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Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Supports Continued Record Education Contributions

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Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget supports the Florida Lottery’s core mission of providing funding for education in Florida by investing $176.8 million in the Florida Lottery. In FY 2016-17, the Florida Lottery had a record sales year resulting in $1.66 billion in contributions to education.
Governor Scott said, “We know a great job begins with a great education, and the Florida Lottery is working to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed in college and careers. We will continue to support the Florida Lottery so they can keep making historic investments in Florida’s education system.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes

  • Vendor Fee Budget Alignment – Following a record sales year which resulted in $1.66 billion in contributions to education, the Governor’s budget provides an additional $7.6 million for ticket vendors, which will cover projected game sales and help continue increased education contributions.
  • Information Technology – Provides for a business intelligence software upgrade to replace the current system which is 10 years old and will reach the end of support in December 2018.  The Governor’s budget provides more than $1.3 million for IT equipment to increase innovation and efficiency.

Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget reflects his continued and unwavering commitment to investing in education and strengthening Florida’s economy. The Lottery will continue doing all we can to maximize contributions to Florida’s education system.”

Gov. Scott: Securing Florida’s Future Budget Makes Historic Investments and Cuts Taxes

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Northern Tool + Equipment in Jacksonville to announce his Securing Florida’s Future budget which proposes $180 million in tax cuts to help Florida families. The Governor’s recommended budget also invests record funding in Florida’s education system, transportation, and environmental protection while continuing to support law enforcement and keep Florida’s economy growing.
Governor Scott said, “When I made the decision to run for Governor in 2010, a lot of people doubted that a businessman who had never been in politics could cut taxes and get our state back to work. For years, politicians in Tallahassee had run our economy into the ground through tax increases, frivolous spending and a lack of focus on job creation. I have spent every day since taking office fighting to get Florida on the right track by turning back the harmful policies of past politicians and I am proud of the work we have accomplished to secure Florida’s future by creating an environment where Floridians of all ages have the tools they need to succeed in our state. Today, I am proud to announce my budget which cuts taxes and makes historic investments in education, transportation and Florida’s environment.
“Turning around Florida’s economy would not have been possible without our hard work to cut taxes and encourage business to thrive here in the Sunshine State. Since I took office, I have been proud to work with the Florida Legislature to cut taxes 75 times saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. Together, we have paid down $9 billion in state debt and made government more efficient to save even more taxpayer money. These accomplishments have helped secure future success and prosperity, and have made it possible for more than 1.3 million Floridians to find a job so they can support their families. As we look ahead to the future of Florida, it is important to continue fighting every day to make sure that our children and grandchildren have every opportunity to lead successful lives in the Sunshine State. Our Securing Florida’s Future budget advances Florida’s record of success and represents years of fighting to do what’s right for Florida families and I will keep fighting every day to secure Florida’s future for every Florida family.”
Cuts Taxes and Fees
The Securing Florida’s Future budget proposes to cut taxes by $180 million including reducing the fee when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license, reducing traffic citation fines for individuals attending driving school and implementing a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday and three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays in May, June and July.
Protects the Environment
To continue protecting Florida’s world-class beaches, award-winning and nationally acclaimed state parks, renowned springs and iconic Everglades, Governor Scott is recommending more than $3.8 billion, including record funding to preserve Florida’s environment and keep the state beautiful for generations to come. This includes:

  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration including $50 million to expedite repairs for the federal Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee;
  • A record $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A record $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks;
  • More than $21 million to help Florida’s citrus industry following Hurricane Irma; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands.

Invests in Education
For the sixth straight year, Governor Scott is recommending historic funding for education. The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests historic amounts of funding in voluntary pre-kindergarten, K-12, state colleges and universities to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the Sunshine State. Historic investments include:

  • An additional $11.6 million for a record total of more than $408 million for Florida’s VPK program, a quality free education initiative, which serves more than 158,000 four and five-year olds;
  • More than $21.4 billion in state and local funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools. This historic funding equates to $7,497 per student – an increase of $200 per Florida student– the highest total funding, state funding and per-student funding for K-12 in Florida’s history;
  • $15 million in funding for a brand-new program to expand opportunities for middle and high school students to learn coding and computer science;
  • $12 million in funding to establish the English Language Learners Summer Academics program. This program will be focused on reading improvements and making sure students in grades 4 – 8 displaced by Hurricane Maria have access to summer academies.
  • Historic funding for higher education including record state operating funding for Florida’s higher education system of more than $1.2 billion for Florida colleges, and more than $2.4 billion for Florida universities; and
  • More than $23 million for Bright Futures scholarships and ensures the Bright Futures Academic Scholars award will continue to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees for all semesters, including summer, for all eligible students. There are also NO tuition increases included in the budget.

