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Press conference to discuss landmark legislation recognizing tragic events at state-run reform schools

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MEDIA ADVISORY

State Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) and State Representative Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) will hold a press conference on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 to discuss landmark legislation recognizing the tragic events that unfolded at state-run reform schools.
They will be joined by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, former Florida Governor Bob Martinez, USF Anthropologist Dr. Erin Kimmerle, and former students of the Dozier and Okeechobee Reform Schools.
DATE:  Tuesday, April 4, 2017
TIME: 10:30 AM
LOCATION:  4th Floor of the Capitol (between House Chamber and Senate Chamber Doors) 

Senate Budget Prioritizes Education

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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

 

  • 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

 
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

 

Senate Passes Comprehensive Gaming Legislation

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The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 8, Gaming, by Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton). Senator Galvano and Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) released the following statements.
Statement by President Negron:
“This legislation will provide needed certainty and predictability in our state gaming policies. I am pleased to see the Senate pass legislation that ratifies the 2015 Compact executed by Governor Scott with modifications that ensure we honor the will of our fellow citizens in the eight counties that have approved referenda to expand the availability of gaming options. I appreciate Senator Galvano’s leadership in working with all stakeholders to formalize a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides a foundation for further discussions with Governor Scott, our colleagues in the Florida House, the Seminole Tribe, industry stakeholders, and constituents.”
Statement by Senator Galvano:
“This legislation builds on work that has taken place and input received by the Senate over the last several years. The bill covers all aspects of gaming in our state in a comprehensive manner that addresses industry instability caused by antiquated and ambiguous provisions of current law.  It renews our ongoing revenue-sharing agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and recognizes the authority of local voters. Today’s action is an important step towards finalizing a statewide approach that respects all stakeholders, while modernizing Florida’s gaming laws, and maximizing revenues to the state for education, healthcare and infrastructure.”

College Competitiveness Act Passes Second Senate Committee

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

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

Legislation to Keep BP Oil Funds in Northwest Florida Passes First Senate Committee

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The Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism, chaired by Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee), today passed Senate Bill 364, The Recovery Fund for the Deepwater Horizon Incident. The legislation, sponsored by Senator George Gainer (R-Panama City), Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), and Senator Montford, will ensure funds received in the settlement of the state’s economic damage claims caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill remain in Northwest Florida’s eight disproportionately affected counties.
“Our constituents are counting on us to ensure these critical settlement funds are distributed in a transparent manner,” said Senator Gainer. “This legislation requires all currently-held and future settlement payments to be transferred directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., where we have proper checks and balances in place to ensure accountability.”
Under current law, the eight disproportionately affected counties are to receive 75 percent of all economic damage settlement funds received by the state. Senate Bill 364 appropriates the initial settlement payment directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., and appropriates future settlement payments directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., no later than 30 days after they are received by the state.
“Triumph Gulf Coast provides Northwest Florida with a historic opportunity to create a comprehensive economic improvement plan and a pathway to complete recovery from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This legislation ensures we can begin that process in timely manner by transferring funds directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc.,” said Senator Broxson.
The eight Florida counties disproportionately affected by the Deepwater Horizon Spill include: Bay County, Escambia County, Franklin County, Gulf County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Walton County and Wakulla County.
“Families and businesses in our communities are still feeling the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This important legislation will make certain these critical settlement funds are allocated in a thoughtful and deliberative manner that will provide for ongoing and long-term economic recovery,” said Senator Montford. “Additionally, this legislation ensures that even our small disproportionately affected counties have representation on the Triumph Board.”
In 2013, under the leadership of former Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville), the Florida Senate developed legislation (Senate Bill 1024), sponsored by current Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), which created Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. to ensure that economic damage settlement funds coming to the state would both benefit the eight disproportionately affected counties and be properly accounted for. Under this legislation, the Triumph Gulf Coast Board, chaired by former Florida House Speaker Allen Bense, is responsible for utilizing the settlement proceeds to promote job creation through lasting economic development.
Currently, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Chief Financial Officer, each appoint one board member. Senate Bill 364 was amended today to expand the number of board members from five to seven. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives will each appoint an additional private sector member from one of the four least populous disproportionately affected counties, so that two such counties are represented on the board.
Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. is tasked to work with local governments to make awards to programs and projects that meet the priorities for economic recovery, diversification, and enhancement of the disproportionately affected counties. This includes economic development projects, grants to support programs of excellence that prepare students for future occupations, as well as infrastructure projects. The corporation is required to abide by the state’s public record laws and public meeting notice requirements.

