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CFO Atwater Features “My Money” Program During Developmental Disability Awareness Month

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3.16.2017 my money
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is celebrating Developmental Disability Awareness Month, observed in March, by featuring a Department of Financial Services’ financial literacy program called “My Money” that was designed to help those with developmental disabilities learn how money works, and how to manage finances with confidence. Knowing that a strong understanding of personal finances is crucial to gaining independence, the Department has designed and championed a series of financial literacy programs that are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of all Floridians. Released last year, My Money is the newest program in the series.
“All Floridians should have strong money management skills, and it is our goal to provide programs that help our state’s residents attain them, regardless of their age, income level or ability,” said CFO Atwater.
The My Money program is a three-step, user-friendly program that allows individuals with developmental disabilities to learn at their own pace in an accessible, easy-to-navigate and interactive format. The self-directed program also includes interactive, how-to videos that teach practical financial skills like using an ATM and writing a check.

  • Step One includes personalized lessons on how to recognize coins and paper money and how they are used to purchase goods and services, the difference between a want and a need, and explains the concept of a banking account;
    • Step Two provides interactive lessons on how banks and credit unions can help manage finances and outlines the basics of formulating a budget to make sure that one’s expenses don’t exceed one’s income;
    • Step Three focuses on understanding and applying for government benefits that are available to help cover household and medical costs, as well as the benefits of securing gainful employment. Step Three also outlines the importance of saving and investing money as a way of planning for the future.

My Money also offers a portal for parents, guardians and support providers of individuals with developmental disabilities to assist in teaching money management skills. This program was developed in partnership with the Florida Department of Education, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, the Arc of Florida, the Florida Alliance for Assistive Technology, Disability Rights Florida, and the National Disability Institute.
To access the program, click HERE. To access other financial literacy programs available through the Department of Financial Services, click HERE.
Developmental Disability Awareness Month celebrates the abilities, achievements and contributions of those with developmental disabilities.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services, serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, and is a member of the Florida Cabinet. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government; reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses; and providing transparency and accountability in spending.

State Board of Education to meet in Tallahassee

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The State Board of Education will meet next week in Tallahassee.
The agenda is posted at State Board Meeting.
WHAT: State Board of Education Meeting
WHEN: 9:00 am
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
WHERE: The Capitol, Room LL03
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Today at 12 p.m.: Sen. Campbell Press Conference on Concealed Carry/Mental Health Evaluations

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State Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami) is holding a press conference at noon today to discuss her legislation requiring mental health evaluation for anyone who seeks a concealed weapons permit in Florida. Representative Nicholas Duran, who is sponsoring the measure in the House, will also be in attendance.
The event will begin at 12 PM TODAY in front of Senate Chambers, 4th floor of the Capitol.

FHCA Statement on House Budget Exercise

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Protect Medicaid Funding for Nursing Center Care

FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed issued the following statement regarding the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee budget exercise which, in the first scenario, held nursing centers harmless from Medicaid funding cuts. The second scenario proposed a $75 million funding cut to nursing center care.

“We appreciate that Chairman Brodeur didn’t include us in their first tier of budget cuts; however, a $75 million reduction to nursing centers’ Medicaid reimbursement represents a significant threat to Florida’s long term care sector. Medicaid already underfunds our state’s nursing centers by $14 per patient per day, or almost $325,000 per center annually. High quality care and adequate funding go hand in hand, and with nearly 60 percent of the residents in our centers depending on Medicaid to cover their long term care needs, our state’s nursing centers simply can’t sustain any more reductions. We hope the House recognizes the importance of preserving Medicaid funding for nursing center care and keeps our funding intact when the final budget is released.” 

ABOUT FLORIDA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION 
Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is a federation that serves almost 1,000 members and represents more than 500 long term care centers that provide skilled nursing, post-acute and sub-acute care, short-term rehab, assisted living and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. The mission of FHCA is to advance the quality of services, image, professional development and financial stability of its members. As Florida’s first and largest advocacy organization for long term care providers and the elderly they serve, the Association has worked diligently since 1954 to assist its members with continuously improving quality of care and quality of life for the state’s growing elder care population. For more information about Florida Health Care Association, visit http://www.fhca.org.

College Competitiveness Act Passes Second Senate Committee

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Legislation Re-Establishes Statewide Coordinating Board, Clarifies Mission
of Community Colleges, Strengthens 2+2 College-To-University Programs

