Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich Calls On Scott Administration To Rethink Flawed Fcat Test

Minority Office — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Alarmed by news this week that the writing scores of thousands of school children throughout Florida had dropped dramatically on the FCAT writing test, Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich (D-Weston) issued the following statement:

“This major blunder by the Department of Education in changing the FCAT without adequate notice to school boards, teachers, parents and students underscores once again the dangers inherent in relying on one single – and obviously flawed – test to measure learning progress. These tests not only impact the students, but the critical funding the schools receive.

“The Department of Education has risked an enormous amount of taxpayer money to overhaul a test ostensibly to boost teaching accountability, but with little accountability for themselves on the outcome. Because no one can explain what caused the disastrous results, the governor ordered a review of ...

Personal Invitation from Don Gaetz

Senator Gaetz — Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Destin, FL — This is a special invitation for you to join Northwest Florida’s greatest military heroes next Tuesday, May 15, at 10 a.m. at Doolittle Park in Valparaiso.

We’ll be designating a portion of Highway 20 as The Purple Heart Memorial Highway in honor of those brave women and men in our community who shed their blood – even gave their lives – for our freedom.

It would mean a great deal to me – and to our veterans – if you could attend. It’s a chance to show our solidarity for our military and our respect and admiration for their sacrifice.

Either send me a reply email or give me a call at 850-897-5747 to let me know you’ll be able to join us.

Best wishes always,

Senator Don Gaetz

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For ...

Senator Dockery to Deliver USF Polytech Commencement

Senator Dockery — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, Fla — Senator Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland) will be the commencement speaker for the South Florida Polytechnic’s graduating class this Monday, May 7^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakeland Center’s Youkey Theatre.

Since 1988, the University of South Florida has operated a campus in Lakeland, giving thousands of students the opportunity to earn degrees from a respected accredited university. The graduating class of 2012 will earn bachelors and graduate degrees in an array of academics including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as well as liberal arts studies.

However, because of recent legislation, this will be the last graduating class to earn degrees from the campus before the transition. The college will be replaced by a new independent university, Florida Polytechnic.

Senator Dockery has been a strong proponent for the students and faculty of t...

Senator Mike Fasano Reacts to Progress Energy's Nuclear Cost Recovery Filing & Announcement

Senator Fasano — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Progress Energy has released a statement regarding its collection of advance nuclear cost recovery dollars as well as its long-term plans regarding the future construction of the Levy County nuclear power plant. Progress Energy has asked for an overall advance nuclear cost recovery increase to $5.09 per 1,000 kilowatt-hour up from its current $2.86 per 1,000 kilowatt hour for the construction of a yet-to-be-built nuclear plant in Levy County and the repair of the long-broken Crystal River power plant.

“Progress Energy wants to nearly double its collection of advance nuclear cost recovery dollars for two plants that are not even online,” Senator Fasano states. “Crystal River has been down since Progress Energy bungled its repair in 2009. Levy County is not even built and, according to the statement, the plant won’t be online for at least another dozen years at the earliest.”

Marianna "Neighborhood Day" Scheduled by Senator Gaetz

Senator Gaetz — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Destin, FL —
Senator Don Gaetz will bring his Senate office to Marianna on Thursday, May 10, 2012 for “Neighborhood Day.” From early morning until evening, the second-term Republican will meet one-on-one with residents, speak with business and civic leaders, local organizations and walk door-to-door.

Neighborhood Day begins at 8:15 a.m. with a visit to Riverside Elementary School where Senator Gaetz will present to students and faculty members an “A” Award, which is the highest level of recognition granted by the State to an educational institution.

From 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Gaetz will bring his Senate office to the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, located at 4318 Lafayette Street. There, he'll meet individually with the citizens...

Redistricting Plans Granted Preclearance from U.S. Department of Justice

Senator Haridopolos — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Today the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) granted Florida’s request for administrative preclearance of the state Senate, House and Congressional redistricting plans under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. The announcement enables elections officials to begin implementing the new districts for the 2012 elections. The completion of the review process for these redistricting plans comes earlier than in prior cycles.

“Today’s ruling by the Department of Justice is great news for all Floridians,” said Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island). “One of our foremost goals during this redistricting cycle was to conduct the process in a manner that would give both the voters and candidates time to become familiar with the new districts. With the completion of the review process for these redistricting plans today, I am proud to say that we accomplished that goal.&rdquo...

SUPREME COURT DECISION ON SENATE MAPS

Senator Gaetz — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, FL — April 27, 2012
11: 00 a.m. CT

To: Members of the Florida Senate

From: Don Gaetz, Chair, Reapportionment Committee

RE: SUPREME COURT DECISION ON SENATE MAPS

Just a few moments ago the Florida Supreme Court approved the amended Senate redistricting plan as submitted by the Legislature.

While we remain convinced that our original plan complied with both federal and state laws, we are grateful for the Court’s clear direction which guided the Legislature in making changes to eight districts, the Lakeland area and the numbering of districts.

