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New grant will strengthen paths to industrial management degree

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A new $10,000 grant will help Daytona State College design a system that recognizes work-based experience and non-traditional business and industry certifications for students to pursue an associate of science degree in Industrial Management Technology (IMT). The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) awarded DSC the grant to work with local industry to develop pathways for employee advancement through education, which mutually benefits employers.

Daytona State was one of 25 institutions to be awarded the grant out of 374 invited to apply. It is being funded through the SACSCOC by the Lumina Foundation for Education.

“We fuel the talent pipeline when we create opportunities, introduce clear and well-articulated pathway options and guide informed choices,” said Dr. Sherryl Weems, associate vice president of DSC’s College of Workforce, Continuing and Adult Education. “This initiative supports our faculty in defining curriculum in Industrial Management Technology that connects credentials and experiences with degree pathways. Students will emerge better prepared and guided toward informed academic and career choices, thus fueling the talent pipeline for our region.”

According to SACSCOC President Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, more than 20 percent of U.S. adults have completed a work-experience program that does not necessarily result in an academic credential, such as apprenticeships, co-ops, clerkships, residencies or clinical experiences. A similar proportion have a no-degree credential awarded by a government agency, professional association or certifying board.

The grant will allow DSC faculty to develop new rubrics to evaluate, integrate and align such credentials and work experiences so they can be converted into academic credits leading to the Industrial Management Technology degree. The IMT program gives graduates of certificate and registered apprenticeship programs additional technical and supervisory skills, as well as enhanced general education skills needed for success in entry-level management positions.

The program’s curriculum will be revised to reflect the expansion of regional workforce needs in manufacturing, construction and entrepreneurial fields, as well as address the growing demand for managers and supervisors in all industry sectors. DSC will prepare well-defined career-pathway maps articulating multiple entry and exit points, as well as certificates and other stackable credentials.

DSC utilizes the Assessment of Prior Learning Experience (APLE) portfolio evaluation to establish proof of successful achievement of required learning outcomes via documented work experience.

Important Notice on Agency for Persons with Disabilities Regarding Security Breach

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On April 10, an employee of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was a victim of a malicious phishing email. APD immediately began investigating this potential security breach. To date, there is no indication that any sensitive information has been misused. However, in an abundance of caution we are sending a notification to 1,951 APD customers or guardians, and providing a one-year membership with a credit monitoring service because client names, addresses, birth dates, health information, telephone numbers, and Social Security numbers were potentially included in these email accounts.

APD takes this matter very seriously and has taken steps to protect personal information, including taking swift action to help prevent this type of event from happening again. On April 13, APD implemented a security upgrade to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to APD’s email system. APD will also be enacting additional training for staff members regarding appropriate email security protocols.

At this time, APD has no reason to believe individuals’ information has been misused. Again, in an abundance of caution and to help individuals detect any possible misuse of this information, we are providing a one-year membership with a credit monitoring service for those who could have been affected. This service will be free for APD clients. For more information, individuals may call APD’s hotline at 1-855-476-1180. If you are writing on this event, it is imperative to include APD’s hotline phone number in your reporting.

APD is notifying all potentially affected customers in accordance with state and federal law, including information on credit monitoring services. Pursuant to 45 CFR 164 and Section 501.171, Florida Statutes, this is notification that the Agency for Persons with Disabilities had a security breach, which may have affected 1,951 individuals in the state of Florida.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with severe autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

2nd Infantry Regiment U.S. Colored Troops invite community to “Walk Through Living History” on May 12

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The 2nd Infantry Regiment U.S. Colored Troops Living History Association, in partnership with the John G. Riley Center Museum, presents the 6th Annual Walk Through Living History Festival Parade and Day in the Park, on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Tallahassee.
The day begins with a parade at 9 a.m. featuring Junior ROTC groups, school bands, and groups from throughout the city. The parade goes down Okaloosa St. and ends at Speed Spencer Stephens Park at 1907 Saxon St. The main feature of the park will be living history demonstrations depicting civilian and military life prior to, during and after the Civil War.
This family-friendly event will have train rides, horseback rides, and games for the kids, as well as stage presentations. Attendees will be able to travel back in time and visit Civil War campsites, chat with “Frederick Douglass,” Black Seminole Indians and Buffalo Soldiers. Local food and retail vendors will showcase their wares.

CRC Submits Final Report to Florida Secretary of State

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Pursuant to Article XI, Section 2 of the Florida Constitution, the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today submitted its final report to the Florida Secretary of State. The final report contains eight CRC revisions that will appear as constitutional amendments on the 2018 General Election ballot for voter consideration.

CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “A diverse group of Florida leaders have done a tremendous job representing Floridians. After holding more than 15 public hearings, the most in CRC history, and reviewing thousands of public comments, we submitted a compelling set of transformational proposals that have the potential to benefit Floridians for generations to come. The CRC is giving Floridians the opportunity to vote ‘yes’ on several important issues including ethics reform in government, rights for victims of crime, prohibiting oil drilling in state waters, and necessary education reforms. I commend my fellow Commissioners for their service and we thank all Floridians who participated in this historic process.”

A copy of the final report submitted to the Florida Secretary of State is available online at flcrc.gov/Reference. Proposed constitutional revisions on the ballot must secure at least 60 percent voter approval to become law.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Addresses Palm Beach State College Graduates

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Florida Commissioner Adam H. Putnam today provided the commencement address to approximately 1,300 graduates of Palm Beach State College.

“What this degree represents is more than just the gowns and pageantry. This represents the late nights in classrooms, workshops and hospitals, late nights after a full day’s work, or late nights after tucking your own kids into bed.

“This degree represents the effort, the hard work and the perseverance you invested in earning this degree and there should be no question in your mind that all those late nights, hard work, and sacrifices were worth every minute, because this degree is part of your ticket to the American Dream.

“It is your key to a good paying career, and can provide for you and your family for years to come. You now have the skills and the training to compete in this economy and win.

“As a state, we need to invest more in students, like you. Every Floridian should have the opportunity to find their piece of the American Dream without having to leave Florida to find it.

“The value of our state colleges, it’s close to home, it’s affordable and flexible, it works around you, it serves the population of our state who is hungry to get that degree and willing to sacrifice to make it happen.

“Now you have your ticket to the American Dream, what you do with it is entirely up to you. It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s your core values that are embedded in it.”

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Nelson renews call for Congress to cut student loan interest rates

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Move comes as feds prepare to increase rates for second straight year

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is renewing his call on Congress to take up and pass legislation he filed to cut federal student loan interest rates and allow borrowers with existing loans to refinance those loans to a new lower rate.

The move comes as the federal government prepares to increase federal student loan interest rates for the second year in a row.

“Higher education is becoming unaffordable for low- and middle-income individuals, and the federal government shouldn’t be putting it further out of reach,” Nelson wrote in a letter to the leaders of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee today. “I strongly urge you to include S. 1521, the Student Loan Relief Act of 2017, as part of any upcoming Higher Education Act (HEA) reauthorization to help provide some much-needed relief to both future and past student borrowers across the country.”

Starting July 1, interest rates for new undergraduate student loans will be 5.045 percent, up from 4.45 percent this year. For graduate students, rates will increase to 6.595 percent, up from 6 percent. And rates for Federal PLUS loans be 7.595 percent, up from 7 percent.

Nelson filed legislation last summer to cap federal student loan interest rates for undergraduate students at 4 percent, graduate students at 5 percent, and PLUS loans at 6 percent. The legislation is currently pending before the Senate HELP committee.

More than 43 million Americans currently have outstanding student loan debt. In Florida alone, students graduating with a four-year degree leave college with more than $24,000 in student loan debt on average. Federal student loan interest rates are set annually, with new rates taking effect on July 1 of each year.

Under current law, federal student loan interest rates are fixed for the lifetime of the loan and cannot be refinanced, even if rates go lower. Nelson says lowering the interest rate caps and allowing borrowers to refinance their existing loans would help make higher education more affordable for students across the country.

A copy of the letter Nelson sent to the HELP committee today to urge them to take up and pass his bill is available here.

A copy of Nelson’s bill is available here.

Recent background article on the upcoming rate hikes:

Interest rates on federal student loans to rise again this year

By Michael Stratford
05/09/2018 01:29 PM EDT

The cost of borrowing money from the federal government to pay for college is set to increase for the second year in a row.

The interest rates on new federal student loans for the coming academic year will jump by more than half of a percentage point following the Treasury Department’s sale today of 10-year notes, which is the government security to which the rates are tied.

For new undergraduate student loans, the interest rate will increase to 5.045 percent, up from 4.45 percent.

The rate on direct loans for graduate students will rise to 6.595 percent from this year’s 6 percent.

And the interest rates on federal PLUS loans — both for graduate students or parents paying for their children’s education — will be 7.595 percent, up from the current 7 percent.

The new interest rates take effect on July 1 for the 2018-2019 school year and are fixed for the lifetime of the loan.

The changes don’t affect borrowers who already have federal student loans.

