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Governor Rick Scott

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

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

Gov. Scott said, “Our law enforcement officers leave their families and go to work every day to protect others. We truly cannot thank these men and women enough for the life-saving work they do to protect the families in our state. We will never forget the sacrifice of all those brave men and women who have died in the line of duty.”

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

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, May 9th, Governor Rick Scott will attend 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.

WHAT: Law Enforcement Memorial Service

WHEN: 8:30 AM

WHERE: Malcolm E. Beard Sheriff’s Operations Center
2008 E. 8th Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605

Incoming Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson Sets the Record Straight

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In letter to federal government, AHCA’s false claims belie the facts

Incoming Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) on Friday called on Governor Rick Scott’s Agency for Health Care Administration to immediately retract its misleading claims that no legislative objections or concerns were raised over its plan to gut a critical safeguard protecting Florida’s seniors and families facing catastrophic health care emergencies.

“AHCA omitted key facts in its letter to the federal government seeking to amend its Medicaid waiver, promoting the move as an efficiency tool. In reality, despite both opposition and concern raised by myself and other Democrats, the main intent was to free up $38 million for general revenue, surrendering $60 million in federal matching dollars while saddling seniors, the disabled, and their families with massive medical debt.”

At issue is a waiver to the state’s Medicaid program sought by Scott’s Administration to eliminate “Medicaid retroactive eligibility,” which allows Medicaid to cover unpaid medical bills for up to 90-days from the date of application. Florida Medicaid only covers certain low income individuals: pregnant women, children, a limited number of parents who meet stringent income limits, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. While the waiver now being sought would continue the retroactive coverage of Medicaid-eligible pregnant women and children, seniors and the disabled – including veterans – would lose this extended period, and bear the heaviest financial consequences.

In its April 27, 2018 letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, AHCA’s Deputy Secretary for Medicaid claimed: “We are not aware of any concern or opposition raised by any member of either party regarding this provision during extensive budget debate.”

The record refuting that statement follows. During the March 9th, 2018 Senate floor debate on HB 5001, the General Appropriations Act, Democratic Senators Audrey Gibson, Jose Javier Rodriguez, Kevin Rader, and Victor Torres all expressed concerns and raised questions about the need for the cut.

“Contrary to AHCA’s alternative facts, Senate Democrats did raise both opposition and concerns during the budget debate on the Medicaid retroactive eligibility cuts. Attempting to sell this as a bi-partisan blessing on bad policy is an untruth.”

Gov. Scott to President Trump: U.S. Should Withdraw from Iran Deal

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Governor Rick Scott today sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing his support for the U.S. to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. The Governor has been extremely supportive of standing with the United States’ ally, Israel. Later this month, the Governor will attend the opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. See Governor Scott’s letter to President Trump below, or click HERE.

May 4, 2018

The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Trump:

Florida is home to a vibrant Jewish community and has the third largest Jewish population in the nation. I have had the opportunity to visit Israel twice as Governor to lead economic development missions with Florida business and education leaders, and later this month, I will travel to Israel as the United States officially opens its embassy in Jerusalem. Moving the embassy was very important to me and I appreciate the action you took to make it happen.

As Governor, I have worked aggressively to demonstrate Florida’s unwavering commitment and support for Israel. In Florida, we have continued to take action to stand firmly with Israel and our Jewish community by signing sweeping legislation to prohibit the state from investing in and contracting with companies that boycott Israel, and investing funds to secure our Jewish Day Schools after they faced continuous bomb threats.

However, the greatest issue that I believe impacts Israel at this moment is the reckless Iran deal spearheaded by President Obama. I have continued to be very vocal about the dangers of the Iran deal, and I believe we must withdraw and scrap it entirely. I do not believe this agreement can be fixed – we need a complete reset. The information presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week further confirms the urgent need to withdraw.

As you continue to review this topic, I urge you to withdraw immediately to ensure the safety of the United States, Israel and all of our allies. Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Rick Scott
Governor

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

Posted on

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

Gov. Scott said, “Our law enforcement officers leave their families and go to work every day to protect others. We truly cannot thank these men and women enough for the life-saving work they do to protect the families in our state. We will never forget the sacrifice of all those brave men and women who have died in the line of duty.”

