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Republican Caucus Selects Senator Bill Galvano as President-Designate

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Senator Galvano to Serve as Senate President for the 2018-20 Legislative Term

The Florida Senate Republican Caucus, led by Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby), today unanimously selected Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) as the President-Designate for the 2018-20 Legislative Term.
“Today, in the presence of his family and friends, the Republican Caucus officially designated Bill Galvano as the next President of the Florida Senate,” said Leader Simpson. “Bill is a true statesman. His intelligence, his ability to do the things that have to be done, and his commitment to serving others will allow for great things to happen in the Senate.”
Leader Simpson and Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) presided over today’s ceremony. President Negron’s term as Senate President will conclude at the 2018 General Election.
“Bill is a strong and dedicated leader who quickly earned the trust and confidence of our Republican Caucus,” said President Negron. “From his service as Rules Chair in the Florida House, to his time as Majority Leader in the Florida Senate, to his current role as Chair of Higher Education Appropriations, time and time again Bill is trusted with and excels in critical leadership positions.”
Senator Galvano was nominated for Senate President-Designate by Senator Tom Lee (R-Thonotosassa), who served as Senate President from 2004-06. The nomination was seconded by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg). Senator Galvano was joined by his wife Julie and their three children, Michael, William, and Jacqueline. Senator Galvano’s mother, Betty Galvano, also attended today’s ceremony along with Sterling and MaryJean Forrester, parents of Mrs. Julie Galvano, as well as extended family and close friends.
“I am honored by the trust and confidence my fellow Republican Senators have placed in me and extremely grateful to my family for their support,” said President-Designate Galvano. “I firmly believe the power of the Senate and its ability to serve the people of Florida at the highest effectiveness lies in maximizing the strengths, backgrounds, perspectives, skills, and talents of each and every member of this body. I take the responsibility to serve as the President-Designate very seriously and look forward to working with President Negron, Leader Simpson, and all of my Senate colleagues to ensure that every Senator has the opportunity to voice the priorities of their constituents.”
Video of President-Designate Galvano’s full acceptance speech can be found via the Florida Channel at www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
Senator William Saint “Bill” Galvano and his family are longtime residents of Bradenton, Florida. Senator Galvano served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2002-10, during which he served a term as Chair of the House Rules and Calendar Council from 2008-10, under House Speaker Larry Cretul.  Elected to the Florida Senate in 2012, Senator Galvano currently represents Senate District 21, which consists of Manatee County and part of Hillsborough County. Senator Galvano has held several leadership positions in the Senate, including serving a term as Senate Majority (Republican) Leader from 2014-2016, under Senate President Andy Gardiner. A graduate of Manatee Community College, the University of Florida, and the University of Miami Law School, Senator Galvano is a partner with the law firm Grimes Goebel Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano of Bradenton.

Gov. Scott Applauds Work of Joint Terrorism Task Force in Arrest of Alleged Terrorist

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Governor Rick Scott today applauded the hard work of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led Joint Terrorism Task Force which resulted in the arrest of an alleged terrorist in Miami. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has counterterrorism agents on the Joint Terrorism Task Force because of the positions and funding proposed by Governor Scott and approved by the Governor and Legislature this year. The individual, who was reportedly inspired by ISIS, was allegedly planning to carry out a bombing of Dolphin Mall in Doral, Florida. Thanks to the work of federal, state and local law enforcement working collaboratively through the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the individual was arrested and taken into custody last week.
Governor Scott said, “I want to thank the members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their hard work and selfless dedication to the safety of our state and nation. This year, I proposed and signed $5.8 million and 46 counterterrorism agent positions for FDLE in the state budget to ensure Florida is doing our part to defeat terrorism and keep families safe. It is because of this critical funding that FDLE has counterterrorism agents on every Florida-based Joint Terrorism Task Force and were able to assist in this investigation and the arrest of this individual. The hate and evil of ISIS must be destroyed and these brave men and women work relentlessly to make sure that those who wish to harm us are identified and stopped before they can carry-out evil acts meant to harm innocent families.”
This year, Governor Scott proposed and then signed $5.8 million in the state budget for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to add 46 counterterrorism agents to the State Terrorism Task Force. These agents specialize in counterterrorism and intelligence work hand-in-hand with local, state and federal intelligence agencies.

