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Senate Education Committee Passes Legislation to Expand Bright Futures Scholarship

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SB 4 Secures Permanent Expansion of Bright
Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships

The Senate Committee on Education today passed Senate Bill 4, the Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018, sponsored by Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton). The legislation expands the state university and student financial aid portions of the higher education agenda the Senate advanced last session, a top priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). Included in the bill are provisions for the permanent expansion of the Bright Futures Academic Scholar award at 100 percent of tuition and fees, and the Bright Futures Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees.
“Senate Bill 4 secures full funding for the Bright Futures Academic Scholar award, which began this academic year, and it also reinstates funding for the Bright Futures Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters, beginning in the 2018-19 academic year,” said President Negron. “With these two changes, we ensure the permanent expansion of the Bright Futures Scholarship for the approximately 94,000 students expected to qualify for new or renewed Bright Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships. Senate Bill 4 also expands merit-based and need-based financial aid funding, and establishes flexible tuition policies for families,” continued President Negron. “As Florida students and their families plan for their investment in a college or university education, they deserve financial security and peace of mind throughout their academic journey. With these permanent changes in law, we can help alleviate some of those financial concerns.”
“Every student in Florida who qualifies and earns the privilege to attend one of our state universities should have the opportunity to pursue a higher education; however, for many of our students that is an unattainable goal due to financial burdens,” said Senator Galvano. “A college or university education is a significant investment of both time and money, and Senate Bill 4 helps students and their families make that investment by planning accordingly.”
“This legislation makes permanent the expansion of the Bright Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships, establishes flexible tuition policies for full-time students, and incentivizes on-time graduation,” continued Senator Galvano. “In addition, Senate Bill 4 provides an opportunity for advanced planning for our universities by instituting a transition period for universities seeking preeminence status to adjust to the new 4-year graduation rate for full-time students.”
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.
    • Guarantees funding for 2018 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar awards.
    • Reinstates 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.
    • 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, as funded in the GAA.

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, as funded in the GAA.

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.

Commissioner Putnam Highlights National Fire Prevention Week

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are highlighting the dangers associated with wildfire and reminding Floridians to prioritize wildfire prevention and preparation during National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14.
“Following one of the worst wildfire seasons in years, it’s vital that Floridians are prepared to keep homes, property and wildlife safe from wildfire,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity for citizens to establish a fire prevention plan.”
Several measures that Floridians have already taken this year to prepare for hurricanes, such as creating a “go kit” and evacuation plan, are useful in case of wildfire. Wildfire danger levels usually increase throughout Florida after hurricane season concludes due to drying debris from the storms.
The 2017 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is a helpful reminder to formulate a fire prevention plan for both inside and outside the home. These tips can serve as the foundation for a fire prevention plan:

  • Keep dry and dead debris away from homes, fences and decks.
  • Keep roof and gutters free from debris such as pine needles, leaves, and branches.
  • Keep flammable materials like gasoline and firewood away from homes.
  • Have 30 feet of defensible space around homes and sheds.

“As you create a fire escape plan for the interior of your home, fire preparedness and prevention is equally critical for your home exterior and yard,” said State Forester Jim Karels.
Florida Forest Service offices will host and participate in community events across the state to raise awareness of fire prevention. For more information, consumers should contact their local wildfire mitigating specialist.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

AHCA Announces Panel Members of Pediatric Cardiology Technical Advisory Panel

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Panel will establish standards for pediatric cardiac procedures