Gov. Scott to Attend Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Memorial Service

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, May 4th, Governor Rick Scott will speak at the annual Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor the officers who have died in the line of duty in Pasco County.

WHAT: Law Enforcement Memorial Service

WHEN: 10:00 AM

WHERE: Dade City Historic Courthouse
37918 Meridian Ave.
Dade City, FL 33525

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

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that the Florida Department of State (DOS) is proactively hiring five cybersecurity specialists in advance of the 2018 elections to serve as a resource for election officials. DOS’ top priority is the security and integrity of Florida’s elections and voter information. Florida’s elections are supervised locally, and each supervisor of elections is in charge of the security of elections in their area.

Governor Scott said, “Fair, honest and accurate elections are critical to our democracy. Following a secure and successful election in 2016, Florida has been focused on continued election security efforts. We must be proactive in our efforts to preserve the security and integrity of our elections, which is why I directed the Department of State to invest in a team of cybersecurity specialists that will serve as a resource to all of our election officials.”

Secretary Ken Detzner said, “The Department and local election officials have taken significant steps to protect against the growing threat of cybercrime. The addition of five cybersecurity specialists will help us better anticipate and defend against potential cyber threats. I am proud of the proactive work my team is already doing and these specialists will offer an extra level of security that will benefit the nearly 13 million registered voters in Florida.”

The cybersecurity specialists will be hired as consultants for election officials, and will provide real-time guidance and expertise on cybersecurity issues. The cybersecurity specialists will be in addition to the DOS’ existing team of knowledgeable and highly capable Information Technology professionals who help ensure Department systems are secure.

“Florida is a leader among states when it comes to cybersecurity for elections,” said Matt Masterson, Senior Cybersecurity Advisory with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “The State and the Supervisors of Elections have taken key steps to ensure the security and resilience of elections in Florida. DHS is fully committed to supporting their efforts by providing training, security assessments, and sharing information about potential threats in near real-time.”

Prior to the 2016 election, DOS upgraded to state-of-the-art hardware, software and firewalls to safeguard voter information in the Florida Voter Registration System (FVRS) and prevent any possible hacking attempts from being successful. DOS’ efforts are working as the FVRS remains secure. DOS is also enhancing the security of the Florida Election Watch website to ensure there is no disruption in election night reporting of results as well as strengthening protections of Florida’s online voter registration website.

DOS has also been working diligently with Supervisors of Elections to help Florida counties modernize their voting systems. More than two-thirds of Florida counties have completed a voting equipment modernization and the majority of the remaining counties are in the process of completing a modernization or upgrade.

During the 2018 Legislative Session, DOS received $1.9 million in funding to provide grants to Supervisors of Elections for the purchase of a Network Monitoring Security solution, called ALBERT, that is offered through the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). MS-ISAC identifies and shares information about potential threats with states and assists with the 24-7 monitoring of state networks for suspicious activity. ALBERT will provide automated alerts about system threats that will allow counties to respond quickly when data may be at risk. Several Supervisors of Elections have completed the process to get ALBERT online in their county, and many others have initiated the process.

“Supervisors of Elections in Florida are taking advantage of the cybersecurity resources being made available to us through our state, federal, and non-governmental partners,” said David Stafford, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. “Supervisors are not only focused on cybersecurity but also on the physical security of our equipment and facilities. We are looking at elections security from every angle and are working diligently to be as prepared as possible for the 2018 election and beyond.”

DOS continues to work closely with DHS, MS-ISAC, as well as the Agency for State Technology, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida National Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on election security.

Gov. Scott: FEMA TSA extension will help Puerto Rico’s recovery

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Governor Rick Scott made the following statement today regarding FEMA extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program (TSA) for families who were displaced due to Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For more information click HERE.

Governor Scott said, “Florida has done everything possible to help our neighbors in Puerto Rico with their continued recovery from Hurricane Maria. Over the past seven months since Maria made landfall, we have remained in constant communication with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and his leadership team and I have made five trips to Puerto Rico to offer our full assistance and guidance. Florida remains the only state with a Host-State Agreement with FEMA to help families from Puerto Rico. I also recently spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long about our joint efforts to make sure we are doing everything possible to help those who evacuated here. This includes keeping the FEMA case managers I requested on the ground across our state to offer assistance. I’m glad to hear that FEMA is once again extending Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for the many families from Puerto Rico in the Sunshine State and we continue to stand ready to assist in any way possible.”

