Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
After a surprise Tuesday announcement from sponsor Brecht Heuchan that he was withdrawing his proposed constitutional amendment to add a nursing home and assisted-living residents’ bill of rights, the industry took a victory lap.
Florida Health Care Association executive director Emmett Reed quickly issued a statement thanking “Heuchan and the entire Constitution Revision Commission for withdrawing Proposal 88.” The association represents the state’s long-term care providers.
“We appreciate the CRC for affording our members numerous opportunities — through committee meetings and public hearings — to share concerns about the proposal, as well as stories of how these caregivers go above and beyond to provide high-quality care and comfort for each of their residents,” he said.
“We believe the Legislature is the proper place for these types of discussions and look forward to working together with Florida lawmakers, regulators and other stakeholders on policies that prioritize resident care.”
LeadingAge Florida, which also represents nursing home and assisted-living facility (ALF) operators, added in an email that the “proposal would have done nothing to improve the lives of nursing home and ALF residents.”
Instead, “it would only have served to benefit trial attorneys and divert already scarce resources that should be spent on the care of frail seniors,” said president and CEO Steve Bahmer.
“We are grateful to our members for speaking out during this process, expressing their deep and ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of care to their residents.”
Evening Reads
“Storms strike college, leave trail of damage across South” via Brynn Anderson and Jay Reeves of The Associated Press
“Ron DeSantis rises, gwen Graham falls; Bill Nelson still leads Rick Scott, says poll” via Nancy Smith of Sunshine State News
“After Parkland shootings, a post-Columbine generation finds its voice” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald
“As kids prepare to march in Washington, Ted Deutch is facilitator and consider” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald
House Republicans blame Obama-era discipline policies for Parkland shooting” via Kimberly Hefling of POLITICO
“FIU campus opens day after 6 dies in bridge collapse” via Adriana Licon and Curt Anderson of Associated Press
“Rick Scott says 2017 was another record-breaking year for tourism despite obstacles” via John Lucas of The Capitolist
“Gwen Graham says she’d support local governments defying 2011 gun laws pre-emption” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Florida building codes thwarted hurricane damage, report shows” via Mary Shanklin of the Orlando Sentinel
“Growers optimistic for Florida peach crop” via Ashley Nickle of The Packer
Quote of the Day
“I have ordered the lowering of the flags this Thursday in remembrance of the victims of the bridge collapse at FIU. Our state continues to mourn and we offer our sincerest condolences to their families.” — Gov. Rick Scott, in a Tuesday statement.
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Wake Up Early?
First Lady Ann Scott will read to students and “share her passion for reading and literacy at elementary schools in Clay County,” a news release said. At 8:45 a.m., she will be at Charles E. Bennett Elementary School, 1 South Oakridge Avenue, Green Cove Springs; at 10:25 a.m., Doctors Inlet Elementary School, 2634 County Road 220, Middleburg; at 1:15 p.m., Grove Park Elementary School, 1643 Miller St., Orange Park.
The full Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) will convene. That’s at 9 a.m., Senate Chamber, The Capitol.
The Florida Citrus Commission will meet. That’s at 9 a.m., Florida Department of Citrus, 605 East Main St., Bartow.
The Public Service Commission will begin hearing proposals to build power plants in Putnam and Pasco counties. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.
Tallahassee state lawmakers Sen. Bill Montford and Rep. Loranne Ausley will hold a news conference highlighting a $1 million state appropriation for Second Harvest Big Bend. That’s at 10 a.m., Second Harvest Warehouse, 4446 Entrepot Blvd., Tallahassee.
The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Advisory Council will convene and likely consider the 2018 premium formula. That’s at 1:30 p.m., Hermitage Centre, 1801 Hermitage Blvd., Tallahassee.
The CRC’s Style and Drafting Committee will meet. That’s 15 minutes after the full body ends its floor session.
