Peter Schorsch
After Hurricane Irma walloped the state — and wrecked people’s houses, apartments and mobile homes — there has been a renewed push from state housing groups to protect the state’s affordable housing programs.
That includes efforts to stop lawmakers from taking money from the state’s housing trust fund, which sets aside money for state housing needs. After the hurricane, that trust fund is needed for areas battered by the storm.
In the effort, Florida Realtors, a large professional trade association in the state, published a video portraying the “True Stories of Florida’s Affordable Housing Trust Funds.”
The video features the obstacles some Floridians have dealt with when trying to find an affordable home, including stories of a once homeless woman in West Palm Beach to a law enforcement officer in Tallahassee.
“Each of these stories is heartbreaking — but also triumphant when you consider how far these people have come and how they were able to use these program to rebuild their lives,” said Cheryl Lambert, the 2017 Florida Realtors Secretary.
In the past, lawmakers have grabbed money from the trust fund to pay for other portions of the current budget year.
“This is all about educating our legislators on the true value of these trust funds,” Lambert said. “We know they have hard decisions to make, and that’s why it’s important they see firsthand the effect of those decisions.”
According to a study conducted by the Florida State University Center for Economic Forecasting and Analyses — and commissioned by Florida Realtors — for every dollar the Legislature appropriated between 2006 and 2016, affordable housing programs generated $9.50 in economic activity for the state.
Coming up, the usual assortment of tidbits, leftovers and not-ready-for-prime-time moments by Jim Rosica, Ana Ceballos, Andrew Wilson, Danny McAuliffe and Peter Schorsch.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
Jack Latvala makes stand — The Clearwater Republican, who’s been dogged by accusations that he sexually assaulted or harassed female lobbyists and staff, admits he’s made remarks about women’s appearances that could be construed as inappropriate. But he steadfastly maintains he’s never groped the unidentified women — or others — as described in a news report that’s sparked an investigation into the alleged wrongdoing. Latvala this week also released results of a polygraph test he and his lawyer say proves his innocence.
Nursing homes fight back — A Florida nursing home advocate is pushing back on accusations that nearly two dozen nursing homes missed a key deadline in Gov. Rick Scott’s emergency generator rule. A statement from the Agency for Health Care Administration claimed 23 nursing homes had not followed Scott’s rule that nursing homes and assisted living facilities must file emergency plans and purchase generators. A day later, AHCA corrected the list, saying only 18 had not complied. “AHCA appears to have made no attempt to contact facilities in advance to verify the accuracy of this ill-conceived list before releasing it to the public,” the Florida Health Care Association said in a statement.
Gambling bill filed again — The Senate is about to tackle gaming again. Sen. Travis Hutson‘s latest bill (SB 840) is less ambitious in scope than previous efforts, focusing on four topics: Fantasy contests, greyhound and horse race decoupling, slot machine taxes and ‘designated player’ games at pari-mutuel card rooms. “I am excited to take the lead on gaming for the 2018 Session,” Hutson said.
Workers’ comp prices decreasing — The cost to buy workers’ compensation insurance is going down in the Sunshine State. Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier issued a final order Thursday granting approval to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) for a statewide overall rate level decrease of 9.5 percent and premium level decrease of 9.8 percent, according to a news release.
‘Sanctuary city’ ban moves — House Speaker Richard Corcoran praised a House panel advancing a bill that would punish local officials who don’t fully comply with federal immigration law. While more than 60 people came to speak in opposition of the bill, arguing it faces constitutional challenges and would plant fear in the community, Corcoran said any elected official who supports “sanctuary city” policies should be removed from office.
Rob Bradley acknowledges ‘awkward situation’
The Senate’s new budget chief has not yet discussed detailed spending priorities with Senate President Joe Negron, who appointed him to fill the post pending a sexual harassment investigation into erstwhile chair Jack Latvala.
“He and I have not had a discussion about the details of allocations. It’s way early in the process for that,” Sen. Bradley told a reporter who ran into him in the Capitol plaza level.
Although he’ll no longer run the show, Latvala will continue as a committee member.
“Certainly, it’s an unusual situation, an awkward situation for all involved,” the Fleming Island Republican said. “These things happen in life. The people send us here to do our jobs and do it professionally. I’m focused on building a budget in a low-key, drama-free, professional manner.”
Will his priorities differ from Latvala’s?
“There are Senate priorities that are shared by the entire leadership team and the president — higher education and the environment. Those are things that are certainly important to me,” he said.