The Agency for Health Care Administration today announced the cardiology specialists and cardiac surgeons who will serve on the new Pediatric Cardiology Technical Advisory Panel (Panel). The Panel will fulfill the responsibilities outlined in Chapter 2017-151, Laws of Florida, signed by Governor Scott earlier this year. The Panel will develop procedures and standards for measuring the quality and outcomes of pediatric cardiac surgery programs in the state and make recommendations to the Agency on specific regulatory guidelines. Panel members include representatives from each of the state’s ten existing pediatric cardiology surgery programs, as nominated by the Chief Executive Officers of those hospitals, and three additional at-large members appointed by the Agency’s Secretary Justin Senior.
The Panel members are:
William Blanchard, MD – Retired. Formerly Sacred Heart and Nemours Children’s Clinic – Pensacola
Mark Bleiweis, MD – University of Florida Health Shands Hospital – Gainesville
Eric Ceithaml, MD – Wolfson Children’s Hospital – Jacksonville
Eric Eason, MD – Golisano Children’s Hospital SWFL – Fort Myers
Kristine Gulesreian, MD – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital – Miami
Jeffrey P. Jacobs, MD – Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital – St. Petersburg
Stephen Langley, MD – St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital – Tampa
Jorge McCormack, MD MBA – Mednax Medical Group / Pediatric Cardiology Associates – St. Petersburg
David Nykanen, MD – Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children – Orlando
Frank Pigula, MD – Florida Hospital for Children – Orlando
Eliot Rosenkranz, MD – University of Miami Holtz Children’s Hospital – Miami
Frank Scholl, MD – Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital – Hollywood
Peter Wearden, MD – Nemours Children’s Hospital – Orlando
The Panel will convene in the fall and meet as needed to form their recommendations. The Agency has launched a dedicated webpage to make available information about the Panel’s work, member appointments, and meeting information. Under Florida’s Sunshine Laws, all Panel meetings will be open to the public. Members of the public may also send questions and information to the Panel through the website.
 

Deadline Extended to File for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity today announces the extension to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to October 31, 2017. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Irma.
DUA is available to those who:
Worked or were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment;

  • Do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits from any state; and
  • Due to the disaster:
    • Are not able to work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster;
    • Cannot reach the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster;
    • Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster; or
    • Became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because the head of household died as a direct result of the disaster.

Applications filed after the October 31, 2017, deadline will be considered untimely, and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause. Applicants must submit their Social Security number, pay stubs, and documentation to support the claim that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the DUA application is filed.
DUA is available for the weeks of unemployment beginning September 10, 2017 until ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 17, 2018, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster. To file a DUA claim go to www.floridajobs.org or call 1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time to assist claimants. For DUA claims information, call 1-800-204-2418 and choose option 2 to speak to a customer service representative.

Florida Lottery warns citizens of MEGA MILLIONS® scam

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The Florida Lottery is warning citizens of a lottery scam involving MEGA MILLIONS®in which scammers are sending emails to the public indicating they may have won $1 million, in an effort to obtain personal and financial information. Do not respond to these emails; if you have not purchased a MEGA MILLIONS ticket, you cannot win a prize.
The email features the MEGA MILLIONS logo as part of the letterhead, and states that the recipient was among a group of randomly selected people to participate in an ongoing MEGA MILLIONS drawing. Individuals are asked to provide general information about themselves in order to participate. The email goes on to warn the recipient not to share this information with other people in order to avoid impersonation and a double claim.
Florida Lottery players will never be required to transfer funds to secure their winnings for MEGA MILLIONS or any other Florida Lottery game. For more information and to find other tips to protect yourself, please visit www.flalottery.com. To report a lottery scam, consumers should contact the Florida Lottery’s Division of Security at (850) 487-7730.

Gov. Scott Directs DBPR to Eliminate Licensing Fees for Puerto Ricans Displaced by Hurricane Maria

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Governor Rick Scott today directed Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Jonathan Zachem to issue an Emergency Order suspending all fees required for occupational license applications for residents of Puerto Rico who were impacted by Hurricane Maria and are now in Florida. This includes over 50 different individual professional license types, such as barbers and realtors. By suspending fees, residents from Puerto Rico will be able to obtain a license from the state more quickly and continue their careers in Florida.
Governor Scott said, “As families from Puerto Rico relocate to Florida following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, it is crucial that we continue to do all we can to make it easier for these individuals to rebuild their lives and provide for their families. Today, I have directed the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to take immediate action to suspend licensing fees that would hinder or delay recovery efforts so these families can get back on their feet and continue successful careers in our state.”
DBPR Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “Following Hurricane Maria, the Department is working to provide necessary resources to help families and individuals recover and get to work more quickly. We appreciate the leadership of Governor Scott in helping these families, and hope that by eliminating burdensome fees, residents from Puerto Rico will be able to continue their livelihood here in Florida.”
To view the Emergency Order, click HERE.

