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Gov. Scott's "Fighting for Florida's Future" budget fights for record education contributions

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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.”

“Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget eliminates the critical needs waiting list for the fourth year in a row

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Historic $1.3 Billion Investment Will Support Floridians with Disabilities

Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget is recommending $1.3 billion in total funding for APD. This historic investment will eliminate the critical needs waiting list for the fourth year in a row and help Floridians with disabilities live, learn and work in their communities.
Governor Scott said, “For the fourth year in a row, we are fighting to eliminate the critical needs waiting list, which will provide 680 Floridians with unique abilities the opportunities they need to receive the services and support they deserve. These investments are a testament to our commitment to making Florida the best place for all families to live and achieve their dreams and we will continue to do all we can to make our state the first for choice for families for years to come.”
The Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget includes:

  • $7.5 million to enroll more than 680 individuals with developmental disabilities on the critical needs waiting list onto the APD Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid iBudget Florida waiver.
  • $3.3 million to provide employment services to more than 2,500 individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready to work. These employment services include job training and coaching, employment assistance and transportation to and from their place of work. These services will help more individuals with disabilities get the opportunities they need to find a great job and live more independently.
  • $4.6 million to support APD customers with extreme behaviors transitioning from institutional settings into the community. The new Waiver Intensive Behavior Models will assist the agency in meeting federal CMS Rule requirements for living settings.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “I appreciate Governor Scott continuing his strong support of individuals with disabilities. For the fourth year, Governor Scott is recommending funding to serve people with critical needs on the waiting list. Additionally, the Governor recognizes the need to increase support for our wonderful partners who deliver direct services to our customers in the community. This funding is vital to protecting the health and safety of our vulnerable customers.”
Family Care Council Florida Chairperson Mary Smith said, “Serving additional individuals with developmental disabilities is a priority of the Family Care Council. We are thrilled Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget moves more than 680 people with critical needs from the waiver waiting list to being served in the community. I am very happy that the state of Florida is committed to helping people with developmental disabilities live as full lives as possible.”
Parent and past chairperson of the Family Care Council Florida Pauline Lipps said, “Families need state support to meet the needs of their child with a developmental disability. I am pleased to see Governor Scott’s ongoing support of APD in its mission of serving people with developmental disabilities.”
Betty Kay Clements, parent and past chairperson of the Family Care Council Florida, said, “I appreciate the increased funding being recommended by Governor Scott in his ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget to serve an additional 680 people on the waiting list.”
Support Coordination Association of Florida Chairman David Alexander said, “On behalf of our association, I want to thank Governor Scott for supporting the needs of people with disabilities with his budget recommendation. We are pleased that more people will be able to receive community support through APD with this budget recommendation.”
Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock said, “Special Olympics Florida praises Governor Scott for supporting the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Florida by allocating needed funds to continue to protect their well-being. The Governor’s leadership in this area directly supports the work of Special Olympics Florida by improving access to health care services, promoting inclusion at schools, and helping us build communities where all individuals are valued.”
APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities.  The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phalen-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).

Gov. Scott: Budget will create opportunities for generations of Floridians

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Governor Rick Scott announced today his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget which proposes $618 million in tax cuts to help Florida families and small businesses. The Governor’s recommended budget also invests record funding in Florida’s education system, strengthens environmental protection efforts, supports law enforcement and fights for Florida’s growing job market.
Governor Scott said, “Florida businesses have added more than 1.2 million jobs over the last six years and our economy is booming because of our continued focus on cutting taxes, reducing burdensome regulations and fostering an environment where job creators can grow and succeed in Florida. Our ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ budget continues our hard work and cuts taxes by $618 million while making strategic investments in areas that are important to families. Because our economy continues to grow, we are able to make these investments while also paying down debt and setting aside $5 billion in reserves. I look forward to working with the Legislature this session to make Florida the best place in the world for our future generations.”
Cuts Taxes and Fees
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget proposes to cut taxes by more than $618 million including decreasing the tax on business rents,providing a one-year sales tax exemption on college textbooks, cutting the business tax, exempting school book fairs from the sales tax and implementing a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday, nine-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, three-day veteran’s sales tax holiday and one-day camping and fishing sales tax holiday.
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget also includes $8.1 million in additional annual fee cuts for Florida’s seniors, teachers, veterans and businesses, all while maintaining the quality of services provided.
Grows the Economy
Florida has created more than 1.25 million jobs in just six years and Governor Scott will keep fighting for jobs until his last day in office. The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget recommends $85 million for economic incentives for the sole purpose of bringing more jobs to Florida and supporting small businesses.
Invests in Education
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests historic funding in Florida’s education system to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the Sunshine State. Historic investments include:

  • Nearly $21 billion in state and local funding through the Florida Educational Finance Program (FEFP) for Florida’s K-12 public schools which equates to $7,421 per student. This is the highest total funding, state funding and per-student funding for K-12 in Florida’s history.
  • Governor Scott is also recommending a historic $6.6 billion in total funding for higher education in Florida which includes increased funding for the Bright Futures Scholarship program. There are also NO tuition increases included in the budget.

