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Friends,
Session is fast approaching and the Florida Legislature has been hard at work preparing for the early Session, scheduled to begin in January. In anticipation of Session and the Legislature's work ahead, I wanted to provide you with an update regarding the State's budget and the Redistricting Process.
Budget
Last session our State faced significant challenges due to a $4.6 billion budget shortfall. Our budget conscientiously constrained spending and limited the scope of government, adhering to our principles and creating a conservative and responsible balanced budget. More importantly, we accomplished this goal by refusing to raise taxes on our economically burdened citizenry.
We made these difficult choices knowing that the road before us would not be quick or painless, but that the financial security of future generations of Floridians depended on the decisions we made. We have led boldly while many states and nations have been unwilling to make the tough choices today to ensure a brighter tomorrow. Our efforts were not in vain. The budget and policy choices we made last session were responsible for upgrading Florida to a stable AAA bond rating, resulting in lower interest rates, potentially saving our taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. However, there is still much work to do.
With an economy that is still on the long road to recovery, our state is facing a potential $2 billion dollar shortfall for FY 2012-2013. This is only an estimation of the projected shortfall as more concrete numbers will be available in the near future, but it is clear we will be facing another challenging fiscal year. We will continue to work hard and make the necessary decisions to keep our state on the path to prosperity. We must look at the choices before us and continue to use our best judgment to determine what reductions must be made.
Redistricting
This summer the Redistricting Committee Members traveled throughout the State in order to hear the thoughts and concerns from members of the public in their home towns on the subject of redistricting. These meetings have concluded, but that does not end your opportunity to remain involved! On Monday, September 19, 2011, the Florida House of Representatives' Redistricting Committee and its Subcommittees began the process of reviewing and discussing the public input gathered at this summer's community meetings.
During the Committee meeting, Redistricting Committee Chair Will Weatherford asked that the public submit any new ideas - via MyDistrictBuilder, through social media, in writing, etc. - for redistricting maps before November 1. Public comment will still be welcomed and needed beyond this date; however, input received after November 1 will be considered for and possibly incorporated into maps that are already being considered.
As Vice Chair of the Redistricting Committee I urge you to stay involved in the process. Listed below are some helpful resources:
•Public Participation - There are several resources available at www.floridaredistricting.org to help you learn about and get involved in the redistricting process. The entire Public Participation Toolkit can be found at http://mydistrictbuilder.wordpress.com/participation/ .
•Plan Explorer - Via MyDistrictBuilder , you can explore and share all map submissions via the Plan Explorer button at www.floridaredistricting.org . The Plan Explorer also includes written redistricting submissions from Florida residents.
•Maps and Data - If you want to study available data and maps before coming to a public meeting or using MyDistrictBuilder, visit the Current Maps and Data button at www.floridaredistricting.org .
•Social Media - To follow the Florida House's redistricting related activities, you can request to be added to the House Redistricting email list by sending an email to mydistrictbuilder@myfloridahouse.gov, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyDistrictBuilder or Twitter at twitter.com/FLRedistricting .
Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any thoughts or concerns!
Sincerely,
Rep. Steve Precourt
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Legislative Session Update
Legislative Update
I am honored to have been appointed as Vice Chair to the Redistricting Committee by Speaker Cannon. During the 2012 Session, the House will engage in the constitutionally required process of redistricting. The lead up to that process will begin this summer. Starting in July and ending in November, the House, in conjunction with the Senate, will hold approximately 30 public hearings across Florida. I look forward to working with Chairman Weatherford and members of the Committee on this important issue.
For more information on the Redistricting Committee visit the Committee page here or visit www.floridaredistricting.org.
Pill Mill Legislation Passes the Florida House
Florida's prescription drug abuse problem has reached epidemic levels, killing 7-10 Floridians a day and affecting countless other Americans across the country. In 2008-09, 49 of the 50 practitioners who dispense the most Oxycodone in the country were located in Florida (half were in Broward County) according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Florida has 5% of the population, yet Florida doctors alone dispense 85% of the Oxycodone dispensed in the entire country.
