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Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce 2018 Black History Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners

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Student Essay Winners Receive a Four-Year Florida
College Plan from Florida Prepaid College Foundation

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today announced the 2018 Black History Month student contest winners and Excellence in Education award recipients. This year’s theme was “A Celebration of Innovative African-American Leaders”and the winners were honored last night during the annual Black History Month awards ceremony at the Florida Governor’s Mansion. Black History Month is celebrated every year in Florida during the month of February.

Governor Scott said, “My wife, Ann, and I are honored to celebrate the 2018 Black History Month student and educator contest winners.  It’s great to recognize the hard work of these Florida students and educators and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout our history.”

First Lady Ann Scott said, “It’s an honor to recognize this year’s Black History Month contest winners and thank all of the outstanding students who participated across the state. It is wonderful to see students taking advantage of this opportunity to earn a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship while learning about Florida’s innovative African-American leaders.”

Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus said, “It was a pleasure joining the Governor and First Lady tonight to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of Florida students and teachers. We are so thankful to all our sponsors who made this important event possible—especially the Florida Prepaid College Foundation which provided three, four-year college scholarships to our essay contest winners.”

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “It is an honor to join Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott in celebrating Black History Month. I applaud these students and educators for the exceptional way in which they recognized the countless African-Americans who have and continue to contribute greatly to our state and nation.”

The 2018 Florida Black History Month theme was “A Celebration of Innovative African American Leaders.”

Award recipients are as follows:

Governor Scott and First Lady Ann Scott honored three outstanding educators with the Excellence in Education Award. These individuals were nominated by students and peers.

Excellence in Education Award winners:

  • Hubert Emile, Wicklow Elementary School in Seminole County.
  • Billy White, Cornerstone Charter Academy in Orange County.
  • Khalifa Stanford, I-Tech Thomas Edison Educational Center in Miami-Dade County.

The following student essay contest winners – one elementary, one middle, and one high school student – earned a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.  

Essay winners:

  • Maiya Bowers, 5th Grade, Florida Virtual Schools in Walton County.
  • Bianca Casher, 8th Grade, Miami Lakes Middle School in Miami-Dade County.
  • Raphael Brosula, 11th Grade, Strawberry Crest High School in Hillsborough County.

Student art contest winners:

  • Kana Reynolds, 1st Grade, Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in Broward County, for artwork entitled “Mary McLeod Bethune Opens Doors for Learning.”
  • Raheed Garner, 2nd Grade, JD Parker Elementary in Martin County for artwork entitled “Martin’s Big Words.”
  • Honorable mentions:
    • Julian Bowie, 1st Grade, Central Riverside Elementary School in Duval County, for artwork entitled “A Celebration of Innovative African American Leaders.”
    • Kevin Guo, 3rd Grade, Equestrian Trails Elementary School in Broward County, for artwork entitled “Peace on Earth.”

Volunteer Florida also recognized Champion of Service award winner Jordan Griffin, a Tallahassee Community College student who currently serves as president of the Black Male Achievers Program at TCC.

The Black History Month reception and awards are supported by Volunteer Florida, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and more.

Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created More Than 25,000 Private-Sector Jobs in February

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Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses created more than 25,000 private-sector jobs in February. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created nearly 1.5 million jobs. Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.2 percent continues to exceed the nation’s rate of 1.8 percent. Florida’s annual job growth rate has exceeded the nation’s rate for 70 of the past 71 months. The only month that Florida did not exceed the nation was a result of Hurricane Irma. Governor Scott made the announcement at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new development project in downtown Ocala, which will include a new Hilton Garden Inn, apartment complex and restaurants. This project will also create more than 280 jobs for Ocala families and help bring more visitors to Central Florida.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida businesses created more than 25,000 new jobs last month, which means thousands of more opportunities are available for Floridians. Earlier this month, we concluded the 2018 legislative session by securing major initiatives that will help ensure this economic growth continues in Florida for years to come. This includes cutting taxes by nearly $550 million and ensuring Floridians have the opportunity to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes with a constitutional amendment on the November ballot. I am proud of the work we have done to encourage job growth, and we will not stop working until Florida is the best place in the nation to succeed.”

As of February, Florida’s unemployment rate remains low at 3.9 percent, a drop of 6.9 percentage points since December 2010. This drop is faster than the national decline of 5.2 percentage points. In the last year, 136,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 1.4 percent, which is greater than the national labor force growth rate of 1.2 percent, and shows more Floridians are looking for and finding jobs across the state.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “We are proud that businesses are continuing to create jobs in Florida, and that our state’s unemployment rate remains low at 3.9 percent. The nearly 1.5 million jobs created under Governor Scott’s leadership demonstrate that the Sunshine State is the best place to live the American Dream.”

Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
    • Professional and business services with 46,900 new jobs;
    • Construction with 31,700 new jobs;
    • Leisure and hospitality with 25,600 new jobs;
    • Education and health services with 18,500 new jobs; and
    • Financial activities with 15,300 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 250,145 openings in February 2018.

To view the February 2018 employment data, click here.

Gov. Scott Highlights Funding for Florida Military, Veterans and Families at K9s for Warriors

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Governor Rick Scott visited K9s for Warriors in Ponte Vedra to highlight $180 million in total funding to support Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future Budget. K9s for Warriors is a nonprofit organization that works to help military members and veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other traumas transition to civilian life with the support of professionally-trained service dogs.

Governor Scott said, “I’m honored to meet some of our nation’s heroes and the great team at K9s for Warriors who work incredibly hard to support those who serve. As a Navy veteran and Governor of the most military-friendly state in the nation, I can appreciate the service of members of our Armed Forces and their families. We will never stop working to support them.”

Last week, Governor Scott signed the Securing Florida’s Future budget which invests $180 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families. This includes:

  • More than $17 million for Florida’s military presence and families, which funds the state’s support of military research and development;
  • Nearly $2.5 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home;
  • $1 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
  • $250,000 for K9s for Warriors to support the training of additional service dogs to continue its great work helping our nation’s heroes.

CFO Jimmy Patronis’ Statement on Gov. Rick Scott Signing the Credit Report Freeze Fee Bill

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement regarding Gov. Rick Scott today signing one of his top priorities, House Bill 953, eliminating the fee imposed on Floridians to freeze their credit.

“Thank you to Gov. Rick Scott for signing one of my top legislative priorities that helps Floridians protect themselves against criminals who aim to steal their identity and compromise their credit. With data breaches like the one at Equifax continuing to happen, 16.7 million consumers impacted by identity fraud in the United States and more than $16 billion stolen from accounts last year, Floridians need to be empowered to easily protect themselves from fraud. With Gov. Scott’s signature, Floridians will no longer have to jump through hoops just to freeze their credit.

“Thank you to Rep. Shawn Harrison, Sen. Jeffrey Brandes, and Commissioner Adam Putnam for their support of this good bill.”

Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Support Israel and Highlights Security Funding for Jewish Day Schools

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Governor Rick Scott signed HB 545, a bill that prohibits state agencies and local governments from contracting with companies that are boycotting Israel.

Governor Scott said, “In December, I led a trade mission to continue to build Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. I applaud the Legislature for passing HB 545, and this bill shows the world that Florida will not do business with those that boycott Israel. I’m also proud to highlight this year’s Securing Florida’s Future budget which includes a $2 million investment in Jewish Day Schools. Every student deserves to be able to learn in a safe environment and we will continue to do all we can to keep our students safe.”

Governor Scott also highlighted the $2 million investment in security funding for Jewish Day Schools included in the Securing Florida’s Future budget. Funding will be used to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.  Last year, Governor Scott approved more than $650,000 for security at Jewish Day Schools.

Throughout the Governor’s time in office he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and support for Israel. In 2011, Governor’s led a trade mission to Israel which ultimately established the successful Florida-Israel Memorandum of Understanding Agreement between Space Florida and Israel, to support research, development, and aerospace and technology projects. In 2016, Governor Scott signed legislation which prohibits the State Board of Administration from investing in companies that boycott Israel. Governor Scott also supported the U.S. Embassy moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In December, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida business and education leaders on another trade mission to Israel. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $283 million a year.

Gov. Scott: IRONMAN Expansion to Create 70 New Jobs at Tampa Headquarters

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that IRONMAN, a global endurance sports brand, will be expanding its Tampa headquarters and creating 70 new jobs. The company currently employs more than 160 Floridians. The new positions will include a variety of positions including sales, marketing, human resources, operations, finance and information technology. Governor Scott also recognized the company with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award during the Enterprise Florida board meeting in West Palm Beach last week.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that IRONMAN will be expanding their headquarters to create 70 new jobs in Tampa Bay. Our work to cut more than $10 billion in taxes since 2011 has helped encourage global businesses like IRONMAN to continue investing in our state, which means more opportunities are available for our families. It was great to recognize IRONMAN with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for their commitment to creating jobs in Florida and I look forward to their continued success.”

