Crist Pushes For Medicaid Expansion; Scott Stays Low Key
October 8, 2014
Theoretically, Gov. Rick Scott and former Gov. Charlie Crist agree on one thing in their hotly contested gubernatorial race — Florida should expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare.
But Crist, the Republican-turned-Democrat, said the difference is that he would fight to extend Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of Floridians, while Scott, a Republican who first ran for office as a fierce critic of the federal health-care law, has been lukewarm since a surprise turnaround on the Medicaid issue last year.
“His heart’s not in it,” Crist said, adding that if elected, he would call a special session, sign an executive order or use budget vetoes to push the GOP-led Legislature to pass Medicaid expansion.
Democrats have long decried the House’s refusal to accept $51 billion over a decade from the federal government to expand access to health care coverage via Medicaid or a similar program. Estimates are that 800,000 to 1 million uninsured Floridians could gain coverage as a result.
But House Republican leaders made clear in 2013 they wouldn’t accept the money, arguing that the federal government couldn’t be trusted to keep its commitment to Florida.
“This is classic Charlie Crist, who’s desperate right now because I think he’s in trouble in his race,” said House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel. “And he’s throwing out a lot of ideas, trying to garner some support and create and stimulate activity with the Democratic base.”
Scott, too, has to think about his base. When he came out in favor of expanding Medicaid just days before the 2013 session, calling it a “compassionate, common-sense step forward,” the move stunned Florida’s political world.
Republicans, including Scott, had spent more than two years fighting the Affordable Care Act, which passed in March 2010. The fight included a Florida-led legal challenge that ended up in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case. Justices upheld most of the law, but said states must be able to decide whether to carry out the law’s Medicaid expansion.
Scott cited that ruling, along with the 2012 re-election of Barack Obama, when he announced his support for Medicaid expansion in February 2013. He said the combination had cemented Obamacare as the “law of the land.” He said he still believed the best way for people to get health coverage is through their jobs, but that his decision was aimed at making sure all Floridians gained access to care.
Scott has mostly ignored Medicaid expansion since.
“He supported it for about five minutes,” said former Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich, who lost the Democratic nomination to Crist in August. “When you support something, you work to make it happen.”
The governor’s surprise announcement came hours after the Obama administration sent a letter to the state indicating it would approve a proposal to shift almost all Medicaid beneficiaries into managed-care plans. Scott and Republican legislative leaders had long championed the controversial idea, which is now in effect statewide.
As of Oct. 1, there were 2,947,812 Florida Medicaid recipients either enrolled in managed-care plans or pending enrollment, according to the Agency for Health Care Administration. That is the vast majority of the Medicaid population.
Asked if Scott would support Medicaid expansion in a second term, Scott campaign spokesman Greg Blair wrote in an email, “We have already accomplished historic Medicaid reform that improved access and quality while controlling costs. We got a waiver from the federal government to make our system more accessible and affordable, and our Medicaid system is already better off today than it was before we took office, when it was growing at three-and-a-half times our general revenue. And Charlie Crist did nothing about it.”
Asked if Crist’s charge that Scott hadn’t fought for Medicaid expansion because his heart wasn’t in it, Blair replied, “There is no doubt our health care system needs to be improved, but we cannot say that the answer is Obamacare — a bad law that just seems to be getting worse as people learn that they could lose their doctor and their insurance while premiums continue to increase.”
By the same token, Weatherford questioned Crist’s commitment to providing health care. “Gov. Crist had his opportunity to be the governor,” he said. “If he thought more people should have had government-subsidized health care, why didn’t he propose a plan back then?”
A House plan in 2013 would have offered $2,000 subsidies to targeted groups of low-income residents to help them buy health coverage, but rejected the possibility of drawing down federal money that would otherwise have been used for Medicaid expansion.
A Senate plan, which Scott supported, would have used the federal money to offer private health insurance to people with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Senate Republicans were careful to say the plan would not be a Medicaid expansion, but it would have targeted the same low-income people who would have otherwise qualified under a Medicaid expansion.
Neither plan passed.
Crist said if he’s elected, the upcoming transition from Weatherford to Speaker-designate Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, could open the door to a new proposal.
“I know Steve Crisafulli, and I think that he is less adamant than Will Weatherford has been on this issue,” Crist said. “And so I have some hope that we can make some inroads, and just reach out to the House and Senate, Republican and Democrat alike, and appeal to the better angels in them.”
