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Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Invests More Than $3 Billion To Protect Families

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Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget proposes $3.1 billion for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to continue carrying out the agency’s mission to keep vulnerable children and families safe, support adoptive families, and expand and improve community behavioral health services. This funding will also support Florida’s response to the national opioid crisis impacting families and communities across the state.  
Governor Scott said, “The safety of Florida’s families has always been a top priority in our state and these investments included in the Securing Florida’s Future Budget will continue to enhance support for the services DCF provides to Floridians and communities. We are making critical investments to support those struggling with opioid addiction. The individuals struggling with drug use are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends, and it is crucial that we remain committed to doing all we can to ensure they have the support and services they need. The investments in this year’s budget also serve to further strengthen our commitment to protecting children by helping with retention and workload of Florida’s Child Protective Investigators and Florida Abuse Hotline counselors. I look forward to working with the Legislature to support this funding as we continue to work together to keep vulnerable children safe.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said, “Protecting the vulnerable is the core of our mission. DCF works diligently with our partners to promote strong and healthy families. Governor Scott’s proposed budget shows his commitment to Florida’s most vulnerable citizens and the importance of providing resources to allow DCF to ensure the health and safety of Florida’s families. It only takes one caring adult to change the life of a child and investing in our children today creates a hopeful and prosperous tomorrow.” 
Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:

  • $10 million investment for an additional 130 Child Protective Investigator (CPI) positions and Florida Abuse Hotline counselors within the Florida Department of Children and Families. This investment will address retention and workload statewide as these individuals continue to focus on keeping vulnerable children safe;
  • $10.4 million for the Community-Based Care Lead Agencies to maintain funding for dependency case management positions to support increasing out-of-home care caseloads of case managers;
  • $2.2 million to expand the existing continuum of care for victims of human trafficking;
  • $2.2 million for maintenance adoption subsidies, which provides funding for the families of children who are adopted from foster care to receive the services they need. This is an increase over current year funding, resulting in a nearly $200 million investment;
  • $27 million for year two of the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grant for medication-assisted treatment and support and prevention services;
  • $15 million to enhance substance abuse service capacity statewide, including increasing outpatient, aftercare, recovery support, residential, and medication-assisted treatment;
  • $2.8 million to create three new Forensic Multidisciplinary Teams to serve individuals with mental illnesses who are charged with non-violent felony offenses or are at-risk of being charged with a non-violent felony offense;
  • $2.2 million to implement Coordinated Specialty Care treatment programs targeting youth and young adults ages 15-30 with early serious mental illness.

Jessica Pryce, Director, Florida Institute of Child Welfare, said, “We are continually grateful that the Governor puts the interests and safety of Florida’s children at the forefront of Florida’s priorities. This budget will facilitate an increase in essential services to vulnerable children and adoptive families, including vital support to the child protection workforce.” 
Mark Fontaine, Executive Director of the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, said, “I applaud Governor Scott for his efforts in the proposed budget to provide additional resources to expand substance abuse treatment and recovery support services. This funding is critical to combat the devastating impact of the widespread opioid epidemic affecting individuals, families, and communities across our state.
Melanie Brown-Woofter, Interim President of the Florida Council for Community Mental Health, said, “Early intervention and treatment for mental illnesses is crucial in meeting the behavioral health needs of communities. Governor Scott’s budget reflects the need for these services, further demonstrating his commitment to Florida’s families.” 
Kurt Kelly, CEO, Florida Coalition for Children said, “The Governor has put forth a budget that strives toward a brighter future for all Floridians. The agencies and individuals charged with caring for Florida’s children and youth look forward to working with the Governor and the Florida Legislature to ensure our system of care has what it needs to protect children and families in Florida.” 

Anna Alexopoulos Farrar Joins DFS as Communications Director

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that Anna Alexopoulos Farrar will join the Department of Financial Services (DFS) as Communications Director. In this capacity, she will oversee the communications strategy for the department.
CFO Patronis said, “Anna is a seasoned communications professional whose experience in both the government and private sectors brings a fresh perspective to the role. This experience and her knowledge of the department will help us advance our efforts to connect with Floridians on top issues that impact those living in our great state.”
Alexopoulos Farrar has more than 10 years of experience in public and private communications. She joins the department after nearly three years at a top Florida public relations firm, On 3 Public Relations (On3PR), serving most recently as vice president of accounts where she led communication strategy and message development for major companies and organizations. She previously served as press secretary for DFS under former CFO Jeff Atwater, and managed media relations for a national disaster safety nonprofit.
Her first day on the job is Monday, Nov. 20. Alexopoulos Farrar succeeds Ashley Carr who recently announced her resignation to accept a position with the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.

