Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Featured

Featured

Sen. Rodriguez holds press conference with Equality Florida on SB 696 Conversion Therapy Ban

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

State Senator José Javier Rodríguez (D-Miami) and State Representative Evan Jenne (D- Dania Beach) will hold a press conference on Thursday to discuss their legislation which would outlaw highly controversial methods still used by licensed professionals in Florida to force a minor’s sexual orientation. SB 696 and HB 717 would ban the use of “conversion therapy,” a largely discredited practice opposed by the American Psychiatric Association and already illegal in at least nine states throughout the country.

The lawmakers will be joined by Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich, Jon Harris Maurer of Equality Florida, and conversion therapy survivor Jose Vega.

Who: Senator José Javier Rodríguez, Representative Evan Jenne, Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich, Jon Harris Maurer of Equality Florida, and Jose Vega.

What: Press conference on SB 696- Conversion Therapy Ban

When: Thursday, February 8th, 12:00 pm

Where: Outside the Senate Chamber
4th Floor Rotunda
The Capitol

FWC recognizes landowner George C. Owens for outstanding stewardship efforts

Posted on

Washington County landowner George C. Owens is the 2017 Florida Land Steward of the Year. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at its February meeting recognized Owens for managing his property with exemplary land stewardship through his innovative use of silvopasture practices.

Silvopasture is the practice of combining forestry and cattle grazing in a way that increases productivity for both. This practice has made the Owens Farm in northwest Florida more productive while also creating important environmental benefits.

“Conservation of private lands is so important as the state continues to grow and we’re approaching 21 million people,” said FWC Chairman Bo Rivard. “Without the cooperative efforts of private landowners, the conservation efforts we are trying to achieve would be impossible. Thank you to Mr. Owens and his family for being leaders in this effort.”

The Owens Farm, maintained by the family for over 100 years, is known as one of the most renowned silvipastures in the southeastern United States. Owens created his silvipasture in an open field, where he planted several rows of pine trees separated by alleys of bahiagrass. The silvipasture increased the farm’s cash flow with income from timber, hunting leases, beef production and forage crops while also benefitting wildlife and the environment. The practice improves soil and water quality and provides food, cover and nesting habitat for wildlife.

Learn more about the FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program and how the FWC partners with private landowners at MyFWC.com/LAP.

Nelson: Closing Medicare ‘donut hole’ a ‘win-win’ for seniors and taxpayers

Posted on

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) today urged Senate leaders to close the gap in Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, commonly known as the “donut hole” by 2019, as a way to not only lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, but also to help pay for additional disaster assistance needed in places like Florida and Puerto Rico.

Nelson says closing the so-called Medicare “donut hole” early would save taxpayers approximately $9 billion over ten years and help offset some of the additional spending being proposed in a budget deal the Senate is expected to take up later this week.

“Closing this gap in coverage will save seniors thousands of dollars every year on the cost of their prescription drugs,” Nelson said. “It also saves taxpayers more than $9 billion over ten years. To me, that’s a win-win for everyone.”

Under the nation’s current health care law, the Medicare “donut hole” is expected to close by 2020. Nelson says closing this gap in coverage by 2019, instead of 2020, and shifting more of the cost to drug makers, instead of Medicare, will help provide additional savings for both seniors and taxpayers.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, previous provisions to close the “donut hole” have saved Florida’s 355,000 Medicare-covered seniors more than $350 million in 2015 alone. That’s an average annual savings of $987 per senior.

Senate Committee Advances Legislation to Protect Privacy and Guard Against Unconstitutional Searches

Posted on

SB 1256 updates Florida law regarding the search of household communication devices

The Florida Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, chaired by Senator Randolph Bracy (D-Ocoee), today passed Senate Bill 1256, Search of the Content, Information, and Communications of Cellular Phones, Portable Electronic Communication Devices, and Microphone-enabled Household Devices, by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg). The legislation protects the constitutional rights of Floridians by addressing privacy issues related to the use of new communications technology.

