FL Dems Statement on House Passage of Elections Reform Bill

FL Dems Statement on House Passage of Elections Reform Bill

Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Democratic Party today released the following statement in response to the passage of elections reform in the Florida House.

STATEMENT FROM FL DEMS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SCOTT ARCENEAUX:

“House Republicans today failed to pass serious and substantive elections reform with the passage of HB 7013. Rick Scott and the GOP are responsible for breaking Florida’s elections system with the passage of the voter suppression law and today’s vote shows their unwillingness to undo the damage they caused.”

House Passes Priority Election Reform Legislation On Opening Day of Session

Contact:
Ryan Duffy
850-717-5618, Ryan.Duffy@myfloridahouse.gov

Kristen McDonald
850-717-5129, Kristen.McDonald@myfloridahouse.gov

Mark Hollis
850-488-9622, Mark.Hollis@myfloridahouse.gov

House Passes Priority Election Reform Legislation On Opening Day of Session

Tallahassee, Fla.—Today, on the opening day of the 2013 Legislative Session, the Florida House of Representatives passed priority election reform legislation, HB 7013 regarding the Florida Election Code.

“Today’s passage of this important election reform bill highlights our commitment to better serving our voters and improving Florida’s elections process,” said House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel). “I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for diligently working together to provide sensible reforms that will give our counties the flexibility to run more efficient elections.”

“House Bill 7013 is a step in the right direction so that Floridians know that every vote counts,” said House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston (D-Fort Lauderdale). “Florida needs more voting days, more polling locations, and for those voting sites to be properly staffed and properly equipped.”

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints Five to Children’s Services Council of Martin County

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Five to Children’s Services Council of Martin County

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced four appointments and one reappointment to the Children’s Services Council of Martin County.

Jody P. Bond, 70, of Palm City, is the president of Just Gold Jewelers. She succeeds Anthony D. George Jr., and is appointed for a term beginning March 5, 2013, and ending December 31, 2016.

David A. Dees, 54, of Hobe Sound, retired from the Florida Department of Transportation as the director of law enforcement. He succeeds Robert P. Ranieri, and is appointed for a term beginning March 5, 2013, and ending December 31, 2016.

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Local Prosperity Top of Mind for Florida’s Mayors

Local Prosperity Top of Mind for Florida’s Mayors
Florida League of Mayors Supports Governor Rick Scott’s Economic Development Efforts

CONTACT: John Thomas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2013
jthomas@flcities.com/ (850) 222-9684

On the opening day of the 2013 legislative session, Florida Governor Rick Scott delivered his third State of the State address, which emphasized job creation and economic development. “Our economy has created around 200,000 new private sector jobs in the last two years…meaning that thousands of Florida families now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” Governor Scott said.

Referencing Florida’s improved unemployment rate, which is currently hovering around the national average of just under eight percent, Governor Scott made it clear that Florida is dedicated to job creation and economic opportunity.

Mayors are leaders in their communities and, like Governor Scott, understand the importance of economic development in their cities. They also know that when cities are given home rule authority to meet the unique needs of its citizens, economic opportunity and prosperity will follow.

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Economic Development Leads to Prosperity for Florida’s Cities

Economic Development Leads to Prosperity for Florida’s Cities
Florida League of Cities Looks Forward to Working with Governor Rick Scott
on Economic Development Efforts

CONTACT: John Thomas
jthomas@flcities.com/ (850) 222-9684

Florida Governor Rick Scott delivered his third State of the State address this morning with a strong focus on job creation and economic development. Citing Florida’s improved unemployment rate, which is now hovering around the national average of just under eight percent, Governor Scott made it clear that Florida is dedicated to job creation and economic opportunity. “Our economy has created around 200,000 new private sector jobs in the last two years…meaning that thousands of Florida families now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” Governor Scott said.

Economic development is still a priority issue for Florida’s cities and the League will continue to work with the governor and elected officials to create legislation that helps small businesses prosper with economic development resources. The success of small businesses has a significant impact on the prosperity of local communities. While the Florida League of Cities supports many of the governor’s efforts to help stimulate economic growth at the local level, the League does have concerns about some specific provisions and looks forward to further discussions on economic development efforts to help Florida’s cities.

