Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Sheriff James “Harrell” Reid and State Attorney Jeffrey Siegmeister to the Medical Examiners Commission.
Sheriff Reid, 70, of Jasper, currently serves as the Sheriff of Hamilton County. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. Sheriff Reid is appointed to fill a vacant seat due to the resignation of Sheriff Paul Beseler, for a term beginning November 14, 2017, and ending August 21, 2021.
State Attorney Seigmeister, 49, of Live Oak, currently serves as the State Attorney of the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida. Seigmeister is appointed to fill a vacant seat due to the resignation of Angela Corey, for a term beginning November 14, 2017, and ending July 1, 2019.
Governor Rick Scott
First DCA Says Emergency Generator Rule Remains in Effect; Agreeing with Governor Scott
The First District Court of Appeal today rejected a motion by the nursing home industry to invalidate the Governor’s life-saving emergency generator rule. The Court in a one-page order denied the nursing home industry’s claim that the emergency generator rule is not in effect as the appeals process continues. According to FS120.56(3)(b) and legal precedent, the Governor’s emergency rule remains in full effect. Yesterday, to make these important rules permanent, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) published their proposed permanent rule.
Governor Scott said, “I am glad that the First DCA rejected another challenge to our life-saving emergency generator rule. By having this emergency rule in full effect, we are ensuring that facilities across Florida are coming into compliance and are installing generators to keep their patients safe during a disaster. Instead of focusing on law suits, these interest groups should focus on ways to keep their patients safe.”
Gov. Scott: Florida Highway Patrol Deploys Law Enforcement Assistance to Puerto Rico
Governor Rick Scott today announced the deployment of 50 Florida Highway Patrol members to Puerto Rico in response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the Puerto Rico Police Department. Troopers participating in this detail will be conducting security operations and traffic control in and around the city of San Juan. The detail is scheduled to last one month.
Governor Scott said, “Florida remains committed to helping Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. In response to their request, we are sending 50 FHP troopers to assist the Puerto Rican Police Department with their security operations and traffic control needs. I want to thank these brave men and women for sacrificing time away from their families during Thanksgiving to serve in Puerto Rico. We will continue to work with state, federal and local partners to assist Puerto Rico in any way that we can.”
Director of the Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gene S. Spaulding said, “I am extremely thankful for the Troopers who have volunteered to be away from their families during Thanksgiving to assist our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico. I’m proud of the men and women of FHP who always rise to the occasion, and I am confident that they will continue to uphold the Patrol’s core values of courtesy, service and protection.”
As part of its mission and statutory authority, the FHP routinely provides assistance to fellow law enforcement agencies following natural disasters or emergencies, and will not overextend its available resources or jeopardize its ability to respond to a current or emergent need.
Gov. Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Makes Investments to Increase Protections and Transparency for Patients and Families
The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) today highlighted Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget, which invests $28.7 billion in the agency. The Governor’s proposed budget includes important initiatives to improve transparency and protect patients at Florida health care facilities, and invests funding to reduce administrative burdens on health care providers and the Floridians they serve.
Governor Scott said, “Since I have taken office, we have worked to fight price gouging and make Florida’s health care system more transparent so families have the tools they need to make informed health care decisions. The investments I am proposing this year build on that commitment by increasing protections and transparency for patients and families across the state.”
AHCA Secretary Justin Senior said, “Governor Scott’s proposed Securing Florida’s Future budget helps our Agency exemplify our priority of better health care for all Floridians. Our Agency has worked to streamline processes and create efficiencies allowing staff to focus on areas of health care, such as access, cost and quality, ensuring that Medicaid recipients and those on private-pay insurance are receiving high quality care. These investments will allow health care facilities to spend more time focused on patients and less time dealing with burdensome regulations, and allow our Agency to offer more transparency while increasing the accuracy and dependability of reporting.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:
$925,000 for the Claims Data Analytics tool that will allow AHCA to enhance analysis and transparency of health care claims data. This supports Governor Scott and AHCA’s ongoing mission for transparency in health care pricing. It also continues the fight against price gouging and helps Floridians make informed health care decisions about providers, quality and pricing.
