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Gov. Scott's "Fighting for Florida's Future" budget fights to protect Florida's environment for future generations

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Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget recommends $3.9 billion to protect and enhance Florida’s environment. The Governor’s investments will provide a direct benefit to Florida’s environment by improving water quality, enhancing water supplies, protecting the state’s natural lands and waterways, and restoring beaches. The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget recommends continuing Florida’s significant investments in Everglades restoration, springs protection projects, and Florida’s award-winning state park system.

Governor Scott said, “Florida is proud to be home to the nation’s most beautiful natural resources, from our freshwater springs and sandy white beaches to the iconic Everglades. Our environment is important to our families, our economy and our way of life, and I am committed to ensuring our natural and water resources remain protected long into the future. Last year, I signed the Legacy Florida bill to ensure our children and grandchildren will continue to enjoy these valuable resources, and I’m proud to continue to build on our commitment to protecting Florida’s environment by investing nearly $4 billion through the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget.”

Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:

  • $225 million for Everglades restoration – Last year, Governor Scott signed the Legacy Florida bill, ensuring a dedicated source of funding for Everglades restoration and springs protection projects. His “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget goes over-and-above that commitment by recommending $225 million to benefit the iconic Everglades ecosystem. This includes significant investments in key restoration projects, including: $32 million in recurring state funding that is part of the Governor’s $880 million Everglades water quality plan; $140 million for the completion of state’s portion of the C-44 reservoir, and the continued investment in the C-43 reservoir, which will together provide 75 billion gallons of water storage east and west of Lake Okeechobee once complete; and $53 million for other Everglades restoration projects.
  • $111 million for beach restoration and renourishment – This is the highest amount of funding for Florida’s beaches since Governor Scott took office. Recognizing the importance of well-nourished and maintained beaches for the environment, economy and way of life, Governor Scott is recommending funding to protect, preserve and restore Florida’s world-renowned beaches and dune systems. This includes $61 million to help communities recover from damages impacting their beaches during this past hurricane season. This is in addition to the $15.8 million in state funds for emergency beach restoration projects Governor Scott announced last week. Governor Scott is also proposing $50 million to fully fund Beach Restoration and Nourishment Project requests submitted to DEP’s Beach Management Funding Assistance Program for the upcoming fiscal year. This funding will be used to restore and maintain critically eroded beaches across the state. 
  • $100 million for alternative water supply projects – These projects are essential to ensuring a clean and safe supply of water for Florida’s natural resources and growing population. Funding will be focused on critical needs through working with water management districts, local communities and established regional water supply partnerships.
  • $65 million for springs restoration and protection projects – Surpassing last year’s record investment of $50 million, Governor Scott is recommending a historic investment of $65 million in springs restoration and protection projects. This funding will build on the state’s investment of $135 million over the past four years, which has been leveraged with local match funding for a total investment of more than $267.8 million to protect Florida’s famous springs for future generations. 
  • $60 million for Indian River Lagoon and Caloosahatchee Cleanup Initiative – The funding includes $40 million for a 50/50 state matching grant program with local communities affected by algal blooms that the region experienced last year. This voluntary program will provide funding to encourage residents to move from septic tanks to sewer systems in order to curb pollution that is currently entering these water bodies. Additionally, this proposal will support local communities to help build wastewater systems to meet the increased demand for wastewater services. Funding also includes $20 million for muck dredging and other capital improvement projects needed to improve water quality and reduce sources of pollution in these waterways.
  • $50 million for Florida State Parks – This funding includes $40 million for facility improvements for Florida’s award-winning state park system, which welcomed a record 31 million visitors last year. This includes an additional $4 million for ADA projects focused on making parks more accessible to all visitors, and $6 million for other projects important to the maintenance and management of state parks.
  • $55 million for land acquisition – The budget recommends $10 million for the acquisition of key projects identified as of part of the Florida Forever program, an additional $5 million for acquisition dedicated to the protection of the Florida Keys, and $10 million for the Florida Communities Trust program. It also proposes $30 million for land acquisition to advance the Northern Everglades restoration effort, which will help reduce harmful discharges to the downstream estuaries, improve water quality in Lake Okeechobee and benefit the water supply for Floridians and the state’s natural resources. 
  • $22.2 million for Wastewater Treatment Facility Storm Preparedness grant program – Following a series of sewer overflows that occurred during Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, Governor Scott directed DEP to investigate the overflows and identify underlying causes and potential solutions. This funding will allow DEP to provide grants to local governments and utilities to promote better storm preparedness and prevent future overflows. The Wastewater Treatment Facility Storm Preparedness grant program will offer up to a 75 percent state matching grant with local communities and will be dependent on the size of the facility, with smaller facilities being eligible for a higher level of matching assistance. 

