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DLCC Holds Critical Seat in FL House

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Representative-elect Javier Fernandez tonight won the special election for Florida House District 114.

Fernandez is a first-time candidate who was featured as one of the DLCC’s Spotlight Races. With experience working as a land-use lawyer and serving as the Chief of Staff to former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Fernandez spearheaded initiatives to combat poverty and fought for community block grants to help improve housing options in South Florida.

“Congratulations to Representative-elect Javier Fernandez on this incredible win tonight,” said DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post. “South Florida voters made their voices heard – they are ready to send someone to Tallahassee who will stand up for them and fight for greater access to health care, stronger gun safety reforms, and smarter investment in our public schools. The DLCC looks forward to continuing our work with Florida state Democrats to win more seats in November.”

The DLCC invested in this special election and worked with the campaign to create a strategic field outreach program that included knocking on 14,000 doors in the final few days. Former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed Fernandez in this special election for House District 114, which includes Flagami, Coral Gables, West Miami and parts of Pinecrest and Cutler Bay. Tonight’s win comes on the heels of the DLCC flipping 40 seats from red to blue since Trump was elected in 2016.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is the only organization exclusively committed to electing Democrats to state legislatures all over the country and winning Democratic control of chambers. For over two decades, the DLCC has been working with state legislative leaders to invest strategically in state programs, which has led to Democrats flipping 40 seats since Trump’s inauguration. The DLCC is building on Democrats’ winning momentum and continues to lay the groundwork for substantial gains in 2018 in statehouses nationwide. State Democrats recently scored critical victories in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, and elsewhere, while also leading the resistance against the Trump administration’s extremist policies. You can learn more about critical upcoming elections and follow DLCC’s Spotlight Races at races.dlcc.org.

Florida lawmakers call for 500 more Customs officers

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Additional officers would create jobs, cut wait
times for international travelers arriving in state

Florida lawmakers today called on Congress to provide the funding needed to hire an additional 500 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers next year to help address staffing shortages at many of Florida’s airports and seaports.

The lawmakers’ request came in a letter – led by U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) – and sent to the top Democrat and Republican members of the House and Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittees.

“The Joint Economic Committee has found that while the volume of commerce crossing our borders has more than tripled in the past 25 years, CBP staffing has not kept pace with demand,” the lawmakers wrote. “Long wait times and delayed processing of goods discourage travel and create unnecessary barriers to trade, undermining economic activity in the United States. CBP estimates show that hiring an additional 500 CBP officers at ports of entry would increase annual economic activity by $1 billion and result in an additional 16,600 jobs per year.”

CBP officers are charged with enforcing U.S. customs, immigration and agriculture laws at air, land and sea ports across the country. They are separate from CBP Border Patrol agents who patrol the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to prevent illegal entry into the country.

Officials at many of Florida’s airports and seaports have, for years, raised concerns over the shortage of CBP officers in Florida, which they say often causes frustratingly long wait times for international travelers arriving in the state – discouraging some from ever returning.

CBP, itself, admits it needs to hire an additional 2,516 CBP officers to operate at full capacity. Congress approved $7.6 million for the agency to hire an additional 328 CBP officers earlier this year. Florida lawmakers want the agency to hire another 500 officers next year.

In addition to Nelson and Rubio, the letter was signed by U.S. Reps. Reps. Charlie Christ (D-FL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson (D-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Tom Rooney (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Dennis Ross (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

A PDF copy of the letter is available here.

Cortes to Provide Leadership in National Hispanic Legislators Organization

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The District 30 State Representative has been appointed as South
Region Chair of the National Hispanic Council of State Legislators

State Representative Bob Cortes today announced that he has been appointed South Region Chair of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL). He will also serve as a member of the Executive Committee Leadership through 2019. The NHCSL includes Hispanic legislators from all states, commonwealths, and territories of the United States, and it serves as a catalyst for action on issues of concern to the Hispanic community.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Florida, and I’m honored to be selected,” said Cortes. “I look forward to providing leadership in our region and working with legislators from around the country to meet the challenges we face regarding housing, immigration, education, and healthcare.”

The nonpartisan, nonprofit NHCSL was founded in 1989 to be the foremost organization representing the interests of Hispanic state legislators. Its Executive Committee, which Cortes will help lead, sets the agenda for the organization’s policy priorities and works with other stakeholders to advocate on behalf of the Hispanic community.

ON THE WEB:  bobcortes.com

Paid by Bob Cortes, Republican, for State Representative

Gov. Scott: Low Tax Opportunity Zones in every county will keep Florida’s booming economy growing

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Governor Rick Scott today announced his recommendation to designate 427 communities across every Florida county as Low Tax Opportunity Zones. Low Tax Opportunity Zones, as established in the federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, encourage long-term investment and job creation in targeted communities by reducing taxes for many job creators. Low Tax Opportunity Zones enhance local communities’ ability to attract businesses, developers and financial institutions to invest in targeted areas by allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes through investments in federally established Opportunity Funds.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to put forth my recommendations for 427 communities across every county in Florida to be designated as Low Tax Opportunity Zones. These Zones will make a real and lasting difference in some of our highest-need areas by helping to bring new capital investment and more jobs to every county across the state. They will also bring additional investment to rural communities and urban areas, ensuring that every Floridian has the chance to live the American Dream in the Sunshine State.

“In the four years before I took office, Florida lost more than 800,000 jobs, taxes increased by more than $2 billion, debt was skyrocketing and the economy was in ruins. When I became Governor, I promised the families of our state that I would spend every day fighting to grow Florida’s economy, and over the past seven years, we have seen firsthand the huge success that comes with creating an environment where business can grow and create opportunities. Today, thanks to our hard work to cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations, Florida businesses have created nearly 1.5 million private-sector jobs and unemployment has dropped in every Florida county – but our work isn’t over. Florida must continue to maximize every opportunity to keep growing our booming economy and ensure every family can succeed in our state.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The new Opportunity Zone program will bring the chance for growth home to hundreds of communities from the Panhandle to the Keys. This program will help capitalize on economic development that is already underway and provide a new tool in the toolbox for communities that are looking to grow their economy.”

The evaluation process included statistical analysis of poverty rates, population, unemployment rates and other economic indicators, along with assessing recommendations from more than 1,200 requests. These specific requests came from municipal and county governments, regional planning councils, nonprofits, developers, investors and more.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has 30 days to certify each state’s recommendations. After the Zones are approved, the federal government will begin the rulemaking process to designate how Opportunity Funds are created and how businesses, developers and financial institutions can invest in qualified Zones.

The full list of census tracts nominated as Opportunity Zones can be found HERE. Governor Scott’s letter to U.S. Treasury requesting the designated zones can be found HERE. An FAQ on the Opportunity Zone program can be found HERE.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 18 active wildfires in Florida burning 27,156 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • DeSoto Highlands Line, DeSoto County: 200 acres and 100 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

 

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.

USDA announces $2.36 billion to help Florida farmers, citrus growers

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The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture announced today that it will provide more than $2.3 billion in disaster assistance to help Florida farmers and citrus growers recover from last year’s hurricanes.

The announcement comes just days after U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and others sent a letter to Sec. Sonny Perdue urging him to provide the much-needed assistance to Florida’s farmers. Congress approved the funding as part of the disaster supplemental bill it passed in February.

“Florida’s farmers and citrus growers are a vital part of our state’s economy and we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help them recover from last year’s storms,” Nelson said today following the announcement.

A copy of the letter Nelson and Rubio sent to Perdue is here.

And here’s a copy of USDA’s announcement:

USDA Implements up to $2.36 Billion to Help Agricultural
Producers Recover after 2017 Hurricanes and Wildfires

2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program’ to Aid Recovery in Rural Communities

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion, as provided by Congress, to help America’s farmers and ranchers recover from hurricanes and wildfires. The funds are available as part of the new 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). Sign-up for the new program, authorized by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, will begin no later than July 16.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will make these disaster payments to agricultural producers to offset losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and devastating wildfires. The 2017 calendar year was a historic year for natural disasters, and this investment is part of a broader suite of programs that USDA is delivering to rural America to aid recovery. In total, the Act provided more than $3 billion in disaster relief by creating new programs, and expediting or enhancing payments for producers.

