State Board of Education Adopts FCAT Writing Performance Level Standard

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida State Board of Education today adopted a new performance level standard for FCAT Writing. The performance level standard used for the purpose of calculating school grades for the 2011-12 school year will be a 3.0 on a scale of 6.0.

Today’s action was a result of reviewing preliminary scores that indicated significantly lower student performance based on an increased focus on writing conventions, such as grammar, and the quality of details provided as support when writing an essay. In reviewing the preliminary results, Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson recognized the considerable variance and brought it to the attention of the board.

On May 10 when the final FCAT Writing results became available to the Department of Education, the State Board of Education decided to hold an emergency meeting to consider how to move forward with calculating school grades for this year. While at the state level the State Board of Education does not set FCAT Writing grade level or passing standards for students, writing scores are factored into school grades and families may make school choice decisions based on school grades during the summer months.

“The strength of Florida’s economy and our children’s futures depend on our ability to prepare all students for success after high school, in college, in the workplace, and in life,” said Commissioner Gerard Robinson. “Florida’s children do not know less than before. Rather, we’ve raised our standards and expectations. Today, we are asking more of our children and more of our teachers than we ever have. It’s clear in that we must do a better job of communicating student expectations to educators and parents so they can better prepare students to be successful.”

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Twenty-Two States Join MetLife Settlement Agreement

Multi-State Investigation Leads to Changes in How Company Handles Unclaimed Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15, 2012) — Twenty-two insurance departments have joined a settlement agreement with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, reaching the required threshold of participating jurisdictions. The agreement follows a multi-state investigation coordinated through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

The $40 million settlement with the states was announced in April, after the joint examination of MetLife’s use of the Social Security Administration’s Death Master List to investigate the payment of life insurance benefits and reporting of unclaimed property. The NAIC Investigations of Life and Annuity Claims Settlement Practices Task Force, chaired by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin M. McCarty, was formed in 2011.

“I am encouraged that other state regulatory officials have quickly added their signatures to make the agreement official,” said McCarty, who is also NAIC President. “This settlement will provide resolution to beneficiaries across the country and help safeguard the expectation of life insurance policyholders going forward.”

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More than 35 Restaurants Recognized for No Safety or Sanitation Violations

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 37 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.

Establishments on this week’s list include six restaurants each in Dade and Orange counties, three restaurants each in Lee and Sarasota counties and two restaurants each in Brevard, Collier, Duval, Escambia and Palm Beach counties. During their latest inspections and within the past year, Division of Hotels and Restaurants inspectors did not find any sanitation or safety violations in these establishments. Although inspection reports only offer a snapshot of the conditions at the time, the Department is recognizing the results as outstanding. The agency regularly features zero-violation inspection results for establishments across the state.
The Division of Hotels and Restaurants works to protect the health and safety of the public by providing the industry with quality inspections and fair regulation. The Division’s main priority is to ensure that food is stored safely, prepared safely and served safely so Floridians and guests can enjoy it safely.

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Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich Calls on Scott Administration to Rethink Flawed FCAT Test

TALLAHASSEE – Alarmed by news this week that the writing scores of thousands of school children throughout Florida had dropped dramatically on the FCAT writing test, Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich (D-Weston) issued the following statement:

“This major blunder by the Department of Education in changing the FCAT without adequate notice to school boards, teachers, parents and students underscores once again the dangers inherent in relying on one single – and obviously flawed – test to measure learning progress. These tests not only impact the students, but the critical funding the schools receive.

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Florida Department of Elder Affairs to Convene Negotiated Rulemaking Meetings on Assisted Living Facility Regulation

TALLAHASSEE — The Department of Elder Affairs, in consultation with the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Health, announces the convening of negotiated rulemaking proceedings addressing assisted living facility regulation.

The purpose of the negotiated rulemaking is to draft mutually acceptable proposed rules addressing the safety and quality of services and care provided to residents within assisted living facilities.

“In support of the Governor’s efforts to improve the quality of services and protection provided to residents in long-term care facilities, we look forward to this opportunity to work with our partners across the state, as well as consumer advocates, to improve the lives of Florida seniors and other individuals residing in assisted living facilities, ” said Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Charles T. Corley.

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House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders Statement Regarding FCAT Scores

FLORIDA STUDENTS DESERVE ADEQUATE EDUCATION FUNDING

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Statewide scores that show a sharp decline in the number of students reaching an accepted level on the writing part of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test under new artificial standards showcase why Florida’s education system deserves adequate funding and less emphasis on the high-stakes standardized test, says House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders.

Saunders (D-Key West) issued the following statement on behalf of the Florida House Democratic Caucus in reaction to today’s emergency meeting of the state Board of Education to address the preliminary writing assessment scores.

“Higher student performance is a great expectation, but it’s an unrealistic expectation without adequate funding for our students and classroom teachers,” said Saunders. “Florida’s current formula of artificial standards plus low funding equals failure. Parents and business leaders in Florida know that without proper funding, Florida schools will struggle. To achieve student academic success, Florida House Democrats continue to believe the right formula is better pay for well-deserving teachers and less emphasis on high-stakes standardized tests like the FCAT.”