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Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Legislation to Protect the Identity of Children

Contact: Erin Gillespie
(850) 617-7737

Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Legislation to Protect the Identity of Children

1 in 10 Kids Become Victims of Identity Theft Before Age 18

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will announce legislation that will prevent children from becoming victims of identity theft.

Commissioner Putnam will be joined by Sen. Nancy Detert and Rep. Heather Dawes Fitzenhagen, who are the two sponsors of the legislation, along with child advocate Jack Levine, of 4Generations Institute.

Event:
Commissioner Putnam to Announce Child Identity Protection Legislation

Date:
Wednesday, March 6

Time:
1:30 p.m.

Location:
4th Floor
The Capitol
Tallahassee

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, please visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.

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AIF Statement on Gov. Scott’s State of the State Address

CONTACT: Jennifer Fennell
(850) 222-3767
jennifer@coremessage.com

Statement By:
Tom Feeney, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Florida
Regarding Gov. Rick Scott’s 2013 State of the State Address

“The revitalization of our nation’s and state’s manufacturing industry brings with it unparalleled high-wage job creation potential. As the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) echoes Gov. Scott’s call for the elimination of sales tax on manufacturing equipment and policies that increase competitiveness for Florida manufacturers.

To play a significant role in spurring our state’s economy, Florida manufacturers need to be on equal footing with their competitors in other states and across the globe. Gov. Scott understands that and AIF applauds him for making this one of his top priorities this year.

Gov. Scott has also proposed an option to relieve the double taxation on Florida’s employers, while also providing coverage for more of our state’s uninsured. AIF stands ready to work with the Florida Legislature and the Governor to accomplish these critical objectives for the benefit of all Floridians.”

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Statement from Lenny Curry, RPOF Chairman, on State of the State Speech

Statement from Lenny Curry, RPOF Chairman, on State of the State Speech:

Today, Governor Scott explained to Florida citizens why we must keep striving to implement his economic policies and vision for Florida. As he made clear to day, his policies are working. Florida’s unemployment rate has seen one of the fastest drops in the nation, Florida is seen one of the leading states for job creation, and our housing market is on the rebound. Governor Scott also made it clear that today’s students are tomorrow’s employees, and as such, we must continue our investment in education. In short, he made a strong case for all of us to follow his lead so that all Floridians can prosper.

Statement from ICUF President Ed Moore Regarding Governor Scott’s 2013 State of the State Address

Contact: Jamie Mongiovi
(850) 222-3767
Jamie@coremessage.com

STATEMENT FROM ICUF PRESIDENT ED MOORE REGARDING GOVERNOR SCOTT’S 2013 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

“On behalf of Florida’s independent educational institutions, I commend Governor Scott’s unwavering focus on job creation in Florida,” said Dr. Ed Moore, President of Florida’s Independent Colleges & Universities. “During today’s State of the State address, the Governor made clear his goals for continuing to revitalize Florida’s economy – and the significant role higher education will play in pushing Florida further as an innovative place to do business with tremendous higher education resources.

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LWVF Responds to Senate’s Passage of Ethics Reform

Contact:
Deirdre Macnab
407-415-4559
League of Women Voters of Florida
floridaleague@earthlink.net

LWVF RESPONDS TO SENATE’S PASSAGE OF ETHICS REFORM

Tallahassee, Florida — In response to the Senate’s passage of SB 2 today, Deirdre Macnab, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, released the following statement:

The League of Women Voters of Florida congratulates Senate President Don Gaetz and the members of the Florida Senate for their Opening-Day passage of SB 2, the Senate’s ethics reform bill. What a telling message for the Senate to send to the people of Florida!

We are especially supportive of the provisions in this bill that offer increased ability to collect fines for ethics violations; new ways to refer complaints to the Ethics Commission; and the requirement for online placement of financial disclosure forms for public officials.

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Instructional Personnel and School Administrators

CONTACT: Tim Couet, 850-487-5017

INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

Tallahassee, Florida March 4, 2013 – Senator John Legg is happy to announce his sponsorship of Senate Bill 1664, Instructional Personnel and School Administrators. This bill revises the requirements for teacher preparation programs, teacher and principal certification, and the Florida Teachers Lead Program.