“I’m honored to serve in this capacity, and we’re just focused on building a budget that the people of Florida can be proud of.”
Bill Montford to address ‘rural crisis’
Sen. Montford, the Tallahassee Democrat who chairs the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, will convene the panel Monday to “discuss the economic outlook of rural Florida and the impact it has on the rest of the state.”
“For years, I have traveled and talked with families that are facing a crisis,” he said in a statement. “From health care and education to jobs and infrastructure, many communities have not seen the growth and recovery since the recession enjoyed by much of the state.”
He represents 11 counties in North Florida, 10 of which are considered rural.
“In many of my counties, they are worse off,” he added. “Rural Florida is facing a crisis due to the need for economic development and a sound financial basis from which to address these needs.
“As a state, we must recognize that economic development looks different in rural Florida. In Monday’s meeting, we will hear from a panel of stakeholders about the financial realities and obstacles that rural Florida is facing on the road to economic recovery.”
The committee meets in 110 Senate Office Building at 4 p.m. Monday.
A panel will include Amy Baker of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research; Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist at the Florida Chamber Foundation; Laura Youmans, Associate Director with the Florida Association of Counties; and Antonio Jefferson, the City Manager of Gretna, Gadsden County.
Let’s not be hasty on PIP, Lori Berman says
Perhaps the most sweeping change to Florida’s auto insurance system in decades deserves more than a single committee hearing before it hits the House floor.
At least that’s what House Democrat Lori Berman thinks.
“This bill has been only referred to one committee, that’s the Commerce Committee, and there are no Appropriations committees that the bill has been referred to,” Berman said during the hearing in question.
“If you read the fiscal analysis, almost everything is ‘indeterminate.’ I really think this bill should go through an Appropriations committee, so that we can understand what the actual economic impact would be to our state, to our local governments, and to our private sector,” she said.
HB 19 would repeal Florida’s no-fault insurance law and return disputes to the courts. Similar legislation is pending in the Senate.
A committee analysis notes a shift away from no-fault insurance in recent years — only 17 states still require PIP coverage.
“Obviously, the Senate and House versions are very different right now,” House sponsor Erin Grall said. “I look forward to a conversation with the Senate, and I’m hoping that if we can get them a bill earlier in the session we’ll be able to have that robust conversation.”
Kionne McGhee named Miami-Dade Delegation chair
Incoming House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee has been elected to serve a new term as Chair of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation, where he hopes to tackle, among other things, reforms to the justice system.
McGhee was unanimously elected by Miami-Dade senators and representatives and will lead the 24-member delegations through this year’s Session and midterm elections.
“As Chair, I will lead the charge for badly needed mass transit improvements in Miami-Dade, organize our membership to implement reforms to our justice system, and fight for our county’s priorities in the budget process,” McGhee said.
This fall, McGhee served a term as interim chair.
McGhee is also forming an investigative committee on the state’s opioid epidemic, which will be led by Rep. Nick Duran. McGhee has also appointed Rep. Robert Asencio to head a panel on hurricane preparedness following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Bob Cortes files early literacy bill
Rep. Cortes, a Central Florida Republican, is getting on the “books to babies” bandwagon.
He announced this week legislation (HB 543) that would establish a pilot project in Seminole and Orange counties to help new parents promote literacy skills in their kids.
“The research is very clear that the first three years of a child’s life are critical for brain development,” Cortes said in a statement.
“The Books to Babies Pilot Project will help hundreds of families in our area, especially those with lower incomes, be able to give their children the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.”
The program would be administered by the Office of Early Learning.
Richard Stark, Vic Torres file measures on Venezuela
Rep. Stark, a Weston Democrat, this week has filed a House memorial “calling on the federal government to continue and intensify financial sanctions” on Venezuela. Sen. Vic Torres, an Orlando Democrat, filed companion legislation in the Senate.
“With civil unrest continuing (after) a sham election last month that strengthened the murderous regime of Nicolás Maduro, the memorial requests that Congress pressure the regime to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and calls for all appropriate federal agencies to hold Maduro and officials within his government accountable for their violations of law and their abuse of internationally recognized human rights,” Stark said in a statement.
“The fact is that the Maduro regime is systematically starving its own people, jailing its political opponents, and refusing to hold legitimate elections,” he added.
Among other things, Maduro’s government had placed opposition leader Leopoldo López under house arrest after López was released from prison following a 3-year sentence for leading anti-government protests.