More than 1 Billion in Federal Food Disaster Food Assistance Distributed

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The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) today released updates on the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) operations in Florida. To date, in response to Hurricane Irma, DCF has distributed more than $1 billion in federal disaster food assistance through DSNAP, supplemental benefits, and replacements for regular SNAP customers. As of October 21, DCF has processed more than 756,272 DSNAP applications that meet the federal requirements. This will help more than 7.5 million Floridians through SNAP and DSNAP as they continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Irma. 
Public safety is paramount and is DCF’s first priority as we operate assistance sites throughout the state. DCF will continue to follow the direction of local law enforcement in every community to ensure the safety of those we are committed to serving. DCF defers to local law enforcement for all determinations related to traffic or public safety issues.
DCF has aggressively pursued actions to ensure operations are as expeditious, safe, and efficient as possible. Following the conclusion of the Food for Florida program statewide, DCF will conduct a thorough after action review of all operations. 
Important details are included below.  

  • DCF submitted the first request for disaster food assistance to the federal government on September 13, just three days after Hurricane Irma’s first impact to Florida.
  • DCF sent a letter to the USDA on October 17 to request additional flexibility and resources in administering the federal DSNAP program in Florida.
    • Read the FNS response to DCF here.
  • Operations in several large counties have already concluded and assistance was successfully provided to thousands of residents, including:
  • Hillsborough – 240,401 individuals issued benefits
  • Duval – 290,670 individuals issued benefits
  • Lucie – 142,739 individuals issued benefits
  • Osceola – 137,439 individuals issued benefits
  • Brevard – 127,474 individuals issued benefits
  • Volusia – 120,046 individuals issued benefits
  • Pinellas – 111,996 individuals issued benefits
  • Palm Beach – 190,392 individuals issued benefits
  • Statewide data on DSNAP by county as of October 21 is available here.
  • The Orange County DSNAP site will remain open at Camping World Stadium in Orlando for Orange County residents through Wednesday, October 25.
    • DCF is worked closely with local officials, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the site and surrounding area were prepared for safe and efficient operations to serve Orange County residents.
    • More than 500 DCF are on-site serving residents.
    • Residents are encouraged to carpool or use public transportation to reduce traffic congestion in the area.
    • Media are asked to park in Lot J.
  • The Seminole County DSNAP site will remain open at Orlando Live Events in Casselberry until October 25.
  • The Collier/Lee County DSNAP event will be held at the LCPA Overflow Parking October 26-31.
  • The Lafayette/Suwanee County DSNAP event will be held at the Live Oak Church of God October 27-31.
  • The Pasco County DSNAP event will be held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds November 5-8.
    • DCF is working diligently with Pasco County Fairground officials and local law enforcement to establish a safe and secure site for Pasco families.
    • The gates will not open until 6:30 a.m. on November 5 per local officials and law enforcement will be strictly enforcing no overnight or on the road parking.
  • The additional Miami/Dade and Broward DSNAP event dates and locations will be announced as soon as details are finalized. The department is working closely with law enforcement and local officials to select a site that law enforcement can support and will be acceptable for all parties.
  • Important reminders for Florida families:
    • DSNAP is not for current food assistance customers.
    • Apply online/pre-registration is strongly encouraged prior to visiting a site.
    • Only head of household should come to the site for an interview.
    • Please visit on the days listed here:  http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/fff/siteLocations.shtml
    • Please attend on the date we are serving the first initial of your last name.
    • Please bring a valid Florida Driver’s License or Identification Card.
  • Assigned 750 staff at headquarters to support processing of applications
  • Deployed more than 6,000 staff to assist in operations and administration of this federal program, including nearly 1,500 temporary workers, to Food for Florida sites to process applications
  • Deployed staff from the panhandle to support operations in affected counties
  • Extended operating hours at the three Palm Beach County sites to 7:00 p.m. each day
  • The ACCESS Call Center hours have been increased to help serve more people during the day for the duration of the DSNAP program to 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • Hired traffic control companies to aid with parking and traffic control
  • Special accommodations are available for the elderly and disabled. Onsite staff are working to monitor the population of those in lines to assist elderly and disabled residents to the front of the line. Those who need these accommodations should find staff to inquire about expedited service.
  • Shuttled staff from remote locations to allow for more onsite parking
  • Additional sites will open in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Marion counties to continue to serve residents in these areas. Details will be announced at www.myflfamilies.com/fff as soon as possible.
  • Every site is distributing bottled water to individuals waiting in line on foot;
  • DCF takes the responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money very seriously and investigates all instances of potential fraud. DCF’s Public Benefits Integrity (PBI) program has investigators on-site at each FFF location to review potentially fraudulent applicants and conduct investigations for profiles flagged as fraud-prone. PBI investigators are also monitoring social media sites for fraudulent sales of food assistance. Individuals who are found guilty of submitting false information on their application for D-SNAP benefits are subject to criminal prosecution and will be required to pay the money back. PBI on-site staff reviewed 30,882 D-SNAP applications as of October 22 and have avoided issuing more than $8.74 million in fraudulent benefits.