DFS Law Enforcement Personnel Lands in Puerto Rico

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On Sunday, Major Karl Morgan with the Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico alongside personnel from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Law Enforcement to assist with hurricane recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.
Major Morgan joins an eight-member multi-agency incident management team that will coordinate the activities of law enforcement personnel. Last week, CFO Patronis pledged to assist Puerto Rico in its recovery efforts, and additional resources remain on standby.

Senator Daphne Campbell, Rep. Al Jacquet Hold President Trump Accountable to His Campaign Promises Protecting Haitian-Americans

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Seeking to hold President Donald Trump to a campaign promise he made to be “the greatest champion” of Haitian-Americans, state Senator Daphne Campbell (D-38 Miami) has filed a measure to extend Haiti’s temporary protected status designation (TPS) for at least 18 months beyond its scheduled January 22, 2018 expiration.
The House companion will be filed by Representative Al Jacquet (D-88 Palm Beach).
“On the campaign trail, Donald Trump assured Haitian-Americans, many of them living in my district, that they deserve better, and that he would give them better,” said Senator Campbell. “They took him at his word, and I am holding him to those promises.”
The memorial filed by Senator Campbell (SM 442) is earmarked for the President of the United States, the Secretary of the United States Department of State, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Currently, more than 58,000 Haitians resettled in South Florida benefit from the TPS program, which was established for refugees following earthquakes, hurricanes, and ensuing disease, which ravaged the country several years ago, and from which Haiti has still not fully recovered.
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration granted a six-month extension to the program, with a warning to the refugees to prepare for deportation once the reprieve ended in mid-January. Senator Campbell, who hails from the island nation, is asking that TPS be extended for an additional 18 months as Haiti continues to ready for the refugees’ return.
“These individuals have contributed greatly to the economy of Florida. They have not only rebuilt their lives, they have built the American success story from nothing,” said Senator Campbell. “Uprooting them means sending entire families back to the devastation they worked to overcome. And it would violate every promise President Trump made to protect them on American soil.”

Former DCF worker charged with two counts of falsifying records

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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have arrested Doreece J. Hines, 31, of 1333 Sunset Blvd., Daytona Beach, on two counts of falsifying records.
Hines was employed as a child protective investigator for the Department of Children and Families. She has been terminated.
In April 2017, agents launched an investigation into allegations that Hines had falsified documents in the Florida Safe Families Network. Hines was assigned a case involving a child with bruises on the child’s body. The investigation revealed Hines documented she made a visit to the child’s home and spoke with a parent to determine if the child was in present danger. It was later found no visit to the child’s home or conversation took place. Hines entered incorrect information in her case notes and later tried to change those notes.
Hines also failed to follow protocol and notify law enforcement and the child protection team about her case.
She was booked into the Volusia County Jail. The Office of the State Attorney, 7th Circuit, will prosecute.

Multimillion Dollar Settlement Reached with EpiPen Manufacturer

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Attorney General Pam Bondi joined the federal government, the District of Columbia and all 49 other state attorneys general in a multimillion settlement with an international pharmaceutical company. This nationwide settlement resolves allegations that Mylan Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mylan Specialty L. knowingly underpaid rebates owed to the Medicaid program for the drugs EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr.®. The drugs are injections containing epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. These effects can reverse severe low blood pressure, wheezing, severe skin itching, hives and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Mylan allegedly misclassified EpiPen to avoid paying rebate obligations to the U.S. and the state, violating the federal False Claims Act and various state false claims statutes. As part of the settlement, Mylan will pay a total of $465 million to the federal government and the states. Florida will receive more than $9 million in restitution and other recovery.
The investigation stemmed from two qui tam actions, United States ex rel. sanofi-aventis US LLC v. Mylan Inc., et al. No. 16-cv-11572-ADB, and United States ex rel. Ven-A-Care of the Florida Keys, Inc. v. Mylan Inc., et al. No. 17-10140-ADB, pending in the U.S District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
To view a copy of the settlement, click here.