Magar to seek re-election to Florida House

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State Representative MaryLynn Magar looks forward to working
with House leadership for more jobs and a stronger state economy

State Representative MaryLynn Magar made the following statement regarding her plans for 2018: 

“After much prayer and consultation with my family, I have decided to seek a fourth and final term in the Florida House of Representatives. Serving the residents of District 82 in the Florida House has been the honor of a lifetime for me, and I want to conclude my service there with a strong finish. While the timing of President Negron’s retirement from the Florida Senate presented an opportunity, I’ve never wanted to take a step to further my political career at the expense of serving the people who have put their confidence in me as their representative. I look forward to working hard to continue earning their trust this year 

“There is more work to be done, and I believe my experience and good working relationship with incoming Speaker Oliva put me in an exceptional position to continue reaching our goals of a stronger economy, more jobs, increased public safety, and protections for our precious natural resources. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the House leadership team to keep Florida on the path to continued prosperity.”

About MaryLynn Magar for State Representative
MaryLynn Magar was first elected in 2012 and represents District 82 in the Florida House of Representatives. She is Vice President and General Manager of HeartCare Imaging, Inc. She is the former Republican State Committeewoman in Martin County and has been a member of the Martin County Republican Executive Committee since 1993. She was active in the campaign efforts for Jeb Bush for Governor and George W. Bush for President. Within her community, Magar is a Eucharistic Minister for St. Jude Catholic Church and is Team Mom for Jupiter-Tequesta Athletic Association. Magar lives in Tequesta with her daughter, Samantha, and husband, Bob, who is President and CEO of HeartCare Imaging, Inc., and a board member of Florida Atlantic University.

ON THE WEB:  marylynnmagar.com

Paid by MaryLynn Magar, Republican, for State Representative

House Judiciary Committee Approves Bill to Prevent Attacks Against Law Enforcement Officers

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The House Judiciary Committee today approved by voice vote the Protect and Serve Act of 2018 (H.R. 5698). This bill, authored by Congressman John Rutherford (R-Fla.), provides a significant deterrent for those seeking to attack police officers.

Attacks against police officers continue to rise across the country. For instance, in July 2016, police officers in Dallas, Texas were ambushed and fired upon, resulting in the death of five police officers and injuring another nine. Ten days later, six police officers were shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Three officers died and three were hospitalized. And just last month, two sheriffs’ deputies were gunned down eating at a Chinese food restaurant in a suspected ambush in Gainesville, Florida. In 2016 alone, 64 police officers died in action and 21 in ambush style attacks – police ambush deaths were up 250%.

To combat attacks against police officers, the Protect and Serve Act allows for the federal prosecution of those who knowingly cause or attempt to cause significant bodily injury to any law enforcement officer. In order to qualify for federal prosecution, the victim must either be a federal law enforcement officer, or, if a state or local officer, there must be a nexus to interstate commerce.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Congressman Rutherford praised today’s approval of the bill in the statements below.

Chairman Goodlatte: “Every day, police officers across the country put their lives at risk to keep Americans safe. From routine duties to emergency responses, danger is always lurking for the men and women who wear the badge. Sadly, our nation has witnessed an increase in attacks against law enforcement officers in recent years and these attacks show no signs of stopping. We must do more to prevent attacks against our nation’s heroes. TheProtect and Serve Act provides a new tool to deter attacks on police officers by allowing for the federal prosecution of those who attack or seek to harm them. I applaud Representative John Rutherford for introducing the Protect and Serve Act and am pleased the House Judiciary Committee today approved this bill. I also want to thank Representative Ken Buck for his work on this issue, and his dedication to protecting and serving the men and women of law enforcement.”

Congressman Rutherford: “As a career law enforcement officer and sheriff of Jacksonville for 12 years, I know what officers go through every day when they put on their uniform, say goodbye to their families, and go out on the streets doing the important work of protecting our communities. With an uptick in ambush attacks on law enforcement, like we saw last month in Trenton, Florida, we must ensure that there are steep consequences for anyone who targets our law enforcement officers. The Protect and Serve Act will serve as a significant deterrent for anyone who deliberately targets officers with violence. I want to thank my friend, Congresswoman Val Demings for her leadership on this bill and for her support of law enforcement officers across the country.”

The Protect and Serve Act is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs Association, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.

CFO Jimmy Patronis Debunks Top Hurricane Insurance Myths

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During National Hurricane Preparedness Week’s “Get an Insurance Check Up” day, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds Floridians that now, more than ever, is the time to prepare for the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season. In his continued efforts to ensure Floridians are well-prepared, CFO Patronis has debunked the top myths and most common insurance-related misunderstandings when preparing and recovering from a tropical weather event.

