“Every human being, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or mental capabilities; deserves to be treated with respect. Guarantees of equality and basic human dignity for all people are essential components of a functioning democratic society. Today in Gainesville Richard Spencer will espouse an ideology that flies in the face of these basic American values.
“This hateful man has spewed despicable comments about people of color and our Jewish and Muslim communities, and has suggested that woman should not have the right to vote. This is the same racist individual that organized the violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville over the summer. This ignorant and spiteful man believes himself to be better than the rest of us. He attempts to pass off his shallow mindedness for righteousness, and in doing so has exposed America to the seedy underbelly of our politics. While this lowlife may have the right to promulgate his filthy ideology, we also have an obligation to affirm that he does not represent the vast majority of our society.
“In the days leading up to this closedminded coward’s appearance at the University of Florida, we have seen Gators as well as other Floridians make it clear that the hateful views of racists, sexists, and neo-Nazis are not a true reflection of both University of Florida community, and our State as a whole. We have seen sororities, fraternities, and other student groups openly express their disapproval of this hateful message. As a Seminole, you will not often catch me saying anything complimentary about the Gators, but this week Gators, you did the whole state proud. I also want to commend the various branches of law enforcement as well as school officials for making the safety and well-being of our students a top priority leading up to, during, and after this event.”
First Lady Ann Scott Celebrates H.I.V.E. Preparatory Academy Students’ Summer Reading Accomplishments
First Lady Ann Scott visited Highly Inquisitive and Versatile Education (HIVE) Preparatory School in Miami-Dade County to congratulate them on winning the 2017 First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure reading challenge. Each student and school employee received family passes to a Florida state park and the school received 100 books for its library. The school previously won the Summer Literacy Adventure in 2013.
The Summer Literacy Adventure is an annual partnership between the Florida Department of Education, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Lottery that is designed to encourage Florida students to strengthen their reading skills during the summer break.
“I am extremely proud of HIVE Preparatory Academy and their students for making literacy a priority,” said First Lady Ann Scott. “This is the second time HIVE Preparatory Academy has won the Summer Literacy Adventure, and they should be very proud of their accomplishments. HIVE Preparatory Academy sets a great example for the rest of the state, and I enjoyed visiting the students and educators to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment.”
“Congratulations to the students at HIVE Preparatory Academy for winning the Summer Literacy Adventure!” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Reading during the summer is vital to lifelong learning and success. I am grateful to First Lady Ann Scott for her commitment to reading and literacy, and I applaud HIVE Preparatory Academy’s students, teachers and leaders their hard work.”
The First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure challenged students to read as many books as possible during the summer break. First Lady Ann Scott visited state parks and emphasized to students the value of reading. Statewide, more than 27,000 students participated and pledged to read books this summer.
“The Florida Literacy Adventure is a great event that DEP is proud to be a part of each year,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “It’s an honor to partner with First Lady Ann Scott, DOE and the Florida Lottery to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards – congratulations to HIVE Preparatory School and all who participated in the adventure.”
Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the school year. By reminding their children to read over breaks from school, parents play an important role in ensuring every child reads at or above grade level.
The Florida Lottery donated books to students throughout the summer as part of the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure.
“The Florida Lottery was proud to once again partner with First Lady Ann Scott by sponsoring and donating books to the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “Reading is the foundation of learning and success, and we congratulate this year’s winners for their commitment toward advancing their reading skills.”
For more information about the First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure, CLICK HERE.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Sen. Daphne Campbell files bill to add new protections for Florida patients in medical facilities
Alarmed by a loophole in Florida law allowing nursing homes and other medical facilities housing patients for extensive stays to escape requirements for emergency power, state Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami) on Wednesday filed legislation designed to beef-up patient protections.
“As we saw first-hand with Hurricane Irma, ignoring the critical importance of maintaining power for air conditioning in Florida’s climate leads to tragic conclusions,” said Senator Campbell. “Blistering heat coupled with high humidity is a recipe for disaster, especially for those in weakened conditions such as the elderly. This bill ensures that no other vulnerable citizen undergoing medical care ever has to suffer a death that was wholly preventable.”
Senate Bill 558 would apply to all medical facilities housing patients overnight, including assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The measure would require these facilities, prior to January 1, 2019, to have an operational generator and fuel supply sufficient to sustain emergency power for a minimum of 4 days/96 hours. The generator must provide enough electricity to maintain day-to-day living conditions throughout the entire facility.
