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Gov. Scott: Budget will create opportunities for generations of Floridians

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Governor Rick Scott announced today his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget which proposes $618 million in tax cuts to help Florida families and small businesses. The Governor’s recommended budget also invests record funding in Florida’s education system, strengthens environmental protection efforts, supports law enforcement and fights for Florida’s growing job market.
Governor Scott said, “Florida businesses have added more than 1.2 million jobs over the last six years and our economy is booming because of our continued focus on cutting taxes, reducing burdensome regulations and fostering an environment where job creators can grow and succeed in Florida. Our ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ budget continues our hard work and cuts taxes by $618 million while making strategic investments in areas that are important to families. Because our economy continues to grow, we are able to make these investments while also paying down debt and setting aside $5 billion in reserves. I look forward to working with the Legislature this session to make Florida the best place in the world for our future generations.”
Cuts Taxes and Fees
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget proposes to cut taxes by more than $618 million including decreasing the tax on business rents,providing a one-year sales tax exemption on college textbooks, cutting the business tax, exempting school book fairs from the sales tax and implementing a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday, nine-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, three-day veteran’s sales tax holiday and one-day camping and fishing sales tax holiday.
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget also includes $8.1 million in additional annual fee cuts for Florida’s seniors, teachers, veterans and businesses, all while maintaining the quality of services provided.
Grows the Economy
Florida has created more than 1.25 million jobs in just six years and Governor Scott will keep fighting for jobs until his last day in office. The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget recommends $85 million for economic incentives for the sole purpose of bringing more jobs to Florida and supporting small businesses.
Invests in Education
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests historic funding in Florida’s education system to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the Sunshine State. Historic investments include:

  • Nearly $21 billion in state and local funding through the Florida Educational Finance Program (FEFP) for Florida’s K-12 public schools which equates to $7,421 per student. This is the highest total funding, state funding and per-student funding for K-12 in Florida’s history.
  • Governor Scott is also recommending a historic $6.6 billion in total funding for higher education in Florida which includes increased funding for the Bright Futures Scholarship program. There are also NO tuition increases included in the budget.

Protects the Environment
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests nearly $4 billion in Florida’s environment which includes:

  • $360 million for water quality projects which includes record funding once again for Florida’s springs of $65 million and $60 million for the new Indian River Lagoon and Caloosahatchee Clean-Up Initiative; and
  • $225 million for Everglades restoration.

Keeps Families Healthy
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget makes important investments which include:

  • More than $1 billion in mental health and substance abuse funding, including $18.7 million for community-based behavioral health services;
  • A record $632 million to provide core services to children who depend on Florida’s child welfare system; and
  • More than $7.4 million to remove everyone off of the critical needs waiting list at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) for the fourth consecutive year.

Builds Strong Communities
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests more than $5.1 billion in public safety and makes important investments to support Florida’s dedicated law enforcement officers. Key public safety investments include:

  • $14.6 million to award Florida’s nearly 4,800 sworn state law enforcement officers with a five percent pay raise;
  • $5.8 million to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to hire 46 new employees dedicated to counterterrorism; and
  • More than $45 million to increase the pay of Florida’s correctional and correctional probation officers.

Invests in Florida’s Veterans Community
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget recommends $102 million to support active military, veterans and their families.
Click here to view the Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
Click here to view the Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget FAQ.
Click here to view the Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget complete budget.

