Governor Rick Scott today met with local leaders and job creators in Pensacola during his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tour. Governor Scott is traveling the state to encourage Floridians to contact members of the Florida Legislature and urge them to invest in key priorities- funding for tourism and economic development and the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee.
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LeadingAge Florida Statement on Nursing Home Prospective Payment System Budget Deal
“LeadingAge Florida applauds the Florida Senate and House of Representatives for recognizing that the proposed Prospective Payment System (PPS) plan needs more study, and for creating a workgroup to develop recommendations for the plan,” said Steve Bahmer, President & CEO of LeadingAge Florida. “LeadingAge Florida looks forward to working with the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Legislature, and other stakeholders to produce a fair and equitable PPS plan, one that ensures resident care dollars are spent on care rather than property, that guarantees accountability for how any new tax dollars are spent, and which ensures that the rate setting approach is reasonable in terms of how it treats nursing homes of various sizes and the different regions of the state, among other items.”
“LeadingAge Florida appreciates all of the hard work and effort put into creating a PPS for Medicaid nursing home residents. Over the past 10 months, our members have advocated vigorously for a payment system that is fair and equitable for all providers. LeadingAge Florida appreciates the steps taken by the Florida Legislature to further study this important issue,” Bahmer said.
About LeadingAge Florida
For 54 years, LeadingAge Florida has served as an association of more than 250 mission-driven communities, including many of the highest rated nursing homes affected by the plan inserted into the Senate budget. LeadingAge Florida is proud to serve quality leaders who devote themselves to creating a culture of excellence that motivates and inspires others throughout the aging continuum. LeadingAge Florida’s members are trusted with providing quality care and services to Florida’s seniors. LeadingAge Florida promotes practices that support, enable and empower people to live fully as they age.
Interviews planned for Secretary of Florida Department of Transportation Finalists
Five transportation leaders to be interviewed May 11th
The Florida Transportation Commission today chose five candidates to be interviewed for the position of Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation. The finalists will be interviewed on Thursday, May 11 from 1 to 4 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.
The finalists, their interview times, in chronological order, are:
- 1:05 p.m. – Ronald Howse, P.E./P.S.M., commissioner, Florida Transportation Commission
- 1:40 p.m. – Phillip W. Gainer, P.E., district secretary, Florida Department of Transportation
- 2:15 p.m. – Richard M. Biter, former assistant secretary of Intermodal Systems Development, Florida Department of Transportation
- 2:50 p.m. – Michael J. Dew, chief of staff, Florida Department of Transportation
- 3:25 p.m. – Gene Conti, former secretary, North Carolina Department of Transportation
All interviews will be conducted using GoToWebinar®. Information on how to access the interviews via GoToWebinar® on a computer or via telephone will be available on our website early next week.
Following interviews, the Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 17 in Tallahassee to recommend three candidates for consideration by the Governor. The Secretary will then be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor of Florida.
On Monday, January 23, Governor Rick Scott announced the resignation of Secretary Jim Boxold, who began his appointment on January 3, 2015, effective February 3, 2017. Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration Rachel Cone has been serving as Interim Secretary since that date.
The Florida Transportation Commission is an appointed body that provides performance and fiscal oversight of the FDOT, and makes transportation policy recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.
Pro-Solar Amendment 4 Passes in the Sunshine State
After SB 90 was passed by the Florida House of Representatives yesterday, the Florida Senate today concurred and passed out legislation to implement the pro-solar Amendment 4, which voters overwhelmingly approved with 73 percent of the vote on the August 2016 primary ballot.
Now SB 90 goes to Governor Scott’s desk where he can sign, veto or allow the bill to become law without his signature.
Thanks to the leadership of Senator Jeff Brandes and Representative Ray Rodrigues, the support of hundreds of businesses, solar advocates and thousands of volunteers, Floridians will enjoy lower energy costs as burdensome taxes on solar energy systems are reduced beginning January 1, 2018.