Andrew Messick, president and chief executive officer of IRONMAN, said, “Since 1989 IRONMAN has had its headquarters in Florida, and we have found a great home here in Tampa over the last 10 years. We are proud of the growth IRONMAN has seen in our time here and we are enthusiastic about collaborating with local partners to continue that growth while showcasing the backdrop and amenities the Tampa Bay area has provided to us and our employees. Add in an accessible airport with national and international flight options and it is easy to see why Tampa is an ideal location for a global headquarters.”

Beginning as a single triathlon, IRONMAN is now celebrating its 40th anniversary and has grown to offer more than 250 events across 53 countries, including triathlons as well as running, cycling and mountain biking events. IRONMAN World Headquarters will also lease an additional 10,000 square feet in Tampa at the Lakeside office complex.

The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. IRONMAN joins a growing number of corporate headquarters that have recently chosen to expand operations in Tampa and Hillsborough County, including Beneficial Blends, BlueGrace Logistics, Nitro, ReliaQuest, and Sunview Software.

Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., said, “Enterprise Florida’s Board of Directors are proud to be part of this fantastic announcement. Florida’s great weather and business friendly environment are two of the many reasons Florida is the best place for IRONMAN’s headquarters.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “We are proud that IRONMAN chose Florida to expand and headquarter in Florida. This will grow jobs for Florida’s hardworking families and strengthen the Tampa Bay area.”

Commissioner Sandy Murman, chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners said, “IRONMAN’s expansion is another great business success story for Hillsborough County. We are committed to supporting IRONMAN’s growth and appreciate the jobs they are creating and their continued investment in our community.”

Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa, said, “We’re proud to have IRONMAN among Tampa’s corporate headquarters and excited to see them expanding in our market. Tampa’s pro-business environment, active lifestyle, and culture of innovation will make it easy for IRONMAN to attract the top international talent they need to keep growing.”

Alan F. List, MD, chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center, said, “IRONMAN is another prime example of a locally headquartered company with a global reputation whose success is helping to shape Tampa’s economic future. The strength and diversity of our corporate headquarters are attracting more world-class companies and talent to Hillsborough County each year.”

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the IRONMAN job site for more information about available positions.

About IRONMAN
A Wanda Sports Holdings company, IRONMAN operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, Iron Girl®, IRONKIDS®, International Triathlon Union World Triathlon Series races, road cycling events including the UCI Velothon® Series, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, premier marathons including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, and other multisport races. IRONMAN’s events, together with all other Wanda Sports Holdings events, provide more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. The iconic IRONMAN® Series of events is the largest participation sports platform in the world. Since the inception of the IRONMAN® brand in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines at the world’s most challenging endurance races. Beginning as a single race, IRONMAN has grown to become a global sensation with more than 200 events across 50 countries. For more information, visit ironman.com.

Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.  Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Shared Services, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, and Manufacturing. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.

Hillsborough County, Florida is the commercial and industrial heart of Tampa Bay. The fourth largest county in the state of Florida, Hillsborough is home to over 1.3 million residents, with thousands more arriving each year. Its strength is drawn from being one of the most advanced economies and having one of the most educated workforces in the state. Hillsborough County and its three municipalities –Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace – offer a competitive business environment and an abundance of regional assets including Port Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport, and MacDill Air Force Base. County government is focused on creating economic prosperity for residents and businesses throughout the area.

Gov. Scott Highlights Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

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Governor Rick Scott today highlighted efforts to fight human trafficking in the Securing Florida’s Future budget, including $6.2 million in new funding for the Expansion of Human Trafficking Services by expanding in-home treatment through community wraparound service teams, specialized therapeutic foster care and emergency services. Since 2013, Governor Scott has invested more than $45 million specifically for combatting human trafficking in Florida.

Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to highlight this year’s funding that will help fight against the evil of human trafficking in Florida. This $6.2 million will give victims the ability to receive the help, protection and care that they need. We will continue to do all we can to keep our communities safe and ensure everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams in Florida.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for standing up for victims of human trafficking and supporting our efforts to end this horrific crime in Florida. Just yesterday, my office secured 25 year prison sentences for two monsters trafficking drugs and women in central Florida, and with the continued support of Governor Scott, law enforcement and our legislative leaders we will make Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking.”

The following programs and projects that support human trafficking survivors will receive funding:

  • Devereux – $500,000
  • Redefining Refuge – $500,000
  • Camillus House – $350,000
  • The Porch Light – $200,000
  • Citrus Health Network – $400,000
  • Nancy J. Cotterman Center – $100,000
  • Voices of Florida: Open Doors Outreach Network – $1,800,000
  • Bridging Freedom – $1,200,000
  • Selah Freedom – $1,150,000

Gov. Scott: Florida Sets Another Tourism Record in 2017

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116.5 million visitors came to Florida in 2017

Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida set another tourism record in 2017 by welcoming the highest number of visitors in any year in the state’s history with 116.5 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 3.6 percent increase over the 112.4 million visitors in 2016.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has continued our record-breaking success by welcoming more than 116 million visitors in 2017. Because of VISIT FLORIDA’s aggressive marketing efforts to make sure families across the world knew that Florida was open to visitors following Hurricane Irma, we are able to celebrate another record-breaking year for tourism. This is especially great news for the 1.4 million jobs that rely on our growing tourism industry. We will continue to market our state as the number one global destination for tourism.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 116.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in 2017, an increase of 3.6 percent over last year. This number breaks down to 102.3 million domestic visitors, 10.7 million overseas visitors and 3.5 million Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in 2017 increased 4.1 percent over the same period the previous year, with 87.2 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during 2017 grew by 4.6 percent compared to quarter four 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 2.6 percent and occupancy by 3.2 percent.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Florida welcomed a record 116.5 million visitors in 2017, which is great news for our state. Because of the cutting-edge marketing programs at VISIT FLORIDA, particularly following Hurricane Irma, we were able to increase total visitation by 3.6 percent over last year, resulting in billions of dollars in revenue for the state. We are continuing to aggressively market the Sunshine State to the rest of the country and the rest of the world.”

Maryann Ferenc, Board Chair of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “I would like to offer gratitude to the Governor and the Legislature for funding VISIT FLORIDA, the VISIT FLORIDA team for their successful efforts, the tourism industry for creating a Florida that people want to visit and residents for creating the real welcome. Alignment at the local, state and national level have created prosperity in Florida!”

Carol Dover, President and CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), said, “Given all the Sunshine State has to offer as a vacation destination, it comes as no surprise that each year, Florida continues to attract visitors in record numbers, however this welcomed outcome is incredible considering the tough year our state has faced in the wake of Hurricane Irma and validates the state’s sound investment in tourism marketing. FRLA salutes the diligent efforts of VISIT FLORIDA, as well as our hospitality industry partners, who work in concert to ensure Florida remains competitive as a leading global destination. Visitors are not only enjoying our hotels and restaurants, they’re simultaneously boosting state and local revenues, and supporting 1.4 million industry jobs across the state.”

Florida set another record despite losing 1.8 million visitors due to Hurricane Irma, according to a recent report commissioned by VISIT FLORIDA. The impact report of Hurricane Irma shows that it cost the state 1.8 million visitors. An estimated 34.9 million out-of-state visitors came to Florida in the final four months of 2017. In the “no hurricane” model, Florida would have hosted 36.7 million visitors during that same time period. Additionally, Irma resulted in a loss of $1.5 billion in visitor spending, with $1.1 billion attributable to domestic visitors and $400 million for international visitors. Visitation was hit hardest in September, with visitation falling 13.5 percent relative to anticipated growth. However, losses were drastically reduced by October, and even more so in the following months. VISIT FLORIDA’s Post-Irma Marketing Campaign helped curb the effects of Irma on visitation, with an estimated 358 million impressions in the month following Irma.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 28.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 5.5 percent over the same period last year. This Q4 number breaks down to 25.0 million domestic visitors, 2.8 million overseas visitors and 705,000 Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q4 2017 increased 6.7 percent over the same period the previous year, with 21.7 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter four of 2017 grew by 8.1 percent compared to quarter four 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 5.4 percent and occupancy by 7.0 percent.

To view the full Hurricane Irma Impact Report, click HERE.

To view additional Florida visitor data, click HERE.

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

Gov. Scott Signs Legislation and Highlights $65 Million in Funding to Fight National Opioid Epidemic in Florida

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Governor Rick Scott today hosted a bill signing at the Boca Raton Police Department for HB 21, which was proposed by Governor Scott to combat opioid abuse. This bill will help limit the chance of drug addiction, reduce the ability for dangerous drugs to spread in Florida’s communities and give vulnerable Floridians the support they need. The Governor also highlighted the more than $65 million in the Securing Florida’s Future budget to help combat the national opioid epidemic in Florida.