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education, chaired by Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton), today unanimously passed Senate Bill 374, the College Competitiveness Act of 2017, by Senator Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange). The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Galvano and Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby), is a component of the Florida Senate’s Excellence in Higher Education agenda advocated by Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart).
“This legislation will elevate the visibility of our nationally-recognized Florida Community College System as an integral partner in Florida’s system of higher education,” said Senator Hukill. “A renewed commitment to access and dedication to the primary 2+2 mission, and on-time completion of vital associate degrees and workforce credentials, will ensure we help students save time and money by graduating on-time.”
“I am grateful for the feedback provided by the Department of Education and the Florida College System as the bill moves through the legislative process. We have worked to incorporate their recommendations and look forward to continuing that dialogue as we move forward,” said Senator Galvano, who presented the bill during today’s committee meeting. “Clarifying the process for colleges to apply for new bachelor degree programs and implementing new transparency measures will ensure colleges can appropriately respond to the workforce needs of their communities in a timely manner.”
Senate Bill 374, reinstates a statewide coordinating board for the Florida Community College System, tightens the community college bachelor degree approval process, expands 2+2 college-to-university partnerships, and clarifies responsibilities within Florida’s taxpayer-funded K-20 education system to maximize programmatic offerings and resources already available at state universities, community colleges, and technical centers.
“Community colleges are vital to Florida’s K-20 public education system. This legislation seeks to further elevate Florida’s community colleges through a renewed focus on their core mission,” said President Negron. “With this distinct mission, separate from the role of our K-12 and state university systems, our nationally-recognized community colleges deserve their own coordinating board to advocate for the success of the system.”
“On-time completion of associate degree and workforce programs is critical to our economy. This legislation promotes private sector economic development and safeguards taxpayer dollars by making certain we are being strategic in the way we approach higher education in our state,” said Leader Simpson. “Colleges will have the opportunity to address new local workforce needs in a timely manner. Additionally, with stronger and more streamlined 2 + 2 agreements, this legislation will enable students to transition seamlessly from a local community college to a state university where they can take advantage of existing programs.”
Reinstates Statewide Coordinating Board  
Senate Bill 374 reinstates the State Board of Community Colleges as the coordinating board of the Florida Community College System, independent of the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors of the State University System, to oversee the local community college boards of trustees. The bill requires the State Board of Community Colleges to appoint a Chancellor to the board, and transfers personnel, budget, and other appropriate functions from the State Board of Education to the State Board of Community Colleges.
Clarifies Missions of Community Colleges and School District Workforce Programs
Senate Bill 374 clarifies that providing lower-level undergraduate instruction and awarding Associate in Arts degrees, which transfer to a state university, are responsibilities under the primary mission of community colleges.  Additionally, responsibilities under the primary mission of community colleges are to prepare students directly for careers requiring less than bachelor degrees, by awarding Associate in Science degrees, Associate in Applied Science degrees, and nationally recognized industry certifications, which help students enter the workforce prepared for success.
Offering upper-level instruction and awarding bachelor degrees are responsibilities under the secondary mission of community colleges. To support this delineation in mission, the bill establishes a cap on the planned growth in upper-level undergraduate enrollment at each college and clarifies the process by which colleges can apply to offer new four year programs, thereby focusing attention and resources on excellence in meeting primary mission responsibilities.  The provisions of the bill do not terminate any existing programs and no students currently enrolled in community college bachelor degree programs will be impacted by the enrollment cap. The legislation requires colleges to provide a “notification of interest” when applying for new bachelor degree programs as a way to increase transparency in the program approval process.
The legislation further clarifies the mission of technical centers is to promote advances and innovations in specific workforce preparation and economic development.  The public technical center learning environment prepares its students to meet the needs of the local community through specific and specialized technical career-based training; thus promoting diversity and choices within the public technical education community, and while increasing a quicker turnaround in economic investments as these students are more likely to immediately enter the workforce. The bill clarifies technical centers governed by local school boards may not offer college credit courses, college credit certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor degrees.
Expands 2+2 College-To-University Partnerships
Senate Bill 374 expands successful 2+2 college-to-university programs, such as DirectConnect partnerships with the University of Central Florida and FUSE partnerships with the University of South Florida, by requiring every college to implement, by no later than the 2018 academic year, a minimum of one 2+2 pathway agreement with at least one state university partner. The 2+2 pathway agreement guarantees the college’s Associate in Arts degree graduates, who meet specific requirements, admission to the university partnered with that community college.

DJJ Honors 2017 Youth Ambassadors

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Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Secretary Christina K. Daly, the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation, members of the Florida Juvenile Justice Association and partners today honored the 2017 DJJ Youth Ambassadors at a reception at Florida’s Historic Capitol.

DJJ Youth Ambassadors are youth in the state of Florida who have turned their lives around for the better after contact with the juvenile justice system. These ambassadors serve as mentors and role models for other at-risk kids throughout the state. 

“It is important that we take a closer look at the individual youth that come across our juvenile justice system and let their stories inspire us,” said DJJ Secretary Christina K. Daly. “Their stories push us forward in doing the best we can for all youth and remind us that when we come together to make a difference in the lives of others, we all achieve success.” 

DJJ solicits nominations for the Youth Ambassador Award from providers, community stakeholders and the public-at-large. Youth receiving awards today are: 

Jesus Mendoza
Jesus was court referred to the Empowered Youth program after committing a felony offense at the age of 15 years old. Jesus successfully completed the program in the required six-month period and has continued to excel in his accomplishments. Jesus has represented the Empowered Youth program at the White House and at numerous conferences both in and outside of the United States. Jesus has never reoffended since his original charge, is a high school graduate, and has enrolled in college where he plans to major in Criminal Justice. He aspires to become a juvenile probation officer so that he can continue to serve as a guide and mentor for other inner city young men like himself. 

