Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Florida

Florida

DNC Chair on Mass School Shooting in Florida

Posted on

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement in response to the deadly shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida:

“I’m heartbroken by the tragedy in Parkland. My heart goes out to the victims of this senseless shooting and their families, as well as all of the brave first responders who prevented further carnage.

“We have seen these atrocities too many times before. This is not normal. This is not acceptable. This is not inevitable. It’s long past time for our leaders to stop pretending we are helpless in the face of such tragedy.

“No child should be afraid to go to school. No American should be afraid to go to work or their place of worship. No one in this country should be afraid to go to a shopping mall or baseball field, night club or movie theater, concert or college campus. We must come together as Americans and do everything we can to ensure that horrific attacks like this become a thing of the past.”

Reproductive rights advocates to boycott House committee hearing

Posted on

Fed up with being shamed and disrespected by legislators, advocates
will speak out at press event instead of attending committee

After being repeatedly disrespected, shamed and downright harassed by elected officials, advocates are boycotting the third committee stop for House Bill 1429 and instead speaking out about the dangers of this legislation at a press conference scheduled to take place during tomorrow’s House Health and Human Services Committee where the bill will be heard.

Press conference about the dangers of HB 1429

February 15, 11:00AM
Outside of House Office Building
Capitol Complex
Tallahassee, FL

Speakers:
Missy Wesolowski, Florida Planned Parenthood
Barbara DeVane, Florida NOW
Rep. Amy Mercado (D-Orlando)

“The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a difficult and personal one for every woman,” said Missy Wesolowski, Legislative Director for Planned Parenthood. “Whether it is a woman telling her personal story or a doctor sharing their professional opinion, every citizen who testifies before a legislative committee deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”

At House Bill 1429’s first committee stop, one committee member ended up having to apologize repeatedly after the way he treated a woman who was courageous enough to testify about her own second trimester abortion due to a severe fetal anomaly.

At the bill’s next stop in the House Judiciary Committee last week, another member referred to abortion as an “execution”. While still another said he wouldn’t even refer to OB-GYNs who performed abortions as doctors but only as “abortionists.” Later in the proceeding, another committee member decided even that was too good and that “monster” or “baby killer” would be more appropriate.

“After all of that, at the end of the hearing, this same committee member had the audacity to chastise opponents of the bill who waved in opposition for not testifying,” said Barbara DeVane, lobbyist for Florida NOW. “This shaming of women is a perfect example of why these politicians should leave decisions about the best and most appropriate medical care to women and their doctors.”

Sadly, these recent examples are far from exceptions but rather are par for the course for hearings on bills related to regulating abortion.

Similar bans were passed in 2015 in Kansas and Oklahoma, in 2016 in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia, and in Texas and Arkansas in 2017. All have been challenged in court, except for the bans in Mississippi and West Virginia, where the bans are not expected to have an impact on abortion services.

“Method Ban legislation like HB 1429 has no medical basis, puts women’s health at serious risk and represents yet another ideological attack on a woman’s right to a safe and legal abortion,” said Wesolowski.

Gov. Scott: After Months of Advocating, Federal Disaster Relief Heading to Florida

Posted on

After months of advocating for Congress to pass disaster relief for Florida, Governor Scott made the following statement following the passage of disaster funding for Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and California.

Governor Rick Scott said, “For months, we have worked to ensure that Florida is provided the needed federal relief following Hurricane Irma. In October, I personally traveled to Washington to begin this conversation with Florida’s entire Congressional delegation, Congressional leadership and various federal officials. Today, Congress finally provided the relief we were seeking for Florida families and businesses. The funding provided today will help the recovery of our state’s iconic citrus industry, better prepare our communities as they continue to welcome families displaced by Hurricane Maria and aid in Puerto Rico’s recovery. I’ve traveled to Puerto Rico three times since the island was devastated by Maria, and Florida continues to stand with our fellow Americans.

“At my request, this relief also includes funding to speed the critical repairs to the federally-operated Herbert Hoover Dike. During Hurricane Irma, I ordered the evacuation of many communities surrounding the Dike to keep people safe. At my urging, and after securing a commitment from the White House, Congress has finally made funding available for this federal project. I will continue to fight for these repairs and will stop at nothing until the communities and the environment surrounding the dike are fully protected.”