But Crisafulli, who supported Weatherford and other House leaders on the issue, dismissed that possibility in an email. Crisafulli will become speaker in November if he wins re-election in his Brevard County district.
“President Barack Obama crafted a confusing, unworkable, expensive and ineffective healthcare plan,” Crisafulli wrote. “Charlie Crist, who once opposed it, is now Obama’s biggest cheerleader. Not everyone is like Charlie. The fact of the matter is I have not heard from a single Republican member or candidate who supports the Obamacare expansion of Medicaid.”
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
Century Purchasing New Playground Equipment With $50,000 Grant
October 8, 2014
The Town of Century has received a $50,000 state grant to renovate the existing playground area at Showalter Park.
Last fall, the town followed a recommendation from the Century Recreation Advisory Committee a submitted two Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program applications. In addition to the Showalter renovation grant, the town also applied for a $125,000 grant to install a splash pad at the Anthony Pleasant Sportsplex, but that grant was not approved.
The town accepted playground proposals through Monday and is expected to approve a vendor soon.
FRDAP is a competitive program which provides grants to local governments for outdoor recreational projects. The grants are administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Pictured: The existing wood playground equipment at Showalter Park in Century. The town has received a $50,000 state grant to purchase new playground equipment. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Judge Gets Request To Allow Gay Marriages
October 8, 2014
Pointing to a “pathbreaking development” at the U.S. Supreme Court, attorneys for same-sex couples quickly asked a federal judge Tuesday to move forward with ending Florida’s ban on gay marriage.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle in August found that Florida’s voter-approved ban was unconstitutional but placed a stay on the decision while the Supreme Court considered similar cases from other states. Justices on Monday declined to hear those cases, immediately clearing the way for same-sex couples to marry in Virginia, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin and Indiana.
Hinkle ruled in two combined cases, including a case filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida on behalf of same-sex couples who live in Florida but were married in other states. In a five-page motion filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee, ACLU attorneys asked Hinkle to lift the stay and wrote that Monday’s decision sent a “strong signal that any remaining doubt about the Supreme Court’s ultimate resolution of the legal issue does not justify continuing to deny recognition of same-sex couples’ valid out-of-state marriages.”
“The Supreme Court’s action yesterday shows that the Supreme Court has decided to let stand decisions — like this court’s (Hinkle’s) — enjoining as unconstitutional state laws that refuse to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples,” the motion said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose office has defended the state’s ban, said Monday during a campaign debate that there are additional cases that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court and “we’re going to be reviewing everything in Florida to see what to do next.”
Gov. Rick Scott issued a statement Tuesday pointing to the role of Bondi and the courts in resolving the issue. Florida voters approved the gay-marriage ban in 2008.
“The attorney general is defending Florida’s constitution, which is her duty,” Scott said in the statement. “This is a matter that will be decided by the courts. Whatever the eventual outcome is from the courts, Florida will of course abide with it.”
If Hinkle decides to lift the stay, it is not clear when same-sex marriages could start in Florida.
In his August ruling, Hinkle wrote that the stay would remain in place until resolution in the Supreme Court of the Virginia, Oklahoma and Utah cases, plus an additional 90 days. The additional 90 days would give Florida time to seek another stay, possibly from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta or the Supreme Court.
Hinkle’s rationale, at least in part, was to make sure there is a final decision before same-sex marriage is allowed in Florida. He wrote that there “is a substantial public interest in implementing this decision just once — in not having, as some states have had, a decision that is on-again, off- again. This is so for marriages already entered elsewhere, and it is more clearly so for new marriages.”
But in the motion Tuesday, ACLU attorneys noted a line in Hinkle’s ruling that said the stay “may be lifted or extended by further order” and asked that the judge lift the stay immediately.
They pointed to “ongoing harms” from the state’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriages. As an example, the motion said a same-sex couple married in Washington, D.C., must pay hundreds of dollars a month for insurance because one of the spouses works for a public employer that does not recognize their marriage.
“If defendants are permitted to wait an additional 90 days to make arguments (they are) very well equipped to make in short order, the harms to these and other Floridians —harms that the court has already deemed to be irreparable — will only grow,” the motion said.
The ACLU attorneys said plaintiffs would not object to a seven-day period to allow the state to request a stay from the appeals court or the Supreme Court.
by Jim Sanders, The News Service of Florida
Tribal Beat Coed Softball Tournament Registration Underway
October 8, 2014
The Northview High School Tribal Beat Band will host their 1st Annual Coed Softball Tournament on Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. until at NWE Bradberry Park.