PSC Customer Service Hearings for Altamonte Springs and Lakeland

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites customers of Utilities Inc. of Florida (Utilities, Inc.) to participate in customer service hearings in Altamonte Springs and Lakeland on the utility’s petition for a water and wastewater rate increase.  The hearings will allow customers to provide public comment on Utilities Inc.’s rate request. Customer input will be taken into consideration when the Commission considers this request.
The service hearings are scheduled for the following times and locations:

Thursday, February 2, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Eastmonte Civic Center
830 Magnolia Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

6:00 p.m.
Cypress Lakes Clubhouse
10000 US Hwy 98 N
Lakeland, FL 32820

In August 2016, Utilities Inc. filed a petition with the PSC to increase its water and wastewater rates. Utilities Inc. provides service to 27 systems in Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Seminole Counties.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

FAMU Statement Regarding Executive Order Affecting Foreign Travel and Immigration

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Please find below a statement from Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., regarding the recent executive order affecting foreign travel and immigration.
“Florida A&M University has a strong and vibrant academic and research community, which includes diverse students, staff, and faculty representing various countries. The University remains committed to providing its faculty, staff, and students with a safe, positive, and fruitful working and learning environment regardless of their nation of origin.
As the University works to attain more information about the application and enforcement of the executive order, we encourage all faculty, staff, and students from the seven listed countries – Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen – to refrain from travel to these areas for the next 90 days. We also encourage those planning to travel abroad during this period and thereafter, including spring break excursions, to consult with the FAMU Office of International Education and Development before departing the country.
There are currently approximately 200 international students within our campus community, and we are working to determine how they, as well as international faculty and staff, have been impacted by the executive order.
The FAMU community encourages careful consideration of the effects the executive order will have on the U.S. higher education and research community, as FAMU students, faculty and staff are often involved in ongoing education, research, and service projects in the international arena.
We stand ready to assist in offering solutions to support and strengthen the higher education and research community in light of the recent changes to U.S. foreign travel and immigration policy.”

Gov. Rick Scott to unveil 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget

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Tomorrow, January 31st, Governor Rick Scott will unveil his 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget at the AP Legislative Planning Session.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: 22nd Floor
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL
NOTE: The Florida Channel will be carrying the Governor’s announcement live.
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: 12:00 PM
WHERE: The Governor’s Large Conference Room
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL

Flagler College takes top spot for Exceptional Student Education teaching program

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Exceptional Student Education has always been a popular program at Flagler College, and now it is ranked number one in the state. The program — at both St. Augustine and Tallahassee campuses — achieved the state’s highest ranking for teacher preparation at the elementary level, alongside Lynn University and Rollins College.
Dr. Michele Gregoire, professor and chair of the college’s Education Department, said that the school’s top ranking can be attributed to the program’s core components.
“I believe our emphasis on practicum in each methods course and the amount of experience our students gain in the classroom has always been one of our strengths,” she said. “Also, our dual programs in Elementary/Exceptional Student Education and Elementary/Deaf Education have long been a model for other colleges and have provided extremely well-prepared and competent teachers for all children.”
The state of Florida has implemented numerous policies aimed at ensuring that all students have effective teachers. It measures program performance through data that includes: how many completers of a program were placed into teaching or instructional positions in Florida public schools; the rate of retention in those positions; the performance of students assigned to those teachers using statewide assessments; and the results of annual evaluations. The “Florida Teacher Preparation Programs” report provides findings from this data, which will help programs improve their design and outcomes.
There are 100 providers of teacher preparation programs in Florida. Thirty-four are public colleges or universities, and 23 are private. The additional 43 are school districts that run Professional Development Certification Programs. There is a total of 348 programs offered at these providers.
To read the full report, visit here.

Sen. Bill Nelson's letter to Trump re: executive order on immigration

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) sent a letter today to President Trump to express his concern that the president’s executive order on immigration could undermine our national security.
Below is the full text of Nelson’s letter:

January 30, 2017

President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I write to express my concern with your recent Executive Order, “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” Regardless of the constitutionality or legality of this Executive Order, I am deeply concerned that it may do more harm than good in our fight to keep America safe.
Defeating the diabolical threat of terrorism is imperative to our national security. Our military and intelligence professionals are engaged around the world in the fight against terrorist groups like ISIS. Our success in this fight, both at home and abroad, depends on the cooperation and assistance of Muslims who reject radicalism and violence. Whether intended or not, this Executive Order risks alienating the very people we rely upon in the fight against terror.
Over the weekend, numerous people were detained at U.S. ports of entry, including an Iraqi interpreter who served alongside our troops. When we promise sanctuary to individuals who risk their lives assisting U.S. forces in the fight against terrorism, it is both unfair and counterproductive to turn them away at our shores.
While we must do everything in our power to protect the United States, I am concerned this Executive Order will only undermine our counterterrorism efforts. I urge you to develop policy that keeps America safe, builds trust with our partners, and demonstrates compassion to those who need our help.

Sincerely,

bill nelson signature

cc: Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly
Secretary of Defense James Mattis
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Michael Pompeo
Acting Director of National Intelligence Michael Dempsey

Gov. Scott Fights to Cut More Than $8 Million in Fees

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that he will cut over $8 million in additional annual fees for Florida’s veterans, seniors and businesses during the upcoming legislative session. Governor Scott has been fighting to eliminate fees and unnecessary regulations since he first took office.
Governor Rick Scott said, “When we cut fees and taxes, it helps businesses create jobs, and reduces costs for families across our state. This session I look forward to working with the Legislature to cut more than $8 million in unnecessary fees. We have to continue to do all we can to return more money back to families and job creators.”
Some of the fee cuts include:
Fee Cuts for Seniors

  • Free Vehicle Title Transfers for Surviving Spouses. Currently, surviving spouses are required to pay the $70 fee to retitle deceased spouses’ vehicles. This will exempt spouses from paying the fee and save $1.6 million for Floridians annually.
  • Free Replacement and Renewal ID Cards for Citizens 80 and over. This will exempt seniors 80 and over from paying the $25 fee on new or replacement ID cards. This will save over $700,000 for Florida’s seniors.
  • Free Original ID Cards for Citizens 80 and Over Who Surrender Their Driver License. Many senior citizens decide to no longer hold a driver license to operate a vehicle, yet still need an ID card. The Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget exempts citizens over the age of 80 from paying the $25 fee who surrender their license. This is expected to save $2.3 million for Florida’s seniors.

Fee Cuts for Veterans

  • Free Veteran Designation on New Identification, Licenses, and Renewals. Florida is the most military friendly state in the nation, and having a veteran’s designation on an id makes accessing some of these advantages easier. The Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget recommends eliminating the $1 or $2 fee required to get this designation on ID or drivers licenses when either renewing or replacing a license. This will save $58,000 for Florida veterans.
  • Free Commercial Driver’s Licenses for Veterans. This will save veterans who obtain an original commercial driver’s license the $75 fee and will save Florida’s veterans about $141,000 annually.

Fee Cuts for Businesses

  • Reducing All Fees Associated with Commercial Driving Schools by 50%. This will cut the new application fee from $50 to $25, the new issuance fee from $200 to $100, and the annual renewal fee from $100 to $50. This is expected to save Floridian’s $25,000 annually.
  • Reducing Delinquency Fees. Individuals who are late renewing their license must currently pay a separate “delinquency fee” in addition to their renewal fee ranging from $25 to $260. The Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget recommends reducing delinquency fees to a flat rate of $25, saving licensees $680,000 annually.
  • Reducing Building Permit Surcharge. Currently, to help fund the enforcement of the Florida Building Code, local builders are required to pay a 1.5% surcharge on building permits. The current surcharge amount creates increased construction costs for consumers. The Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget will reduce the surcharge amount from 1.5% to 1%. Resulting in nearly $2.6 million in annual savings for consumers while still maintain sufficient funds for code enforcement activities.
  • Eliminating Sales and Use Tax Registration Fees Using Paper Applications. Many businesses are required to pay sales and use taxes each year. Currently, businesses are not required to pay any fee if filed online, however, if filed using paper application they are charged a $5 fee. The Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget will eliminate this $5 fee, saving Florida businesses more than $130,000 annually.

