>>> RIGHT NOW ON "CAPITOL UPDATE."
WE WANT YOU TO KEEP MORE OF THE MONEY YOU EARNED BECAUSE IT'S YOUR MONEY.
>> ANYONE THAT WE KNEW AS A REGISTER THE VEHICLE SHOULD FEEL THE EFFECTS OF THE BILL SIGNED
INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR SCOTT TODAY.
AS THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION HITS THE HALFWAY POINT THE BUDGET POINT SEEKS THE HOUSE.
THE CAPITAL WAS FULL OF GATOR GOODIES.
STRAIGHT AHEAD.
>>> WELCOME TO "CAPITOL UPDATE" YOUR REVIEW OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 2.
I AM THERESA MARSENBURG.
FIRST CAME THE G.I.
BILL TO BAN BILLS TO PROTECT FLORIDA'S CHILDREN AND NOW TO RETURN $400 MILLION
TO FLORIDA CITIZENS AS AN OFFICIAL SIGNATURE FROM THE GOVERNOR.
"CAPITOL UPDATE"S KARA IRBY TAKES US TO TODAY'S BILL SIGNING
AND TELLS US HOW SOON THIS WILL IMPACT EVERY DAY FOR INDIANS.
>> GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT HAS SPENT MONTHS ON THE IT'S YOUR TAX CUT AGENDA.
THAT INCLUDED A NEARLY 400 MILLION-DOLLAR ROLLBACK OF THE MOTOR VEHICLES TAXES AND FEES.
IN 2009 THE LEGISLATURE RAISED VEHICLE AND MOTORHOME FEES
TO MAKE UP FOR THE BUDGET SHORTFALL.
WEDNESDAY GOVERNOR SCOTT SIGNED A BILL
THAT WOULD RETURN THOSE FEES BACK TO THE PRE-2009 RATES.
>> TODAY'S SIGNING WILL LET FLORIDIANS KEEP $400 MILLION OF THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY
IN THEIR POCKETS CREATED THIS AS A MAJOR VICTORY FOR THE FLORIDA FAMILIES.
IT WAS A CRITICAL PART OF OUR IT'S YOUR TAX CUT MONEY BUDGET THAT CUTS TAXES,
PAYS DOWN DEBT AND CUT GOVERNMENT WASTE.
ALL THESE ARE PIECES OF THE OPPORTUNITY ECONOMY.
>> THE HOUSE SPEAKER WILL WEATHERFORD GAVE LEADERSHIP ON FINDING WAYS TO PROVIDE.
PRESIDENT DON GAETZ SAID IT'S BIGGER THAN POLITICS.
>> THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN SO OVERWHELMING AND SO BIPARTISAN MEANS THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE
THAT RISES ABOVE POLITICS AND ABOVE HOUSE AND SENATE ISSUES.
IT'S AN ISSUE THAT IS GOOD FOR ALL FLORIDIANS.
>> THE BELT EXPECTS SEPTEMBER 1, 2014.
SO THEY MUST REGISTER THEIR VEHICLES BEFORE THAT DATE
AND HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED NOT TO PAY FOR A TWO-YEAR RENEWAL.
>> IN ADDITION TO SIGNING THE LEGISLATION I SENT A LETTER TO THE TAX COLLECTORS IN FLORIDA
AND ENCOURAGING FLORIDIANS WHO REQUIRE REGISTRATION RENEWAL BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1
TO ONLY REGISTER FOR ONE YEAR.
WE MUST ENSURE FLORIDA FAMILIES REALIZE BENEFITS OF THE QUICK ACTION.
AND I WANT TO AGAIN THANK THE LEGISLATURE FOR DOING THIS EARLY IN THE SESSION.
>> JOE NEGRON PROPOSED A SIMILAR NATURE THAT MADE IT THROUGH THE SENATE BUT NOT THE HOUSE.
HE CALLED THE BILL HE SPONSORED THIS YEAR A BIG DEAL SAYING THE TAX RELIEF WILL IMPACT MORE
THAN VEHICLES FOR PERSONAL USE.
>> THERE ARE SO MANY SMALL BUSINESSES THROUGH FLORIDA THAT OWNED FLEETS OF VEHICLES
THAT EMPLOY PEOPLE INTO THIS REDUCTION OF TAG AND TITLE FEES
THAT WE PASSED WILL MAKE AN ENORMOUS DIFFERENCE FOR SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS.
>> REPRESENTATIVE WORKMAN, CHAIR OF THE FINANCE TAX COMMITTEE SPONSORED THE HOUSE VERSION
OF THE FEE REDUCTION.