“Through the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget,’ Governor Scott continues to make historic investments in our state’s many natural treasures and the communities surrounding them,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “Florida’s unique environment is known across the globe and helps attract millions of families to our state each year. DEP looks forward to continuing to work each day to preserve and protect these natural resources for future generations to enjoy.”

“It’s exciting to see the recommended funding for septic-to-sewer projects,” said Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida. “We hope these funds will provide an incentive to local governments to address water pollution from septic tanks.”  

“The Nature Conservancy appreciates Governor Scott investing in projects that are important to improving water quality and helping to protect and restore some of Florida’s most treasured natural places” said Temperince Morgan, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida. 

“Through this budget, Governor Scott continues to demonstrate that investing in water supply and wastewater projects is vital to the long-term sustainability and reliability of Florida’s water and wastewater infrastructure, the health of its communities and the environment,” said Gary Williams, executive director of Florida Rural Water Association.

“Our coastal communities and local governments are most appreciative of Governor Scott’s budget commitment to sustaining and repairing Florida’s beaches. It is further evidence of his recognition and appreciation of the economic importance of healthy beaches to tourism, storm damage reduction, and our quality of life,” said Deborah Flack, president of Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association. “FSBPA’s members are further grateful to the Governor for raising awareness of the need to proactively preserve our beaches. His budget commitment of over $111 million for supplemental hurricane damages and increased traditional program funding make him a true champion on behalf of Florida’s beaches.”

“We’re grateful to Governor Scott for his commitment to Florida State Parks, including a focus on increasing accessibility for all visitors to enjoy the best state parks in the nation,” said Paula Russo, president of Friends of Florida State Parks.

“We commend the Governor for his commitment to continuing to support and grow Florida’s famous network of greenways and trails, especially in small communities,” said Joe Beckham, president of Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation.

“We are pleased that this year’s budget will enable significant improvements to the accessibility of our state parks so that more individuals will be able to enjoy their beauty and recreational opportunities,” said David C. Jones, president of Florida Disabled Outdoors Association. “FDOA looks forward to continuing to work with Florida State Parks on inclusion for all individuals in their pursuit for outdoor recreation.”

Attorney General Bondi announces multistate settlement with Western Union

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced a settlement with The Western Union Company, resolving a multistate investigation into complaints of consumers using Western Union’s wire transfer service to unknowingly send money to third parties involved in fraudulent schemes. In addition to Florida, 48 other states and the District of Columbia participated in this settlement.  
The fraudulent schemes using Western Union are varied, but commonly include lottery and contest scams that trick consumers into believing that they won a big prize, but first must wire money to cover taxes or fees before collecting the award. Unscrupulous individuals also illegally use Western Union to operate grandparent and romance scams. In these types of scams, consumers are told they need to wire money to help a loved one or someone they met online who is in immediate danger and needs money to travel home, for medical treatment or for other emergency expenses.
As part of the settlement, Western Union is required to develop and put into action a comprehensive anti-fraud program designed to help detect and prevent these types of scams where victims use Western Union to unintentionally wire money to scam artists.
This anti-fraud program, which Western Union agrees to implement and update as warranted, includes the following elements:

  • Anti-fraud warnings on forms that consumers use to wire money;
  • Mandatory and appropriate training and education for Western Union’s agents about fraud-induced wire transfers;
  • Heightened anti-fraud procedures when warranted by circumstances such as increased fraud complaints;
  • Due diligence checks on Western Union agents who process money transfers;
  • Monitoring of Western Union agent activity related to prevention of fraud-induced money transfers; and
  • Prompt and appropriate disciplinary action against Western Union agents who fail to follow required protocols concerning anti-fraud measures.