Protects the Environment
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests nearly $4 billion in Florida’s environment which includes:

  • $360 million for water quality projects which includes record funding once again for Florida’s springs of $65 million and $60 million for the new Indian River Lagoon and Caloosahatchee Clean-Up Initiative; and
  • $225 million for Everglades restoration.

Keeps Families Healthy
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget makes important investments which include:

  • More than $1 billion in mental health and substance abuse funding, including $18.7 million for community-based behavioral health services;
  • A record $632 million to provide core services to children who depend on Florida’s child welfare system; and
  • More than $7.4 million to remove everyone off of the critical needs waiting list at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) for the fourth consecutive year.

Builds Strong Communities
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests more than $5.1 billion in public safety and makes important investments to support Florida’s dedicated law enforcement officers. Key public safety investments include:

  • $14.6 million to award Florida’s nearly 4,800 sworn state law enforcement officers with a five percent pay raise;
  • $5.8 million to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to hire 46 new employees dedicated to counterterrorism; and
  • More than $45 million to increase the pay of Florida’s correctional and correctional probation officers.

Invests in Florida’s Veterans Community
The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget recommends $102 million to support active military, veterans and their families.
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.

Gov. Rick Scott to unveil 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget

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Tomorrow, January 31st, Governor Rick Scott will unveil his 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget at the AP Legislative Planning Session.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: 22nd Floor
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL
NOTE: The Florida Channel will be carrying the Governor’s announcement live.
Following the announcement, the Governor’s budget staff will host a pen and pad background briefing with credentialed press. No visual or audio recording equipment will be permitted. This will be an in-person meeting ONLY. No call-in information will be provided.
WHAT: Pen and Pad with OPB Staff
WHEN: 12:00 PM
WHERE: The Governor’s Large Conference Room
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL

Business Leaders Applaud Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” $618 Million Tax Cut Package

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that he is proposing $618 million in tax cuts to help Florida families and small businesses, and ensure taxes are cut for Florida’s future generations. These tax cuts will encourage job creators to add more jobs and build opportunities now and in the future. Here’s what Florida business leaders are saying:
Erin Meagher, Founder of Beneficial Blends, said, “Beneficial Blends is proud of our commitment to the Tampa Bay area and we are constantly working to add more Floridians to our dynamic team. With two locations currently under a commercial lease, Governor Scott’s proposed tax cut would allow us to invest more in growing our company and creating new opportunities. Reducing the tax on commercial leases would certainly help our business and many others that may consider setting up manufacturing facilities in Florida, and I look forward to seeing it passed this year.”
Richard Scherzer, Co-Owner of About Floors N More, “Governor Scott truly understands small business and is dedicated to fighting on behalf of the many small businesses and the families they employ across the state. About Floors N More pays commercial lease taxes on all three of our properties, and the Governor’s proposed tax cut would help our business invest more money in growing and creating opportunities in Jacksonville. We were excited to welcome Governor Scott to our business today and look forward to seeing these tax cuts passed.”
Gerry Angeli, President & General Manager of ACR Electronics, Inc. a Drew Marine Company, said, “For five decades ACR Electronics has believed there is no better place than Florida, the boating capital of the world, to build emergency beacons for boaters designed and manufactured to make sure they come home safely every time. As a proud Florida manufacturer and job creator, we appreciate Governor Scott’s ongoing commitment to cutting taxes and making it easier for businesses, like ours, to invest more in growing our company. Governor Scott’s proposed $618 million tax cut package is great news for our company and our many employees and we are excited to support it.”
Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said, “We know from talking to job creators across the state and the nation that the tax on commercial leases puts Florida at a competitive disadvantage. Governor Scott has demonstrated an incredible commitment to doing everything possible to make it easier for businesses to succeed, and these recommended tax cuts are critical to ensuring continued economic growth. NFIB is proud to fully support this proposal and we look forward to the Legislature cutting $618 million in taxes this year.”
Randy Miller, Florida Retail Federation President and CEO, said, “Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ tax cut package includes a number of cuts which will significantly support Florida’s retailers, including a reduction in the business rent tax, cutting the business tax and an expanded back-to-school sales tax holiday, among others. FRF is excited about what the Governor’s tax cut package will mean for growing Sunshine State businesses, creating new jobs for Florida families and ensuring our state remains competitive.”
David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said, “Every step we take to make Florida more business-friendly means more job creators choosing to move to and reinvest in our state. Governor Scott’s recommended $618 million tax cut package will help businesses large and small invest more in creating jobs for our families and will help ensure Florida’s economy will continue to grow well into the future. We are fighting to make our state the best place for job creators and families to succeed and the Florida Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with Governor Scott and the Legislature this year to support this tax cut package.”
Tom Feeney, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed $618 million tax cut package truly fights for both job creators and families across the state. Over the past few years, we have seen the exciting impact tax cuts have had on helping businesses move to and grow in our state, as well as the importance of helping Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money. In order to continue to help our economy grow, we must remain committed to lowering the cost of doing business, and reducing the business rent tax will surely help us meet that goal. AIF is proud to join Governor Scott in fighting for Florida’s future by supporting the passage of $618 million in tax cuts.”
2017 Florida Realtors® President Maria Wells, broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart, said, “Reducing the tax businesses pay for commercial leases will make an incredible difference for job creators across the state. For small businesses especially, this tax can prevent companies from being able to invest more, which in turn creates new opportunities for families in their communities. Florida’s Realtors stand ready to work with Gov. Scott to advocate for his $618 million tax cut package during the 2017 legislative session.”
Madeline Pumariega, Chancellor of the Florida College System, said, “The Governor’s proposal to cut $618 million in taxes, especially exempting college textbooks from the sales tax, is great news for Florida families and students. This is incredibly important to ensuring our students have all the resources they need to exceed in college and beyond.”
Tom Kuntz, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, said, “As Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, I am thrilled that Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ tax cut package includes providing a one-year sales tax exemption on college textbooks. This will help students across the state save millions of dollars and allow them to focus more on getting a great education. I join Governor Scott in fighting for the future of our students and we are proud to support these proposed tax cuts”
Bobby Carbonell, Executive Director of Florida is for Veterans, Inc., said, “A veteran himself, Governor Scott has been committed to making Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation. The proposed sales tax holidays, especially the three-day veteran’s sales tax holiday, is great news for the many military members, and their families, who call Florida their home. Florida is for Veterans Inc. is honored to support Governor Scott’s $618 million tax cut package, and we will continue to work with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure Florida remains the most military-friendly state for years to come.”