Previous legislatures have tried to tackle the problem but have fallen far short. This year, CS/CS/HB 7095 aims to put an end to this epidemic once and for all by taking a multi-faceted, aggressive approach. The practitioner dispensing ban is a front end approach that will quickly and effectively stop the prescribing and dispensing of medically unbelievable amounts of narcotics, which has lead to the problem. The bill also requires wholesale distributors of powerful narcotics to report and record the distribution of controlled substances, which will allow law enforcement officials to stop those dispensing large amounts of drugs before they hit the streets.
In addition to shutting down "pill mills", HB 7095 prevents unscrupulous individuals from operating pharmacies by strengthening licensing requirements, and it shuts down the practice of "doctor shopping" by keeping the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in-tact and tightening the reporting requirement. HB 7095 passed the House with a vote of 116-1.
Court Reform Legislation Passes the Florida House
The House Joint Resolution (CS/HJR 7111) and Implementing Bill (CS/HB 7199) propose an amendment to the Constitution to make substantive reforms to Florida's judicial branch. The Court Reform package will increase judicial efficiency, transparency, and accountability by making multiple changes to the current court system. The proposed joint resolution would be considered by the electorate at the November 2012 general election.
The proposed court reform:
• Creates a stronger check on the judicial branch by giving the Legislature the authority to repeal a court rule with a majority vote.
• Increases accountability in the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) by allowing the Speaker of the House to request the House of Representatives review its investigative files in order that the House may better perform its constitutional duties relating to oversight and impeachment.
• Increases efficiency in the administration of justice by creating a criminal and civil division of the Supreme Court.
• Increases accountability by requiring the Senate to confirm gubernatorial appointments to the Supreme Court.
• Ensures accountability for judicial appointments by making the Governor, who is directly accountable to the people, solely responsible for his judicial appointments.
Around the District
In local news, Workforce Central Florida is hosting a virtual job fair set for May 9-13th. Job seekers are invited to log on from the convenience of any computer with Internet access and post their resume starting Monday, May 9th. There is no cost to participate and available jobs range from entry level to top management positions. Employers are also encouraged to join and there is no cost for a basic package, which includes a virtual booth and company logo. For more information, visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com/jobfair or call 407-531-1222. I encourage you to participate and spread the word to any friends or family members who may be looking for employment opportunities!
I am honored to have been appointed as Vice Chair to the Redistricting Committee by Speaker Cannon. During the 2012 Session, the House will engage in the constitutionally required process of redistricting. The lead up to that process will begin this summer. Starting in July and ending in November, the House, in conjunction with the Senate, will hold approximately 30 public hearings across Florida. I look forward to working with Chairman Weatherford and members of the Committee on this important issue.
For more information on the Redistricting Committee visit the Committee page here or visit www.floridaredistricting.org.
Pill Mill Legislation Passes the Florida House
Florida's prescription drug abuse problem has reached epidemic levels, killing 7-10 Floridians a day and affecting countless other Americans across the country. In 2008-09, 49 of the 50 practitioners who dispense the most Oxycodone in the country were located in Florida (half were in Broward County) according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Florida has 5% of the population, yet Florida doctors alone dispense 85% of the Oxycodone dispensed in the entire country.
Previous legislatures have tried to tackle the problem but have fallen far short. This year, CS/CS/HB 7095 aims to put an end to this epidemic once and for all by taking a multi-faceted, aggressive approach. The practitioner dispensing ban is a front end approach that will quickly and effectively stop the prescribing and dispensing of medically unbelievable amounts of narcotics, which has lead to the problem. The bill also requires wholesale distributors of powerful narcotics to report and record the distribution of controlled substances, which will allow law enforcement officials to stop those dispensing large amounts of drugs before they hit the streets.
In addition to shutting down "pill mills", HB 7095 prevents unscrupulous individuals from operating pharmacies by strengthening licensing requirements, and it shuts down the practice of "doctor shopping" by keeping the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in-tact and tightening the reporting requirement. HB 7095 passed the House with a vote of 116-1.
Court Reform Legislation Passes the Florida House
The House Joint Resolution (CS/HJR 7111) and Implementing Bill (CS/HB 7199) propose an amendment to the Constitution to make substantive reforms to Florida's judicial branch. The Court Reform package will increase judicial efficiency, transparency, and accountability by making multiple changes to the current court system. The proposed joint resolution would be considered by the electorate at the November 2012 general election.
