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Nursing home and assisted living facility associations support Governor Scott’s proposal that all facilities have emergency generators

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that the Florida Health Care Association, Florida Senior Living Association, LeadingAge Florida and the Florida Assisted Living Association have agreed to support the Governor’s rule to have emergency generators to power their air conditioning units during emergencies. These associations, which represent thousands of nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Florida, have worked with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) through the rule-making process and have agreed to drop their challenges against the agencies and work with their members to have emergency generators. Hundreds of nursing homes and ALFs in Florida have already agreed to follow the Governor’s rule and are working to install the necessary equipment. While the rule challenges against the currently proposed nursing home and assisted living facility generator rules have been dropped by all parties, these rules are still awaiting ratification by the Florida Legislature. The legislature must ratify these rules during the current legislative session.
Governor Scott said, “Following the tragic loss of life at the Hollywood Hills Rehabilitation Center last year, I immediately ordered our state agencies to require each nursing home and ALF in Florida to have emergency generators to keep their residents safe during a disaster. My goal throughout this process was to ensure that every facility in Florida can provide a safe environment for its residents. These rules accomplish this important goal by having generators and fuel supply resources at every nursing home and ALF in Florida. This is a big win for our state and makes Florida one of the first states in the nation to require emergency generators at nursing homes and ALFs. The bottom line is that we fought for residents and they will be safer because of these rules. I look forward to the legislature ratifying these life-saving rules.”
AHCA Secretary Justin Senior said, “We have put together a rule that we believe can help save lives. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are homes for some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations, and these rules are vital to ensuring patient safety. We are glad that the hard work of Governor Scott and stakeholders will establish standards that will keep Florida’s vulnerable populations safe.”
DOEA Secretary Bragg said, “When Florida families make the decision to place their loved ones in long-term care facilities, they expect that they will be safe and well cared for at all times. Since September, our Department has been working to ensure the safety and welfare of Floridians in assisted living facilities during periods of prolonged power outage. We are glad that all parties were able to come together and create procedures that will ensure protection for these populations.”
Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmett Reed said, “The health and well-being of our state’s frail elders is our members’ number one priority. Our association has worked with Governor Scott, AHCA and DOEA since September on how our members can implement these important life-saving rules. We are glad that all stakeholders were able to come to the table, work together and agree to lasting policy that will keep residents and patients safe in Florida.”
Gail Matillo, President of the Florida Senior Living Association said, “Throughout this process, we have remained supportive of the Governor’s original intent – to ensure vulnerable Floridians are kept safe during emergency situations. We believe these rules will benefit both Florida seniors and the communities invested in providing them with quality living environments.”
Shad Haston, Chief Executive Officer of Florida Assisted Living Association said, “Our assisted living facilities are implanted in communities all over the state and ensuring resident safety has been a key issue since the storm this fall. Governor Scott was able to bring key stakeholders together, and work through the rules ensuring that facilities large and small will be able to implement them.”
Steve Bahmer, President and CEO of LeadingAge Florida said, “Ensuring the safety of Florida’s seniors has always been the primary goal of LeadingAge Florida and our members, and we appreciated the Governor’s leadership on this as Hurricane Irma moved through our state. The state has stayed in close contact with our association during the course of this process, and we support the implementation of these rules to ensure that Florida’s seniors are safe.”
With this agreement AHCA and DOEA have filed notice of change to the permanent nursing home and assisted living facility generator rules. The notice of change can be found here for nursing homes and here for assisted living facilities.

Governor Scott Hosts Venezuela Roundtable

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Governor Rick Scott today hosted a roundtable event with leaders from the Venezuelan community to discuss the actions the state has taken against the Maduro regime.  Last year, Governor Scott and the State Board of Administration passed a resolution to ban state investments that would benefit Nicolas Maduro’s oppressive government. To build on these efforts, Governor Scott proposed legislation (SB 538 and HB 359) to strictly prohibit all state agencies from investing in any company that is doing business with the Maduro regime.

