In wake of one of the most devastating disasters to hit Puerto Rico, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation Thursday to prevent Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program from running out of money.
As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico receives only a fraction of the money states get for its Medicaid program. Instead of providing the island with an open-ended amount of funding as states get, Congress provided Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories with a set amount of money, which could soon run out if lawmakers fail to act.
With nearly half of Puerto Rico’s 3.5 million residents on Medicaid, allowing the island’s Medicaid funding to run dry would result in hundreds of thousands of people losing access to much-needed health care.
To prevent the looming Medicaid-funding crisis, also known as the Medicaid-funding cliff, Nelson filed legislation today along with U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) that would eliminate the current cap on Medicaid funding and instead provide Puerto Rico access to the same open-ended funding system the states get.
“The people of Puerto Rico need our help,” Nelson said. “As we work to help them recover and rebuild in the aftermath of this devastating disaster, we also have to look toward the future and help them avert what could be a serious health care crisis if nothing is done.”
In addition to helping Puerto Rico avert a potential health care crisis, Nelson’s legislation would also make some of Puerto Rico’s low-income seniors eligible for federal subsidies to help them cover the cost of their prescription drug costs.
The legislation now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
A copy of the bill is available here.
Zone C deer season opener provides a connection to the outdoors
New hunters invited to learn about hunting
and conservation through FWC programs
On Saturday, Nov. 4, Florida’s Zone C general gun deer season begins, providing hunters the opportunity to slow down and immerse themselves in the splendor of the outdoors. For many, the predawn melody of songbirds while the first rays of sunlight filter through the trees is a chance to escape the daily stressors of life. And when knowledge, skill and luck come together for a successful hunt, there’s also a delicious and organic wild game feast to enjoy.
Zone C is Florida’s largest hunting zone, encompassing the central and northern part of the state. The general gun deer season runs Nov. 4 – Jan. 21, giving private land hunters the chance to carve out time from their busy schedules to go afield. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce someone to deer hunting. Sharing the hunt with a friend or family member new to hunting makes the experience even more special. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has developed online resources to make it easier for mentors and new hunters to get started deer hunting, including a list of wildlife management areas that allow public land hunting without a quota permit.
Those new to hunting can learn how to be safe, responsible hunters by taking a free FWC hunter safety course. Hunting is a safe activity, and hunter safety courses help make it even safer by teaching students about firearms safety, hunting laws and regulations, outdoor skills, knowledge about wildlife and habitats, and the importance of being a conservationist. Details about Florida’s hunter safety requirement are available online.
Another resource for youth who want to experience hunting is the FWC’s Youth Hunting Program, which offers safe, educational, mentored youth hunts. Youth accompanied by a parent or guardian can learn about conservation and gain new outdoor skills during these organized hunts. Program volunteers provide places to hunt, meals and mentors at these family-oriented events. Those interested can check out the Youth Hunting Program event calendar and sign up for a hunt.
Youth throughout the state also are learning a variety of outdoors skills through the FWC’s Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. Through this program, staff work with more than 350 partners to introduce kids throughout Florida to archery, hunting, boating, fishing, wildlife discovery and more. The FYCCN’s partners engage youth in outdoor adventure while igniting their interest in conservation.
All of the FWC’s programs are designed to inspire people to become good stewards of our natural resources. Florida’s healthy game populations, along with a wide variety of other wildlife species, are proof of this commitment to conservation by Florida hunters and the FWC. The agency’s wildlife professionals use scientific data to conserve game populations and provide sustainable hunting opportunities. Hunters and target shooters are important partners in this conservation effort. They provide wildlife management funding through the purchase of hunting licenses that bring more dollars back to Florida through the Wildlife Restoration program. This program provides grant funds to state wildlife management agencies, such as the FWC, from the sporting arms and archery industries and the people of Florida who participate in these outdoor activities. This funding supports research, education, access to public lands, and habitat management and conservation to benefit many wildlife species.
To take part in the Zone C general gun season for deer, hunters need a Florida hunting license and a deer permit. In addition, those planning to hunt one of Florida’s many wildlife management areas will need a management area permit. Get more information about Florida hunting licenses and permits, hunting season dates and information about deer management units.