The legislation, which has been filed for the upcoming 2018 legislative session, would take effect immediately upon the governor’s signing of the bill.
Senator Campbell’s measure was filed in response to the recent tragedy in South Florida, where 14 elderly patients died following lengthy exposure to excessive heat after The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills lost power during Hurricane Irma. There was no operational generator to power the nursing home’s air conditioning during the prolonged power outage, nor was one required under current state law.
$120 Million Settlement Reached with General Motors for Defective Ignition Switch
Attorney General Pam Bondi, 48 other state attorneys general and the District of Columbia today announced a $120 million consumer protection settlement with General Motors Company regarding allegations that GM concealed safety issues related to ignition-switch-related defects in GM vehicles. The settlement concludes a multistate investigation into the auto manufacturer’s failure to timely disclose known safety defects in several models of GM vehicles.
In 2014, GM issued seven vehicle recalls in response to unintended key-rotation-related and ignition-switch-related issues that affected more than nine million vehicles in the United States. The recalls involved a defective ignition switch that, under certain conditions, could move out of the run position to the accessory or off position. If this occurred, the driver experienced a loss of electrical systems, including power steering and power brakes. If a collision occurred while the ignition switch was in the accessory or off position, the vehicle’s safety airbags may have also fail to deploy, increasing the risk of serious injury or death in certain types of crashes in which the airbag was otherwise designed to deploy.
Certain employees of GM and General Motors Corporation, which went through bankruptcy in 2009, allegedly knew as early as 2004 that the ignition switch posed a safety defect because it could cause airbag non-deployment. Despite this knowledge, GM personnel decided the defect was not a safety concern and delayed making recalls. GM continued to market the reliability and safety of motor vehicles equipped with this defective ignition switch.
As part of a consent judgment, GM will:
- Not represent that a motor vehicle is safe unless GM complied with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards applicable to the motor vehicles;
- Not represent that certified pre-owned vehicles are safe, repaired for safety issues or have been subject to rigorous inspection, unless such vehicles are not subject to any open recalls relating to safety or have been repaired pursuant to such a recall;
- Instruct dealers that all applicable recall repairs must be completed before any GM motor vehicle sold in the U.S. and included in a recall is eligible for certification; and
- If there is a recall on any certified pre-owned vehicle sold in the U.S., the required repair must be completed before the vehicle is delivered to a customer.
As part of the consumer protection settlement, GM also agreed to pay the participating attorneys general a total of $120 Million, of which Florida’s share is more than $6 million.The settlement is pending judicial approval.
To view a copy of the settlement, click here.
Governor Scott Highlights $1 Million Proposal for Jewish Day School Security
Governor Rick Scott today visited the Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando to highlight his proposal for $1 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. Read more about the proposal HERE.
Caldwell Locks Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture
Announces Unanimous Support from Returning
Republican House Members from Northeast Florida
Representative Matt Caldwell today announced the unanimous endorsements of returning Republican House members from Northeast Florida, in the third wave of legislative endorsements announced by the campaign, which follows the unanimous support of House members from the Panhandle and Southwest Florida delegations. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign.
Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to have received endorsements from Republican House members in Northeast Florida. I will continue to work hard to earn the trust and support of voters across the Sunshine State, who deserve a Commissioner that has the leadership and policy experience to lead in Tallahassee on day one.”
The third wave of legislative endorsements includes:
- Rep. Cord Byrd (R- Neptune Beach)
- Rep. Travis Cummings (R- Fleming Island)
- Rep. Jason Fischer (R- Jacksonville)
- Rep. Bobby Payne (R- Palatka)
- Rep. Paul Renner (R- Palm Coast)
- Rep. Cyndi Stevenson (R- St. Johns)
- Rep. Clay Yarborough (R- Jacksonville)
Rep. Cord Byrd said, “I am excited to endorse Matt Caldwell in his campaign to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. No one has been more effective in shaping policy and ensuring prosperity for the agriculture community in the Sunshine State.”
Rep. Travis Cummings said, “I am proud to endorse my friend Matt Caldwell for Commissioner of Agriculture. We have worked together on issues together throughout our time in the Florida House including pension reform, which was a big priority for the City of Jacksonville.”
Rep. Jason Fischer said, “I am excited to endorse Matt Caldwell in his campaign to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. His leadership, work ethic, and policy expertise will result in the continued success of the department and the industries it oversees.”