In addition to DSNAP, DCF applied for federal food assistance program waivers and provided:

  • Early release of food assistance benefits prior to Hurricane Irma making landfall to help families prepare
  • Hot Foods Waiver, and a subsequent extension, to allow families to purchase prepared food with their EBT cards at participating retailers
  • Extended the time frame to report food loss from 10 to 20 days
  • Mass food assistance replacement benefits for September to SNAP recipients in 52 counties effected by Hurricane Irma
  • Extended October SNAP recertification deadlines for three months

AHCA Solicits Nominations for Fraud Fighter Achievement Award

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The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Fraud Fighter Achievement Award. This award recognizes an individual, team or entity whose efforts to reduce or deter fraud increased integrity in health care while supporting the Agency’s mission of providing better health care for all Floridians.
A nominee of this award may be a Medicaid recipient or provider, government official or entity, or a private citizen who demonstrates the Agency’s values of accountability, fairness, responsiveness, and teamwork in efforts that helped to detect, prosecute, or prevent fraudulent activity in health care.
Nominations will be accepted through November 3, 2017 and award winners will be recognized during Fraud Awareness Week (November 12-18, 2017). The nomination form and a list of past winners are available on the Agency’s website.
The Agency uses many techniques to deter fraud or abuse in the Medicaid program including, but not limited to:

  • Field initiatives that incorporate teams of investigators focusing on a single provider type making unannounced visits and specific checks regarding Medicaid billing, necessary medical services rendered, proper licenses, and certifications;
  • Third-party billing verification to ensure that Medicaid is the payer of last resort;
  • In-house data-mining and analytical efforts that allow the Agency to perform random audits of providers’ billing activities and run targeted audits of providers that bill outside the average for their provider type; and
  • Educational programs for providers to help them understand the Medicaid billing process, the laws, rules and regulations that apply to them as providers.

In addition, the Agency, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, annually releases a comprehensive report highlighting efforts to reduce and deter fraud and abuse. Click here to view the 2015-16 Florida Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Annual Report.

Joe Briggs Incorporated claims top prize in $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that the president of Joe Briggs Incorporated, Joe Briggs, 60, of Pompano Beach, claimed a top prize in the $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. The winning ticket was purchased from Saxon & Wall Supermarket, located at 321 Northwest 3rd Avenue in Pompano Beach.
The $5 Scratch-Off game, $500,000 GOLD RUSH DOUBLER, launched in January, and features more than $182.8 million in prizes, including 44 top prizes of $500,000. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-3.98.
Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2016-17.

