increases in the state’s Working Capital Fund.
Under the Governor’s leadership,Florida weathered the devastation(毁坏)of four catastrophic(悲惨的,灾难的)hurricanes in 2004.Despite these hurricanes,Florida continues to lead the United States in job growth,leading the nation for the past three years,with the fastest rate of annual job growth among the ten most populous states.In 2005,Moody’s,Fitch,and Standard &Poor’s,the three major credit rating agencies,all upgraded Florida’s bond rating(债券评级),with the state receiving the first-ever triple A rating in its history.
Under Governor Bush,Florida continues to retain the title as the top travel destination in the world,welcoming 76.8million visitors in 2004,a three percent increase from 2003.
Throughout his tenure(任期),Governor Bush has also boldly(大胆地,显眼地)acted to maintain Floridians’great quality of life.He worked with the Legislature in 2005to pass the most significant growth management bill in 20years to meet the growing demands of Florida’s roads,water supply needs,and schools.
Governor Bush has led the effort to balance Florida’s economic growth with natural resource protection.Under Governor Bush,Florida has already invested more than 1billion to clean up and restore America’s Everglades and has committed an additional 2.5billion through the end of the decade to continue the progress.Governor Bush implemented the 8billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.The largest environmental restoration project in history,Everglades restoration is reviving the habitat(动植物的)生活环境,栖息地,居留地)of more than 60threatened and endangered species.In 2001,Governor Bush also championed historic legislation to establish the Florida Forever program,committing 3billion to acquire environmentally sensitive land vital to the preservation and conservation of Florida’s natural resources.
Governor Bush has worked diligently(勤勉地,坚持不懈地)to support and strengthen Florida families and protect the state’s most vulnerable residents.Since 1999,Governor Bush has increased funding for child safety by 137percent,and he has signed laws to keep violent offenders behind bars and keep Florida’s streets safe.To tackle(解决)unsustainable Medicaid costs and provide patients better health care,Governor Bush has proposed to transform the current Medicaid system by empowering(授权与,使能够)participants to choose health care option that best meet their needs.
As governor,Jeb Bush has accomplished much in six years.He has created a strong cycle of self-sustaining success and charted an exciting course for Florida’s future.
Prior to being elected Governor,Governor Bush helped run one of the largest,full-services commercial real estate companies in South Florida.He previously served as Florida’s Secretary(秘书,书记)of Commerce,during which time he promoted Florida’s business climate worldwide.Governor Bush is a devoted husband to First Lady Columba Bush and a devoted father to sons George and Jeb Jr.,and daughter Noelle.Governor Bush was born in Midland,Texas and is the son of former President George H.W.Bush and Barbara Bush,and the brother of President George W.Bush.
State Bird州鸟
在1927年参议院立法会议上第三条决议指定嘲鸟为佛罗里达州州鸟。嘲鸟能模仿很多鸟的“歌声”。嘲鸟长约10英寸,包括它相当长的尾巴。它有淡灰色的外衣和白色的内腹。它的羽翼和尾巴较灰暗且有白色斑纹。雄雌嘲鸟看起来很像。幼雏胸部有斑点。这种鸟在保护自己窝巢方面很勇敢,有时可以看见它会飞扑向狗和猫以及食肉动物。
Senate Concurrent Resolution(〈美〉由美国国会两院所通过而不需总统签署的共同决议案)No.3of the 1927legislative session designated the mockingbird as the State Bird.
The Mimus polyglottos,as the mockingbird is known scientifically,is about ten inches in length,including its relatively long tail.It has a light gray coat and a whitish underside(下面,内面,下腹,下侧).Its wings and tail are darker gray with white patches.The male and females look alike.Juvenile has spotted breast.
The common mockingbird is a superb(极好的)songbird and mimic.Its own song has a pleasant lilt,varied and repetitive.Often it will sing all night long,especially in bright springtime moonlight.Unmated male mockingbirds sing more than mated ones.Both sexes sing in the fall to claim winter feeding territories.These areas are often different than their spring breeding territories.
The song of the mockingbird is,in fact,a medley(杂乱的一团)of the calls of many other birds,each repeated several times.It will imitate other species’songs and calls,squeaky(吱吱响的,发轧声的)gates,pianos,sirens,barking dogs,etc.Each imitation is repeated two or three times,then another song is started,all in rapid succession.In the above sample audio file,the songs of four distinct species were recorded in the span of about seven seconds.It is common for an individual bird to have as many as 25—30songs in its repertory(库存).
The mockingbird is also known as a fierce protector of its nest and environment.It is sometimes seen swooping(飞扑,突然袭击)down on a dog,cat or predator that may be venturing too close to the bird’s protected territory.
Abundance:Common urban bird
Length:10inches
Wing Span:14inches
General description:Diurnal,omnivore,altricial
Sexual maturity:1year
Mating season:Spring and early summer.Mockingbirds usually nest twice a year sometimes 3or 4times when conditions are favorable.
Breeding territory:1pair per 20acres