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Sens. Nelson, Rubio ask Senate leadership to bring disaster supplemental to floor immediately

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Following a town hall today with hundreds of Puerto Rican community members in Kissimmee, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson asked Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer to immediately bring the disaster supplemental to the Senate floor to help communities across Florida and throughout Puerto Rico that need federal assistance to continue their recovery efforts.
In the letter, Sens. Nelson (D-FL) and Rubio (R-FL) wrote, “Congress has delayed providing this aid for too long while our communities face the consequences of our inaction,” and “strongly urged” the leaders to bring the disaster relief measure to the floor immediately so these communities get the necessary relief as quickly as possible.
Following is text of the letter lawmakers sent to Sens. McConnell and Schumer, a PDF copy is available here.

January 12, 2018

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader
S-230, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Charles Schumer
Minority Leader
S-221, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer:
We write to highlight the importance of the disaster supplemental and urge you to consider this much needed appropriations measure on the floor as soon as possible. As you are well aware, last fall produced a number of devastating natural disasters, and our communities are still in need of federal assistance in order to continue their recovery efforts. In particular, hurricanes and wildfires caused catastrophic destruction throughout the country, and we are deeply concerned that affected states, territories and local governments will not have the resources needed to address critical issues including agricultural aid, healthcare, and housing if Congress does not act immediately.
These disasters caused unprecedented destruction, and yet the federal government has still not provided an acceptable response. Congress has a duty to fulfill, and a disaster supplemental appropriations bill would provide the federal aid our states and territories were promised months ago. The House of Representatives passed a disaster supplemental, and while it did not fully encompass what is needed, it is past time for the Senate to act. Unfortunately, Congress has delayed providing this aid for too long while our communities face the consequences of our inaction.
It is imperative that Americans nationwide know that the federal government is both ready and willing to direct resources needed to help them in the recovery process. As such, we strongly urge you to bring the disaster relief measure to the floor for consideration at the earliest opportunity to ensure that our communities are able to address and assist their respective needs.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

PIFF on Florida House passing AOB reform bill

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The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) today applauded the Florida House for passing HB 7015, filed by Representative Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City). The bill addresses increasing costs in the property insurance market created by the abuse of Florida’s “assignment of benefits” (AOB) law.
“For six years, PIFF has urged the Legislature to protect homeowners from AOB abuse and its direct impact on the pocketbooks of hard-working families, seniors and others on fixed incomes,” said PIFF president Michael Carlson. “All the evidence indicates that the driving force behind increased homeowner rates, especially in southeast Florida, is the abuse of the one-way attorney fee statute, which incentivizes inflated claims and unnecessary litigation. Changes to this law should immediately change the behavior of self-interested vendors and trial attorneys, creating a savings for Florida consumers.” 
HB 7015 includes a change in how attorney fees are awarded in cases involving an AOB that is designed to remove the incentive for bad behavior by creating a sliding scale for the award of such fees. It also includes many consumer protections, such as the requirement of a written estimate, the elimination of onerous cancellation and other fees, and protection from the mechanics lien law in cases where there is an AOB.
“Most importantly, if allowed to operate without obstruction from Florida’s trial bar, this bill will protect consumers and restore fairness to the law in a way that should reduce costs and take the pressure off of rates,” Carlson added. “We think it is high time the Florida House and Senate embrace these ideas and pass a bill that will directly help their constituents.”
PIFF is a member of the Consumer Protection Coalition, which is a grassroots organization whose goal is to educate policymakers on the problem of AOB abuse and to find sensible, pro-consumer solutions that will reduce costs. Learn more about the AOB problem and the Coalition at www.fightfraud.today.

RoadWatch Advisory: Rucks Dairy Road Bridge in Highlands County

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HIGHLANDS COUNTY
Rucks Dairy Road Bridge Over C-41 Canal/Slough: Construction project: Crews will build a new two-lane bridge to replace the current one lane bridge. Construction of the new bridge is next to the current bridge. On Thursday, January 18th and Wednesday, January 19th, crews will be paving the lanes on the bridge. Motorists should expect single lane closures with flagging operations on Rucks Dairy Road bridge. Motorists should follow the new traffic pattern and travel through the work zone during these times. Additional improvements will include resurfacing a portion of the road approaching the new bridge, drainage enhancements, new guardrails and updated signage. Expected project completion is spring 2018.