Rep. Bobby Payne said, “In order to address the lessons learned from Hurricane Irma during the upcoming legislative session, Matt travelled to our region in the wake of the storm to see the flooding and infrastructure needs of our community firsthand. That is the mark of a true leader and I am proud to endorse his bid for Commissioner of Agriculture.”
Rep. Paul Renner said, “Matt Caldwell has proven himself to be a strong conservative leader for Northeast Florida in the Florida House and no one is more qualified to serve as our Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. I am proud to give him my endorsement.”
Rep. Clay Yarborough said, “I am proud to support Matt Caldwell. He is a principled conservative with the policy and leadership credentials to successfully serve Floridians as our next Commissioner of Agriculture.”
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Announces Office of Youth and Family Advocacy
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) today announced its plan to establish an Office of Youth and Family Advocacy within the Office of the DJJ Secretary.
The Office 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. Youth and families will have an additional avenue to raise concerns and engage with the Department to ensure youth and family needs are addressed. This Office will help enhance robust improvement measures at DJJ and give youth and their families another layer of accountability.
“The Department is committed to the well-being and safety of youth and engaging with families to ensure we are meeting their needs,” said Secretary Christina K. Daly. “The Office of Youth and Family Advocacy will share our vision that all Florida’s children live in safe and nurturing communities that provide for their needs, recognize their strengths and support their success.”
DJJ continues to evaluate and identify new ways to build on the tremendous progress made with our aggressive and innovative reforms over the past six years. As part of system-wide reform, evidence-based services are provided throughout the delinquency continuum, with research-based services matched to youths’ assessed risks and needs. The transformation of our juvenile justice system in recent years is producing results:
- Florida has the lowest juvenile arrest rate in more than 40 years.
- DJJ has reduced the use of residential commitment for low-moderate risk youth by 60 percent.
- DJJ has the lowest recidivism for youth on probation that the agency has ever seen.
Over the next several weeks, the Department will begin setting the vision of this newly-created office including identifying the necessary resources to ensure effectiveness. More information will be released in the coming weeks.
CFO Patronis Urges FEMA to Reconsider Vendor Transition During Heart of Hurricane Season
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William “Brock” Long urging FEMA to reconsider an upcoming vendor transition that could delay the processing of federal flood claims in Florida. CFO Patronis asked FEMA officials to release a transition plan that ensures no pending claims face delays or to consider delaying the transition until the end of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
CFO Patronis said, “…I am concerned that an upcoming vendor transition within a critical federal program may present a roadblock to Florida’s current progress. It is my understanding that the National Federal Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will soon transition to a new policy management vendor, a move that is set to impact more than 600,000 policyholders. Many of these 600,000 policyholders reside in Florida, and I fear that Floridians may be forced to bear costly consequences caused by this change. With an estimated 18,000 damage claims resulting from Hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey currently pending, scheduled changes to claims processing and payment procedures stand to create delays and potentially derail Florida families from getting back to normal life during these high-stress times.”
To read the CFO’s full letter, click here.
GOP-led Senate defeats Nelson's amendment to protect Medicare
By a vote of 47 to 51, the U.S. Senate today defeated an amendment offered by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) earlier today to block Republicans’ efforts to cut more than $473 billion from Medicare.
“Why in the world would we want to cut $473 billion from Medicare?,” Nelson said on the Senate floor moments before the Senate began voting on his amendment. “My amendment simply restores that cut and replaces it with eliminating a number of the tax loopholes. It’s a simple amendment. Save Medicare.”
Nelson’s measure, which he filed today as an amendment to the Republicans’ budget plan currently being considered in the Senate, would have restored the $473 billion in cuts to Medicare by closing special interest tax loopholes instead.
The text of Nelson’s amendment is available here.
You can watch video of Nelson’s remarks on the Senate floor prior to the vote here: https://youtu.be/LUicdWWNNDU.
And here’s a rush transcript:
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
Remarks on the Senate floor
October 18, 2017
Sen. Nelson: Before Medicare, one half of senior citizens in this country did not have health care health insurance. Medicare changed that.
Why in the world would we want to cut $473 billion from Medicare?
It doesn’t make sense. So my amendment simply restores that cut and replaces it with eliminating a number of the tax loopholes.
It’s a simple amendment. Save Medicare.