Gov. Scott: Fighting for Florida’s Future With $618 Million Tax Cut Package

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Kicking Off “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tax Cut Tour

Governor Rick Scott announced today during the “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tax Cut Tour that he is proposing $618 million in tax cuts to help Florida families and small businesses, and ensure taxes are cut for Florida’s future generations. These tax cuts will encourage job creators to add more jobs and build opportunities now and in the future. This morning, Governor Scott kicked off the “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tax Cut Tour in Jacksonville and will be making stops in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Riviera Beach, Orlando and Fort Myers this week.
Governor Scott said, “While Florida’s economy has made great strides over the past six years, we have to continue to fight for Florida’s future and ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to succeed in our great state. We know one of the best ways to do that is to keep cutting taxes, and even though we have already cut more than $6.5 billion in taxes, we can do more. That is why I am fighting for Florida families and our future generations by recommending to cut taxes by $618 million this year.
“When we cut taxes, it helps businesses create jobs – jobs that ultimately help the poorest, most disadvantaged families in our state. As I travel the state, I have been humbled by the stories of single parents, young students, new citizens and countless other Floridians who have shared with me how much of a difference a job has made in their life and in the lives of their families. These incredible stories are why we are fighting to secure a bright future for Florida, and cutting taxes will help make our state the top location for job creators to invest in for generations to come. I made a promise to keep fighting for jobs until my very last day as Governor, and I ask the Legislature to join me in fighting for the future of our students, our small businesses, our veterans and our families by cutting $618 million in taxes this year.”
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tax cut package includes:

  • Decreasing the Tax on Business Rents by $454 Million – Florida is the only state that has a tax on commercial leases which unfairly targets small businesses. Governor Scott is proposing to reduce the tax on commercial leases by 25 percent in 2018, saving Florida businesses $454 million a year.
  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families and Veterans $98 Million – Governor Scott is proposing four sales tax holidays which will save Florida families and veterans an estimated $98 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:

$72 million from a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday;
$7 million from a nine-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday;
$18.4 million from a three-day veteran’s sales tax holiday; and
$500,000 from a one-day camping and fishing sales tax holiday.

  • Providing a One-Year Sales Tax Exemption on College Textbooks to Save Students $48 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to exempt the purchase of college textbooks from the sales tax for the 2017-18 academic year. The prices of college textbooks have increased significantly, often exceeding $100 per book. Exempting college textbooks from the sales tax is expected to save Florida students $48 million.
  • Cutting the Business Tax to Save Job Creators $15 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to exempt 22.5 percent of businesses from having to pay income taxes by increasing the corporate tax exemption from $50,000 to $75,000. Eliminating this tax will provide annual savings of $15 million and help more small businesses hire additional workers.  This proposal will eliminate these taxes for more than 80 percent of Florida’s businesses. This exemption was increased from $5,000 to $25,000 in 2011 and $50,000 in 2012.
  • Exempting School Book Fairs from the Sales Tax to Save Families and Students $3 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to exempt the purchases of books at school book fairs from the sales tax, saving Florida families $3 million each year.