Commissioner Stewart Announces Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists

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Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today announced the finalists for Florida’s 2018 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership (Principal of the Year) and the Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award (Assistant Principal of the Year). The winners will be named during the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals on February 9 in Orlando.
“It is a great honor to recognize these principals and assistant principals whose hard work and commitment to Florida’s students sets them apart, and I look forward to celebrating them next month at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart.
The 2018 Principal of the Year will receive a cash prize of $5,000, and the remaining Principal of the Year finalists will receive $1,500. The 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year will receive a cash prize of $3,500, and the remaining Assistant Principal of the Year finalists will receive $1,061.
The three Principal of the Year finalists are:

Eric Fleming, West Shore Junior/Senior High School, Brevard County
For more than 23 years, Eric Fleming has served the Brevard County School District in various teaching and administrative roles. To enhance team camaraderie, Fleming instituted a “Wildcat Winner” program at faculty meetings where teachers acknowledge each other’s hard work and dedication. He is often sought upon for his leadership expertise, and he serves on various committees that are focused on improving education. He is praised for leading by example and serving as a role model for his students, staff and community.
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 his school improve from an F to a B (based on 2016-17 school grades). 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.
Traci Wilke, Lawnwood Elementary School, St. Lucie County
With more than 20 years of experience in St. Lucie Public Schools, Traci Wilke is in her second year as Lawnwood Elementary School’s principal. Prior to joining the faculty at Lawnwood Elementary, Wilke was the principal at Samuel S. Gaines Academy where she contributed to a significant improvement in the school grade. Under Wilke’s leadership, Lawnwood Elementary’s school grade improved from a D to a C (based on 2016-17 school grades). She is known by her colleagues for going above and beyond for her school community and for her consistent track record of growth.
The three Assistant Principal of the Year finalists are:

Trisha Elliott, Crystal Lake Elementary School, Martin County
With more than 20 years of experience in K-12 education, Trisha Elliott joined Martin County School District in 2008 and held various roles before becoming the assistant principal at Crystal Lake Elementary School in 2013. Her focus on data, research, collaboration, and feedback has contributed to the upward trend in her school’s data. Last year, Crystal Lake Elementary School improved its school grade from a C to an A (based on 2016-17 school grades). Elliott believes that all students can achieve at high levels and succeed when authentic relationships are in place. She is committed to fostering relationships with and among staff members, students, families and community members.
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 (based on 2016-17 school grades).
Tiffany Cantwell, The Webster School, St. Johns County
Tiffany Cantwell has served as an assistant principal within the St. Johns County School District since 2013. She was recently appointed as principal of Ocean Palms Elementary School. While serving at The Webster School, she had the opportunity to interact with a diverse student population with varying needs. Because of her dedication to student and teacher success, she was instrumental in helping Webster raise its school grade from a D to a B (based on 2016-17 school grades). Her colleagues praised her for having a can-do attitude, extraordinary organizational skills and for being a tremendous educational leader.
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.
For more information about Florida’s educator recognition and recruitment programs, click here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

Gov. Scott Announces $1 Million Investment to Connect Hurricane Maria Evacuees with Jobs

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Also Announces FEMA Case Management Agreement and Housing Information Request

Governor Rick Scott joined a town hall in Kissimmee with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló and announced the following:

  • A $1 million investment in 12 of Florida’s local workforce development boards to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria seeking employment;
  • Following Governor Scott’s request to the federal government, FEMA will now provide case management services for families displaced by Hurricane Maria now in Florida; and
  • At the Governor’s direction, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today sent letters to local housing authority officials and community leaders to identify local and federal resources so there is better coordination in the joint local, state and federal response to housing needs for Puerto Rican families in Florida. See one of the letters HERE.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I was proud to attend a town hall with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló and announce a $1 million investment for 12 of Florida’s local workforce development boards to continue to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria seeking employment. To date, the CareerSource Florida network helped more than 7,600 Puerto Ricans find jobs in Florida and this investment will connect even more individuals with great jobs. I was also proud to announce today that following my request, FEMA has agreed to provide case management services to Puerto Rican families in Florida. These services will assist families on an individual basis with planning for their recovery needs.
“Finally, today, at my direction, DEO sent letters to local housing authority officials and community leaders to help identify resources and to help assist in coordinating a joint local, state and federal response to housing needs for families displaced by Hurricane Maria. We look forward to receiving this information and continuing this important work with our local and federal partners to find housing solutions. Florida is the most welcoming state in the nation and we will continue to do everything possible to help the Puerto Rican families recovering from Hurricane Maria in our state.”
Executive Director of DEO Cissy Proctor said, “The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and our partners continue to work diligently with communities across the state to provide assistance to displaced Puerto Rican jobseekers and families. We are currently assessing housing and employment services so that we can better meet the needs of those who came to Florida for help after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.”
CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard said, “The CareerSource Florida network is a resource for all Floridians seeking new or better careers, and we are here to help make those connections for Hurricane Maria survivors looking to begin new lives. Our network of dedicated workforce professionals continues to work tirelessly to assist Floridians and businesses recovering from Hurricane Irma, new arrivals fleeing the devastation of Hurricane Maria, and any individual who needs employment assistance.”
Representative Bob Cortes said, “I’d like to thank Governor Scott and our many partners across the state for their continued efforts to support Puerto Rican evacuees coming to Florida and still working to rebuild months after Hurricane Maria. I’ve seen the devastation on the island first-hand and heard directly from evacuees in communities across the state. Many of these families lost everything, and finding job opportunities is a huge step forward in rebuilding their lives. The best assistance for any family going through a tough economic time is a job for the parents. Our Florida model should serve as an example for the entire country.”
Representative Rene Plasencia said, “As fellow Americans, and now fellow Floridians, our priority is connecting displaced Puerto Ricans with every resource they need to thrive in our state. With this additional funding, CareerSource will have the capacity to help hundreds of more families. We will continue to work with Governor Scott and our federal, state and local partners to address the needs of Puerto Rican evacuees to ensure full recovery for every family.”
Representative David Santiago said, “I’m proud to join Governor Scott and leaders across the state standing united for Puerto Rico and the full recovery of its families following Hurricane Maria. With over 254,000 job openings across the state, Florida is full of opportunities for evacuees to find a job to help support their families.”
The funds, allocated by CareerSource Florida and distributed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, are designated for employment services to assist evacuees in the five counties served by CareerSource Central Florida: Orange, Osceola, Lake, Sumter and Seminole counties. CareerSource North Central Florida, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, CareerSource Flagler Volusia, CareerSource Brevard, CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Pinellas, CareerSource Research Coast, CareerSource Palm Beach County, CareerSource Broward, CareerSource South Florida and CareerSource Southwest Florida also received funds to provide career assistance to evacuees. More than 7,600 individuals displaced by Hurricane Maria have sought services through the CareerSource Florida network’s local career centers thus far, primarily in the Orlando area, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
The types of services for individuals displaced by Hurricane Maria that will be provided by the 12 local workforce development boards through this additional funding may include some or all of the following:

    • Individual career consulting services
    • The creation of a Specialized Job Development Team
    • Extended hours at our Career Services Centers
    • Increase access to English for Speakers of Other Language services
    • Hiring events
    • Increased partnerships with community-based organizations
    • Surveys to assess employment needs
    • Social media and/or direct email and/or texting and/or paid outreach

Governor Scott’s announcement follows two recent roundtables to discuss Puerto Rico relief efforts held in Doral and Orlando. CareerSource Central Florida and CareerSource South Florida are providing employment services at Multi-Agency Resource Centers in the Orlando area and Miami International Airport to Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria. Several local workforce development boards have held recruiting fairs and workshops to assist Floridians and others impacted by Irma and Maria. For additional information about employment opportunities, please visit employflorida.com, available in English and Spanish.

State Board of Education to Meet in Tallahassee

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The State Board of Education will meet next week in Tallahassee.
The agenda is available at State Board Meeting.
WHAT: State Board of Education Meeting
WHEN: 9:00 am
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
WHERE: The Capitol, Room LL03
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

CFO Patronis Sponsors Resolution Recognizing Florida Thrift Week

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis along with Governor Rick Scott and members of the Florida Cabinet today signed a resolution declaring January 14-20, 2018 as “Florida Thrift Week.” The resolution was done in partnership with the James Madison Institute (JMI), a Florida-based research and educational organization with the mission of keeping Floridians informed about their government, to renew the study and teaching of thrift to Floridians.
“Fifty percent of Americans lack a rainy-day fund and nearly 20 percent spend more than their income,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “The importance of saving money is deeply rooted in American history and I am proud to sponsor a resolution that renews this historic educational movement. I encourage Floridians to practice thrift each day and strive for financial success.” 
The Department of Financial Services has a selection of financial education programs developed to help Florida’s consumers build financial independence. The most recent financial literacy program, Finance Your Future, is a free, interactive online course designed to educate Florida’s middle and high school students to use core money management concepts. The Department recently launched the Finance Your Future app. It is free and available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores. 
In addition, JMI offers a free curriculum guide, “All About the Benjamins: Understanding the Value of Thrift”, that has been used extensively in Florida high schools to teach students about the importance of thrift and other American values.
“National Thrift Week” was first observed January 17, 1916. The YMCA hosted the event on Benjamin Franklin’s 210th birthday to honor his devotion to promoting one of the oldest American values – thrift.  Considered as a true thrift advocate, Benjamin Franklin believed in the American people’s ability to collectively achieve financial independence through hard work, frugality and generosity. 