Ballard Partners Welcomes Katherine San Pedro as Partner

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Leading Florida-based government affairs firm, Ballard Partners, announces the addition of Katherine San Pedro as partner of the company’s Tallahassee and Miami offices. In her new role, San Pedro will hone her extensive political, public relations and legislative experience to serve clients’ state government and issue advocacy needs.  She is joining the firm as its youngest Hispanic female partner.
“Katherine has a stellar reputation in Florida politics, having forged key relationships with members of the Florida Legislature from her years campaigning and working in the Capitol,” said Brian Ballard, president of Ballard Partners. “Her intricate knowledge of policy analysis, crisis communications and campaign management will be an asset to both our team and our clients.”
Most recently, San Pedro was the External & Legislative Affairs Regional Director for AT&T Florida, where she led the telecommunication giant’s teams in Miami Dade, Monroe, Lee, Collier Counties. Prior to this private sector experience, she served as legislative assistant to Florida House Representative Bryan Avila as well as Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Núñez. A seasoned campaign manager, San Pedro has spearheaded fundraising, operations and strategy for competitive local, state and federal elections throughout South and Central Florida.
Named one of SaintPetersBlog’s 2014 “30 Under 30 Rising Stars in Florida Politics,” San Pedro holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami.

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Praises Governor Rick Scott’s Wildland Firefighter, Law Enforcement Officer Pay Raise Proposals

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s proposed pay raises for Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ wildland firefighters and law enforcement officers:
“I thank Governor Scott for his commitment to Florida’s first responders and for proposing pay raises for our department’s wildland firefighters and law enforcement officers. These proposed raises will help us recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers and wildland firefighters to keep Floridians and visitors safe.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Supports Continued Record Education Contributions

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Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget supports the Florida Lottery’s core mission of providing funding for education in Florida by investing $176.8 million in the Florida Lottery. In FY 2016-17, the Florida Lottery had a record sales year resulting in $1.66 billion in contributions to education.
Governor Scott said, “We know a great job begins with a great education, and the Florida Lottery is working to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed in college and careers. We will continue to support the Florida Lottery so they can keep making historic investments in Florida’s education system.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes

  • Vendor Fee Budget Alignment – Following a record sales year which resulted in $1.66 billion in contributions to education, the Governor’s budget provides an additional $7.6 million for ticket vendors, which will cover projected game sales and help continue increased education contributions.
  • Information Technology – Provides for a business intelligence software upgrade to replace the current system which is 10 years old and will reach the end of support in December 2018.  The Governor’s budget provides more than $1.3 million for IT equipment to increase innovation and efficiency.

Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget reflects his continued and unwavering commitment to investing in education and strengthening Florida’s economy. The Lottery will continue doing all we can to maximize contributions to Florida’s education system.”

Gov. Scott: Securing Florida’s Future Budget Makes Historic Investments and Cuts Taxes

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Northern Tool + Equipment in Jacksonville to announce his Securing Florida’s Future budget which proposes $180 million in tax cuts to help Florida families. The Governor’s recommended budget also invests record funding in Florida’s education system, transportation, and environmental protection while continuing to support law enforcement and keep Florida’s economy growing.
Governor Scott said, “When I made the decision to run for Governor in 2010, a lot of people doubted that a businessman who had never been in politics could cut taxes and get our state back to work. For years, politicians in Tallahassee had run our economy into the ground through tax increases, frivolous spending and a lack of focus on job creation. I have spent every day since taking office fighting to get Florida on the right track by turning back the harmful policies of past politicians and I am proud of the work we have accomplished to secure Florida’s future by creating an environment where Floridians of all ages have the tools they need to succeed in our state. Today, I am proud to announce my budget which cuts taxes and makes historic investments in education, transportation and Florida’s environment.
“Turning around Florida’s economy would not have been possible without our hard work to cut taxes and encourage business to thrive here in the Sunshine State. Since I took office, I have been proud to work with the Florida Legislature to cut taxes 75 times saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. Together, we have paid down $9 billion in state debt and made government more efficient to save even more taxpayer money. These accomplishments have helped secure future success and prosperity, and have made it possible for more than 1.3 million Floridians to find a job so they can support their families. As we look ahead to the future of Florida, it is important to continue fighting every day to make sure that our children and grandchildren have every opportunity to lead successful lives in the Sunshine State. Our Securing Florida’s Future budget advances Florida’s record of success and represents years of fighting to do what’s right for Florida families and I will keep fighting every day to secure Florida’s future for every Florida family.”
Cuts Taxes and Fees
The Securing Florida’s Future budget proposes to cut taxes by $180 million including reducing the fee when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license, reducing traffic citation fines for individuals attending driving school and implementing a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday and three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays in May, June and July.
Protects the Environment
To continue protecting Florida’s world-class beaches, award-winning and nationally acclaimed state parks, renowned springs and iconic Everglades, Governor Scott is recommending more than $3.8 billion, including record funding to preserve Florida’s environment and keep the state beautiful for generations to come. This includes:

  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration including $50 million to expedite repairs for the federal Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee;
  • A record $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A record $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks;
  • More than $21 million to help Florida’s citrus industry following Hurricane Irma; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands.

