Appropriations

>> THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS WILL NOW COME TO ORDER. LISA, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL CALL. >> Chair Hooper: HERE. >> Vice Chair Rouson: -- >> Sen. Berman: HERE. >> Sen. Brodeur: HERE. >> Sen. Burgess: HERE. >> Sen. DiCeglie: -- >> Sen. Garcia: HERE. >> Sen. Grall: -- >> Sen. Harrell: HERE. >> Sen. Martin: HERE. >> Sen, Massullo: HERE. >> Sen. McClain: -- >> Sen. Pizzo: HERE. >> Sen. Polsky: HERE. >> Sen. Sharief: HERE. >> Sen. Smith: HERE. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL? SENATOR WRIGHT? A QUORUM IS PRESENT. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU ALICIA. A REMINDER ABOUT YOUR ELECTRONICS, PLEASE PUT THEM ON SILENT. ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COMMITTEE SHOULD COMPLETE AN APPEARANCE FORM, HAND IT TO A MEMBER OF THE SERGEANTS OFFICE. SHOULD YOU SELECT WAVE YOUR SPEAKING TIME, WE WILL READ YOUR POSITION AND TO THE COMMITTEE MEETING RECORDS. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, GOOD AFTERNOON. WE ARE PLEASED TO BE HERE TODAY. WE WILL START OUT ON TAB ONE. SPP 2500 BY APPROPRIATIONS. THIS IS THE BUDGET. BEFORE YOU YOU WILL SEE SPB 2500 THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL THE 2026/27 FISCAL YEAR. I FIRST WANT TO TAKE WHATEVER TIME IS NECESSARY TO THANK THE SIX COMMITTEE CHAIRS THAT HAVE SPENT INCREDIBLE HOURS WITH OUR WONDERFUL STAFF TO COME UP WITH THIS BUDGET. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND INVESTMENT IN TIME, INCLUDING WEEKENDS, TO GET TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY. THE SENATE BUDGET TOTALS $115 BILLION. IT'S A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE BUDGET THAT PRODUCES OVERALL SPENDING COMPARED TO LAST YEAR. WE ARE RIGHTSIZING OUR BUDGET AND MAINTAINING STRONG RESERVES TENDER LORD IS WELL-POSITIONED FOR THE LONG TERM. I WOULD LIKE TO START WITH A FEW HIGHLIGHTS. STATEWIDE ISSUES. THEN WE WILL HAVE THE COMMITTEE CHAIRS PROVIDE DETAILS OF THEIR BUDGET SILO. THE SENATE BUDGET RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF STATE EMPLOYEES BY INCLUDING A 3% PAY RAISE FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES. THE BUDGET ALSO INCLUDES A 5% PAY INCREASE FOR STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT, STATE FIREFIGHTERS, STATE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND PARK RANGERS. DESPITE RISING CARE COSTS AS AN ADDED BENEFIT, WE ARE KEEPING THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION FOR HEALTHCARE AT THE CURRENT AMOUNT AS WE HAVE TODAY. THE BUDGET INCLUDES KEY INVESTMENTS IN WATER QUALITY, WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, TRANSPORTATION OF THE STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE. INCLUDE OVER $1 BILLION FOR EDUCATION CAPITAL OUTLAY. THIS INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN OUR COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, PUBLIC SCHOOL PROJECTS OR SMALL DISTRICTS. WE ARE NOW GOING TO ASK EACH MEDICARE TO SUMMARIZE THE KEY FUNDING DECISIONS INCLUDED IN THEIR KEY BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PREPARATION COMMITTEE AND WE WILL BEGIN WITH CHAIR BUGRESS US TO PRESENT APPRECIATE EDUCATION BUDGET. GOOD AFTERNOON. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Burgess: HONORED TO KICK THIS OFF. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. UP ON IT THANK YOU AND PRESIDENT ALBRITTON FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND TRUST IN ME AND MY TEAM TO BE ABLE TO PUT THIS BUDGET TOGETHER. AND WOULD HIGHLIGHT THE FUNDING ISSUES IN THE PRE-K-12 EDUCATION BUDGET WITH YOUR INDULGENCE. THE TOTAL BUDGET FOR PRE-K-12 EDUCATION INCLUDING LOCAL FUNDS IS 34.$9 BILLION. OVERALL HIGHLIGHT TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ARE AS FOLLOWS. PROVIDING 30 BILLION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND K-12 SCHOLARSHIPS REPRESENTING A $693 MILLION INCREASE OVER THE CURRENT YEAR. WE ARE INCREASING THE TOTAL FUNDS PER FTE BY 1.46 PERCENT AND WE ARE INCREASING THE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION BY $50. WE WANTED TO FOCUS IN ON FLEXIBILITY AS A KEYWORD. WE ARE FUNDING THE FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIPS IS A SEPARATE STATE-FUNDED CATEGORICAL REPRESENTING A TOTAL OF 4.$5 BILLION. THIS CORRELATES WITH PRESIDENT GAETZ SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE WITH THE REFORMS AND THAT WE ARE PROVIDING $25 MILLION TO ASSIST DISTRICTS THAT HAVE A DECLINE IN STUDENT ENROLLMENT DURING THE 26/27 SCHOOL YEAR COMPARED TO THE 25/26 SCHOOL YEAR. THIS HELPS INJURED *AND MANAGE FIXED COSTS EVEN WHEN STUDENT NUMBERS DECREASE PREVENTING SEVERE IMMEDIATE BUDGET CUTS SUCH AS SCHOOL CLOSURES. IT PROVIDES A SMOOTHER GLIDE PATH FOR DISTRICTS TO MAKE BUDGET REDUCTIONS OVER TIME. I THINK WE ALL TALK TO OUR DISTRICTS AND HEARD A LOT ABOUT DECLINING ENROLLMENT FOR VARIOUS REASONS. WHAT THE SENATE IS SEEKING TO DO IS TO ADDRESS THOSE SHORTAGES AND HELP THEM HAVE A SMOOTHER GLIDE PATH AS THEY SEEK TO RIGHT SIZE. IN ADDITION TO THE FUNDING THE PROPOSED BUDGET PROVIDES FUNDS FOR OTHER PRE-K-12 ISSUES SUCH AS 432.8 MILLION FOR THE VPK PROGRAM TO MAINTAIN THE SAME PER STUDENT FUNDING AT THE CURRENT YEAR. 30.FORMULA FOR THE REGIONAL EDUCATION CONSORTIA TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO FLORIDA'S RURAL AND SMALL DISTRICTS. 