Front Line's Frank Terraferma To Lead Idaho GOP
Brett Doster, President of Front Line Strategies, today announced that Senior Strategist Frank Terraferma will leave the firm to become the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Idaho. Terraferma has played a significant role in Florida Republican politics for more than two decades and has been with Front Line for almost three years.
“Frank Terraferma helped lead the Republican revolution in Florida and will forever leave his mark on the successes of a string of House Speakers,” said Doster. “It has been a pleasure to have Frank as a part of our team, and we will miss him. The Idaho GOP is dealing with an open gubernatorial and congressional seat this cycle, and they could find no finer leader to ensure success than Frank Terraferma. We are gratified that members of the Front Line family have been repeatedly identified as leaders for both political and corporate organizations nationwide, and we always see their opportunity as ours. We look forward to working with Frank on other projects in the future.”
New MEGA MILLIONS enhancements feature increased starting jackpots and more millionaires
Enhancements begin on October 28, 2017
The MEGA MILLIONS® Draw game is undergoing a redesign that will bring more value to itsplayers with larger starting jackpots and more $1 million winners! The new enhancements include a starting jackpot that will increase from $15 million to $40 million, and will grow faster
overall; better odds to win the second-tier prize of $1 million; and larger lower-tier prizes. The ticket price will also change, increasing from $1 to $2 per play; Megaplier® will remain at $1 more per play.
The MEGA MILLIONS number matrix will also change; players will now select five numbers from 1 to 70, and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Overall odds of winning a prize will be one-in-24. The new MEGA MILLIONS enhancements will go into effect on Saturday, October 28, 2017; the first drawing to include the enhancements will be Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
“Since joining MEGA MILLIONS four years ago, this multi-state game has become a player favorite; generating millions in contributions to education,” said Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. “We look forward to these new enhancements creating even more enthusiasm among our players and retailers, with an additional $9 million in education contributions expected during the first year.”
ABOUT MEGA MILLIONS IN FLORIDA
MEGA MILLIONS drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 p.m. ET and are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Drawings are also available for viewing on the Florida Lottery’s website and official YouTube channel. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery’s website, at retailers statewide, and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY. Since joining MEGA MILLIONS in 2013, the game has generated approximately $274 million for education, and has awarded more than $290 million in prizes to 37.8 million players.
Lawmakers call on FEMA to provide housing assistance for evacuees
Florida lawmakers, led by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), are calling on FEMA to quickly approve the governor of Puerto Rico’s request for additional assistance to help provide temporary housing for evacuees in Florida and elsewhere.
Nelson, in a letter he sent today with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and others, urged FEMA Administrator Brock Long to approve Puerto Rico’s request for Transitional Shelter Assistance, or TSA, a FEMA program designed to provide short-term lodging to individuals and families whose homes are uninhabitable following a natural disaster.
“The TSA program provides short-term lodging for individuals and families who are unable to return to their homes,” the lawmakers wrote. “With more than 3.5 million individuals affected by this storm, approving Puerto Rico’s request for TSA will provide desperately needed living accommodations for affected Puerto Rican families.”
FEMA’s TSA program makes direct payments to participating hotels and motels to provide temporary housing for evacuees.
If authorized, evacuees in Florida and elsewhere will be eligible to use the program to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the costs covered by FEMA.
According to the state of Florida, more than 73,000 evacuees from Puerto Rico have already arrived in Florida since October 3rd, many of whom have no ties to the area and are unable to afford housing.
Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello requested Transitional Shelter Assistance for evacuees on Oct. 25.
In addition to Nelson and Rubio, the letter urging FEMA to quickly approve that request was also signed by Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson (D-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).
Following is the text of the lawmakers’ letter, and a PDF copy is available here:
October 26, 2017
The Honorable Brock Long
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Long:
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, we write in full support of Puerto Rico’s request for assistance under the Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) program. It is critical that we provide Puerto Ricans with essential lodging assistance during the recovery process.
The TSA program provides short-term lodging for individuals and families who are unable to return to their homes for an extended period due to a natural disaster, such as a hurricane. With more than 3.5 million individuals affected by this storm, approving Puerto Rico’s request for TSA will provide desperately needed living accommodations for affected Puerto Rican families.
