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Florida’s Deadline Extended to File for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

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The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been extended to Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. DUA is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Irma. Applications filed after the Nov. 14, 2017, deadline will be considered untimely and DUA benefits may be denied unless applicants provide good cause.
DUA is available to those who:

  • Worked or were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment;
  • Do not qualify for reqular unemployment benefits from any state; and
  • Due to the disaster:
    • Are not able to work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster;
    • Cannot reach the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster;
    • Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster; or
    • Became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because the head of household died as a direct result of the disaster.

Applicants must submit their Social Security number, check stubs and documentation to support the claim that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the DUA application is filed.
DUA is available from weeks of unemployment beginning Sept. 10, 2017, until ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 17, 2018, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster. To file a DUA claim go to  www.floridajobs.org or call 1-800-204-2418.

Senator Campbell Filing Bill to Boost Florida's Physician Ranks

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Concerned that Florida ranks first in the country for the number of residents age 65 or older, and with an eye to a looming shortage of physicians available to treat them, state Senator Daphne Campbell (D-Miami) is filing legislation which would dramatically reduce the looming shortfall.
“By 2025, the shortage of physicians in Florida is expected to grow to 7,000, according to the Teaching Hospital Council of Florida and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida,” said Senator Campbell. “We can either bury our heads in the sand, or tap into the rich availability of internationally trained physicians to shore up medical care for Florida’s growing number of senior residents.”
Under Senator Campbell’s measure, internationally trained physicians would be able to acquire a restricted license to practice in Florida, provided they met certain built-in criteria and safeguards. Those standards would include an individual who trained in a medical school listed in World Director of Medical Schools published by the World Health Organization, has legally practiced medicine for at least 3 years in their countries of residency, and is not subject to any discipline or prosecution for any acts that threaten public health, safety or welfare.
“This legislation would broaden the pool of trained physicians available to dispense medical aid for the growing number of people who need their help,” said Senator Campbell. “By tapping internationally-trained doctors, we not only stop the shortage of medical doctors from occurring, but we provide a pathway for these individuals to join our communities and contribute to Florida’s prosperity.”
The bill has been filed for the upcoming 2018 legislative session, and will be carried in the House by state Representative Manny Diaz, Jr. (R-Hialeah).
Should it win passage, the legislation would take effect July 1st.

Governor Rick Scott Highlights $1.7 Billion Proposal for Florida’s Environment

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose a $50 million investment to expedite repairs for the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee in his 2018-19 recommended budget. This $50 million is part of the Governor’s historic $1.7 billion investment in Florida’s environment announced last week. See more HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Last week, the State of Florida was proud to secure President Donald Trump’s commitment to accelerating critical repairs needed to the federal Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee. While this partnership is game-changing, we cannot stop there. These repairs are a priority and that’s why I’m proposing $50 million in state funding to help expedite the project. I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature on this important project so we can protect our pristine environment for our future generations.”
Florida Senate President Joe Negron said, “I appreciate Governor Scott’s leadership in ensuring that we make the best use of both state and federal tax dollars as we work to repair the Herbert Hoover Dike and build additional southern storage through the implementation of Senate Bill 10. I look forward to working with him again this session on these important issues to ensure we have an effective state and federal partnership that leads to the elimination of harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee.”
Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “None of what we announced today would’ve been possible without the heavy lifting and tireless effort of Governor Scott.  The fruits of this investment will mean safety and security for the community surrounding the Lake, as well as averting potential environmental dangers. And I’m proud to stand with the governor today and will do all I can to help him hold Washington’s feet to the fire.”
This funding will build on the $50 million in this year’s state budget to kick-start critical repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. Governor Scott is the first governor in Florida history to invest state money into this critical federal project. This April, Governor Scott met with President Donald Trump regarding the importance of fixing the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike and received his commitment to fixing the dike. Last week, President Trump instructed White House Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney to accelerate the completion of repairs to Florida’s Herbert Hoover Dike. See more HERE.
Full details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be announced in the coming weeks.

