Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs Brewster Bevis released the following statement regarding the Judicial Committee of the Constitution Revision Commission unanimously voting today to oppose CRC Proposal 23.
“AIF commends the CRC’s Judicial Committee for listening to the concerns of Florida’s business community and appropriately voting down CRC Proposal 23. This unnecessary proposal would have opened up not only Florida businesses, but private citizens as well, to endless litigation and harmful uncertainty.
“With the Judicial Committee’s vote today, Florida’s comprehensive, thoughtfully crafted environmental policy will remain intact, continuing to protect the rights of Floridians and provide much-needed regulatory certainty and stability for businesses moving forward.
“We support the decision made by the CRC Judicial Committee today and agree that proposals such as this do not belong on the Florida Constitution.”
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Florida Lottery celebrates 30 years of milestone moments for families and students
More than $32 Billion Contributed to Education
The Florida Lottery today celebrates its 30th year in operation, marking three decades of excitement, achievement and contributions to education.
Since opening its doors in 1988, the Lottery has contributed more than $32 billion to education, including more than $1 billion annually for each of the past 15 consecutive fiscal years. The Lottery is also the primary funding source for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which has enabled more than 775,000 students to attend college since the program’s inception in 1997.
“The Florida Lottery’s history of record sales has allowed us to maximize our contributions to education, creating winning moments for countless Florida families and students over the past 30 years,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “I want to thank our loyal players, hardworking retailers and dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to education. As we look ahead, the Lottery will continue to offer exciting and innovative games to our players, providing greater chances to win and more funding for education.”
Since the Lottery made its first contribution to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund in the amount of $46.26 million in February 1988, the benefit of Lottery revenues have continued to be felt across every level of Florida’s 67 counties. Since the Lottery’s inception, Florida’s public schools have received more than $14.6 billion. State colleges and universities have also benefitted, receiving a combined total of more than $7.9 billion.
Profits from all Lottery games are transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. These funds are appropriated by the Florida Legislature and are administered by the Florida Department of Education.
Senate Unanimously Passes Permanent Expansion of Bright Futures Scholarship
SB 4 Secures Permanent Expansion of Bright
Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships
The Florida Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 4, the Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018, sponsored by Senate President-Designate Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton). Senate Bill 4 expands the state university and student financial aid portions of the higher education agenda advanced last session in the Senate, a top priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). The bill includes approximately $124 million to fund the scholarship programs addressed in the bill for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.
“This legislation will provide the policy and budget resources our universities need to increase their ability to compete as national destination institutions, while preserving access and increasing affordability for Floridians,” said President-Designate Galvano. “From the permanent expansion of Bright Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships, to codifying key investments in faculty recruitment and improving the quality of our excellent graduate and professional schools, this bill boosts the strength and competitiveness of our state universities as our primary economic engine to drive vibrant, sustainable economic development and growth in high-paying jobs for not only this generation, but also future generations of Florida students.”
“I am pleased to see Senate Bill 4 earn the unanimous support of the Senate during the first week of Session, and I look forward to sending this critical bill to the House for their consideration,” said President Negron. “The historic increase in need-based student financial aid we passed last year is already built into our budget. However, without Senate Bill 4, the increase in Bright Futures funding for our Academic Scholars could end after this school year. Additionally, without Senate Bill 4, our Medallion Scholars may not have a chance to see their scholarship increased to cover 75 percent of tuition and fees. We have to make these changes permanent. Senate Bill 4 ensures Bright Futures scholarship funding is available for the students who earned it, so they can better plan their investment in an education at one of our excellent colleges or universities.”
Summary of Senate Bill 4 – The Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018
PRESERVE ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Senate Bill 4 expands merit-based and need-based financial aid funding and establishes flexible tuition policies available to families so every student in Florida who qualifies and earns the privilege to attend one of our state universities has the opportunity to pursue a higher education.
Expands Student Financial Assistance and Support
- Expands need-based state aid, and university or college gift aid, for students with demonstrated financial need.
- Expands the First Generation Matching Grant Program to include community college students and doubles the state match for private donations supporting the program (2:1 match).
- Creates a new Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship for children of migrant families to earn technical and college credentials.
- Expands merit-based state gift aid for high-performing students.
- Reinstates full funding of the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar award at 100 percent of tuition and fees, plus $300 in fall and spring semesters to cover instructional materials and other costs, beginning in this 2017-2018 academic year and guarantees funding for 2018 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar awards.
