Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for families

families

Gov. Rick Scott Highlights Funding and Signs Legislation Benefitting Florida Military, Veterans and Families

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today visited USAA in Tampa to highlight $180 million in total funding in his Securing Florida’s Future Budget to support active military, veterans, and their families. He also signed HB 29, which will increase opportunities and reduce fees for Florida military, veterans and their families. HB 29, known as the “Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Family Opportunity Act,” expands legislation signed into law by Governor Scott in 2014 (more HERE) by reducing professional licensing fees and requirements for certain military members, veterans, and their spouses.

This bill also designates March 25th of every year as “Medal of Honor Day” to honor the individuals recognized with the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force in the Armed Services of the United States. The “Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Family Opportunity Act” was named after State Representative Don Hahnfeldt, a veteran and a member of the Florida House of Representatives who passed away last year.

Gov. Scott Urges North Florida Families to Prepare for Severe Cold Weather

Posted on

Following a briefing today by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Governor Rick Scott urged Florida residents, visitors and businesses in North Florida to prepare for extreme cold weather conditions, including potential snow, sleet or ice accumulations, as a severe weather system moves into the area tonight. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories for Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor and Union Counties. Additional counties in the Florida Panhandle may also be included in these advisories later today.
Governor Scott said, “In Florida, you should always be prepared for potential severe weather, regardless of the time of year. As this weather system moves through state, families and visitors across North Florida should prepare for potential hard freezes and below-freezing travel conditions. Floridians should closely monitor local media outlets for updates and important information. The state is working closely with local partners in North Florida to keep Floridians safe, and will continue to closely monitor weather conditions.”
Governor Scott directed the following state actions in preparation for the severe weather:
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

  • FDOT crews will conduct winter weather operations by spraying state roads and bridges later tonight and into the early hours of Wednesday ahead of freezing temperatures.
  • Spraying will consist of a saline solution that is designed to lower the freezing temperature of the precipitation falling on the bridge surfaces.
  • Motorists may notice an increased number of FDOT vehicles on state routes as FDOT maintenance and operations staff monitor winter weather conditions on bridges and roadways.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

  • FHP troops A (Pensacola), B (Gainesville), G (Jacksonville) and H (Tallahassee) will be on 12-hour shifts monitoring any impacted roadways in coordination with FDOT.
  • FHP Quick Reaction Force teams from other areas in the state also remain on standby if additional highway safety needs arise in winter storm-impacted areas.
  • Motorists should dial *FHP (347) from their mobile phone if they are on the road and need assistance.

Florida Department of Health (DOH)

  • State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip held a call to discuss preparations with county health officers in impacted areas.
  • This cold snap could trigger increased risk of Carbon Monoxide poisonings and home fires due to incorrect usage of generators and heaters. Watch this #FLHealthMinute video to learn about Generator Safety.
  • DOH staff is prepared and on standby to staff special needs shelters if needed.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

  • The Agency for Health Care Administration will host a call today with administrators, owners and CEOs of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and related associations in affected areas of the state to ensure health care facilities are preparing for inclement weather and monitoring conditions.

Florida Department of Education (DOE)

  • DOE is monitoring any potential school closures across Florida.

Florida Department of Management Services (DMS)

  • DMS is monitoring and will advise regarding any potential government building closures.

If severe weather threatens your area, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

  • Ensure your NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio is on and programmed for your area or stay tuned to a trusted local media outlet for the most current weather situation.
  • Ensure your disaster supply kit is prepared and heed all instructions from local officials.
  • Pay attention to warnings issued & remember the 5P’s of cold weather safety – protect people, pets, plants, pipes and practice fire safety.

Shelters

  • The following counties have or are planning to open cold weather shelters in anticipation of this event:
    • Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Leon, Columbia, Gadsden, Liberty, Wakulla, Suwannee, Clay, Duval Hillsborough, Citrus, Pasco, Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Osceola, Seminole, St. Lucie and Volusia.

*Individuals should contact their local emergency management office for the best information regarding shelter availability.
For more information and tips from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, visit FloridaDisaster.org or follow @FLSERT on Twitter.

Gov. Scott Proposes $180 Million in Tax Cuts for Florida Families

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $180 million in tax cuts for Florida families as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. The Governor’s proposal includes sales tax holidays to help families prepare for the school year and hurricane season, and reductions to many of the fees on driver’s licenses. Since 2010, the Governor has cut taxes more than 75 times, saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. In August, Governor Scott also announced that he will propose an amendment to Florida’s Constitution to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes by requiring a supermajority vote by future Florida legislatures to raise any taxes or fees. Read more HERE.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that during the upcoming legislative session, I will fight to cut $180 million in taxes for families. This includes sales tax holidays to help families get prepared for the school year and for hurricane season, which is especially important following the devastation we saw from Hurricane Irma. I am also proposing to roll back many driver’s license fees, which will put money back into pockets of virtually every Florida family. These fees were raised in 2009 before I came into office, and I am proud to cut them by more than 58 percent to help every Floridian when they renew their license.
“Over the past seven years, we have worked relentlessly to turn around Florida’s economy and the results are clear – our unemployment rate has dropped to a more than ten year low of 3.8 percent, business have created more than 1.3 million private sector jobs and we have been able to make historic investments in education, transportation and our environment. All of this was accomplished while cutting taxes more than 75 times, saving more than $7.5 billion for Florida families and job creators. Cutting taxes works and the rest of the nation needs to follow Florida’s lead. I am also fighting to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes in the future and I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session on these proposals.”
Governor Scott’s $180 million tax cut package includes:

  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $88 Million – The Governor’s recommended budget includes funding for four sales tax holidays which will save Floridians an estimated $88 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:
    • $73 million from a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday; and
    • $15 million from three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays which would take place in May, June and July.
  • Reduction in Driver’s License Fees to Save Floridians $87 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reduce the fees for driver’s licenses. These fees were increased in 2009, prior to Governor Scott taking office. These fee cuts include:
    • $67 million in savings from reducing the fee for a renewal of a regular driver’s license by more than 58 percent from $48 to $20; and
    • $20 million in savings from reducing the fee on an original regular driver’s license by more than 43 percent from $48 to $27 and the fee on an original Commercial Driver’s License by more than 10 percent from $75 to $67.
  • Reduction in Traffic Citation Fines to Save Floridians $4 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reinstate the 18 percent reduction of eligible traffic citation fines, which was repealed in 2009 prior to Governor Scott taking office, for individuals who attend a basic driver improvement school.

More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.

Gov. Scott Proposes Nearly $200 Million Investment for Adopted Children and Families

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today announced he will propose nearly $200 million for families who adopt children from foster care. This funding will continue critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems. Over the past year, more than 3,600 children were adopted in Florida, the highest year for adoptions in eight years. This week, Governor Scott also proclaimed November as Florida Adoption Month. To view the proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Every November, we take time to recognize the many families across the state who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt children in need. This Florida Adoption Month, I am proud to propose a nearly $200 million investment as part of my 2018-2019 recommended budget to support children adopted from foster care. Every child deserves a loving family and adoptive parents have a unique opportunity to help change a child’s life for the better. We are grateful to the families who have provided homes for the more than 20,000 children adopted from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems over the past seven years and will continue to do all we can to encourage families to consider adoption.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said, “Being adopted into safe homes with loving families changes the lives of children and also transforms the forever families they join. Continued support after adoption enables more families to open their hearts and homes to children who are available for adoption.”
More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.

Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget fights to support at-risk youth and families

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today announced his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget, which invests an additional $16 million into Florida’s juvenile justice system for a total of $571 million. This funding will support the continuation of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s (DJJ) reform efforts and its core mission of reducing juvenile delinquency, increasing public safety, and providing the services at-risk youth and their families need in the coming years to transition youth back into their communities and guide them towards successful adulthood.

Governor Scott said, “Florida has taken tremendous steps forward in reducing juvenile delinquency with juvenile arrests dropping to the lowest levels in more than forty years. We will continue to invest in effective programs and services that will not only help vulnerable youth in our state get the opportunities they need to succeed, but also ensure that Florida remains a safe state for families and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

“Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget demonstrates Florida’s commitment to not only having the most comprehensive juvenile justice system in the country but to also having the best system as well” said DJJ Secretary Christina Daly. “By investing in the entirety of our system, from prevention all the way to aftercare, Governor Scott’s recommendations will solidify for now and the future both the strength and quality of the services provided to Florida’s children and their families.”

Highlights from Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget include:

$10.5 million to increase evidence-based interventions and services in residential commitment contracts as well as ensure capacity for youth adjudicated to non-secure and secure residential commitment programs. 

$2.6 million to add workforce education and job placement services at existing day treatment and residential programs. This funding will provide workforce education and job placement for 500 youth in various programs in order to help them find employment, which makes them less likely to reoffend.

$4.7 million to expand evidence-based prevention programs. Effective prevention programs have been a critical component in reducing Florida’s juvenile arrest rate. This funding will increase public safety by providing prevention programming to additional youth. 

$10 million to provide the necessary repairs and maintenance of detention, probation, and residential facilities. This funding will support security improvement and life safety projects, electrical upgrades, and ensure proper compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

What they are saying…

Stacy Gromatski, President and CEO of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, said, “The Florida Network would like to thank Governor Scott for continuing to recognize the importance of investing in prevention services in our state. Having the ability to reach younger children, before they come into contact with the juvenile justice system, ensures not only a brighter future for them but strong families and communities overall.”

Mary Marx, President and CEO of the Pace Center for Girls, said, “On behalf of vulnerable girls in our state, we appreciate Governor Scott’s investment in prevention services in Florida. Under his leadership, more girls and young woman have access to education, counseling, and trauma informed services so that they can reach their full potential and successfully transition to adulthood.” 

Cathy Craig-Myers, Executive Director of the Florida Juvenile Justice Association, said, “Governor Scott has been steadfast in his commitment to our state’s juvenile justice reform work and the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget is a reflection of that unwavering commitment. From the implementation of DJJ’s Roadmap to System Excellence several years ago to today, Florida has and will continue in the future to serve as a model juvenile justice system for the rest of the country.”

To view the complete list of Governor Scott’s budget recommendations, visit www.fightingforfloridasfuturebudget.com.

Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests in programs that add jobs for Florida families

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott announced his 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget recommendations today, which include $1.2 billion for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to invest in economic development programs that add jobs. The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget also includes an $85 million investment in economic incentives to help Florida outcompete other locations for new economic opportunities and job wins, and $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA to continue Florida’s record tourism by marketing the state across the globe.

Governor Scott said, “While Florida has made great strides over the past six years, we are competing every day with other states and nations to attract growing businesses that will invest in our families and communities. Job creation helps the poorest, most disadvantaged families find the opportunities they need, and we must do all we can to secure a bright future for Florida by diversifying the economy and supporting business growth. By making these critical investments today, we are ensuring Florida remains the best place for our children and grandchildren to succeed.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget will help Florida continue to be a national leader in economic development and job growth. Our investments in tax cuts, critical infrastructure and strong communities have helped cultivate an environment that fosters innovation and job creation all across the state. This budget will ensure we can continue these important investments on our mission to make Florida the best place in the nation to live, work, visit, do business and raise a family.”

The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:

$85 million for the Economic Development Toolkit to Make Florida More Competitive for Jobs

The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget invests $85 million in Florida’s economic development toolkit, including business incentives, which will help attract new businesses and job creation to the state. A strong economic development toolkit that includes incentives will help Florida outcompete other states for job wins that result in a strong positive impact in communities across the state.

The budget also includes $23.5 million for Enterprise Florida operations.

Chris Hart, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, said, “The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget will ensure Florida can remain competitive in our efforts to win new jobs and investments all across the state. This budget has the tools we need to grow jobs and create new opportunities for hardworking Floridians and their families.”

$76 million for VISIT FLORIDA to Promote Florida as the #1 Tourist Destination

The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget invests $76 million for VISIT Florida to market the state around the globe, resulting in record numbers of visitors and an incredible economic impact to the Sunshine State. For every dollar invested in VISIT FLORIDA, taxpayers saw a return of $3.20, and VISIT FLORIDA received more than $133 million in private matching funds.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Through the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ budget allocation, VISIT FLORIDA and our local tourism marketing partners will continue to promote the state’s diverse destinations to visitors all across the globe, creating jobs and generating vital state and local tax revenue that benefit all Floridians. On behalf of the statewide tourism industry, I would like to thank the Governor for his strong leadership and his recognition of VISIT FLORIDA’s ability to deliver a significant return on the state’s investment in tourism marketing. With a renewed focus on transparency and accountability, VISIT FLORIDA is committed to realizing our vision of establishing Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”

$23 million to Train Florida’s Workforce to be the Top Workforce in the Country

This funding includes $20 million for Quick Response Training and $3 million for the Incumbent Worker Training Program to provide customized training and upgrade the skills in the state’s workforce to keep Florida businesses competitive.

Britt Sikes, Chairman of the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors and General Manager, Enterprise Accounts Division, DEX Imaging, said, “Florida has one of the world’s most talented and trained workforces, which helps our state grow existing businesses and attract emerging and evolving businesses. To continue meeting the needs of top employers in high-skill industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, engineering, information technology and cybersecurity, it is critical that we invest in developing Florida talent.”

$19.5 million for Space Florida to Keep Florida First in Space

This funding will help diversify our economy by attracting high-skill, high-wage jobs and ensure Florida remains at the forefront of the globe’s aerospace launch and manufacturing industries.