The proposed court reform:
• Creates a stronger check on the judicial branch by giving the Legislature the authority to repeal a court rule with a majority vote.
• Increases accountability in the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) by allowing the Speaker of the House to request the House of Representatives review its investigative files in order that the House may better perform its constitutional duties relating to oversight and impeachment.
• Increases efficiency in the administration of justice by creating a criminal and civil division of the Supreme Court.
• Increases accountability by requiring the Senate to confirm gubernatorial appointments to the Supreme Court.
• Ensures accountability for judicial appointments by making the Governor, who is directly accountable to the people, solely responsible for his judicial appointments.
Around the District
In local news, Workforce Central Florida is hosting a virtual job fair set for May 9-13th. Job seekers are invited to log on from the convenience of any computer with Internet access and post their resume starting Monday, May 9th. There is no cost to participate and available jobs range from entry level to top management positions. Employers are also encouraged to join and there is no cost for a basic package, which includes a virtual booth and company logo. For more information, visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com/jobfair or call 407-531-1222. I encourage you to participate and spread the word to any friends or family members who may be looking for employment opportunities!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Florida House Votes to Stop Religious Discrimination, Passes “Religious Freedom Act” by Representatives Scott Plakon and Steve Precourt
Tallahassee, FL – Yesterday the Florida House of Representative passed House Joint Resolution 1471, known as the Religious Freedom Act, by Representatives Scott Plakon (R-Longwood) and Steve Precourt (R-Orlando). The HJR proposes an amendment to Florida’s constitution repealing the discriminatory Blaine Amendment language currently in Article I Section 3 of the Florida Constitution, which bars access to public aid and limits religious freedom. The proposed constitutional amendment repeals language that goes further than the U.S. Constitution to restrict access to funding based only on one’s religious affiliation or identity.
“The current language is clearly bigoted in its origin, discriminatory on its face, and increasingly problematic in its application,” said Representative Plakon. “Adopted alongside the racist separate-but-equal doctrine in the 1885 Constitution, it’s time that the people of Florida be given the opportunity to remove this stain upon our state’s history, which has escalated from discriminating against one religious denomination to all people of faith. Our guaranteed freedom of religion, as envisioned by the founding fathers, must be protected from those who wish to impose a ‘freedom from religion’ standard.”
“Blaine Amendments are antiquated constitutional tenants rooted in bigotry that go far beyond the separation of church and state envisioned by our founding fathers,” said Representative Precourt. “If we don't take action now, millions of dollars in quality state programs- from Bright Futures to Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten - may be jeopardized."
In 2000, a plurality of the U.S. Supreme Court in Mitchell v. Helms acknowledged that Blaine Amendments have “a shameful pedigree that we do not hesitate to disavow” and represent a “doctrine, born of bigotry, [that] should be buried now.” Though this proposed amendment will remove a limit on the power of the state to spend funds, the state will continue to be limited by the Establishment Clauses of the Florida and U.S. Constitutions. Under the Establishment Clauses, government aid may not result in governmental indoctrination, define its recipients by reference to religion, or create an excessive entanglement.
The proposed constitutional amendment will read:
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.—Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to provide, consistent with the United States Constitution, that no individual or entity may be denied, on the basis of religious identity or belief, governmental benefits, funding, or other support, and to delete the prohibition against using revenues from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.
The proposed constitutional amendment’s Senate companion, Senate Joint Resolution 1218, is sponsored by Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne). The Senate must pass the joint resolution before it can be placed on the November 2012 ballot to be voted on by the Florida electorate.
“The current language is clearly bigoted in its origin, discriminatory on its face, and increasingly problematic in its application,” said Representative Plakon. “Adopted alongside the racist separate-but-equal doctrine in the 1885 Constitution, it’s time that the people of Florida be given the opportunity to remove this stain upon our state’s history, which has escalated from discriminating against one religious denomination to all people of faith. Our guaranteed freedom of religion, as envisioned by the founding fathers, must be protected from those who wish to impose a ‘freedom from religion’ standard.”