“The 2017 Hurricane Season impacted virtually every county in Florida, with Hurricane Irma resulting in more than $8.6 billion in insured losses,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “From property damage ranging from wind to flood, my office fielded more than 9,300 calls and received about 2,500 complaints stemming from the nearly 1 million insurance claims filed from Hurricane Irma alone. We recovered millions for Floridians, but found the majority of the complaints stemmed from a few common misunderstandings.”

MYTH 1: I already have homeowner’s insurance, so everything on my property is covered and I’m financially prepared for the storm season.
FACT: All homeowner’s insurance policies contain limitations and exclusions. Also, you may need a separate policy for windstorm or flood if these coverages are not included in your homeowner’s policy. It is important to review your policy to understand your coverages and exclusions.

MYTH 2: When an insurance company denies a claim, or provides an inadequate claim payment, I must pay out-of-pocket to cover any additional expenses from damages that occurred to my property.
FACT: You should always get a second opinion to verify the cause of loss and/or the cost to repair or replace the damage.

MYTH 3: When contractors offer to waive my insurance deductible to provide repairs at a discounted rate, this is simply a kind gesture. 
FACT: Waiving the deductible or providing a discounted rate directly to you is a form of insurance fraud.

MYTH 4: An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement is the only way to get immediate assistance for Floridians who have damage to their property.
FACT: You do not need to sign an Assignment of Benefits to get your residence repaired, even for emergency repairs. You should make first contact with your insurance company by immediately reporting the claim.

MYTH 5: Insurance companies can take as long as they want to respond to an insurance claim filed by Floridians. 
FACT: Typically, insurance companies must acknowledge your insurance claim within 14 days from the date the claim was reported and they must pay undisputed amounts of your claim within 90 days from the date of damage.

MYTH 6: If my neighbor’s property is blown into my yard and damages my own property, my neighbor’s insurance will cover the cost of damage.
FACT: The damage to your property is covered by your own homeowner’s insurance policy, unless, you can prove your neighbor was negligent then the damage would be covered under their homeowner’s policy.

MYTH 7: My insurance agent is the only person I need to contact when filing an insurance claim.
FACT: While you may call your agent, you should immediately report the claim to your insurance company. Most insurance companies have a toll-free claim number to report your claim.

CFO Patronis oversees Florida’s Insurance Consumer Helpline (Helpline) which assists consumers with any insurance-related questions, concerns, or complaints they may have. Since taking office in July 1, 2017, CFO Patronis’ Helpline has recovered more than $37.9 million for Floridians with $10.7 million stemming directly from inquiries related to Hurricane Irma. These are funds the consumer would not have recovered from their insurance company had they not reached out to the Helpline for assistance.

Consumers who have questions about their insurance coverage and how to financially prepare for the upcoming hurricane season are encouraged to call CFO Patronis’ Helpline at 1-877-693-5236 or visit myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers. The Helpline also provides consumers with a place to obtain contact information for their insurance company, verify the license of an insurance agent or adjuster and much more. 

LeadingAge Florida promotes Dawn Jiménez to Vice President of Operations

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LeadingAge Florida, Florida’s only association representing the entire continuum of care for older adults, announced today the promotion of Dawn Jiménez to Vice President of Operations.

Ms. Jiménez joined LeadingAge Florida nearly four years ago as its Executive Operations Manager. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing the association’s overall operations, as well as its continuing professional education and events, group purchasing, and event exhibits and sponsorships.

“Dawn has been a tremendous asset to me and to our association,” said Steve Bahmer, LeadingAge Florida President and CEO.  “I’m very excited to have her join our leadership team.  She is a terrific problem-solver, communicator and leader, and she will serve our members exceptionally well.”

Jiménez is a native of the San Francisco area, where she began her career in finance with the Ford Motor Company. She later moved up quickly at Triad Systems Corporation (now Epicor), where she was a National Account Manager and the Western Area Education Manager.

A graduate of St. Mary’s College in California, Jiménez earned a degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and was a member of the college’s first National Champion women’s soccer team. She lives in Tallahassee with her two daughters and her husband, Dr. Alexander Jiménez, an orchestral conductor and professor in the College of Music at Florida State University.

Established in 1963 as a Florida not-for-profit corporation, LeadingAge Florida is committed to assisting its members in achieving excellence as providers, businesses and employers. The Association provides up-to-date regulatory information, a wide variety of educational opportunities, representation before the Legislature and government agencies, group purchasing services, and opportunities for networking with peers.