>> IT'S ALSO A VICTORY LAP SAYING WE DID IT, FLORIDA.
WE MADE IT THROUGH THE RECESSION.
>> WHEN THE BILL TAKES EFFECT VEHICLE OWNERS CAN EXPECT TO SAVE 12 TO $25
WHEN REGISTERING THEIR VEHICLES DEPENDING ON THE SIZE.
FOR "CAPITOL UPDATE," I'M KARA IRBY.
>> WE WILL HAVE THE LATEST ON THE BUDGET IN A FEW MINUTES BUT FIRST WE WANT TO TAKE YOU
TO THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE CURRENTLY UNDERWAY.
THERE ARE 28 THE AGENDA.
SHORTLY AFTER THE SENATORS PASSED A BILL THAT WOULD START OF A DIVIDED SESSION
IN JANUARY INSTEAD OF MARCH AND 2016.
THE SENATOR SAYS THE CHANGE WOULD NOT ONLY MEAN COMMITTEE MEETINGS WOULD BE IN THE FALL
AND IT WOULD BE MORE PRODUCTIVE BUT THAT THERE ARE MORE BENEFITS
TO PASS THE STATE BUDGET EARLIER IN THE YEAR.
>> WE HAVE HAD A SIMILAR SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITIES,
COLLEGES, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR OFFERING.
WE HAD IN THE SESSION EXTRA TIME TO BE ABLE TO PLAN THE BUDGET BECAUSE WE KNEW IN MARCH
WITH THE BUDGET WAS GOING TO BE FOR JUNE RATHER THAN THE CURRENT SYSTEM.
BY THE TIME THE LEADERS IN EVERYTHING WE KNEW ME INTO JUNE --
>> THE COMMITTEE PASSED A PRIORITY BILL
OF ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI REQUIRED ORGANIZATIONS TO NOTIFY PEOPLE AFFECTED
IN THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS WHENEVER THE HACKERS STEAL PERSONAL INFORMATION.
IF THE NOTIFICATION DOESN'T COME QUICKLY THOSE ORGANIZATIONS COULD BE HELD LIABLE.
RIGHT AROUND 5:00 THIS WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THE COMMITTEE TOOK
UP WITH THE SENATOR SIMPSON DESCRIBED AS A COMPROMISE ON THE BILL
THAT ADDRESSES HOW THE COUNTIES SHOULD HANDLE COMPLAINTS OF WAGE THEFT.
HE ASKED SENATOR BRADLEY TO EXPLAIN THE MEASURE WHICH INCLUDES A 50-DOLLAR CAP ON COURT FEES.
BRADLEY SAYS IT DOUBLES THE DAMAGES THAT CAN BE RECOUPED BY WORKERS AND HE DESCRIBES AS A WAY
TO PUNISH AND PLAYERS TO ACT IN BAD FAITH.
AS YOU CAN SEE NOW THEY ARE TAKING PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON THAT BILL AND IT ALSO ASKS
AND CARVES OUT LOCAL COUNTIES THAT ALREADY HAVE THAT SYSTEM IN PLACE.
NOW ALSO ON THE AGENDA THIS AFTERNOON THE COMMITTEE APPROVED A BILL
THAT WOULD STOP WEBSITES FROM CHARGING A FEE TO REMOVE SOMEONE'S MUG SHOT.
THEY ARE ALSO SET TO CONSIDER A BILL REQUIRING STUDENTS APPLYING
FOR BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIPS TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO VOLUNTEER OR LEARN MORE ABOUT AN ISSUE
OR PROFESSIONAL AREA THEY ARE INTERESTED IN.
ANOTHER BILL REQUIRES CANDIDATES ARE PUBLIC OFFICERS TO LIVE IN THE DISTRICT THEY REPRESENT
AND SET OUT FACTORS TO DETERMINE THE PRESIDENCY
AND THAT WAS SCHEDULED TO GO UNTIL 6:00 THIS EVENING.
YOU CAN TUNE INTO THAT LIVE GAVEL TO GAVEL COVERAGE ON THEFLORIDACHANNEL.ORG.
LAWMAKERS IN THE HOUSE IN THE SENATE TODAY ADVANCED PLANS
FOR ADDITIONAL TAX CUTS TO MEET THE GOAL OF 500 MILLION.
IN THE HOUSE THE TAX RELIEF WOULD COME FROM EARLY IN THE FORM
OF THE FOUR SALES TAX HOLIDAYS INCLUDING SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES.
THERE ARE ALSO TAX EXEMPTIONS ON BICYCLE HELMETS AND CHILD CAR SEATS.