The constitutional amendments passed in 2010 required Florida to change its redistricting process in a way no other state has faced. President Haridopolos and Speaker Cannon responded to that historic challenge with clear direction to our House and Senate com...

Senator Fasano Calls for Permanent Dismissal of Marshall Goodman from USF Polytech& State University System

Senator Fasano — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

State Senator Mike Fasano, a frequent critic of the upcoming split of Florida Polytechnic from the University of South Florida, calls for the permanent dismissal of Marshall Goodman, the former chancellor of USF Polytech. Goodman is currently on leave based on allegations of wrongdoing that were levied last year. On Wednesday the University released its investigation into complaints of mismanagement and misuse of funds. The report reveals that a culture of intimidation and wasteful spending was rampant under Goodman’s tenure as chancellor.

“It is time for the University of South Florida to make a clean break from former chancellor Goodman,” Senator Fasano states. “The fact that he is lurking in the shadows, all while the legislature and the governor have approved the creation of Florida Polytechnic, is troubling. Goodman, who is earning $200,000 while on leave, and doing...

Senate Democratic Leaders Call On Republican Governor Scott To Stop Wasting Taxpayer Dollars On Bad Laws And Court Challenges

Minority Office — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Responding to Republican Governor Rick Scott’s announcement Thursday that he would appeal a federal court ruling striking down as unconstitutional his executive order requiring mandatory drug testing of Florida state employees, Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich (D-Weston) and Senate Democratic Leader Pro Tem Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) called on Scott to stop wasting taxpayer money.

“The governor’s cavalier use of taxpayer money to defend clearly unconstitutional policies and laws is unconscionable,” said Senator Rich. “He took an oath to uphold the constitution, not trample it.”

“The governor’s ‘my way or the highway’ attitude might work in the private sector where the Bill of Rights does not apply, but not in government where it most certainly does,” said Sen. Joyner. “If investors want to throw good money after bad to enable a pe...

Statement by Senate President Haridopolos on Governor Scott Signing the 2012-2013 Budget

Senator Haridopolos — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island) made the following statement upon Governor Rick Scott signing the budget for the State of Florida, which is effective July 1, 2012:

“This year,Florida faced yet another seemingly insurmountable budget shortfall. Despite this obstacle,the legislature passed a balanced budget without raising taxes on hardworking Florida families.

“I applaud Governor Scott for signing this thoughtful budget today; it delivers on the promises the Governor made by providing over $1 billion in new funding for K-12 education and ensuring Florida is a state where private sector businesses can compete and create jobs.

“Governor Scott and I both realize that the dollars in this budget belong to the state’s tax payers, and we have a duty to ensure that every penny is spent in a fiscally responsible manner. And by investing in education and jo...

Statement By Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich On Governor Rick Scott's Budget Approval

Minority Office — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich (D-Weston) issued the following statement following Republican Governor Rick Scott’s approval today of the 2012-2013 state budget:

“For the second year in a row, Governor Scott has underscored how little he truly understands about Florida and the priorities of the people he pledged to serve.

“Despite earlier announcing his intent to join Democrats in their long-standing commitment to public education, he approved a $1 billion band aid that doesn’t cover the $1.3 billion in state money his fellow Republicans slashed from Florida’s K-12 schools last year.

“The Governor also insisted he was against raising tuition at Florida’s universities, but today signed off on a budget built on those very same tuition hikes. The Governor was correct when he said ‘increasing education funding i...

Senator Mike Fasano is Recipient of Three Prestigious Awards

Senator Fasano — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

State Senator Mike Fasano has recently received three prestigious awards from a variety of local, regional and statewide organizations. The Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association, the Area Agency on Aging and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office have all recently honored Senator Fasano for his legislative accomplishments.

“His steadfast advocacy of transportation and his courage in the face of significant pressure to short change our state infrastructure, make him an ideal recipient for this award,” stated President-Elect Chris Evers of the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). “Senator Fasano is a strong supporter of APWA and deserves our recognition and thanks.”

Senator Fasano received the “Inaugural Legislator of the Year Award on April 5^th

State Agencies' Rule-Making Process to be Restrained, Governor Approves Gaetz-Gaetz Bill

Senator Gaetz — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, FL — Florida Governor Rick Scott signed legislation today that will prohibit state agencies from generating cumbersome rules and policies that have not been approved by the Governor or the Florida Legislature.

For years, state agencies have implemented thousands of department rules and policies which are intrusive to the residents of Florida. Under House Bill 7055/Senate Bill 1312, sponsored by Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Shalimar) and Senator Don Gaetz (R-Niceville), this bill stops these invasive regulations from being created and enforced by non-elected state employees without the consent of the Governor or Legislature.

“It is my view that those individuals appointed by the Governor to head a state agency should be supervised by those who are elected to serve the public,” said Senator Don Gaetz. “This bill ensures that the laws created by t...