“We applaud Florida lawmakers for implementing this important constitutional amendment in the closing days of the legislative session,” said Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and board member of Floridians for Solar Choice. “The importance of moving this forward cannot be overstated: with lower taxes for homeowners and businesses, solar energy development will increase allowing Floridians to lock in energy savings, create jobs, spur economic development, and bring much-needed diversity to the state’s energy mix.”
“The implementation of Amendment 4 is a win for the solar industry in Florida,” said Patrick Altier, President of Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA). “Our membership of Florida solar companies has been working tirelessly in the Legislature, with solar advocates, and many other coalition partners over the past several years, fighting for good policy. Reducing burdensome taxes will lead to more solar, more local jobs, and a brighter future for our state.”
“Last year Florida voters overwhelming supported Amendment 4, and now Florida’s House and Senate have unanimously passed an implementation bill to enact that constitutional amendment expanding the economic freedom to choose solar,” said Tory Perfetti, Chair of Floridians for Solar Choice and Florida Director of Conservatives for Energy Freedom. “Supported by a historic coalition which spanned the political spectrum, reducing taxes is smart energy policy for Florida’s families and businesses.”
“The voices of Florida voters have been heard,” said Pamela Goodman, President of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “With the implementation of Amendment 4, approved by 73% of voters last August, voters have helped to shape our energy policy in a way that the Sunshine State can be proud of.”
Solar Tax Exemption Legislation Passes Unanimously
Bill reduces tax burden on renewable energy properties for 20 years
Senate Bill 90, Renewable Energy Source Devices, by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) passed the Florida Senate today with unanimous support, following unanimous approval of the Florida House of Representatives yesterday. The tax exemption will apply for 20 years on solar and renewable energy devices.
“The voters of Florida spoke loud and clear in support of an expanded solar market in the sunshine state,” stated Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg). “Reducing property taxes on solar and renewable energy devices will bring more solar energy to Florida. The unanimous support of the legislature shows that we are dedicated to expanding the share of renewables in our energy portfolio, and I am excited to continue to advocate for energy reform.”
The bill implements Amendment 4, which passed with 73 percent support by the voters on the 2016 primary election. The bill exempts 80% of the value of solar and renewable energy devices from property taxes on real and tangible personal property. This reflects an extension of the existing exemption in law for solar and renewable energy devices on residential property. The exemption encourages expansion of solar and renewable energy production in Florida, complimenting an industry that has experienced significant growth in recent years. The tax exemption of the bill will begin in 2018 and extend for 20 years.
For more information on SB 90 please visit http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/00090
Road Closure and Detour Scheduled for Bluford Avenue in Orange County
South Bluford Avenue at State Road (S.R.) 50/West Colonial Drive will be closed from 7 a.m. Friday, May 5, to 7 a.m. Monday, May 8.
Motorists on S.R. 50 needing to access South Bluford Avenue will be directed to use Maguire Road as a detour (see map).
The contractor, The Lane Construction Corporation, will beperforming a pipe crossing. Electronic message boards have beeninstalled to inform motorists about the road closure, and detour signs will direct traffic.
The work is part of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to widen S.R 50 (Colonial Drive) from four lanes to six lanes from S.R. 429 to just east of the West Oaks Mall. Please note construction schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Schedule updates are available at the FDOT Central Florida website, www.cflroads.com.
For media-related questions, please contact the Public Information Office at 386-943-5473 or [email protected].
FDOT encourages all drivers to use caution through construction zones.
Governor Scott to Continue “Fighting For Florida’s Future” Tour
Tomorrow, May 5th, Governor Rick Scott will continue his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tour to encourage Floridians to contact members of the Florida Legislature and urge them to invest in key priorities for Florida’s future. These priorities include funding for tourism and economic development and the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee.
WHEN: 8:00 AM CDT
WHERE: Florida State University Panama City
Holley Academic Center
4750 Collegiate Drive
Panama City, FL 32405
Mast Amendment Passes Foreign Affairs Committee
Mast Amendment To Ensure Administration Reports To
Congress on Syrian Conflict Passes Foreign Affairs Committee
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) introduced an amendment to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2017, H.R. 1677, to ensure that the Administration reports to Congress on important aspects of military strategy. The Amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was passed by the Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday.