Frank DiBello, President of Space Florida, said, “Space Florida is committed to investing in the state’s strong aerospace industry and ensuring the continuing growth of this unmatched high-value industry. The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget shows our commitment to economic diversification and the development of a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of Florida’s aerospace companies.”

$1.8 million for Community Development and the Competitive Florida Partnership

This funding provides disadvantaged and rural communities with the support and resources needed to diversify their local economies and encourage new business investment.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING…

Syd Kitson, Chairman of the Florida Chamber Board of Directors and CEO of Kitson and Partners, said, “Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget shows a commitment to diversifying Florida to ensure we have the nation’s strongest economy. This budget will help Florida businesses continue to grow jobs and develop the next generation of the state’s workforce.”

Tom Feeney, President and CEO of the Associated Industries of Florida, said, “Florida businesses depend on the state’s talented workforce and critical infrastructure to grow and continue investing in our state’s communities. The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget has the right investments that will help us put more Florida families on the path to prosperity through a new job.”

Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business/Florida (NFIB), said, “Small businesses across Florida will benefit from the smart investments in the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget. The Governor’s commitment to cutting taxes and bureaucratic red tape has helped create a strong business climate in Florida that helps our small businesses create jobs.”

Randy Miller, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said, “Gov. Scott’s strong budget recommendations will help Florida’s retail businesses and consumers across our state prosper. Our state’s more than 270,000 retailers are excited about the investments in the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget that will position Florida for sustained growth.”

About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

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

Posted on

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.”

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

Posted on

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.

Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget fights to support military heroes and their families

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes investments to allow the men and women of the Florida National Guard to remain ready and able to support their national, state and community missions.
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests $85.9 million in the Florida Department of Military Affairs in order to continue providing ready military units and personnel to support national security and protect the State of Florida. Funding will be used to complete improvements on armories throughout the state, maintain community based programs for youth and adults and support Guardsmen pursuing a higher civilian education.
Governor Rick Scott said, “This year, hundreds of members of our National Guard put their own lives in danger in order to help keep our families and communities safe following the two hurricanes and a tropical storm that impacted our state. These brave men and women deserve our full appreciation and support, and we must do everything we can to support our military members and their families and ensure Florida remains the most military friendly state in the nation.”
“Governor Scott continues to be one of the greatest advocates for our Soldiers and Airmen,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, the Adjutant General of Florida. “This year’s budget reflects his ongoing commitment to ensuring we remain fully prepared to safeguard our citizens, state and nation.”
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:
Governor Scott’s recommended budget includes $6 million to finalize the updates to the Florida National Guard armories that serve as the core of Florida’s hometown-based units. The updated facilities enable Florida Guardsmen to be trained and ready to react when the state or nation calls upon them. The final armory to be renovated is the Robert F. Ensslin armory in St. Augustine. This funding will complete renovations to the prioritized list of armories in communities from Homestead to Pensacola, enhancing the stationing facilities of nearly 10,000 Army Guardsmen.
In addition to armory renovations, this year’s budget provides $3.4 million for the maintenance and repair of armories statewide, and $2 million to improve armory security.
The budget also adds $765,000 to the Florida Youth Challenge Academy, a 17 ½ month voluntary program geared toward Florida’s 16-to-18-year old at-risk youth. The program consists of a five-and-a-half-month residential phase and a 12-month post-residential phase. More than 4,000 young people have graduated from this program since its inception. For more information, please visit www.floridayouthchallengeacademy.org.
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget also includes $750,000 for Education Dollars for Duty. This program reimburses Florida National Guard service members for education expenses incurred in pursuit of technical certificates and/or associate’s, baccalaureate or master’s degrees from public or private institutions located here in Florida.
“The governor’s continued commitment to funding the Educational Dollars for Duty program is one of the things that truly makes Florida the most military friendly state in the nation,” said Maj. Butler Strain, Educational Officer for the Florida National Guard. “This program has enabled hundreds of Soldiers and Airmen to pursue their higher education goals, making our Guard and our state stronger.”
“The Florida National Guard is dedicated not only to military excellence, but also to taking care of our citizens,” said Lt. Col. Brian Fallon, Florida Department of Military Affairs State Quartermaster. “We are very pleased that the governor’s budget continues to provide funding for these programs that add such value to our communities.”
“Our armories are at the center of all we do,” said Maj. Sam Sargent, Florida National Guard Force Protection Officer. “Under Governor Scott, we have made tremendous strides in the modernization and improvement of these facilities. This budget will allow us to continue that work to ensure that we are the most ready and capable National Guard in the country, and that our armories are safe environments for our Soldiers, Airmen and citizens.”