involved with each other, with the media strongly setting the priorities in the political world because of its ever-looming presence. Mass media is an influence omnipresent in everyday life, from television sets, to radio, to print, and even the Internet. The Press may not be successful much of the time in telling people what to think, but it is stunningly successful in telling its readers (viewers) what to think about (Cohen). Modern mans perception of the real world is largely a product of the media. Mass media strives to keep the general public informed and up to date with current news and events in small or large communities and states and countries around the world. There are several factors other than media which force legislators to take action in favor of reform by proposing a new piece of legislation. Concerned parties range from lobbyists, special interest groups, private citizens, and of course to the media. Other than the strong hold of media, interest groups are perhaps the most influential of these parties. In the case of Florida House Bill 0991 which led to the eventual elimination of Surety bond usage against funeral home pre-need trusts, special interest groups played an enormous role prioritizing the Florida House agenda. By Florida law the House of Representatives allows each of its members to present six bills for consideration each session. Aware of this fact, private funeral home owners united to demand the attention of Representative Dennis Baxley from Ocala, Florida. Representative Baxley, a private Funeral Home owner himself, was eager to put an end to Surety bond usage. All funeral homes sell pre-need funerals, these are funeral ceremonies which are bought and paid for before death of the purchaser occurs. The money destined for the funeral is placed in a trust fund managed by the state. Surety bonds allow funeral homes to deduct money from this trust fund in order to pay for costs pertaining to the funeral ...