Florida Leaders Applaud Gov. Scott’s Proposed Historic Investment for Environment

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Today, Florida leaders applauded Governor Rick Scott’s announcement that he will propose more than $1.7 billion to protect Florida’s environment as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This $1.7 billion funding for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is a more than $220 million increase over the current year.
The proposed funding will include:

  • A historic investment of $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A historic investment of $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein said, “DEP applauds Governor Scott for continuing to make the protection of our natural resources a priority. This budget proposal will allow us to continue to make real progress safeguarding our environment through partnerships and projects. We look forward to a busy year ahead as we get to work implementing the crucial projects that will be funded by this budget.”
Erik Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, said, “Governor Scott’s environmental budget recommendation includes significant funding for America’s Everglades. This includes expediting key features of the Central Everglades Plan and getting to work on storage south of Lake Okeechobee. We thank the Governor for this bold Everglades budget and we look forward to working with Senate and House members to make it happen.”
Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida, said, “Audubon Florida is excited about Governor Scott’s environmental budget requests for this upcoming session. This year’s request includes funding for Florida’s premier land conservation program, Florida Forever. The Governor’s budget recommendation also includes funding for Florida’s iconic springs and our award-winning state parks. These budget recommendations put additional focus on land conservation, parks, springs and Everglades and estuary recovery- Audubon’s top priorities for protecting water and wildlife. We were glad to welcome Governor Scott back to Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples and the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland.”
Deborah Flack, president of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association said, “Governor Scott’s commitment to healthy beaches continues, fully recognizing their economic importance to Florida. $50 million for the traditional statewide program reflects an appreciation for the outstanding performance of existing beach management projects following Hurricane Irma in protecting upland structures and reducing coastal flooding. They worked outstandingly, and we are going to need them again. The additional funding for storm damage recovery for our beaches and dunes demonstrates the Governor’s recognition that critically-eroded beaches not part of any existing solution must be brought into the statewide program. Our coastal communities and local government partners are most appreciative of the Governor’s budgetary commitment to sustaining Florida’s beaches.”
Temperince Morgan, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed budget will support critical restoration and protection projects for some of Florida’s most precious resources, including springs and our award-winning state parks.”
Paula Russo, president of Friends of Florida State Parks, said, “We’re pleased that the Governor’s budget includes a historic investment in Florida’s nationally-recognized state park system. Florida State Parks are beloved by residents and visitors alike, and Governor Scott’s budget ensures these resources will be preserved and available for generations to come.”
Duane De Freese, Ph.D., executive director of the IRL Council & Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, said, “This is a historic commitment by Governor Scott to Everglades restoration, water infrastructure projects, and surface water quality improvements for Florida. All are essential to restore the health of the Indian River Lagoon.”
David C. Jones, president of Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, said, “We commend the Governor for his continued support of accessibility improvements in our state parks so that more individuals will be able to enjoy their beauty and recreational opportunities.”
South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Chairman Dan O’Keefe said, “Governor Scott’s proposal for a record $355 million for Everglades restoration in next year’s environmental budget clearly demonstrates his commitment to completing projects that will provide immediate benefits for South Florida’s ecosystems. This infusion of funding would enable the South Florida Water Management District to make significant progress on providing needed clean water for the Everglades while protecting this region’s vital coastal estuaries.”
Brian Armstrong, executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, said, “We applaud the Governor’s commitment to Florida’s springs. This vital funding will allow our springs experts to continue working to protect these important natural systems within our District.”
Dr. Ann Shortelle, executive director of the St. John River Water Management District, said, “It’s this type of commitment and leadership by Gov. Scott that allows us to continue working to protect and restore our vital natural resources in Florida. An investment of $55 million in Florida’s springs and $50 million in Florida Forever sends a clear message that the environment is a priority for this administration.”
Hugh Thomas, executive director of the Suwannee River Water Management District, said, “The Suwannee River Valley is a treasure trove of springs, wild and scenic rivers, and pristine shorelines that we work diligently to protect. Governor Scott’s paramount investment in Florida’s natural resources is a powerful promise to the current residents and future generations of our spectacular state.”
Brett Cyphers, executive director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, said, “We are grateful for the continued vision and leadership shown by Governor Scott. The environmental resources of this region are our hallmark. This continued support for the protection and restoration of our springs, beaches and our award-winning state parks will ensure the health and well-being of our residents, economy and environment.”

