As Floridians continue the recovery process after Hurricane Irma, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is partnering with Tampa Bay news station Fox 13 to host a live phone bank to assist Floridians with their insurance questions, concerns and complaints. The phone bank will take place Thursday, November 16, from 7:00–10:00am EST. During that time, Floridians can call the station at 1-800-826-4434 to speak one-on-one with an insurance specialist working for the Department. The Department will also answer questions posted to Fox 13’s Facebook account (@Fox13TampaBay).
CFO Patronis said, “Our Department boasts some of Florida’s foremost insurance experts, and we’re taking every available opportunity to help Floridians as they move through the insurance claims process. If any consumer is running into a roadblock, I encourage them to give us a call to see how we can help.”
The Department of Financial Services also operates Florida’s only toll-free Insurance Consumer Helpline, which is available year-round. During the third quarter of 2017, insurance specialists working the Helpline recovered more than $9.3 million for Floridians. Returns consist of underpaid or previously denied insurance claims, as well as overpaid premium amounts that were refunded due to intervention by the Department on the consumer’s behalf.
Securing Florida’s Future Budget to Fund Waiting List for the Sixth Year in a Row
Historic $1.4 Billion Investment Will Support Floridians with Disabilities
Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget is recommending $1.4 billion in total funding for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). This historic investment will enroll approximately 900 people on the waiting list into the APD waiver program. This marks the sixth year in a row the Governor is recommending funding for waiver enrollment.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to propose historic funding to help Floridians with unique abilities and move Floridians in greatest need off the APD waiting list for the sixth year in a row. We want every person in our state to have the opportunity to live the American dream and I look forward to working with the Legislature on this important investment.”
The Securing Florida’s Future Budget includes:
- $18.1 million to offer enrollment to approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This funding will serve individuals who are in a crisis situation, in extended foster care, or those in foster care who are adopted or reunified with their families.
- $1 million to provide employment services for approximately 800 individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready to work.
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “Governor Scott is a strong advocate for people with developmental disabilities. I appreciate the Governor continuing his support of individuals with unique abilities by recommending funding to serve people on the waiting list six years in a row as APD works to help all Floridians with developmental disabilities receive the resources they need to succeed.”
Family Care Council Florida Chairperson Mary Smith said, “A top priority for the Family Care Councils is serving additional individuals with developmental disabilities on the waiting list. We are happy to see Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will move 900 people from the waiver waiting list to being served in the community.”
Parent and past chairperson of the Family Care Council Florida Pauline Lipps said, “Families need state support to meet the needs of their child with a developmental disability. I am pleased to see Governor Scott’s ongoing support of APD in its mission of serving people with developmental disabilities.”
The Association of Support Coordination Agencies of Florida Chairperson Janice Phillips said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget reflects his ongoing support of people with different abilities being involved in their communities. We extend our appreciation to the Governor for recommending funding to move individuals off the waiting list.”
Support Coordination Association of Florida Chairman Thomas Buddington said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for his continued support of people with disabilities in his budget recommendation. Providing vital support to people with special abilities so they can stay in their homes and communities is critical.”
Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock said, “Special Olympics Florida praises Governor Scott for recognizing the health and safety needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and providing funding to meet those needs. This admirable leadership continues to support the work of Special Olympics Florida by improving access to local services, promoting inclusion at schools, and helping us build communities where all individuals are prized.”
