In the increasingly competitive world of online higher education, Daytona State College continues to rank among the best, especially when it comes to affordability. [Read more…] about Daytona State College Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranked Nation’s Most Affordable
Education
UF to partner with Walmart in new education benefit for associates
UF to Partner with Walmart
Walmart today unveiled a new associate education benefit designed to remove barriers to college enrollment and graduation. The program reflects the company’s commitment to train and educate workers to advance in the jobs of today — and the future. [Read more…] about UF to partner with Walmart in new education benefit for associates
Florida Lottery celebrates latest milestone of $33 billion in contributions to education over 30 years
The Florida Lottery announced today it has reached the $33 billion mark in total contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund over the past 30 years. Since the Lottery’s inception, Florida’s public schools have received more than $11.6 billion, colleges and universities have received a combined total of more than $8.4 billion, and more than $5 billion has been used to fund the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, sending over 775,000 students to college since 1997.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Today’s news that the Lottery has reached $33 billion in total contributions to education means that more Florida students will have the opportunity to get a great education in our state. The success of the Florida Lottery has a direct connection to the continued success of Florida’s scholarship programs and world-class education system. Just this month, U.S. News & World Report again ranked Florida as the best state in the nation for higher education and this latest milestone achievement will help us continue the important work of making sure that every student has access to a great education in Florida.”
“As the Lottery celebrates its 30 years in operation, we are especially proud of this milestone moment in education funding,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “We are thankful to Governor Scott for his leadership, our loyal players, hardworking retailers and dedicated employees who allow us to help Florida students achieve their dreams of a brighter future.”
The Lottery has established itself as a committed and dependable funding source for public education; contributing more than $1 billion annually for the past sixteen consecutive years, while remaining one of the most efficiently operated lotteries in the country. The benefits continue to be felt in communities across the state.
Department of Education Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month
This month, the Florida Department of Education, students and educators are celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month with the 2018 theme, “Celebrate Today and Own Tomorrow.”
“We are proud to offer Floridians a public education system that was designed to help students of all ages and backgrounds reach their academic and career goals,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Many students have gained the professional skills necessary to succeed through the Career and Technical Education programs available in all of our state’s school districts and colleges. Career and Technical Education Month is a great time to highlight the tremendous opportunities available to help students get a head-start on their careers.”
More than half a million Florida students are enrolled in secondary and postsecondary career and technical education. Programs around the state will hold activities during February to promote awareness about these educational opportunities.
“CTE programs have evolved from the ‘vocational’ programs of the past that prepared students for a single job with limited skills to today’s programs where students are prepared for a career,” said Career and Adult Education Chancellor Rod Duckworth. “Students who are enrolled in Florida’s CTE courses and programs are developing the skills to be successful in today’s workplace and those necessary for the jobs of the future.”
In honor of CTE Month, the department recognized two students who are benefiting greatly from CTE programs.
Kaitlyn Bowman is a high school junior in the engineering magnet program at Lyman High School in Seminole County. She has been studying engineering since middle school and plans to continue after graduation. Through this program, Kaitlyn has taken coursework in engineering, digital electronics and robotics and participated in SkillsUSA, which enables CTE students to strengthen their leadership skills and compete in their chosen field. Following graduation, Kaitlyn will work toward a degree in mechanical engineering.
Nicolas Velasco graduated in 2017 from Atlantic Technical High School in Broward County, where he studied machining to build the foundation he will need to pursue a degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering. He was selected for the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Vocational Scholarship Program, and he is currently representing Florida in Germany, where he has begun a series of CTE internships.
Students and educators continue to experience the positive impacts associated with Career and Technical Education and Industry Certifications, as evidenced by the data points below.
- More than 420,000 K-12 students are enrolled in career and technical education programs in Florida’s public schools.
- More than 52,000 students are enrolled in district technical center programs that prepare students for immediate entry into high demand, high skill employment opportunities.
- More than 164,000 students are enrolled in the Florida College System postsecondary career and technical education programs.
- The number of industry certifications earned by K-12 students continues to rise. In 2015-16, high school students earned a total of 81,970 industry certifications, and in 2016-17, that number jumped to 102,044.
- More than 489,000 students in grades 6-12 are enrolled in one of over 1,900 registered Career and Professional Education Academies and more than 17,000 registered Career-Themed Courses.
To learn more about Career and Technical Education in Florida, visithttp://fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu.
Gov. Scott Announces Three Appointments and Five Reappointments to Multiple State Colleges
Today, Governor Rick Scott announced three appointments and five reappointments to multiple state colleges.
Northwest Florida State College District Board of Trustees
Craig Barker, 49, of Destin, is an independent business consultant. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his master’s degree from the University of West Florida. Barker is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota District Board of Trustees
Bob Wyatt, 57, of Osprey, is the president of Investor Protector, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University. Wyatt is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
Ed Bailey, 42, of Palmetto, is the finance manager of Sarasota Ford. He is also a realtor with Leslie Wells Realty. Bailey is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Florida Gateway College District Board of Trustees
David Crawford, 57, of Macclenny, is the director of auxiliary services and former principal for the Baker County Public School District. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Florida. Crawford is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Indian River State College District Board of Trustees
Tony George, 55, of Stuart, is a partner at Fox Wackeen Law Firm. He received his bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Florida. George is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2019.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
St. Johns River State College District Board of Trustees
Brian Keith, 61, of Palatka, is the owner and facility manager of Newcastle Shipyards, LLC. Keith received his bachelor’s degree from Vincennes University. He is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees
Ray Gadd Jr., 60, of Land ‘o’ Lakes, is the deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida. Gadd succeeds Ed Blommel, and is appointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2019.