State Sen. Kevin Rader calls on Florida Senate to oppose UN resolution reversing decades of bipartisan agreement

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Concerned that a measure by the United Nations may adversely impact the safety and security of one of this country’s strongest allies, State Senator Kevin Rader (D-Boca Raton) has filed a Senate resolution requesting that the UN reverse its course.
“Filing this resolution hits very close to home,” said Senator Rader. “It is personal because my family lives in Israel and I, my wife and kids constantly go back and forth. The safety of everyone involved is at stake, not only for my family members but also the people of Israel.”
The United States has long supported a negotiated settlement leading to a sustainable two state solution with the democratic, Jewish state of Israel and a demilitarized, democratic Arab state living side by side in peace and security. This United Nations Resolution undermines the long-standing position of the United States to oppose and veto United Nations Security Council resolutions that seek to impose issues that are one-sided and anti-Israel reversing decades of bipartisan agreement.
With the passage of SR 574 – United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 – the Florida Senate would affirm that it opposes and requests the repeal of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 or the fundamental alteration of the resolution.
“A two state solution is the only sensible way to keep the peace in the region and to stop the constant bloodshed that is killing innocent people,” said Rader. “We need to keep protecting the rights of Israel and what the UNSC has imposed is going to have a negative impact.”
Senator Rader’s resolution is expected to be taken up during the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday March 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Senator Dana Young statement on SB 442 passing Senate Environmental Preservation & Conservation Committee

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State Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) today released the following statement regarding the passage of her bill, Senate Bill 442, an act relating to advanced well stimulation treatments, out of the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. SB 442 bans fracking of all types in Florida, including hydraulic fracking, acid fracking and matrix acidizing.
“I’m proud that my colleagues on the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee joined me in supporting a statewide fracking ban in Florida by voting favorably on SB 442.
“Florida has such a unique geological make up and one-of-a-kind environment that we should not be putting it at risk by allowing fracking in the State of Florida. This is the same sentiment that I’ve heard echoed from concerned Floridians from the panhandle all the way to the Florida Keys – we should not be jeopardizing our drinking water supply or our beautiful natural environment.
“On behalf of all Floridians and future generations yet to come, I look forward to continuing to working with my fellow members of the Senate and the members of the Florida House to pass this legislation.”
SB 442 is slated to be heard next in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources.

Florida Senate Passes Legislation to Require Unanimous Verdict in Death Penalty Cases

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The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 280, Sentencing for Capital Felonies, by Senator Randolph Bracy (D-Ocoee), which revises sentencing requirements in capital felony cases to require a unanimous jury verdict, rather than a certain number of jurors, for a sentencing recommendation of death.
“This legislation ensures that our state has a constitutionally-compliant system of justice in place for both the families of victims and the individuals charged with serious crimes,” said Senator Bracy. “This important legislation removes ambiguity from our death penalty statute, which will help reduce delays in due process for all parties involved in death penalty cases.”
“This legislation satisfies the constitutional requirements announced by the Court in the Hurst and Perry opinions, and is consistent with the position the Senate took last year when we considered legislation requiring a unanimous jury verdict in capital cases,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). “This bill will make certain that death penalty cases in Florida proceed in a timely manner.”
In October 2016, the Florida Supreme Court determined in Hurst v. State that in order for the death penalty to be imposed, the sentencing phase jury must vote unanimously for a death sentence. The Hurst v. State ruling was applied to the 2016 death penalty sentencing statutes challenged in Perry v. State.

