“Today I am saddened by the Governor’s action in signing HB 7069. This devious bill, hatched in secret, and strong-armed through the Legislature will deal a significant blow to our State’s public education system. For the first time, private-charter school operators will now have access to local school district tax-revenue. This will undoubtedly lead to less money for our already starved-traditional public schools. I fear that a lack of accountability in these charters will result in wasted dollars for untested and redundant facilities, all to prop up private entities that are closing down nearly as fast as they are opening up. I join the thousands of parents, schoolteachers, and education advocates around Florida in bowing my head in shame. Our government can do better.”
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Gov. Scott: Connecticut Leaders Out of Touch with Business
Governor Rick Scott today announced he will be leading an economic development mission to Connecticut next week to share why businesses in Connecticut should consider moving their operations to Florida. This follows the recent establishment of the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which will help provide even more reasons for businesses to invest in Florida.
Governor Scott said, “By working with the Florida Legislature, over the past six and a half years we have cut more than $6.7 billion in taxes, reduced 4,800 burdensome regulations and made important investments to help create opportunities across Florida for future generations. With more than 1.35 million new jobs, an unemployment rate at a nearly 10-year low and a job growth rate that has exceeded the nation’s for more than five consecutive years, there is no better place to grow a business than Florida. Meanwhile, Connecticut leaders are out of touch with business. Governor Malloy’s administration has been trying, and failing, to tackle a budget deficit with an overwhelming collection of increased taxes and fees. Their job growth rate continues to lag far behind Florida and the nation, and Connecticut has lost more adjusted gross income and people to Florida than any other state in the nation.
“The business environment in Connecticut simply cannot compete with everything Florida has to offer. That is why I am leading an economic development mission to Connecticut to share this message firsthand with job creators and site selectors next week. With the recent establishment of the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund that the Legislature overwhelmingly passed last week, we have the important resources our state needs to encourage more businesses to choose Florida as the best destination to grow and create jobs. I look forward to meeting with Connecticut business leaders to explain how additional public infrastructure and individual job training through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help create new opportunities for them to grow in the Sunshine State.”
Statement from Sen. Linda Stewart on signing of HB 7069
“I would like to thank the Governor for visiting Senate District 13, but I’m very disappointed that he used the signing of HB 7069 as the reason to stop by.
“This bill is an unwise experiment in education policy opposed by our state’s teachers, parents, professional administrators and superintendents. That’s why I urged him to veto it. Many of those that have opposed HB7069 have dedicated their lives to educating the students in Florida’s schools. HB7069 was secretly produced, and passed as a 278-page bitter pill that flew in the face of every tradition of transparency and openness required by our state’s laws and constitution.
“Let’s be clear about what HB7069 actually does: it enriches the for-profit education industry at the expense of Florida’s traditional public schools. The same schools that educated the vast majority of Floridians for generations despite daunting odds and an indifferent legislature for the past two decades.
“The legislation you signed today gives to the charter school industry a free hand, and promises them a bountiful reward. It allows corporations with no track record of success, no obligation to struggling students, and no mandated standards of accountability to flourish, with the sole obligation to their shareholders. Not the public. Not to well-intentioned parents desperate to see their children succeed – but to a group of investors who have made a business decision to add these companies to their portfolios because they are interested in making money.
“I would remind those who stand to profit personally from this legislation, some of whom hold high office, that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Statement from Progress Florida Regarding Signing of HB 7069
Statement from Progress Florida Executive Director, Mark Ferrulo, on Gov. Scott’s signing into law HB 7069:
“Today, Gov. Rick Scott ignored thousands of parents, teachers and community leaders who have spoken out against this travesty of a bill and embraced a secret and unaccountable process to deal an underhanded sucker punch to public education in our state. Our students — the next generation of Floridians — are the ones who will pay the price.
“Floridians deserve a strong and well-funded public school system so that a child’s opportunity to learn isn’t dependent on where they live or whether they win a school lottery. We shouldn’t waste precious resources on a parallel system of for profit private voucher and charter schools that is less accountable to citizens and has produced mixed results at best.”
