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Statement by President Negron on the February General Revenue Estimate

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Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) today released the following statement regarding the February General Revenue Estimate, which will be finalized later today.

“While today’s news is positive, past experience shows us that revenue estimates can fluctuate and circumstances change.  It is always best to remain cautious and prudent. For that reason, the budget we passed off the Senate floor yesterday maintains over $3.4 billion in total reserves.

“We always look forward to getting updated estimates, which help us finalize our budget planning. However, with the new estimate relatively unchanged from the estimate we used to develop the Senate budget, I do not expect that today’s news will necessitate significant changes in our budget development. As we move into the second half of the 2018 Legislative Session, we look forward to a productive budget conference with our House colleagues and to producing a balanced budget that meets the needs of our growing state.”

Commissioner Stewart Names Florida’s 2018 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year

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Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today named Kenneth Savage, of Lee County, as the 2018 Principal of the Year and Jackie Ramsey, of Orange County, as the 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year. These school leaders were honored at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals for contributing to increased student performance.

“Strong leadership in our schools is essential to ensure teachers and students have the support and resources necessary to succeed,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Kenneth Savage and Jackie Ramsey have made a tremendous impact on their students, colleagues and community, and I am honored to recognize them as the 2018 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.”

Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership
The 2018 Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $5,000. The two state finalists were awarded a check for $1,500, and each district winner was awarded a check for $312. 

Kenneth Savage, James Stephens International Academy, Lee County
After serving successfully as principal at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts K-8, Kenneth Savage was appointed as a turnaround principal for James Stephens International Academy. In one year, Savage helped improve the school grade from an F to a B. He is commended for being a self-starter and critical thinker, and he is known as a diligent data user who always focuses on the ultimate goal – student achievement. He is a member of Principal Leads in Lee County and mentors other administrators.

“I am so proud of Ken and all of his accomplishments in this District,” said Lee County Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins. “He is a true leader and mentor, not only for our kids, but for our staff and other administrators. Ken’s passion to make sure all students receive a high quality education is second to none.”

Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award
The 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $3,500. The two state finalists were awarded a check for $1,061, and each district winner was awarded a check for $219.

Jackie Ramsey, Carver Middle School, Orange County
As the assistant principal for instruction at Carver Middle School, Jackie Ramsey is known as a dynamic leader who provides exceptional support and motivation to teachers at several Orange County schools. Ramsey believes that all students will learn when they receive quality instruction. At Carver Middle School, students’ reading proficiency is up by three percentage points, and the bottom quartile learning gains are up by four percentage points. Under her leadership, Carver Middle School has improved its school grade from an F to a C.

“Jackie Ramsey is an outstanding assistant principal whose every action helps lead students to success,” said Orange County Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins. “Her expertise has resulted in significant learning gains at every school she’s served. We applaud the selection of Jackie Ramsey as the Florida Assistant Principal of the Year.”

The Commissioner’s Summit for Principals is sponsored by the Florida Lottery.

Candidates for these awards were nominated by the superintendent from their respective school districts. Complete lists of candidates from each district for both categories are available online: 2017-18 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership District Winners and 2017-18 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award District Winners.

The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership was established in 1988 to recognize Florida principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997 to honor assistant principals that have utilized teamwork and leadership to increase student achievement and greatly improved school environments.

For more information about Florida’s educator recognition and recruitment programs, click here.

Gov. Scott: After Months of Advocating, Federal Disaster Relief Heading to Florida

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After months of advocating for Congress to pass disaster relief for Florida, Governor Scott made the following statement following the passage of disaster funding for Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and California.

Governor Rick Scott said, “For months, we have worked to ensure that Florida is provided the needed federal relief following Hurricane Irma. In October, I personally traveled to Washington to begin this conversation with Florida’s entire Congressional delegation, Congressional leadership and various federal officials. Today, Congress finally provided the relief we were seeking for Florida families and businesses. The funding provided today will help the recovery of our state’s iconic citrus industry, better prepare our communities as they continue to welcome families displaced by Hurricane Maria and aid in Puerto Rico’s recovery. I’ve traveled to Puerto Rico three times since the island was devastated by Maria, and Florida continues to stand with our fellow Americans.