“While the President is evaluating the benefits of further military action in Syria, it is critical that Congress has the information needed to uphold our constitutional responsibility,” Rep. Mast said. “My amendment directs the Administration to report on the goals and benefits of specific military strategies.”
H.R. 1677 directs the Administration to report to Congress on the potential protection to the Syrian people of establishing a no-fly zone.
With the adoption of this amendment, the Administration is directed to include in a report to Congress:
Identifying who the ground forces are in Syria we are partnering with;
The center of gravity for both partners and adversaries;
Their capabilities, requirements and vulnerabilities;
What the Administration’s strategy does to mitigate the vulnerabilities of our partners;
And how success should be measured.
Eastbound I-4 Traffic Shift in Downtown Orlando Set for May 6-7
A traffic shift of eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) between South Street and Colonial Drive (State Road 50) is scheduled to take place overnight on Saturday, May 6.
The traffic shift is a major milestone for the I-4 Ultimate project as it shifts I-4 to newly constructed bridges in downtown Orlando. The eastbound I-4 traffic shift will move three lanes onto newly constructed, temporary bridges between eastbound and westbound I-4. An illustration of the eastbound I-4 traffic shift is available online at http://fdot.tips/EBI4shift.
During the traffic shift operation, motorists should expect multiple lane and ramp closures. The eastbound I-4 entrance ramps from westbound State Road 408 and Anderson Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. The eastbound I-4 exit ramp to Amelia Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. View the detour routes at http://fdot.tips/shiftdetours.
The new temporary bridges were constructed because of the lack of right-of-way space in the tight quarters of downtown Orlando. By moving I-4 traffic onto the temporary bridges, it gives I-4 Ultimate construction crews the opportunity to begin demolishing the existing eastbound I-4 bridges and constructing new bridges.
Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone.
Nelson, Rubio call on feds to extend red snapper season
U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) are urging the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to extend this year’s red snapper season for recreational fishermen. In a letter sent today to NOAA Acting Administrator Benjamin Friedman, the lawmakers cite concerns for angler’s safety and the economic impact such a short season will have on local communities.
“We are writing regarding this week’s announcement that the 2017 Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishing season will be nearly a week shorter than last year’s season,” the senators wrote. “For the anglers, boat captains, and related industries dependent on access to this fishery, this is deeply concerning.”
The lawmakers’ letter comes after NOAA’s recent announcement that the 2017 red snapper recreational fishing season would be just three days long, nearly a full week shorter than last year’s season.
“We ask that you consider incorporating all available reliable data to ensure anglers can safely fish for an appropriate season, which contributes valuable tourism revenue to coastal economies and ensures access to this public resource,” the senators wrote.
Below is the text of the senators’ letter, and here is a signed PDF copy.
May 4, 2017
Mr. Benjamin Friedman
Acting Administrator
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
Dear Acting Administrator Friedman ,
We are writing regarding this week’s announcement that the 2017 Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishing season will be nearly a week shorter than last year’s season. For the anglers, boat captains, and related industries dependent on access to this fishery, this is deeply concerning.
According to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the 2017 Gulf of Mexico red snapper federal season will be limited to just three days for recreational fishermen and 49 days for charter fishermen. We also understand that NMFS is likely to keep the South Atlantic closed for another season as well.
In years past, we have raised concern that setting a rigid fishing season of consecutive days may put anglers in harm’s way due to Florida’s unpredictable and frequent summer storms. We continue to believe that allowing more flexibility in the season to accommodate dangerous weather would help fishermen avoid hazardous conditions.
Once again, we ask that you consider incorporating all available reliable data to ensure anglers can safely fish for an appropriate season, which contributes valuable tourism revenue to coastal economies and ensures access to this public resource.
Sincerely,
