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House Approves Bipartisan Mast-Murphy Measure to Help Hire More Disabled Veterans

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Amendment increases funding for the Wounded Warrior Program, which
provides two-year paid fellowships in U.S. House offices for disabled veterans

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a bipartisan measure spearheaded by U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18) and Stephanie Murphy (FL-7) to help more disabled veterans transition to the civilian workforce.  The measure, passed as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019 Legislative Branch appropriations bill, increases funding for the U.S. House’s Wounded Warrior Program, which provides two-year paid fellowships for disabled veterans to work in the Washington or district offices of Members of Congress.  There are currently 47 disabled veterans working in House offices through the Wounded Warrior initiative, and this new funding will help the program reach its ultimate goal of supporting 110 paid fellowships.

“After I opened our Congressional office inside the West Palm Beach VA, we set out to hire a wounded warrior to help us because I know that veterans are among the most qualified applicants for any position thanks to the skills they learned in the military,” Rep. Mast said.  “This amendment is a win-win: giving disabled veterans a great opportunity to transition into a new career while improving constituent services in Congressional offices across the country.”

The Mast-Murphy amendment increases funding for the Wounded Warrior Program by $250,000, from $2.75 million to $3.0 million.  In addition to Reps. Mast and Murphy, U.S. Representatives Dan Kildee (MI-5) and Tulsi Gabbard (HI-2) co-led the amendment.

“Our veterans, especially those wounded in the line of duty, have fought hard to protect our nation, and Congress should fight just as hard for them,” Rep. Murphy said.  “The Wounded Warrior fellowship program helps veterans succeed after they leave the military by affording them potentially life-changing personal and professional opportunities to gain experience in congressional offices. Veterans can use the valuable skills they honed in the military to help constituents, including fellow veterans, in congressional districts across the country.  I’m proud to work with Congressman Mast to create more opportunities for disabled veterans to get the skills, training, and expertise that will help them succeed.”

Shortly after opening the first-ever Congressional office inside a VA facility, Rep. Mast announced that his office was seeking a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for a fellowship working at the office.  The office is in the final phases of selecting a fellow to handle military and veterans-related casework from a qualified group of candidates.

Wounded warrior fellowships enable disabled veterans to gain professional experience and develop their skills while they determine their long-term career interests and goals.  Participating veterans perform a variety of duties, including legislative work and constituent advocacy.  As a result of their military service, fellows provide invaluable support to Member offices, especially on defense and veterans issues.  To qualify for the program, an applicant must be an honorably discharged veteran released from active duty within the last five years.  The applicant must have a 20 percent or greater service-connected disability or be a Purple Heart recipient.

For more information on the Wounded Warrior Program, click here.

House Passes Three Appropriations Bills for Fiscal Year 2019

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The House of Representatives today voted to pass H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill makes major investments in water infrastructure and coastal flood protection, increases funding for veterans’ health care and benefits, and bolsters our military assets.

Of great importance to Northeast Florida, the bill includes $111 million for two much needed facilities for the training and support of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) crews at Naval Station Mayport. Upon House passage of the bill, Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL) released the following statement:

“The passage of this appropriations package signals that the House of Representatives is dedicated to good stewardship of taxpayer funds,” said Congressman Rutherford. “I am especially proud of the military construction funding for the new facilities at Naval Station Mayport. These facilities will ensure that the LCS crews are adequately trained as we continue to rebuild our fleet and deploy these ships in future years. I am also proud that the VA portion of this bill included an amendment I cosponsored that ensures veterans can choose whether they receive orthotic and prosthetic care at the VA or in their communities.”

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill contains $85.3 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest dollar amount in history for the VA, while strengthening oversight and accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used to best benefit our veterans. Additionally, the bill provides funding and resources to resolve claims for more than 450,000 veterans who are waiting for the compensation they deserve.