Gov. Scott signs major education bill; increases Gardiner scholarships, teacher bonuses
Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7069 which provides nearly $419 million to Florida’s K-12 education system, expands teacher bonuses, increases funding for the Gardiner Scholarship for students with unique abilities and ensures Florida’s students can get a great education at the school of their choice. Additionally, during the recent Special Legislative Session called by Governor Scott, the Legislature allocated the highest per student K-12 funding in state history, increasing funding by $100 per student.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to sign legislation that expands the Gardiner Scholarship program to help support even more students with unique abilities and provides nearly $234 million in bonuses for Florida’s incredible public school teachers. This legislation, combined with the historic $100 per student increase in funding I called for during the special session, will put all of Florida’s students on a pathway toward success.
“When I was growing up, I had access to a good quality education, and every Florida child should have the same opportunity. Florida’s K-12 education system is so important to the future of our children and our state, and we will never stop looking for ways to improve how our students learn and achieve.”
Florida House of Representatives Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “Today is a great day for the students of Florida. Today is also a great day for parents and teachers who care deeply about our kids. Today is not a good day for the status quo or for those who accept failure as part of the system. I thank the Governor for his courage and his commitment to the hopes and dreams of the next generation. I look forward to working with him to make the promise of HB 7069 a reality.”
Former Senate President Andy Gardiner said, “Providing educational opportunities, resources and services to Floridians with unique abilities is so important in helping these individuals lead successful and independent lives. My wife Camille and I are proud to have Governor Scott sign this legislation today expanding the Gardiner Scholarship so that more children with unique abilities can receive a great education in Florida.”
Since taking office, Governor Scott has focused on ensuring that Florida’s children receive a quality education in K-12 public schools. Over the past six years, state funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools has increased by nearly $3 billion or 34 percent from a total amount of $8.7 billion in 2011 to $11.7 billion in this year’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget.
Governor Scott is also a strong supporter of school choice. Along with expanding virtual education to all Florida students, the legislation signed by Governor Scott today continues the Governor’s commitment to supporting school choice for students across the state. Since taking office, Governor Scott has signed legislation providing flexibility and more than $450 million in funding to Florida’s high performing charter schools, allowing these schools to grow and serve more students.
To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.
City Officials from Across the State Honored with 2017 Home Rule Hero Awards
More than 70 municipal officials from around the state were honored by the Florida League of Cities as recipients of 2017 Home Rule Hero Awards. These local government officials earned this prestigious recognition for their tireless efforts to advance the League’s legislative agenda and help protect the home rule authority of Florida’s cities during the 2017 regular legislative session.
“Our Home Rule Heroes are shining examples of local advocacy in action,” said Boca Raton Mayor and Florida League of Cities President Susan Haynie. “These dedicated municipal officials take time out of their busy schedules to cultivate relationships with their legislators and help them understand the issues that are most important to their constituents back home. The Florida League of Cities is proud to recognize them and say thank you for all they do to help protect home rule and preserve the quality of life in their cities.”
Home rule is the authority for a city to establish its own form of government and enact ordinances, codes, plans, and resolutions without prior state approval. Recipients of the Home Rule Hero Award are local government officials – both elected and non-elected – who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective to an issue.
The 2017 Home Rule Hero Award recipients are:
Mayor Mitchell Reeves, City of Atlantic Beach
Vice Mayor Leo Longworth, City of Bartow
Commissioner Trish Pfeiffer, City of Bartow
Mayor Jordan Leonard, Town of Bay Harbor Islands
Commissioner Thomas Shelly, Town of Belleair
Debra Sullivan, City Clerk, City of Belleair Bluffs
Mayor Susan Haynie, City of Boca Raton
Mayor Peter Simmons, City of Bonita Springs
Mayor Wayne Poston, City of Bradenton
Councilmember Jim Burch, City of Cape Coral
Councilmember Bill Jonson, City of Clearwater
John Titkanich, City Manager, City of Cocoa
Mayor Greg Ross, City of Cooper City
Vice Mayor Dan Daley, City of Coral Springs
Commissioner Scott Black, City of Dade City
Mayor Robert F. Apgar, City of DeLand
Mayor Scott Fischer, City of Destin
Carisse LeJeune, City Manager, City of Destin
Bea L. Meeks, City Clerk, City of Edgewood
Lee Feldman, City Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale
Mayor Jack Seiler, City of Fort Lauderdale
Councilman Forrest Banks, City of Fort Myers
Mayor Randy Henderson, City of Fort Myers
Councilwoman Teresa Watkins Brown, City of Fort Myers
Mayor Linda Hudson, City of Fort Pierce
Michael Beedie, City Manager, City of Fort Walton Beach
Mayor Matthew Surrency, City of Hawthorne
Mark Ryan, City Manager, City of Indian Harbour Beach
Mayor Drinda Merritt, Town of Inglis
Councilmember Matthew Schellenberg, City of Jacksonville
George Forbes, City Manager, City of Jacksonville Beach
Mayor Charlie Latham, City of Jacksonville Beach
Vice Mayor Kimberly Glas-Castro, Town of Lake Park
Commissioner Phillip Walker, City of Lakeland
Mayor R. Howard Wiggs, City of Lakeland
Vice Mayor Jamie Robinson, City of Largo
Mayor Joe Durso, City of Longwood
Mayor Kathy Meehan, City of Melbourne
Councilmember Cal Rolfson, City of Mount Dora
Mayor Bill Barnett, City of Naples
William Moss, City Manager, City of Naples
Councilman William Schaetzle, City of Niceville
Councilman Anthony DeFillipo, City of North Miami Beach
Mayor George Vallejo, City of North Miami Beach
Mayor Linda Yates, City of North Port
Jim Hanson, Town Manager, Town of Orange Park
Mayor William Partington, City of Ormond Beach
Mayor William Capote, City of Palm Bay
Mayor Carol McCormack, Town of Palm Shores
Douglas J. Sale, Attorney, City of Panama City Beach
Councilmember P.C. Wu, City of Pensacola
Kenneth Buchman, Attorney, City of Plant City
Councilperson Dawn Pardo, City of Riviera Beach
Council Vice Chair T. Patrick O’Neill, City of Rockledge
Mayor Kevin Ruane, City of Sanibel
Commissioner Willie Shaw, City of Sarasota
Councilman Dominick Montanaro, City of Satellite Beach
Mayor Leslie Waters, City of Seminole
Commissioner Vincent Barile, Town of Sewall’s Point
Commissioner Tom Campenni, City of Stuart
Mayor Troy McDonald, City of Stuart
Commissioner Scott Maddox, City of Tallahassee
Kent Olson, Deputy Treasurer/Clerk, City of Tallahassee
Commissioner Gil Ziffer, City of Tallahassee
Council Chairman Michael Suarez, City of Tampa
Mayor Heyward H. Strong, Jr., City of Valparaiso
Terry Atchley, City Manager, City of Wauchula
Chevelle Nubin, Village Clerk, Village of Wellington
Mayor Daniel Stermer, City of Weston
Darrel Thomas, Assistant City Manager/CFO, City of Weston
Mayor Gary Resnick, City of Wilton Manors
Mayor Gary Bruhn, Town of Windermere
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities. Florida’s cities are formed by their citizens and governed by their citizens. The League is founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. For more information, visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com.
American Bridge statement on Rick Scott signing the most anti-education bill of his administration
In response to Rick Scott signing HB 7069, American Bridge spokesperson Joshua Karp made the following statement:
“Since his first year in office, Rick Scott has fought against public schools on behalf of wealthy corporate special interests. Today’s anti-education bill was crafted in secret by lobbyists and Tallahassee insiders to funnel millions of dollars to corporations that seek to profit off children’s education while diverting precious funding from Florida’s public schools where every dollar is precious. Yet again, Floridians will be worse off because Rick Scott and his friends care more about making money.”
Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Oscar Braynon on Governor's Signing of HB 7069
To no one’s surprise, but to many Floridians’ disappointment, Governor Rick Scott approved HB 7069 today, firmly cementing his legacy of putting campaign politics above sound public policy.
“Equally troubling, he signed off on a bill hatched in secrecy which he had openly criticized, but now suddenly agrees that it’s ok to circumvent transparency, it’s ok to negotiate in secret, it’s ok to pull a fast one.
“HB 7069 aims an arrow straight at the heart of public education in Florida, a system that is struggling to stay alive despite repeated overhauls, starvation, and mandates under the latest standardized tests-du-jour.
“And it sets up a guarantee for the profitability of the charter school industry in this state by delivering public schools we’ve purposely ignored to corporate managers we’ve deliberately positioned for success.
“All of these perks we give to this industry under this bill – unregulated expansion, temporary teacher employment, financial self-rewards through cherry picking by principals – none of this is found in traditional public schools. Nor is the amount of state aid we owe to build or maintain the public schools long relegated to second-class status.
“For all of these reasons, it’s a bill that should have been vetoed, as countless Floridians continuously urged. And it’s a bill that we will not soon forget.”
Nelson files bill to lower health insurance premiums by 13 percent
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) has introduced legislation that could lower health insurance premiums for some Floridians by as much as 13 percent.
The legislation, which Nelson and others introduced in the Senate yesterday, would create a permanent reinsurance program to help stabilize the individual health insurance marketplace. That stability, according to one Florida insurer, would likely lower premiums in Florida by up to 13 percent.
“We have to focus on fixing our nation’s health care system and finding ways to make health care more affordable,” Nelson said. “This bill, which will help reduce Floridians’ health insurance premiums by as much as 13 percent, is one step in the right direction.”
If approved, the legislation would create a permanent reinsurance fund to help health insurance companies cover the cost of larger-than-expected insurance claims.
The reinsurance fund would be available to health insurance companies participating in state and federal exchanges, encouraging these companies to offer more plans in more markets. This increased competition among insurers would eventually help drive down prices for consumers who purchase health insurance through HealthCare.gov.
Specifically, the reinsurance fund would reimburse insurers 80 percent of claims ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 from 2018 until 2020. Starting in 2021, the fund would cover 80 percent of claims ranging from $100,000 to $500,000.
The bill also provides additional funding to help states improve outreach and increase enrollment in insurance marketplaces. It now heads to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for consideration.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
DCF Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Help to be part of the solution
Governor Rick Scott proclaimed today as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Florida and Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) recognizes this day as an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults, and to take action to protect seniors by raising awareness about elder abuse. For the last five years, June 15 has been designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
“We have a responsibility to help protect vulnerable adults from becoming victims and help embrace community supports that foster self-sufficiency,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “Elders are the foundation of our families and the backbone of our communities. We all have a responsibility to ensure they are safe and being properly cared for.”
Every year, an estimated five million – or one in ten – older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Experts believe that for every reported case of elder abuse or neglect, as many as 23.5 percent of cases go unreported. As with many abuse cases, victims are reluctant to report abuse because they feel ashamed or embarrassed.
“Our seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Jeffrey Bragg. “We all have a role to play in protecting our seniors from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Learning the signs of abuse, and what steps to take to halt it, will ensure safer communities for our seniors.”
DCF’s Adult Protective Services program promotes the safety, independence, and quality of life for vulnerable adults who are, or are in danger of, being abused, neglected by self or others, or financially exploited, and who are unable to protect themselves.
Florida’s demographics are shifting, and we will soon have more elderly people in the United States than ever before. Get involved in a local effort to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect in your community. If you suspect an elder is being abused, neglected, or exploited, immediately call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or fill out the report online here.
For more information about Adult Protect Services, as well as, what you can do to prevent elder abuse, click here.