$500,000 for a Health Facility Inspection Scheduling system to streamline the scheduling process for the facilities AHCA licenses, allowing the Agency to streamline health facility inspections by consolidating visit and staff schedules. This investment from the Securing Florida’s Future budget will reduce travel costs and increase staff productivity and reduce possible burdens by duplicative visits on facilities so they can spend more time on the health and safety of the patients that they serve.
Florida Hospital Association President Bruce Rueben said, “FHA commends the Scott administration for its commitment to transparency and protections for patients and families. These investments will have a real impact on the patients we serve. FHA is proud to be a partner in the mission of better health care for all Floridians.”
Samira Beckwith, President and CEO of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, “Ensuring the health and safety of our patients is the number one priority. The investments Governor Scott’s budget is proposing will create efficiencies in the health care field that will allow facilities like ours to spend less time handling on paperwork and more time with the patients we serve.”
Lourdes Rivas, President, Florida Medicaid, Simply Healthcare Plans, “As a Medicaid provider we have worked with the Agency for years to utilize data collection in order to improve the experience for our Medicaid members and increase cost effectiveness. The data analytics tools in the Governor’s recommended budget will improve practice and referral data thus further enhancing access to quality healthcare for all Florida Medicaid members.”
Chris Paterson, CEO of Sunshine Health said, “Sunshine Health is committed to transforming the communities we serve, and with Governor Scott’s investments in a claims database there will be improved transparency in health care and more access to information leading to better health outcomes.”
Gov. Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Continues Historic Investments in Education
Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget makes historic investments in Florida’s public education system, with record high per-student funding; provides additional resources for school safety; and provides Florida teachers additional money to purchase classroom supplies.
Governor Scott said, “Florida has renowned K-12 public schools and nationally recognized colleges that ensure every Floridian has access to educational opportunities that meet their individual needs. We also have the best teachers in the world, and I am proud to support their efforts by increasing the supply grants each teacher receives to prepare their classrooms at the start of the school year. The Securing for Florida’s Future budget invests historic funds into our state’s public education system, enabling Florida’s students, educators and education leaders to continue building on the progress we have made to ensure this success continues for generations to come.”
The Securing for Florida’s Future budget includes:
RECORD K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS FUNDING:
- $21.4 billion in state and local funding, an increase of $769.6 million.
- Historic per-student funding of $7,497, an increase of $200 over 2017-18 levels;
- $198 million increase in state funds to support an additional 27,184 students;
- $63.2 million for teacher supply grants of $100 per teacher to purchase classroom supplies needed for the school year, an increase of $17.9 million; and
- $74.5 million to ensure school safety for our students, an increase of $10 million.
- Funding to help ensure that Florida students have well-prepared, high-quality educators and that educators are recognized and compensated for outstanding performance:
- $12 million to establish Summer Academies to accelerate English Language Learners in grades 4-8 not meeting grade level expectations;
- $15 million for computer coding and professional development initiative;
- $770,000 to recognize outstanding educators in our public schools through the Teacher of the Year program which provides at least $10,000 for district winners; at least $15,000 for the top five finalists; and at least $20,000 for the statewide winner; and
- $1 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.
RECORD FLORIDA COLLEGES FUNDING:
- $1.24 billion in state operating funds, an increase of $31.9 million which provides:
- $120 million for performance funding, with $60 million in state investment; and
- $14 million to incentivize industry certification performance, an increase of $4 million.
BRIGHT FUTURES:
- $420.6 million to fund Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which includes funding to ensure the Florida Academic Scholars award will continue to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees for all eligible students.
EDUCATIONAL FACILITY IMPROVEMENT:
- $150 million for maintenance, repairs, renovation and remodeling includes:
- $50 million for public schools;
- $50 million for charter schools; and
- $50 million for Florida colleges.
- $34.4 million for Florida College System construction projects;
- $1 million for security funding for Jewish Day Schools; and
- $48.9 million for special facility construction projects.
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “With his Securing Florida’s Future budget, Governor Rick Scott has once again proven that he is committed to helping our state’s students reach their full potential. Year after year, Florida’s students have improved their academic performance and narrowed the achievement gap. This continued investment in our state’s public education system will help to maintain the momentum to the benefit of current and future generations.”