Senate Passes Excellence in Higher Education Act

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Legislation expands financial aid and scholarship programs,
streamlines 2+2 college-to-university partnerships, strengthens
performance tools to keep schools accountable to taxpayers

The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 2, the Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act, sponsored by Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton). Senate Bill 2 is the key component of Senate President Joe Negron’s (R-Stuart) Excellence in Higher Education Agenda for the 2017 Legislative Session.
Senate Bill 2 promotes on-time graduation by expanding student financial assistance and support, establishing tuition and fee incentives, streamlining 2+2 articulation, and strengthening mechanisms that keep colleges and universities accountable to Florida taxpayers. The legislation also expands policy and funding tools universities can leverage to recruit and retain the very best faculty, enhance professional and graduate schools, and improve aging infrastructure and research laboratories.
Statement by President Negron:
“This comprehensive legislation will boost the strength and competitiveness of our state’s higher education system as our primary economic engine to drive vibrant, sustainable economic development and growth in high-paying jobs. Our primary objectives are to work with universities to better serve students and increase their accountability to the taxpayers. I believe Florida taxpayers will see a return worthy of their investment when our top Florida students attend our own universities, complete degree programs on-time, and then graduate with job opportunities in high-demand fields needed in our growing communities.
“As we worked on this legislation over the last year, I have enjoyed the opportunity to hear from students and learn about the challenges they face as they work to complete their degrees. Like many students today, I worked throughout college and law school, and I understand the challenge of working and balancing difficult coursework. I am confident this package of policy enhancements will help more students graduate on-time, while maintaining the flexibility some students need as they balance their studies with family and work obligations.”
Statement by Senator Galvano:
“Our goal is to preserve access and increase affordability for Florida students, while at the same time making strategic investments that elevate the prominence of our state universities and increase their ability to compete as national destination institutions.
“By increasing need and merit-based financial assistance for university students and requiring universities to create flexible tuition policies, we can improve Florida’s 4-year graduation rate, which means cost savings for students and their families. Together with policy enhancements and funding investments that support university efforts to recruit and retain renowned faculty, improve facilities, and enhance professional schools, this legislation will help elevate the national reputation of Florida’s state universities, and further increase the return on investment for students, parents, and taxpayers.
“The bill prioritizes on-time graduation as a goal for our system of higher education, while still recognizing that, for a variety of reasons, not all students will be able to complete their programs within the traditional timetable. The legislation also makes it clear that schools are only evaluated on the graduation rates of our traditional, full-time, first-time-in-college students. No student is penalized in any way by this policy. In fact, this pro-student legislation supports students by removing barriers to graduation and helping ease financial insecurities that lead students to delay completing their degrees.”
SENATE BILL 2 – THE FLORIDA EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION ACT
Expands Student Financial Assistance and Support

  • Reinstates Highest Bright Futures Scholarship Program Award (Florida Academic Scholar) to cover 100 percent of tuition and certain tuition-indexed fees, including the summer term, plus $300 for textbooks and college-related expenses during the fall and spring terms.
  • Expands the Benacquisto Scholar Program to provide awards for qualified out-of-state students, as funded in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), equal to the highest cost of resident student attendance at a state university. The student must physically reside in the community of the university he or she is attending.
  • Revises the 1st Generation Matching Grant Program to provide two to one (state to local match versus one to one), as funded in the GAA.
  • Creates the Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship Program to provide need-based scholarships to cover the cost of tuition and fees for farmworkers and the children of farmworkers to earn a workforce certificate or a college degree.

Establishes Tuition and Fee Incentives
The Legislature has authorized state universities to implement flexible tuition policies to assist students in accessing higher education in our state. To date, no state university has implemented a block tuition policy.