"CAPITOL UPDATE"'S GARY WILLIAMS HAS MORE.
>> REPRESENTATIVE YOU'RE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE TAX PACKAGE THAT CUTS OVER 100 MILLION.
>> REPRESENTATIVE WORKMAN CHAIRS THE HOUSE FINANCE TAX COMMITTEE
THAT DEVELOPED HOUSE BILL 5601.
IT INCLUDES TEN DIFFERENT PROPOSALS TO LOWER TAXES AND ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
INCLUDED IN THE MEASURE, FOUR SALES TAX HOLIDAYS.
AUGUST 1 THROUGH 3RD FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES, CLOTHING AND COMPUTERS,
JUNE 1 THROUGH 12 ARE HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS ITEMS LIKE FLASHLIGHTS, RADIOS AND GENERATORS,
SEPTEMBER 1 THROUGH 8TH FOR PRIVATE GYM MEMBERSHIPS IN SEPTEMBER 19 THROUGH 21ST
FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES INCLUDING AIR CONDITIONERS, WATER HEATERS AND LIGHT BULBS.
IN ADDITION TO THE SALES TAX HOLIDAYS OTHER TAX RELIEF INCLUDES A PERMANENT EXTENSION
FOR CHILD CAR SEATS, BICYCLE HELMETS BY THE U.S. AND 25 MILLION
TO FINANCE THE PRODUCTION OF TV PROGRAMS IN THE STATE.
>> THE IMPACT IS $141 MILLION OF WHICH 121 IS A REDUCTION IN TAXES
AND THE REMAINING 20 WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATION.
THAT IS THIS FANTASTIC BILL.
>> ESPECIALLY FOR THE SCHOOL SUPPLIES THEY WERE NOT MADE PERMANENT.
>> CAN YOU SHARE WHY WE DIDN'T CHOOSE TO MAKE THE SALES TAX HOLIDAY FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES,
WHY AREN'T WE MAKING THIS PERMANENT IN THIS BILL?
>> WE FIND OURSELVES IN A SURPLUS.
IN THE YEARS PAST WE HAVE NOT.
IT WASN'T A FISCALLY PRUDENT THING TO DO.
I DON'T THINK WE WANT TO TIE FUTURE HANDS WITH THIS PARTICULAR TAX HOLIDAY.
AND INSTEAD WE ARE ABLE TO BRING IT UP EVERY YEAR.
ALSO KEEP IN MIND WE MOVED THOSE DATES AROUND DEPENDING ON THE SCHOOL YEARS AND WE CAN EXPAND
AND MAKE IT LONGER OR SHORTER DEPENDING ON THE BUDGET.
>> THE TAX PACKAGE WOULD ALSO RAISE TO $75,000 TO THE AMOUNT
OF PROFIT A BUSINESS COULD MAKE BEFORE THEY HAVE TO PAY CORPORATE INCOME TAX.
THE HOUSE MEASURE IS NOW READY FOR A FINAL VOTE.
ALTHOUGH THE SENATE DOESN'T HAVE A SIMILAR PACKAGE OF TAX CUTS FOR THE SENATE FINANCE
AND TAX COMMITTEE CONSIDERED A MEASURE WITH THE SAME CORPORATE INCOME PROPOSAL WEDNESDAY.
SOME MEMBERS DIDN'T AGREE THE TAX CUT WAS NECESSARY.
>> I CAN'T VOTE FOR AN ADDITIONAL TAX BREAKS
WHEN WE HAVE OTHER NEEDS WE NEED TO FILL IN FLORIDA.
>> THE COMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED A TAX HOLIDAY FOR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS.
THAT MEASURE DOES NOT INCLUDE OTHER SALES TAX HOLIDAYS
OR OTHER TAX SAVINGS FOUND IN A HOUSE BUILT.
SENATE BUDGET CHAIR JOE NEGRON SAYS THERE'S STILL TIME TO WORK THOSE ISSUES OUT.
>> IF YOU LOOK AT 500 MILLION WE AGREE ON 80%, THAT'S PRETTY BIG.
THE HOUSE IS ROLLING OUT THEIR TAX PACKAGE AND SO THAT WILL GET RESOLVED.
>> FOR "CAPITOL UPDATE," I'M GARY WILLIAMS.
>> A BUDGET SURPLUS IS GIVING LAWMAKERS THE CHANCE TO OFFER THOSE TAX CUTS
AND EXTRA REVENUES ALSO GIVING THE LEGISLATURE THE OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE SPENDING
IN VIRTUALLY EVERY AREA OF THE STATE BUDGET.
