Budget 2012-2013 Update

This Session my colleagues and I were presented with the difficult task of creating a balanced budget while facing a $1.8 Billion shortfall. Unlike the Federal Government, the Florida Legislature is Constitutionally obligated to pass a balanced budget. Thankfully this year the shortfall was smaller compared to the shortfall of $4.6 Billion that we faced during the 2011 Legislative Session. Creating a balanced budget is vital to the success of our state. As many other states comparative in size to Florida are facing very realistic debt problems, Florida has been upgraded to a stable AAA bond rating, resulting in lower interest rates, and potentially saving our taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Read the rest of this entry »

Education Update

My commitment to provide all students in Florida the opportunity to earn a world-class education did not waver during the difficult economic times facing our state. I am proud that we continue to place a high priority on education, and increased PreK-12 education funding by $1.1 billion this year. This was one of the Governor’s main priorities, and I am ecstatic that we accomplished this goal and are providing increased resources for the future generations of Floridians.

Florida Polytechnic (SB 1994: Higher Education)

This past session, Florida Polytechnic was given legislative approval through SB 1994. This was a highly debated topic in both Chambers. Creating a Polytechnic University is extremely important to our state. The State University System remains at a very low level for STEM graduates. STEM programs are essential for job creation. There is no better place for Florida’s first Polytechnic University than Polk County, and I am pleased the Legislature decided to fully fund the transition to Polytechnic independence. Throughout the process, I have listened to the students and faculty and have worked to ensure that all students currently enrolled in USF Polytechnic can finish their degree and receive a USF degree.  The bill ensures a fair and smooth transition to an independent Polytechnic in Polk. Below are some bulleted factsregarding the creation of Florida Polytechnic included in this legislation.

• Requires Florida Polytechnic University to meet the milestones in the Board of Governor’s motion by December 31, 2016.
• Requires USF to allow current USF Polytechnic students to complete their degree at USF.
• Requires USF to retain the current faculty and staff, except for faculty and staff of the Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute which are transferred to the new Florida Polytechnic University.
• Requires USF to transfer Polytechnic-related foundation funds to a new Florida Polytechnic University foundation after obtaining donor consent.
• Requires Florida Polytechnic University to allow the University of South Florida to use space at the Lakeland joint-use facility pursuant to a mutual agreement for the purpose of continuing the local education of existing USF Polytechnic students. Florida Polytechnic University shall transfer space at the Lakeland joint-use facility to Polk State College as new space becomes available on the new campus of Florida Polytechnic University.
• Appropriates $6 million in recurring funds for USF College of Pharmacy.
• Appropriates $10 million in recurring funds for USF for the purpose of allowing students enrolled in USF Polytechnic to complete their degrees at USF. This funding is contingent upon USF implementing the transfers required in the bill and upon USF maintaining full campus and program operations, including the retention of current faculty and staff of USF Polytechnic until June 30, 2012

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Reform

Accident fraud is a growing problem in Florida. This year, in conjunction with the Senate and the Governor, we reformed Florida’s Personal Injury Protection law to address major cost drivers in the current No-Fault motor vehicle insurance system. This legislation will help to ensure Floridians aren’t picking up the cost of these unscrupulous actors and makes meaningful changes in attacking fraud, controlling overutilization, focusing on promptly treating people for their serious injuries and reducing litigation costs. This legislation Protects consumers by limiting the opportunities and incentives for providing unnecessary care and also requires insurers to file new rates with the Office of Insurance Regulation to reflect the cost savings achieved by the legislation which ultimately will lower Floridians auto insurance costs.