10 Issues To Watch During The 2014 Florida Legislative Session
March 1, 2014
Florida lawmakers will start the 2014 session Tuesday with a budget surplus and an eye on the November elections. But they still will have to address some tough questions before the session ends May 2. Among the questions: How can Florida better protect vulnerable children? Is it time to overhaul the state pension system? And should the state allow resort casinos to set up shop? Here are 10 issues to watch during the next two months:
BRIGHTER BUDGET: Tallahassee is always a happier place when the state has a budget surplus. And lawmakers will go into the session with a roughly $1 billion cushion. Gov. Rick Scott proposed a $74.2 billion budget plan that includes tax cuts and increased spending on education and child welfare. Lawmakers don’t have to follow Scott’s recommendations, but cutting taxes and spending money on kids could be popular ideas in an election year.
CHILD PROTECTION: The state has faced scrutiny during the past year because of highly publicized incidents of children dying of abuse and neglect. Also, it has been stung by reports of sexual predators being free to commit new crimes. While the details of the issues are different, both come back to the state Department of Children and Families. Lawmakers will try to take steps during the session to improve child protection, while also cracking down on sexually violent predators.
NO SAFE BETS IN GAMBLING ISSUE: The Senate has spent months gathering information about whether to revamp gambling laws, including whether to allow high-end resort casinos in South Florida. But as the session starts, it is unclear whether lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott will agree on a plan. House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, is calling for gambling expansions to go before voters. Meanwhile, House and Senate leaders want to know how Scott will handle a critical gambling deal that runs out in 2015 with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
GUN BILLS HAVE GOOD SHOT: When National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer speaks, Republican lawmakers listen. And Hammer looks like she will be successful again this session with proposals such as a bill that would make clear people can fire warning shots in self defense. Democrats, meanwhile, want to repeal or substantially change the controversial “stand your ground” law, but the chances of that happening in the Republican-controlled Legislature are slim — or maybe none.
HEALTH CARE FIGHTS: The 2013 legislative session was filled with debate about whether Florida should expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. While Democrats will try to resurrect the issue this year, a Medicaid expansion is all but dead. But the health-care world could see a couple of major lobbying fights, including a hospital-industry battle about state approvals of new trauma centers. Also, a debate has been raging about a House proposal to allow nurse practitioners to provide care without the supervision of physicians.
RETIREMENT REVAMP: House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, has made a top priority of trying to move the state away from a traditional pension system for future government workers. A group of Republican senators banded together with Democrats last year to kill a proposed shift into 401(k)-style plans. But Weatherford and his allies are back this year with other alternatives. This could become one of the most-intriguing political issues of the session.
SCHOOL CHOICE: This year’s legislative session, like all others, will include myriad bills and budget issues that affect the public-education system. But one issue that could become controversial is a proposal to expand a voucher-like program that helps pay for low-income students to go to private schools. House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, has promised a “massive expansion” of what is known as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. But groups such as the Florida Education Association teachers union have long opposed voucher-like ideas.
TAX CUTS ON TAP: As Republicans have dominated Florida politics since the late 1990s, one of their go-to issues has been cutting taxes. Gov. Rick Scott hopes to tap into that as he runs for re-election this year. Scott is pitching $500 million in tax and fee cuts, including the rollback of a vehicle-registration fee increase approved in 2009. Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, have already committed to making $500 million in cuts, though details remain to be worked out.
TUITION TARGETED: Taking a cue from Gov. Rick Scott, lawmakers appear poised to take steps to hold down tuition in state colleges and universities. Among other things, legislative leaders have expressed support for changing a law that allows universities to raise tuition as much as 15 percent a year. Also, they say they want to make the Florida Prepaid College Program more affordable. Questions remain, however, about whether lawmakers will approve extending in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants.
WATER WORRIES: Senate Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, is one of the most-powerful people in the Legislature. He also happens to live in part of Southeast Florida where residents are riled about pollution being discharged from Lake Okeechobee into nearby waterways. Negron is leading efforts to get money for a collection of projects aimed at addressing the pollution issue. Meanwhile, lawmakers also are looking at a series of other water-related issues, such as trying to better protect the state’s natural springs.
by The News Service of Florida
Simmons Appointed To Pensacola State Board
March 1, 2014
Friday, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Chip Simmons to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees.
Simmons, 49, of Cantonment, is the chief of police for the City of Pensacola. He currently serves as a member of the Florida Police Chief’s Association and the FBI National Academy Associates. Simmons received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Troy State University. He succeeds Deidre Young and is appointed for a term beginning February 28, 2014, and ending May 31, 2014.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Fire Damages South Escambia County Apartment Complex
March 1, 2014
At least one resident was left temporarily homeless after an early morning fire at the Sandstone Apartments on Old Corry Field Road. There were no serious injuries reported, but one person was evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. Reader submitted photo by Max Karimi for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
I-10 Lane Closures Planned
March 1, 2014
Lane closures are planned for I-1o in the area of Scenic Highway for both Monday and Tuesday nights.
MONDAY
The westbound left lane of Interstate 10 will be closed beneath the Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) overpass Monday, March 3, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform pavement testing. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
All planned activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
TUESDAY
The westbound outside lane of Interstate 10 (I-10), west of the U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) overpass will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, March 4. Crews will be installing a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) pole east of the I-10/U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) interchange.
Lane restrictions will be in effect from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The westbound I-10 exit ramp to Scenic Highway will also be temporarily closed during the work. Drivers will utilize Davis Highway (State Road 291/ mile marker 13) north to U.S. 90 as an alternate route.
Photos: Ernest Ward Holds Womanless Beauty Pageant
March 1, 2014
Chase Gifford was named Junior Mr. Miss Ernest Ward Middle School in a womanless beauty pageant Friday night. First runner-up was Levi Wagner, second runner-up was Health Sheldt and third runner-up was Aaron Dees. Wagner also received the audience vote People’s Choice Award.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Proceeds from the just-for-fun event, sponsored by the school’s cheerleaders, will be used to replace badly worn carpeting on steps leading to the school’s stage.
Pictured top: Junior Mr. Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Chase Gifford. Pictured inset: Levi Wagner, first runner-up and People’s Choice award winner won a tube of toothpaste as the Best Smile Award. Pictured below: Second runner up Heath Sheldt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wreck Claims Life Of Alabama Man
March 1, 2014
A Frisco City, Ala., man died in a single vehicle accident in Atmore Friday morning.
The victim was identified as 20-year old Ethan David Warden. He was southbound on Highway 21 when his pickup truck clipped a guard rail approaching the Sizemore Creek Bridge, ran off the roadway, became airborne and rolled into a ravine.
Warden was transported to Atmore Community Hospital and was later pronounced deceased.
The accident remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.