“I stand with the over 8 million Venezuelans who voted to strengthen their current constitution and against their nation’s currently unaccountable leadership,” Stark said. “It is my hope the federal government will act on the requests in this memorial and hold Maduro and his cronies responsible for their unconscionable actions.”
Randy Fine files tourism tax tweak
Rep. Fine, a House Republican from south Brevard County, introduced legislation this week to amend the Tourist Development Tax statute to allow bed taxes to be spent on capital projects needed for tourism: Transportation, wastewater, solid waste, groundwater drainage, drinking water and pedestrian facilities.
“The bill also makes clear that estuaries and lagoons are considered rivers and inland lakes for the purposes of existing authority,” a news release said. St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes filed a similar bill in the Senate.
“So much of our infrastructure is failing and inadequately maintained, and many local politicians hide behind real — or made up — restrictions of the tourist development tax to fund special interest projects at the expense of Florida’s visitors and tourists,” Fine said in a statement.
“With billions of dollars being collected from tourists to Florida, we should grant local governments the ‘home rule’ power to spend those dollars in the best manner to attract and facilitate tourists.”
Fine filed his bill “in the aftermath of a scandal on the Brevard County Commission where at the same time it was releasing 19 million gallons of raw sewage into the Indian River, four county commissioners voted to spend $14.4 million on projects including a $7 million-dollar developer payment, $5 million in county soccer field improvements, $1.7 million to subsidize RV parks for snowbirds, and $500,000 for a museum open only once a week that charges $27 admission,” the release said.
FSU Law launching veterans’ legal clinic
Florida State University College of Law is preparing to launch a new program for veterans in January.
The Veterans Legal Clinic will provide free legal services to veterans. The clinic will handle a wide variety of cases, including driver’s license reinstatements, family law cases, expunge criminal records, clemency applications, and landlord/tenant cases.
Under the supervision of licensed attorneys, second- and third-year law students enrolled in the clinic will help veterans.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide much needed legal services to veterans in our area,” said FSU College of Law Dean Erin O’Connor. “For our students, this will be an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families.”
In advance of launching the Veterans Legal Clinic, law students and volunteer lawyers have conducted weekly advice and referral sessions for veterans at the American Legion Post 13 in Tallahassee.
They have assisted 40-50 veterans per month since February through the weekly sessions and anticipate providing similar assistance when the clinic launches in January.
The Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative (TVLC), a group founded by Tallahassee attorney Dan Hendrickson that saw a need for and conceived of the Veterans Legal Clinic, organizes the weekly sessions. Once the clinic launches, the TVLC sessions will be a source of referrals to the clinic.
Any veteran who is interested in participating may call the Veterans Legal Clinic at (850) 644-9928.
Instagram of the week
The week in appointments
Two tapped for Board of Pharmacy — Gov. Scott appointed Dr. Jeffrey Mesaros and David Wright to the state’s Board of Pharmacy.
Mesaros, 40, of Orlando, is the senior legal counsel of pharmacy practice for CVS Health. He received his doctor of pharmacy from the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy at Wilkes University.
He succeeds Dr. Goar Alvarez and is appointed for a term beginning Nov. 9, and ending Oct. 31, 2020.
Wright, 53, of Fort Pierce, is the owner of Butterfield Pharmacy. He received his bachelor of pharmacy from the University of Kentucky.
He succeeds Debra Glass and is appointed for a term ending Oct. 31, 2019.
These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
Wendt back to Florida Poly board — Scott reappointed Gary Wendt to the Florida Polytechnic University board of trustees.
Wendt, 75, of Ft. Lauderdale, currently serves as the Chairman of Deerpath Capital Management. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his master’s degree from Harvard University.
Wendt is reappointed for a term ending June 30, 2022.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Tampa woman for nursing board — The governor appointed Patrice Vance to the Florida Center for Nursing board of directors.
Vance, 53, of Tampa, is the division vice president of clinical operations and quality for HCA West Florida Division.
Vance received her master’s degree in nursing from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.
She succeeds Dora Krauss and is appointed for a term ending June 30, 2018.
South Florida State College pick — Joe Wright was reappointed to the South Florida State College District board of trustees.
Wright, 61, of Avon Park, is the president of V.W. Farms, Inc. He received his bachelor’s, master’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Florida.
Wright is reappointed for a term ending May 31, 2019. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Ryals to Chipola College Board — Daniel “Danny” Ryals was reappointed to the Chipola College District board of trustees.
Ryals, 66, of Altha, is a broker with Danny Ryals Real Estate and the owner of R & R Warehouses.