Regarding teacher preparation, the bill will provide a new framework of accountability centered on relevant core curriculum and performance-based outcomes measured by positive learning impacts prior to the completion of a teacher preparation program.

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Florida Senate Honors Harriet Tubman

CONTACT: Daniel Rogers, (850) 487-5012

FLORIDA SENATE HONORS HARRIET TUBMAN
(Senate Resolution 430)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Known both as “Moses” and “The Conductor,” Harriet Tubman was an escaped slave who played a prominent role in the fight against slavery both in the years leading up to and during the U.S. Civil War. Nurse, Union spy, and key leader in the Underground Railroad, Ms. Tubman’s humanitarian work also reached into Florida where she helped recruit African Americans for service in the Union Army.

In recognition of her little-known contributions and selfless sacrifice in Florida, and, as the 100th anniversary of her death approaches, the Florida Senate unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 430 on the opening day of session. The resolution was read in its entirety by the sponsor, Senator Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando), as Harriet Tubman’s family watched from the Senate Gallery.

“Harriet Tubman was a strong woman, whose leadership serves as an inspiration, not only to African Americans, but all Americans” said Senator Thompson. “Because of her unwavering bravery, we are now in a better place, and I am proud the State of Florida is finally recognizing her contributions to our state.”

To honor her Legacy, Governor Rick Scott has issued a proclamation and the Florida House will also consider a resolution.

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Governor Emphasizes Manufacturing and Education Priorities

Contact: Nancy Stephens, Executive Director
March 5, 2013 (850) 445-1607

Governor Emphasizes Manufacturing and Education Priorities

Tallahassee — Today, the opening day of the 2013 Florida Legislative Session, during his address to the Florida House and Senate in a Joint Session, and with manufacturers in the audience, Governor Rick Scott announced his top two priorities for the 2013 Legislative Session. One is removing the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment and the other is giving a pay raise to teachers.

The Manufacturers Association of Florida applauds Governor Scott for his recognition of the ever increasing important role advanced manufacturing will play in diversifying Florida’s economy, providing well-paying jobs, and securing Florida’s position as a hub for international trade. At the same time, his education priority will serve to support the manufacturing industry by rewarding teachers for performing at the highest levels and inspiring their students to excel.

“Florida is poised to be the #1 manufacturing state in the nation. With a little more help from the Florida Legislature on manufacturing tax policy, Florida can become competitive with other manufacturing destination states like Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas. We want people to come for the sun and stay for the manufacturing business”, said Al Stimac, President, Manufacturers Association of Florida and President, Metal Essence.

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No Safety or Sanitation Violations Found in More than 25 Restaurants Across the State

Contact: DBPR Communications Office, 850.922.8981

NO SAFETY OR SANITATION VIOLATIONS FOUND IN MORE THAN 25 RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE STATE

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Hotels and Restaurants today released this week’s list of food service establishments with no safety or sanitation violations within the past year. This week, there are a total of 26 establishments featured on the list. These specific businesses have shown a pattern of complying with sanitation and safety standards outlined in the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code.
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Floridians on Gov. Scott’s Leadership: “It’s Working”

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com
(850) 717-9282

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING…
Floridians on Gov. Scott’s Leadership: “It’s Working”

Dave Brown, President, Vistakon Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
“Governor Scott has demonstrated that he understands what it takes to create an environment where Florida’s private-sector can succeed. During his State of the State speech, he laid out a clear path to job creation in Florida. We applaud his commitment to ensure that Florida businesses can succeed.”

Betty Kay Clements of Lady Lake, mother of Laura Lynne, a 51 year old individual with an Intellectual Disability who receives services from APD
“Speaking for my daughter, who has a developmental disability, and as a member of Florida’s Family Care Councils, we sincerely thank Governor Scott for addressing the needs and issues of those individuals and their families who have been waiting so long for Medicaid waiver services. The budget proposal will provide many with needed services to live and work in their communities. This will have a positive impact on their lives and their families, and assists them in making a significant contribution to their communities. We are hopeful that Florida legislators will support the governor’s budget proposal for APD.”