The Energy and Water appropriations bill makes significant investments in our nation’s water infrastructure, including $3.3B for navigation projects, like the ongoing deep dredge project at JAXPORT that will allow larger Panamax ships to bring cargo in and out of Jacksonville. It also includes $2.1 billion for flood and storm damage reduction projects, like the on-going beach renourishment initiatives that make Florida’s coastal communities more resilient to hurricanes and storms. It also includes funding for research and development to continue securing our nation’s electric grid against cyber and other attacks.

The Legislative Branch appropriations bill contains an increase of $29.9 million to enhance the safety and security for the thousands of guests who visit the U.S. Capitol every day. The bill also maintains the 10 percent spending cut for Congress that has been in place since Fiscal Year 2010 and provides funds for the Government Accountability Office to continue its critical oversight work, which provides Congress with reporting on how taxpayer dollars are spent on federal programs.

Nelson pushes to halt Trump administration policy of separating families at the border

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Nelson calls policy “inhumane,” files new legislation to
prohibit DHS from separating children from parents

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and several other federal lawmakers are taking action to try to stop the Trump administration’s practice of separating children from their parents when they enter the U.S.

Nelson was one of approximately three dozen senators who cosigned a letter to President Trump Thursday calling for his administration to stop the “inhumane” practice of ripping families apart.

“Your decision to separate children from their parents at the border is cruel, unnecessary, ineffective, and goes against our values as Americans,” the lawmakers wrote. “There is no legitimate reason why these children need to be separated from their parents. … We ask that your Administration rescind this unethical, ineffective, and inhumane policy and instead prioritize approaches that align with our humanitarian American values.”

In addition to urging the president to take immediate action to end the administration’s policy, Nelson and a separate group of lawmakers also filed a bill late Thursday that would, by law, prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from separating a child from his or her parents at the border, except in extraordinary circumstances or when it’s in the child’s best interest.

Specifically, under the legislation, officials would be prohibited from separating a child from his or her parents unless a state court or welfare agency orders them to do so because they believe it would in the child’s best interest, or officials determine that the child is vulnerable to abuse or trafficking.

In addition to prohibiting most future separations, the legislation would require all Customs and Border Protections officers and agents to complete annual child welfare training, and, if a child is separated from his or her parents, it would require the agency to provide the parents with regular updates on the well-being of their children and information on how to find them.

It’s not the first time Nelson has taken action to try to stop the administration’s policy. Earlier this year, Nelson called for a federal investigation into the Department of Homeland Security’s policy of separating children from their parents at the border.

“We must return to our true American values by treating those seeking asylum with dignity and respect and keeping families together,” Nelson said last week, condemning the administration’s actions.

A .pdf of Nelson’s letter to Trump is available here.

Text of the legislation Nelson and others filed is available here.

AHCA launches website to provide constant updates on emergency power rule compliance

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The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) today launched a new, interactive website that allows families to find out which nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Florida are in compliance with the emergency power rules. This webpage updates daily and enables viewers to view data by county, facility type, and status of compliance. Recognizing the significant public interest in this issue, AHCA is prioritizing the transparency of this data availability.

AHCA also announced that currently, 99 percent of nursing homes and a majority of the assisted living facility (ALF) beds are in homes that have the emergency backup power that is required by the rules or have submitted a plan to have this power installed within the coming months. AHCA’s new website is important as it will be updated daily to reflect facilities coming into compliance with the rules and those installing emergency backup power. Data shows that 683 of 684 nursing homes are in compliance, and 1,620 ALFs are in compliance, representing 71,974 licensed beds out of 101,997.

Secretary Justin Senior said, “Ensuring the safety of the patients and residents in Florida’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities is our Agency’s top priority, and we’re proud that Florida is one of the first states in the country to require this critical safety measure. Families must have the assurance that the facilities responsible for caring for their loved ones have the resources needed to be fully prepared ahead of any potential storms. These life-saving rules put safeguards in place and now, more than ever, facilities are prepared for an event that could knock out power. We will continue to do everything in our power to hold these important facilities accountable and strictly enforce these rules which include fines for facilities refusing to comply.”