“Blaine Amendments are antiquated constitutional tenants rooted in bigotry that go far beyond the separation of church and state envisioned by our founding fathers,” said Representative Precourt. “If we don't take action now, millions of dollars in quality state programs- from Bright Futures to Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten - may be jeopardized."
In 2000, a plurality of the U.S. Supreme Court in Mitchell v. Helms acknowledged that Blaine Amendments have “a shameful pedigree that we do not hesitate to disavow” and represent a “doctrine, born of bigotry, [that] should be buried now.” Though this proposed amendment will remove a limit on the power of the state to spend funds, the state will continue to be limited by the Establishment Clauses of the Florida and U.S. Constitutions. Under the Establishment Clauses, government aid may not result in governmental indoctrination, define its recipients by reference to religion, or create an excessive entanglement.
The proposed constitutional amendment will read:
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.—Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to provide, consistent with the United States Constitution, that no individual or entity may be denied, on the basis of religious identity or belief, governmental benefits, funding, or other support, and to delete the prohibition against using revenues from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.
The proposed constitutional amendment’s Senate companion, Senate Joint Resolution 1218, is sponsored by Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne). The Senate must pass the joint resolution before it can be placed on the November 2012 ballot to be voted on by the Florida electorate.
Friday, April 1, 2011
House Budget
This week the Appropriations Committee passed the House Budget and confirming bills. Our Legislature is determined to balance the budget by limiting government, streamlining existing programs and reducing spending. Although it has been extremely difficult to trim down spending, we are determined to keep taxes low and even remove unnecessary regulations and fees that burden Floridians and businesses. Once the budget passes the House of Representatives, we will begin working with the Senate in Conference. For more information or to view the House Budget go to http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/2011appropriation
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Unemployment Compensation Update
Today we passed HB7005 which reforms the current Unemployment Compensation system. This legislation provides equality and fairness for both Floridians and businesses throughout our State. I am proud that the House chose to pass responsible legislation that changes the maximum number of weeks to 20, requires Floridians to complete an initial skills review following benefit eligibility and provides tax relief for business. For more information on this legislation go to http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=45686&SessionId=66
Thursday, February 17, 2011
House Bill 7005, Unemployment Compensation, Passes House Finance & Tax Committee
Tallahassee, Fla. – House Bill 7005, Unemployment Compensation, today passed the House Finance & Tax Committee and is set to be heard next in the House Economic Affairs Committee.
“Florida’s current Unemployment Compensation system is broken,” said Representative Steve Precourt (R-Orlando), chair of the House Finance & Tax Committee. “The system was never designed for the severity of the current economic downturn and this has caused an unsustainable rise in payments to unemployed workers through large, automatic increases in the employer-paid taxes that fund the benefits.”
“Florida's economy simply cannot afford the taxes that fund the current Unemployment Compensation system,” said Representative Precourt. “And during these uncertain economic times, Florida cannot afford to allow the Unemployment Compensation system to completely fail, and thus hinder economic growth and job creation. House Bill 7005 is an equitable solution to this critical challenge our state is facing, ensures that employers and unemployed workers are both treated fairly, and basic needed benefits are maintained.”
“This bill provides needed tax relief to most Florida businesses by adjusting the benefit ratio calculation downward by 10%,” said Representative Doug Holder (R-Sarasota), chair of the Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee. “This tax adjustment will ensure that we continue to foster a healthy economic environment for Florida businesses and continue to compensate unemployed workers by maintaining the same maximum weekly benefit amount that is currently available.”
“House Bill 7005 serves to update Florida’s Unemployment Compensation system so it can handle the realities of our current economic situation and adjust accordingly in the future,” said Representative Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange), chair of the House Economic Affairs Committee. “It also alters the system to aid with workforce development and placement for unemployed workers in an effort to get Floridians back to work faster, a component that our current system lacks.”
“I applaud the Members of the House Finance & Tax Committee for passing this bill out of committee today, and I look forward to hearing it in the Economic Affairs Committee soon,” concluded Representative Hukill.
For more information on HB 7005, please visit http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/.