DCF Issues Updates on Federal Disaster Food Assistance Program
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) today issued updates on the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) operations in Florida. DCF continues to operate federal DSNAP and since September 27, has served individuals in 34 counties. DCF has processed more than 625,000 DSNAP applications that meet the federal requirements and more than $873 million in federal food assistance has been distributed between DSNAP and SNAP supplements across Florida. This will help more than 6.7 million Floridians through SNAP and DSNAP as they continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Irma.
“We are grateful for our local partnerships that have been essential in facilitating successful federal DSNAP operations across the state. Today, as operations continue in Palm Beach and Polk counties, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Lakeland Police Department have been exemplary partners in providing a safe and orderly environment for DCF to conduct the federal DSNAP program in their communities. Our law enforcement partners in these communities are working hard alongside us to ensure the citizens of their counties get the help they need,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “I am also very proud of the thousands of DCF personnel and those we’ve brought on temporarily to assist who are working very long hours to serve their communities and neighbors by administering this much needed federal aid.”
Public safety is paramount and is DCF’s first priority as we operate assistance sites throughout the state. DCF will continue to follow the direction of local law enforcement in every community to ensure the safety of those we are committed to serving. DCF defers to local law enforcement for all determinations related to traffic or public safety issues.
DCF has aggressively pursued actions to ensure operations are as expeditious, safe, and efficient as possible. Following the conclusion of the Food for Florida program statewide, DCF will conduct a thorough after action review of all operations.
State actions taken, local information, and important reminders are below.
- DCF submitted the first request for disaster food assistance to the federal government on September 13, just three days after Hurricane Irma’s first impact to Florida.
- DCF sent a letter to the USDA on October 17 to request additional flexibility and resources in administering the federal DSNAP program in Florida.
- Operations in several large counties have already concluded and successfully provided assistance to thousands of residents, including:
- Hillsborough – 207,674 individuals issued benefits
- Duval – 184,827 individuals issued benefits
- Lucie – 129,482 individuals issued benefits
- Osceola – 125,910 individuals issued benefits
- Brevard – 121,185 individuals issued benefits
- Volusia – 116,215 individuals issued benefits
- Pinellas – 108,546 individuals issued benefits
- Statewide data on DSNAP by county as of October 17 is available here.
- Deployed 110 DCF staff from Miami to assist with operations at two Palm Beach County sites
- Assigned 750 staff at headquarters to support processing of applications
- Deployed more than 6,000 staff to assist in operations and administration of this federal program, including nearly 1,500 temporary workers, to Food for Florida sites to process applications
- Deployed staff from the panhandle to support operations in affected counties
- Extended operating hours at the three Palm Beach County sites to 7:00 p.m. each day
- The ACCESS Call Center hours have been increased to help serve more people during the day for the duration of the DSNAP program to 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Welcomed Pasco County residents for service in Polk County yesterday and today
- Requested additional days to serve Miami-Dade County past the standard seven-day limit
- Hired traffic control companies to aid with parking and traffic control
- Special accommodations are available for the elderly and disabled. Onsite staff are working to monitor the population of those in lines to assist elderly and disabled residents to the front of the line. Those who need these accommodations should find staff to inquire about expedited service.
- Shuttled staff from remote locations to allow for more onsite parking
- Additional sites will open in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Marion counties to continue to serve residents in these areas. Details will be announced at www.myflfamilies.com/fff as soon as possible.
- Every site is distributing bottled water to individuals.
- DCF takes the responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money very seriously and investigates all instances of potential fraud. DCF’s Public Benefits Integrity (PBI) program has investigators on-site at each FFF location to review potentially fraudulent applicants and conduct investigations for profiles flagged as fraud-prone. PBI investigators are also monitoring social media sites for fraudulent sales of food assistance. Individuals who are found guilty of submitting false information on their application for D-SNAP benefits are subject to criminal prosecution and will be required to pay the money back. PBI on-site staff reviewed 21,190 D-SNAP applications as of October 17 and have avoided issuing more than $5.2 million in fraudulent benefits.
In addition to DSNAP, DCF applied for federal food assistance program waivers and provided:
- Early release of food assistance benefits prior to Hurricane Irma making landfall to help families prepare
- Hot Foods Waiver, and a subsequent extension, to allow families to purchase prepared food with their EBT cards at participating retailers
- Extended the time frame to report food loss from 10 to 20 days
- Mass food assistance replacement benefits for September to SNAP recipients in 52 counties effected by Hurricane Irma
- Extended October SNAP recertification deadlines for three months