Alyssa Beck
Alyssa is an advocate for survivors of sex trafficking and as a survivor herself, she has become a voice for those who have been silenced. Alyssa demonstrates a commitment to the needs of victims and survivors by dedicating her life’s work to the eradication of human trafficking. Sharing her experiences, Alyssa has been instrumental in effecting change at the public policy level. Alyssa’s own advocacy for survivors became personal when she testified against her traffickers resulting in their conviction and incarceration. Alyssa works at two organizations committed to the anti-trafficking movement, the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center and at Rethreaded, a nonprofit organization founded to provide work for those escaping addiction, violence, human trafficking and prostitution.

Youth Ambassadors received a certificate and Youth Investment Award from the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation (FJJF), which is the direct support organization for DJJ. This is the seventh year that DJJ has recognized Youth Ambassadors.

Governor Scott to Attend the Groundbreaking of OneWeb Satellites’ New Manufacturing Facility

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Tomorrow, March 16, Governor Rick Scott will attend the groundbreaking of OneWeb Satellites’ new manufacturing facility at Space Florida’s Exploration Park.
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony
WHEN: 2:00 PM
WHERE: Space Florida’s Exploration Park
505 Odyssey Way
Merritt Island, FL 32953

Winter Park man arrested on 23 charges of child pornography possession

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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested David Allen Hall, 63, of 2872 Euston Road, Winter Park, on 23 charges of possession of child pornography.
FDLE agents executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence and found 23 images and videos of child pornography. Some of the children appear to be as young as 7 years old.
Hall was booked into the Orange County Jail and is being held without bond. The Office of the State Attorney, 9th Circuit, will prosecute.

RoadWatch Advisory: Verano Drive in Haines City closed for roadwork

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Thursday, March 16, and Tuesday through Thursday, March 21 – 23, 2017

POLK COUNTY
SR 17 at SR 544/CR 544 in Haines City: Construction project: Crews working on intersection improvements at SR 17 (South 10th Street) and SR 544/CR 544 will close Verano Drive at CR 544, Thursday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 21 through Thursday, March 23, 2017. The closures will occur during the day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. while crews build the widening area on CR 544. Workers will reopen the road nightly.
Verano Drive extends between CR 544 and Alta Vista Drive just west of the Haines City post office. Residents and businesses on Verano Drive should travel north to Alta Vista Drive and west to SR 17 (South 10th Street) to access SR 544/CR 544.  Motorists leaving the post office must use the main entrance/exit on CR 544.

Huckabee to Keynote Legislative Prayer Breakfast

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FFFC Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition

The Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition, in conjunction with Concerned Women for America of Florida, is set to host its annual event that brings lawmakers, faith leaders, and engaged citizens together during the legislative session.

The Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition, along with Concerned Women for America of Florida, announced today that Mike Huckabee will be the keynote speaker at its annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast to be held in Tallahassee on Wednesday, March 29. Now a Florida resident, Huckabee was governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. Following his 2008 campaign for president, Huckabee hosted a top-rated weekend show on the Fox News Channel for six and a half years as well as a nationally syndicated radio show carried by over 700 stations.
“Governor Huckabee has always been an outspoken advocate for the values of life, liberty, and limited government, and we are thrilled that he will be joining us for this year’s breakfast,” said Jim Kallinger, Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition President. “His experience as a governor, presidential candidate, and successful media personality gives him a deep well of insight, and we look forward to hearing his unique perspective on the issues facing our state and nation today.”
“The principles that Governor Huckabee has fought for throughout his career line up perfectly with our group’s objectives,” said Terri Johannessen, State Director of Concerned Women for America of Florida “We are so happy to be part of this unique opportunity to gather with like-minded people of faith to pray for our state and nation as well as to hear from a respected leader like Governor Huckabee.”
During his tenure as governor, Huckabee left a legacy of tax cuts, new jobs, improved transportation and education systems, and an innovative healthcare initiative that focused on prevention. Time Magazine honored him as one of the best governors in America and Governing Magazine named him one of its “Public Officials of the Year” in 2005. Huckabee is also the bestselling author of 12 books.
This will be the fifth annual breakfast the Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition has hosted during the legislative session. The event draws a crowd of elected officials, pastors, and engaged citizens. In addition to Huckabee’s keynote address, the breakfast will also feature remarks from members of the Florida Legislature.
It will be held Wednesday, March 29, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. Doors will open at 7:00 a.m. Tickets may be purchased at www.FloridaFaithandFreedom.com or by calling (850) 222-8156.

About Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition
The Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition is committed to educating, equipping, and mobilizing people of faith and like-minded individuals to be effective citizens. Together, the Coalition influences public policy and enacts legislation that strengthens families, promotes time-honored values, protects the dignity of life and marriage, lowers the tax burden on small business and families, and requires government to tighten its belt and live within its means.
ON THE WEB:  www.ffcflorida.com

Sponsored and Paid for by the Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition