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Appointments by Gov. Rick Scott for Friday, July 14, 2017

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Governor Scott Appoints Michael Vallencourt to Clay County Utility Authority

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Michael Vallencourt to the Clay County Utility Authority.
Vallencourt, 58, of Orange Park, is the chairman of the board for Vallencourt Construction Co. Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. Vallencourt is reappointed for a term beginning July 14, 2017, and ending September 30, 2019.

Governor Scott Appoints One to Florida Housing Finance Corporation

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Creston Leifried to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Leifried, 36, of Chuluota, is the vice president of Coastal Reconstruction Group, Inc. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning July 14, 2017, and ending November 13, 2018.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Governor Scott Appoints Ben Gibson to State Board of Education

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Ben Gibson to the State Board of Education.
Gibson, 33, of Tallahassee, is an attorney at Benjamin J. Gibson, P.A., and previously served as the Deputy General Counsel in the Executive Office of the Governor. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida State University. Gibson succeeds John Padget and is appointed for a term beginning July 14, 2017, and ending December 31, 2020.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Governor Scott Appoints Katie Cole to
District Board of Trustees, St. Petersburg College

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Katherine “Katie” Cole to the District Board of Trustees, St. Petersburg College.
Cole, 42, of Belleair, is an attorney with Hill Ward Henderson, PA. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and her law degree from Stetson University. Cole is reappointed for a term beginning July 14, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

D.C. Needs to Start Rewarding Efficiency, not Inefficiency

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By: Governor Rick Scott
I recently traveled to D.C. to fight for Florida as the U.S. Senate debated repealing and replacing Obamacare. For far too long, D.C. politicians have focused only on the grand bargain of repealing and replacing Obamacare, ignoring the opportunity to make incremental changes to get rid of the taxes and mandates and roll back the federal welfare state.
For decades, the federal government has been willing to spend more than it takes in. We all know this is not sustainable, leaving debt for our children and grandchildren – more than $19 trillion in debt and counting. The inaction we’ve seen on repealing Obamacare shows that hasn’t changed. Throughout this healthcare debate, a lot of people have been advocating for bigger government, and not a lot of people have been advocating for taxpayers. I will always advocate for Florida’s hardworking taxpayers.
While a new bill has been introduced this week, it has taken far too long to get rid of the disaster of Obamacare, and I fear the politicians in Washington will never find common ground on this critical topic. There is absolutely no question that Obamacare must be repealed immediately so Americans can actually afford to purchase health insurance.
To lower costs, fundamental reform to the Medicaid program is needed. Obamacare encouraged a massive expansion of Medicaid to cover able-bodied, working-aged adults, even as 600,000 elderly Americans and individuals with disabilities nationwide sit on waiting lists to access services through this program.
States like Florida that have run increasingly efficient Medicaid programs, and have not expanded Medicaid, must be rewarded and treated fairly under any bill. What’s concerning is that under the most recently proposed Senate bill, tax and spend states like New York will continue to be rewarded for running an inefficient Medicaid program.
Long before the Obamacare debate, New York ran a terribly inefficient Medicaid program for decades which ran up their state’s deficit and hindered their economy. Florida is the exact opposite. We have been efficient with our dollars while providing quality care to those who truly need Medicaid.
As a reward for its fiscal irresponsibility, for every dollar New York pays in federal income taxes, they receive a quarter back from the federal government for Medicaid. In comparison, Florida only receives 16 cents for every tax dollar that is sent to Washington. Current Congressional bills lock in past federal spending, which would make this inequity permanent.
That makes absolutely no sense. If Florida is going to get a smaller rate of return on its federal taxes, shouldn’t our federal taxes be cut? New York, with fewer residents than Florida, receives more than $33 billion per year for Medicaid while Florida receives less than $15 billion. How is permanently locking in these spending levels fair to Floridians when New York has been terribly inefficient with their taxpayers’ dollars? The federal government should cut income taxes for Floridians by 30 percent. This would put our share of federal Medicaid funding as a percentage of taxes paid on par with New York. This reduction would save Floridians thousands each year.
The federal government must start rewarding efficient states like Florida and stop rewarding inefficient states. Our taxpayers deserve nothing less.

Gov. Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce Florida Teacher of the Year

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Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today joined Florida Department of Education and Macy’s to announce Tammy Jerkins as the 2018 Teacher of the Year. Tammy is a secondary mathematics teacher from Leesburg High School in Lake County with 25 years of experience in public education. 
Governor Rick Scott said, “First Lady Ann Scott and I are proud to join Macy’s and the Florida Department of Education to recognize the 2018 Teacher of the Year, Tammy Jerkins. I’d like to thank all of these educators for their incredible impact on Florida students and I applaud their commitment to preparing them for higher education and successful careers. The workers and leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today and every day, Florida teachers go above and beyond to ensure their success.”

Gov. Scott Announces Lake County Educator as 2018 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year

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Lake County teacher receives a $25,000 check
from Florida Department of Education and Macy’s

Tammy Jerkins, secondary mathematics teacher from Leesburg High School in Lake County, was named the 2018 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year at the awards gala held tonight at Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios Orlando. Educators from throughout the state of Florida attended the event to celebrate excellence in education as well as Tammy’s friends and family to celebrate her accomplishment. The event was hosted by journalist Neki Mohan. Governor Rick Scott, First Lady Ann Scott, Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart, and Macy’s Executive Vice President Regional Director of Stores Dennis Witte were on-hand to make the announcement.
Governor Rick Scott said, “First Lady Ann Scott and I are proud to join Macy’s and the Florida Department of Education to recognize the 2018 Teacher of the Year, Tammy Jerkins. I’d like to thank all of these educators for their incredible impact on Florida students and I applaud their commitment to preparing them for higher education and successful careers. The workers and leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today and every day, Florida teachers go above and beyond to ensure their success.”
Dennis Witte, Macy’s Executive Vice President Regional Director of Stores said, “Teachers generously give of themselves every day to educate, inspire and motivate their students. By doing this, they elevate and empower future generations to achieve great things. Macy’s is thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate and honor Tammy Jerkins for the contributions she is making by ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to Florida’s success.”
This marks the 29th year of Macy’s sponsorship of the Florida Teacher of the Year program. Macy’s and the Florida Department of Education presented Jerkins with a check totaling $25,000, a $1,000 wardrobe, a $1,000 check for her school and an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City to attend this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said, “Congratulations to Tammy Jerkins on being selected as Florida’s 2018 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Jerkins’ career has been marked by her commitment to excellence and service to Florida’s students. I look forward to working with her over the next year during her term as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.”
The remaining four finalists were presented with a $17,535.00 check from the Florida Department of Education and Macy’s – Elementary school teacher Katelyn Fiori from Vero Beach Elementary School in Indian River County; Exceptional Education teacher Diego Fuentes from the Hillcrest School in Marion County; Elementary school teacher Michael Miller from Kissimmee Elementary School Elementary School in Osceola County; and Mathematics and AVID teacher Vanessa Ko from Palm Harbor Middle School in Pinellas County. Each of the finalists’ schools received a $1,000 check during each of the announcements.
For the 2018 Teacher of the Year program, Governor Rick Scott secured additional state funds for teachers in the program to significantly increase these awards honoring Florida’s top educators.
Additionally, Macy’s presented the Magic of Engagement Award to Keli Sare from Sallie Jones Elementary School in Charlotte County; the Magic of Believing Award to April Wallace from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind; the Magic of Leadership Award to Jason Kester from Mainland High School in Volusia County; and the Magic of Giving Back to Lauralee Mitchell from Shadeville Elementary School in Wakulla County. Each of these awards were presented to four educators who went beyond the basic job description with unique abilities to continue positive growth in their students.
For the past 29 years, Macy’s has annually contributed to the state-run Teacher of the Year program, making it one of the largest corporate cash contributions to Florida public schools. To date, Macy’s has contributed almost $3 million to teachers throughout the state.
The Florida Teacher of the Year was chosen from 195,744 public school teachers throughout the state by a Department of Education-appointed selection committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community. Florida’s top educator was selected on the basis of the superior ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching and outstanding school and community service. The most important qualification was the teacher’s ability to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
During the gala event, the remaining 68 district winners from around the state were also recognized for their achievements and excellence in teaching. Each of the nominees were presented with a $10,880 personal cash award from the Department of Education and Macy’s.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 775 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Gov. Scott Highlights Law Enforcement and State Employee Pay Raise in Miami

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Governor Rick Scott today highlighted pay raises in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget for Florida’s sworn state law enforcement officers, correctional officers and state employees.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s state law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect the families who call this state home. I’m incredibly proud that this year’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget provides a five percent pay raise for these hard working men and women. On behalf of all Floridians, I thank them for their service.”

Governor Scott to Ceremonially Sign Legislation to Fight Opioid Abuse

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, July 11th, Governor Rick Scott will host a ceremonial bill signing in Sarasota for HB 477, which creates new penalties and enhances existing penalties relating to synthetic opioid drugs, including fentanyl. This bill, along with the Public Health Emergency Governor Scott declared in May, will help communities fight the national opioid epidemic and keep Florida families and visitors safe.
WHAT: Bill Signing Ceremony
WHEN: 1:00 PM
WHERE: Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center
6050 Porter Way
Sarasota, Florida 34232

Gov. Scott: Leopoldo López and all Venezuelan Political Prisoners Must be Completely Freed

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Governor Rick Scott today hosted a Venezuelan Freedom Rally at El Arepazo 2 where he was joined by hundreds of Venezuelan and Latin America Floridians to support freedom and democracy in Venezuela. The Governor called on the complete freedom of Leopoldo Lopez, a political prisoner currently on house arrest, and all those wrongly imprisoned by Nicolas Maduro’s regime.
Governor Scott said, “I was honored to rally with the Venezuelan people today against the brutal Maduro regime and once again demand freedom and democracy for Venezuela. Today, as hundreds of people rallied together, a clear message was sent to Maduro and his gang of thugs: the movement will not be silenced – freedom and democracy will thrive in Venezuela.
“Over the weekend, we were glad to see Leopoldo Lopez released from his illegal imprisonment. While this is great news, it is not enough and Leopoldo remains on house arrest. Florida stands with the Venezuelan people in demanding total freedom for Leopoldo and all political prisoners and the immediate end of the oppressive and brutal Maduro dictatorship to make way for free and fair elections and true democracy. The Venezuelan people deserve free and fair elections – not the masquerade that is being planned by Maduro’s dictatorship at the end of the month.
“Just days ago, Maduro showed his true colors once again when his henchmen violently disrupted a meeting of the Venezuelan National Assembly. This unacceptable oppression and political violence will not be tolerated and is exactly why I am proposing that the State of Florida be prohibited from doing business with any organization that supports this dictatorship. Florida will continue to be a voice for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and rally behind those fighting to end Maduro’s brutal reign.”
Last week, on Venezuelan Independence Day, Governor Scott announced he will bring forward a proposal that would prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime. More details of the Governor’s proposal will be made available prior to the August 16, 2017 Cabinet Meeting.