The entry fee is $150 per team, due by Friday, October 10. Mail payments to NHS Band Boosters, P.O. 25, Walnut Hill, FL 32568 or drop the payment by Northview High School. All of the proceeds will go directly to support the band with travel, new uniforms and other expenses.
Tournament rules require a minimum of four females per team with three on the field. Winner will receive trophy and bragging rights. For information on the rules or any other questions, contact Thomas Long at (850) 529-7502.
Taxwatch Recommends Parole For Elderly Prisoners
October 8, 2014
Florida’s prison population is rapidly increasing despite declining crime rates, and the latest report from Florida TaxWatch recommends options to prevent increasing costs from overwhelming taxpayers.
The report, Florida’s Aging Prisoner Problem, warns that the steadily growing elderly prison population in state facilities will require more costly medical care, resulting in additional budget concerns for an already struggling Department of Corrections.
“Community safety is the first thing to consider when addressing criminal justice reform, but Florida has options to reduce costs and actually improve public safety.” said Dominic M. Calabro, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog. “Florida taxpayers and policymakers must understand the rapidly incurring costs that accompany aging prisoners so that smart policies can be pursued that prevent either ballooning costs or quick fixes to jeopardize the safety and security of Florida citizens.”
The analysis estimates that by the end of 2015, Florida will have nearly 4,100 additional prisoners in the elderly population, bringing the total to nearly 25,000. The average health care costs for each of these prisoners are estimated by Florida TaxWatch to be $11,000 annually.
The report suggests the Florida Department of Corrections consider clemency or early release for elderly non-violent offenders who are nearing release dates or are requiring end-of-life care.
“Understanding the future obligations Florida taxpayers will have for the criminal justice system will ensure our policymakers are prepared to budget for corrections costs,” added Calabro
To identify, assess and manage Florida’s elderly prison population, Florida TaxWatch also recommends reporting requirements for elderly prisoners’ health care costs and the projections of elderly prison growth.
Northview Chiefs Name Players Of The Week; Lett Sets School Rushing Record
October 8, 2014
The Northview Chiefs, now ranked No. 5 in the latest state football poll, have named players of the week from last Friday night’s win over Jay, including an offensive player that set a new school record.
Senior Keondrae Lett was named Offensive Player of the Week with 313 total rushing yards, a single game school record. Lett amassed the rushing yardage on 15 carries for three touchdowns — that’s a 20.9 yard per carry average. He also recorded one catch for 24 yards and a touchdown. Lett has 842 total rushing yards for the season, plus 82 yards receiving.
Defensive Player of the Week is Jaylen Parker with 13 total tackles including three tackles for a loss and two sacks.
The Special Teams Player of the Week was Chasen Freeman who was 5 of 6 on point after attempts, had two touchbacks and averaged 36 yards on punts.
And the Chief’s Dominator Award went to to Kadarious Johnson for a tackle on kickoff.
Take Stock In Children Scholarship Program Receives Statewide Recognition
October 8, 2014
The Take Stock in Children programs in both Escambia County and Santa Rosa County were recently recognized with a coveted Excellence Award for successfully providing at-risk youth with caring volunteer mentors, college readiness curriculum, and college scholarships.
Statewide, Take Stock in Children students have a high school graduation rate of 92% with 87% of those students entering college. This is well above Florida’s average high school graduation rate of 57% for students living in poverty, with only 28% enrolling in college. Students benefit from the guidance of volunteer mentors from the community and both counties currently have a 100% mentor match.
Escambia’s program, operating under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, currently serves 118 students, and Santa Rosa’s program, operating under the Santa Rosa Education Foundation, currently serves 96 students.
“This award is a source of great pride to both our programs and highlights our dedication to changing the lives of our students through this program,” said Sally Lee, Escambia County Program coordinator. “Our students are counting on us to make the difference in their lives to ensure they succeed academically and professionally.”