Florida Leaders Applaud Gov. Scott’s Proposed Historic Investment for Environment

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Today, Florida leaders applauded Governor Rick Scott’s announcement that he will propose more than $1.7 billion to protect Florida’s environment as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This $1.7 billion funding for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is a more than $220 million increase over the current year.
The proposed funding will include:

  • A historic investment of $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A historic investment of $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein said, “DEP applauds Governor Scott for continuing to make the protection of our natural resources a priority. This budget proposal will allow us to continue to make real progress safeguarding our environment through partnerships and projects. We look forward to a busy year ahead as we get to work implementing the crucial projects that will be funded by this budget.”
Erik Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, said, “Governor Scott’s environmental budget recommendation includes significant funding for America’s Everglades. This includes expediting key features of the Central Everglades Plan and getting to work on storage south of Lake Okeechobee. We thank the Governor for this bold Everglades budget and we look forward to working with Senate and House members to make it happen.”
Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida, said, “Audubon Florida is excited about Governor Scott’s environmental budget requests for this upcoming session. This year’s request includes funding for Florida’s premier land conservation program, Florida Forever. The Governor’s budget recommendation also includes funding for Florida’s iconic springs and our award-winning state parks. These budget recommendations put additional focus on land conservation, parks, springs and Everglades and estuary recovery- Audubon’s top priorities for protecting water and wildlife. We were glad to welcome Governor Scott back to Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples and the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland.”
Deborah Flack, president of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association said, “Governor Scott’s commitment to healthy beaches continues, fully recognizing their economic importance to Florida. $50 million for the traditional statewide program reflects an appreciation for the outstanding performance of existing beach management projects following Hurricane Irma in protecting upland structures and reducing coastal flooding. They worked outstandingly, and we are going to need them again. The additional funding for storm damage recovery for our beaches and dunes demonstrates the Governor’s recognition that critically-eroded beaches not part of any existing solution must be brought into the statewide program. Our coastal communities and local government partners are most appreciative of the Governor’s budgetary commitment to sustaining Florida’s beaches.”
Temperince Morgan, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed budget will support critical restoration and protection projects for some of Florida’s most precious resources, including springs and our award-winning state parks.”
Paula Russo, president of Friends of Florida State Parks, said, “We’re pleased that the Governor’s budget includes a historic investment in Florida’s nationally-recognized state park system. Florida State Parks are beloved by residents and visitors alike, and Governor Scott’s budget ensures these resources will be preserved and available for generations to come.”
Duane De Freese, Ph.D., executive director of the IRL Council & Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, said, “This is a historic commitment by Governor Scott to Everglades restoration, water infrastructure projects, and surface water quality improvements for Florida. All are essential to restore the health of the Indian River Lagoon.”
David C. Jones, president of Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, said, “We commend the Governor for his continued support of accessibility improvements in our state parks so that more individuals will be able to enjoy their beauty and recreational opportunities.”
South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Chairman Dan O’Keefe said, “Governor Scott’s proposal for a record $355 million for Everglades restoration in next year’s environmental budget clearly demonstrates his commitment to completing projects that will provide immediate benefits for South Florida’s ecosystems. This infusion of funding would enable the South Florida Water Management District to make significant progress on providing needed clean water for the Everglades while protecting this region’s vital coastal estuaries.”
Brian Armstrong, executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, said, “We applaud the Governor’s commitment to Florida’s springs. This vital funding will allow our springs experts to continue working to protect these important natural systems within our District.”
Dr. Ann Shortelle, executive director of the St. John River Water Management District, said, “It’s this type of commitment and leadership by Gov. Scott that allows us to continue working to protect and restore our vital natural resources in Florida. An investment of $55 million in Florida’s springs and $50 million in Florida Forever sends a clear message that the environment is a priority for this administration.”
Hugh Thomas, executive director of the Suwannee River Water Management District, said, “The Suwannee River Valley is a treasure trove of springs, wild and scenic rivers, and pristine shorelines that we work diligently to protect. Governor Scott’s paramount investment in Florida’s natural resources is a powerful promise to the current residents and future generations of our spectacular state.”
Brett Cyphers, executive director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, said, “We are grateful for the continued vision and leadership shown by Governor Scott. The environmental resources of this region are our hallmark. This continued support for the protection and restoration of our springs, beaches and our award-winning state parks will ensure the health and well-being of our residents, economy and environment.”