TODAY THE HOUSE OUTLINED HIS PROPOSAL AND WE GO LIVE NOW TO KRYSTA BROWN
WHERE THEY PRESENTED THE BUDGET THIS AFTERNOON.
>> WHILE THE HOUSE IS SET TO DEBATE THE PLAN THURSDAY.
TODAY THERE'S A CHANCE FOR LAWMAKERS TO ASK QUESTIONS
AND FOR NEARLY FOUR HOURS, DEMOCRATS DID JUST THAT.
>> THE UNDERLINING THEME OF THE HOUSE IS $75.3 BILLION SPENDING PLAN ACCORDING
TO THE HOUSE BUDGET CHAIR PUTS MORE MONEY INTO THE BUDGET AREAS AND RESTORED FUNDING IN AREAS
THAT HAVE SEEN DECREASES IN RECENT YEARS.
>> THERE'S FUNDING FOR FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY WHICH IS A MAJOR TRANSFER WITH A BUDGET
OF $598.6 MILLION FOR JUST 308 MILLION MAINTENANCE FUNDING, 215 IN CONTINUATION
OF THE PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECT AND 43 MILLION IN NEW PROJECTS.
>> MOST OF WEDNESDAY'S QUESTIONS FOCUSED ON THE 27 BILLION-DOLLAR EDUCATION BUDGET.
DEMOCRATS QUESTIONED WHY THERE IS A DECREASE IN THE BUDGET
FOR BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO HIGH-PERFORMING GRADUATES ATTENDING COLLEGE.
>> BUT IF I HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT THIS BUDGET AS IT RELATES TO BREAK FUTURES IS THAT IT FEELS
LIKE SINCE OVER THE LAST DECADE SINCE I WAS IN SCHOOL AND NOW THE KIDS ARE IN SCHOOL NOW
THAT THERE HAS BEEN A NUTRITIONIST PROGRAM THAT THE AMOUNT YOU WOULD GET AWARDED HAS GONE
DOWN AT THE SAME TIME IT'S BEEN HARDER TO GET.
>> HOW MUCH FUNDING IS THERE IN THE BUDGET FOR BRIGHT FUTURES FOR $266.2 MILLION.
WHICH IS DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ARE ESTIMATED TO QUALIFY FOR SOME
OF THE AMOUNT STAYS THE SAME AS LAST YEAR.
>> AND IN OTHER AREAS SUCH AS THE ENVIRONMENT, LAWMAKERS OUTLINED THE DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN THE HOUSE AND SENATE BUDGET.
>> THE DIFFERENCE TO THE BUDGET, THERE ARE DIFFERENT SILOS IN THE BUDGET
THAT WE HAVE MONEY EMBEDDED INTO, SO TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION,
I REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY EXPECTATIONS ON WHAT CONFERENCES CAN LOOK LIKE RELATIVE TO THIS
IF WE HAVE OTHER CHALLENGES WE ARE GOING TO BE GOING
THROUGH IN THE PROJECTS WERE DISTINCT DIFFERENCE IN THE WATER PROJECTS IN WHAT THE SENATE HAS
IN THE PROJECTS, BEACHES AND OTHERS.
SO WE WILL IRON OUT THOSE INCREMENTAL DIFFERENCES AND CERTAINLY SUPPORT EVERY RELATION
AND WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION.
WE WILL SEE WHAT THE CONFERENCE BRINGS.
>> DURING THE QUESTIONS THEY TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO PUSH MEDICAID
AND TAKE IN MORE FEDERAL DOLLARS.
THE HOUSE'S $30.7 BILLION BUDGET INCREASES FUNDING TO REDUCE THE CRITICAL NEEDS WE PLACED
AT THE AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND CONTINUES FUNDING
FOR THE MEDICALLY NEEDY PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T CALL A FIGHT FOR FULL MEDICAID.
THE HOUSE BUDGET DOESN'T FUND WITH DEMOCRATS WANT.
>> WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT THE BUDGET.
I DON'T SIT ON THE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEES.
I'M ASKING IF THERE WAS ANY REFLECTION BECAUSE WE ARE ONLY HALFWAY THROUGH SESSION
AND WE HAVE 30 DAYS TO GET SOMETHING DONE AND PERHAPS FREE UP $500 MILLION IN THE BUDGET
TO PAY FOR THE WAIT LIST, SO MY QUESTION IS IS THERE ANY CONSIDERATION
FOR THIS LEGISLATION THIS YEAR WILL EXPAND MEDICAID
TO 100% COVER THE MEDICALLY NEEDY PROGRAM?
>> REPRESENTATIVE?
>> THANK YOU MADAM SPEAKER.
>> IT'S LIKELY MEDICAID EXPANSION WILL BE A PART OF THE DEBATE TOMORROW
IN THE HOUSE TAKES UP A FINAL VOTE ON THE BUDGET.
THE SENATE IS EXPECTED TO RELEASE ITS PROPOSAL AND TALK
ABOUT IT IN THE CHAMBER TOMORROW AS WELL.
>> NOW HERE IS A LOOK AT SOME OF THE THOSE THAT MOVED FORWARD ON THE COMMITTEE
AND THE HOUSE FLOOR ON WEDNESDAY.
[music]
TEACHERS COULD CARRY CONCEALED FIREARMS AT SCHOOL
UNDER A BILL ADVANCING TODAY IN THE HOUSE COMMITTEE.
BACKERS OF THE BILL BE THEY COULD SAVE LIVES BY CREATING A WAY TO STOP A SCHOOL SHOOTER.
THAT SENTIMENT WASN'T SHARED BY EVERYONE ON THE JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE.
"CAPITOL UPDATE" MIKE LICQUIA JOINS US NOW WITH THAT DEBATE.
>> NO ONE OBJECTS TO THE GOALS STATED IN THE TITLE.
SCHOOL SAFETY.
BUT SEVERAL REPRESENTATIVES WERE DIVIDED ON HOW TO GET THERE.
>> FOR THE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE HE WANTED TO LAY OUT THE FACTS AS HE SAYS COME
FROM A FEDERAL STUDY ON SCHOOL SHOOTINGS.
>> THE MAJORITY OF THE SHOOTINGS ARE RESOLVED BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN LAW ENFORCEMENT.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE RESPONSE TIMES, MOST OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN LESS THAN 15 MINUTES.
A GOOD NUMBER ABOUT 40% OCCUR IN LESS THAN SIX MINUTES.
THE SANDY HOOK WAS LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES.
HE SHOT THE ADMINISTRATORS, THE CHILDREN,
SHOT HIMSELF BEFORE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT GOT TO THE SCHOOL.
>> THAT'S WHY HE BELIEVES HOUSE BILL 753 SHOULD BECOME STATE LAW.
IT ALLOWS THE SCHOOL STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO CARRY A GUN IF THEY GO THROUGH 40 HOURS
OF TRAINING CAN HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT, CURRENT OR FORMER MILITARY OR LAW ENFORCEMENT,
AND ARE SELECTED BY THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OR SUPERINTENDENT.
REPRESENTATIVE SAYS HE PLANS TO CHANGE THE LAST PART OF THE BILL IN ITS NEXT
AND FINAL COMMITTEE STOPPED TO ONLY ALLOW SUPERINTENDENTS TO MAKE THAT CHOICE.
AND TO ALSO MAKE THE POLICY A VOLUNTARY COUNTY BY COUNTY BASIS.
WHILE THE STATE WOULD PROVIDE MONEY TO CREATE A TRAINING COURSE BUT SOME PREFER
TO SEE THE STATE PAY FOR MORE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.
>> WHEN YOU WERE DISCUSSING THE FISCAL IMPACT, WAS THERE ANY DISCUSSION ABOUT THE SRO'S
AND FULLY FUNDING SRO'S AND EVERY SCHOOL RATHER THAN THE SOLUTION WHICH IS ON?
>> TO PUT AND SRO IN EVERY SCHOOL JUST IN MANATEE COUNTY WOULD COST THREE TO 5 MILLION
FOR THE SCHOOL AND SHERIFF'S BUDGET.
IF YOU LOOK AT ALL 67 COUNTIES AND MULTIPLY THAT WE ARE TALKING MORE THAN 157,000
TO PUT TOGETHER A TRAINING CURRICULUM.
>> OTHERS OPPOSED THE BILL FOR DIFFERENT REASONS.
>> THE REASON I CAN'T SUPPORT THE BILL IS THAT IT DOES NOTHING
TO REDUCE VIOLENCE IN OUR SCHOOLS OR OUR SOCIETY.
THE BILL MIGHT HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS TO SAVE LIVES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE'S A CRISIS,
BUT IN REALITY, IT ONLY ADDS TO THE NATIONWIDE PROBLEM OF GUN VIOLENCE.
>> I THINK THAT THERE ARE THINGS WE CAN DO IN RATHER THAN ADDING GUNS TO THE CONTROL
THAT CAN KEEP CHILDREN SAFE AND THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO WORK
TO SO I CAN SUPPORT THIS WHEN IT HITS THE FLOOR.
>> THE BILL PASSED ON AN 8-4 VOTE.
>> THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES WOULD APPRECIATE KNOWING SOMEBODY HIGHLY TRAINED WAS THERE
SO THAT IF SOME IDIOT THAT BROUGHT A GUN TO SCHOOL WITH AN INTENTION
OF KILLING PEOPLE COULD BE STOPPED IN A FAR SOONER PLACE THEM IN CALLING LAW ENFORCEMENT
WHICH MIGHT TAKE A GOOD TIME COME A GOOD LONG TIME TO GET THERE.
>> THE REPRESENTATIVE HAD A SIMILAR BILL LAST YEAR
THAT WAS NEVER HEARD OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE.
THIS YEAR THE SENATE BILL HAS PASSED ONE COMMITTEE BUT STILL HAS THREE MORE
TO GO UP THE HALFWAY POINT OF SESSION.
>> THANKS MIKE.
SEVERAL GROUPS RALLIED OUTSIDE OF THE CAPITAL THAT WOULD ALLOW TEACHERS TO CARRY FIREARMS.
THE GROUPS INCLUDED THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, AND MAYORS AGAINST ILLEGAL GUNS
AND MOMS DEMAND ACTION FORGOTTEN IN AMERICA.
THEY WANTED THOSE TO BE HEARD IN THE SENATE THAT WOULD REPEAL STATE LAWS AND CONCEALED WEAPONS
TO BE CARRIED IN CITY PARKS, BEACHES AND GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.
SOME CITY LEADERS WOULD LIKE TO DECIDE THE ISSUE FOR THEMSELVES.
>> THE PREEMPTION LAW IS OVERBEARING, UNREASONABLE
AND DEPRIVES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE THE RIGHT, THE OBLIGATION AND RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE HAVE
TO ASSURE A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR RESIDENTS.
FOR OUR FAMILIES AND FOR OUR CHILDREN.
>> THOSE BILLS HAVEN'T BEEN HEARD IN THE COMMITTEES IN THE HOUSE OR THE SENATE.
HOWEVER THREE YEARS AGO THE LAWMAKERS CHANGED IT TO ALLOW THE CITY OFFICIALS TO BE FINED
OR REMOVED FROM OFFICE FOR PASSING ORDINANCES THAT RAN COUNTER TO THE STATE LAW.
PARENTS COULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CRIMES OF THEIR CHILDREN
UNDER A BILL PASSING THE JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE TODAY.
HOUSE BILL 455 WOULD ALLOW JUDGES TO REQUIRE YOUR PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS
TO PAY RESTITUTION FOR THE CRIMES OF JUVENILES UNDER THEIR CARE.
THE REPRESENTATIVE SAYS UNDER CURRENT LAW AND THE VICTIMS OF THE CRIMES HAVE TO PAY
FOR THE DAMAGE OR LOSS THEMSELVES.
THE BILL HAS TWO EXCEPTIONS ONE FOR PARENTS IN JUVENILES COMMITTING THEIR FIRST CRIME
AND THE OTHER FOR FOSTER PARENTS.
SOME MEMBERS OBJECTED THAT IT WOULD BE TOO HARSH ON PARENTS.
>> IT'S THEIR RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS AND I BELIEVE THE PIN
AND SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM.
IF NOT THE VICTIM AND SOCIETY IS RESPONSIBLE SO I THINK YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF THAT.
WHO SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR A CHILD'S TELLING FRIENDS HE
AND THE RESTITUTION AND DAMAGE TO SOCIETY?
SHOULD IT BE THE PARENTS WERE THE VICTIMS?
>> OF THE BILL WAS APPROVED BY THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE IT WOULD GO TO THE FULL HOUSE.
LAST YEAR A SIMILAR BILL PASSED THAT NEVER GOT A HEARING IN THE SENATE.
THIS YEAR THE SENATE VERSION HASN'T BEEN HEARD BY THE COMMITTEE.
THE SENATE HAS PROPOSED A NEW WAY TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF KIDS
WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES WHETHER THEY ARE IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL,
HOMESCHOOL OR PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENT.
WHEN STATE SENATOR KELLI STARGEL PRESENTED THE 20 MILLION DOLLAR PILOT PROGRAM.
>> WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY CHILD AND FLORIDA REGARDLESS
OF THEIR UNIQUE ABILITY HAS EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL
TO LIVE INDEPENDENT AND GET A GOOD JOB.
>> SENATE BILL 1512 IS DESCRIBED AS A MONUMENTAL SHIFT AND A LIFE CHANGER.
>> IT'S ABOUT MORE MONEY TO KIDS THAT NEED IT THE MOST AND I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF CONCERN
IN THE COMMITTEE AND TAKING MONEY OUT.
THIS DOESN'T DO THAT.
THIS IS ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR ALL KIDS.
PUBLIC SCHOOL KIDS COME A PRIVATE SCHOOL KIDS, ALL KIDS.
>> BEFORE TODAY, SENATOR KELLI STARGEL'S PLAN MIRRORED A HOUSE PLAN THAT ALLOWS PARENTS
OF STUDENTS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES TO APPLY
TO RECEIVE STATE EDUCATION DOLLARS FROM A FUND KNOWN AS THE PSP.
THE MONEY WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO AN OUTSIDE ENTITY CALLED A SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING ORGANIZATION
THAT THEY WOULD ADMINISTER THE DOLLARS SIMILARLY TO HOW IT IS DONE
WITH OTHER PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHER PROGRAMS IN THE STATE.
BUT WEDNESDAY SHE TOSSED OUT THAT IDEA AND INSTEAD RECEIVED A APPROVAL FOR A PILOT PROGRAM
THAT ASKS THE AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WITH PROVIDING THE PARENTS
OF AN ESTIMATED FIVE TO 6,000 KIDS WITH THE AWARDS.
THE AMOUNT OF THE AWARD WOULD RANGE FROM $5,000 TO $19,000.
>> IT IS A TOTAL SHIFT OF WHAT IN THE PAST I THINK THAT WE HAD SOME IN THE MEDICAL NEEDS
OF THE STUDENTS INTO SOME OF THE WORKFORCE NEEDS.
NOW ALSO CHALLENGING AND LOOKING AT THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AS WELL
SO WE ARE ENCOMPASSING THE WHOLE NEED FOR THE ABSOLUTE SUCCESS.
>> THE MONEY $18.4 MILLION WOULD STILL BE USED
FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES SUCH AS SPEECH THERAPY.
THEY WOULD ALSO RECEIVE 1.5 MILLION FOR STARTUP COSTS.
>> IT GIVES THESE WITH FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT DISABILITIES A BETTER OPPORTUNITY
TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS IN OUR SOCIETY.
WE WILL WORK OUT THE DETAILS.
I'M CONFIDENT WE WILL FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO GO FORWARD.
BUT IT IS A GOOD BILL.
IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES FOR A LOT OF KIDS IN THIS STATE.
>> THEY ALL APPLY TO THE OVERALL EFFORT, BUT THE DETAILS AND THE REVISED PLAN SPARKED QUESTIONS
BY SOME OF THE MEMBERS THAT SIT ON THE EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE.
>> I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE AGENCY BEING ABLE
TO ACCOMPLISH THE THINGS THAT'S BEEN GIVEN THE JOB OF DOING AND I HOPE
THAT THEY WILL BE GIVEN THE FUNDS IN ORDER THAT THEY CAN HIRE THE PEOPLE
SO THAT THEY CAN GET DONE WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO GET DONE.
>> CONSIDERING THE BILL IS CHANGING DYNAMICALLY, THIS IS THE LAST STOP.
I WANT TO KNOW THAT WE ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT PACE.
SO BECAUSE OF THOSE CONCERNS I CAN'T SUPPORT THE BILL AT THIS PARTICULAR STOP.
>> OF THE SENATOR WAS THE ONLY NO VOTE ON CONSIDERING WHETHER TO ADOPT A NEW IDEA
INTO THE BILL HAS A FINAL COMMITTEE STOPPED BEFORE APPROPRIATIONS.
A SENATE BILL THAT MAKES REFORMS TO THE STATES CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM HAS CLEARED ANOTHER HURDLE
THAT THERE IS NO WORD ON HOW MUCH THE CHANGES WILL COST.
THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE APPROVED THE BILL
AND IT WOULD REQUIRE 80% OF THE NEWLY HIRED A CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATORS
TO HAVE SOCIAL WORKERS DEGREES AND ESTABLISHES TUITION EXCEPTION
IN STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS FOR THE WORKERS IN THE CREATIVE FLORIDA INSTITUTE
OF CHILD WELFARE AMONG SEVERAL OTHER PROVISIONS.
THE SPONSOR SAYS THAT SHE GIVES LAWMAKERS THE GREATEST DEED BASED ON THEIR PERFORMANCE
IN CHILD WELFARE BUT SHE SAYS THIS MOVES THE STATE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
>> WE ARE CLOSE TO GETTING TO AN A BUT WE GET AN A- BECAUSE WE HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT FUNDING.