AHCA is working with state and local officials to inspect the facilities that have implemented their emergency plan to ensure compliance. If a facility has not documented compliance, AHCA will issue fines and other penalties. The Agency is also actively working to bring every facility in Florida into compliance and hold those accountable that are not.

Pursuant to Florida law, a private business may seek a variance from any rule, given the business meets stringent requirements specific to that variance. While extensions are allowable under the rule, before one is approved by AHCA, the facility must provide a detailed explanation of how they will ensure patient protection during the extension timeframe. There are a variety of reasons a facility could request an extension, for example if they are waiting on the local emergency management officials to approve their plan, or if they are waiting on permits for construction or zoning. Extension details include how patient temperatures will remain safe during loss of power, such as how the facility will be cooled and evacuation plans if needed.

Examples of plans during the extension period include:

  • Bringing a temporary generator onsite during power outages;
  • Contracting for priority fuel replenishment during a power outage;
  • Moving residents to common areas that can be cooled with an existing generator; and
  • Evacuation if needed.

AHCA is tasked with regulating the state’s nursing homes and ALFs, which ensure that Florida’s most vulnerable populations are safe.  These licensed facilities must comply with all rules including patient care standards, medication assistance and administration, and other life safety measures; the same compliance is expected for emergency power requirements.  Inspections are ongoing to monitor compliance.

To easily see the status of compliance for nursing homes and assisted living facilities click here. This easy to use site allows you to see the status of implementation by facility, facility type and county.

Ben Griffin Announces Run for House District 49

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The lifelong Orlando resident plans to focus on limited government and a stronger education system

Ben Griffin today announced his candidacy for the Florida House of Representatives in District 49. Griffin, a Republican, is running on a platform of limited government, stronger education, and Christian values. The seat is currently held by Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat.

“Our area needs a strong and steady leader that reflects our values in Tallahassee,” said Griffin. “As a lifelong resident of this district, I’m very familiar with both our challenges and our opportunities, and I will work hard every day to represent the best interests of the hardworking taxpayers who call District 49 home.”

[Read more…] about Ben Griffin Announces Run for House District 49

Survivors, Community Leaders Rally for Action 2 Years After Orlando Attack

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Activists highlight gun safety, LGBTQ+ equality, and
survivor resources in wake of political inaction

Pulse and Parkland survivors will join with grassroots organizations, community and faith leaders, and Orlando March For Our Lives students to demand action from political leaders to end the epidemic of gun violence, reject NRA influence, and address the forgotten needs of the community two years after a horrific mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub on Latin Night in Orlando left 49 people dead.

612 days passed between Pulse and Parkland while Governor Rick Scott did nothing to reduce gun violence. His promise to take executive action to protect LGBTQ+ state workers from discrimination was broken and mental health funding for Central Florida was slashed.

Two years later, we renew our calls to #HonorThemWithAction through advocacy and political activism to ensure all communities, including the most marginalized, are kept safe from gun violence and that the memories of those taken by the epidemic of gun violence are never forgotten.

WHO: Rally Organizer: Brandon Wolf, Pulse survivor, No NRA Money national spokesperson

Participating Organizations:

The Campaign To Keep Guns Off Campus, Equality Florida, Faith In Public Life, Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Florida PTA, Gays Against Guns, March for Our Lives Orlando, Moms Demand Action, No NRA Money, QLatinx

Speakers to include:

Brandon Wolf, Pulse Survivor and No NRA Money Spokesperson
Aly Justice, M4OL – Orlando
Maria and Fred Wright, Parents of Pulse Victim Jerald Wright
Daniel Duff, Parkland Survivor, M4OL
Diego Pfeiffer, Parkland Survivor, M4OL
Ishmael K. Perez, QLatinx
Terri Steed, Joy Metropolitan Community Church

WHEN: Monday, June 11th 6:00PM – 7:30PM

WHERE: Orlando City Hall

RSVP: Credentialed members of the media who would like to attend should RSVP to [email protected]

SOCIAL MEDIA HASHTAGS: #forthe49, #honorthemwithaction, #noNRAmoney

I-4 Nighttime Closures and Detours Next Week

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Bridge construction activities will require nighttime closures and detours of Interstate 4 (I-4)/State Road 400/Beville Road in the eastbound direction Tuesday night and in both directions Wednesday night, with Thursday night as a backup. The closures will occur near the Interstate 95 interchange.