Treasure Coast Counties and CARE FL Confirm FEC Plans to Transport Deadly LNG Alongside 110 MPH Passenger Trains

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Parties renew request for supplemental review of AAF project

According to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Martin and Indian River Counties, along with Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE FL), have obtained confirmation of plans to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) along the Florida East Coast (FEC) corridor—a highly populated, congested route with over 300 at-grade crossings that it plans to share with All Aboard Florida’s (AAF) 110 mph passenger trains. As a result, the Counties and CARE FL have renewed their request with the U.S. Department of Transportation for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.
In a March 3, 2016, letter, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) not only confirms the plans to transport LNG, but is also very negative about this controversial proposal that poses a threat to public safety.  In it, the agency notes concerns that are similar to those of the Counties and CARE FL regarding transporting LNG as a commodity along the FEC corridor. The letter goes on to highlight the need for further evaluation, lay out specific actions FEC is required to take, including a safety analysis of the rail cars it plans to use to transport LNG, and set forth additional conditions it anticipates imposing on FEC.
Specifically, the FRA states the following regarding Alaska Railroad (ARR), the only other railroad transporting LNG as a commodity in the United States:  “The FRA views ARR’s approval as different from a potential FEC approval, due to the significant differences between the two states and the areas through which they would be transporting the product.  For example, if ARR transports LNG it will be doing so at 40 mph through mostly unpopulated areas with few highway-rail grade crossings, whereas under FEC’s proposal, trains transporting LNG will pass through highly populated areas, with more frequent crossings, while sharing tracks with passenger trains traveling at 110 mph.”
“The FRA clearly recognizes the inherent danger of fast moving freight trains transporting a volatile substance like LNG passing passenger trains travelling up to 110 mph through our densely populated communities. While the FRA claims it will conduct a thorough evaluation of the safety risks, we believe a thorough review of the environmental impacts is also needed,” said Ruth Holmes, Senior Assistant Martin County Attorney.
The letter further reveals that FEC has had ongoing discussions with the FRA related to the transportation of LNG along the corridor since September 2014. However, no mention of this was included in either the September 2014 Draft Environmental Impact Statement or the August 2015 Final Environmental Impact Statement, even though the proposal is directly related to and clearly impacts the AAF project.
“Once again we have discovered that FEC and AAF are shielding information from the communities they are directly affecting. Transporting a hazardous material like LNG is a major safety risk for our communities and must be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated from every angle,” said Dylan Reingold, Indian River County Attorney.
“The AAF project itself poses a great enough risk to Treasure Coast communities and it is now clear that they intend to increase that risk exponentially by adding an extremely dangerous substance to the mix. Running 110 mph trains and LNG over the same tracks is simply a recipe for disaster,” said Brent Hanlon, Chairman of CARE FL.
Coming on the heels of the news that AAF derailed a passenger train but never publicly disclosed it, the non-public nature of this LNG letter leaves Treasure Coast citizens with even less reason to trust their safety to AAF and FEC.
For more information please visit www.ircgov.com, www.martin.fl.us, and CARE FL’s site at www.saveourfl.com.

All Aboard Florida Less Than Transparent About “Brightline” Derailment

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FRA confirms Feb. 2017 derailment which was hidden from the public

Earlier this year, Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE FL) received information from knowledgeable railroad insiders that one of All Aboard Florida’s “Brightline” passenger trains had derailed during a test run, sustaining major damage.
That information has now been confirmed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The derailment resulted in equipment damage of $408,000 and occurred on February 11, 2017, just days before AAF officials testified before state legislators, where they continued to emphasize their commitment to safety.
“Soon after this incident, AAF officials attended not one but two state legislative hearings about rail safety and never once disclosed facts about the derailment, while they sought to table the safety legislation under consideration,” said Brent Hanlon, Chairman of CARE FL.
Since CARE FL’s inception it has served as a watchdog in the Treasure Coast region, shining a light on AAF’s less-than-transparent approach to building this ill-conceived and dangerous rail project.
A May 30, 2017 letter from CARE FL’s legal team notified the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FRA about the incident, inquiring whether AAF filed the proper notifications within the appropriate time frame, and requesting that DOT/FRA publicly address whether the derailment occurred, so that our community would know the facts.
“It is unfortunate that Martin County is forced to spend taxpayer money to make sure our safety concerns are addressed at the state and federal levels. A simple confirmation of a derailment took three months to get from DOT, but six months after the derailment itself.  We would have never known about this significant public safety issue had we not demanded to know the facts,” said Ruth Holmes, Senior Assistant Martin County Attorney.
According to the FRA’s response letter dated August 21, 2017, “a Brightline locomotive derailed its trailing truck while negotiating a switch at four miles per hour within the Brightline yard facility.” The letter also states that Brightline and FEC “promptly” notified FRA officials of the February 11, 2017 incident.
Hanlon commented, “All you have to do is look at numerous opportunities they had to share this important and relevant information.”