Healthy Florida Families
The Securing Florida’s Future budget makes important investments to keep Florida families healthy:

  • $53 million to continue Florida’s fight against the national opioid epidemic;
  • More than $1 billion in mental health and substance abuse funding, including $14.7 million for community-based behavioral health services;
  • More than $1.3 billion for Florida’s child welfare system which includes more than $10 million for an additional 130 Child Protective Investigator and Florida Abuse Hotline Counselor positions. Under Governor Scott, the number of CPIs has increased by nearly 300 and the number of by Florida Abuse Hotline counselors has increased by nearly 50;
  • More than $198 million, a more than $2 million increase over current year funding, for maintenance adoption subsidies which provide funding for the families of children who are adopted from foster care to receive the services they need. This funding will also provide critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare system;
  • $2 million for the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to provide employment services to approximately 1200 individuals with behavioral health needs and those with developmental disabilities who are ready to work; and
  • More than $18 million to add approximately 900 individuals who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This is the sixth year that Governor Scott has provided funding to enroll individuals into the APD waiver program to help them live, learn and work in their communities.

Secures Great Transportation for Florida’s Future
The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests a record $10.8 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure that more than 20.7 million residents and more than 112 million visitors are able to move safely and effectively throughout the state. Since 2011, Governor Scott has overseen the investment of $85 billion in funding for roads, bridges, airports and seaports. This includes priority investments in Florida’s seaports exceeding $1.4 billion.
Keeps Florida’s Communities Safe and Strong
The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests $5.3 billion in public safety, an increase of nearly $200 million over current year funding, and makes important investments to support Florida’s dedicated law enforcement officers. Key public safety investments include:

  • $30 million for Florida’s state law enforcement agencies to use for additional pay raises to award Florida’s nearly 4,800 sworn state law enforcement officers;
  • $1.3 million to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for incident command vehicles and emergency ordinance disposal vehicles to strengthen counterterrorism and intelligence efforts;
  • More than $8 million for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to provide a 10 percent salary increase for Florida’s Juvenile Detention and Probation Officers;
  • $317,000 and three positions for DJJ to establish the Office of Youth and Family Advocacy which will serve as a firsthand resource working directly with youth and families to foster communication and amplify their voice in the ongoing improvement of the juvenile justice system; and
  • $68 million and 476 positions for the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) to better serve inmates with mental illness.

Invests in Florida’s Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes a total of $1.4 billion for the Florida Division of Emergency Management to continue to prepare for and respond to both manmade and natural disasters. This reflects a 257 percent increase over the current year level of funding of $390.6 million. This funding will also support communities and state operations in disaster response and rapid recovery related activities due to Hurricane Irma and other prior storms. This is the highest level of funding since Governor Scott took office.
Invests in Florida’s Veterans Community
The Securing Florida’s Future budget recommends $178 million to support active duty military, veterans and their families.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget FAQ.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget complete budget.

Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget to Support Florida Elders and Families

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Governor Rick Scott’s 2018-19 Securing Florida’s Future budget recommends $12.5 million for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to serve more than 1,100 elders in need, invest in programs that support Florida families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and make necessary changes to outdated technology that will enable Florida’s Aging Network better serve seniors and their caregivers.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is proud that so many elders are choosing to call our state home and we are fully committed to providing them with the services and support they need. These important investments are essential to helping our elders remain healthy, safe, and independent so they, and their families, can continue to enjoy our great state.”
Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget includes:

  • $3 million to provide services for additional elders with Alzheimer’s disease and relief for their caregivers through the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI);
  • $5 million for home and community-based services for more seniors at risk for nursing home placement through the Community Care for the Elderly Program (CCE);
  • $1 million to provide services for more of the frailest individuals through the Home Care for the Elderly Program (HCE);
  • $2.65 million to improve the Department’s client assessment processes and technology, including replacement of the 26-year-old Client Information and Registration Tracking System (CIRTS); and
  • $876,000 for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers to assess needs and provide services to elders across Florida.

Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Jeffrey Bragg said, “With the highest percentage of elders in the nation, we must continue to set an example by investing in essential home and community-based services that best meet their needs. I am so grateful for the leadership and support of Governor Scott in providing these increases year after year – more than $163 million since 2011 – and for his commitment to serving Florida’s 5.2 million seniors.”
Jaime Estremera-Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer of the Area Agency on Aging for Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc. and Vice President of the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging (F4A), said, “I am very thankful to Governor Scott for his support and investments in these programs that are vital for frail elders in Florida and allows us to help them maintain their health and independence in their own homes and communities.”
Debbie Moroney, ACSW, CEO, Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., said, “ADI is such an important program that supports caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s disease in Florida. Governor Scott has once again recognized the critical need for respite services for the selfless caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They need our continued support, and I applaud the Governor for his continued support of our efforts.”   
Lisa Bretz, MSW, Executive Director, Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, said, “Through this increased funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Governor Scott has shown his support for our organizations in our mission to promote the independence, dignity, health, and well-being of seniors and their caregivers, and we applaud him for providing this funding for us again.” 
Andrea V. Busada, President of the Board of Directors, Florida Association of Aging Services Providers (FASP), said, “We are extremely pleased with the Governor’s continued commitment to enhancing the tools and technology at the Department of Elder Affairs which will allow service providers to more effectively serve our seniors.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, visit www.elderaffairs.org.

Florida Fusion Center recognized as Fusion Center of the Year

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The Florida Fusion Center, which is housed at FDLE’s headquarters, was recognized last week by the National Fusion Center Association as the 2017 Fusion Center of the Year for its continued commitment to vigilance and excellence in defense of Florida and its citizens.
The Florida Fusion Center also received the Maritime Domain Awareness Excellence Award in recognition of its efforts to improve the safety and security of Florida’s coasts, waterways, and ports.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “The Florida Fusion Center is committed to being at the forefront of public safety and security, working with our partners across the state and nation to ensure the safety of our great state and its residents. Congratulations to our team and our partners for these awards as recognition of their continual commitment to excellence.”
A fusion center is a collaborative effort of state and federal agencies working in partnership with local partners to share resources, expertise and/or information to better identify, detect, prevent, apprehend and respond to criminal and terrorist activity utilizing an all crimes/all hazards approach. Located in Tallahassee, the Florida Fusion Center serves as Florida’s primary fusion center for the gathering, processing, analysis and dissemination of terrorism, law enforcement and homeland security information.

Ocoee man claims $600,000 LUCKY MONEY jackpot

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The Florida Lottery announces that Eduardo Yzaguirre, 53, of Ocoee, claimed the $600,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot from the November 7, 2017, drawing at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Yzaguirre chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $443,799.12. He purchased his winning LUCKY MONEY ticket from Circle K, located at 8299 Silver Star Road in Orlando. The retailer received a bonus commission of $1,000 for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
The next LUCKY MONEY drawing will be held tomorrow, November 14, 2017, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $550,000 jackpot. The LUCKY MONEY drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.

Gov. Rick Scott to Unveil 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future Budget

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, November 14th, Governor Rick Scott will unveil his 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget at Northern Tool + Equipment in Jacksonville.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 10:30 AM
WHERE: Northern Tool + Equipment
10000 Atlantic Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Following the announcement, the Governor’s budget staff will host a pen and pad background briefing with credentialed press. No visual or audio recording equipment will be permitted. This will be an in-person meeting ONLY. No call-in information will be provided.
WHAT: Pen and Pad with OPB Staff
WHEN: 3:00 PM
WHERE: The Governor’s Large Conference Room
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Western Union Settlement Fund Deadline for Eligible Consumer Claims is Feb. 12, 2018

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced that Floridians deceived into sending payments to scammers using Western Union’s wire transfer service may now apply for compensation from a $586 million national settlement fund. This fund is related to a multistate settlement reached by Attorney General Pam Bondi, 49 other states and the District of Columbia with Western Union in January this year.
Consumers who fell victim to a fraud-induced transfer using Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004 and Jan. 19, 2017, may be eligible to receive compensation. More than 500,000 potential victims nationwide have been identified.  
Eligible Floridians who reported falling victim to a scam that involved a money transfer through Western Union will receive a claim form in the mail from the settlement administrator in the next two weeks. The form will contain instructions explaining how consumers may file claims to receive compensation. The Department of Justice’s Victim Asset Recovery Program is administering the fund through a third-party claims administrator.
If a consumer does not receive a claim form in the mail, but believes they are eligible for a claim, the consumer should visit WesternUnionRemission.com or call 1-844-319-2124 for more information. All completed claims forms must be mailed back to the settlement administrator by Feb. 12, 2018.
To view the assurance of voluntary compliance, click here. For more information about the multistate settlement, click here.