“Florida’s current Unemployment Compensation system is broken,” said Representative Steve Precourt (R-Orlando), chair of the House Finance & Tax Committee. “The system was never designed for the severity of the current economic downturn and this has caused an unsustainable rise in payments to unemployed workers through large, automatic increases in the employer-paid taxes that fund the benefits.”
“Florida's economy simply cannot afford the taxes that fund the current Unemployment Compensation system,” said Representative Precourt. “And during these uncertain economic times, Florida cannot afford to allow the Unemployment Compensation system to completely fail, and thus hinder economic growth and job creation. House Bill 7005 is an equitable solution to this critical challenge our state is facing, ensures that employers and unemployed workers are both treated fairly, and basic needed benefits are maintained.”
“This bill provides needed tax relief to most Florida businesses by adjusting the benefit ratio calculation downward by 10%,” said Representative Doug Holder (R-Sarasota), chair of the Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee. “This tax adjustment will ensure that we continue to foster a healthy economic environment for Florida businesses and continue to compensate unemployed workers by maintaining the same maximum weekly benefit amount that is currently available.”
“House Bill 7005 serves to update Florida’s Unemployment Compensation system so it can handle the realities of our current economic situation and adjust accordingly in the future,” said Representative Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange), chair of the House Economic Affairs Committee. “It also alters the system to aid with workforce development and placement for unemployed workers in an effort to get Floridians back to work faster, a component that our current system lacks.”
“I applaud the Members of the House Finance & Tax Committee for passing this bill out of committee today, and I look forward to hearing it in the Economic Affairs Committee soon,” concluded Representative Hukill.
For more information on HB 7005, please visit http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Committee Week Update - February, 2011
Committee Weeks and The Governor's Proposed Budget
Committee meetings are well underway in Tallahassee and Legislators are busy determining key policy objectives for the 2011 Legislative Session, hearing public testimony, and workshopping state issues.
As some of you may have heard, Governor Scott has recently released his proposed budget to the Florida Legislature. It is my belief that Governor Scott's budget proposal reflects our common goal of overcoming the $4.6 billion budget shortfall by cutting spending and not raising or imposing new taxes on Floridians. However, we are just in the initial phases of reviewing the Governor's budget and it is too soon to say what budget proposals may or may not be implemented until the appropriations process, led by Chair Grimsley, is underway.
Please rest assured that the House Appropriations Committee will closely examine the governor's budget and will work to address the many difficult decisions required during the Appropriations process. The House is dedicated to working to find solutions that are in line with our priorities to keep taxes low and encourage economic activity in the private sector. Click here to see Governor Scott's proposal and related information.
Unemployment Compensation
As the Chair of the Finance and Tax Committee, I anticipate dealing with issues such as Unemployment Compensation. A proposed committee bill on this issue was heard by the Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee, Chaired by Representative Holder, on February 10, 2011. It passed the Subcommittee and is now HB 7005.
This legislation brings consistency and fairness to the Unemployment Compensation System by providing tax relief to businesses, adjusting benefits to reality, and clarifying workplace expectations for employers and employees.
Specifically this legislation:
- Requires Floridians filing for unemployment compensation to complete an initial skills review.
- Reduces the number of weeks of unemployment compensation from 26 to 20. This change will not affect the available Federal Tiers (which begin when state unemployment compensation benefits have been exhausted).
- Maintains the max. weekly benefit amount of $275.
- Ties the number of available benefit weeks to the unemployment rate. For example if the unemployment rate is 9 percent or higher, the maximum number of weeks for unemployment compensation is 20.
- Modifies current statute regarding claimant and employer responsibility so that neither the claimant nor the employer are favored when determining eligibility for benefits.
- Provides tax relief to most employers beginning in 2011 by adjusting the benefit ratio calculation by 10 percent.
Florida Redistricting
Next year Florida will begin the process of redistricting. In order to prepare for this process, the House has launched http://www.floridaredistricting.org/. This site will serve as the House's hub of online information and communications rearding House redistricting. By July 2011, the House will launch MyDistrictBuilder, where Legislators and the public will be able to submit their own redistricting plans. A beta version of MyDistrictBuilder can be found by clicking here.
I am honored to continue serving you in Tallahassee. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
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