Marva Johnson, State Board of Education Chair, said, “As job growth in Florida soars, it is essential that students at every level of our state’s public education system receive a high-quality education that prepares them to meet workforce demands and positions them to enjoy the high quality of life Florida has to offer. Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget is paramount to students’ academic, career, and life success, and I commend him for his ongoing support.”
Andy Tuck, State Board of Education Vice Chair, said, “Every student deserves access to safe learning environments and, as a Board, we have continually prioritized funding to ensure our school and district leaders have resources to protect Florida’s greatest asset – our children. For four consecutive years, we have proudly proposed a $10 million increase in school safety, and I look forward to working with the Legislature to make this a reality.”
Dr. Tom LoBasso, Daytona State College President, said, “I appreciate Governor Rick Scott for proposing an increase of $30 million in state investment in performance funding for the Florida College System. Our 28 colleges serve more than 800,000 Florida students and lead the nation with graduation rates topping nearly every other state.”
Tammy Jerkins, 2018 Florida Teacher of the Year, said, “Our state’s teachers work hard to develop engaging lessons that help their students connect to the content. I have spent my own money to ensure successful classroom activities, and I know that many of my colleagues have as well. I am grateful to Governor Rick Scott for recognizing this great need and taking action to help our state’s dedicated teachers as they prepare the next generation for lifelong success.”
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Invests More Than $109.7 Million for Department of State
Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner today applauded Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019, which invests $109.7 million in the Department of State. Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget makes key investments to continue Florida’s successful elections administration, improve business efficiency, and supports cultural heritage tourism and economic development.
Governor Scott said, “Ensuring the continued safety and security of elections information is the top priority for the Department of State and these investments will help support this critical goal. I am also proud to recommend investments in Florida’s many historic and cultural treasures that bring families and visitors to communities across our great state each year.”
Governor Scott’s proposed budget includes:
- $488,693 and five staff positions in recurring funds from general revenue to create a cyber-security section at DOS which will bolster the current staff and enhance the Department’s ability to provide security for its mission critical systems.
- $12 million in nonrecurring funding from general revenue to replace the aging SunBiz system, an electronic business filing system, which will ensure increased efficiency and security.
- $350,000 for updated and increased security monitoring for all Department properties.
- $14.3 million in grant funding for cultural, historical and library grant programs which will provide additional funding for these programs over the Department’s base budget.
Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will help Florida continue to safeguard voter information, facilitate efficiency and accuracy for Florida business filings, and make critical investments that improve the quality of life for all Floridians. Governor Scott’s commitment to investments in library grants, cultural programs, and historic preservation support cultural heritage tourism and economic development, ensuring Florida continues to be one of the world’s best places to live and visit for generations to come.”
Paul Lux, Supervisor of Elections, Okaloosa County, said, “Cyber criminals are constantly rethinking their strategies; Governor Scott’s commitment provides additional resources that help to ensure implementation of innovative safeguards to combat potential cyber threats.”
Malinda Horton, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Museums, said, “We applaud Governor Scott for his continued dedication to cultural and museum grant funding. Cultural organizations and museums provide many benefits to communities throughout Florida and strengthen the economy and job creation.”
Katharine Dickenson, Member of the Florida Council on Arts & Culture, said, “Funding for culturally-based activities improves quality of life and increases opportunities for all Floridians. We thank Governor Scott for his support of arts and culture in the State of Florida.”
Marion Almy, Chair of the Florida Historical Commission, said, “Governor Scott understands that investments in historic properties are an investment in Florida’s future. Historic preservation serves as an economic engine for Florida communities and supports cultural heritage tourism.”
Doug Crane, Chair, State Library Council, and Library Director, Palm Beach County Library System, said, “Libraries provide critical services to our communities by supporting early learning and providing homework assistance to career exploration, information literacy, and lifelong learning. We are grateful that Governor Scott recognizes the significant contributions that libraries provide to Florida citizens.”