“At my request, this relief also includes funding to speed the critical repairs to the federally-operated Herbert Hoover Dike. During Hurricane Irma, I ordered the evacuation of many communities surrounding the Dike to keep people safe. At my urging, and after securing a commitment from the White House, Congress has finally made funding available for this federal project. I will continue to fight for these repairs and will stop at nothing until the communities and the environment surrounding the dike are fully protected.”

Action taken by Governor Scott following Hurricanes Irma and Maria to urge federal disaster relief:

  • On September 28th, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.
  • On October 5th, the Governor entered into a host-state agreement with FEMA – Florida is the only state willing to enter into this type of agreement to help families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
  • On October 6th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On October 11th, Governor Scott traveled to Washington D.C. joined by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to meet with members of the Florida congressional delegation to discuss Hurricane Irma and Florida’s citrus industry.
  • On October 11th, Governor Scott met with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.
  • On October 11th, November 13th and November 17th, the Governor spoke with White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney regarding federal disaster relief.
  • On October 26th, President Donald J. Trump instructed the Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney to accelerate the completion of repairs to Florida’s Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On October 30th, the Governor’s office sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.
  • On November 3rd, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida utility providers to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló.
  • On November 9th, the Governor activated the State Emergency Response Team to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s press release HERE.
  • On November 15th, the Governor sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Ryan urging them to support Florida’s recovery following Hurricane Irma, Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ongoing repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On November 28th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson regarding Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Irma.
  • On December 15th, the Governor spoke to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging immediate action to help Florida citrus growers.
  • On December 19th, the Governor spoke with Chairman John Hoeven of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On December 19th, the Governor spoke with Congressman Vern Buchanan regarding citrus relief.
  • On December 20th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On December 20th, Governor Scott spoke with Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón regarding Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria.
  • On December 22nd, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding recovery efforts for Florida and Puerto Rico.
  • On December 31st, Governor Scott met with President Donald Trump regarding the need for federal aid for the recovery of Florida’s citrus industry and the needed repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On January 3rd, Governor Scott sent a letter to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations urging the Senate to immediately pass a significant Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster relief package. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On January 11th, Governor Scott spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.
  • On January 12th, Governor Scott met with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and joined him for a Puerto Rico recovery town hall meeting to discuss ongoing relief efforts.
  • On January 24th, Governor Scott, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, California Governor Jerry Brown and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló issued a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to improve and expeditiously pass supplemental disaster funding, and for Congress to send the bill to the President. See the letter HERE.
  • On January 31st, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding disaster relief funding.
  • On February 1st, Governor Scott spoke with Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Florida citrus leaders regarding federal disaster relief.
  • On February 5th, Governor Scott visited Puerto Rico With Governor Ricardo Rosselló to assist with ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.
  • On February 7th, Governor Scott spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long regarding Governor Scott’s recent trip to Puerto Rico.

Highlights of the $89.3 billion federal disaster funding package includes:

  • $3.597 billion for citrus and agriculture, which will help Florida’s iconic citrus industry after Hurricane Irma;
  • $17.39 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, which will help the federal government fund the much-needed repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike;
  • $1.65 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA), which will provide much needed SBA disaster assistance loans to Florida job creators;
  • $23.5 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will help fund the recovery efforts of the State of Florida and local communities;
  • $2.46 billion for the U.S. Department of Education, which will help aid all students, including those from Puerto Rico who are displaced in Florida at elementary, secondary, and higher education schools; and
  • $28 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which will assist in rebuilding and repairing Florida homes, businesses, and communities.

Statement by Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairman Denise Grimsley

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“Last week I wrote to our congressional delegation to reassure them that their efforts to bring disaster relief to Florida farmers were not in vain. Today, I want thank them for their success. Were it not for leaders like Tom Rooney, Dennis Ross, Vern Buchanan, Mario Diaz-Balart, Neal Dunn, Carlos Curbelo, Marco Rubio and so many more, we would have scarcely seen results. The measure President Trump signed today is also a reminder that his and Secretary Perdue’s commitment to Florida following Irma has been fully confirmed.”