David Garcia, 67, of Spring Hill, is the lead pastor at Grace World Outreach Church. He received his bachelor’s degree from the International Seminary, his master’s in Theology, and his Doctor of Ministry in theology from Life Christian University. Garcia succeeds Morris Porton and is appointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2019.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
ICYMI: WFTV: Governor Scott Proposes Investments in Education, Health, Environment and Public Safety
“Gov. Scott Proposes Investments in Education, Health, Environment and Public Safety”
WFTV-ORD (ABC) – Orlando, FL
November 14, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Senate Budget Prioritizes Education
Unprecedented K-12 Per Student Funding, Key Investments in Higher Education
More than $3 Billion in Reserves, Historic Investments in Need and Merit-Based Financial Aid
The Florida Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater), today filed SPB 2500, a proposed budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year. The budget prioritizes funding for Florida’s Pre-K–20 public education system, while setting aside more than $3 billion in total reserves. The budget also makes critical investments in Florida’s state workforce with salary increases for state employees.
Statement from Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart):
“The Senate’s fiscally responsible, balanced budget ensures we both live within our means and set aside an ample rainy day fund. At the same time, the budget meets the needs of our growing state in a manner that reflects the priorities of the constituents who elected us.
“The link between education and our economy is clear. The best thing we can do to invest in Florida’s future is to make certain all Florida children have access to a great education from voluntary pre-kindergarten all the way through our excellent institutions of higher education.
“Over the last ten years, our universities have added approximately 50,000 students. During that time, state funding has grown by only $142 million, yet student tuition has nearly doubled. While it is true that Florida’s tuition rates are lower than in other states, nearly doubling the cost of tuition has pushed the hope of higher education out of reach for too many students and their families. In total, our budget increases need-based student aid by 81 percent, while merit-based aid is increased by 79 percent. With these historic investments in student financial aid, the Senate budget reflects our commitment to expand access to our State University System for all students who earn the right to attend.”
Statement from Senator Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater), Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations:
“For far too long, the honorable and dedicated state employees who guard prisons, protect our highways, care for abused and neglected children, and who provide many other critical government services, have gone without an increase in their pay. The Senate budget makes it clear that we value the contributions these public servants make to our state.”
Summary of SPB 2500, the 2017-2018 General Appropriations Act
Total Budget: $83.2 billion [$31.6 billion GR; $51.6 billion TF]
Major Statewide Issues
Education Capital Outlay
Total: $616.6 million [$599.8 million PECO TF; $16.8 million GR]
- Public School Repairs and Maintenance – $75 million
- Charter School Repairs and Maintenance – $75 million
- Developmental Research Schools – $5.8 million
- Public School Special Facilities – $50.8 million
- Florida College System Repairs and Maintenance – $38.0 million
- Florida College System Projects – $129.2 million
- State University System Repairs and Maintenance – $45.6 million
- State University System Projects – $176.0 million
- School for the Deaf and Blind Repairs and Maintenance – $2.2 million
- Public Broadcasting – Health and Safety Issues – $3.2 million
- FSU Developmental Research School Arts & Sciences Building – $7.5 million
- University Challenge Grants – $4.3 million
- High Growth Public Schools – $3 million
- Flagler College – $1.0 million
In addition: $45 million in authorization for SUS Capital Improvement Student Fee Projects
Compensation and Benefits:
Florida Retirement System – Total $96.9 million [$85.5 million GR; $11.4 million TF] (Normal Costs and Unfunded Actuarial Liability)
- State Agencies – $15.4 million GR; $11.4 million TF
- School Boards K-12 – $54.1 million GR
- State Universities – $11.1 million GR
- Community Colleges – $4.9 million GR
State Group Health Insurance – Total $36.5 million [$23.3 million GR; $13.2 million TF]
Pay Issues – Total $219.7 million [$147 million GR; $72.7 million TF]
- State Employee Pay Increase – $103.9 million [$43.3 million GR; $60.7 million TF]
- Correctional Officer Pay Increase – $57.9 million [$56.3 million GR; $1.5 million TF]
- State Law Enforcement Pay Increase – $14.8 million [$4.9 million GR; $9.9 million TF]
- Assistant Public Defender Pay Increase – $5.2 million [$4.5 million GR; $0.7 million TF]
- Judicial Pay Increase $38 million GR
- Pay Issues – Total $219.7 million [$147 million GR; $72.7 million TF]
State Employee Pay Increase – $103.9 million [$43.3 million GR; $60.7 million TF]
- $1,400 increase for employees making $40,000 or less
- $1,000 increase for employees making more than $40,000
- Effective Date October 1, 2017
All Pay Issues below are in lieu of the overall State Employee Pay Increase (Except for the Veterans’ Affairs certified nurse assistant, pay issue)
- Correctional Officer Pay Increase – $57.9 million [$56.3 million GR; $1.5 million TF]
- Minimum Salary adjustment as follows
- Correctional Officer $30,926 to $33,500
- Correctional Officer Sergeant $32,783 to $36,850
- Correctional Officer Lieutenant $35,061 to $40,535
- Correctional Officer Captain $37,576 to $44,589
- Minimum $2,500 increase for current employees in above classes.
- Effective Date July 1, 2017
- Minimum Salary adjustment as follows
- State Law Enforcement Pay Increase – $14.8 million [$4.9 million GR; $9.9 million TF]
- 5% Pay Increase for Sworn Law Enforcement Officers
- Effective Date July 1, 2017
- Assistant Public Defender Pay Increase – $5.2 million [$4.5 million GR; $0.7 million TF]
- 6% Pay Increase for Assistant Public Defenders with a minimum 3 years of experience in the Judicial Circuit they are currently employed.