Invests in Education
For the sixth straight year, Governor Scott is recommending historic funding for education. The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests historic amounts of funding in voluntary pre-kindergarten, K-12, state colleges and universities to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the Sunshine State. Historic investments include:

  • An additional $11.6 million for a record total of more than $408 million for Florida’s VPK program, a quality free education initiative, which serves more than 158,000 four and five-year olds;
  • More than $21.4 billion in state and local funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools. This historic funding equates to $7,497 per student – an increase of $200 per Florida student– the highest total funding, state funding and per-student funding for K-12 in Florida’s history;
  • $15 million in funding for a brand-new program to expand opportunities for middle and high school students to learn coding and computer science;
  • $12 million in funding to establish the English Language Learners Summer Academics program. This program will be focused on reading improvements and making sure students in grades 4 – 8 displaced by Hurricane Maria have access to summer academies.
  • Historic funding for higher education including record state operating funding for Florida’s higher education system of more than $1.2 billion for Florida colleges, and more than $2.4 billion for Florida universities; and
  • More than $23 million for Bright Futures scholarships and ensures the Bright Futures Academic Scholars award will continue to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees for all semesters, including summer, for all eligible students. There are also NO tuition increases included in the budget.

Healthy Florida Families
The Securing Florida’s Future budget makes important investments to keep Florida families healthy:

  • $53 million to continue Florida’s fight against the national opioid epidemic;
  • More than $1 billion in mental health and substance abuse funding, including $14.7 million for community-based behavioral health services;
  • More than $1.3 billion for Florida’s child welfare system which includes more than $10 million for an additional 130 Child Protective Investigator and Florida Abuse Hotline Counselor positions. Under Governor Scott, the number of CPIs has increased by nearly 300 and the number of by Florida Abuse Hotline counselors has increased by nearly 50;
  • More than $198 million, a more than $2 million increase over current year funding, for maintenance adoption subsidies which provide funding for the families of children who are adopted from foster care to receive the services they need. This funding will also provide critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare system;
  • $2 million for the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to provide employment services to approximately 1200 individuals with behavioral health needs and those with developmental disabilities who are ready to work; and
  • More than $18 million to add approximately 900 individuals who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This is the sixth year that Governor Scott has provided funding to enroll individuals into the APD waiver program to help them live, learn and work in their communities.

Secures Great Transportation for Florida’s Future
The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests a record $10.8 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure that more than 20.7 million residents and more than 112 million visitors are able to move safely and effectively throughout the state. Since 2011, Governor Scott has overseen the investment of $85 billion in funding for roads, bridges, airports and seaports. This includes priority investments in Florida’s seaports exceeding $1.4 billion.
Keeps Florida’s Communities Safe and Strong
The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests $5.3 billion in public safety, an increase of nearly $200 million over current year funding, and makes important investments to support Florida’s dedicated law enforcement officers. Key public safety investments include:

  • $30 million for Florida’s state law enforcement agencies to use for additional pay raises to award Florida’s nearly 4,800 sworn state law enforcement officers;
  • $1.3 million to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for incident command vehicles and emergency ordinance disposal vehicles to strengthen counterterrorism and intelligence efforts;
  • More than $8 million for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to provide a 10 percent salary increase for Florida’s Juvenile Detention and Probation Officers;
  • $317,000 and three positions for DJJ to establish the Office of Youth and Family Advocacy which will serve as a firsthand resource working directly with youth and families to foster communication and amplify their voice in the ongoing improvement of the juvenile justice system; and
  • $68 million and 476 positions for the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) to better serve inmates with mental illness.

Invests in Florida’s Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes a total of $1.4 billion for the Florida Division of Emergency Management to continue to prepare for and respond to both manmade and natural disasters. This reflects a 257 percent increase over the current year level of funding of $390.6 million. This funding will also support communities and state operations in disaster response and rapid recovery related activities due to Hurricane Irma and other prior storms. This is the highest level of funding since Governor Scott took office.
Invests in Florida’s Veterans Community
The Securing Florida’s Future budget recommends $178 million to support active duty military, veterans and their families.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget FAQ.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget complete budget.

Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget to Support Florida Elders and Families

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Governor Rick Scott’s 2018-19 Securing Florida’s Future budget recommends $12.5 million for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to serve more than 1,100 elders in need, invest in programs that support Florida families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and make necessary changes to outdated technology that will enable Florida’s Aging Network better serve seniors and their caregivers.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is proud that so many elders are choosing to call our state home and we are fully committed to providing them with the services and support they need. These important investments are essential to helping our elders remain healthy, safe, and independent so they, and their families, can continue to enjoy our great state.”
Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget includes:

  • $3 million to provide services for additional elders with Alzheimer’s disease and relief for their caregivers through the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI);
  • $5 million for home and community-based services for more seniors at risk for nursing home placement through the Community Care for the Elderly Program (CCE);
  • $1 million to provide services for more of the frailest individuals through the Home Care for the Elderly Program (HCE);
  • $2.65 million to improve the Department’s client assessment processes and technology, including replacement of the 26-year-old Client Information and Registration Tracking System (CIRTS); and
  • $876,000 for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers to assess needs and provide services to elders across Florida.

Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Jeffrey Bragg said, “With the highest percentage of elders in the nation, we must continue to set an example by investing in essential home and community-based services that best meet their needs. I am so grateful for the leadership and support of Governor Scott in providing these increases year after year – more than $163 million since 2011 – and for his commitment to serving Florida’s 5.2 million seniors.”
Jaime Estremera-Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer of the Area Agency on Aging for Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc. and Vice President of the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging (F4A), said, “I am very thankful to Governor Scott for his support and investments in these programs that are vital for frail elders in Florida and allows us to help them maintain their health and independence in their own homes and communities.”
Debbie Moroney, ACSW, CEO, Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., said, “ADI is such an important program that supports caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s disease in Florida. Governor Scott has once again recognized the critical need for respite services for the selfless caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They need our continued support, and I applaud the Governor for his continued support of our efforts.”   
Lisa Bretz, MSW, Executive Director, Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, said, “Through this increased funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Governor Scott has shown his support for our organizations in our mission to promote the independence, dignity, health, and well-being of seniors and their caregivers, and we applaud him for providing this funding for us again.” 
Andrea V. Busada, President of the Board of Directors, Florida Association of Aging Services Providers (FASP), said, “We are extremely pleased with the Governor’s continued commitment to enhancing the tools and technology at the Department of Elder Affairs which will allow service providers to more effectively serve our seniors.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, visit www.elderaffairs.org.

Florida Fusion Center recognized as Fusion Center of the Year

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The Florida Fusion Center, which is housed at FDLE’s headquarters, was recognized last week by the National Fusion Center Association as the 2017 Fusion Center of the Year for its continued commitment to vigilance and excellence in defense of Florida and its citizens.
The Florida Fusion Center also received the Maritime Domain Awareness Excellence Award in recognition of its efforts to improve the safety and security of Florida’s coasts, waterways, and ports.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “The Florida Fusion Center is committed to being at the forefront of public safety and security, working with our partners across the state and nation to ensure the safety of our great state and its residents. Congratulations to our team and our partners for these awards as recognition of their continual commitment to excellence.”
A fusion center is a collaborative effort of state and federal agencies working in partnership with local partners to share resources, expertise and/or information to better identify, detect, prevent, apprehend and respond to criminal and terrorist activity utilizing an all crimes/all hazards approach. Located in Tallahassee, the Florida Fusion Center serves as Florida’s primary fusion center for the gathering, processing, analysis and dissemination of terrorism, law enforcement and homeland security information.

Ocoee man claims $600,000 LUCKY MONEY jackpot

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The Florida Lottery announces that Eduardo Yzaguirre, 53, of Ocoee, claimed the $600,000 LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot from the November 7, 2017, drawing at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Yzaguirre chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $443,799.12. He purchased his winning LUCKY MONEY ticket from Circle K, located at 8299 Silver Star Road in Orlando. The retailer received a bonus commission of $1,000 for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
The next LUCKY MONEY drawing will be held tomorrow, November 14, 2017, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $550,000 jackpot. The LUCKY MONEY drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.

Gov. Rick Scott to Unveil 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future Budget

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, November 14th, Governor Rick Scott will unveil his 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget at Northern Tool + Equipment in Jacksonville.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 10:30 AM
WHERE: Northern Tool + Equipment
10000 Atlantic Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Following the announcement, the Governor’s budget staff will host a pen and pad background briefing with credentialed press. No visual or audio recording equipment will be permitted. This will be an in-person meeting ONLY. No call-in information will be provided.
WHAT: Pen and Pad with OPB Staff
WHEN: 3:00 PM
WHERE: The Governor’s Large Conference Room
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399