Governor Scott Proclaims Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week

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Governor Rick Scott proclaimed the second week of February as Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week, observed on February 12-18, 2018, to celebrate those who protect and offer hope to Florida’s most vulnerable children.

There are approximately 7,184 children in Florida who live with foster families. Foster parents take on the responsibility of providing a supportive, safe, and loving home to children who have been abused or neglected, as well as being a role model for biological parents working towards reunification. These families encourage the success of Florida’s next generation of leaders, parents, and future foster parents.

“While their time with the child may be temporary, the impacts that foster parents have on these children last a lifetime”, said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “Not only do foster parents open their homes to children in need, they also support them in a time when they need someone to trust and look up to. Being a foster parent is a selfless act that should be commended and celebrated”.

“Individuals and families who have opened their homes and hearts to Florida’s children and youth in crisis are a testament to the commitment our communities are making to ensuring every child in Florida is in a safe and loving home,” said Florida Coalition for Children CEO Kurt Kelly. “However, as we celebrate these thousands of generous families, we must also remember there are still hundreds of children in need.  We hope in sharing the joy fostering can bring into a home, many more families step forward.”

Approximately 5,272 foster families are currently licensed through the State of Florida. All foster parents in Florida must attend an orientation, complete foster parent training, have a child abuse and criminal background check, and participate in a home study and inspection. DCF contracts with lead Community-Based Care agencies that recruit and train families across Florida who serve as foster parents.

During the week of February 12-18, 2018, DCF will be recognizing Florida’s foster parents that exemplify what it means to be compassionate, dedicated, and caring towards Florida’s youth via the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Mast Secures Full Funding to Expedite Herbert Hoover Dike, Other Regional Priorities By Leveraging Vote

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Mast Votes ‘Yes’ to Open Government 5 Hours Into Shutdown 

Bill Addresses Water Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs, Opioids, Disaster Relief

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today voted ‘yes’ on a budget agreement after negotiating to including South Florida water infrastructure projects, improvements at the Department of Veterans Affairs, funding to address the opioid crisis, and resources for disaster recovery.  The bill includes full funding to expedite completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike by 2022, as well as $4 billion for repairs at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, $6 billion to combat the opioid epidemic, and $90 billion in supplemental disaster relief.  Earlier this week, Rep. Mast had informed Congressional leadership that he would vote ‘no’ on the package unless these priorities were addressed.

“The rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike has been ongoing for more than decade, and significant funding setbacks have meant that it wasn’t expected to be finished for yet another decade from now,” Rep. Mast said. “For the first time ever, we can say that this project is now fully funded at a level where it can be completed in four years instead of another 10.  This is a major accomplishment for our community that clears the deck to now focus on other critical projects like the S.B. 10-authorized southern storage reservoir.  A bipartisan group of Florida representatives fought hard for this money, and I was proud to help lead the way.” 

The bill also reauthorized the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for an additional four years on top of the six years passed in January.

Senate passes $90 billion disaster aid package

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Includes billions of dollars to help Florida
and Puerto Rico recover from 2017 hurricanes

The U.S. Senate today approved a massive two-year government spending bill that includes, among other things, $89.3 billion in disaster assistance to help areas, such as Florida and Puerto Rico, recover from the devastating 2017 hurricanes.

The bill provides $2.36 billion to help farmers in states affected by last year’s storms, including Florida’s citrus growers who sustained more than $760 million in losses due to Hurricane Irma. It also provides $2.7 billion for schools impacted by the storms, including schools in Florida that have experienced a sudden influx of students who evacuated from Puerto Rico; and $10.4 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to use for construction projects in states impacted by the hurricanes, such as the Herbert Hoover Dike that helps protect residents and businesses on Lake Okeechobee.

Also included in the bill is $2 billion to help Puerto Rico rebuild its power grid, where nearly a third of the island still remains without power; and $4.8 billion to fund Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program for at least two years.

“This is a big win for all those who are still struggling to recover from last summer’s devastating storms,” said U.S. Bill Nelson (D-FL), who has been calling on Congress for months to pass a disaster funding bill to help people in Florida and Puerto Rico recover. “For some, the funding in this bill is a light at the end of the tunnel and a major step forward in helping them return to the way life used to be before these storms.”