Payday Lenders Score Swift Banking Committee Hearing On Predatory Product

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Consumer, Faith and Civil Rights Groups Strongly Oppose Bad Bill

Despite strong and vocal opposition to predatory payday lending from consumer, faith, seniors, civil rights, veterans, and community organizations, Florida senators are considering allowing payday lenders to introduce a new predatory product to a state already flooded with harmful, debt trap loans.
Senate Banking and Insurance Committee has scheduled a hearing for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, the day following the MLK holiday, on SB 920, a bill that would authorize up to 208% annual interest rates for loans that are larger and have longer terms than the payday loans Florida law currently allows. Senator Anitere Flores (R-39) chairs the Committee, and the bill is co-sponsored by Senator Rob Bradley (R-5) and Senator Oscar Braynon (D-35).
The Florida AARP, UnidosUS, the 11th Episcopal District of African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida, 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.
“The payday lenders believe they can sneak this one in, but we’re not having it,” said Alice Vickers, of the Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection. “Loans that are designed to trap people in long-term debt at triple-digit interest rates are counter to what any person or group wants if they have the best interests of Floridians at heart. Payday lenders, unfortunately, are not among those groups.”
SB 920, and its companion bill HB 857, would allow payday lenders to make loans up to $1,000 with terms of 60 to 90 days. Research documents that these longer-term loans create the same cycle of repeat loans that traditional payday loans create, making borrowers worse off than when they took the first loan. Payday borrowers often experience multiple overdraft fees that end in closed bank accounts and even bankruptcy. They are often unable to keep up with other bills once caught in the costly cycle of debt.
Floridians for Responsible Lending supports a bill that would stop the cycle of harmful debt through a rate cap of 30%. Reform passed in 2001 failed to stop the cycle of debt that payday lending intentionally creates. Payday lenders obtain 75% of their revenue from customers caught in 10 loans per year. Over 83% of loans go to people with seven or more loans per year, and the payday lenders suck $311 million annually out of our state’s economy – from those who need those dollars the most.
Faith groups marched for an end to payday lending abuse last October in a prayer walk in St. Petersburg and Jacksonville.
“This is an economic assault on the poor by the payday lending industry and there is an absence of meaningful legislation protecting the most vulnerable among us. The faith community has been called to stem the tide of heartbreak, despair, and hopelessness caused by payday lending,” said Rt. Rev. Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate, The 11th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church at a prayer walk around payday loan stores this summer.
“We are faith leaders who have seen up close and personal how payday loans trap people in our congregations and communities in a cycle of never-ending debt,” said Rachel Gunter Shapard, Associate Coordinator for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida.
Legal aid offices and credit unions also oppose predatory payday lending in Florida.
“Payday loans are extremely high-cost loans for which the lender holds the borrower’s bank account captive. These loans tend to trap borrowers in a never-ending cycle of debt,” said Lynn Drysdale, Division Chief, Consumer Advocacy and Litigation Unit, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
For more information about payday loans in Florida, click here.

Florida Workers’ Advocates Statement on Passage of Workers’ Comp Bill

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Mark Touby, President of Florida Workers’ Advocates, issued the following statement today:

“The Florida House has once again struck out on an important opportunity to bring meaningful rate reform and transparency to the many businesses required to pay workers’ compensation insurance in Florida. After hearing doom-and-gloom warnings from the insurance industry last year that the sky was falling and rates needed a double-digit increase, those misleading claims have now been proven to be false and we are whiplashed by a nearly double-digit decrease in rates. This rollercoaster ride of rates is indisputably bad for Florida’s businesses, and the legislation approved by the Florida House today turns the workers’ compensation grand bargain into a grand illusion.”

“This bill will ultimately hurt Florida’s businesses by delaying and denying the care their injured workers receive, while lining the pockets of the insurance industry. We will continue to advocate for policies that bring rate stability for businesses, increase transparency and competition in the ratemaking process, and enhance benefits for injured workers so they can return to productivity as quickly as possible.”

Florida Workers’ Advocates Statement on Passage of Workers' Comp Bill

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Mark Touby, President of Florida Workers’ Advocates, issued the following statement today:
“The Florida House has once again struck out on an important opportunity to bring meaningful rate reform and transparency to the many businesses required to pay workers’ compensation insurance in Florida. After hearing doom-and-gloom warnings from the insurance industry last year that the sky was falling and rates needed a double-digit increase, those misleading claims have now been proven to be false and we are whiplashed by a nearly double-digit decrease in rates. This rollercoaster ride of rates is indisputably bad for Florida’s businesses, and the legislation approved by the Florida House today turns the workers’ compensation grand bargain into a grand illusion.”
“This bill will ultimately hurt Florida’s businesses by delaying and denying the care their injured workers receive, while lining the pockets of the insurance industry. We will continue to advocate for policies that bring rate stability for businesses, increase transparency and competition in the ratemaking process, and enhance benefits for injured workers so they can return to productivity as quickly as possible.”