- Effective Date July 1, 2017
- Judicial Pay Increase – $38 million GR
- Supreme Court Justice: $162,200 to $192,945
- DCA Judge: $154,140 to $183,298
- Circuit Judge: $146,080 to $173,651
- County Judge: $138,020 to $164,003
- Special Pay Issues
- Critical market pay for Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office to address recruitment and retention issues
- Critical market pay for certified nursing assistant employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (roughly $2,000 annual adjustment per employee)
- Set minimum salary for law enforcement officers working for the Florida Highway Patrol at $36,222.
- Authorized a $5,000 critical market pay adjustment for sworn law enforcement officers working for the Florida Highway Patrol residing in, and assigned to duties in, Pasco County.
- Authorizes the Department of Corrections to grant a one-time $1,000 hiring bonus to correctional officers filling a position in a facility that had at least a ten percent vacancy rate in positions during the prior calendar quarter.
- Authorizes the Department of Corrections to grant a ten percent pay additive for correctional officers attaining a correctional behavioral mental health certification and filling a post at a mental health facility.
- Health Insurance Benefits
- Six percent increase on overall premiums (state pays the full amount of the increase for employees)
- Retain current prescription drug copayment tiers ($7 for generic; $30 for preferred brand name drugs; and $50 for nonpreferred brand name drugs)
- Authorize dependent eligibility verification audit
PreK-12 Education
Summary
Total Appropriations: $14.8 billion [$11.6 billion GR; $3.2 billion TF]
Total Funding – Including Local Revenues: $24.3 billion [$14.8 billion state funds; $9.5 billion local funds]
Major Issues
Early Learning Services
Total: $1.1 billion [$571.8 million GR; $525.3 million TF]
- Voluntary Prekindergarten Program – $411.8 million GR; including $1.6 million for 549 additional students and $15 million for a 3.8% increase in the Base Student Allocation [from $2,437 to $2,529 per student]
- School Readiness Program – $596.3 million [$137.1 million GR; $459.2 million TF]
Public Schools/K12 FEFP
Total Funding: $21 billion [$11.5 billion state funds; $9.5 billion local funds]
- FEFP Total Funds Increase is $790 million or 3.92%
- FEFP Increase in Total Funds per Student is $209, a 2.91% increase [from $7,205 to $7,414]
- Enrollment Workload Increase of $197 million state funds for additional 27,368 students
- No Change in Required Local Effort (RLE) Millage of 4.638
- Federally Connected Student Supplement – total $13 million
- ESE Guaranteed Allocation – additional $22.8 million to maintain pre-recession funding level
- Supplemental Academic Instruction – additional $40.3 million for workload and for the Extended Day Program for Intensive Reading for 300 Elementary Schools, including funding for improved schools and a summer school component
- Student Transportation – $20.3 million increase for a total of $455.5 million
- Instructional Materials – $13.3 million increase, including an additional $3 million for dual enrollment materials, for a total of $242 million
- Elimination of Virtual Education Contribution – reduction of $14.6 million
- Digital Classrooms – $20 million reduction for a total of $60 million
Public Schools/K12 Non-FEFP
- Mentoring Programs – $17.3 million GR
- Gardiner Scholarships – additional $34.1 million for total of $107.4 million GR
- School District Matching Grants for school district foundations – $3.4 million increase for a total of $7.4 million GR
- School and Instructional Enhancement Grants – $39.7 million GR
- Exceptional Education Grants – $6.6 million [$4.3 million GR; $2.3 million TF]
- Florida School for the Deaf & Blind – $51.6 million [$47 million GR; $4.6 million TF]
State Board of Education
Total: $238.5 million [$85.7 million GR; $152.7 million TF]
- Assessment and Evaluation – $109.2 million [$52.9 million GR; $56.3 million TF]
- Transfer of $2.7 million to State Board of Community Colleges [$2.5 million GR and $.2 million TF]
Higher Education
Summary
Total Appropriations: $5.9 billion [$4.6 billion GR; $1.3 billion TF]
Total Funding – Including Local Revenues: $8.9 billion [$5.9 billion state funds; $3.0 billion local]
Major Issues
District Workforce
Total: $525.4 million [$293.5 million GR; $188.6 million TF; $43.3 million tuition/fees]
- Workforce Development – $366.9 million [$292 million GR, $74.9 million TF]
- Perkins Career and Technical Education grants and Adult Education and Literacy funds – [$113.7 million TF]
- No tuition increase
Florida College System
Total: $2.2 billion [$914.1 million GR; $231.8 million TF; $1 billion tuition/fees]
- Developmental Education Reduction – ($55) million GR
- Restoration of nonrecurring EETF base funds – $13.2 TF
- FRS adjustment – $4.9 million GR
- No tuition increase
State University System
Total: $5.1 billion [$2.9 billion GR; $262.8 million TF; $2.0 billion tuition/fees]
- Performance Based Funding – $525 million
- $250 million State Investment [GR]
- $275 million Institutional Investment
- Reprioritized from the base of each institution
- World Class Faculty and Scholar Program – $75 million GR
- State University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program – $55 million GR
- Additional Funds for Preeminent and Emerging Preeminent State Universities – $50 million GR
- TEAM Grants – $55 million GR
- No tuition increase
Private Colleges
Total: $168.1 million GR
- Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grants (formerly FRAG) – Increases student award amount from $3,000 to $3,300.
- ABLE Grant – Increases student award amount from $1,500 to $2,500.
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities Funding Increase – $2.3 million
Student Financial Aid
Total: $716 million [$257.7 million GR, $458.3 million TF]
- Bright Futures – Academic Scholars Award Increase and Textbook Stipend – $151.9 million TF
- Bright Futures – Academic Scholars Summer Funding – $39.5 million TF
- Florida Student Assistance Grants – Increase Need-Based Aid – $120.95 million GR
- First Generation Matching Grant – Double State Match – $5.3 million GR
- Florida Farmworker Scholarship Program – $500,000 GR
- Benacquisto Scholarship Program – Workload and Expansion – $1.4 million GR
- Children/Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans Workload Increase – $893,931 GR
- Need-based educational benefits to pay living expenses during semester breaks for active duty and honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces – $1 million GR
Vocational Rehabilitation
Total: $218.6 million [$50.2 million GR, $168.4 million TF]
- Adults with Disabilities funding – $6.4 million GR
Health and Human Services
Summary
Total Budget: $35,517.0 million [$9,555.9 million GR; $25,961.1 million TF]; 31,824.07 positions
Major Issues
Agency for Health Care Administration
Total: $27,679.4 million [$6,598.1 million GR; $21,081.3 million TF]; 1,546.5 positions
- Low Income Pool – $607.8 million [$0.5 million GR; $607.3 million TF]
- Nursing Home Prospective Payment Transition – $57.6 million [$5.0 million GR; $52.6 million TF]
- Reduction of Hospital Rate Enhancements – ($258.6) million [($99.2) million GR; ($159.4) million TF]
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Total: $1,333.5 million [$548.0 million GR; $785.5 million TF]; 2,711.50 positions
- Service Provider Rate Increase to Address Federal Fair Labor Standards Act – $41.0 million [$15.7 million GR; $25.3 million TF]
- Waiver Support Coordinator Rate Increase – $7.9 million [$3.0 million GR; $4.9 million TF]
- Licensed Practical Nurse Rate Increase – $3.4 million [$1.3 million GR; $2.1 million TF]
Department of Children and Families
Total: $3,164.3 million [$1,726.5 million GR; $1,437.8 million TF]; 11,944.5 positions
- State Mental Health Treatment Facilities Additional Staffing – 40.0 FTE; $2.9 million GR
- State Mental Health Treatment Facilities OPS Restoration – $2.7 million GR
- Community-Based Care Lead Agencies Funding Increase – $14.3 million [$11.3 million GR; $3.0 million TF]
- Child Care Regulatory Compliance – 16.0 FTE; $1.6 million [$0.9 million GR; $0.7 million TF]
- Maintenance Adoption Subsidies – $6.3 million [$2.8 million GR; $3.5 million TF]
- Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment Federal Grant – $27.2 million TF
- Additional Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Funding – $2.5 million GR
Department of Elder Affairs
Total: $313.5 million [$141.9 million GR; $173.6 million TF]; 439.5 positions
- Alzheimer’s Respite Care – 249 slots – $3.0 million GR
- Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) Program – 372 slots – $3.0 million GR
- Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) Program – 274 slots – $1.0 million GR
- Public Guardianship Services – 286 slots – $0.8 million GR
- Specialized Alzheimer’s Day Care Center Rate Increase – $3.0 million GR
Department of Health
Total: $ 2,884.5 million [$531.1 million GR; $2,353.4 million TF]; 14,064.57 positions
- Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Outbreak Control Workload – $1.9 million [$1.0 million GR; $0.9 million TF]
- Child Protection Teams – $ 1.4 million GR
- Poison Control Centers – $3.7 million GR
- Office of Compassionate Use Workload – 9.0 FTE; $0.8 million TF
Department of Veterans Affairs
Total: $139.7 million [$10.3 million GR; $129.4 million TF]; 1,117.5 FTE
- Complete Construction of 7th State Veterans’ Nursing Home – $38.7 million TF
- Veterans’ Benefits and Assistance Workload – 10.0 FTE; $0.8 million GR
Civil and Criminal Justice
Summary
Total Budget: $5.069.1 billion [$4.133.5 billion GR; $935.6 million TF]; 45,809.50 FTE
Major Issues
- Funding the Department of Corrections health services deficit – $18.0 million
- Funding a new residential mental health facility – $16.4 million GR
- Funding half of State Courts Technology Comprehensive Plan – $14.0 million; 45 FTE
Attorney General/ Legal Affairs
Total: $328.1 million [$55.2 million GR; $272.9 million TF]; 1,411.50 FTE
- Criminal appeals workload – 10 FTE and $0.8 million GR
- Information Technology workload – 3 FTE and $0.1 million GR; $0.2 million TF
- Information Technology infrastructure improvements – $0.5 million GR; $0.1 million TF
- Increase in the Federal Victims Assistance and Compensation (VOCA) Grants – $17.6 million TF
- Statewide prosecution case management system – $0.8 million TF
- Leased office space cost increase – $0.3 million GR; $0.2 million TF
- Increased cost of statewide prosecution – $0.3 million TF
Department of Corrections
Total: $2.43 billion [$2.36 billion GR; $74.1 million TF]; 24,238.00 FTE
- Funding the Department of Corrections health services deficit – $18.0 million GR
- New residential mental health facility – $16.4 million GR
- Motor vehicles – $0.3 million GR
- Enhance education and training program – $1.5 million GR
- Fixed capital outlay for repair and maintenance of DOC facilities – $6.4 million GR
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Total: $291.8 million [$107.5 million GR; $184.3 million TF]; 1,844.00 FTE
- Fixed capital outlay for new Pensacola Regional Operations Center – $1.0 million TF
- Sexual assault kit backlog reduction plan – 5 FTE and $0.8 million GR
- Improve sexual offender and predator registry – $1.9 million TF
- Increase trust fund authority for law enforcement training – $2.2 million TF
- Increase sexual assault kit grants – $0.4 million TF
- Enhance missing children response and investigations – 9 FTE and $0.7 million TF
- Unsolved case website – $0.2 million GR
- Funds final year of Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database – $5.0 million TF
Department of Juvenile Justice
Total: $576.3 million [$417.5 million GR; $158.8 million TF]; 3,269.50 FTE
- PACE Centers for Girls – $3.6 million GR
- Funds state share of juvenile detention cost share – $2.5 million GR
- Increases the number of juvenile residential commitment beds – $5.2 million GR
- Funds enhanced evidence-based services for residential programs – $5.3 million TF
- Funds the SNAP Program for young children -$1.1 million TF
- Fixed capital outlay for repair and maintenance of department-owned facilities – $6.5 million GR
State Court System
Total: $528.0 million [$436.6 million GR; $91.4 million TF]; 4,408.50 FTE
- Funding half of State Courts Technology Comprehensive Plan – $14.0 million; 45 FTE
- Case management resources – $1.40 million; 20 FTE
- Address additional 3rd DCA courthouse costs – $0.1 million GR
- Naltrexone injections to treat opioid- and alcohol-addicted offenders – $2.5 million GR
- Veterans’ Courts – $0.8 million GR
Justice Administration
Total: $902.8 million [$748.6 million GR; $154.3 million TF]; 10,506.00 FTE
- Increased due process funding for death penalty cases – $1.3 million GR
- State attorney workload – $0.4 million in GR, $0.4 million in TF
Clerks of the Court
- Address clerk revenue deficits – $25.0 million nonrecurring GR for CFY 2016-17 and a conforming bill that redirects $25.0 million in recurring GR to the clerks.
Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development
Summary
Total Budget: $13.4 billion [$434.8 million GR; $13.0 billion TF]; 13,275.5 positions
Major Issues
- Transportation Work Program – $9.9 billion TF
- Affordable Housing Programs – $274.4 million TF
- Economic Development Incentive Programs, Projects and Initiatives – $83.4 million TF
- Economic Development Partners – $135.8 million TF
- Library Grants and Initiatives – $39.4 million GR
- Cultural and Museum Grants and Initiatives – $24.2 million (TF & GR)
- Historic Preservation Grants and Initiatives – $11.8 million (TF & GR)
- Motorist Modernization Project and Enterprise Data Infrastructure – $17.5 million TF
- National Guard Tuition Assistance – $4.5 million GR
Department of Economic Opportunity
Total: $1.4 billion [$300.8 million GR; $1.1 billion TF]; 1,538.5 positions
- Economic Development Incentive Programs, Projects and Initiatives – $83.4 million TF includes:
- Economic Development Toolkit Payments and Initiatives – $83.4 million TF
- Payments for existing contracts-$38.4 million
- Quick Action Closing Fund-$45.0 million
- Economic Development Partners – $129.2 million TF includes:
- Enterprise Florida (EFI) – $23.5 million TF
- VISIT Florida – $76 million TF
- Florida Sports Foundation – $4.7 million TF
- Space Florida – $19.5 million TF [$12.5 million recurring; $7 million nonrecurring]
- Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research –$5.5 million TF [$1 million recurring; $4.5 million nonrecurring]
- Workforce Development Programs, Projects, and Initiatives – $22.4 million TF includes:
- Quick Response Training Program – $16.0 million TF
- Workforce Development Projects and Initiatives – $7.6 TF
- Affordable Housing Programs – $274.4 million TF:
- SHIP – $130.9 million TF (allocated to local governments), includes:
- More flexibility in the SHIP program regarding rent subsidies and rental assistance
- $5.2 million allocated for homeless Challenge Grants
- State Housing Programs – $143.5 million TF includes:
- At least 50 percent for the SAIL Program
- $10 million for competitive grant program for housing developments designed for persons with developmental disabilities
- $20 million for workforce housing to serve low-income persons and certain households in the Florida Keys
- Housing and Community Development Programs, Projects, and Initiatives – $26.1 million TF includes:
- Housing and Community Development Projects and Initiatives – $23.8 million TF
- Technical and Planning Assistance and Competitive Florida Partnership Program – $1.3 million TF
- Building Homes for Heroes-$1 million TF
- SHIP – $130.9 million TF (allocated to local governments), includes:
Department of State
Total: $141.0 million [$104.5 million GR; $36.5 TF]; 412 positions
- State Aid to Libraries – $25.2 million GR
- Libraries – $15.5 million GR o Library Construction Grant Ranked List – $5.3 million GR
- Library Technology Grants – $8.2 million GR
- Library Cooperatives – $2 million recurring
- Cultural & Museum Program Support and Facilities Grants – $29.1 million [$27.6 million GR; $1.5 million TF]
- Historic Small Matching and Facilities Grants – $11.7 million GR
- County Elections Assistance – $1.2 million GR
Department of Transportation
Total: $10.9 billion TF; 6,299 positions
Transportation Work Program – $9.9 billion TF:
- Highway and Bridge Construction – $4.2 billion
- Resurfacing and Maintenance – $1.2 billion
- Design and Engineering – $1.2 billion
- Right of Way Land Acquisition – $733.3 million
- Public Transit Development Grants – $639.7 million
- Rail Development Grants – $237.7 million
- County Transportation Programs:
- Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP) – $30.0 million
- Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) – $64.3 million (includes $9 million for Small Cities)
- Other County Transportation Programs – $55.6 million
- Aviation Development Grants – $257.1 million
- Seaport and Intermodal Development Grants – $188.0 million
- Economic Development Transportation (“Road Fund”) Projects – $24.1 million TF
- Shared-Use Non-Motorized Trail Network – $25 million
- Transportation Disadvantaged Program Grants – $54.1 million
Department of Military Affairs
Total: $86.3 million [$29.5 million GR; $56.9 million TF; 453 positions]
- Armories – $6.0 million GR
- Community Outreach Programs (Forward March and About Face) – $2 million recurring GR
- Secure and Harden State Readiness Centers – $2.0 million GR
- Tuition Assistance for Florida National Guard – $4.2 million GR
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Total: $476.8 million TF; 4,414 positions
- Florida Highway Patrol:
- Replacement Of In-Car Digital Video Cameras- $3.6 million TF
- Motorist Modernization Project – Phase I and II – $14.0 million TF
- Enterprise Data Infrastructure – $3.5 million TF
- Maintenance and Repairs of Facilities – $3.0 million TF
Division of Emergency Management
Total: $395.3 million TF; 157 positions
- Federally Declared Disaster Funding, excluding state match – $310.5 million:
- Communities – $293.3 million
- State Operations – $17.2 million
- Statewide Notification and Alert System – $3.5 million TF
- Residential Construction Mitigation – $4.0 million TF
The Environment and Natural Resources
Summary
Total Budget: $3.8 billion ($506.3 million GR; $693.5 million LATF; $2.6 billion Other TF); 8,671 positions
Major Issues
Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Total: $1.7 billion ($208.6 million GR; $23.1 million LATF; $1.5 billion TF); 3,614 positions
- Wildfire Suppression Equipment $3 million TF
- Florida Forest Service Grants for Endangered Species $1.2 million TF
- Citrus Greening Research $8 million TF
- Farm Share and Food Banks $2.2 million GR
- Agricultural Best Management Practices Partnership Agreements $1.4 million TF
- Agriculture Education and Promotion Facilities $4.6 million TF
- Citrus Health Response Program $7.1 million TF
- Kissimmee Animal Diagnostic Lab $4.1 million GR
- State Farmers Markets Facility Improvements $1 million TF
- Critical Building Repairs and Maintenance $2 million GR
- African Snail Eradication Program $2.3 million TF
- Child Nutrition Program Grants $99.2 million TF
Department of Citrus
Total: $33.1 million ($33.1 million TF); 39 positions
- Advertising/Promotion $2.7 million TF
Department of Environmental Protection
Total: $1.7 billion ($213.1 million GR; $609.2 million LATF; $862.4 million TF); 2,899.5 positions
- Everglades Restoration $144.0 million ($32.0 million LATF; $112.0 million TF)
- Northern Everglades Restoration $34.0 million ($28.2 million LATF; $5.8 million GR)
- St. John River/Keystone Heights Restoration, Public Access & Recreation $20 million LATF
- Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern $25 million LATF
- Hurricane Recovery Beach Projects $50.0 million GR
- Beach Management Funding Assistance $50 million LATF
- Springs Restoration $50 million LATF (base funding)
- Indian River Lagoon Septic to Sewer Assistance Grants $20 million GR
- Water Projects $67.3 million GR
- Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) $5.4 million GR
- State Parks Maintenance and Repairs $22.9 million TF
- Petroleum Tanks Cleanup Program $110 million TF
- Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) $7.4 million GR
- Drinking Water & Wastewater Revolving Loan Programs $18.4 million GR; $226.9 million TF
- Hazardous Waste/Site Cleanup $8.5 million TF
- Small County Solid Waste Management Grants $3.0 million TF
- Small County Wastewater Treatment Grants $15 million ($13 million TF; $2 million GR)
- Lake Apopka $5 million LATF
- Local Parks $3.2 million GR
- Water Management Districts’ Minimum Flows and Levels Support $1.9 million GR
Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Total: $372.7 million ($81.2 million GR; $61.2 million LATF; $230.2 million TF); 2,118.5 positions
- Apollo Marine Fish Hatchery $3.5 million ($1.75 million GR; $1.75 million TF)
- Boating Infrastructure and Improvement Program $5.7 million TF
- Artificial Fishing Reef Construction $.6 million ($.3m GR & other TF)
- Derelict Vessel Removal $1.5 million GR
- Black Bear Conflict Reduction $.5 million GR
- Building Improvements $.6 million TF
General Government
Summary
Total Budget: $2 billion [$299.3 million GR; $1.7 billion Other TFs]; 11,350 positions
Major Issues
Department of Business & Professional Regulation
Total: $152.3 million [$1.9 million GR; $150.3 million TF]; 1,618 positions
- Promoting Florida’s Hospitality Program – $1 million TF
- Legal Costs-Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco – $.4 million GR
Department of Financial Services
Total: $386.7 million [$28.2 million GR; $358.5 million TF]; 2,617.50 positions
- Florida Planning, Accounting & Ledger Management (PALM) Project – $41.9 million TF
- Florida Accounting & Information Resource (FLAIR) Staff Augmentation – $.6 million TF
- Fire College and Arson Lab Repairs and Maintenance – $.4 million TF
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud – $.2 million TF; 3 positions
- Fire College Building Maintenance – $.4 million TF
- Local Government Fire Services – $5.8 million GR
- Increase Contracted Services Budget Authority – $1.6 million TF
- Increase State Fire Marshall Grant Programs – $.9 million TF
- K-12 Public School Funding Transparency Website – $.5 million GR
Department of the Lottery
Total: $167.9 million TF; 420 positions
- Statewide Document Management System – $.8 million TF
- Information Technology upgrades to software, hardware, and equipment – $.3 million TF
Department of Management Services
Total Budget: $619.8 million [$56.5 million GR; $563.3 million TF]; 833 positions
- Florida Facilities Pool – $36.9 million [$25.2 million GR; $11.7 million TF]
- FDLE Pensacola Regional Operations Center – $28.2 million [$26.5 million TF; $1.7 million GR]
- Dependent Eligibility Verification Services – $1 million TF
- Florida Interoperability Network and Mutual Aid – $2 million GR
- Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) Staff Augmentation, Equipment and Independent Verification and Validation Services – $1.6 million TF
- Division of Retirement Information Technology Contract – $2.1 million TF
- Fleet Management Information System – $.5 million TF • Seminole County Computer Aided Dispatch System – $2 million GR
Division of Administrative Hearings
Total Budget: $26.1 million TF; 241 positions
Agency for State Technology
Total: $67.8 million TF; 227 positions
- Infrastructure Replacement and License Consolidation – $.3 million TF
- Security Training – $.2 million TF
Public Service Commission
Total: $25 million TF; 273 positions
- Replacement of Motor Vehicles – $.1 million TF
Department of Revenue
Total: $577.6 million [$212.7 million GR; $365 million TF]; 5,121 positions
- Fiscally Constrained Counties – $26.2 million GR
- Aerial Photography – $.2 million GR
Florida Lottery Celebrates $31 Billion to Education
Another Milestone in Revenue Generated for Education
The Florida Lottery today announced that its latest transfer to the state’s education trust fund brings its life-to-date education contributions to more than $31 billion.
“This milestone would not have been possible without the support of our loyal players, dedicated retailers and hardworking Lottery staff,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie. “The Lottery will continue working hard every day to advance our mission of maximizing contributions to education in a manner that is consistent with the dignity and integrity of the state.”
Over the past 29 years, the Florida Lottery has established itself as a dependable funding source for public education. For 14 consecutive years the Lottery has transferred more than $1 billion to education, while remaining one of the most efficient lotteries in the nation. Additionally, the Lottery has contributed more than $5 billion to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to send over 750,000 students to college.
Florida Lottery contributions represent approximately six percent of the state’s total education budget. Lottery funds are appropriated by the Florida Legislature and are administered by the Florida Department of Education.
Gov. Scott's "Fighting for Florida's Future" budget invests record funding in education
Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget makes historic investments in Florida’s public education system, with record high per-student funding, incentives to recruit and retain world-class educators, and proposals to make higher education more affordable.
Governor Scott said, “The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow and we must dedicate every available resource to making sure they have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. This includes recruiting and retaining highly trained principals and teachers, providing record per-student funding, and remaining committed to making the cost of higher education affordable for all Florida families. We know that teachers are especially key to preparing our future generations for great careers and the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget recognizes this commitment by proposing funding to eliminate their initial certification and renewal certification fees. By making these critical investments today, we are ensuring our children and grandchildren have the tools they need to accomplish great things across our state.”
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:
K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
- $20.9 billion in state and local funding, an increase of $815.2 million:
Historic per-student funding of $7,421, an increase of $216 over 2016-17 levels;
$203.1 million increase in funds to support an additional 28,193 students;
$80 million to assist districts in implementing their Digital Classrooms Plans;
$74.5 million to ensure school safety for our students, an increase of $10 million; and
$57.4 million for the Sparsity Supplement, an increase of $4.6 million, which provides funding to assist rural districts with sparse populations (24,000 or fewer students).
- Funding to help ensure that Florida students have well-prepared, high-quality educators and that educators are recognized and compensated for outstanding performance:
$43 million to recruit, support, and retain the best teachers for all students by providing bonuses to teachers who demonstrate high levels of student growth; addressing shortages in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields; and supporting top teachers in struggling schools;
$8.5 million to provide school leaders with professional development opportunities that will enable them to inspire their teachers and maximize student learning;
$770,000 to recognize outstanding educators in our public schools through the Teacher of the Year program which provides at least $10,000 for district winners; at least $15,000 for the top five finalists; and at least $20,000 for the statewide winner; and
$15 million to pay for initial teacher certifications and renewal certification fees. This investment will save each of Florida’s aspiring teachers approximately $555 on their initial certification and each of Florida’s employed public school teachers $75 for their certification renewal.
FLORIDA COLLEGES:
- $1.25 billion in state operating funds, an increase of $10.5 million which provides:
$100 million for performance funding, with $40 million in additional institutional investment;
$10 million to incentivize industry certification performance; and
$5.6 million to fund summer dual enrollment for high school students to take college classes.
In line with his commitment to making college more affordable, Governor Rick Scott has also recommended a sales tax exemption for students purchasing required textbooks and instructional materials, which will save students $48 million next year. A student taking five courses per semester will save a minimum of $60 per year. He is also proposing to freeze all fees and tuition at state colleges.
BRIGHT FUTURES:
- $252.1 million to fund Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program, including $34.7 million to cover summer classes for eligible students, and $12.9 million to increase the Florida Academic Scholar per credit award amount by 10 percent.
EDUCATIONAL FACILITY IMPROVEMENT:
- $185.9 million for maintenance, repairs, renovation and remodeling includes:
$75 million for public schools;
$75 million for charter schools; and
$35.9 million for Florida colleges.
- $16 million for two Special Facility Construction Account projects in Hamilton and Taylor Counties
- $20.5 million for Florida College System construction projects, requiring a dollar for dollar match from private contributions.
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “There is nothing more important than providing Floridians access to a K-12 and college education that will lead them to prosperous careers. I commend Governor Rick Scott for his ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget, which further demonstrates his steadfast commitment to Florida’s families and their futures.”
Marva Johnson, State Board of Education Chair, said, “Governor Rick Scott hit the mark with his ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget. Florida is recognized as a national leader in the field of education, and by investing in the areas that have the greatest impact on student success, Governor Scott is investing in Florida’s next generation and securing Florida’s future success.”
Andy Tuck, State Board of Education Vice Chair, said, “There has never been a more important time to focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in our state’s schools. Throughout the world, there is a growing demand for employees who can seamlessly fill positions in STEM fields, and Governor Scott’s investments will help ensure Florida students are prepared to compete in this global economy.”
Malcom Thomas, Superintendent of Escambia School District and Florida Association of District School Superintendents President, said, “Our state’s students will greatly benefit from Governor Scott’s focus on K-12 education in his ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget. I am particularly pleased by the significant increase in per-student funding, which will enable us to keep our focus where it belongs – on our students.”
Dr. Ed Meadows, Pensacola State College President, said, “I appreciate Governor Rick Scott for proposing an increase of $10.5 million for the Florida College System. Our 28 colleges serve more than 800,000 Florida students and lead the nation with graduation rates topping nearly every other state. This infusion of funds will help ensure each college has the resources necessary to offer their students a world-class education and to respond to the needs of their communities.”
Dr. Jackson N. Sasser, Santa Fe College President, said, “At Santa Fe College, we are committed to helping our students achieve their academic and career goals. Our leadership and staff strive for excellence in all that we do, and I am thankful that Governor Rick Scott has included financial incentives to reward colleges for exemplary performance.”
Dr. Sandy Shugart, Valenica College President, said, “We appreciate the Governor’s commitment to performance funding in the Florida College System. We are convinced Governor Scott’s consistent advocacy for performance funding represents solid business logic and will continue to drive positive student outcomes at Valencia and throughout the system.”
Jessica Solano, 2017 Florida Teacher of the Year, said, “I cherish the opportunity to help mold Florida’s future generations through my work in the classroom, and I know that so many of my fellow teachers around the state share that sentiment. I am immensely grateful that Governor Scott has once again proposed $10,000 for each of the district teachers of the year and additional funds for the finalists and statewide winner. These outstanding educators truly deserve to be recognized for their dedication to Florida’s students.”
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.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Gov. Scott's "Fighting for Florida's Future" budget fights for record education contributions
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget supports the Florida Lottery’s core mission of providing funding for education by investing $181.5 million in the Florida Lottery. During fiscal year 2015-16, the Florida Lottery generated $1.67 billion in contributions to education, its sixth consecutive record-breaking sales year, while keeping operational expenses below two percent.
Governor Scott said, “The Florida Lottery is working each day to support Florida students so they can become tomorrow’s leaders. By continuing to support the Lottery’s commitment to contributing record-breaking funding to our education system, we can ensure generations of students will have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:
- $12.6 million in additional funding as a result of projected increases in Scratch-Off and Terminal sales for Fiscal Year 2017-18. These additional funds and the new contract are projected to result in a $1.58 billion transfer to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
- $837,000 for an electronic document management system to improve accuracy and efficiency by electronically storing and managing claims information. Functionality will be built to interface with the Lottery’s gaming system.
- $761,760 to replace data servers at Lottery Headquarters; the Orlando Data Center; and the State Data Center. These servers support critical business applications and are currently operating at or beyond capacity. New storage area network shelves will also be included to accommodate the Lottery’s additional data growth needs.
- $53,265 for new management software program that will automate the audit and investigation processes, allowing the Lottery’s Office of Inspector General to more efficiently and effectively fulfill responsibilities in accordance with Chapter 24 and Section 20.055, Florida Statutes.
- $67,918 to replace the existing Adaptive Security Appliance Lottery firewalls located in the district offices, the Orlando Data Center, and at Headquarters, all of which will reach their End of Life and End of Technical Support in 2018.
Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie said, “The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget reflects Governor Scott’s continued commitment toward ensuring that Florida’s students have the resources and opportunities they need to get a great education and succeed in their future careers. The Lottery will continue to do all we can to maximize education contributions to help Florida’s students become tomorrow’s leaders.”
Ned Bowman, Executive Director of Florida Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association said, “I applaud Governor Scott for putting Florida businesses first and the Florida Lottery for helping retailers grow their businesses while supporting our state’s education system. We are proud of our long partnership with the Florida Lottery, and we look forward to continuing to support their efforts of generating revenue for Florida’s students and schools.”
Randy Miller, President and CEO, Florida Retail Federation said, “I appreciate the Governor’s support of Florida’s business community and his commitment to having a strong educational system. The Florida Retail Federation is proud to help contribute to the success of the Florida Lottery because we recognize the organization’s benefit to Florida’s schools.”
John Peyton, President of Gate Petroleum Company, “We appreciate having a businessman like Governor Scott leading our state, creating jobs, helping businesses succeed and growing Florida’s economy. We also value our relationship with the Florida Lottery and are proud to partner with them to help generate additional funding for education.”
University of Florida student, Eric Jones, “The Bright Futures Scholarship was the motivating factor behind turning my dreams into reality. It allowed me to set my goals high, and settle for nothing less. I appreciate all that Governor Scott and the Florida Lottery are doing to ensure future funding for this and other educational programs.”