Detours will be well marked. Travelers are advised to slow down, and follow the detour signs through construction zones. Posted detours are:

  • I-4 eastbound to State Road 400 (Beville Road) traffic: Take I-4 exit 129 towards U.S. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard) to I-95 southbound to exit 260A towards State Road 400 (Beville Road)
  • I-4 eastbound to I-95 southbound traffic: Take I-4 exit 129 towards U.S. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard) to I-95 southbound
  • State Road 400 (Beville Road) westbound to I-4 westbound traffic: Take I-95 northbound to exit 260C towards U.S. 92 (International Speedway) to I-4 westbound
  • I-4 exit 132A towards I-95 northbound will remain open

Please note construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances, and if this happens, the closures may be rescheduled.

Updates will be available on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website, CFLRoads.com.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

FDOT advises drivers to slow down and use extra caution in construction zones.

Gov. Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Invite K-12 Students to Participate in 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests

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Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott announced the 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month contests for students and educators and invited Florida K-12 students to participate in the essay and art contests. Parents, students, teachers and principals are also invited to nominate full-time, outstanding educators for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.

Governor Scott said, “I encourage all Florida students to take advantage of the summer break to learn about the many influential Hispanic-Americans who have helped shape the Sunshine State. This year, students will be competing for a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship, which will help them live their dreams in Florida.”

First Lady Ann Scott said, “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an exciting opportunity to focus on Hispanic-Americans and the role they played in shaping today’s Florida. When I visit schools to share my passion for reading and literacy, the students are always so enthusiastic about learning. I hope Florida students use this opportunity to explore Florida’s rich Hispanic culture. I am also honored to highlight the work of the immensely gifted Juan “One” Sepúlveda, our 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month featured artist.”

The theme for this year’s essay and art contests is “A Celebration of Innovative Hispanic-American Leaders.” Students are asked to share how Hispanic Floridians have impacted our state’s history and culture. More information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month is available at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.  

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month featured artist is Juan “One” Sepúlveda.

About the Student Contests
Art Contest for Grades K-3: The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to allFlorida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected.

Essay Contest for Grades 4-12: The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to allFlorida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementarystudent (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high schoolstudent (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarshipprovided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

About the Excellence in Education Award
Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all Hispanic, full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school (grades K-5) teacher, one middle school (grades 6-8) teacher and one high school (grades 9-12) teacher.

All entry forms and guidelines for the contests, as well as additional information about Florida’sHispanic Heritage Month and other related events, can be found at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

Contest Entries and Nominations
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.  Please mail your forms to:

Volunteer Florida
3800 Esplanade Way
Suite 180
Tallahassee, FL 32311

All entries must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online and received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018.

For additional information about Florida’s Hispanic Heritage, contests and other related events, please visit FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

 

Image source: FloridaHispanicHeritage.com

Double Lane Shift Planned for John Young Parkway in Orlando

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On Saturday, June 9, motorists can expect a temporary traffic shift for northbound lanes on State Road (S.R.) 423/John Young Parkway in Orlando.

From about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., both northbound lanes just north of Silver Star Road will be shifted toward the median to allow the contractor to complete a pipe crossing under John Young Parkway.

Electronic message boards and other signage will be used to direct traffic. Motorists should exercise extra caution when driving through the work zone.

The work is part of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to widen S.R. 423/John Young Parkway from S.R. 50/West Colonial Drive to Shader Road. Please note constructionschedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen events.

Schedule updates are available on the FDOT Central Florida website, cflroads.com.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

FDOT advises drivers to slow down and use extra caution in construction zones.