Senator Doug Broxson said, “I am proud to make lowering fees for Florida families and businesses a priority this session. Governor Scott has been a leader on eliminating fees and regulations for Floridians and I thank him for championing these fee reductions today.”
Representative Brad Drake said, “Economic development is one of the most important issues our residents face, not only in North Florida, but across the state. By cutting state fees we will allow hard earned dollars to remain with Floridians where they belong.”
In addition to fee cuts, Governor Scott proposed the “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tax Cut Package that includes four sales tax holidays which will save Florida families an estimated $98 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include $18.4 million in savings from a three-day veteran’s sales tax holiday. Florida would be the first state to provide a sales tax holiday for veterans and active duty service members.

Mayo man claims $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 FORTUNE Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Walter Rice, 53, of Mayo, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 FORTUNE Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Rice chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $792,000.00. He purchased his winning ticket from Jiffy Food, located at 213 East Main Street in Mayo.
The $25 Scratch-Off game, $10,000,000 FORTUNE, launched in February 2016, and features more than $623 million in total cash prizes, including 46 prizes of $1 million and four prizes of $10 million. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-2.88.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 65 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $734 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2015-16.

FPL’s Increasingly Speculative Proposed Nuclear Reactors at Turkey Point Face Further Obstacles

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FPL’s Increasingly Speculative Proposed Nuclear Reactors at Turkey Point Face Further Obstacles as Toshiba-Westinghouse Faces Financial Meltdown

Utility, state and federal regulators should halt project, investigate

The unfolding financial meltdown of Japanese giant Toshiba, parent company of Westinghouse Electric Corp., the designer and builder of the two proposed AP1000 reactors at FPL’s Turkey Point facility, raises significant questions about the feasibility of FPL’s project and further underscores the likelihood that this project will never even begin construction. It was recently reported that Toshiba, via Westinghouse, is exiting the nuclear construction business. 

Due to a controversial early nuclear cost recovery law passed by the Florida state legislature in 2006 that shifted all the financial risk of construction activities from utility shareholders to customers, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved collection from FPL customers of over $282 million for the increasingly speculative reactor project, units 6 and 7, at Turkey Point, near Homestead, Florida. Additionally, FPL has yet to receive a combined operating license (COL) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which the utility applied for in 2010.

Clean energy advocacy organization, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, which has participated in proceedings before the PSC and NRC for many years, demands that FPL halt the project and that state and federal regulators cease permitting and related efforts required for the project until the full ramifications of Toshiba’s financial situation are evaluated. Below is SACE’s executive director, Dr. Stephen A. Smith’s statement: 

“FPL’s Turkey Point nuclear expansion project was questionable from the beginning and now nearly a decade later with hundreds of millions of customers’ dollars spent, there is even less likelihood that this risky, expensive project will ever materialize. Until the fallout from Toshiba-Westinghouse’s financial meltdown can be better understood, several things must happen at the state and federal levels.

The Florida PSC needs to immediately stop FPL from collecting any further charges from ratepayers for Turkey Point 6 and 7 as there is no way any additional expenses can be deemed as a prudent investment. The PSC should also begin an investigation on the ramifications of Westinghouse being out of the nuclear construction business. Any state permitting of this project for transmission lines and other needs has to stop.

The NRC should investigate as well and report to the public, state and federal agencies as to what this means for not only FPL’s proposed reactors, but any proposed AP1000 project and the delayed, over-budget four reactors under construction at Southern Company’s Plant Vogtle in Georgia and SCANA’s V.C. Summer in South Carolina.

And last, but certainly not least, FPL has to come clean and report to their customers via the PSC on the actual economic feasibility of this project, which they failed to do last year. Not one more dollar of customers’ money should be spent on this debacle. Customers will only truly be protected if FPL admits that the Turkey Point expansion project is uneconomical and stops wasting their customers’ limited financial resources.”

About Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that work to address the impacts of global climate change and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.