The more than $65 million to support Florida’s fight against opioids in the Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:

  • $14.6 million for enhancements to the substance abuse system of care. This funding will provide additional residential treatment beds, outpatient treatment and case management, emergency room treatment and follow up, peer recovery support services and targeted outreach for pregnant women with substance abuse disorders;
  • $5 million for Naloxone for first responders;
  • $27 million in federal funding from the Opioid State Targeted Response Grant;
  • $1.2 million to enhance the Prescription Drug Monitoring System;
  • $16.5 million for Department of Children and Families, State Courts and Department of Corrections for Medication Assisted Treatment related to opioid addiction; and
  • More than $885,000 for handheld narcotic analyzers for the Florida Highway Patrol to keep officers in the field safe.

HB 21 continues Florida’s fight against opioids by:

  • Placing a three-day limit on prescribed opioids for acute pain, unless strict conditions are met for a seven-day supply;
  • Requiring healthcare prescribers or dispensers of opioids to consult the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, a statewide database that monitors controlled substance prescriptions, to review a patient’s medication history prior to prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance;
  • Requiring continuing education courses for healthcare practitioners on responsibly prescribing opioids;
  • Increasing penalties for healthcare practitioners that provide medically unnecessary controlled substance to a patient by fraud, misrepresentation, or other deception; and
  • Implementing additional reforms to fight unlicensed pain management clinics.

Floridians for Reproductive Freedom reacts to Gov. Scott’s signing of bill to permanently fund fake clinics that endanger women’s health

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Floridians for Reproductive Freedom today denounced Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders after Scott signed House Bill 41, which legitimizes and permanently funds with taxpayer dollars fake clinics that use medically inaccurate information to oppose abortion and judge, shame, and mislead women. HB 41 intentionally restricts women’s access to health care services by funneling public funds to providers that “exclusively promote and support childbirth,” while cutting out qualified medical providers who offer the full range of family planning services including birth control and abortion care.

“With this bill, Gov. Scott and his legislative allies are putting politics over women’s health,” said Amy Weintraub, Reproductive Rights Program Director for Progress Florida. “Under no circumstances should taxpayers be forced to pay for these fake clinics that operate with virtually no oversight and judge, shame, and mislead women.”

These clinics use deceptive and manipulative practices to stop women from having access to the full range of reproductive care – particularly birth control and abortion. To confuse women, they use deceptive practices such as intentionally placing advertisements under the “abortion services” heading of phone and Internet directories and choosing names that are similar to clinics that offer abortion services.

“These fake women’s health centers advertise free pregnancy testing and pregnancy-options education, but they oppose abortion and contraception and intentionally try to trick women,” said Annie Jae Filkowski of St. Petersburg, who experienced one of these fake clinics firsthand as a 16-year-old seeking a pregnancy test. “I struggle to understand how a legitimate health care provider could operate like this.”

In recent years, Gov. Scott and Florida lawmakers have repeatedly attacked women’s access to reproductive health care, in particular targeting access to abortion. One of these avenues of attack has been the funding of these fake women’s health centers with taxpayer dollars.

“To be clear, these fake clinics peddle falsehoods that have been repeatedly discredited by extensive scientific research and the country’s most prominent medical associations,” said Dr. Nicole Fanarjian, a Sarasota-based obstetrician and gynecologist. “And they undermine a woman’s dignity by attempting to shame and pressure her and take away her ability to make her own decisions.”

“By signing this bill, Gov. Scott is demonstrating a total disregard for the truth, undermining a woman’s right to make her own informed medical decisions and denying her the respect and dignity she deserves,” said Laura Goodhue, Executive Director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. “When a woman has decided to seek birth control or an abortion, or to discuss her reproductive health options, she deserves access to a qualified medical provider she can trust to provide her with a full range of options and services without an agenda, judgment or deception.”

Earlier this month, 13 members of the Floridians for Reproductive Freedom Coalition sent Gov. Scott a letter urging him to veto HB 41. The groups included Equality Florida, Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, Florida Interfaith Coalition for Reproductive Health, League of Women Voters of Florida, National Council of Jewish Women, Organize Florida, Pro-Choice Coalition of Broward County, Progress Florida, Broward County National Organization for Women, Broward Women’s Emergency Fund, Inc, Florida National Organization for Women, Space Coast Progressive Alliance and the National Abortion Federation.

 

Image source: Progress Florida