Gov. Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Invests in Florida’s Continued Economic Growth
Governor Rick Scott today announced his 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget recommendations, which include $1.2 billion to attract businesses and visitors to Florida to continue the state’s incredible economic growth. The Securing Florida’s Future budget also includes an $85 million investment in the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to improve infrastructure and workforce in order to grow the economy across Florida’s local communities.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s business climate is setting an example for the rest of the nation because of our investments in economic development, cutting taxes for families and job creators, and reducing burdensome regulations. Thanks to this unrelenting focus, Florida has the fastest private-sector job growth rate in the nation and has added more than 1.3 million jobs since December 2010. We will continue to fight to outcompete other locations for new jobs so Florida families can have the opportunities they need to succeed for generations to come.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will help Florida continue to be the number one state to expand or start a business. Our investments in tax cuts, critical infrastructure and strong communities have helped build a thriving business environment that promotes innovation and job creation all across the state. This budget will ensure prosperity for Florida’s future and keep Florida as the best place to do business and raise a family.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:
$85 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund to Ensure Florida’s Infrastructure and Workforce Remain Competitive for Job Creation
- The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests $85 million in Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund to meet the workforce and infrastructure needs of local communities. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which was established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature earlier this year, is designed to support projects for public infrastructure and workforce training projects that enhance growth and employment in Florida’s diverse industries. The fund is focused on projects that provide a strong, measurable return on investment. Job training and public infrastructure improvements will help Florida compete with other states for jobs and support economic development across the state.
$23.7 million for Enterprise Florida to Grow and Expand Businesses in Florida
- The Securing Florida’s Future budget will help diversify our economy by attracting high-skill, high-wage jobs and encouraging Florida businesses to expand within the Sunshine State. This will ensure Florida remains the best state to do business.
Peter Antonacci, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, said, “Enterprise Florida is committed to investing in the state’s strong business climate and ensuring continued business expansion to provide opportunities for Florida families. We applaud Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget and commitment to partnering with businesses to ensure economic success now and in the years to come.”
$100 million for VISIT FLORIDA to Promote Florida as the #1 Tourist Destination
- The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA to market the state around the globe to highlight our distinctive and diverse vacation opportunities. Tourism has a vital impact on the state’s economy, and Florida saw a record number of 112 million visitors in 2016. Attracting visitors to the Sunshine State is especially important as the tourism industry recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Irma. For every dollar invested in VISIT FLORIDA, taxpayers see a return of $3.20.
Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “VISIT FLORIDA is committed to promoting our state’s premier destinations at a great value to hardworking taxpayers. With the Securing Florida’s Future budget, VISIT FLORIDA will continue to market the state to visitors all across the globe, which helps to grow our state’s tourism industry and create jobs in a variety of diverse industries.”
$23 million to Develop the Top STEM Workforce in the Country
- The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes $20 million for the Quick Response Training (FloridaFlex) and $3 million for the Incumbent Worker Training Program in partnership with CareerSource Florida to continue investing in the state’s workforce by providing specialized training to keep Florida businesses competitive.
Michelle Dennard, CareerSource Florida President and CEO, said, “Governor Scott’s emphasis on workforce training is critical to further strengthen Florida’s competitive position in our global economy. With the proposed increase in Quick Response Training, CareerSource Florida will help thousands of Floridians enhance their skills and opportunities for a prosperous future.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce, said, “Governor Scott has made every effort to support Florida businesses, and his proposed budget to secure Florida’s future will help create jobs and economic opportunity for all Floridians.”
Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said, “Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry has flourished under Gov. Scott’s leadership and supports more than 1.4 million jobs. We have seen record numbers of visitors and applaud him for standing with us and investing in our economy with his Securing Florida’s Future budget. His investments in tourism are critical after Hurricane Irma’s devastating impacts, we must let the world know that Florida is still the best place to visit.”
Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business/Florida (NFIB), said, “Florida’s strong economy is dependent upon the success of small businesses. Governor Scott’s commitment to smart investments and efficient use of taxpayer dollars has allowed the Sunshine State’s business climate to thrive, bolstering the success of our state’s local companies.”
R. Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said, “Florida’s retailers and consumers continue to prosper under Governor Scott’s leadership. The Securing Florida’s Future budget will ensure Florida’s economy will remain robust by strengthening tourism, developing an even more talented workforce and supporting the continued growth of Sunshine State businesses.”
