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Governor Rick Scott

Gov. Scott: Action Plan Submitted for $616 Million for Housing, Economic Development Following Hurricane Irma

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the state’s action plan for the $616 million allocated to Florida’s long-term recovery efforts from Hurricane Irma has been submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding comes to the state through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and will be used to replace and repair damaged homes, build new affordable housing and provide grants to severely impacted businesses. HUD now has 45 days to provide feedback or to approve the plan. CDBG-DR funding is provided to a state after all other resources have already been exhausted, including federal assistance through FEMA and the Small Business Administration as well as private insurance.

Governor Scott said, “Even before Hurricane Irma made landfall, we began working with the federal government to express the diverse needs our state would face following a storm of this magnitude and how best to address those needs. Since the storm, we have worked tirelessly along-side community and business leaders to build stronger communities that are better prepared for future disasters. I’m glad that DEO submitted this plan to help families in our state.”

This federal grant program requires that at least 80 percent of funding be used to address needs in the hardest-hit counties and ZIP codes as determined by HUD. These areas include Brevard, Broward, Collier, Duval, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, Polk and Volusia counties, as well as ZIP codes 32136, 32091, 32068 and 34266.

Over the past few months, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) visited with each of the 14 hardest-hit communities to hear directly from community leaders about their remaining needs following Hurricane Irma. Additionally, surveys were sent to each community, seeking input on how to best support local long-term recovery.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of DEO, “We are thankful to these communities for their commitment and partnership to determine the best way to use this funding to make a difference across the state. We are committed to helping Floridians recover, particularly families who do not have the resources to rebound as quickly after a disaster.”

Together, with Florida’s hardest-hit communities, the state has proposed to allocate the majority of CDBG-DR funding to address housing needs through programs that:

  • Repair and replace damaged homes;
  • Construct hundreds of new affordable rental housing units;
  • Purchase land for the development of affordable housing; and
  • Provide assistance through grants to support impacted businesses.

Additionally, the state action plan includes opportunities to address critical economic and infrastructure needs in our urban centers and rural communities, specifically those of the Florida Keys which experienced the brunt of this devastating storm. Also, this plan helps to support the needs of new Floridians who moved to our state from Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

For more information about the CDBG-DR program or to view the state action plan, click here.

Gov. Scott to Visit Jewish Day Schools to Highlight Security Funding

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, May 16th, Governor Rick Scott will visit the Torah Academy of Boca Raton and Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center to highlight the $2 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools in his Securing Florida’s Future budget.

WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 10:45 AM
WHERE: Torah Academy of Boca Raton
3881 NW 3rd Ave.
Boca Raton, FL 33431

WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 4:00 PM
WHERE: Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center
1789 Mandarin Rd.
Naples, FL 34102

Gov. Scott to Attend Governor’s Hurricane Conference

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, May 16th, Governor Rick Scott will attend the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Palm Beach, where he will join emergency management professionals as they discuss preparations for the upcoming hurricane season.

WHAT: Governor’s Hurricane Conference
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: Palm Beach Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Gov. Scott: Floridians Should Pay Attention to Potential Severe Weather

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Governor Rick Scott today made the following statement regarding the National Hurricane Center’s monitoring of a weather system that could potentially develop into a tropical or sub-tropical depression. Governor Scott was briefed this afternoon by FDEM while traveling back to Florida. The Governor also directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to be in constant communication with counties regarding the weather system. FDEM has also been in contact with local emergency management professionals in Palm Beach County regarding reports of a small tornado touching down in The Acreage, FL.

Governor Scott said, “In Florida, we know how to prepare for storms, and even though hurricane season hasn’t begun, we should never let our guard down. It’s encouraging to know that the National Hurricane Center doesn’t expect this system to become a tropical storm, but we should never underestimate the potential impact of severe weather. I urge every Floridian to take this opportunity to revisit their emergency plans. Also, Floridians should stay tuned to local news reports as this weather system moves north. As with any storm, our main concern is safety, and Floridians across the state should take the proper steps to keep themselves and each other safe.”

For additional updates, follow the Florida State Emergency Response Team on Facebook at Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLSERT.

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, May 11, 2018

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Gov. Scott Appoints Ray Berry to North Broward
Hospital District Board of Commissioners

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Ray Berry to the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.

Ray Berry, 54, of Davie, is the founder and chief executive officer of Health Business Solutions. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending June 29, 2021.

Gov. Scott Appoints Dr. Michele Heston to
Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dr. Michele Heston to the Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors.

Dr. Michele Heston, 58, of Avon Park, is the dean of health sciences for South Florida State College. Dr. Heston was recommended by the State Board of Education pursuant to s. 464.0196, Florida Statutes. She succeeds Dr. Louise Pitts and is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending June 30, 2020.

Gov. Scott Appoints Dr. Mark McKenney to
Florida Trauma System Advisory Council

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Dr. Mark McKenney to the Florida Trauma System Advisory Council.

Dr. Mark McKenney, 59, of Miami Beach, is a professor of surgery at the University of South Florida. He is appointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending April 30, 2021.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Dorothy Groover-Skipper and John Van Delinder to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.

Dotti Groover-Skipper, of Tampa, is the anti-trafficking director for The Salvation Army Florida Division. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending September 6, 2021.

John Van Delinder, of Callahan, is the executive director of the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018, and ending September 6, 2021.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Polk State College District Board of Trustees

Governor Rick Scott today announced two reappointments to the Polk State College District Board of Trustees.

Mark Turner, 55, of Winter Haven, is a partner at Straughn & Turner, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. Turner is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.

Teresa Martinez, 63, of Lakeland, is the president and founder of the Institute of Spanish Communication Inc. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Martinez is reappointed for a term beginning May 11, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Proclaims Monday as Florida’s Celebration of Israel’s 70th Independence Day

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Ahead of his planned visit to Israel, Gov. Scott proclaimed Monday as Florida’s Celebration of Israel’s 70th Independence Day, recognizing the close relationship between Israel and Florida. To read the proclamation, click HERE.

As announced on May 4, Governor Rick Scott will travel to Israel for the May 14 opening of the new United States Embassy in Jerusalem. The trip will mark the Governor’s third official visit to Israel. The most recent visit was in December 2017 where the Governor expressed his full support of moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. To view video of the Governor at the Western Wall expressing his support, click HERE.

On Sunday, May 13, Governor Scott will attend a dinner with the Friends of Zion Museum honoring the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

On Monday, May 14, Governor Scott will attend the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Before the opening, Governor Scott will attend a breakfast hosted by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. A more detailed schedule will be released soon.

Setting the Record Straight: Congressional Medicaid Letter Full of Misleading and Inaccurate Information

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Some members of Congress yesterday sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding Florida’s 1115 Medicaid Waiver Amendment. This letter was filled with inaccurate and misleading information in an attempt to politicize an issue that will save Florida taxpayers $98 million.

“The letter from some members of Congress was a clear attempt to distort the facts on Florida’s Medicaid system – which is currently operating at the highest level of quality care in its history. The request submitted by AHCA, which was passed by a bipartisan majority of the Florida Legislature, simply means that anyone who has received medical services who is eligible for Medicaid must apply for the program within the month they receive the service. If they do not apply within that month, health care providers will not be reimbursed for the services provided.

“This does not affect who is eligible for Medicaid at all, nor does this change the application process. In fact, providers such as hospitals which are making record profits, can be reimbursed through other sources of taxpayer funding after they provide uncompensated care. This new provision protects taxpayer dollars and can reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. At no point in this process will patient care be jeopardized.This is about paperwork, not patient care.” – John Tupps, Governor Rick Scott’s Communications Director

The Letter to CMS contains the following inaccurate and misleading claims:

CLAIM: If approved, this change could jeopardize the financial security of at least 39,000 of the most vulnerable Floridians and countless providers who treat them. 

This is not true. The only information a person needs to apply for Medicaid is a name, signature and an address. The person is eligible for Medicaid beginning the day they apply. And, is retroactively eligible to the first day of the month. This change simply means that a person must apply within the month that they receive the service. This change does not apply to children under 21 and pregnant women.

Hospitals are making record profits. People who are eligible for Medicaid will still receive services. The eligibility requirements for Medicaid will not change. The application process for enrollment has not changed.

CLAIM: Retroactive eligibility is designed to protect Medicaid beneficiaries – including seniors, pregnant women, individuals with disabilities and parents – and their families from steep costs of medical services and long-term care.

This is not true. People who are eligible for Medicaid will still receive services. The eligibility requirements for Medicaid will not change. The application process for enrollment has not changed. Also, zero retroactive eligibility changes are being made in terms of children and pregnant women. These changes have zero to do with Medicare which provides medical care to the elderly in hospitals. This is blatantly false.

CLAIM: Leaving Medicaid-eligible applicants without financial protection simply because they have not enrolled is cruel and in direct conflict with the goals of the Medicaid program. The proposal will directly hurt Floridians with disabilities and seniors in nursing homes. 

Again, this is misleading. People who are eligible for Medicaid will still receive services.The eligibility requirements for Medicaid will not change. The application process for enrollment has not changed. AHCA will work to ensure these changes lead to better patient outcomes and taxpayer savings.

CLAIM: If CMS approves this proposal in its current form, it would likely prevent vulnerable populations, especially seniors in nursing homes, from getting the care they need. 

These members of Congress should quit trying to alarm Floridians and instead focus on the issue itself. AHCA’s submitted change will lower unnecessary hospitalizations. The proposed change will save taxpayers $98 million by increasing efficiency in government and the healthcare system. No services will be impacted, and hospitals who are making record profits will still have an overabundance of resources to provide care to those who need it. This is about paperwork, not patients.

Setting The Record Straight: Tampa Bay Times Continues Unbalanced Attacks

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The Tampa Bay Times today continued its attacks on Governor Rick Scott and completely ignored the state’s major accomplishments over the past month. The Times also neglected to provide a balanced narrative by including statements from the Governor’s Office on various issues – statements which have been shared with the Times on multiple occasions. We take this opportunity set the record straight.

Tampa Bay Times: “It raises a question: Lately under Scott, how well is Florida working?” 

FACTS: We’re glad they asked. Over the past month, much like he has every day during his past seven years as Governor, Governor Scott has been hard at work for Florida families. The following are links to just some of the great things Governor Scott has accomplished recently. We encourage the Times to take a moment to be reminded of these big wins for Florida families. In addition to these accomplishments, Governor Scott also recently announced that he will be visiting Israel this month to attend the grand opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

Gov. Scott: Department of State to Hire Additional Cybersecurity Specialists

Gov. Scott to Secretary of State Pompeo: Focus on Latin America

Gov. Scott to Travel to Puerto Rico Next Week

Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created More Than One and a Half Million Jobs Since December 2010

GOV. SCOTT: LOW TAX OPPORTUNITY ZONES IN EVERY COUNTY WILL KEEP FLORIDA’S BOOMING ECONOMY GROWING

GOV. SCOTT: AGREEMENT WITH SEMINOLE TRIBE ENSURES CONTINUED INVESTMENTS FOR FLORIDA FAMILIES 

Gov. Scott: State Funding Accelerates Critical Repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike 

Gov. Scott: Greenway Health Expands Tampa Headquarters Adding More than 100 Jobs 

Gov. Scott: United Technologies Creates 480 Jobs in Palm Beach County, Opens New UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings 

Gov. Scott: Florida Students Lead the Nation in Reading and Mathematics 

Additionally, the Times mentioned several issues in its most recent story without including comment from the Governor’s Office – even though our office has provided comment on several occasions. This unbalanced approach is unfortunate and warrants a reminder on these topics:

ON MENTAL HEALTH BACKGROUND SCREENINGS…

“During the 2018 Legislative Session, and following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Scott fought tirelessly to develop a comprehensive plan of action so this never happens again. The Governor’s major action plan, which led to the passage of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (SB 7026) addressed three critical issues: making our schools safer, giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and those seeking to harm themselves or others, and providing key funding for mental health services in Florida’s communities.

“The Clerks of Court in Florida are locally elected and Governor Scott expects them to prioritize their resources to resolve this issue as required by state law. FDLE will continue to identify additional grants and resources to provide even more assistance to the clerks as the Department works to keep Floridians safe.” – McKinley Lewis, Governor Scott’s Press Office

ON DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE PERSONNEL MOVES…

“The Governor’s Office has absolutely no involvement in the hiring, or firing, of these individuals. The Department of Revenue makes personnel decisions for their agency. It’s no surprise that a state agency would seek to hire highly qualified individuals with experience in state policy and state budget development and experience working with the Florida Legislature.” – McKinley Lewis, Governor Scott’s Press Office 

ON FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FUNDING…

“Over the past three years, more than $124 million has been invested in the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) to provide pay increases to recruit and retain correctional officers, improve facilities and fleet, better serve inmates with medical and mental health needs and expand reentry programming. This year, in his Securing Florida’s Future recommended budget, Governor Scott sought to build on these investments with a nearly $169 million increase in funding for FDC.

“The annual budget the Florida Legislature passed this year was lower than the Governor’s recommended budget which has resulted in these temporary funding shortfalls. Governor Scott is confident that Secretary Jones will work with her stakeholders, and members of the legislature, to ensure that this issue is temporary, resolved quickly and handled appropriately. Safety and security remain the Department’s top priority.” – McKinley Lewis, Governor Scott’s Press Office

Additionally, the Governor’s Office confirmed to the Times that Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera personally advocated for this issue to the legislature in meetings with members. He also visited the Senate Chamber.

FROM AHCA ON MEDICAID RETROACTIVE ELIGIBILITY…

“Florida continues to focus on quickly enrolling Florida’s most vulnerable people including children, frail elders, those with disabilities and pregnant women. By enrolling individuals quickly, you ensure better-coordinated fully integrated care, as well as access to preventative services.

“It is categorically false to assert that this change impacts the care of children, seniors or vulnerable Floridians. Claims that patient care and services will be jeopardized are false. Florida’s Medicaid program is operating at the highest level of quality care in its history.”– Mallory McManus, AHCA Communications Director

Gov. Scott Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony in The Villages

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Governor Rick Scott today attended a groundbreaking ceremony in The Villages to kick off construction of the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood, as well as the Brownwood Hotel and Spa.

Governor Scott said, “It was great to celebrate a project that will create jobs and serve the 120,000 residents of The Villages. The Villages is a prime example of our state’s economic success. Florida has created more than 1.5 million jobs since December 2010 because of projects like the one we celebrated today.”

Gov. Scott Attends Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Memorial Service

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Governor Rick Scott today attended the annual Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor the officers who have died in the line of duty in Hillsborough County. At the ceremony, Gov. Scott emphasized the importance of supporting and thanking our law enforcement officers.

Governor Scott said, “I was proud to honor our law enforcement heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep others safe today. It’s important for us to honor their service, support their families and respect their legacies. Florida stands strongly behind those who serve.”