He is reappointed for a term ending May 31, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Daniels named again in Palm Beach — Scott reappointed Les Daniels to the Health Care District of Palm Beach County.
Daniels, of Palm Beach, is the operating partner of AE Industrial Partners. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Fordham University.
He is reappointed for a term ending Sept. 30, 2020.
Julio Torres named Florida’s Trooper of the Year
Gov. Scott recognized Corporal Julio F. Torres as the Florida Highway Patrol’s 2017 Trooper of the Year for the way he responded to an accident that saved a person’s life.
Upon presenting Torres the award, Scott said his action during a vehicle rescue Feb. 2, 2016, was “heroic” and thanked him for serving the community every day for more than four years as an FHP trooper.
The event that has bestowed Torres with this recognition occurred when he was traveling on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County. After seeing a multi-vehicle crash, Torres saw that one of the cars had broken through the guardrail and landed upside down in a retention pond.
Torres jumped into the water and rescued the trapped person by using a knife and crowbar to cut through the seat belt. He removed the passenger and performed CPR before paramedics arrived on scene.
“His quick actions responding to the accident were heroic, and illustrate the dedication of our state law enforcement officers,” Scott said in a statement.
Florida Health’s salute to vets
The Florida Department of Health honors veterans and active duty service members this Veterans Day by recognizing the 2017 Florida Veteran Health Heroes and highlighting the department’s veterans support services.
“I am proud to recognize the honorable service of our veterans, active duty military and their families this Veterans Day,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip. “The department is grateful for your service and committed to supporting Florida’s veterans.”
The 2017 Florida Veteran Health Heroes publication highlights health care practitioners who have served in the United States Armed Forces and the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service.
This year, the department recognizes Donald “Don” Erbes, D.M.D.; Diane Fletcher, R.N.; Jaime Luis Torres II, M.D.; Charles D. Llano, D.D.S.; and Francisco M. Granda, D.M.D., M.S., M.D.
To learn more the 2017 Florida Veteran Health Heroes and for more information about the department’s military licensing support services, visit the Armed Services Licensing page at www.flhealthsource.gov/valor.
Groups react to House leadership pushing ‘sanctuary city’ ban
After a bill seeking to ban sanctuary city policies across the state passed its only House committee — along a party-line vote — some groups continue to be vocal against the policy.
“For lawmakers to pass this highly controversial bill in the face of overwhelming opposition from 60 citizens is a disgrace,” Michael Alfano, the campaign manager for Campaign to Defend Local Solutions, said.
“Bills like HB9 do nothing to keep our communities safe. Instead, they invite costly litigation, will subject local cities to ridiculous fines and punishment, and will hurt taxpayers by denying cities state funding,” he added.
Alfano’s group, founded by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, said the bill is “likely unconstitutional” and would tear families apart.
“We are actively mobilizing and educating immigrants to become conscious and active citizens and voters,” Broward County Commissioner Dale Holeness said. “We must pay close attention to policies that undermine the power of local government and weaken our democracy.”
Lourdes Villanueva, the board chair of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said the move by legislators to pass this bill was “immoral.”
“HB 9 would have serious human cost but also an economic impact on local industry and municipalities as law enforcement, city or county officers, and even school and college employees are required to report undocumented immigrants,” Villanueva said.
Happy anniversary, Midtown Reader
Midtown Reader, Tallahassee’s newest independent bookstore, will celebrate its anniversary today, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., proprietor Sally Bradshaw announced.
Details and times are:
10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Lucy & Leo’s cupcake truck will be in front of the store serving literary-themed cupcakes.
11 a.m.-noon — Kidtown Story Hour for children. Join Leon County Deputy Sheriff and K-9 Officer Adam Bragg and dog Loki to read a story about K-9 dogs and their police friends.
Noon-1 p.m. — Faith Harkey, children’s author of “Genuine Sweet,” will be signing books for middle-grade readers.
3 p.m.-4 p.m. — Selena Chambers, author of the short story collection “Calls for Submission,” will be in the store.
4 p.m.-5 p.m. — James Kimbrell, awarding winning FSU poet and author, will visit, joined by award-winning FSU fiction author Ravi Howard.
7 p.m. — 9 p.m. — Birthday reception with cake, champagne, and beer selections from our local neighborhood craft brewery, Ology Brewing Co. FSU music students will perform classical guitar selections.
Midtown Reader is at 1123 Thomasville Road in Tallahassee, next to Izzy Pub and Sushi.
Now for this week’s edition of Capitol Directions.