In addition to the nearly $90 billion in disaster assistance, the overall $300 billion budget agreement includes several other non-disaster related items Nelson pushed for, including:

$6 billion to help combat the opioid crisis.

$81 million to repair facilities damaged at NASA’s Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers during Hurricane Irma and Harvey. Nelson, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee which oversees NASA, requested the funding to repair numerous federal facilities affected by the storms, including NASA’s Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers.

$835 million for U.S. Coast Guard costs associated with Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, Maria and Matthew. Nelson, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee which oversees the U.S Coast Guard, requested the funding to repair damaged Coast Guard facilities.

Closing Medicare’s prescription drug “donut hole” by 2019. Nelson got Senate leaders to include in the budget deal a provision to close the so-called Medicare prescription drug “donut hole” by 2019, instead of 2020, and shift more of the cost to drug makers, instead of Medicare. The move not only helps to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Florida’s seniors, it also saves taxpayers billions of dollars over ten years.

Reauthorizes the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for 10 years. Nelson cosponsored legislation similar to a provision included in the budget deal to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which more than 370,000 children in Florida rely on.

Seniors’ Tax Simplification Act of 2017. Included in the budget bill is a provision identical to legislation Nelson filed with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) in January 2017 (S. 157) to make it easier for seniors to file their taxes. The measure allows seniors to file a new tax form, similar to the 1040EZ, instead of the more complicated Form 1040 or Form 1040A they are currently required to use because of the income they earn through Social Security, capital gains and other retirement benefits, and the special tax credits they receive.

$7 billion to help fund Community Health Centers. Nelson cosponsored similar legislation included in the budget deal to provide an additional $7 billion for Community Health Centers. These health centers provide much-needed medical services to some of the nation’s most vulnerable individuals, including more than one million Floridians each year.

Repeals the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Nelson cosponsored legislation that was included in the budget deal to repeal IPAB in its entirety.

Senate Passes Balanced Budget Focused on Education, $3.4 Billion in Total Reserves

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$154 million for Florida Forever Programs, State Law Enforcement and Firefighter
Pay Raise, Historic Investments in Need and Merit-Based Student Financial Aid

The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 2500, the 2018-19 General Appropriations Act. This legislation forms a balanced budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year, prioritizing funding for Florida’s K–12 and higher education systems, while setting aside $3.4 billion in total reserves. The budget also makes critical investments in Florida’s environment, continues historic investments in need-based and merit-based student financial aid, and provides a pay raise for Florida’s state law enforcement officers and state firefighters, among others.

“I am pleased to see the Senate budget pass with strong bipartisan support today. The balanced budget that passed today is the product of thousands of informed decisions that reflect public testimony from our fellow citizens and input from the constituents we represent over the last several months,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). “From unprecedented per-student funding for K-12 education, to historic investments in need-based student financial aid for our college and university students, combined with the permanent expansion of Bright Futures, the Senate is committed to ensuring that all Florida students have an opportunity to achieve their educational goals.”

“This balanced budget ensures that we live within our means and responsibly plan for Florida’s future by setting aside ample reserves,” said Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island), Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. “One important focus of the budget is our state employees. We want to continue to recruit and retain top talent for our state workforce, so the Senate budget includes targeted pay raises in areas where we see high amounts of turnover, including state law enforcement and state firefighters. Additionally, we continue our commitment to faithfully implement the voter-approved Water and Land Conservation Amendment with significant investments in Florida Forever and Everglades Restoration, as well as restoration of our beaches and springs.”

Morean Arts Center Increases Financial Aid Assistance to 2018 Summer Campers

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Ten percent of qualifying Summer Art & Clay Camp
attendees are expected to receive scholarships this year

The Morean Arts Center, the oldest gallery south of Atlanta, is gearing up for a creative and educational Summer Art & Clay Camp! This year, in celebration of the Morean moving into its next century of the arts in St. Petersburg, more summer camp scholarships will be offered than ever before!

Scholarships are an important part of camp at the Morean as they allow children to cultivate creativity and interest in the arts for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience it. Creative thinking, problem solving, communication and empathy—these attributes and skills, learned through the making of art, contribute to the mental and emotional growth of a child.