Action taken by Governor Scott following Hurricanes Irma and Maria to urge federal disaster relief:

  • On September 28th, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.
  • On October 5th, the Governor entered into a host-state agreement with FEMA – Florida is the only state willing to enter into this type of agreement to help families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
  • On October 6th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On October 11th, Governor Scott traveled to Washington D.C. joined by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to meet with members of the Florida congressional delegation to discuss Hurricane Irma and Florida’s citrus industry.
  • On October 11th, Governor Scott met with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.
  • On October 11th, November 13th and November 17th, the Governor spoke with White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney regarding federal disaster relief.
  • On October 26th, President Donald J. Trump instructed the Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney to accelerate the completion of repairs to Florida’s Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On October 30th, the Governor’s office sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.
  • On November 3rd, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida utility providers to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló.
  • On November 9th, the Governor activated the State Emergency Response Team to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s press release HERE.
  • On November 15th, the Governor sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Ryan urging them to support Florida’s recovery following Hurricane Irma, Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ongoing repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On November 28th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson regarding Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Irma.
  • On December 15th, the Governor spoke to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging immediate action to help Florida citrus growers.
  • On December 19th, the Governor spoke with Chairman John Hoeven of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On December 19th, the Governor spoke with Congressman Vern Buchanan regarding citrus relief.
  • On December 20th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On December 20th, Governor Scott spoke with Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón regarding Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria.
  • On December 22nd, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding recovery efforts for Florida and Puerto Rico.
  • On December 31st, Governor Scott met with President Donald Trump regarding the need for federal aid for the recovery of Florida’s citrus industry and the needed repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On January 3rd, Governor Scott sent a letter to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations urging the Senate to immediately pass a significant Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster relief package. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On January 11th, Governor Scott spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.
  • On January 12th, Governor Scott met with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and joined him for a Puerto Rico recovery town hall meeting to discuss ongoing relief efforts.
  • On January 24th, Governor Scott, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, California Governor Jerry Brown and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló issued a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to improve and expeditiously pass supplemental disaster funding, and for Congress to send the bill to the President. See the letter HERE.
  • On January 31st, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding disaster relief funding.
  • On February 1st, Governor Scott spoke with Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Florida citrus leaders regarding federal disaster relief.
  • On February 5th, Governor Scott visited Puerto Rico With Governor Ricardo Rosselló to assist with ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.
  • On February 7th, Governor Scott spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long regarding Governor Scott’s recent trip to Puerto Rico.

Highlights of the $89.3 billion federal disaster funding package includes:

  • $3.597 billion for citrus and agriculture, which will help Florida’s iconic citrus industry after Hurricane Irma;
  • $17.39 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, which will help the federal government fund the much-needed repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike;
  • $1.65 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA), which will provide much needed SBA disaster assistance loans to Florida job creators;
  • $23.5 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will help fund the recovery efforts of the State of Florida and local communities;
  • $2.46 billion for the U.S. Department of Education, which will help aid all students, including those from Puerto Rico who are displaced in Florida at elementary, secondary, and higher education schools; and
  • $28 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which will assist in rebuilding and repairing Florida homes, businesses, and communities.

Governor Scott Proclaims Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott proclaimed the second week of February as Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week, observed on February 12-18, 2018, to celebrate those who protect and offer hope to Florida’s most vulnerable children.

There are approximately 7,184 children in Florida who live with foster families. Foster parents take on the responsibility of providing a supportive, safe, and loving home to children who have been abused or neglected, as well as being a role model for biological parents working towards reunification. These families encourage the success of Florida’s next generation of leaders, parents, and future foster parents.

“While their time with the child may be temporary, the impacts that foster parents have on these children last a lifetime”, said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “Not only do foster parents open their homes to children in need, they also support them in a time when they need someone to trust and look up to. Being a foster parent is a selfless act that should be commended and celebrated”.

“Individuals and families who have opened their homes and hearts to Florida’s children and youth in crisis are a testament to the commitment our communities are making to ensuring every child in Florida is in a safe and loving home,” said Florida Coalition for Children CEO Kurt Kelly. “However, as we celebrate these thousands of generous families, we must also remember there are still hundreds of children in need.  We hope in sharing the joy fostering can bring into a home, many more families step forward.”

Approximately 5,272 foster families are currently licensed through the State of Florida. All foster parents in Florida must attend an orientation, complete foster parent training, have a child abuse and criminal background check, and participate in a home study and inspection. DCF contracts with lead Community-Based Care agencies that recruit and train families across Florida who serve as foster parents.