Sen. Bill Nelson's opening remarks on tax reform

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Circa 5:00 p.m., U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) will deliver opening remarks at today’s Senate Finance Committee meeting as the panel begins consideration of the Republican’s tax plan. Below is an advance copy of Nelson’s remarks as prepared for delivery. You can watch a live stream of the committee’s hearing here.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson
Opening Remarks on Tax Reform (as prepared for delivery)
Senate Finance Committee
Nov. 13, 2017
I want to talk about bipartisanship. It’s the best way to ensure a good outcome for ordinary Americans – and it’s what the American people want.
Is anyone proud of the way this process has been playing out?
Here we are, working on a major tax bill – a bill that will inevitably touch every single American in some way, shape, or form – and in some cases, in ways that even the drafters of the bill don’t know.
We are completely rewriting our tax code. Yet, we haven’t had any hearings on the bill. Or any time to seriously debate the slew of policy changes that will affect people’s everyday lives.
For example, we got word the other day that the Joint Committee on Taxation didn’t know if the new pass-through deduction in the Chairman’s mark includes business income made in Puerto Rico.
To me, that would seem like an important point we probably should get an answer on before we move forward.
My point is: this isn’t the way we ought to be operating. Everyone here knows it.
We should be working together to negotiate a truly bipartisan tax plan, instead of throwing this all together on the fly.
We have a duty to serve the American people to the best of our ability – and Mr. Chairman, I would suggest: we are better than this.
Working together in a bipartisan way is not a radical idea – at least, it shouldn’t be. We’ve done it before.
Mr. Chairman, how many times have we come together to find common ground and get something good done for the American people?
Just last year, we passed the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act out of committee with a bipartisan vote of 26 to 0. It started with you and the Ranking Member hashing out differences to find a workable middle. Why can’t we do that again?
And let’s not forget the work we did in the Puerto Rico Task Force and on the identity theft-related tax fraud bill. It took months of bipartisan talks before we had a package that everyone could agree on – not just one party.
Is it too much to ask for this – a total rewrite of the tax code – to go through the same amount of rigor?
Senator Grassley, we worked together on the ACE Kids Act, which would create a national network of children’s hospitals and other providers to better serve kids needing specialized care.
Senator Cornyn, we’ve worked together to increase accountability at the VA, to honor helicopter air ambulance crews that served in Vietnam, and to help citrus growers struggling to deal with a plant disease known as citrus greening.
Senator Thune, you and I have partnered on so many issues in the Commerce Committee it’s hard to keep count. If anyone wants a good example of how we should be conducting ourselves, just look to how Senator Thune and I work together in the Commerce Committee.
Senator Burr, we partnered on a bill to help those affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune – not to mention the work we’ve done to stop the spread of the Zika virus. An issue I’ve also worked with Senator Cassidy on.
Senator Isakson, we worked together on several veterans’ issues, including a bill to improve VA opioid treatment practices.
You all get the picture. I could go all the way down the line citing examples of times when each of us crossed the partisan divide to do the people’s work. It doesn’t happen as much as I’d like. But it is possible.
We all want tax cuts for the middle class. We all want to help local small businesses. We all want to make the tax code simpler, fairer, more competitive, and more efficient.
But we should have a more deliberative process than this. One that is inclusive, and brings members from both parties into the process.
I am hopeful that this markup isn’t just for show and that some of our amendments will be given serious consideration. Because at the end of the day what we need is balance. That’s the focus of my amendments. And that should be the focus of this Committee.
I appreciate the work the Chairman and his staff have put into this.
All I’m asking is to give bipartisanship a chance.

Palm Harbor man claims top prize in new $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that James Fannin, 65, of Palm Harbor, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He purchased his winning ticket from Publix, located at 33343 U.S. 19 North in Palm Harbor.
The new $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 HOLIDAY CASH, launched on October 23, and offers more than three million winning tickets, with 118 prizes from $10,000 to $500,000! Overall odds of winning are one-in-4.07.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.

FDLE arrests couple for crimes in health care practice

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FDLE agents today arrested Asok Roy, 74, and his wife, Manjula Roy, 72, at 9183 Old A1A, St. Augustine, Florida, after a comprehensive investigation spanning more than a year.
Asok Roy was arrested for five counts of solicitation to commit prostitution, two counts of writing a prescription for monetary benefit, two counts of falsely omitting information on a document or report, and one count of being principle to practicing a health care profession without a license. Manjula Roy was arrested for practicing a health care profession without a license.
The arrests were the result of evidence collected during multiple undercover operations, interviews and search warrants at both the Roys’ residence and the Medical Clinic of St. Augustine. Asok Roy was also served with an Emergency Suspension Order by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) which prevented him from practicing medicine in the state and he has since voluntarily relinquished his license.
The North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, DEA Diversion and FDOH partnered with FDLE on the investigation.
The Roys were booked into the St. Johns County Jail and the case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, Seventh Judicial Circuit.