WE HAVE A GREAT WORK PRODUCT AND I'M PROUD OF EVERYBODY THAT HAS HELPED US GET TO THIS POINT.
BUT THIS GREAT WORK PRODUCT DEPENDS ON IMPLEMENTATION WITH THE NECESSARY RESOURCES.
WE CANNOT IMPLEMENT HIS PLAN WITHOUT THE NECESSARY RESOURCES.
>> THE HOUSE HAS INCLUDED A 44 MILLION IN THE BUDGET FOR THE IMPROVEMENT
TO THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM BUT THE SENATE BUDGET CHAIR
THAT NEGOTIATIONS ARE CONTINUING IN THE CHAMBER.
>> I DON'T HAVE A SPECIFIC NUMBER IN MIND THAT THE PRESIDENT HAS MADE IT A PRIORITY
TO THE AUTHORITIES THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILD PROTECTION HAVE THE FUNDING
THAT THEY NEED TO DO THEIR JOB EFFECTIVELY.
WE DON'T HAVE A SPECIFIC NUMBER TO GIVE.
>> THE BILL MOVES ON TO ITS FINAL COMMITTEE APPROPRIATIONS.
A SIMILAR HOUSE BILL ALSO HAS ONE MORE COMMITTEE STOP.
SENATE DEMOCRATS MET WEDNESDAY TO TALK ABOUT STRATEGY ON BILLS AND BUDGET ITEMS.
THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE BILLS MOVING FORWARD IN THE LEGISLATURE THAT DEAL
WITH ABORTION, GUNS FROM EDUCATION POLICY AND SPENDING.
THE SENATOR HANDED OUT FREE THE 470.
IT REFERS TO THE MONEY THEY SAVE THAT WOULD BE AVAILABLE
FOR THE BUDGET IF THEY EXPANDED MEDICAID.
>> THEY'VE ALREADY SIGNED UP AND THERE'S A MILLION BUT CAN'T BECAUSE THEY ARE CAUGHT
IN THAT WHOLE AND NOT ONLY ABOUT THE 470 BUT ABOUT THE FLORIDIANS
THAT ARE BEING LEFT BECAUSE OF THE ACTIONS.
>> THEY ASKED ALL DEMOCRATS TO WEAR THE BUTTON ON THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE FLOOR
IF THEY COME UP FOR CONSIDERATION.
>> HERE IS A LOOK AT THE SENATE COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY.
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A LONG-STANDING TRADITION CONTINUED TODAY AT THE CAPITOL AS FOLKS LINED UP AT LUNCHTIME
FOR A TASTE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.
IT'S TOOK PLACE IN THE COURTYARD.
IT COINCIDES WITH MIAMI-DADE THE DISH OF LIFE CHICKEN AND SHRIMP MIXED
IN DECEMBER ALL MORNING SERVED BY FAMILIAR FACES INCLUDING THE GOVERNOR,
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CABINET.
THIS IS THE 26TH YEAR AND THEY SAY THE GREAT WAY TO BRING A PIECE OF MIAMI TO TALLAHASSEE.
>> IT IS A SPANISH DISH SERVED IN MIAMI.
VERY TRADITIONAL.
ALMOST LIKE FLAN OR COFFEE.
>> THE EVENTS WAS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
ABOUT 2,000 PEOPLE ENJOYED THE LUNCH AND THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA DAY
AT THE CAPITOL GATOR PRIDE WAS IN EFFECT.
ALUMNI AND STUDENTS MET INTO THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION HAD MANY LOCATED
ON THE SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR.
REPRESENTATIVE BRIAN NELSON SERVED AS THE CHAIR
AND RECOGNIZED THE UNIVERSITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
AT THE END OF THE HOUSE SESSION THEY WERE OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AFTER MEETING
WITH STATE LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE DAY THEY WENT
UP TO ATTEND A RECEPTION AT THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION.
WE WANT TO TAKE YOU BACK TO THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE AND GIVE YOU AN UPDATE
ON THAT RAGE THEFT BILL SENATE BILL 926.
I AM TOLD THAT A COMPROMISED BILL DID PASS.
THIS IS THE LAST STOP SO NOW IT HEADS TO THE FULL SENATE.
THAT IS EXPECTED TO END AT 6:00.
AND WE ARE ABOUT TO END OUR PROGRAM FOR THIS WEDNESDAY.
WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT TIME.