Tom Feeney, President and CEO of the Associated Industries of Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed economic investments will help create the ideal business climate for Florida companies to create new jobs and invest in communities. Businesses will be better equipped to employ jobseekers from Florida’s strong talent pool and skilled workforce.”
Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Strengthens State Government Technology
The Agency for State Technology (AST) today highlighted Governor Rick Scott’s proposed 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget which invests $65.8 million for the Agency for State Technology (AST) to continue to support state agencies’ services and data. This includes maintaining the integrity of Florida’s information technology infrastructure, securing and protecting Florida’s information resources, and preserving state agencies’ data by mitigating risks through safeguards and accepted cybersecurity best practices.
Governor Scott said, “Protecting Floridians’ data and personal information is critical, and this investment will support AST as they work every day to find innovative ways to keep this information secure and make Florida a leader in information technology.”
Budget highlight includes:
- $220,000 to acquire enhanced information technology security training for the security managers of 35 state agencies.
“We need to constantly train our security professionals because the types of threats are always evolving. This training gives them a real-life scenario and the opportunity to prevent an attack from occurring. We thank Governor Scott for his commitment in guarding the State of Florida’s most critical data,” said AST Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer Eric Larson.
FPL Customers Potentially on Hook for Over $200 Million in Environmental Clean Up Costs at Turkey Point Plant
Customers shouldn’t pay for FPL’s legacy of negligence and deception argues SACE
Late yesterday, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) filed its brief with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) arguing that customers should not have to pay for the clean up of an underground contamination plume created by Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) negligent operation of the cooling canals at its Turkey Point nuclear power plant for decades. FPL knew or should have known as early as 1978 that the operation of the cooling canals at the Turkey Point plant south of Miami was creating a hyper-saline plume that was polluting the Biscayne Aquifer – the drinking water resource for South Florida – but it failed to act for almost 40 years. Over 500 FPL customers have filed letters with the Commission stating that FPL customers shouldn’t have to pay for the company’s mistakes.
Moreover, the company in 2009 misled regulators, both the South Florida Water Management District and the Public Service Commission, on the magnitude of its environmental problem – the clean up is now projected to cost over $200 million. Stunningly, FPL is requesting that customers pay. SACE, Office of Public Counsel, and industrial users filed briefs in opposition to FPL’s unfair request. The Commission will consider the briefs filed yesterday by SACE and other parties in the Environmental Cost Recovery Clause docket and will render a final decision on FPL’s request on December 12, 2017.
In a related development on SACE’s Clean Water Act lawsuit on the impact of FPL’s hyper-saline contamination plume on Biscayne Bay, conservation groups, including SACE, in early August were issued an order by Magistrate Judge Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes, allowing their federal Clean Water Act lawsuit filed against FPL in July 2016 to move onto the next level. A hearing has now been scheduled for this Thursday at 10:00am by Judge Darrian P. Gayles at the Wilkie D. Ferguson United States Courthouse, 400 North Miami Avenue, Courtroom 11-1. The Plaintiffs expect an endorsement of the earlier magistrate Judge’s ruling, which would allow the Clean Water Act case to move forward and discovery to begin and to go to trial in 2018.
Governor Scott's Securing Florida's Future budget supports military heroes and their families
Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget invests more than $67 million for the men and women of the Florida National Guard to remain ready and able to support their national, state and community missions. This funding includes providing ready military units and personnel to support national security and protect the State of Florida. The Securing Florida’s Future budget also makes investments for maintenance and security enhancements at armories throughout the state, community based programs for youth and adults, and support for Guardsmen pursuing higher education.
Governor Rick Scott said, “This year, more than 7,700 members of our Florida National Guard stepped up to protect our families and communities during and after Hurricane Irma. These brave men and women continually support our state, and we must do all we can to invest in resources that support them and their families. These investments will not only recognize the continued selfless work of our military heroes, but will also help ensure Florida remains the most military friendly state in the nation for years to come.”