“We need to make sure Florida laws keep pace with changes in technology,” said Senator Brandes. “With more and more families utilizing microphone-enabled communications tools to aid in daily household activities, this legislation makes sure our laws are clear with regard to when and how these devices can be subject to search.”

“Advancements in technology offer law enforcement new techniques for investigation and surveillance as they work to keep criminals off our streets. Likewise, the courts are facing new questions about the Fourth Amendment implications of this technology,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). “This legislation addresses current ambiguities and protects Floridians from unconstitutional searches of their property.”

Senate Bill 1256 prohibits the intentional, unlawful access, without authorization, to a cellular phone, portable electronic communication device, or microphone-enabled household device when a person obtains wire, oral, or electronic communications stored within the device.

The bill amends Florida law to add the term “electronic communications” to the current terminology of “wire and oral” communications in the legislative findings. Additionally, to provide clarity with regard to the application of this law, the bill also creates new legislative findings:

  • Recognizing a subjective and objectively reasonable expectation of privacy in precise location data. Finding that a warrant should be issued by a court for law enforcement to obtain the precise location of a person, a cellular phone, or a portable electronic communication device without the consent of the device owner.
  • Recognizing that portable electronic devices can store, and encourage the storage of, an almost limitless amount of personal and private information. Further recognizing that these devices are commonly used to access personal and business information, and other data stored in computers and servers that can be located anywhere in the world. Finding that a person who uses a portable electronic device has a reasonable and justifiable expectation of privacy in the information contained in the portable electronic device.
  • Recognizing that microphone-enabled household devices often contain microphones that listen for and respond to environmental triggers. Further recognizing that these devices are generally connected to and communicate through the Internet, resulting in the storage of and accessibility of daily household information in a device itself, or in a remote computing service. Finding that an individual should not have to choose between using household technological enhancements and conveniences, or preserving the right to privacy in one’s home.

Background

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. Further, the Fourth Amendment guarantees no warrants shall issue without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Under Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, a search occurs whenever the government intrudes upon an area in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. A warrantless search is generally unreasonable, unless an exception to the warrant requirement applies. The Florida Constitution similarly protects the people against unreasonable searches and seizures, and that right is construed in conformity with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Both the Florida and federal constitutions require a warrant to be supported by probable cause, as established by oath or affirmation, and to particularly describe the place to be searched, and items or people to be seized.

PSC Asserts Jurisdiction to Recover Tax Savings for Customers

Posted on

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today declared immediate jurisdiction to determine whether the federal tax savings Florida utilities are reaping as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Act) must be returned to customers.

The Act took effect January 1, 2018 and reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 to 21 percent.

The PSC action preserves its authority to flow back any savings to customers, and applies to all investor-owned utilities (IOUs)—electric, water/wastewater, and natural gas—that do not already have rate case settlements giving tax reform benefits to ratepayers. Actual amounts will be determined after a hearing.

Today’s vote came in response to a January 9 petition by Office of Public Counsel, and is effective immediately.

“Today we drove a stake in the ground,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “The urgent need was to assert our jurisdiction to determine who should rightly benefit from any tax savings. Now we can embark on a deliberative process to make sure customers are treated fairly.”

Previous rate case settlements for Duke Energy Florida, LLC; Tampa Electric Company; Gulf Power Company; and Florida Public Utilities Company contain provisions for flowing tax cut benefits back to customers, and that process will go forward in accordance with each settlement’s terms.

Constitutional Amendment Requiring Three-Fifths Vote for Tax Increases Passes First Senate Committee

Posted on

SJR 1742 would require three-fifths vote of both the House and Senate to raise taxes

The Florida Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax, chaired by Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland), today passed SJR 1742, Supermajority Vote Required to Increase State Tax Revenues by Increasing State Taxes. The legislation proposes an amendment to Florida’s Constitution to require a law that imposes a new tax, increases the rate or amount of a tax, or expands a tax base, and that results in a net increase in state revenues, be approved by three-fifths of the membership of each house of the Legislature.