CFO Patronis Urges Congress to Address Costly Health Insurance Tax

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today sent a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation urging them to address the costly and ill-designed federal Health Insurance Tax (HIT) ahead of its impending implementation. The HIT requires insurance companies offering full coverage plans to pay an annual tax to help cover the cost of the federal exchange. While Congress delayed the HIT’s 2017 implementation, without additional action, it will become effective January 1, 2018. To cover the cost of paying the HIT, insurance companies are expected to significantly raise rates.
CFO Patronis said, “Congress has delayed the 2017 HIT implementation, lowering policyholders’ premiums by three percent, and saving the health care system an estimated $13.9 billion. However, a delay is but a temporary reprieve. Without immediate Congressional action, the tax will go into effect January 1, 2018, with a $22 billion first-year fiscal impact. With a 10-year projected impact of $267 billion, Florida simply cannot afford inaction. Florida alone faces a $1.7 billion overall increase in 2018 health care premiums. Florida’s state workforce covered by the state-sponsored health plan can expect a $188 annual increase for individual coverage, and families can expect to pay an additional $518 in 2018.”
Read a copy of the CFO’s letter here.

Certification of State House District 44 Special Election and State House District 58 Special Primary Election

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections announces the following meeting of the Elections Canvassing Commission.
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 9:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Cabinet Meeting Room, LL03, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida
SUBJECT: Certification of State House District 44 Special Election and State House District 58 Special Primary Election
PARTICIPANTS: Members of the State Elections Canvassing Commission will include Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. All will be participating via phone.

Press conference with Sen. Stewart, Democratic Leader Cruz and Rep. Berman

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MEDIA ADVISORY

On Tuesday, October 24, Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando), Democratic Leader Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) and Representative Lori Berman (D-Lantana) will be holding a press conference and rally in support of their Equal Pay for Equal Work bill, SB 594/HB 393.
Nicknamed the “Helen Gordon Davis Fair Pay Protection Act” in honor of Helen Gordon Davis for her hard work in the field of equal pay, the bill hopes to strengthen state laws in this arena. In short, the bills seek to specify which factors employers can use to decide to pay employees differently, such as education, experience, or seniority, or merit. It would also prohibit employers from screening job applicants based on prior wages, bar employers from taking retaliatory action against an employee who discloses their wages to a coworker, prohibit employers from discrimination towards employees based on their sex, prohibit employers from using the wage or salary history of a prospective employee in determining a wage or as a condition to be interviewed, and create civil penalties for violations of these laws.

Who: Senator Linda Stewart, Democratic Leader Janet Cruz & Representative Lori Berman

What: Press Conference

When: Tuesday, October 24th, at 1:00pm

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

 

Duke Energy Settlement, Cost Recovery Hearings Set for Wednesday

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a hearing Wednesday, October 25, 2017, on Duke Energy Florida, LLC’s (DEF) petition to approve its revised and restated stipulation and settlement agreement.
Following this, the PSC will begin its Cost Recovery Clause hearings to determine 2018 cost recovery charges for customers of Florida’s five investor-owned utilities.
The hearings are scheduled for the following times and location:

Wednesday, October 25, 2017
DEF Limited Proceeding
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida

The Cost Recovery Clause hearings will begin after the DEF hearing concludes. In addition, October 26-27, 2017, are reserved to continue the hearing, if needed. The starting time of the next day’s session will be announced at the conclusion of each day.
The hearings will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listings) and is available online at www.floridapsc.com (look for the “Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the web page).
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.