As part of the settlement, Western Union also agreed to pay a total of $5 million to the states for costs and fees. In addition to this multistate settlement, Western Union recently settled claims related to fraud-induced transfers with the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Justice. As part of those related settlements, Western Union agreed to pay $586 million to a fund that the Department of Justice will administer to provide refunds to victims of fraud induced wire transfers nationwide. Florida’s minimum estimated share to eligible consumers is more than $40 million to more than 36,000 consumers. For more information about FTC’s and DOJ’s settlement with Western Union, click here.
 
To view the assurance of voluntary compliance, click here.

Florida leaders, elected officials to respond to President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee

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At tabindex=”0″ data-term=”goog_751862367″>8 PM today, President Trump will be announcing his Supreme Court nominee. If he picks as extreme of a nominee as we are expecting, Florida leaders and elected officials will call on Sen. Nelson and Sen. Rubio to stand up for the Constitution and reject the nominee. Speakers will make clear that the Senate cannot confirm a nominee who will simply be a rubber stamp for President Trump’s anti-constitutional efforts that betray American values.
WHO: Daisy Baez, State Representative
Tony Lima, Executive Director of SAVE
Damien Filer, Why Courts Matter Coalition spokesperson
WHAT: Tele-Press Conference Responding to Trump’s Supreme Court Pick
WHEN: Wednesday @ tabindex=”0″ data-term=”goog_751862369″>10am
RSVP: To RSVP and receive dial-in information, please email Damien@progressflorida.org.

Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests more than $91 million for the Department of State

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Florida Department of State
Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner today applauded Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, which invests $91.2 million in the Department of State. Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget makes key investments to continue Florida’s great track record of successful elections administration and also supports cultural heritage tourism and economic development. 
Governor Scott, said, “The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget continues our commitment to making important investments to ensure successful elections administration for decades to come. We are also investing in the many historic and cultural treasures among Florida communities that help bring more families and visitors to our great state each year.”
Governor Scott’s proposed budget includes:

  • $13.7 million in elections administration funding to improve the voter experience in Florida and ensure elections officials, including Supervisors of Elections, have the resources necessary to successfully administer elections.
  • $25.3 million in funding to libraries to provide many valuable services to citizens through continuing education, workforce development and literacy, computer skills, and activities related to employment and entrepreneurship.
  • $5.8 million in grant funding to library cooperatives and other library resources throughout the state which will improve information sharing among libraries and better meet the informational and educational needs of Florida residents.
  • $3.1 million in historic preservation grant funding which is proven to boost both the economy and quality of life through restoration and rehabilitation projects of historic buildings and structures, as well as through survey and evaluation of historic and archaeological resources and education about Florida history.
  • $6 million in cultural and museum grant funding to create more cultural heritage activities and tourist attraction opportunities, which directly correlates to the creation of new jobs and spending in communities throughout the state. 

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, said, “Thanks to Governor Scott’s leadership, in 2016, we showed Florida, the nation, and the world, that Florida knows how to run elections. Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget will help Florida continue to make improvements to the elections process and also makes critical investments that improve the quality of life for all Floridians. Governor Scott’s commitment to investments in library grants, cultural programs, and historic preservation support cultural heritage tourism and economic development, ensuring Florida continues to be one of the world’s best places to live, work and play for generations to come.”
Malinda Horton, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Museums, said, “Cultural organizations and museums provide many benefits to communities throughout Florida and strengthen the economy and job creation. We applaud Governor Scott for his continued dedication to cultural and museum grant funding.”
Lois Benson, Chair of the Florida Council on Arts & Culture, said, “Funding for culturally-based activities improves quality of life and increases opportunities for all Floridians. We thank Governor Scott for his support of arts and culture in the State of Florida.”
Marion Almy, Chairman of the Florida Historical Commission, said, “Governor Scott understands that historic preservation serves as an economic engine for Florida communities and supports cultural heritage tourism. Investments in historical properties are an investment in Florida’s future.”
Charlie Parker, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Library Consortium, said, “Governor Scott recognizes the significant contributions that libraries provide to Florida citizens. From supporting early learning and providing homework assistance to career exploration, information literacy, and lifelong learning, libraries provide critical services to our communities.”

Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget fights for patients and families

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The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) today highlighted Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget, which invests $27 billion in the agency. The Governor’s proposed budget includes important initiatives to improve transparency and protect patients at Florida hospitals, and invests funding to reduce administrative burdens in order to speed up the connection between health care providers and the Floridians they intend to serve.
Governor Scott said, “We have fought to make important reforms to fight price gouging at hospitals and help Floridians make informed decisions regarding the care offered to them and their families. This year, we are continuing our commitment to fighting for Florida patients and families by implementing initiatives that save millions of dollars in hospital costs and reduce burdensome regulations, helping to more easily connect Floridians to the care they need.”
Agency Secretary Justin M. Senior said, “With his ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget, Governor Scott has continued to improve health care in Florida. By streamlining processes and removing burdensome regulations providers will be able to focus more on the quality of health care than the administrative burdens often associated with the health care field. This budget will allow our Agency to continue to ensure that Medicaid recipients are receiving the highest quality care, as we make investments in technology infrastructure that will help to support our goal of better health care for all Floridians.”
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:
A savings of $298 million in hospital costs, which are responsible for the largest increases in Medicaid program expenditures. Governor Scott is committed to fighting for patients and families by working to prevent price gouging and unfair costs for medical care. Public hospitals, not-for-profit hospitals, and for-profit hospitals are all at an all-time low in how much charity care they are providing relative to their record profits. These proposed savings are accomplished by eliminating existing supplemental payments for hospitals who provide less charity care compared to the for-profit hospital industry.
A savings of $581 million by allowing Medicaid managed care plans to reimburse hospitals at more efficient rates compared to the traditional Medicaid program. Hospital services are the only services in Medicaid managed care where plans are forced to pay higher rates.
A savings of $50 million by slowing hospital inflation and eliminating an automatic increase in Medicaid hospital rates. 
$480,000 for improvements to the Online Licensing system and $610,000 for improvements to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, which supports Governor Scott’s goal of reducing burdensome regulations on Florida businesses so they can invest more in serving families and communities. The Agency has already worked hard to eliminate duplication in the employee/operator background screening process and has reduced the burden and costs for those applying to work with children and vulnerable adults in Florida, and the “Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget” will build on this success. In addition to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, the Agency has also worked to make investments in the online licensing system. The requested system modifications will allow providers to submit all licensure applications and changes online. These projects reduce undue burdens on businesses and state agencies by eliminating multiple duplicative screenings, reducing paperwork lowering costs, and ensuring the most effective methods are being used to connect those in need with potential healthcare providers. 
$750,000 for enhancements to the Provider Data Management System to streamline the application process for providers who wish to enroll in the Medicaid program, speeding up providers’ ability to begin serving Medicaid patients. These investments from the “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget will also allow Florida businesses to open sooner which in turns means generating revenue earlier in the business cycle and adding new jobs to the health care economy faster.
Emmett Reed, Executive Director, Florida Health Care Association, said, “Florida Health Care Association is grateful  to Governor Scott for his continued support of quality care and services for Florida’s frailest elders. We appreciate him fully funding Medicaid for nursing center services and for initiating the dialogue on the creation of a Prospective Payment System. In addition, his ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget will help to further streamline the background screening process, allowing qualified employees applying at our centers to enter the long term care workforce faster so they can more quickly begin caring for nursing center residents.”
Bobby Lolley, Home Care Association of Florida said, “The investments in the Provider Data Management System in the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget will greatly streamline the application process for providers wishing to participate in the Medicaid program. Thanks to Governor Scott for streamlining the process, and allowing us to open our doors and serve Floridians in the most cost-effective, patient-preferred setting sooner.”

Florida Supreme Court: Out-of-Calendar Opinion Release, 1/31/2017, 2:00 p.m. ET

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OUT-OF-CALENDAR OPINION RELEASE
January 31, 2017
Filings for the Florida Supreme Court
http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/index.html

SC13-5 & SC13-2422 – Gerhard Hojan v. State of Florida & Gerhard Hojan v. Julie L. Jones, etc.
SC13-2247 – Leo Louis Kaczmar, III v. State of Florida
SC14-1775 & SC15-1233 – Richard Knight v. State of Florida & Richard Knight v. Julie L. Jones, etc.
SC14-2195 – Joseph B. Wiggins v. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
SC15-801 – State of Florida v. Christopher Markus
SC15-954 – Zachary Taylor Wood v. State of Florida
SC15-1276 – Paul Durousseau v. State of Florida
SC15-1747 – Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, etc., et al. v. State of Florida
SC15-2180 – Jean Charles, Jr., etc., et al. v. Southern Baptist Hospital of Florida, Inc., etc., et al.

RoadWatch Advisory for SR 700 in Polk County

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FDOT Header
POLK COUNTY
SR 700 North Lake Parker Avenue from East Oleander Street to East Parker Street: Railroad repair project: Railroad crews will close North Lake Parker Avenue between E Oleander Street and E Parker Street at night/overnight, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., Tuesday January 31, and Wednesday, February 1. This road closure is necessary for workers to make emergency repairs to the railroad bridge over the roadway. Use caution and follow the posted detour using East Parker Street, North Ingraham Avenue and East Oleander Street. Expect some delays.

Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests more than $3 billion to protect families

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Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget proposes $3.1 billion for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to continue to keep vulnerable families safe and expand community behavioral health services. This funding will also support resident and staff safety at the state’s mental health treatment facilities.
Governor Scott said, “There is no greater investment in Florida than in our families and I am proud that the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget includes more than $3 billion for DCF. We need to do all we can to support those who are most in need, including vulnerable children and the individuals and their families who are affected by mental illness and substance abuse. The investments in this year’s budget serve to even further strengthen our commitment to improving coordination of behavioral health services and keeping families safe so our children and grandchildren can thrive in Florida.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said, “At the heart of all we do is protecting those who cannot protect themselves, and among the most vulnerable are children and those struggling with behavioral health issues. I am grateful that the Governor has once again recommended a budget that makes them a priority and continues to improve the services and support they need to be safe and healthy and lead their best lives.”
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:

  • $12.6 million in Community Behavioral Health Services which include
  • $2.7 million to support community behavioral health projects in Alachua, Pinellas, and Broward counties as a result of Executive Order 15-175 which Governor Scott signed in 2015; and
  • $9.9 million to enhance care coordination, provide housing solutions and increase community forensic multidisciplinary teams for nonviolent offenders.
  • $3 million to to add four additional Community Action Treatment Teams for Children
  • $1.8 million to add four additional Family Intensive Treatment Teams$1.25 million to add an additional FACT Team (Forensic Assertive Community Treatment) Team in Broward County
  • $6.3 million to improve treatment and recovery programs at the state mental health treatment facilities supported by 90 new staff
  • $21.4 million for children’s safety in the child welfare system, including:
    • $6.2 million for maintenance adoption subsidies and adoption assistance;
    • $14.2 million for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies, including safety management services and case management workload to support 69 additional case management staff;
    • $1 million for services for child victims of human trafficking.

Mark Fontaine, Executive Director of the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, said, “While mental illness and substance abuse can be unimaginable challenges for a family, this budget recognizes the importance of supporting services to address these needs a priority for our state. I applaud the Governor’s leadership in keeping these issues in the forefront and driving long-term, effective treatment solutions.”
Melanie Brown-Woofter, Interim President of the Florida Council for Community Mental Health, said, “We applaud Governor Scott’s continued commitment to invest state resources in community behavioral health programs. His budget proposals will provide much-needed relief to families in need, make our communities safer, and help those at risk.”
Jessica Pryce, Director, Florida Institute of Child Welfare, said, Jessica Pryce, Director, Florida Institute of Child Welfare, said, “This budget provides additional workforce capacity and services for child victims of human trafficking and crossover youth who find themselves in both the child welfare system and the juvenile justice system. The Governor clearly understands the urgency of providing these children with relevant and timely services and specifically, ensuring effective treatment for the trauma that they have experienced.”
For more information on the Florida Department of Children and Families, visit www.MyFLFamilies.com.

Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget fights to expand services to Florida elders

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Governor Rick Scott’s 2017-18 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget recommends $315.5 million for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to reduce waitlists for frail elders in need of services, expand programs that protect impoverished elders needing guardianship, and assist individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida has the highest percentage of residents age 65 and over, and as our elder population continues to grow, we must remain fully committed to ensuring they have the support they need to remain healthy, safe, and independent. We are proud that so many elders are choosing to call the Sunshine State their home, and we look forward to continuing to welcome more seniors to our great state.”
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:

  • $3 million to provide services for additional elders with Alzheimer’s disease and relief for their caregivers through the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI);
  • $4 million for home and community-based services for more seniors at risk for nursing home placement through the Community Care for the Elderly Program (CCE);
  • $4.7 million to provide services for more of the frailest individuals through the Home Care for the Elderly Program (HCE);
  • $750,000 for the Office of Public and Professional Guardianship to continue guardianship services for vulnerable Floridians; and
  • $352,000 for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers to assess needs and provide services to elders across Florida.

Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Jeffrey Bragg said, “Governor Scott continues to make clear his priorities for the essential services we provide to seniors across Florida. I applaud Governor Scott for his commitment to serving Florida’s seniors and thank him for his continued support of our Department. I am thrilled with the enormous good that this additional funding will do for our 5.2 million elders.”
Pat Hogan, Dementia Care and Cure Initiative Statewide Task Force Member and Dementia Awareness Advocate, said, “There are more than 510,000 Floridians living with Alzheimer’s Disease – a disease with no cure. Our mission has been to spread awareness about dementia and increase support for programs, like the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, that focus on both care and cure to help those individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. We are encouraged by the Governor’s continued recognition of this important issue and commend him for providing this new funding.” 
Debbie Moroney, ACSW, CEO, Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., said, “With this ADI budget recommendation, Governor Scott recognizes the critical need for respite services for the selfless caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and increased support for those living with dementia. I applaud Governor Scott for his continued support for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative.”
Randall Hunt, President of the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging and President & CEO of Senior Resource Alliance, said, “I am very thankful to Governor Scott for all of his support and investments in these programs that are vital for frail elders in Florida and allows us to help them maintain their health and independence in their own homes and communities.” 
Lisa Bretz, MSW, Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, said, “Through this increased funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Governor Scott has shown his support for our organizations in our mission to promote the independence, dignity, health, and well-being of seniors and their caregivers, and we applaud him for this investment.” 
Linda J. Levin, MSG, Executive Director, ElderSource, said, “With his budget increase for Home Care for the Elderly and his continued investments in Community Care for the Elderly program, it is evident that Governor Scott understands the benefits of these programs for frail elders in our state. Increased funding to these crucial, cost-effective programs demonstrates his commitment to serving seniors in the state of Florida.”
Karen Campbell, Executive Director, Office of the Public Guardian, Inc., said, “Through this funding, it is clear that Governor Scott recognizes Florida’s tremendous need for public guardianship programs. This funding will allow us to help elders who have nowhere else to turn. I am so pleased that we can continue to partner with the Office of Public and Professional Guardians to accomplish this great mission.” 
Click here to view the Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
Click here to view the Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget FAQ.
Click here to view the Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget complete budget.
The Department of Elder Affairs, the State Unit on Aging, helps Florida’s elders to remain healthy, safe, and independent. For more information about the Department or our programs, please visit www.elderaffairs.org.

Mast Named Vice Chairman of Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee

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Brian Mast logo

Mast Joins 3 Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittees 

Top Priority Will Be Cleaning Florida Waterways

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today was named Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.  He was also named a member of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, as well as the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
“Ensuring our water is safe and clean for future generations is critically important to our community,” Rep. Mast said. “Serving as vice chairman of this important subcommittee will help elevate the voices of the thousands of residents of the Treasure Coast whose lives and businesses are being hurt by Lake Okeechobee water discharges.  Improving the water quality in our community will be my top priority as Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.”
The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment consists of matters relating to water resources development, conservation and management, water pollution control, water infrastructure and hazardous waste cleanup.  On these issues, the committee works closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for a number of projects important to water quality in Florida, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Rep. Mast recently hosted Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (PA-9) in the 18th Congressional District for an aerial tour of Florida waterway infrastructure projects.
“Brian is already establishing himself as a leader on water issues in Congress, and after seeing many of the local projects in his community firsthand, I’m confident he’ll be a strong voice for his constituents and our country as Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,” Chairman Shuster said.