- New provisions of the legislation this year reinstate funding for the Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters, beginning in fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year and guarantee funding for 2019 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar awards.
- Expands Benacquisto Scholarship awards (full cost of attendance) to recruit out-of-state National Merit Scholar award winners.
Establishes Flexible Tuition and Fee Policies
- Requires universities to implement an institutional block tuition and fee policy for full-time, in-state, undergraduate resident students.
- Fall 2018 semester implementation for at least the entering freshman class – may be extended to include other students.
- Must accommodate full-time student enrollment in at least 30 credits across any combination of fall, spring, or summer terms of the academic year.
- Must maximize accelerated and transfer credit to facilitate on-time graduation and minimize excess hours.
- Must be publicly approved by university boards of trustees and the Board of Governors, with updates and progress reports provided to the Legislature.
Increases Student Access to Internship and Job Opportunities
- Requires each state university to use labor market projections and related degree production analyses to identify internship opportunities for students to benefit from industry experts and mentors, earn industry certifications, and become employed in high-demand fields.
RECRUIT AND RETAIN TOP FACULTY
Senate Bill 4 expands and enhances policy and funding tools state universities can leverage to recruit and retain the very best faculty, enrich professional and graduate school strength and viability, and bring aging infrastructure and research laboratories into the 21st century.
Establishes World Class Faculty Scholar Program
- Creates the World Class Faculty Scholar Program to help universities recruit, recognize, and retain exemplary faculty, research scholars, and expert teams.
Establishes University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program
- Creates the University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program to promote quality and excellence in university professional schools, and improve graduate study outcomes in high-impact fields of medicine, law, and business.
ELEVATE UNIVERSITY DISTINCTION AND NATIONAL PROMINENCE
Senate Bill 4 ensures universities remain accountable to Florida taxpayers by refining university performance expectations to incentivize and reward state university performance excellence and recognition in academics, instruction, research, and community accomplishments and achievements.
Incentivizes On-Time Graduation of Full-Time Students
- Refines university performance expectations to incentivize and reward institutions for graduating full-time bachelor degree students in four years.
- Preeminent State Research University: Upgrades the graduation metric to a 4-year graduation rate of 60 percent or higher. The current metric is a 6-year rate at 70 percent or higher. The bill provides one transitional year for any university having earned preeminent or emerging preeminent status based on the 2018 determination under current metrics to maintain that status for the 2018-19 academic year and receive 2018-19 preeminence funds accordingly.
- University Performance Incentive Funding: Updates metrics to specify a 4-year graduation rate and require benchmarks for the “access” metric that reward institutions for performance success in serving Pell grant students.
- Tightens state university relationships with their direct-support organizations’ leadership, use of funds, and public disclosure activities.
Promotes State University Programs of Excellence
- Directs the Board of Governors to establish standards and measures to recognize, enhance, and promote individual degree programs in state universities across the system, which reflect national excellence, prominence, and distinction.
Gov. Scott Speaks with FEMA on Recovery for Puerto Rico
Governor Rick Scott today spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.
Following a decision by Puerto Rican officials working with FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) was notified that enrollment in the federal TSA program will be limited to individuals whose homes in Puerto Rico have not yet been determined by FEMA to be restored to safe and livable conditions and have power.
Governor Scott said, “We have worked non-stop to ensure families from Puerto Rico coming to Florida are offered every available state resource and the assistance they need to get back on their feet following Hurricane Maria. Our top priority is to ensure that every family displaced by Hurricane Maria gets the resources they need and that federal, state and local partners continue to work together to ensure a full recovery for these individuals.
“During my call with Administrator Long, we discussed the importance of ongoing federal, state and local support in the delivery of services to Puerto Rican families. I expressed to them the importance of making sure that all families from Puerto Rico in Florida know exactly what federal resources are available to them. I also asked FEMA what federal resources were available to help families return to Puerto Rico once it has been determined it is safe for them to do so. Florida is the most welcoming state in the nation and we invite every family from Puerto Rico to visit our Disaster Recovery Centers to receive information and assistance.”
Rep. Peters files bill to prohibit legislators from working for lobby firms while in office
Representative Kathleen Peters (R-Treasure Island) filed House Bill 1325 that would prohibit members of the Legislature and their family members from working for lobby firms during a member’s term in office. The legislation aims to create a more ethical distance between legislators and lobbyists for the time that members are serving in public office.
“In recent years, our Florida House has shown a steadfast commitment to ethics reform and closing the revolving door between lobbyists and the Legislature,” Representative Peters stated. “If the Legislature is serious about ethics reform, then this provision must be included in this year’s effort to ensure a high quality standard of conduct among our public officers. If we agree that members should be banned from working for lobby firms immediately after they leave office, it should be common sense that legislators shouldn’t be working for firms who lobby the government while holding elected office.”
House Bill 1325 will eliminate the opportunity for members to vote on legislation that directly impacts the firm for which they work, and with successful passage would become effective July 1, 2018.
The filed bill text and committee referrals can be found on the Florida House website.
Porter Endorses Marc Vann for HD 10
Combined with his fundraising lead, incumbent Rep. Elizabeth Porter’s support
signals continued momentum for Vann’s campaign for House District 10.
The Marc Vann Campaign today announced the endorsement of Rep. Elizabeth Porter, who currently holds the District 10 seat Vann is seeking. Elected in 2010, Porter faces term limits this year. Vann is also leading his primary opponents in actual funds raised. He banked $5,125 in December and has raised a total of $24,750 since entering the race in October.
“Marc Vann is the right leader to continue to fight for District 10,” said Porter. “I have known Marc for years, and I have no doubt that his background and integrity make him the person we need to make sure our region is well represented in Tallahassee. He’s one of us, and he has a deep understanding of our area’s needs and our opportunities. Marc will go to bat for us in the Florida House.”
During the 2018 legislative session that is currently underway, Porter is serving as Chair of the Post-Secondary Education Subcommittee. She also sits on the House Appropriations and Education Committees.
“Elizabeth Porter is a highly respected leader in the Florida House,” said Vann. “I’m honored to have her support, and I look forward to continuing the high standard of public service she set for District 10.”
Vann is a lifelong Lake City resident and the co-owner of Vann Carpet One. He is running on a conservative platform of growing the North Central Florida jobs base, reducing the size of government, and increasing local control of education. He and his wife, Sheree, have four children and eight grandchildren.
District 10 includes Baker, Columbia, Hamilton, and Suwannee Counties and part of Alachua County.
Paid by Marc Vann, Republican, for State Representative
Blacklidge Continues Solid Fundraising
Since becoming a candidate, the Republican has banked
over $100,000 in the race for House District 69.
The Ray Blacklidge Campaign today announced that it raised $10,395 during December, bringing his total amount raised to more than $87,000. When combined with funds raised for his political committee, Friends of Ray Blacklidge, his total amount exceeds $100,000. Blacklidge is seeking the District 69 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
“Our momentum in this campaign continues to grow,” said Blacklidge. “Our fundraising strength demonstrates that more and more people are jumping on board with our vision for more jobs and a stronger economy, and I look forward to continuing to get our message out to the voters of District 69.”
Blacklidge, a Republican, has an extensive background as an entrepreneur with a record of protecting consumers and fighting fraud. He currently works as an insurance executive and attorney in the management of a Florida-based insurance company.
Ray is a longtime Pinellas County resident who lives with his wife, Lisa, a physician’s assistant, in Madeira Beach, and they are thrilled that their five children and three grandchildren all live in the Tampa Bay area.
House District 69 covers the south Pinellas beach communities from Redington Shores to Fort DeSoto, as well as portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, and Pinellas Park. With 36 percent of the district’s voter registration, Republicans maintain a slight lead over the Democrats’ 35 percent. Independents and minor parties make up 29 percent of the district.
Paid by Ray Blacklidge, Republican, for State Representative
Statement from Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director, on presentations about CRC Proposal 88
“A committee of the Constitution Revision Commission will meet today to discuss a truly bad proposal, one that is bad on its face and most certainly does not belong in the Florida Constitution. I hope the information members receive during this discussion makes it clear just how much Proposal 88 deserves to be rejected.
The measure claims to help enhance protections for nursing home residents, but it is really little more than a money grab by trial lawyers who are hoping to increase the number of lawsuits against nursing homes. Thousands of dedicated, hardworking professional caregivers are making a difference in the lives of nursing home residents, improving their health outcomes and providing resident-focused care in a way that promotes their dignity. Existing state and federal laws guarantee the rights of nursing home residents, and the Florida Health Care Association is committed to working with state leaders to implement any reasonable strategies that enhance their care and well-being.
This proposal is wrong for the Florida Constitution, and it is wrong for the people of Florida. Increasing lawsuits against nursing homes does nothing to improve quality, having the resources to invest in caregivers is what makes the difference. Commissioners should see it for what it is and reject it.”
Florida Leaders Applaud Governor Scott’s Fight to Protect Florida’s Coastline
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Following Governor Rick Scott’s meeting yesterday with United States Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the Department of the Interior announced that Florida’s coastline has been removed from consideration for future oil drilling. Last week, Governor Scott requested to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss his concerns with the federal oil drilling plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. Here’s what Florida leaders are saying:
Congressman Gus Bilirakis said, “I am proud of the success of the intense and coordinated efforts by leaders of Florida’s state and federal delegations, spearheaded by Governor Scott. By working together as a unified, bipartisan team committed to the protection of Florida’s environment and economy, we were able to reverse plans that called for oil drilling off our coast. I applaud the Administration for listening to the voices of those most informed about the unique needs of our state and deferring to our judgment.”
Congressman Vern Buchanan said, “The administration’s decision to cancel expanded drilling off our coasts is great news for Florida’s environment and economy. Kudos to Governor Scott and the congressional delegation for standing against this misguided policy.”
Congressman Carlos Curbelo said, “The people of Florida and elected officials at the local, state and federal levels spoke loud and clear on the Administration’s oil drilling plan: We don’t want drilling near our shores, and we don’t want to put our ecological treasures and state economy at risk. I’m grateful to all those who made this a priority, including Governor Scott, and to Secretary Zinke and the Department of Interior for listening to Florida and its leaders and removing Florida from consideration.”
Congressman Ron DeSantis said, “I applaud Secretary Ryan Zinke for heeding the calls of Governor Rick Scott and our Florida congressional delegation and taking Florida off the table for offshore oil drilling. Thank you for listening!”
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said, “I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Zinke for removing Florida from the list of potential offshore drilling sites. This once again demonstrates Governor Scott’s absolute leadership, as he worked tirelessly with the Administration to protect Florida’s pristine beaches and the ecosystem our shores rely on. I also want to commend the Florida congressional delegation for always coming together on issues important to our state.”
Congressman Neal Dunn said, “President Trump and Secretary Zinke made the right call, and protecting the eastern Gulf for the military’s test and training range is critical for our national security. It is a unique national treasure that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the country. I am grateful to Governor Scott for his leadership, as well as the work of the Florida congressional delegation in coming to this outcome.”
Congressman Matt Gaetz said, “I am deeply pleased that Secretary Zinke will no longer pursue oil drilling off the Florida coast, which would have been disastrous to Florida’s economy, the environment, and, most importantly, to the readiness of America’s armed forces. Governor Scott’s strong leadership on this issue and President Trump’s swift response were commendable, and I am proud that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle could unite to protect the Sunshine State. In my one-on-one talks with President Trump, I brought up the dire risk that coastal oil drilling would pose to national security, and he was greatly receptive to my concerns. The guarantee that drilling off the Florida coast will not happen during President Trump’s tenure is a tremendous victory for Florida and for its people.”
Congressman Brian Mast said, “Oil drilling off the coast of Florida would put our economy, environment and marine life at risk. That’s why our state’s representatives, across the political spectrum, have been working hard together to prevent drilling. Over the last several days, Secretary Zinke heard a bipartisan chorus from Florida – from my conversation with him to meeting with Governor Scott and hearing directly from the millions of Floridians opposed to drilling. We spoke with a united voice and delivered results!”
Congressman Francis Rooney said, “I applaud the decision of President Trump and Secretary Zinke, along with the hard work of Governor Scott, to remove our state from the administration’s offshore drilling plan – my ultimate goal is still a permanent ban on offshore drilling and seismic testing in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and I firmly believe that Florida’s Congressional delegation will be successful in achieving this goal.”
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said, “I’m glad that Secretary Zinke has decided to exclude Florida from any oil drilling exploration and applaud Governor Scott’s efforts. I hope that the Secretary will follow up shortly with an announcement that seismic testing is also off the table. Our Florida Congressional delegation stands firmly against oil drilling because, as a tourist-friendly and ecologically sensitive state, we know the damage any spill can cause to our state economy in addition to its national impact. As we saw from the devastating impacts of Deepwater Horizon, Florida cannot afford a spill of any size.”
Congressman John Rutherford said, “I commend Governor Scott and Secretary Zinke for recognizing the importance of protecting Florida’s coasts from drilling. The administration’s agreement to leave Florida out of the new five-year drilling plan is a promising development and good step forward in protecting Florida’s pristine shores. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration and Governor Scott to establish long-term protections for Florida against drilling and seismic testing off of our Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida’s coastline not only supports our tourism industry, but also supports our military and research industries. I’m proud of Governor Scott’s leadership on this issue and applaud our federal leaders for listening to his insight.”
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said, “I stand with Governor Scott in protecting Florida’s shores and am grateful for his leadership in working with Secretary Zinke to protect what makes Florida Florida.”
Senate President Joe Negron said, “I have opposed offshore drilling from Day One and appreciate Governor Scott’s quick action in working with the Department of Interior to make sure Florida’s voice is heard. Time and time again from working with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure we successfully implement Senate Bill 10, to renovations of the Herbert Hoover Dike, to LIP funding, to securing federal resources needed for recovery from recent hurricanes, Governor Scott has demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness when working with our federal partners in Washington.”
Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran said, “Without Rick Scott, Florida’s pristine coast lines and natural beauty would be in jeopardy. His tireless effort to protect our future, as well as his standing with the President, is an unmatched asset for Floridians. From Pensacola to Punta Gorda, Floridians across the board are united behind our Governor in opposing offshore drilling.”
Senator Rob Bradley said, “Florida’s world class beaches help bring in millions of tourists every year. I’m proud of the work that Governor Scott did to secure Florida’s pristine environment by preventing offshore drilling from happening in Florida.”
Representative Holly Raschein said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for his effort to keep offshore drilling from coming to Florida. Our coral reefs and gorgeous beaches are what attract tourists to our state and we have to protect them.”
Chair of VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors Maryann Ferenc said, “Our beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, helping us attract millions of visitors each year. We now have peace of mind as we market our state that those beaches will be beautiful and safe. I appreciate the Governor taking a lead on this important issue.”
President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA Ken Lawson, said “Exempting Florida from any offshore drilling is a huge win for tourism in our state. Florida’s beaches are a global icon, attracting millions of visitors to the Sunshine State every year. By keeping offshore drilling away from Florida, we’re ensuring our world-class beaches will remain beautiful for generations to come. Governor Scott has been a champion for tourism in Florida, and I want to thank him for his strong leadership on this important issue.”
Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Bo Rivard said, “Florida is the fishing capital of the world which helps bring tourists to our state every year. I’m proud of the work that Governor Scott did to secure Florida’s pristine environment by preventing offshore drilling from happening in Florida.”
Vice Chair of Triumph Gulf Coast Allan Bense said, “Florida is home to some of the most beautiful natural resources in the world and I’m proud that Governor Scott got Florida off the table for offshore oil drilling. We must continue to do everything we can to protect our beaches.”
President of Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association Deborah Flack said, “FSBPA applauds Governor Scott for his concern and commitment to the preservation of Florida’s beaches. His opposition to offshore drilling is further evidence of his support, as recently demonstrated by his unprecedented budget recommendation of $100 million to maintain our beaches and to sustain the economic health of our coastal communities.”
President and CEO of Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Carol Dover said, “Last week, FRLA stood in solidarity with Governor Scott who expressed his opposition and concerns with the federal oil drilling plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. With the recent Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010, our hotels and restaurants already know all too well the devastating impacts an oil spill can wreak on a tourist destination. FRLA expresses its sincere gratitude for Governor Scott’s leadership on this issue and applauds Secretary Zinke’s decision to preserve Florida’s coastal communities whose economies are heavily reliant on tourism. Florida’s 825 miles of sandy coastline is one of the state’s most valuable resources and FRLA is proud to support any effort that restores our beaches and maintains, protects, and preserves them for the future.”
Interim Executive Director of Audubon Florida Julie Wraithmell said, “Florida is home to some of the most important habitats for birds and wildlife. Audubon Florida is grateful for Governor Scott’s clear message that Florida’s Atlantic Coast and the Eastern Gulf of Mexico are no place for dangerous offshore drilling.”
Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Passage of HB 21
Attorney General Pam Bondi today issued the following statement on the unanimous approval of HB 21 by the House Health Quality Subcommittee:
“Our fight against the national opioid crisis claiming lives in Florida continues, and this legislation would help bolster state efforts and save lives. I want to thank Representative Jim Boyd for sponsoring this important legislation and each member of the House Health Quality Subcommittee for voting in favor of these legislative reforms.”