“Governor Scott has always been a tremendous advocate for the Florida National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, the Adjutant General of Florida. “We are grateful for his ongoing support, which enables us to remain fully prepared to serve our citizens, state and nation when we are called upon.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:
Governor Scott’s recommended budget includes $1.7 million to maintain and repair armories which have been revitalized by the Florida Armory Revitalization Program (FARP). This investment will ensure that the updated facilities continue to enable Florida Guardsmen to be trained and ready to react when the state or nation calls upon them.
In addition to armory maintenance and repair, the Securing Florida’s Future budget provides $2 million to improve armory security. This investment will provide security enhancements to Florida National Guard Armories in order to protect the soldiers and civilians that use them daily.
The budget also provides more than $5.3 million for the Florida Youth Challenge Academy, a 17 ½ month voluntary program geared toward Florida’s 16-to-18-year old at-risk youth. The program consists of a five-and-a-half-month residential phase and a 12-month post-residential phase. More than 4,000 young people have graduated from this program since its inception. For more information, please visit www.floridayouthchallengeacademy.org.
The Securing Florida’s Future budget also includes $4.2 million for Education Dollars for Duty. This program reimburses Florida National Guard service members for education expenses incurred in pursuit of technical certificates and/or associate’s, baccalaureate or master’s degrees from public or private institutions located here in Florida.
The budget also includes $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment to be used by the Florida National Guard during deployment. This fall, Governor Scott deployed more than 7,700 members of the Florida National Guard to prepare and respond to Hurricane Irma, the largest storm to impact the State of Florida in recent history. This investment is crucial to ensuring Florida Guardsmen have the resources they need to keep families and communities safe during emergencies.
Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Invests More Than $3 Billion To Protect Families
Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget proposes $3.1 billion for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to continue carrying out the agency’s mission to keep vulnerable children and families safe, support adoptive families, and expand and improve community behavioral health services. This funding will also support Florida’s response to the national opioid crisis impacting families and communities across the state.
Governor Scott said, “The safety of Florida’s families has always been a top priority in our state and these investments included in the Securing Florida’s Future Budget will continue to enhance support for the services DCF provides to Floridians and communities. We are making critical investments to support those struggling with opioid addiction. The individuals struggling with drug use are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends, and it is crucial that we remain committed to doing all we can to ensure they have the support and services they need. The investments in this year’s budget also serve to further strengthen our commitment to protecting children by helping with retention and workload of Florida’s Child Protective Investigators and Florida Abuse Hotline counselors. I look forward to working with the Legislature to support this funding as we continue to work together to keep vulnerable children safe.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said, “Protecting the vulnerable is the core of our mission. DCF works diligently with our partners to promote strong and healthy families. Governor Scott’s proposed budget shows his commitment to Florida’s most vulnerable citizens and the importance of providing resources to allow DCF to ensure the health and safety of Florida’s families. It only takes one caring adult to change the life of a child and investing in our children today creates a hopeful and prosperous tomorrow.”
Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:
- $10 million investment for an additional 130 Child Protective Investigator (CPI) positions and Florida Abuse Hotline counselors within the Florida Department of Children and Families. This investment will address retention and workload statewide as these individuals continue to focus on keeping vulnerable children safe;
- $10.4 million for the Community-Based Care Lead Agencies to maintain funding for dependency case management positions to support increasing out-of-home care caseloads of case managers;
- $2.2 million to expand the existing continuum of care for victims of human trafficking;
- $2.2 million for maintenance adoption subsidies, which provides funding for the families of children who are adopted from foster care to receive the services they need. This is an increase over current year funding, resulting in a nearly $200 million investment;
- $27 million for year two of the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grant for medication-assisted treatment and support and prevention services;
- $15 million to enhance substance abuse service capacity statewide, including increasing outpatient, aftercare, recovery support, residential, and medication-assisted treatment;
- $2.8 million to create three new Forensic Multidisciplinary Teams to serve individuals with mental illnesses who are charged with non-violent felony offenses or are at-risk of being charged with a non-violent felony offense;
- $2.2 million to implement Coordinated Specialty Care treatment programs targeting youth and young adults ages 15-30 with early serious mental illness.