11 MILITANT ENHANCE AND EXPAND CIVIC EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT IN FLORIDA'S K-12 EDUCATION SYSTEM. FUNDING FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL SAFETY INITIATIVES INCLUDE 6.5 MILTON TO CERTIFY AND TRAIN SCHOOL GUARDIANS. 6.4 CONTINUED PROVIDING SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND ACCESS TO A MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEM CAPABLE OF CONNECTING MULTIPLE FIRST RESPONDER AGENCIES. 3.3 MELINDA PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS THE BRIDGE IS OBEYED IN THE SAFE SCHOOLS K-9 PROGRAM. 20 MOMENT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL HARDENING, 20 MILLI-FOR JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS, 2.5 MILLION FOR A NEW GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY-BASED SECURITY ENHANCEMENT IN PUBLIC AND CHARTER SCHOOLS AS WELL AS 5 MILLION FOR DISTRICT COORDINATORS. FINALLY, THIS GOES BACK TO MY SUPPLEMENT. THE BACK OF THE BILL THE PROPOSED BUDGET PROVIDE 65.3 MILLION TO ASSIST DISTRICTS WITH DECREASING STUDENT ENROLLMENTS IN THE CURRENT 25/26 SCHOOL YEAR. 65.3 WILL END FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, 20.5 MILLION TO HELP IN THE FUTURE YOUR FOR DECLINING ENROLLMENT IN THE FUTURE YEAR. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS OVER THE FORECASTED AMOUNT OF THE SUPPLEMENT IS MEANT TO CUSHION THE LOSS EARLIER. THAT IS THE OVERALL PRE-K-12 BUDGET MR. CHAIR. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU. WE ARE GOING TO HOLD OUR QUESTIONS UNTIL ALL THE CHAIRMAN I PRESENTED THEIR BUDGET. WE WILL TAKE QUESTIONS FROM WHATEVER SILO YOU QUESTIONS ON. NEXT WE ARE GOING TO TURN TO CHAIR HARRELL TO PRESENT THE HIGHER EDUCATION BUDGET. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Harrell: THANK YOU MR. CHAIRMAN. I WANT TO THANK YOU AND PRESIDENT ALBRITTON TO HONOR THE PREPARATIONS. WE ARE NUMBER ONE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN THIS BUDGET WILL HELP CONTINUE TO ALLOW US TO BE NUMBER ONE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY. THE TOTAL BUDGET FOR A HIGHER ED THIS YEAR, INCLUDING A LOCAL FUNDS, IS 11.$9 BILLION. THE PROPOSED BUDGET PLACES AN EMPHASIS ON PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THAT WILL TRAIN OUR WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR CRITICAL WORKFORCE NEEDS ARE MET IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. SPECIFICALLY THE BUDGET PROVIDES 25.5 MILLI-DOLLAR INCREASE IN OPERATING FUNDS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT WORKFORCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS. ARE SCHOOL DISTRICTS DO A MAJOR JOB PROVIDING WORKFORCE EDUCATION AND THIS WILL ASSIST THEM. 90 MILLI-DOLLAR INCREASE IN OPERATING FUNDS FOR OUR COLLEGE SYSTEM. AND THAT ALSO COVERS THE HEALTH INSURANCE WE WERE ABLE TO PUT IN LAST YEAR FOR THEM. 80.7 AND WORKFORCE CAPITALIZATION INITIATIVE GRANT FUND FOR OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES TO FUND THE CREATION AND EXPANSION OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. AGAIN, WE ARE FOCUSING ON WORKFORCE. 7 MILLION FOR THE INCENTIVE FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS. THE RIPW PROGRAM. R-I-P-E. TO SUPPORT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF A QUALIFIED INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL IN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES. THIS PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE REPAYMENT OF STUDENT LOANS FOR ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS TO ESTABLISH PERMANENT RESIDENCY AND EMPLOYMENT IN OUR RURAL AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY. WE WANT TO CONTINUE THE GROWTH AND REALLY SUPPORT OUR RURAL AREAS 28.$5 MILLION IN PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES FOR DISTRICT WORKFORCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS. AGAIN, THE EMPHASIS ON WORKFORCE. 90 MILLION IN PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES FOR FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS. OF COURSE WE DO PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES. A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF WHAT WE DO. 37 MILLION FOR THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR NURSING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA. WHICH INCLUDES FUNDS FOR LINKING INDUSTRY TO NURSING EDUCATION OR LINE FUNDING. THE CENTER WILL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTERING THE FUND, WHICH IS CURRENTLY ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS. BY MOVING IT THERE WE FEEL WE WILL MAKE MAJOR PROGRESS IN MAKING SURE BE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF ALL THESE FUNDS AND WE CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR NURSING PROGRAMS OF FLORIDA. THE CENTER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR GRANT MANAGEMENT AND PROVIDING ENHANCED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ALL TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THIS PROGRAM. IN ADDITION, THE PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES ON OTHER FUNDINGS FOR KEY INITIATIVES IN OUR STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM. 100 MILLET ALL THIS PREEMINENT RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES. CURRENTLY WE HAVE FOUR AND WE HAVE UCF COMING ON S5. THAT WOULD TO BE $20 MILLION ADDITIONAL PREEMINENCE. 26.2 MILLION TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AND THAT INCLUDES A 6.1 MILLI-DOLLAR WORKLOAD INCREASE. WE HAVE SEEN GREAT SUCCESS AND WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO SEE IT BUILD ACROSS THE STATE. 