Governor Scott Issues Proclamation for Florida First Responder Appreciation Week

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Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation recognizing January 22-26 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week. To read Governor Scott’s proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is home to the world’s best first responders who never hesitate to keep others safe. Every day they dedicate their lives to protect and serve Florida families. That’s why I am proud to proclaim this week as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week. I encourage all Floridians to thank first responders for their service to their families and communities.” 
Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget proposes $5.3 billion in public safety, an increase of nearly $200 million over current year funding, and makes important investments to support Florida’s dedicated law enforcement officers. Some proposed public safety investments include:

  • $30 million for Florida’s state law enforcement agencies to use for additional pay raises to award Florida’s nearly 4,800 sworn state law enforcement officers;
  • $1.3 million to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for incident command vehicles and emergency ordinance disposal vehicles to strengthen counterterrorism and intelligence efforts;
  • $2 million to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement for a mobile command unit and other technologies that will provide law enforcement real-time information and communications, and will enable faster recovery efforts.

Also, Governor Scott recently announced his support for a proposal being considered by the Constitution Revision Commission to provide free tuition to the families of fallen first responders, state law enforcement officers and military members who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

  • The proposal provides 120 credit hours per family at a Florida state college, university or participating technical school.
  • If passed by the CRC, the proposal will be on the ballot in 2018 and would require approval of 60 percent of Florida voters.
  • The CRC proposal, P 49, was filed by Commissioner Emery Gainey and can be found HERE.

Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 30,000 Private-Sector Jobs in December

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida businesses created nearly 30,000 private-sector jobs in December. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,497,100 jobs, including nearly 205,000 jobs created in 2017. Florida’s annual job growth rate, which is 2.8 percent, also continues to exceed the nation’s rate, which is 1.6 percent. Governor Scott announced December jobs numbers at the PGA TOUR office in Ponte Vedra. The PGA TOUR has selected Ponte Vedra Beach as the location for its new global headquarters, which will create 300 new jobs for families in St. Johns County. The PGA TOUR currently employs 800 Floridians.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida businesses concluded 2017 by creating nearly 30,000 new jobs for families across the state in December. Our work to cut taxes, reduce regulation and encourage economic growth has sent a message across the country that Florida is where job creators and families should go to succeed. Florida had a great year of job creation in 2017 and we will fight each day to make sure our state remains the best place for new opportunities in 2018, and for years to come.”
As of December, Florida’s unemployment rate is at 3.7 percent, a drop of 7.0 percentage points since December 2010, faster than the national decline of 5.2 percentage points. In the last year, 185,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 1.9 percent, which is nearly four times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.5 percent.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida businesses had strong job growth in 2017, creating nearly 205,000 jobs for families throughout the state. It is important to continue to support Governor Scott’s pro-business priorities to ensure our state stays competitive and recruits new businesses.”
Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
    • Professional and business services with 47,200 new jobs;
    • Construction with 43,900 new jobs;
    • Trade, transportation and utilities with 33,600 new jobs;
    • Education and health services with 22,300 new jobs; and
    • Manufacturing with 16,200 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 265,244 openings in December 2017.
  • In December, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 18,828 Floridians, including 1,043 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the December 2017 employment data, click here.

Gov. Scott: ABC Home Medical Supply to Create 35 Jobs at New Corporate Headquarters in St. Lucie County

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that ABC Home Medical Supply, a national supplier of specialty medical supplies, has selected St. Lucie County as the location for their new corporate headquarters. While the company considered other states like California and Pennsylvania, they ultimately chose Florida as the location for the expansion, which will create 35 new jobs. ABC Home Medical Supply will be expanding at its newly leased 11,000 square foot facility and currently employs 65 Floridians.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that ABC Home Medical Supply has selected Florida as the best location to expand and create 35 new jobs in St. Lucie County. It is clear that our work to cut taxes and make Florida more business-friendly is helping our state outcompete high-tax states like California and Pennsylvania for these important jobs wins. We will continue to do all we can to encourage job creators like ABC Home Medical Supply to invest in Florida and create new opportunities for our families.”
Keith W. Jones, president and CEO of ABC Home Medical Supply, Inc. (ABC), said, “We looked at our locations in California and Pennsylvania, but none provided the support or opportunity to continue our growth expansion as did St. Lucie County. We reached out to the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) for help and they understood our needs – how and where we wanted to grow. Very frankly, we just didn’t get that kind of support elsewhere. It was a prime factor in our decision making. We plan on accomplishing this goal by continuing to provide legendary service to our customers, and execute on our mission – ‘To Do Well by Doing Good.’”
Pete Tesch, president of the EDC, said, “Having ABC Medical relocate their corporate offices here is a bellwether of St. Lucie County’s competiveness in the national market place. Our business climate is one of growth and opportunity, with a talented workforce attractive to professional services operations. We’re very pleased ABC Medical chose St. Lucie County. Their business stimulates our economy and helps demonstrate nationally that St. Lucie County is a prime location for professional services.”

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ABC Medical is a national leader in providing urological, ostomy, wound care and bowel management supplies, delivered directly to customers’ homes. ABC Medical is a “Different Kind of DME”, offering an unmatched combination of personalized service, quality medical supplies, education and outreach to its customers. ABC stands for Adapt.Believe.Compete., representing the Company’s mission of providing its customers unparalleled support to adapt to their situation, believe in themselves and compete every day.  To learn more call 866-897-8588 or visit abc-med.com.
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 through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, Inc. is a public/private 501(C) 6 corporation established to attract new business, support expansion and retention of existing businesses, and advance community and economic development in St. Lucie County. The goal of the EDC is to develop high-wage, high-skill jobs in our community.

Gov. Scott Announces $1 Million Investment to Connect Hurricane Maria Evacuees with Jobs

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Also Announces FEMA Case Management Agreement and Housing Information Request

Governor Rick Scott joined a town hall in Kissimmee with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló and announced the following:

  • A $1 million investment in 12 of Florida’s local workforce development boards to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria seeking employment;
  • Following Governor Scott’s request to the federal government, FEMA will now provide case management services for families displaced by Hurricane Maria now in Florida; and
  • At the Governor’s direction, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today sent letters to local housing authority officials and community leaders to identify local and federal resources so there is better coordination in the joint local, state and federal response to housing needs for Puerto Rican families in Florida. See one of the letters HERE.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I was proud to attend a town hall with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló and announce a $1 million investment for 12 of Florida’s local workforce development boards to continue to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria seeking employment. To date, the CareerSource Florida network helped more than 7,600 Puerto Ricans find jobs in Florida and this investment will connect even more individuals with great jobs. I was also proud to announce today that following my request, FEMA has agreed to provide case management services to Puerto Rican families in Florida. These services will assist families on an individual basis with planning for their recovery needs.
“Finally, today, at my direction, DEO sent letters to local housing authority officials and community leaders to help identify resources and to help assist in coordinating a joint local, state and federal response to housing needs for families displaced by Hurricane Maria. We look forward to receiving this information and continuing this important work with our local and federal partners to find housing solutions. Florida is the most welcoming state in the nation and we will continue to do everything possible to help the Puerto Rican families recovering from Hurricane Maria in our state.”
Executive Director of DEO Cissy Proctor said, “The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and our partners continue to work diligently with communities across the state to provide assistance to displaced Puerto Rican jobseekers and families. We are currently assessing housing and employment services so that we can better meet the needs of those who came to Florida for help after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.”
CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard said, “The CareerSource Florida network is a resource for all Floridians seeking new or better careers, and we are here to help make those connections for Hurricane Maria survivors looking to begin new lives. Our network of dedicated workforce professionals continues to work tirelessly to assist Floridians and businesses recovering from Hurricane Irma, new arrivals fleeing the devastation of Hurricane Maria, and any individual who needs employment assistance.”
Representative Bob Cortes said, “I’d like to thank Governor Scott and our many partners across the state for their continued efforts to support Puerto Rican evacuees coming to Florida and still working to rebuild months after Hurricane Maria. I’ve seen the devastation on the island first-hand and heard directly from evacuees in communities across the state. Many of these families lost everything, and finding job opportunities is a huge step forward in rebuilding their lives. The best assistance for any family going through a tough economic time is a job for the parents. Our Florida model should serve as an example for the entire country.”
Representative Rene Plasencia said, “As fellow Americans, and now fellow Floridians, our priority is connecting displaced Puerto Ricans with every resource they need to thrive in our state. With this additional funding, CareerSource will have the capacity to help hundreds of more families. We will continue to work with Governor Scott and our federal, state and local partners to address the needs of Puerto Rican evacuees to ensure full recovery for every family.”
Representative David Santiago said, “I’m proud to join Governor Scott and leaders across the state standing united for Puerto Rico and the full recovery of its families following Hurricane Maria. With over 254,000 job openings across the state, Florida is full of opportunities for evacuees to find a job to help support their families.”
The funds, allocated by CareerSource Florida and distributed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, are designated for employment services to assist evacuees in the five counties served by CareerSource Central Florida: Orange, Osceola, Lake, Sumter and Seminole counties. CareerSource North Central Florida, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, CareerSource Flagler Volusia, CareerSource Brevard, CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Pinellas, CareerSource Research Coast, CareerSource Palm Beach County, CareerSource Broward, CareerSource South Florida and CareerSource Southwest Florida also received funds to provide career assistance to evacuees. More than 7,600 individuals displaced by Hurricane Maria have sought services through the CareerSource Florida network’s local career centers thus far, primarily in the Orlando area, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
The types of services for individuals displaced by Hurricane Maria that will be provided by the 12 local workforce development boards through this additional funding may include some or all of the following:

    • Individual career consulting services
    • The creation of a Specialized Job Development Team
    • Extended hours at our Career Services Centers
    • Increase access to English for Speakers of Other Language services
    • Hiring events
    • Increased partnerships with community-based organizations
    • Surveys to assess employment needs
    • Social media and/or direct email and/or texting and/or paid outreach

Governor Scott’s announcement follows two recent roundtables to discuss Puerto Rico relief efforts held in Doral and Orlando. CareerSource Central Florida and CareerSource South Florida are providing employment services at Multi-Agency Resource Centers in the Orlando area and Miami International Airport to Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria. Several local workforce development boards have held recruiting fairs and workshops to assist Floridians and others impacted by Irma and Maria. For additional information about employment opportunities, please visit employflorida.com, available in English and Spanish.

Florida Leaders Applaud Governor Scott’s Fight to Protect Florida’s Coastline

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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

This week, following Governor Rick Scott’s meeting with United States Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the Department of the Interior announced that Florida’s coastline has been removed from consideration for future oil drilling. Last week, Governor Scott requested to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss his concerns with the federal oil drilling plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. Here’s what Florida leaders are saying:
Mayor of Tampa Bob Buckhorn said, “Protecting Florida’s world class beaches that help bring in millions of visitors every year is not a partisan issue. It is an issue that touches every Floridian in a uniquely personal way. I am proud to join Governor Scott and all of our elected officials who joined hands to ensure our states shoreline remains pristine and our natural environment protected.”
Mayor of Jacksonville Lenny Curry said, “I am grateful to Governor Scott for his work with federal officials to protect Florida’s beaches and natural treasures. One need only study the economic impact of our beaches and coastal communities to understand that we cannot afford to change this policy at this time.”
Mayor of Pensacola Ashton Hayward said, “Thank you to Governor Scott and the Department of the Interior for opposing oil drilling in Florida. Tourism is a driving factor for our local economy and provides hundreds of jobs to our families- this news ensures our continued economic growth and success.”
Congressman Bill Posey said, “The Trump Administration made the right call in protecting and preserving Florida’s coastline and beaches. Central Florida is home to some of the world’s greatest environmental treasures, from our beaches to the Indian River Lagoon, and so much of our economy, wildlife and livelihoods depend on our ability to maintain the natural beauty of our communities. I commend President Trump, Secretary Zinke, Governor Scott and all our state’s leaders for their efforts to ensure that all of Florida’s natural resources are protected and preserved,” said Congressman Bill Posey, lead sponsor of legislation to place a moratorium on seismic testing off of Florida’s shoreline.”
Congressman Dennis A. Ross said, “Governor Scott has taken an important step in protecting Florida’s vital tourism industry and our natural resources. I’m thankful for his constructive efforts with the administration.”
Congressman Daniel Webster said, “I thank Secretary Zinke for hearing and responding to the calls by Governor Scott and the Florida congressional delegation to protect Florida’s coast from offshore drilling. His decision to remove Florida from consideration is a positive step in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration, Governor Scott and my colleagues in Florida Delegation to extend the Eastern Gulf of Mexico moratorium and protect Florida’s unique ecosystem.”
Congressman Ted S. Yoho said, “I applaud the decision of Secretary Ryan Zinke and President Trump to exempt the state of Florida from the expansion of any offshore drilling of oil and natural gas. Florida’s economy relies heavily on the health of the waters off our beautiful coast. I stand with Governor Rick Scott and the Florida delegation, in his efforts to keep them pristine for future generations.”
Mayor of Bonita Springs Peter Simmons said, “I applaud Governor Scott for opposing drilling along our beaches and fighting for environmental preservation across the state of Florida. Bonita Springs prides itself on our beautiful shorelines that we work to protect every day.”
Mayor of Clearwater George Cretekos said, “From the time I was a member of Congressman Bill Young’s staff, I recognized that Pinellas County residents have opposed offshore oil drilling, and families, businesses, and visitors to the sugar-sand beaches of Clearwater appreciate the efforts of Governor Scott to protect our shorelines from that environmental threat.”
Mayor of Key West Craig Cates said, “After the oil spill in 2010, we all know what damage offshore drilling can cause to our beautiful coast. Governor Scott and Florida leaders sent a clear message that we do not support offshore drilling. Thank you, Governor, for your leadership.”