Jessica Pryce, Director, Florida Institute of Child Welfare, said, “We are continually grateful that the Governor puts the interests and safety of Florida’s children at the forefront of Florida’s priorities. This budget will facilitate an increase in essential services to vulnerable children and adoptive families, including vital support to the child protection workforce.”
Mark Fontaine, Executive Director of the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, said, “I applaud Governor Scott for his efforts in the proposed budget to provide additional resources to expand substance abuse treatment and recovery support services. This funding is critical to combat the devastating impact of the widespread opioid epidemic affecting individuals, families, and communities across our state.
Melanie Brown-Woofter, Interim President of the Florida Council for Community Mental Health, said, “Early intervention and treatment for mental illnesses is crucial in meeting the behavioral health needs of communities. Governor Scott’s budget reflects the need for these services, further demonstrating his commitment to Florida’s families.”
Kurt Kelly, CEO, Florida Coalition for Children said, “The Governor has put forth a budget that strives toward a brighter future for all Floridians. The agencies and individuals charged with caring for Florida’s children and youth look forward to working with the Governor and the Florida Legislature to ensure our system of care has what it needs to protect children and families in Florida.”
Anna Alexopoulos Farrar Joins DFS as Communications Director
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that Anna Alexopoulos Farrar will join the Department of Financial Services (DFS) as Communications Director. In this capacity, she will oversee the communications strategy for the department.
CFO Patronis said, “Anna is a seasoned communications professional whose experience in both the government and private sectors brings a fresh perspective to the role. This experience and her knowledge of the department will help us advance our efforts to connect with Floridians on top issues that impact those living in our great state.”
Alexopoulos Farrar has more than 10 years of experience in public and private communications. She joins the department after nearly three years at a top Florida public relations firm, On 3 Public Relations (On3PR), serving most recently as vice president of accounts where she led communication strategy and message development for major companies and organizations. She previously served as press secretary for DFS under former CFO Jeff Atwater, and managed media relations for a national disaster safety nonprofit.
Her first day on the job is Monday, Nov. 20. Alexopoulos Farrar succeeds Ashley Carr who recently announced her resignation to accept a position with the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.
Ballard Partners Welcomes Katherine San Pedro as Partner
Leading Florida-based government affairs firm, Ballard Partners, announces the addition of Katherine San Pedro as partner of the company’s Tallahassee and Miami offices. In her new role, San Pedro will hone her extensive political, public relations and legislative experience to serve clients’ state government and issue advocacy needs. She is joining the firm as its youngest Hispanic female partner.
“Katherine has a stellar reputation in Florida politics, having forged key relationships with members of the Florida Legislature from her years campaigning and working in the Capitol,” said Brian Ballard, president of Ballard Partners. “Her intricate knowledge of policy analysis, crisis communications and campaign management will be an asset to both our team and our clients.”
Most recently, San Pedro was the External & Legislative Affairs Regional Director for AT&T Florida, where she led the telecommunication giant’s teams in Miami Dade, Monroe, Lee, Collier Counties. Prior to this private sector experience, she served as legislative assistant to Florida House Representative Bryan Avila as well as Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Núñez. A seasoned campaign manager, San Pedro has spearheaded fundraising, operations and strategy for competitive local, state and federal elections throughout South and Central Florida.
Named one of SaintPetersBlog’s 2014 “30 Under 30 Rising Stars in Florida Politics,” San Pedro holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami.
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Praises Governor Rick Scott’s Wildland Firefighter, Law Enforcement Officer Pay Raise Proposals
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s proposed pay raises for Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ wildland firefighters and law enforcement officers:
“I thank Governor Scott for his commitment to Florida’s first responders and for proposing pay raises for our department’s wildland firefighters and law enforcement officers. These proposed raises will help us recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers and wildland firefighters to keep Floridians and visitors safe.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.