Unfortunately, it will be months before we fully realize the devastation Hurricane Maria has caused to Puerto Rico. While families seek stability and safety in the aftermath of this storm, we request swift approval of this invaluable program.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Audubon Names Senator Rob Bradley as Champion of the Everglades
Bradley Celebrated for Passing Landmark Everglades Bill
State Senator Rob Bradley was presented with Audubon’s Champion of the Everglades Award at the Audubon Assembly in St. Augustine on October 25 for his leadership in Everglades conservation. Senator Bradley addressed Florida’s largest conservation gathering and spoke to the ecological importance of the Everglades.
“I am extremely honored to be recognized by Audubon Florida,” said Senator Bradley. “The ecological importance of the Florida Everglades reaches far beyond our state. I’m proud to have sponsored the legislation that will reduce harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee and will allow for a large volume of water to be cleaned, stored and moved south into the Everglades and Florida Bay.”
Audubon is Florida’s oldest and largest conservation organization and presents the Champion of the Everglades Award each year to a person who has gone above and beyond to protect Florida’s water and wildlife in the River of Grass. Previous award recipients include Nathaniel Reed, Senator Bob Graham, and Governor Jeb Bush. Senator Bradley was the sponsor of Senate Bill 10 (2017)- considered the most important Everglades legislation in a decade.
“Senator Bradley’s leadership on behalf of the Everglades proves his dedication to protecting Florida’s land and water resources,” said Julie Hill-Gabriel, Audubon Florida’s deputy director. “He secured support in the Florida Legislature for the biggest legislative victory for Florida’s environment in 2017. We applaud Senator Bradley and are glad to name him as this year’s Champion of the Everglades.”
Gov. Scott Directs FDOT to Examine Ways to Increase Fuel Capacity During Emergencies
Governor Rick Scott today directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to work with other state agencies, Florida ports, law enforcement and fuel retailers to begin examining ways to increase fuel capacity during emergencies such as hurricanes. FDOT’s report will be submitted in January 2018 and will include recommendations for fuel distribution and availability to consumers.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I am directing FDOT to begin examining ways to increase fuel capacity so we can be sure families and visitors have the resources they need to safely prepare and evacuate during times of emergencies. Last month, 6.8 million Floridians evacuated in preparation for Hurricane Irma, the largest evacuation in U.S. history, and we are committed to making sure our state remains fully prepared for any potential disaster. Increasing the availability of fuel for evacuations at Florida gas stations is a top priority and I look forward to reviewing FDOT’s findings.”
This directive is in addition to Governor Scott’s October 12th order directing FDOT to begin examining ways to help expedite evacuation routes from the I-75/ Florida Turnpike Interchange near Wildwood to the Florida-Georgia border during times of emergencies.
Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez Proposes to Block FPL From Passing Turkey Point Clean-Up Costs onto Consumers
Following evidence of water contamination emanating from Turkey Point potentially impacting our drinking water and Biscayne Bay, that Florida Power & Light was aware of for years, Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez (D-Miami) has filed legislation that would prevent FPL from asking customer to pay more to remediate the contamination. The bill would block utilities from recovering costs to remediate environmental damage they knowingly caused.
FPL has already made such a request. Yesterday, the Public Service Commission heard expert testimony on FPL’s request to charge customers $200 million in clean-up costs for the contamination coming from Turkey Point’s cooling canals. The Commission will vote in November on the request.
Sen. Rodriguez said:
“If FPL makes the mess, FPL shareholders should clean that mess up not consumers. FPL has known about water contamination coming from Turkey Point’s cooling canals for at least five years and potentially for decades and has done nothing while the problem worsened. It is outrageous that FPL would even think to ask consumers rather than their shareholders to shoulder the costs of an environmental mess they caused, tried to hide and could have resolved a long time ago at a fraction of the cost.”
Holly Hill woman turns $5 into $500,000 playing GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game
The Florida Lottery announces that Sharnasia Mclendon, 32, of Holly Hill, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She purchased her winning ticket from Stop N Save Food & Beverage, located at 1096 Mason Avenue in Daytona Beach.
The $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, launched in January, and features more than $182.8 million in prizes, including 44 top prizes of $500,000. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-3.98.
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.
ICYMI: WWSB: Governor Rick Scott Wants Chicago Businesses to Move to Florida
“Governor Rick Scott Wants Chicago Businesses to Move to Florida”
WWSB (ABC) – Tampa Bay, FL
October 25, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