During the week of February 12-18, 2018, DCF will be recognizing Florida’s foster parents that exemplify what it means to be compassionate, dedicated, and caring towards Florida’s youth via the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Gov. Scott Announces New Partnership to Connect Families Displaced by Hurricane Maria with Jobs in Florida

Posted on

Following a recently announced $1 million investment in Florida’s workforce system to help Puerto Rican families find jobs, today, Governor Rick Scott announced a new job placement partnership between education, business and workforce development organizations. CareerSource South Florida, the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida and the Ana G. Méndez University System will work together to connect families relocating from Puerto Rico with available job positions and provide needed job training. Today’s announcement took place on the South Florida campus of the Ana G. Méndez University System, which has provided scholarships for more than 50 Puerto Rican students to continue their studies in Florida.

Governor Scott said, “This week, I visited Puerto Rico and assured everyone there that Florida will continue to help those displaced by Hurricane Maria in any way that we can. A large part of any family’s success is the ability to find a good job. That is why I recently announced a $1 million investment into Florida’s workforce system to help connect those displaced by Hurricane Maria with job opportunities in Florida. Our state currently has more than 260,000 job opportunities because of our focus on the economy, and this new partnership will make sure that every family has the ability to support themselves and get back on their feet.”

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “As Floridians, we understand the importance of returning to work after a natural disaster. DEO is proud to work with local CareerSource Florida workforce boards across the state to connect dislocated job seekers with job opportunities. We will continue to use these grants and all other resources we have available to help families impacted by Hurricane Maria return to work.”

President of Ana G. Mendez University Jose F. Mendéz Mendéz said, “The Ana G. Mendéz University System feels honored to be part of this collaborative alliance. I appreciate Governor Scott’s efforts and those of all who make it possible to fulfill his public policy of helping our people on the Island; particularly, for all the initiatives created for the thousands of families who have decided to turn Florida into their new home. Our learning centers in Florida, through our Dual Language Immersion Program, are the ideal place for the Hispanic community to acquire the necessary skills for the challenges that professionals face in today’s business world.”

CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard said, “The CareerSource Florida network shares the commitment of our business and education partners to help families impacted by Hurricane Maria rebuild their lives. We are grateful to Governor Scott for his leadership in providing all available resources to assist our neighbors, and we are excited to be part of this new initiative.”

CareerSource South Florida Executive Director Rick Beasley said, “My team looks forward to working closely with the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida to ensure the business community knows the wide range of skills job seekers who have relocated due to Hurricane Maria bring to our workforce. CareerSource South Florida also stands ready to assist Ana G. Mendez University students with finding job opportunities upon graduation.”

President of the South Florida Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Dynamic Community Development Corporation Luis De Rosa said, “Governor Scott has been a champion for the people of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria, and the South Florida business community is working tirelessly to assist in these efforts. Joining forces with CareerSource South Florida and Ana G. Méndez University will extend our reach and our ability to help these families.”

CareerSource South Florida and CareerSource Central Florida are continuing to provide employment services at Multi-Agency Resource Centers in the Orlando area and Miami International Airport to Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria. Several local workforce development boards have held recruiting fairs and workshops to assist Floridians and others impacted by last year’s hurricanes. For additional information about employment opportunities, please visit employflorida.com, available in English and Spanish.

Lawmakers Announce Legislation Promoting Fair Business Practices for Florida’s Franchise Owners

Posted on

Legislation supported by the Coalition of Franchisee Associations

Florida’s small business owners will benefit from fair business standards under new legislation sponsored by Sen. Greg Steube and Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen. The proposal will establish commonsense safeguards ensuring that entrepreneurs who often invest their lifesavings into a franchised business have parity when it comes to the business relationship with their corporate franchisor. These business standards will promote economic opportunity and encourage continued investment in our state’s small businesses.
The proposal filed by Steube and Fitzenhagen will provide legal protections for businesses, leading to more economic growth and jobs in communities across the state. The Small Business Parity Act will introduce a greater degree of fairness for owners of franchised small businesses in Florida. The bill would apply only to renewals and new franchise contracts issued after the bill’s effective date.
“Florida’s hard-working franchise owners typically invest more than $375,000 of their own personal savings in order to pursue their dream of owning a small business, and we must do our part to help protect these investments in our local communities,” said Sen. Steube, the bill’s Senate sponsor. “These dedicated small business owners employ more than 404,000 Floridians, and I am proud today to do my part to file commonsense legislation that would protect the livelihoods of these men and women.”
“We simply want to level the playing field for these small business owners,” said Rep. Fitzenhagen, the House sponsor. “The unfortunate truth is that many of these large, out-of-state corporations are taking advantage of the tremendous imbalance in the franchisor-franchisee relationship. This is wrong, and this bill provides an opportunity to level the playing field.”
If enacted into law, the Small Business Parity Act will:

  • defend franchise business owners from unjust terminations and non-renewals without good cause
  • defend franchise owners from unjust limitations on sales and transfers based on unreasonable requirements
  • give franchise owners the right to pursue legal disputes against their franchisors in Florida court and under Florida law
  • requires that both franchisors and franchise owners act in “good faith”

The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is supporting the new legislation for the upcoming legislative session. The CFA, founded in 2007 as the largest franchisee-only trade association in the country, provides a forum for its members to share best practices, knowledge, and resources for the benefit of all small businesses that operate independent franchise establishments.
“I wish Florida would offer me the same protections that more than 20 other states give to their small business owners,” said Terry Hutchinson, a Florida franchise owner. “Franchise owners like me support our local economies, hire people from our communities, and pay state taxes — we deserve a stable relationship with the corporate brands, so we can both grow and foster Florida’s economy.”
For more information on the Small Business Parity Act please visit protectFLbusiness.com.

All Aboard Florida/Brightline’s Risks Becoming a Reality: Three Pedestrians Killed Before Service Even Begins

Posted on

Deaths highlight need for High Speed Rail Safety Measures Now

The deaths of three women in three separate incidents, in which they were stuck by AAF/Brightline High Speed Trains between July 2017 and last Friday, January 12, 2018, clearly demonstrate the urgent need to reconsider the safety measures that will be necessary to protect pedestrians and motorists across Florida.
Between 2011 and 2017, data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Rail Administration shows that there have been a total of 105 deaths, over 350 miles of Florida East Coast Railway tracks.  With the AAF/Brightline deaths, that number is now at least 108.
Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE FL), along with Martin County and Indian River County, have continued to express concerns about inadequate safety measures in place along the rail corridor where there are approximately 350 at grade crossings. The most recent death reportedly involved a 32-year-old woman, Melissa Lavell, who was ducking under a guard rail when she was struck and killed by the Brightline train that was making its inaugural trip with VIP passengers.  The women killed in the earlier incidents were 35-year-old Jennifer Reed and a teenager whose name was not reported.
“First and foremost, we express our deepest condolences to the family members of all three victims,” said Brent Hanlon, Chairman of CARE FL. “This is exactly why we are fighting for our communities.  Enough is enough. We need safety measures in place that will protect our pedestrians, our school children who may walk or bike along the tracks to school, our first responders and members of our community. AAF continues to tout its commitment to safety, but three deaths during test runs indicate something is seriously wrong.”
“How many more deaths or injuries will it take before AAF acknowledges the need for enhanced safety measures?” added Hanlon.
In December 2017, an Amtrak train making its inaugural trip in Washington State derailed, killing at least 3 people and injuring about 100. Speed was a factor which is why AAF’s high-speed passenger train gives us pause in Florida where it is expected to exceed 110 miles per hour as it transports passengers across the state.
And this is why CARE FL is supporting two very important bills that have been filed for the 2018 Legislative Session.  Sen. Debbie Mayfield has once again filed her High Speed Passenger Rail Safety bill SB 572 that would require protections be put in place to prevent similar accidents from taking place.  The bill would also ensure that affected counties would not be held responsible for the costs of the safety upgrades.
Representatives Erin Grall and Mary Lynn Magar have also filed a similar bill HB 525 that would address the cost of upgrades.
We stand with our local elected leaders of Martin County and Indian River County who, along with CARE FL members, have continued to fight to protect the safety and well-being of our residents.
CARE FL plans to host an informational meeting on Monday, January 29 at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart. The meeting will give CARE FL an opportunity to provide community members with new information and to answer any questions they may have about the ill-conceived rail project.
The meeting is scheduled to kick-off at 7 p.m. and will feature the following speakers:

  • Brent Hanlon, Chairman of the CARE FL Steering Committee,
  • Steve Ryan, McDermott, Will & Emery, CARE FL attorney,
  • Bob Crandall, CARE FL Steering Committee member and former CEO of American Airlines.