  • Requires universities to implement a block tuition policy, which must specify an in-state block tuition rate and an out-of-state block tuition rate for full-time undergraduate students. The university board of trustees and the Board of Governors must publicly approve the block tuition policy in time for implementation by no later than the Fall 2018 semester.

Streamlines 2+2 Articulation

  • Establishes the 2+2 targeted pathway program to strengthen Florida’s 2+2 system of articulation and improve student retention and on-time graduation in four years with a baccalaureate degree.
  • Requires each community college to execute at least one 2+2 targeted pathway articulation agreement by the 2018-19 academic year. The articulation agreement must provide students who meet specified requirements guaranteed access to the state university and baccalaureate degree program in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
  • Requires district school boards to notify students and parents with accurate and timely information about how college credits generated in high school will apply towards a college degree.

Strengthens Mechanisms That Keep Colleges and Universities Accountable To Florida Taxpayers
Incentivizes full-time student graduation in four years by focusing institutional efforts on initiatives that reduce student time to, and costs of, on-time degree completion.

  • Upgrades State University System (SUS) Performance Metrics in Preeminence and Performance Funding programs: 
    • Tightens graduation rate expectations to four-year (from six-year) for a baccalaureate degree. (Note: Universities are only evaluated based on the graduation rates of students who are enrolled full-time, beginning in the fall semester, and who have not previously enrolled.)
    • Repeals preeminent university authority for a six-credit set of “unique courses” that consume time and money for non-transferable credit.
  • Upgrades Florida College System (FCS) Performance Metrics in Distinguished College and Performance Funding programs:
    • Tightens degree (associate and bachelor) graduation rate metrics to 100 percent (versus 150 percent) of normal-time completion. (Note: Colleges are only evaluated based on the graduation rates of students who are enrolled full-time, beginning in the fall semester, and who have not previously enrolled.)
    • Adds a college affordability metric, which must be adopted by the State Board of Education.
    • Specifies the job placement metric must be based on wage thresholds that reflect the added value of the applicable certificate or degree.

Expands and Enhances Policy and Funding Tools State Universities can Leverage to Recruit and Retain the Very Best Faculty

  • Establishes a World Class Faculty Scholar Program to fund university efforts to recruit, recognize, and retain star faculty and teams, as funded in the GAA.
  • Establishes a University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program to promote quality and excellence in university professional school and graduate study outcomes in high-impact fields of medicine, law, and business, as funded in the GAA.
  • Links education to job opportunities by expanding university responsibility to identify internship opportunities for students to benefit from industry experts and mentors, earn industry certifications, and become employed in high-demand fields of unmet need.

 

Senator Jeff Brandes files bill on parenting time plans

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Legislation offers an optional default visitation schedule for non-custodial parents

Senator Jeff Brandes today (R-St. Petersburg) filed SB 590, parenting time plans, introducing an optional default time plan to provide unmarried parents a standard visitation schedule. If adopted, this plan would encourage contact between non-custodial parents and their children.
“Spending time with our children is the most valuable gift parents can give,” stated Senator Brandes. “The state currently requires child support be paid but is silent on time. This bill seeks to offer parents an optional time sharing plan, used in many other states, that puts the focus on parents spending time with their children.”
This time plan is provided as an option when the parents meet with the Department of Revenue to set up child support. It will allow parents to bypass the court system and its associated fees. Parents may accept the plan as stated, deviate and agree upon a different plan, or they may be transferred to the courts system for further mediation. SB 590 provides exceptions to the plan when the child is under 3 years of age, when the parents live more than 100 miles away, and when there are domestic or family violence concerns. SB 590 would encourage the development of a close and continuing relationship between both the custodial and non-custodial parents and the child. The bill does not affect any child support arrangements; it seeks only to simplify the visitation schedule in order to benefit the child.

For more information on SB 590, please visit http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/0590.