“Every dollar spent on taxes is one less that a family has to pay the mortgage, invest in a child’s college education, or save for the future. Families across our state plan their budgets carefully to make every dollar count, and this legislation ensures lawmakers do the same by giving voters a chance to make it harder for future legislatures to raise their taxes,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart).

“Families across Florida understand the sacrifice it takes to increase family revenue by working extra hours, or taking on a second job, and they do not make those difficult decisions lightly,” said Senator Stargel. “Likewise, raising state revenues by taking more money from the pockets of hardworking Floridians should be difficult. This amendment gives voters a chance to make it harder for the Legislature to raise state taxes, and I am pleased to see it pass our committee today.”

The amendment proposed in SJR 1742 will take effect on January 8, 2019, if approved by sixty percent of the voters.

Gov. Scott Announces $35 Million Investments from Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Across State

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today announced $35 million in awards for nine Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects across the state. This includes $6 million for the City of Jacksonville to construct a new 1.5-mile access-roadway to the city-owned Cecil Commerce Center Mega Site in support of the area’s growing manufacturing industry. All of the awarded economic development projects will help enhance community infrastructure or develop workforce training programs and have demonstrated a strong return on investment. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund was established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year to encourage continued economic growth across Florida communities. The Governor’s recommended 2018-2019 budget includes $85 million in continuation funding for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.

Governor Scott said, “Last year, I worked with the Florida Legislature to establish the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to help continue our state’s incredible economic growth by addressing specific infrastructure and workforce needs in our communities. Today, I am proud to announce $35 million in awards for nine Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects. We have worked to ensure that every awarded project will strengthen Florida’s business climate and bring the best return on investment for Florida taxpayers. Florida is competing in a global economy, and we must do everything we can to ensure our state remains the top destination for families and job creators to succeed. We will continue to work with the legislature to invest $85 million in the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, and I look forward to seeing the successful completion of these projects.”

The nine awarded projects include:

  • Liberty County Board of County Commissioners ($1,448,831) for the construction of a turning lane on Highway 65 South at the intersection of U.S. Forest Service Road 103, and paving 1.5 miles of the service road to create access to more than 500 acres of property for economic development.
  • Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners ($3,125,000) to provide water supply and fire protection to the Interstate 75 and County Road 136 interchange.
  • City of Jacksonville ($6,000,000) for the construction of a new 1.5-mile access roadway to the city-owned Cecil Commerce Center Mega Site to provide access for the manufacturing industry.
  • Canaveral Port Authority ($8,245,000) to improve roadway access to cruise and cargo terminals by increasing roadway capacity for Northside Cargo roads, new intersection signals for public safety and cargo traffic control, and revisions to North Side Cruise Roadway Network to facilitate cruise operations.
  • Columbia County ($3,135,600) for the construction of the North Florida Mega Industrial Park Rail Project, which will run parallel to Highway 90, allowing developers access to an industrial park of more than 2,600 acres.
  • City of Alachua ($6,755,000) for construction of San Felasco Parkway and nearby utilities, connecting a large bioscience cluster – including the University of Florida Sid Martin Biotechnology Institute – to a shovel-ready site of 280 acres.
  • City of Port St. Lucie ($3,003,247) for the development of a roadway improvement project, which will provide access to 100 acres of undeveloped land in Tradition Commerce Park, an area which has the space to accommodate approximately 1.1 million square feet of commercial development.
  • Pensacola State College ($1,860,510) for workforce training programs that will increase the number of students earning industry-recognized credentials and degrees required to enter and advance in the workforce for targeted industries, including advanced manufacturing, aviation maintenance, welding, cybersecurity/information technology, nursing, transportation and construction trades.
  • Washington County Board of County Commissioners ($1,821,461) to build water and sewer infrastructure that will replace the need for future wells and septic systems as a part of the development of a 1,525-acre commercial/industrial/mixed use development district.

These proposals were reviewed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Enterprise Florida (EFI) and chosen by Governor Scott based on their strong return on investment to the state and to meet the demand for a robust workforce or infrastructure needs. Return on investment was calculated to determine the best projects for the state and economic development in the regions.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of DEO, said, “We have worked diligently to evaluate more than 225 Florida Job Growth Grant Fund proposals requesting more than $821 million in funding. Each selected proposal has a strong return on investment and a commitment to improve the regional economic climate by meeting specific workforce and infrastructure needs. We look forward to the opportunities this funding will bring families across the Sunshine State.”

Peter Antonacci, CEO of EFI, “Enterprise Florida’s Board of Directors are thrilled to work with DEO to ensure Florida’s families are getting the best return on investment from our tax dollars. Funding these projects will continue to make Florida the best place to create jobs and raise a family.” 

For more information about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, visit FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.

PSC Approves TECO Outdoor Lighting Conversion as Energy Efficiency Program

Posted on

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved Tampa Electric Company’s (TECO) proposal to convert street and outdoor lighting from Metal Halide (MH) and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps to energy efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LED).

“Besides using less energy, LED lights provide better visibility for improved security, they are recyclable, and the energy savings reduces TECO’s winter peak demand,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “The program is a win-win for TECO and its customers.”

As a Demand Side Management (DSM) program, the initiative is required to reduce electricity use through energy efficiency or conservation, or provide more efficient energy load management. The PSC determined that the five-year program advances important Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act policy objectives.

Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City, and Winter Haven, Polk County, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy had asked the PSC to approve TECO’s proposal.

TECO operates approximately 242,000 street and outdoor lighting fixtures, of which 209,821 are eligible for conversion under the conservation program. Program costs–approximately $176 per fixture, or $36.9 million–will be eligible for recovery through the Energy Conservation Cost Recovery component of rates. The Commission declined TECO’s request to include advertising and notification costs.

Tampa Electric serves more than 700,000 customers in West Central Florida.

Nelson urges Pentagon to take steps to deter Russian attempts to influence 2018 elections

Posted on

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services’ subcommittee on cybersecurity, today urged Secretary of Defense James Mattis to “prepare to engage Russian cyber operators” attempting to influence the upcoming 2018 midterm elections.

“Russia’s influence activities continue in the United States and elsewhere,” Nelson wrote in a letter to Mattis. “U.S. Cyber Command’s Cyber Mission Force, should be ordered to prepare to engage Russian cyber operators and disrupt their activities as they conduct clandestine influence operations against our forthcoming elections.”

Nelson also urged the secretary to implement the recommendations of a Defense Department task force on cyber deterrence, which offered the Pentagon several suggestions on how to the U.S. could deter further Russian cyberattacks. The task force recommendations were presented to the Pentagon last February but have not yet been implemented.

In addition to the Nelson, the letter was signed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

Text of the lawmakers’ can be found here.

Florida PSC Approves Early Reduction of FPL Customers’ Bills

Posted on

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to reduce bills for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) customers today, approving reductions to the fuel, capacity, and environmental cost recovery components of rates. The annual adjustment of those bill elements wasn’t due until next January, but the PSC can adopt “mid-course corrections” when deviation from expected costs warrants it.

FPL filed for the reductions to reflect savings expected from the early retirement of the St. Johns River Power Park generating facility, a decision approved by the PSC in October 2017.

The coal-fired St. Johns plant was retired on January 5, 2018, decreasing fuel and capacity costs. FPL’s environmental costs are reduced by $1.2 million as a result of the plant’s retirement.

FPL’s fuel cost recovery component will be reduced by $0.24 per month, and a similar reduction will be applicable to capacity cost recovery factors. The 2018 environmental cost recovery factor for the residential rate will decrease from 0.159 cents per kWh to 0.158 cents per kWh.

Effective March 1, 2018, the reduced cost recovery factors will decrease FPL’s monthly bills by $.38 (from $99.75 to $99.37) for a typical 1,000 kWh residential customer bill.