Action taken by Governor Scott following Hurricane Maria:

  • 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 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 regarding Hurricane Maria recovery.
  • 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 Paul Ryan urging them to support Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • 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 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 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.
  • On February 7th, Governor Scott announced a new partnership to connect families displaced by Hurricane Maria with jobs in Florida. See the announcement HERE.
  • On March 5th, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón and attend the Puerto Rico State of the State Address.
  • On April 18th, Governor Scott met with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón in Washington D.C. to discuss how Florida is working to help Puerto Rican evacuees in the state.
  • On April 18th, Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of keeping the FEMA case managers the Governor previously requested on the ground across the state.
  • On April 23rd, at the invitation of Puerto Rico Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Luis G. Rivera-Marin, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico for the fifth time since Hurricane Maria devastated the island to continue to offer guidance, advice and assistance regarding ongoing recovery efforts. Governor Scott met with emergency management officials, federal officials and Puerto Rican leaders. The Governor also visited with volunteer workers with the American Red Cross in Puerto Rico to thank them for their continued efforts.

Gov. Scott Directs DEO to Enhance Workforce Housing in the Florida Keys

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Governor Scott today directed the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to propose enhanced workforce housing in the Florida Keys as part of the continued efforts to recover from the tremendous impact Hurricane Irma had on the Keys. Hurricane Irma destroyed much of the housing that served the workforce population and the proposed Keys Workforce Housing Initiative will allow local governments to grant additional building permits for rental properties. This initiative will be presented to the Florida Cabinet at the next meeting.

Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma left a devastating impact on our state, especially in the Florida Keys and since the storm we have been working hard to rebuild even stronger than before. For business owners across the Keys, the availability of affordable workforce housing has been a challenge that was compounded by Hurricane Irma. The Keys Workforce Housing Initiative will provide much-needed access to workforce housing, allowing businesses the opportunity to grow while providing a plan to ensure Keys residents can evacuate safely before a storm.”

DEO is charged with reviewing local development decisions in the Florida Keys due to its legislative designation as an Area of Critical State Concern. State law requires that growth be limited in the Keys to ensure that residents can evacuate safely within 24 hours in advance of a hurricane. To meet the increased demand for workforce housing, the innovative Keys Workforce Housing Initiative will require new construction that participates to commit to evacuating renters in the 48-hour window of evacuation.

The initiative will allow up to 1,300 new building permits for workforce housing throughout the Florida Keys. Local governments that choose to participate in the initiative will work with DEO to amend their comprehensive plans to allow for additional building permits that meet these safety requirements.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of DEO, said, “As I have toured the damage from Hurricane Irma, the number one priority of business and community leaders is the need for more workforce housing. We are proud to provide an option to local governments that will help businesses have the talent they need to remain in the Keys and grow their companies. This solution will not only provide workforce housing for private-sector businesses but public servants, like law enforcement and teachers, as well. Our agency is committed to working with our partners in the Keys to provide ample workforce housing without compromising the safety of Floridians. We appreciate our partners at the Florida Division of Emergency Management for working with us to make sure Keys residents are still able to safely evacuate.”

Representative Holly Raschein said, “Hurricane Irma pushed the affordable housing problem in the Florida Keys to a critical state, decimating an already strained stock of housing for our workforce. I have discussed this concern with Governor Scott and the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) both in Tallahassee and during the Governor’s many visits to the Keys as he’s lead us through our recovery efforts. The plan Governor Scott has directed DEO to bring before Cabinet is a creative solution to the most pressing recovery challenge still facing the Florida Keys and I encourage all Cabinet members to support this proposal.”

Wes Maul, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said, “Our agency’s primary goal is the safety of Florida residents during disasters. The Keys Workforce Housing Initiative ensures the safety of tourists and residents of the Keys during major storms, while allowing critical economic development activities to continue. We appreciate DEO’s partnership in this endeavor.”