Senator Mike Fasano Announces that HB 667 Relating to Murder Has Been Signed Into Law

Senator Fasano — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Senator Mike Fasano announces that the governor has signed HB 667, relating to Murder, into law. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Richard Corcoran in the Florida House of Representatives, was inspired by the tragic death of Hernando County Sheriff’s Deputy John C. Mecklenburg. Deputy Mecklenburg died while trying to capture a criminal who was alluding law enforcement.

HB 667 will increase the charges that can be brought against a suspect if a law enforcement officer or bystander is killed while a suspect of a crime is fleeing or eluding law enforcement officers. This bill will allow those accused to be charged with 1^st or 2^nd degree murder—the former being punishable up to death or life imprisonment.

“Law enforcement officers risk their lives each and every day,” Senator Fasano...

Government Transparency Bill, Others to Become Law

Senator Gaetz — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, Florida — A more watchful eye will be kept on taxpayer-funded hospitals thanks to legislation that was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott today.

Under Senate Bill 1568/House Bill 711, sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and Senator Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah), the process of selling or leasing a public hospital facility must be open and transparent to all qualified buyers or lessees of the property.

With 34 public hospitals in Florida, most of these buildings have valued assets in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Until now, no requirements have been established to enact the sale or lease of a public hospital to be in the sunshine for competitive proposals. This legislation will require all negotiations to be public and determine fair market value for all public hospitals.

“In my view, an open, transparent government process is vital to keeping citize...

Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich Strongly Opposes Wasting Of Taxpayer Dollars To Preserve Republican Majority

Minority Office — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich (D-Weston) on Thursday expressed strong opposition to the decision by the Senate Republican leadership to hire a former Supreme Court Justice at taxpayer expense to finally show them how to get it right when it comes to drawing a redistricting map that passes constitutional muster.

“The Senate Republican leadership should be embarrassed by its record of wasting millions of taxpayer dollars throughout this redistricting exercise,” said Senator Rich. “They pushed through their first map knowing full well it guaranteed incumbent protection, insisting it was constitutional. The Supreme Court disagreed.

“They then convened an expensive special session at taxpayer expense to push through a second attempt they claimed was the real constitutional ‘McCoy,’ but was little improved from the first. The map still guaranteed the safety of t...

Gaetz Proposals Earn Governor's Approval

Senator Gaetz — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, FL — Florida businesses will be spared a $50 per employee tax hike under legislation scheduled to be signed into law by Governor Rick Scott in Panama City Beach on Monday.

The provision was authored by Senator Don Gaetz and Representative Will Weatherford and included in SB 1416/HB 7027, sponsored by Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff. The Gaetz-Weatherford proposal will save Florida employers an estimated $400 million, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

Record unemployment drew down the state’s unemployment compensation trust fund, triggering what would have been an automatic tax increase on the state’s job creators. Weatherford and Gaetz, the legislature’s incoming presiding officers, worked out a solution that saved businesses from extra cost at a time when the economy is just beginning to improve.

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Senator Mike Bennett Appointed to Government Efficiency Task Force

President Office — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island) today appointed Senator Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton) to the Government Efficiency Task Force.

“I am happy to announce today that I have appointed Senator Bennett to the Government Efficiency Task Force,” said Senate President Haridopolos. “Senator Bennett’s commitment to making government work for all Floridians has been unwavering during his time in the Florida Legislature. And I am confident that he will bring that same commitment to the task force and continue to make our government more efficient for businesses, entrepreneurs and Florida’s families.”

“I feel privileged to be appointed to the Government Efficiency Task Force,” said Senator Bennett. “Limited government is vital to our state’s business community, and the first step towards reducing the size and scope ...

Florida Senate Passes Revised Redistricting Map to Comply with Supreme Court Ruling

Senator Haridopolos — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — The Florida Senate today passed a revised state Senate redistricting plan to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling. The revised plan passed by a bipartisan, 31-6 vote.

“Once again, Senator Don Gaetz has guided this redistricting process with a deft hand,” said Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island). “During this extraordinary session, he has shown that he is committed to complying with the Supreme Court’s ruling and abiding by Amendments 5 and 6, all while ensuring the redistricting process remains open, transparent and inclusive.”

“I look forward to the Supreme Court’s review of our revised map and am hopeful they will find it in compliance with the ruling they outlined,” added Senate President Haridopolos.

“While the Supreme Court validated 32 of the 40 districts in our original redistricting plan, the Court,...

Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich Rejects Senate's Unconstitutional Senate Maps

Minority Office — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich (D-Weston) on Thursday once again rejected the Senate’s Senate boundary maps, arguing that the redesign not only remained unconstitutional but continued to protect incumbents:

“When the Senate ran afoul of the Supreme Court, it did so because it chose to ignore the will of 63 percent of Floridians who overwhelmingly voted to have the right to pick their own candidates, rather than the candidates picking them,” said Senator Rich.

“While the Senate may have had an excuse the first time, this time there is none. The same incumbent protections remain. Even an amendment that would have kept intact at least one minority community was rejected. Despite the speeches and applause, I believe the Senate map today is as unconstitutional as its former version, and that’s why I opposed it.

“The Supreme Court didn’t just tel...

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