On Legislature’s opening day, advocates to “Awake The State” for a Florida that works for every Floridian

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

As the 2018 legislative session kicks off, advocates will gather at The Capitol to “Awake The State” for a Florida that works for every Floridian, not just the wealthy and well-connected. Local and state leaders along with advocates will call on Gov. Rick Scott and his allies in the Legislature to pass a budget that invests in hardworking Floridians, not more massive corporate giveaways.
The capital city event will be part of a series of statewide actions and events promoting a just state budget, and pushing back against the failed economic policies of the previous eight years under Gov. Rick Scott that have left everyday Floridians mired in “Rick’s Recession”.
Schedule for Tuesday, January 9th:
WHO: Crishelle Bailey, FAMU student and Planned Parenthood volunteer
Julio Calderon, Organizer for the We Are Florida campaign, Florida Immigrant Coalition
Barbara DeVane, Lobbyist for Florida NOW
Aliki Moncrief, Executive Director of Florida Conservation Voters
Rich Templin, Ph.D., Legislative and Political Director of the Florida AFL-CIO
Karen Woodall, Executive Director of the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy
WHAT: Tallahassee press conference unveiling Awake The State’s priorities for a Florida that works for every Floridian.
Additional press events will be held across the state including in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Tampa, New Port Richey, Orlando, Jacksonville, Cocoa, and Stuart.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 9th at  approximately 12pm (or immediately after the Governor delivers his State of the State address and the Democratic legislative leaders make their response).
WHERE: Florida State Capitol – Fourth Floor rotunda
400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
For a listing of events in other cities visit AwakeTheState.com.

Solar Industry and Advocates Support Florida Legislation Establishing Grid Resilience Pilot Program for Natural Disasters

Posted on

Solar energy plus battery storage systems can
offer resilient power solution to critical facilities

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Vote Solar support legislation filed in the Florida Legislature this week, HB 1133, that would demonstrate solar and energy storage’s ability to maintain grid resilience during natural disasters and states of emergency.

The bill establishes a pilot program in the Florida Keys to install on-site solar generation and energy storage to provide electricity to critical facilities during grid outages or failures, like the recent Hurricane Irma.

“As we’ve recently experienced first-hand with Hurricane Irma, there’s nothing more crucial in the wake of a disaster than power. Onsite solar energy storage systems are a forward-thinking solution to improving the security of energy supply at critical local facilities,” said Florida State Representative Holly Raschein, who is HB 1133’s main sponsor. “Given that Florida is the Sunshine State, it only makes sense to tap into this resource when planning for stronger communities that are more resilient in recovering from a disaster.”

The pilot program will measure the benefits of resilience assistance to support the energy needs of critical facilities, such as emergency shelters, hospitals and health facilities, airports, and emergency response units, like police and fire departments. Solar and energy storage can immediately offset these facilities’ power needs, provide backup energy during a grid outage, and store energy isolated from the utility’s electrical system for emergencies. They also eliminate the need for back-up diesel generators.

“This is a crucial step in preparing Florida for future emergencies and we thank Rep. Holly Raschein for her leadership,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO. “Making sure our first responders and critical facilities have the power they need to deliver life-saving services during emergencies should be a top priority for any state, and solar plus storage is the easiest and most effective solution. This pilot program will demonstrate the effectiveness of solar and storage in maintaining grid resilience and help lawmakers implement this strategy on a larger scale.”

“Solar energy is already becoming a huge success story in Florida, and the excitement around new battery technology has been growing since it proved itself in the days after Irma, keeping lights and refrigerators on for families when the power grid was down for days,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director of Vote Solar. “Scaling solar and energy storage as a strategic backup resource during disasters could have a real impact on people’s lives and security.”

The solar industry urges the Florida Legislature to pass this bill, implementing the pilot programs and corresponding Florida Solar Energy Center study measuring the benefits of the program.

About SEIA®
Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

About Vote Solar
Since 2002, Vote Solar has been working to lower solar costs and expand solar access. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Vote Solar advocates for state policies and programs needed to repower our electric grid with clean energy. Learn more at www.votesolar.org

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… USA Today: “Florida tops in nation on infrastructure”

Posted on

Florida tops in nation on infrastructure

A new report suggests Florida takes care of its infrastructure better than any other state.

The analysis by 24/7 Wall St, a financial reporting firm, puts the Sunshine State at the top of the heap based on its review of federal records on the conditions of roads, bridges, dams. It also looked at how much each state prioritizes highway spending.

Here’s what the report, dubbed “States That Are Falling apart,” concluded about Florida:

— 3.2% of the state’s roads are in poor condition (3rd best in the U.S.)

— 2.1% of its bridges are rated as deficient (also 3rd best)

— 6.3% of the state’s dams are considered at “high hazard risk” (9th best overall)

— 8.7% of Florida’s total government spending is spent on highways (only seven states spent more as a percentage).