“America’s farmers feed our nation and much of the world, and throughout history they have known good years and bad years. But when significant disasters strike, we are ready to step in and provide the assistance they need,” Secretary Perdue said. “USDA is working as quickly as possible to develop procedures and a system by which affected producers can access disaster assistance. For producers new to FSA programs, we encourage you to visit your local USDA service center now to establish farm records.”

About 2017 WHIP Disaster Payments

The new 2017 WHIP will provide significant disaster assistance and be guided by the following principles:

  • Eligibility will be limited to producers in counties that experienced hurricanes or wildfires designated as presidentially-declared disasters in 2017;
  • Compensation determined by a producer’s individual losses rather than an average of losses for a particular area (where data is available);
  • Producers who purchased higher levels of risk protection, such as crop insurance and noninsured crop disaster assistance program, will receive higher payments;
  • Advance payments up to 50 percent; and
  • A requirement that payment recipients obtain future risk protection.

Other USDA Disaster Assistance

WHIP disaster payments are being issued in addition to payments through our traditional programs, some of which obtained increased funding or had amendments made by the Act to make the programs more responsive, including the Emergency Conservation Program, Emergency Watershed Protection Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program, Tree Assistance Program and Livestock Indemnity Program.

During 2017, the U.S. experienced a historic year of weather-related disasters, with an economic impact totaling more than $300 billion. In total, the United States was impacted by 16 separate billion-dollar disaster events including: three tropical cyclones, eight severe storms, two inland floods, a crop freeze, drought and wildfire. More than 25 million people – almost eight percent of the population – were affected by major disasters.

More Information

FSA will distribute more information on how producers can file claims for WHIP disaster payments at a later date. For questions on how to establish farm records to be prepared when WHIP disaster signup begins, or to learn about other disaster assistance programs, producers are asked to contact their local USDA service center.

Gov. Scott: $1.6 million for job growth in Florida’s rural communities

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Governor Rick Scott announced $1.6 million in funding opportunities for Florida’s rural communities will be made available through the Competitive Florida Partnership and Community Planning Technical Assistance grants. These grant programs are administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and provide funding and support to assist local governments in economic development strategies, addressing critical local planning issues and promoting innovative planning solutions to challenges identified by local governments.

Governor Scott said, “Since taking office in 2011, I have fought every day to make Florida the very best state in the nation for businesses to succeed so Floridians can get great jobs and provide for their families. Florida’s rural communities play a critical role in the continued growth and advancement of our booming economy and I am proud today to announce $1.6 million for rural communities to enhance local economic development. Because of our focus on job creation, since 2010, every county in Florida has had a drop in unemployment and thanks to lower taxes and less burdensome regulations, Florida business have created nearly 1.5 million new jobs. I look forward to seeing our rural communities put these dollars to work to get great jobs wins that provide big returns for Florida families.”

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “DEO is committed to helping promote Florida’s diverse economy and build vibrant rural and urban communities. These grants are a great opportunity to help rural communities reach their economic development goals and assist them in capitalizing on the unique assets each community has to offer.”

Additional details on the Competitive Florida Partnership and the Community Planning Technical Assistance grants proposal processes and requirements are available HERE and HERE. Grant proposals are being accepted now and must be received by DEO by Monday, May 7, 2018, by 5:00 p.m. Projects seeking grant funding must be completed by May 31, 2019.

Gov. Rick Scott to Highlight Investments in Florida’s Infrastructure

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, April 5th, Governor Rick Scott will announce funding for a transportation project that benefits the Jacksonville community and highlight a record $10.1 billion in transportation infrastructure included in his Securing Florida’s Future budget. Since Governor Scott took office in 2011, investments in transportation have increased by $3.3 billion.

WHAT: Transportation Budget Highlight

WHEN: 11:15 AM

WHERE: Shands Bridge Pier
4051 Old Shands Bridge Boat Launch
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 31 active wildfires in Florida burning 34,056 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • Greenway, Collier County: 17,957 and 90 percent contained.
  • Firebreak, Gulf County: 8,080 acres and 85 percent contained.
  • Airport/Context, Miami-Dade County: 517 acres and 100 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 60 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.