Gov. Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Invests in Florida’s Continued Economic Growth
Governor Rick Scott today announced his 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget recommendations, which include $1.2 billion to attract businesses and visitors to Florida to continue the state’s incredible economic growth. The Securing Florida’s Future budget also includes an $85 million investment in the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to improve infrastructure and workforce in order to grow the economy across Florida’s local communities.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s business climate is setting an example for the rest of the nation because of our investments in economic development, cutting taxes for families and job creators, and reducing burdensome regulations. Thanks to this unrelenting focus, Florida has the fastest private-sector job growth rate in the nation and has added more than 1.3 million jobs since December 2010. We will continue to fight to outcompete other locations for new jobs so Florida families can have the opportunities they need to succeed for generations to come.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will help Florida continue to be the number one state to expand or start a business. Our investments in tax cuts, critical infrastructure and strong communities have helped build a thriving business environment that promotes innovation and job creation all across the state. This budget will ensure prosperity for Florida’s future and keep Florida as the best place to do business and raise a family.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:
$85 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund to Ensure Florida’s Infrastructure and Workforce Remain Competitive for Job Creation
- The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests $85 million in Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund to meet the workforce and infrastructure needs of local communities. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which was established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature earlier this year, is designed to support projects for public infrastructure and workforce training projects that enhance growth and employment in Florida’s diverse industries. The fund is focused on projects that provide a strong, measurable return on investment. Job training and public infrastructure improvements will help Florida compete with other states for jobs and support economic development across the state.
$23.7 million for Enterprise Florida to Grow and Expand Businesses in Florida
- The Securing Florida’s Future budget will help diversify our economy by attracting high-skill, high-wage jobs and encouraging Florida businesses to expand within the Sunshine State. This will ensure Florida remains the best state to do business.
Peter Antonacci, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, said, “Enterprise Florida is committed to investing in the state’s strong business climate and ensuring continued business expansion to provide opportunities for Florida families. We applaud Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget and commitment to partnering with businesses to ensure economic success now and in the years to come.”
$100 million for VISIT FLORIDA to Promote Florida as the #1 Tourist Destination
- The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA to market the state around the globe to highlight our distinctive and diverse vacation opportunities. Tourism has a vital impact on the state’s economy, and Florida saw a record number of 112 million visitors in 2016. Attracting visitors to the Sunshine State is especially important as the tourism industry recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Irma. For every dollar invested in VISIT FLORIDA, taxpayers see a return of $3.20.
Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “VISIT FLORIDA is committed to promoting our state’s premier destinations at a great value to hardworking taxpayers. With the Securing Florida’s Future budget, VISIT FLORIDA will continue to market the state to visitors all across the globe, which helps to grow our state’s tourism industry and create jobs in a variety of diverse industries.”
$23 million to Develop the Top STEM Workforce in the Country
- The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes $20 million for the Quick Response Training (FloridaFlex) and $3 million for the Incumbent Worker Training Program in partnership with CareerSource Florida to continue investing in the state’s workforce by providing specialized training to keep Florida businesses competitive.
Michelle Dennard, CareerSource Florida President and CEO, said, “Governor Scott’s emphasis on workforce training is critical to further strengthen Florida’s competitive position in our global economy. With the proposed increase in Quick Response Training, CareerSource Florida will help thousands of Floridians enhance their skills and opportunities for a prosperous future.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce, said, “Governor Scott has made every effort to support Florida businesses, and his proposed budget to secure Florida’s future will help create jobs and economic opportunity for all Floridians.”
Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said, “Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry has flourished under Gov. Scott’s leadership and supports more than 1.4 million jobs. We have seen record numbers of visitors and applaud him for standing with us and investing in our economy with his Securing Florida’s Future budget. His investments in tourism are critical after Hurricane Irma’s devastating impacts, we must let the world know that Florida is still the best place to visit.”
Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business/Florida (NFIB), said, “Florida’s strong economy is dependent upon the success of small businesses. Governor Scott’s commitment to smart investments and efficient use of taxpayer dollars has allowed the Sunshine State’s business climate to thrive, bolstering the success of our state’s local companies.”
R. Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said, “Florida’s retailers and consumers continue to prosper under Governor Scott’s leadership. The Securing Florida’s Future budget will ensure Florida’s economy will remain robust by strengthening tourism, developing an even more talented workforce and supporting the continued growth of Sunshine State businesses.”