21.2 MILLION TO SUPPORT THE FLORIDA POSTSECONDARY COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA AND THAT INCLUDES AN 8.7 MILLI-DOLLAR INCREASE BECAUSE OF MORE STUDENTS COMING INTO THAT PROGRAM. 50 MILLION FOR THE CENTER OF LEARNING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE STUDENT READING LITERACY AND MATHEMATICS PROFICIENCY IN FLORIDA. THIS IS A MAJOR CENTER IN THE WORK THEY ARE DOING IS INCREDIBLE. 6.4 MILLION TO YOU OF IFIS FOR WORKLOAD INCREASES IN 12 MOMENT TO THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR AUTISM AND DEVELOP MEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA'S COLLEGE OF MEDICINE. LASTLY FUNDING FOR CAMPUS SECURITY IN A POST SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS. SPECIFICALLY THE BUDGET PROVIDES $6 MILLION TO ESTABLISH THE POST SECONDARY GUARDIAN PROGRAM FOR FLORIDA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. THIS EXPANDS THAT, WE HAVE A CURRENT PROGRAM IN K-12 AND WE WILL NOW EXTENDED TO OUR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. I BELIEVE THAT AS PRESIDENT GAETZ'S. WE HOPE THAT WILL IMPLEMENT THIS. THAT IS THE BUDGET FOR HIGHER EDUCATION. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU CHAIR HAROLD WILL NOT TURNED HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. CHAIRMAN TRUMBULL? >> SENATORS COME AT THEIR CORE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET DECISIONS ARE ABOUT PEOPLE. PROTECTING CHILDREN, PROTECTING SENIORS, HONORING VETERANS, ENSURING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES RECEIVE THE CARE AND DIGNITY THEY DESERVE AND DELIVERY OF CARE THAT BENEFITS ALL FLORIDIANS. THE HHS BUDGET INCREASE INCREASED OVER THE LAST YEAR BY 2.1 BILLION OR 4.6 PERCENT REFLECTING A DELIBERATE ALIGNMENT OF RESOURCES WITH OUR HIGHEST PRIORITIES. MORE THAN 80% OF THAT GROWTH SUPPORTS FULLY FUNDING KID CARE AND MEDICAID. OTHER KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUDGET WE HAVE $209 MILLION TO INITIATE THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION FUND AND ITS FIRST YEAR. 128 MILLION MEDICAID PROVIDER RATE INCREASES, 4.4 MILLION FOR THREE HAD A NEW PACE SLOTS, 47 MILLION FOR HEALTHY KIDS COMBINED RISK MODEL PREMIUM STABILIZATION. 55 MILLION FOR PROVIDER RATE INCREASES IN THE BUDGET WAIVER TO STRENGTHEN RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF THE DIRECT CARE WORKFORCE. 27.5 FOR APD RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DISABILITY CENTERS. 118 MILLION FOR CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING 13% ACROSS THE BOARD RATE INCREASE FOR ALL FOSTER CARE PARENTS AND RELATIVES AND NONRELATIVE CAREGIVERS. 51 MILLION FOR OPERATION AND CARE AT THE FLORIDA STATE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FACILITY AND 20 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ADULT SUBSTANCE ABUSE INITIATIVES. 127 MILLION FOR OPIOID TREATMENT AND RECOVERY EFFORTS. 20 MILLION FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENINGS, 118.3 MILLION FOR THE AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 11 MILLAN TO IMPROVE CARE FACILITIES AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS WHO CALL FLORIDA HOME 159 MILITARY SUPPORT THE 39 IT PROJECTS. THAT CONCLUDES THE HIGHLIGHTS. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU CHAIR TRUMBULL. WE WILL NOW HEAR FROM CHAIR GARCIA ON THE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Garcia: THE PROPOSED CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE BUDGET TOTALS 7.9 BILLION REFLECTS AN APPROACH TO ADDRESSING PRIORITIES ACROSS CONNECTIONS, JUVENILE JUSTICE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COURT SYSTEM. WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW KEY AREAS. THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS WE HEARD CLEARLY FROM THE SECRETARY AND THE GOVERNORS OFFICE ABOUT THE CONTINUED DEFICITS FACING THE DEPARTMENT PURPOSE AND A BUDGET WITH $111 MILLION INCLUDED IN THE BACK OF THE BILL. WE ARE NOT BACKFILLING DEFICITS. THE SENATE INVESTS 47.8 MILLION INTUITIVE 91 FTE DOES A POOR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS AND PLAN FOR THE PROJECTED GROWTH IN THE PRISON POPULATION NEXT YEAR. THE BUDGET FURTHER ADDRESSES THE DEPARTMENTS CORE OPERATIONAL NEEDS INCLUDED 60 MILLION FOR HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT INCREASES, 13 MILLION FOR DRUG COST INCREASES, 18.3 MOMENT TO ADDRESS FOOD-SERVICE INFLATION IN 17.1 MILLION FOR TECHNOLOGY NEEDS ALONG WITH AN ADDITIONAL 48.5 MILLION IN THE BACK OF THE BILL TO CONTINUE DEVELOPING ON THE OFFENDER-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEM. AND INVESTMENT THE SENATE DIFFUSE AS ESSENTIAL TO LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF ONE OF THE LARGEST CORRECTIONAL SYSTEMS IN THE COUNTRY. 52 MILLION IS INCLUDED TO CONTINUE EXPANSION THE LANCASTER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION TO MEET FUTURE CAPACITY NEEDS. WITH REGARD TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE THE BUDGET PROVIDES 5.4 DELIVER INCREASED MEDICAL COSTS FOR YOUTH IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS. 1.3 FOR NEW UNIFORMS AND STUFF AND YOU THAN 10 MILLION FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES. INVESTMENTS NECESSARY TO ENSURE SAFE AND FUNCTIONAL ENVIRONMENTS. DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES 15 MILLION FOR THE ERADICATION PROGRAM. 