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Governor Recognizes Florida College System in “State of the State” Address

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESS OFFICE
(850) 245-0413

GOVERNOR RECOGNIZES FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM IN “STATE OF THE STATE” ADDRESS
– Praises colleges for meeting $10K degree challenge –

Tallahassee, Fla., March 5, 2013 – Today, Governor Rick Scott recognized the Florida College System (FCS) during his “State of the State” address in Tallahassee. The governor praised the system for accepting his challenge to work to develop quality bachelor’s degree programs costing students no more than $10,000.

FCS Chancellor Randy Hanna was on hand during the recognition. “I commend our colleges for accepting the challenge to work to develop select high-quality bachelor’s degree programs costing students $10,000 or less,” said Chancellor Hanna. “We are proud of the governor’s recognition and will continue to offer students access to high-quality and affordable education and job training.”

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Governor Scott Recognizes Florida Educators During State of the State Address

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESS OFFICE
(850) 245-0413

GOVERNOR SCOTT RECOGNIZES FLORIDA EDUCATORS DURING STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Tallahassee, Fla., March 5, 2013 – Governor Rick Scott drew attention to two Florida educators during the annual State of the State Address today marking the beginning of the 2013 legislative session. The governor recognized a superintendent and a teacher as he drove home his message about investing in education to members of the Florida House and Senate and guests who filled the Capitol chamber.

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins was a classroom teacher, staff developer, principal, and assistant superintendent before taking on the role of superintendent. She served as one of seven school district superintendents who completed a series of recommendations, at the request of Governor Scott, on ways to cut through red tape and regulation in Florida’s education system that would lead to more instruction time for students. She is committed to increasing equity among schools and supports teacher incentives to keep the best and the brightest in the Sunshine State.

“It is an exciting day for Florida’s education system as Governor Rick Scott unveils his Families First Budget and his bold vision of every student in Florida graduating prepared for success in college and career,”“ said Dr. Jenkins. “The governor’s commitment to public education and Florida’s future is clearly demonstrated by the significant investment he recommends and I look forward to working with him and other education stakeholders during the legislative session.”

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APD Advocate is Governor’s Guest at State of the State

Contact: Melanie Mowry Etters
Communication Director
850-414-7551

APD Advocate is Governor’s Guest at State of the State

TALLAHASSEE, FL— Today, Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
advocate Betty Kay Clements served as a guest of Governor Rick Scott for
the State of the State address. The honor was provided to Clements, who is
a parent of a child with disabilities and a longtime disabilities advocate,
by a special invitation from Governor Scott. During his address today,
Governor Scott highlighted his Florida Families First budget proposal for
APD, including $36 million to serve people on the APD waiver waiting list.

Betty Kay Clements of Lady Lake is the mother of Laura Lynn, a 51
year old individual with an Intellectual Disability who receives services
from APD. Clements has been extremely active in the Family Care Council
for many years advocating for people with developmental disabilities. She
is a past chairperson and current secretary of both Area 13 Family Care
Council and the Statewide Family Care Council Florida. Family Care Council
members advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and their
families.

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Florida Department of Health Issues Suspension and Restriction Orders

Contact: Office of Communications, Ashley Carr, (850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES SUSPENSION AND RESTRICTION ORDERS
~Division of Medical Quality Assurance issues 24 ESO/EROs in the past 30 days~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has issued 24 Emergency Suspension Orders (ESOs) and Emergency Restriction Orders (EROs) for serious violations relating to the commission of crimes, standard of care, drug use, or student loan defaults.

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Thurston Says a Strong Middle Class Deserves Focus on Jobs, Education and Health Care

CONTACT: Mark Hollis
(850) 488-9622

THURSTON SAYS A STRONG MIDDLE CLASS DESERVES FOCUS ON JOBS, EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE
Florida House Democratic Leader’s State of the State Comments

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston (D-Fort Lauderdale) will present a House Democratic Caucus perspective on the State of the State address in which he challenges the Florida Legislature to empower Florida’s middle class and small businesses by focusing on investments in job creation, education and health care.

“The best way to create jobs and secure a strong economy for Florida is to invest in our future,” says Leader Thurston. “We need to educate our children and increase the success of our public schools. We need to make sure that Floridians have health insurance. And we must allow for the Medicaid expansion that could save the lives of thousands of adults and children every year. These are not issues to play politics with. These are issues that demand leadership.”

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