These camps are art-focused and offer children ages 4-16 the opportunity to experience guided art projects as well as access to the rotating exhibitions in the main gallery or at the Morean Center for Clay. On-site field trips to the neighboring Chihuly Collection and Hot Shop where live glass blowing demonstrations provide education on local art and the science behind it are also incorporated in select camp weeks.

There are even specialized camp options for teens to discover the world of art. Teens can explore camp options in glass, animation, jewelry, photography, clay and more.

As creative summer camps fill up fast, its recommended parents fill out the Scholarship Application on the website and reserve a spot as early as possible. The Morean Arts Center also offers 1-Day Art Camps for Pinellas County no school days, Spring Break Camps, Thanksgiving Break Camp, and Holiday Camp.

In addition to camps, the Morean Arts Center and Morean Center for Clay offers FREE family fun with Saturdays @ the Morean, located at the downtown location and Sundays @ the Morean, located at the Morean Center for Clay, as well as Spring Fling Family Day on March 17.

Camps are offered at the Morean’s main location located at 719 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33701, and the Morean Center for Clay, a beautifully-renovated train station located at 420 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33712.

To apply for financial assistance for Summer Camp 2018, please visit MoreanArtsCenter.org and click on the education tab to locate Camps & Events.

If you’re interested in donating to provide additional Summer Art & Clay Camp scholarships, please contact the Director of Development, Anna Kuhlman, at 727.822.7872 ext. 2120 or email [email protected].

Faith Leaders Speak Out, Send Open Letter to Florida Lawmakers on High-Cost Payday Lending

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Lawmakers Should Listen and Put the Brakes on
Bill Expanding 200% Payday Lending in Florida

As Florida lawmakers move a bill legalizing a new 200% interest payday loan through legislative committees, faith leaders are urging them to kill the bill and get serious about reforming predatory lending in the state.
An open letter signed by 56 faith leaders from across the state, along with the AME Church of Florida (consisting of more than 400 churches), National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and Ecumenical Poverty Initiative, asks lawmakers to stand up for Floridians and against predatory lenders by voting against SB 920/HB 857. That proposal would let Florida payday lenders make larger, more expensive loans in addition to those that already flood low-income communities in the state.
As described in the letter:
Predatory payday lenders cause serious damage to our communities. They target and exploit those in the most vulnerable situations by giving them high interest loans. These loans, which often carry triple-digit interest, trap borrowers in an unaffordable cycle of debt. Often these borrowers come to our churches and community services after payday lenders have already drained all their financial resources and crushed their spirits. This is detrimental to both the borrowers’ financial security, emotional and financial strength of families, and our ability to provide aid to our community. 
In a conference call this morning, several of those leaders spoke out against the bill, citing cases where members of their congregations had been caught in the debt trap of payday lending. On the call were Rev. Rachel Gunter Shapard, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida, Bishop Adam J. Richardson, 11th District of the AME Church, Florida, Pastor Lee Harris, Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist in Jacksonville, Elder Wayne Wright, who has been personally impacted by payday loans, Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer, Florida Council of Churches and Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, 5th District of the CME Church, Florida.
The proposal would allow loans twice as large as the current limit, up to $1,000, with 60- to 90-day terms and annual interest rates over 200%. According to an analysis from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, a borrower in debt for 60 days currently pays $110 in fees for $1,000, but would pay $214.68 under SB 920. And payday loans financially devastate borrowers because they are structured to keep them paying the triple-digit fees over months or years, whether they are short or longer-term loans.
A representative of Amscot, a large payday lender, testified at a committee hearing that his company needs the new law because the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a new rule impacting his business. That rule would require payday lenders to assess the ability of borrowers to repay their loans, something most lenders already do. The rule is not scheduled to take effect until August of 2019, and it is under attack by members of Congress and the new director of the Consumer Bureau, so it may not ever be put into place.
The FL NAACP, the AARP, the Florida Catholic Conference, National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders, Florida Prosperity Partnership, Florida Veterans for Common Sense, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida, UnidosUS, Florida Hispanic Unity, Florida Legal Services, League of Southeastern Credit Unions and many others are among the many groups who oppose legalizing a product that would snare borrowers in a debt trap even deeper and more damaging than traditional payday loans.