7.5 MILLION FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO HELP RECRUIT, TRAIN AND CERTIFY DEPUTIES WHO OTHERWISE LACK THE RESOURCES TO ATTEND AN ACADEMY. BY MILVIAN TO ATTEND THE OFFICE OF WELLNESS, REINFORCING THIS IN ITS COMMITMENT TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF FLORIDA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND 11 DELIVER CRITICAL IT PROJECTS ACROSS THE AGENCY. JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION FUNDING INCLUDES 10 DOCTOR MILLAN FOR THE CLERK OF THE COURT FEES RELATED TO BAKER ACT. MARKSMAN ACT. SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR CASES AND INJUNCTIONS FOR PROTECTION AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR JURY RELATED EXPENDITURES IN 3.1 MILLION IN ADDITION TO DUE PROCESS FUNDING FOR ESTATE ATTORNEYS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS. STATE COURTS THE BUDGET PRIORITIZES CASE PROCESSING WITH 2.3 MILLION, INCLUDES 2.7 MILLAN FOR CASE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY AND PROVIDES 11.9 MILLION TO SELF ON THE SUPREME COURT CERTIFICATION OF 25 NEW JUDGESHIPS. NOT IS THE BUDGET. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU CHAIR GARCIA. WE WILL NOW TURN TO TRANSPORTATION, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. CHAIR DICEGLIE, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO PRESENT YOUR BUDGET. >> Sen. DiCeglie: THANK YOU VERY MUCH MR. CHAIRMAN. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT. WANT TO THANK PRESIDENT ALBRITTON AND I HAVE TO THINK ARE GREAT STAFF PICK SARAH AND THE TEAM DO A FANTASTIC JOB. THE TREPIDATION TOURISM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUDGET AND THE BILL INCLUDES A LAW OF GOOD ISSUES TO HELP OUR COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORS. THE TOTAL FUNDING IS APPROXIMATELY 16.8 MILLION. WE ARE ABLE TO FUND PROGRAMS I CONTINUE STATE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PICK SOME OF THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE AUTHORITY TO CONTINUE HURRICANE RECOVERY AND MITIGATION PROGRAMS ACROSS THE STATE. OVER $95 MILLION IN SUPPORT FOR OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES FOR $505 MILLION OF AN INCREASE TO HELP THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND $89 MILLION FOR IMPORTANT PROJECTS IN EACH OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES. THE DEFERMENT OF THE STATE WE INCLUDE 11.$9 MILLION FOR LARGEST PROVIDING FUNDING FOR MANY PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE. THERE'S AN ADDITIONAL 8.4 NEWLY DOLLARS FOR HISTORIC PROJECTS ALSO SUBMITTED BY REVIEW PANELS TO THE DEPARTMENT. FINALLY WE FUNDED 5A LITTLE LESS OR PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANTS PROVIDING FUNDING FOR 10 LIBRARIES TO RECEIVE MUCH-NEEDED RENOVATIONS. FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE $10 MILLION FOR THE CONTINUED UPGRADE OF CAMP BLANDING TO A LEVEL II FACILITY. IN ADDITION WE PROVIDED 4.$5 MILLION FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND REPAIRS TO OUR ARMORY! THIS WILL PUT A DENT IN THE REPAIRS NEEDED ACROSS ALL THE STATES ARMORIES. WE CONTINUE FUNDING THE STATE GUARD FOR ANOTHER YEAR FOR 33.$9 MILLION. THE BUDGET FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY MOTOR VEHICLES PROVIDE 7.5 MILLAN FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF PURSUED VEHICLES FOR THE HIGHWAY PATROL BIG IN ADDITION THE BUDGET PROVIDES 5.8 MOMENT OTHERS FOR EXPENSE INCLUDING FORMULA DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE PATROL VEHICLES. THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WORK PROGRAM IS FULLY FUNDED AT 12.56 BUILDING DOLLARS. THERE ARE $100 MILLION TO LOCAL PROJECTS TO ALL OUR COMMUNITIES. SENATORS, THE PORTION OF THE BUDGET INCLUDES AUTHORITY FOR THE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO CONTINUE TO ADMINISTER FEMA REIMBURSEMENTS TO THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE BUDGET INCLUDES $20 MILLION LOCAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PROJECTS. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO PRESENT THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR TRANSPORTATION, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. MR. CHAIRMAN, THANK YOU. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE WILL HEAR FROM THE CHAIR ON THE AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENT AND GOVERNMENT PORTION OF THE BUDGET. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> I WANT TO THANK THE MEMBERS ON AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENT IN GENERAL GOVERNMENT HELPING US PUT TOGETHER THIS GREAT BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY DEPARTMENTS. SOME OF THE MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE 350 MILLION FOR OUR FLORIDA FOREVER PROGRAMS WHICH INCLUDE ACQUISITIONS OF RURAL AND FAMILY LANDS, DB LAND ACQUISITION IN THE MAYFIELD WORKING WATERFRONT PROGRAM. 