In Escambia County, Take Stock in Children scholarships were recently awarded the following students, listed with their mentor and school:
- Mya Acoba, mentor Mari Abbate, Brown Barge Middle
- Savanna Bowen, mentor Lynne Bates, Ransom Middle
- Brandon Brantley, mentor Dave Bates, Bellview Middle
- Sylvia Callihan, mentor Veronica Dias, Warrington Middle
- Tristan Cravatt, mentor Jack McNulty, Bailey Middle
- Breona Dean, mentor Fernaundra Ferguson, Ferry Pass Middle
- Lucas Dinsmore, mentor Pete King, Bailey Middle
- Lina Foust, mentor Anita Prentiss, Pine Forest High
- Diamond Franklin, mentor Ruth Jenkins, Escambia High
- Morgan Garner, mentor Neeltje McNulty, Bailey Middle
- Ian Gifford, mentor Bob Goforth, Ernest Ward Middle
- Angel Goldsby, mentor Stephanie Noa, Workman Middle
- Haley Hennington, mentor Mallory Studer, Bellview Middle
- Madison Hurston, mentor Cindy Barrington, Ransom Middle
- Issiah Johnson, mentor Ken Biland, Bailey Middle
- Lari McCann, mentor Cynthia Worrell-White, Northview High
- Thinh Pham, mentor John Fromularo, Warrington Middle
- Annemarie Pigg, mentor Susan Myrick, Bailey Middle
- Ben Potts, mentor Rusty Branch, Brown Barge Middle
- Malcolm Pressley, mentor Andy Arnold, Workman Middle
- Teriana Redmond, mentor Sherri Stallworth, Ernest Ward Middle
- Ashleigh Smith, mentor Freida Nichols, Ferry Pass Middle
- Kiplin Smith, mentor Charity Hamilton, Workman Middle
- Taylor Smith, mentor Sandra Durr, Tate High
- Austin Witt, mentor Bob Hoyt, Woodham Middle
- Ashten Wright, mentor Ray Sellers, Ernest Ward Middle
Farmers Learn From Fall Tomato School
October 8, 2014
UF/IFAS Extension Gulf Coast Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises held their third installment of “Fall Tomato School” Tuesday in Jay. The workshops were intended for farmers who are interested in learning about small farm tomato production.
The course combined lectures with hands-on activities with a course notebook at the West Florida Research & Education Center in Jay. The school included topics such as transplanting, varieties, nutrition, diseases, staking, insect scouting, harvesting, storage and marketing.
Pictured top: Blake Thaxton, Santa Rosa Extension, explains the importance or trellising in commercial tomato production. Pictured below: Participants learn about pest management. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
William Henry Brown
October 8, 2014
William Henry Brown, 75 of Canoe, passed away Tuesday, October 7, in Pensacola. He was a longtime employee of Swift Supply in Atmore. He was born in Washington County (AL) on September 20, 1939, to the late Elmer and Agnes Adkinson Brown. He was a member of Sardis Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, June Brown of Canoe; children, Ryan (Charla) Brown of Pensacola, Lindsey Brown of Atmore, Shannon (Alyssa) Teal of Chattanooga, TN, Pam (Danny) Hall of Atmore and Chris (Mark) Shannon of Gulf Shores. He was a very beloved “Pops” to seven grandchildren, Caitlin and Kyndall Hall, Taylor and Jon Shannon, Leyton and Abi Teal and Daylan Brown. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy (Jill) Brown of Milton; niece, Kimberly Mapoles; nephew, Jimmy Lynn Brown; and numerous extended family and friends.
Services will be Friday, October 10, 2014, at 2 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with his first cousin, Pastor Sonny Scarbrough, officiating.
Interment will follow in Sardis Baptist Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Mark Shannon, Taylor Shannon, Jon Shannon, Danny Hall, Shannon Teal, Leyton Teal.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Stan Adkinson, Rich Weeks, John Arthur Brown, Joe Webb, Lynn Crocker, and Clyde Scarbrough.
Family will receive friends, Friday, October 10, 2014 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 12 p.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
George Wesley Hauer
October 8, 2014
Mr. George Wesley Hauer, 66, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2014, in Flomaton,
Mr. Hauer was a native of Natchez, MS and a lifelong resident of Flomaton. Mr. Hauer was a master mason. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic in Vietnam, where he received the Silver Star. His parents precede him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Vicki M. Hauer of Flomaton; one son, Justin Craft of Jackson, MS; three daughters, Shay (Kenneth) Willamson of Ridgeland, MS, Dana (Mike) Byrd of Brandon, MS and Nicki (Alan) Balentine of Sterling, VA; three grandchildren, Zachary Byrd, Kenneth Hauer Williamson and Charlotte Reese Balentine.
Funeral services will be Thursday, October 9, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Father Cook officiating.
Burial will follow at the Alabama State Veterans Cemetery in Spanish Fort.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 9, 2014, from 10 a.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.