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Statement by Lauren Book Regarding New York Supreme Court Child Pornography Ruling

Advocate calls New York high court ruling legalizing viewing of child pornography an alarming “outrage”

TAMPA – Sexual abuse survivor-turned-advocate Lauren Book lambasted a recent New York high court ruling that it’s not illegal to “merely” view child pornography and called it “an alarming outrage that will open the door to increased acceptance of child sexual abuse.

Lauren Book issued the following statement today from the Alpha House in Tampa:

“Child pornography is a multi-billion dollar business that profits from the exploitation and spiritual devastation of children. This court ruling is an egregious assault on children’s rights that gives a lewd and lascivious license to pedophiles. By making it ok for adults to view child pornography on a computer, the sick industry that profits from the sexual exploitation of children just got a powerful legal boost. I applaud the New York lawmakers who have moved quickly to try and close this dangerous loophole. Clearly, lawmakers across the country need to act rapidly to make it clear that anyone who creates a supply or fills a demand for child pornography is appropriately punished. A ruling like this only emboldens child pornographers and the twisted individuals who are their market. Unwittingly, the court has aided and abetted the porn industry.”

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First Lady Ann Scott and Volunteer USA Foundation Unveil Love.Read.Learn! ™ Baby Journal… a Gift to Newborns & Parents in Florida

~ Charming journal highlights reading & development needs of young children ~

Tallahassee – Florida First Lady Ann Scott hand delivered a brand new Love.Read.Learn! ™ Baby Journal to the mother of a newborn today — the first of over 200,000 free journals being provided to parents statewide over the next year. The journals are designed to be one of the first gifts a child receives, reinforcing the state’s commitment to literacy and health.

The First Lady, in partnership with the nonprofit Volunteer USA Foundation – with funding from Dollar General Foundation and Scholastic FACE (Family and Community Engagement) – unveiled the Love.Read.Learn!™ scrapbook style journal at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. With a ‘healthy minds, healthy bodies’ theme, the colorful booklet is being offered at no cost to hospitals in the state for distribution to parents of newborns. It is filled with tips and advice to promote a love of books, learning and health from the earliest years. It also provides places to insert baby photos, “first word” memories and favorite stories.

“I love being a mom and now a grandmother, but I remember what it was like to be a new parent filled with questions about my baby’s health and development. I wanted to create a baby journal that would help new parents in Florida raise healthy kids who have a love of learning, as well as provide a way for parents to document their baby’s special moments and milestones,” said First Lady Scott.

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North Carolina’s News & Observer Wins 26th Annual Brechner Award

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The News & Observer has been named the winner of the 26th Annual Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Award for exposing how public employees who lied, cheated and stole from the taxpayers of North Carolina benefited from one of the country’s most secretive personnel records laws. The News & Observer’s coverage eventually resulted in significant changes to North Carolina’s law, resulting in more openness and transparency.

“These stories demonstrate the critical role investigative reporting and freedom of information laws play in exposing the misconduct and at times, criminal conduct of public employees,” said Sandra F. Chance, executive director of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida.

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Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Schellenberg Endorses Mike Weinstein for State Senate

JACKSONVILLE, Fla –Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Schellenberg today announced his endorsement of Mike Weinstein for the Florida State Senate. Schellenberg cited Weinstein’s ability to work with Governor Scott to create jobs and his conservative principles as why he is supporting him for the State Senate.

“As a business owner, I know Mike Weinstein will work with our Governor to create jobs for the people of the district. His conservative philosophy and his commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating jobs and protecting our quality of life is why I am supporting Mike Weinstein for the State Senate,” said Schellenberg.

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Public Entities are a Significant Employer in Nearly Every County in Florida

TALLAHASSEE — Government entities are some of the largest employers in nearly every county in Florida, according to a new analysis released today by Florida TaxWatch, the nonpartisan, nonprofit research institution headquartered in Tallahassee.

The Briefing surveys the significance of public-sector employment in Florida counties by examining the ten largest employers per county, and finds that public employers are the top employer (by number of employees) in 51 of the 67 counties in Florida, and one of the top five employers in every single county in the state. Additionally, the analysis finds that 57 counties have at least 3 public entities in the top ten, and five counties have at least six public entities in their top ten.

“This analysis shows that public entities are a major employer in nearly every county in Florida,” said Dominic M. Calabro, President & CEO of Florida TaxWatch. “Often, we think of counties with large public institutions—such as prisons, military bases, and universities—as the main government-supported parts of the state, but as this research shows, a significant amount of the public entities in the list of top ten employers are local government entities that touch Floridians each and every day.”

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Statement from Governor Rick Scott Regarding Test Scores

“Our students must know how to read and write, and our education system must be able to measure and benchmark their progress so we can set clear education goals. The significant contrast in this year’s writing scores is an obvious indication that the Department of Education needs to review the issue and recommend an action plan so that our schools, parents, teachers and students have a clear understanding of the results.”