730 ML DIFFERENT PROJECTS RELATING TO EVERGLADES RESTORATION FIVE AT EMILY FOR WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ISSUES OUTSIDE THE EVERGLADES PICK 60 MILLIONS FOR FARMERS FEEDING FLORIDA PROGRAM WE INITIATED AND OVER 215 MILTON FOR CITRUS RECOVERY PROGRAMS THAT MAKE CITRUS GREAT AGAIN. OTHER ITEMS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND PRODUCTION WE HAVE 569 MILLION FOR WASTEWATER DRINKING WATER REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAMS PICK 60 FORMULAE FOR BEACH RESTORATION, 125 MILLION FOR WATER QUALITY GRANT PROGRAMS, ANOTHER 25 MILLAN FOR THE RESILIENT FLORIDA PROGRAM, 25 MILLAN FOR FLORIDA KEYS AND APALACHHOCOLA AREAS OF STATED CONCERN IN STATE AND LOCAL PARKS AT 42.2 MILLION. THE DEPARTMENT AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES WE HAVE OVER 100 MILLION FOR THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE AND TO MILLAN FOR THE FUEL TRANSFER SWITCH MODERNIZATION TO ASSIST DURING EMERGENCIES WITHIN THE VISUAL LIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION THERE'S FUNDING FOR ARTIFICIAL REEFS, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND MANAGEMENT AREAS INCLUDING THE APALACHICOLA BAY WITH THE RESTORATION AND RECOVERY. THE DEFERMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES THAT IS 96 MILLION FOR THE FLORIDA FACILITIES PULL INCLUDED MUCH-NEEDED REPAIRS TO THE VERY NOT BUILDING. WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE THE 75.2 DOLLARS AND PAYMENTS WERE FISCALLY CONSTRAINED COUNTIES AND 40 MILLION RELATING TO VARIOUS IT ISSUES. WE HAVE TWO NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE FLORIDA GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES THERE ARE EIGHT POSITIONS AND 43.1 TO CONTINUE REPLACING THE STATE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM ATTEND MILLAN GOING TO CONTINUE THE ELECTRA PILOT PROGRAM AND TO ASSIST VETERANS OF FIRST RESPONDERS AND 52.5 FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT FIRE SERVICES. AS YOU CAN SAY WE HAVE A STRONG BUDGET ON THE REGULATORY AGENCIES WHILE MAKING SURE WE ARE USING TAXPAYERS MONEY WISELY. THAT CONCLUDES THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUDGET. >> Chair Hooper: YOU'VE HEARD THE CHAIRMAN PRESENT THEIR BUDGET. IT IS NOW TIME FOR SENATORS ON QUESTIONS ON ANY PARTICULAR SILO. ARE THERE QUESTIONS? LEADER BERMAN, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. AND IF YOU WOULD DIRECT YOUR QUESTION TO THE SILO. >> Sen. Berman: I AM HAPPY TO. FIRST QUESTION. YOU MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS $11 MILLION IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT. COULD YOU EXPLAIN A LITTLE BIT MORE WHAT THAT MONEY IS BEING USED FOR? ARE WE HIRING BOOK COMPANIES OR ANYONE TO PREPARE MATERIALS? IF YOU COULD GIVE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE GREAT. >> MR. CHAIR, IS IT OKAY? >> Chair Hooper: FEEL FREE TO GO BACK AND FORTH. SPOKE IT CIVIC LITERACY, CAPTAIN AND JUST COMMIT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, FLORIDA CIVICS DEBATE INITIATIVE WHICH WE HEARD A GREAT BILL ON THAT TODAY. EXCITED TO BE A CO-INTRODUCER OF THAT AWESOME BILL. STUFF LIKE THAT, LEADER BERMAN. >> Sen. Berman: FOLLOW-UP? SAME SILO. FOR THE DECLINING ENROLLMENT SUPPLEMENT, HOW WAS THE AMOUNT OF 65.3 MILLION DETERMENT AND IS NOT ENOUGH TO PROVIDE THE DECREASE DISTRICTS WITH STUDENT ENROLLMENT. THERE ARE 4567 SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT HAVE THAT. >> TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION AND BEING CANDID, IT'S NOT MAKING WHOLE WHAT THE POTENTIAL LOSSES COULD BE. IT WAS A JUDGMENT CALL OF WHAT WE FELT WOULD BE A STRONG OFFSET IN A STRONG DIRECTOR TO ADDRESS THE DECLINING ENROLLMENTS. IS IT ISN'T NECESSARILY THE SCHOLARSHIP AND TRACKING THE STUDENTS. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE HELPING SCHOOL DISTRICTS ABSORB THE LOSSES AS THEY SEEK TO RIGHT SIZE IN THE FUTURE. >> Sen. Berman: MY NEXT QUESTION IS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION FOR SENATOR HARRELL. >> Chair Hooper: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Berman: THANK YOU. IS THERE ANY MONEY IN YOUR BUDGET FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF PROFESSORS IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM? >> Chair Hooper: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. FEEL FREE TO GO BACK. >> Sen. Harrell: THERE IS NO SPECIFIC ALLOCATION FOR THAT AT THIS TIME. >> Sen. Berman: THANK YOU. DO YOU HAVE ANY STATISTICS? ARE WE LOSING PROFESSORS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA? WHY DID YOU MAKE THE DECISION NOT TO INCLUDE ANYTHING IN THE BUDGET ABOUT THAT ISSUE? >> Sen. Harrell: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION. I CAN SAY AT THIS POINT WE DID NOT PUT ANY DOLLARS INTO THAT AT THIS POINT. I DON'T HAVE ANY EVIDENCE THAT WE ARE LOSING PROFESSORS AS A RESULT OF THIS. WE ARE BLESSED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO HAVE AN AMAZING HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM AND WE HAVE A LOT OF INTERESTED PEOPLE WHO WOULD LOVE TO COME BE A PART OF IT. >> Sen. Berman: OKAY. THANK YOU. NEXT SILO. HHS. SENATOR TRUMBULL. YOU MENTIONED WE ARE PUTTING $209 MILLION FOR ORAL HEALTH. HOW DOES THAT INTERACT WITH THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL BRAND FOR RURAL HEALTH FUNDING? >> Chair Hooper: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO GO BACK AND FORTH. >> THANK YOU MR. CHAIR. LEADER BERMAN, THAT IS BUDGET AUTHORITY FROM THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL THE FEDERAL DOLLARS FLOWING OUT. >> Sen. Berman: ANOTHER QUESTION FOR CHAIR TRUMBULL. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY WE ARE STILL PUTTING MONEY INTO THE CANADIAN DRUG PROGRAM? >> THANK YOU MR. CHAIR. LEADER BERMAN, WE TOOK THE $15 MILLION AWAY FROM THAT PROGRAM. IS A SEPARATE PROGRAM. WE ARE PUTTING 4.