Mayor of Mexico Beach City of Mexico Beach Mayor Al Cathey said, “After the oil spill in 2010, we all know what damage offshore drilling can cause to our beautiful coast. Governor Scott and Florida leaders sent a clear message that we do not support offshore drilling. Thank you, Governor, for your leadership.”
Mayor of Naples Bill Barnett said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for aggressively fighting to protect our world-class beaches by meeting with Secretary Zinke and securing Florida’s removal from consideration for future oil drilling. This decision will help protect the millions of families and businesses that depend on visitors from across the globe continuing to come to Florida.”
Mayor of New Port Richey Rob Marlowe said, “I am proud that the concerns of our state were heard and that through Governor Scott’s leadership, Florida has been removed from consideration for future offshore oil drilling. Florida’s incredible natural treasures and tourism industry are entirely unique, and I am glad that they will remain protected thanks to this announcement.”
Mayor of Panama City Greg Brudnicki said, “This announcement comes with a great relief to the families and businesses of our community. I’m grateful for the Governor’s actions to defend our coastlines and protect our environment.”
Mayor of Panama City Beach Mike Thomas said, “The impacts of oil drilling could have devastated the millions of Floridians who depend on the success of our tourism industry. Thank you to Governor Scott, Secretary Zinke and leaders across the state who fought to remove Florida from consideration of possible drilling sites.”
Mayor of Palm Coast Milissa Holland said, “Governor Scott ensured the protection of Florida’s most valuable natural resources by taking Florida out of consideration for offshore drilling projects. I want to thank Governor Scott for his steadfast leadership and commitment to the preservation of our environment.”
Mayor of the City of Sarasota Shelli Freeland Eddie said, “Drilling off the coast of Florida could have a significant impact on our economy. Thank you, Governor Scott, for your swift action to protect our beautiful coasts.”
Mayor of St. Augustine Nancy Shaver said, “I applaud Governor Scott for working with the Secretary Zinke to exclude Florida from the offshore drilling project. Our gorgeous beaches are what draws millions of tourists to our state every year and we cannot afford to let them be harmed by offshore drilling.”
Ed Kelley, Volusia County Commission Chair said, “Each year, millions of visitors flock to our state and our community to enjoy our one-of-a-kind natural treasures, including our world-class beaches and unmatched coastline. The commitment of no offshore oil drilling is a major victory for our state and our families and I am grateful to Governor Scott for his leadership on this critical issue.”
Esteban L. Bovo, Jr., Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Chairman, said, “Our beautiful beaches help bring millions of visitors from all over the world to Miami-Dade County each year, supporting our local economy and providing new opportunities for our residents and their families. We are thankful to Governor Scott for ensuring the risk of offshore oil drilling will not be a concern for Floridians throughout our great State.”
Jimmy Johns, St. Johns County Commissioner District 1, said, “Our elected officials on all levels took a stand against offshore drilling. I could not be more proud of Governor Scott’s efforts to protect our most valuable natural resources. We will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to ensure that Florida’s beaches remain untouched.”

Gov. Scott Speaks with FEMA on Recovery for Puerto Rico

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Governor Rick Scott today 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.
Following a decision by Puerto Rican officials working with FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) was notified that enrollment in the federal TSA program will be limited to individuals whose homes in Puerto Rico have not yet been determined by FEMA to be restored to safe and livable conditions and have power.
Governor Scott said, “We have worked non-stop to ensure families from Puerto Rico coming to Florida are offered every available state resource and the assistance they need to get back on their feet following Hurricane Maria. Our top priority is to ensure that every family displaced by Hurricane Maria gets the resources they need and that federal, state and local partners continue to work together to ensure a full recovery for these individuals.
“During my call with Administrator Long, we discussed the importance of ongoing federal, state and local support in the delivery of services to Puerto Rican families. I expressed to them the importance of making sure that all families from Puerto Rico in Florida know exactly what federal resources are available to them. I also asked FEMA what federal resources were available to help families return to Puerto Rico once it has been determined it is safe for them to do so. Florida is the most welcoming state in the nation and we invite every family from Puerto Rico to visit our Disaster Recovery Centers to receive information and assistance.”