  • February 11, 2017 – date of derailment according to FRA letter
  • February 22, 2017 – Florida House Workshop on High Speed Passenger Rail.  Myles Tobin, General Counsel of AAF testifies but fails to mention the derailment of train.
  • March 2017 – CARE FL receives information from knowledgeable rail source that derailment occurred. CARE FL searches for but is unable to find a derailment report.  FRA safety staff is unaware of the incident.
  • March 12, 2017 – Florida Senate Transportation Committee hearing on High Speed Passenger Rail Safety legislation.  AAF Vice President Rusty Roberts testifies and, again, fails to mention derailment.
  • April 4, 2017 – Michael Reininger, then President of Brightline, authors opinion editorial, “All Aboard Florida goes extra mile to address rail safety,” touting AAF going the extra mile to address rail safety.  Again, no discussion of the incident.

CARE FL, Martin County and Indian River County have repeatedly expressed their public safety concerns and have worked diligently to address ways to keep the residents of the Treasure Coast community out of harm’s way.
“The disconnect between the derailment and AAF’s failure to make it public is disturbing,” said Dylan Reingold, Indian River County Attorney. “The safety and well- being of our communities require greater transparency.”
The FRA also pledged to “continue to provide oversight of this railroad, as it has from its inception, to ensure that the operation meets or exceeds the safety requirements set by Federal regulations.”
We will hold the FRA to that commitment.
For more information please visit www.ircgov.com, www.martin.fl.us, and CARE FL’s site at www.saveourfl.com.

Senate Dems call for apology from GOP Senator defending nursing home at center of 14 deaths

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Outraged by remarks made yesterday by Republican Senator Dennis Baxley suggesting that the deaths of 14 elderly patients at a South Florida nursing home following Hurricane Irma were somehow self-inflicted, Senate Democratic Leader Oscar Braynon, on behalf of the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, demanded an apology.
“These men and women were entrusted to a nursing home that abandoned that responsibility and left them to die,” said Leader Braynon (D-Miami Gardens). “To say that death was imminent regardless of the actual facts that caused these fatalities not only diminishes the role this nursing home played, but the cascade of events that set the stage for such a calamity to happen. Senator Baxley owes the surviving families an immediate apology.”
At a meeting on Wednesday of the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Baxley stunned many lawmakers as well as members of the public when he deflected blame from the nursing home and inadequate policy to the elderly patients themselves.
“Look at the population,” he reportedly said. “You’re dealing with the 90-somethings. Some of these deaths would naturally occur, storm or no storm. Eventually everyone who was in that nursing home will die. But we don’t need to attribute those all to the storm and bad policy.”
The deaths at the Hollywood Hills Rehabilitation Center are currently under criminal investigation. The nursing home, one of many statewide that lost power during Hurricane Irma’s landfall in Florida, did not have a functioning backup generator to maintain air conditioning in the sweltering heat. The catastrophic conditions led to 14 of the patients eventually succumbing following days of exposure to the intense heat. Eight of them died three days after the power loss; six of them died following their evacuation from the nursing home after authorities were summoned.
“If the fault lies with anyone, it begins with the Scott Administration that allowed bad actors in the nursing home industry to flourish with no effective regulatory oversight. It ends with a nursing home that ignored these helpless souls entrusted to their care,” said Leader Braynon. “Senator Baxley should know better, and he should be ashamed for refusing to place the blame where it actually belongs.”

Nelson files bill to create Florida fuel-supply reserve

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As parts of Northwest Florida find themselves in the potential path of yet another major storm forming in the Gulf, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is taking steps to ensure that Florida’s residents and first responders have access to the gasoline they need before and after a storm.
Nelson filed legislation today to create a Florida gas supply reserve to prevent future gas shortages like those seen throughout the state before Hurricane Irma. Specifically, the legislation requires the secretary of energy to create a “Florida Gasoline Supply Reserve” that would hold a minimum of one million barrels of refined petroleum products in two locations: one on Florida’s west coast and one on the east coast.
“When a major storm is heading towards our state, we have to make sure people have access to the gas they need to get out of harm’s way,” Nelson said. “ A Florida gas reserve would not only help prevent some of the gas shortages we saw ahead of Hurricane Irma, but would also help ensure that our first responders have the fuel they need to help people during and after the storm.”
Gas shortages became widespread throughout Florida as residents were ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma. Those gas shortages affected not only residents and visitors trying to flee the storm’s path, but also hampered first responders’ and local governments’ efforts to prepare for the storm.
Last month, Nelson sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Rick Perry urging him to use his authority to create a gasoline reserve supply for Florida, similar to the one the Department of Energy set up in the Northeast following Superstorm Sandy.
“DOE created a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) in 2014 to ensure an emergency gasoline supply for future natural or man-made disasters in that region,” Nelson wrote. “In the wake of Hurricane Irma, I urge you to consider using your authority to create a similar gasoline supply reserve for the State of Florida.”
While Nelson has not yet received a response from Sec. Perry, the legislation he filed today would require the secretary to set up a reserve for Florida.
The text of Nelson’s legislation is available here.
A copy of Nelson’s Sept. 11 letter to Perry is available here.
 

With 110% Increase, Sunshine State Leads the Nation in Growth of Rooftop Solar

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A new report* from PV Magazine finds Florida now leads the nation in solar growth. The state saw a 110% increase in new residential solar permits over the previous year. A state-wide partnership between the League of Women Voters and Solar United Neighbors of Florida, have spurred this growth. Solar United Neighbors of Florida was formerly known as FL SUN. It rolled out this new name this week to better reflect the unified actions of the organization’s nine state-based programs.
Funded by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Barancik Foundation, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and now several cities and counties, Florida homeowners and businesses are now able to take advantage of some of the lowest prices for solar in the nation using a grassroots program called Solar United Neighbors of Florida, which announced a national re-branding this week.
Pamela Goodman, President of the League of Women Voters of Florida said, “With standing room only at many of our solar education forums, it is thrilling for our grassroots volunteers to help main street Florida keep millions of dollars in Florida by saving money and harnessing the sun.”
“We envision a clean, equitable energy future, with solar on every roof and money in every pocket,” said Angela DeMonbreun, Solar United Neighbors of Florida Program Director.
Solar United Neighbors of Florida began working in the state in 2016 in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Florida. Modeled off of similar programs in Maryland, Virginia, and elsewhere, the program has already launched 14 co-ops and will have launched 21 by the end of this calendar year, with several counties and cities angling to repeat their co-ops in 2018.
In an unusual bipartisan show of support, elected officials, both Republicans and Democrats have become strong solar supporters. Senator Jeff Brandes (R-Pinellas) last year was a leader in achieving passage of a pro-solar amendment that will help reduce the costs for both businesses and residents. This will be in addition to the extended 30% federal income tax credit that consumers all across the country are eligible for through 2019, and at a diminished rate through 2021. The new commercial tax exemptions will launch in January of 2018 following quicker than usual action by the Florida Legislature.
Now several mayors have jumped on board with Mayor Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg) launching the first FLSUN.org co-op in his city last year, followed by Mayor Teresa Jacobs (R-Orange County), and several Miami-Dade mayors. Co-ops have launched in Alachua, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Sarasota, and many more.
Recently the city of St. Petersburg committed $75,000 to hiring a full time Solar United Neighbors coordinator to organize community cooperatives to further lower the cost of solar and utility bills for its citizens. Miami-Dade, Orange, Broward, and Hillsborough have all committed funds and support to provide neighborhood cooperatives for their citizens, promoting the use of rooftop solar to harness the sun and help residents lower their utility bills.
Dr. James Fenton, Director of the Florida Solar Energy Center exhorts Florida citizens: “Solar on your roof and a plug in vehicle in your garage is the best place Florida consumers can put their money. It offers a better return than the stock market…and the jobs stay in Florida.”
Florida installer president and FLASEIA (Florida Solar Energy and Installers Association) board member Remo Eyal said, “Grassroots movements across the state have helped tear down barriers to solar installations. And today we have grid parity, which means for the solar customer, that the financed cost of electricity from solar is less than buying electricity from the power companies.”
Stephen Smith, Executive Director of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy said, “The market in Florida is going gangbusters in all market segments, from utilities to rooftop solar for both businesses and residential.”
League President Pamela Goodman is thrilled with the progress: “We’re well on our way to making Florida #1 in solar with these exciting growth rates in new solar permits – Go to www.SolarUnitedNeighbors.org and let’s go solar, Florida!”
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.