$4 MILLION BUT THAT IS DIFFERENT THAN THE COMMUNITY DIRECT PROGRAM. >> Sen. Berman: THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. NEXT SILO. I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ON CRIMINAL. >> Chair Hooper: HE IS BEHIND YOU. >> Sen. Berman: I HEARD TODAY FROM SOME OF MY CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAMS, AND THEY ARE PRETTY UPSET ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON. COULD DO EXPLAIN HOW THE CULTURAL GRANTS ARE BEING MADE AND WHY WE ARE PUTTING LESS MONEY INTO CULTURAL GRANTS THIS YEAR. >> Chair Hooper: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO GO BACK AND FORTH. >> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION. NUMBER ONE, WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE LIST. I'M SORRY. WE DID GET THAT. WE DID GET THAT LATE BUT I WANT TO LAY OUT THE CULTURAL MUSEUM GRANTS IS $11.9 MILLION. CULTURE BUILDS FLORIDA 3.1 MILLION. CONSTRUCTION FIVE MILLION AND CULTURAL FACILITIES AT 5.1. OF COURSE LOCAL INITIATIVE AT $29.8 MILLION. >> Sen. Berman: I WAS TOLD THE ORIGINAL SECRETARY OF STATE LIST WAS 51 MILLION WITH 565 ORGANIZATIONS AND NOW THERE ARE NEW LISTS THAT IS 12 MILLION SO SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT. DO WE HAVE INFORMATION WHY THEY CHANGED AND WHAT THE REASON IS FOR THE DIFFERENCE? >> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION. SINCE WE GOT THAT WAS NOT TOO LONG AGO WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THEM. I HAVE BEEN CLEAR NOT ONLY LAST YEAR BUT THIS YEAR THAT THE AREA AND THE FUNDING THAT GOES TO OUR CULTURAL MUSEUMS, ALL THAT IS IMPORTANT FOR THIS SENATE. WERE GOING TO REMAIN COMMITTED TO THAT AND LASTLY GO TO WHAT WE RECEIVED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE WE WILL LIKELY ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS. >> Sen. Berman: THANK YOU. I DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING FOR AEG BECAUSE WE DID IT THIS MORNING. SO THAT'S MY QUESTION. >> Chair Hooper: SENATOR SMITH, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. IDENTIFIED THE SILO AS YOU GO THROUGH YOUR QUESTIONS. >> Sen. Smith: I WILL START WITH A TD WITH CHAIR DICEGLIE TO FOLLOW UP ON LEADER BERMAN QUESTIONS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE INTENTION TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PROVIDING SUBSTANTIAL FUNDING FOR THE ARTS. MY QUESTION WOULD BE BECAUSE THIS IS A PREFERENCE OF MY CONSTITUENTS IMPACTED BY THE ARTS GRANTS PERCOCET THE INTENTION OF THE LEGISLATURE TO GO BEYOND FUNDING WHAT THE SECRETARY HAS RECOMMENDED ON A CHERRY PICKED LIST AND TO PERHAPS PRIORITIZE FUNDING FOR THAT LIST BUT ALSO HAVE ADDITIONAL FUNDING LEFT OVER FOR ALL THE CULTURAL MUSEUM APPLICANTS SCORED BY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS WHO GOT GOOD SCORES THAT ARE PERHAPS NOT ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE PREFERRED LIST? >> Chair Hooper: SENATOR DICEGLIE? >> Sen. DiCeglie: YES AND YES MEANS WE WILL BE LOOKING AT ALL THOSE THINGS. WE HAVE PROVISO LANGUAGE THAT DIRECTS THE D OS. I WISH I HAD A MUCH MORE CLEAR ANSWER, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING WE ARE IN THE EARLY PROCESS OF GOING THROUGH THOSE THINGS. >> Sen. Smith: I WOULD APPLAUD YOU OF YOUR SUPPORT BECAUSE IT IS ALSO MY INTENTION TO MAKE SURE FOLKS THAT HAVE GONE THROUGH SCORE BY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS ARE GONE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET FUNDING FROM THE LEGISLATURE. I DO HAVE A QUESTION FOR CHAIR TRUMBULL IN THE HEALTHCARE SILO. IT MIGHT BE A QUESTION AS I CONSISTENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WAIT LIST. I'M HOPING YOU COULD DESCRIBE TO US HOW MUCH FUNDING WE SET ASIDE TO REDUCE THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WAIVER WAIT LIST AND MAYBE GIVE US AN UPDATE ON HOW MANY FOLKS ARE ON THE WAITLIST. I KNEW THE DIRECTOR HAS MADE IT A GOAL TO GET THE INDIVIDUALS ENROLLED IN SERVICES. OF COURSE YOU WOULD NEED SUPPORT FROM THE BLOOD JUST LATER. IF YOU COULD WALK US THROUGH AND WHO IS CURRENTLY ON AND AND IU HAVE IT REDUCED. CHAIR TRUMBULL? >> SENATOR SMITH, GREAT QUESTION. AND ONE WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO THE LAST COUPLE YEARS. THE LAST WAS $9 MILLION THEY HAPPEN CASH. THERE'S A STATISTIC I UNDERSTOOD FROM THE DEPARTMENT THAT IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET SOMEBODY SERVICES WHEN THEY ARE RECEIVING SERVICES ONCE THEY GET ON THE WAIVER. WE DIDN'T APPROPRIATE ANY NEW DOLLARS THIS YEAR. WE CONTINUE TO LET THEM UTILIZE THEIR LUMP SUM WHICH IS $400 MILLION. I DO KNOW THE SECRETARY, WITHOUT GETTING PERMISSION FROM US BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER. SENT 5000 LETTERS OUT TO INDIVIDUALS SEEING IF THEY WOULD TO BE INTERESTED IN GETTING WAIVER SERVICES SO WE DON'T HAVE THE INFORMATION BACK FROM THEM AS TO WHAT THE RESPONSE RATE HAS BEEN. RIGHT NOW IT LOOKS SIMILAR TO HOW IT LOOKED LAST YEAR. EXCEPT FOR THE FACT WE INCREASED SERVICES. FOR THE SERVICE COORDINATORS WE INCREASED THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR THEM. >> Sen. Smith: I APPRECIATE THE RESPONSE AND COMMENT ABOUT INCREASING THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE. PART OF THE STRUGGLE FOR THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HAS GONE THROUGH HAS BEEN WITH THE FUNDING IT IS SOMETIMES HARD TO GET FOLKS WHO ARE WILLING TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES AT THE RATE AND IS CURRENTLY OFFERED. I'M GRATEFUL TO HEAR ABOUT THE INCREASE. FOR CLARIFICATION, DID I UNDERSTAND YOU RIGHT THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE APPROPRIATED DOLLARS TO