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Enterprise Florida to Host World Bank Group’s U.S. Executive Director

The Honorable Ian Solomon to speak at luncheon Thursday at Tampa’s University Club

ORLANDO, FL (May 14, 2012) – In celebration of the official launch of Florida’s World Bank Private Sector Liaison Officer Program (PSLO), Enterprise Florida will host Ian H. Solomon, United States executive director of the World Bank Group on May 17-18.

“Mr. Solomon’s visit will provide Florida business owners with an excellent chance to learn more about how to conduct business with the World Bank Group and the various business opportunities available in emerging markets,” said Manny Mencía, Enterprise Florida’s senior vice president of International Trade & Development.

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House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders Statement Regarding Preliminary Grades on Writing Assessment

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders (D-Key West) issued the following statement in response to state education officials plans to hold an emergency meeting Tuesday to discuss preliminary FCAT writing assessment scores. Department of Education reports show that passing scores on the FCAT writing assessment plummeted from 81 percent to 27 percent for fourth graders and showed similar drops in eight and 10th grades.

“While the FCAT may be helpful as a diagnostic tool, it is now being misused as a measuring stick for how we assess student progress and how much we pay our school teachers. Florida House Democratic Caucus members continue to stand in strong support of our students and teachers and in opposition to the current use of the FCAT.”

Secretary Detzner Designates Lincoln Park as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

~ Recognizes organization’s contribution to preservation and restoration ~

TALLAHASSEE – Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced Lincoln Park Main Street as the Florida Main Street Program of the Month for May 2012. The selection for this award is based on the Lincoln Park program’s involvement and active participation in the Florida Main Street Program.

“Lincoln Park is a culturally and historically rich Main Street community,” said Secretary Detzner. “Through the tremendous efforts of the program’s leadership, Lincoln Park Main Street has developed impressive events and offered invaluable support to the businesses in their community.”

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Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on National Police Week

Tallahassee, Fla. –“During National Police Week, I encourage everyone to
thank the law enforcement officers around them. Our law enforcement
officers put their personal safety at risk in order to protect their fellow
citizens. We must always remember and pray for those who have lost their
lives in the line of duty. I am truly grateful that Florida is safer
because of our law enforcement officers’ brave service.”

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Rick Scott Campaign Manager Susie Wiles Endorses Mike Weinstein for State Senate

JACKSONVILLE, Fla – Today, Rick Scott Campaign Manager and Northeast Florida Republican leader Susie Wiles endorsed Mike Weinstein for the Florida State Senate saying Weinstein is a true conservative and someone who can work closely with Governor Rick Scott to bring jobs to Florida. Wiles and Weinstein were key advisors to the Governor as part of his core transition team.

“Mike is a true conservative, a proven job creator and as a State Senator we can count on Mike to do what’s best for Florida. He knows what businesses need to thrive and he knows the ins and outs of state government. He is a leader in both communities. I’ve known and worked with Mike for over 25 years and his record as a fiscal conservative, pro-business and pro-jobs Republican is unparalleled by anyone and that’s why I am endorsing him for state Senate,” said Wiles.

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Florida’s Real Estate Professionals Find Reasons to be Optimistic in First Quarter

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s real estate market outlook improved in the first quarter of 2012, according to the University of Florida.

The Survey of Emerging Market Conditions, conducted quarterly by the Kelley A. Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies at UF’s Warrington College of Business Administration, revealed that those in the real estate business felt optimistic because of the falling unemployment rate and because they see more activity in rental housing, such as lease signings. The unemployment rate dropped from 9.9 percent in December 2011 to 9 percent in March.

“Positive outlooks for occupancy and rent growth along with an improving employment trend are increasing our respondents’ optimism about the real estate markets in Florida,” said Timothy S. Becker, director of the Bergstrom Center.

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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Arrests Polk County Man at Agriculture Interdiction Station

Man Charged with Trafficking Marijuana After Failing to Stop at Inspection Station

Tallahassee, FL – Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services law enforcement officers arrested a Lakeland man this weekend after discovering more than 50 pounds of marijuana concealed in his truck.

Gabriel Murillo was traveling west on I-10 in a truck visibly carrying watermelon and cantaloupe in the truck bed when he failed to stop at an Agriculture Interdiction Station. Officer James Fletcher conducted the traffic stop on Murillo’s vehicle and escorted him back to the interdiction station where the load could be inspected.

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House Democratic Ranking Member Statement Rep. Dwight Bullard: Florida’s New School Grading System Lacks Common Sense

House Democratic Ranking Member Statement Rep. DWIGHT BULLARD: Florida’s New School Grading System Lacks Common Sense

MIAMI — State Representative Dwight Bullard of Miami, the Democratic ranking member on the House Education Committee, issued the following statement in response to action this week by the State Board of Education to increase the standards that schools must meet on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT):

“I think it is inappropriate for the Florida Board of Education to continue putting more pressure on teachers to spend less time on a well-balanced curriculum and more time programming students to fill in the correct bubble on high stakes tests.

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