Tom Feeney, President and CEO of the Associated Industries of Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed economic investments will help create the ideal business climate for Florida companies to create new jobs and invest in communities. Businesses will be better equipped to employ jobseekers from Florida’s strong talent pool and skilled workforce.”
Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Strengthens State Government Technology
The Agency for State Technology (AST) today highlighted Governor Rick Scott’s proposed 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget which invests $65.8 million for the Agency for State Technology (AST) to continue to support state agencies’ services and data. This includes maintaining the integrity of Florida’s information technology infrastructure, securing and protecting Florida’s information resources, and preserving state agencies’ data by mitigating risks through safeguards and accepted cybersecurity best practices.
Governor Scott said, “Protecting Floridians’ data and personal information is critical, and this investment will support AST as they work every day to find innovative ways to keep this information secure and make Florida a leader in information technology.”
Budget highlight includes:
- $220,000 to acquire enhanced information technology security training for the security managers of 35 state agencies.
“We need to constantly train our security professionals because the types of threats are always evolving. This training gives them a real-life scenario and the opportunity to prevent an attack from occurring. We thank Governor Scott for his commitment in guarding the State of Florida’s most critical data,” said AST Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer Eric Larson.
For additional details on the Governor’s budget, visit www.securingfloridasfuturebudget.com.
Governor Scott's Securing Florida's Future budget supports military heroes and their families
Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget invests more than $67 million for the men and women of the Florida National Guard to remain ready and able to support their national, state and community missions. This funding includes providing ready military units and personnel to support national security and protect the State of Florida. The Securing Florida’s Future budget also makes investments for maintenance and security enhancements at armories throughout the state, community based programs for youth and adults, and support for Guardsmen pursuing higher education.
Governor Rick Scott said, “This year, more than 7,700 members of our Florida National Guard stepped up to protect our families and communities during and after Hurricane Irma. These brave men and women continually support our state, and we must do all we can to invest in resources that support them and their families. These investments will not only recognize the continued selfless work of our military heroes, but will also help ensure Florida remains the most military friendly state in the nation for years to come.”
“Governor Scott has always been a tremendous advocate for the Florida National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, the Adjutant General of Florida. “We are grateful for his ongoing support, which enables us to remain fully prepared to serve our citizens, state and nation when we are called upon.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:
Governor Scott’s recommended budget includes $1.7 million to maintain and repair armories which have been revitalized by the Florida Armory Revitalization Program (FARP). This investment will ensure that the updated facilities continue to enable Florida Guardsmen to be trained and ready to react when the state or nation calls upon them.
In addition to armory maintenance and repair, the Securing Florida’s Future budget provides $2 million to improve armory security. This investment will provide security enhancements to Florida National Guard Armories in order to protect the soldiers and civilians that use them daily.
The budget also provides more than $5.3 million for the Florida Youth Challenge Academy, a 17 ½ month voluntary program geared toward Florida’s 16-to-18-year old at-risk youth. The program consists of a five-and-a-half-month residential phase and a 12-month post-residential phase. More than 4,000 young people have graduated from this program since its inception. For more information, please visit www.floridayouthchallengeacademy.org.
The Securing Florida’s Future budget also includes $4.2 million for Education Dollars for Duty. This program reimburses Florida National Guard service members for education expenses incurred in pursuit of technical certificates and/or associate’s, baccalaureate or master’s degrees from public or private institutions located here in Florida.
The budget also includes $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment to be used by the Florida National Guard during deployment. This fall, Governor Scott deployed more than 7,700 members of the Florida National Guard to prepare and respond to Hurricane Irma, the largest storm to impact the State of Florida in recent history. This investment is crucial to ensuring Florida Guardsmen have the resources they need to keep families and communities safe during emergencies.
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Praises Governor Rick Scott’s Wildland Firefighter, Law Enforcement Officer Pay Raise Proposals
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s proposed pay raises for Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ wildland firefighters and law enforcement officers:
“I thank Governor Scott for his commitment to Florida’s first responders and for proposing pay raises for our department’s wildland firefighters and law enforcement officers. These proposed raises will help us recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers and wildland firefighters to keep Floridians and visitors safe.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