INTEND TO REDUCE THE WAITLIST FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN PREVIOUS YEARS THAT THERE'S A LUMP SUM LEFT OVER $400 MILLION. DOES THAT CARRY FORWARD FROM WHAT WE DID IN PREVIOUS BUDGETS HOPING THEY WOULD GET PEOPLE ENROLLED IN SERVICES AND MAYBE APD DUE TO THE VARIOUS CHALLENGES THEY HAVE CONTACTING INDIVIDUALS WHO HAS BEEN IN A YEARS LONG WAITLIST. THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO USE ALL THE FUNDING THEY GAVE US AND THAT'S WHY THERE IS CARRYFORWARD. IS THAT THE AMOUNT YOU ARE REFERRING TO? A LUMP SUM? >> THAT IS EXACTLY RIGHT. LAST YEAR THEY WERE ABLE TO BUY SOME OF THAT DOWN. IT IS AROUND 450 MILLION GR SITTING THERE FOR THEM TO CONTINUE TO UTILIZE. >> THANK YOU CHAIR TRUMBULL. AND LAST I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE NOT WHAT THEY QUESTION BUT A COMMENT IN A BIT OF GRATITUDE THAT THE HEALTHCARE BUDGET APPROPRIATES IN PROVISO NEARLY $119 MILLION TO PREVENT THE CUTS THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS PROPOSED THAT WOULD PUSH PEOPLE WITH LIVING WITH HIV OFF OF THE PROGRAM, WHICH OF COURSE WOULD BE A DRAMATIC CHANGE. I AM GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR INCLUDING THAT IN THERE AND I WANT TO APPLAUD YOU TODAY. IT IS A GREAT START. >> Chair Hooper: SENATOR POLSKY, YOU ARE RECOGNIZE. >> Sen. Polsky: THANK YOU MR. CHAIR. I DO HAVE A QUESTION. HAVE ALL THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS BEEN ABLE TO REACH THE MINIMUM SALARY FOR ALL TEACHERS? >> THANK YOU. THERE ARE 54 SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT HAVE. >> Sen. Polsky: CAN WE GO BACK AND FORTH? THANK YOU. HOW MANY ARE LEFT? >> 67 CORRELATING TO THE COUNTIES. >> Sen. Polsky: ALLOCATION IS $100 MILLION. FOR SOME SCHOOLS IS THIS GOING TO MAINTAIN AND THE OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET UP TO THAT AMOUNT? DO YOU BELIEVE THAT IS SUFFICIENT? >> THE GOAL WITH THE 100 MILLION, IN THE SPIRIT OF FLEXIBILITY ALLOWING DISTRICTS TO DETERMINE HOW THEY MIGHT SEE THE FUNDS BEST UTILIZED. THIS IS A PARALLEL EXAMPLE BUT THE WAY I CAN MAKE IT MAKE SENSE TO MYSELF. WHEN I WAS IN THE ARMY IT WAS LIKE YOU WERE HALFWAY, DO YOU KEEP GOING OR DO YOU GET OUT? I KEPT GOING. THAT COULD BE UTILIZED AS SALARY INCREASES TO TEACHERS WHO MAY BE AT THE SAME CROSSROADS THING WE VALUE YOU, WE NEED YOU. WE WANT YOU TO STAY. MAYBE WE CAN HELP OFFSET THE COST OF LIVING TO BE ABLE TO PAY THEM MORE. WE WANT DISTRICTS TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS. >> Sen. Polsky: DO YOU FEEL IT IS ENOUGH MONEY FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO GIVE RAISES TO TEACHER? >> Sen. Burgess: NOT BEING AT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT LEVEL, I FEEL THIS IS A GOOD INVESTMENT IN THEIR ABILITY TO INCREASE TEACHER PAY I AGREE IT IS SOMETHING TO FOCUS ON WHICH IS WHY WE ALLOCATED. HOW THEY CHOOSE TO USE IT IS UP TO THEM. >> Sen. Smith: ONE QUESTION FOR SENATOR HARRELL. I KNOW SENATOR BERMAN ASKED ABOUT PROFESSOR RETENTION. DO WE HAVE ANY SAY OVER THE SALARIES THE PROFESSORS GET? >> Sen. Harrell: ACTUALLY, THE INDIVIDUAL UNIVERSITY SET THEIR OWN SALARIES THAT DEPENDS ON THE UNIVERSITY. IT DEPENDS ON WHETHER THEY ARE ADJUNCTS, FULL-TIME OR WHATEVER. IT IS SPECIFICALLY UP TO THE UNIVERSITIES TO SET THEIR SALARIES. WE DON'T DICTATE WHAT THEY CAN DO. >> Sen. Polsky: WE DON'T THINK WE WOULD HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN CURTAILING THAT PRACTICE? >> Sen. Harrell: I BELIEVE THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS, IF ANYBODY, WOULD SET CERTAIN STANDARDS. BUT I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH WHAT THEY DO BUT THIS IS NOT THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE. WE DO PREEMINENT FUNDING OUR PREMIER UNIVERSITIES AND REALLOCATE DOLLARS SPECIFICALLY PICK REALLOCATE DOLLARS LIKE WE ARE DOING THE CENTER FOR NURSING. THESE ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES ONLY GIVE THE MONEY AND SPECIFIC THINGS LIKE THAT. REALLOCATE FOR CERTAIN THINGS. AS FAR AS THE OPERATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY, THAT IS UP TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS I AM HOLDING HEARINGS TO SPECIFICALLY HEAR WHAT THE GOALS FOR EACH TRUSTEE IS WHERE WE KNOW WHERE OUR UNIVERSITIES ARE GOING. THAT IS OUR ROLE TO DO THE CONFIRMATION OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WILL BE THE TRUSTEES AND THE TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE TO BUILD THE UNIVERSITY, HOLD THE ADMINISTRATION ACCOUNTABLE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ABLE TO BE THE NUMBER ONE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY. >> Chair Hooper: VICE CHAIR ROUSON, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED IN QUESTION. >> Vice Chair Rouson: THANK YOU MR. TERRY. FIRST QUESTION I HAVE IS FOR CHAIR HARRELL. LAST YEARS BUDGET WE INCLUDED $20 MILLION THAT WENT 5 MILLION TOWARD EACH OF THE FOUR HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. AFTER THE CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTING, THE HBCU RECEIVED GRANTS. DO WE HAVE ANY IN THE BUDGET THIS YEAR FOR THE HBCU? >> Sen. Harrell: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION AND NO, AT THIS POINT WE DON'T HAVE SPECIFIC DOLLARS FOR THAT. UNIVERSITIES HAVE VARIOUS CAPITAL OUTLAY FUNDS THEY CAN TAP INTO AND THEY CAN RAISE ADDITIONAL DOLLARS BUT WE IN THIS BUDGET ARE NOT ALLOCATING SPECIFIC DOLLARS FOR THE HARDENING. >> Vice Chair Rouson: THANK YOU. THE NEXT QUESTION I HAVE IS FOR CHAIR GARCIA. THE SIXTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL IS OPERATING UNDER HORRENDOUS CONDITIONS. DO WE HAVE ANYTHING IN THE BUDGET FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLANNING AND DESIGN OF BUILDING. >> Sen. Garcia: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION. CURRENTLY NO MONEY WAS PUT DOWN ANOTHER SIGN BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS WE WILL ADDRESS THAT ISSUE DURING CONFERENCE. >> Vice Chair Rouson: THANK YOU. LET ME FOLLOW-UP. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH WE HAVE FUNDED THE FLORIDA COMMISSION. I HAVE RECEIVED CORRESPONDENCE THEY ARE STILL INVESTIGATING CASES FROM 2015 AND 2018. PEOPLE ARE STILL WAITING FOR RESOLUTION ON CLEMENCY. IS THE BUDGET SUFFICIENT FOR THEM TO GET RID OF THE BACKLOG? DO WE KNOW WHAT THE BACKLOG IS? >> THANK YOU CHAIR. THANK YOU SENATOR. THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION. SOMETHING I THINK THAT WE NEED TO LOOK FURTHER INTO. CURRENTLY I THINK FIXING THE WI-FI SITUATION WILL BE A GOOD PLACE TO START. SALARY RETENTION HAS IMPROVED SOMEWHAT. NOT JUST FOR COMMISSION STOP AT ADMINISTRATORS, SUPERVISORS AND OVERALL INVESTIGATORS. IF IT GOES ALL THE WAY BACK TO 2015, IT'S BUDGET AND SOMETHING ELSE WE NEED TO LOOK FURTHER INTO AND I WILL MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW UP WITH THAT. >> Chair Hooper: ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? NEXT WE ARE GOING TO GO THROUGH THE AMENDMENT BUDGET PROCESS. HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE 191 AMENDMENTS. AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SENATE MAJORITY MINORITY LEADERS, 180 OF THOSE AMENDMENTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE CONSENT AGENDA. AMENDMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY, THERE IS ONE ALONG WITH THE HEARING COMMITMENT. THE CALENDAR PROCESS WOULD BE UTILIZED FOR CONSIDERING THESE AMENDMENTS AS FOLLOWS PICK THE TIMELY FILED A MOVEMENTS AGREED UPON AND DID NOT HAVE A HEARING AMENDMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED AS A SET. THE COMMITTEE ASSISTANT WILL READ EACH COMMITMENT SPONSOR AND THE BARCODE OFFERED BY THE SPONSOR. IF AN AMENDMENT RECEIVES AN OBJECTION, ALL PENDING AMENDMENTS WILL BE REMOVED. WE WILL THEN PROCEED TO HAVE ALL AMENDMENTS INDIVIDUALLY CONSIDERED BEFORE 6:00 P.M. AFTER QUESTIONS PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND DEBATE IS INCLUDED. WE WILL TAKE A SINGLE VOTE ON THE SET OF PENDING AMENDMENTS. AFTER THE CONSENT AGENDA IS COMPLETE WE WILL CONSIDER INDIVIDUALLY IN THE REMAINING AMENDMENTS. WE WILL TAKE THESE UP AND REPEAT THE PROCESS FOR EACH COMMITTEE JURISDICTION. ARE THERE QUESTIONS? SEEING NONE, WILL THE COMMITTEE ASSISTANT READ THE AMENDMENT SPONSORS AND AMENDMENT BARCODES? >> 995145, 995004, 995115, 995071, 995018, 995042, 995061, 995070, 995169, 995024, 995054, 995129, 995019, 995009, 995105, 995028, 995108, 995030, 995125, 995127, 995038, 995007, 995150, 995126, 995065, 995508, 995039, 995063, 995111, 995901. 995072. 995146, 995029, 995155, 995109. SENATOR BURGESS. 995021. 995113. 995114. 995078. 995056. 995075. 995020. 995112, 995035. 995164. 995057. 995131. 995132. 995040. SENATOR COLLINS 995314. 994083. 995156. 995077. SENATOR DICEGLIE. 995501. 99512. 995143. 995414. 995102. 995103. 995052. 995104. 995106. 995147. 995158. 995090. 995073. 95159. 995002. 995012, 995015. 995056. 995069. SENATOR GARCIA. 995027. 995051. 995014. 995017. 995122. 995034. 995094. 995015. 995023. 995097. 995141 995107. 995100. SENATOR HARRELL 995085. 995043. 995044. 995319. 995031. 995032,995418,995067,995074. 995166. 995167. 995017. 995019. 995089. 995047. 995136. 995151. 995033. 995050. 995165 995168. 995046. 995045. 995076. 995117. 995041, 995135, 995048. SENATOR MARTIN. 995088. 995086 995161. SENATOR McLEAN. 995093. 995149. 995064. 995066. 995068. 995055. 995053. 995036. 995156. 995118. 995119. SENATOR PIZZO 955137. 915022. SENATOR ROUSON 995013. 995140. 995025. SENATOR SHARIEF. 995130. SENATOR TRUMBULL. 995138. 995128. 905096. 995018. 991533. 995092. 995010. 995011. 995003. 995095. 995056. 995098. 995026. 995210. 995123. 995152. 995059. 995060. 995154. 995162. 995080. 985084. 925121. 995058. 995120. 995163. 915082. 995157. 995062. 915099. 995124. 995153. 995079. 995027. AND THAT COMPLETES THE AMENDMENT. JUST A MOMENT. >> Chair Hooper: SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE 181 AMENDMENTS? SOMETIMES THEY DISAPPEAR FOR A MOMENT. SOME OF YOU WEREN'T PAYING ATTENTION SO TO BE SURE WE ARE GOING TO START OVER AND DO 180 OF THEM AGAIN. ALICIA, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> SENATOR BERMAN 995010. 995035, 995059. 995031. 995128. 95129. 995145. 915172. SENATOR BROEDEUR. 995146. 995036, 995038, 995039, 995043. 995404. 995055. 995066. 995136. 995068, 995121, 995138. 995122. 995081. 995083, 995084, 995085, 995063. 995091, 995169, 995170, 995092, 995171, 995106, 905176, 995107, 995086, 995074. 995088, 995075, 995007. 995109, 995148, SENATOR BURGESS 99505, 995014, 995767. 995011, 995064, 995120. 995069, 995072, 995175, 995013, 995602, 995065, 995141. 995008, 995015, 995017, 995178, 995132, 995033. 9955045, 995051, 995020. SENATOR DICEGLIE 995134. 995124. 995063. 995015. 995023. 995023. 995049. 995173. 995100. 995101. 951311. 995108. 995147. 995087, 995013. 995164. SENATOR GARCIA 995024. 995028. 995029. 995027. 995040. 905048. 995142. 995095. 995096. 995097. 995002. 995001. 995003. SENATOR HARRELL. 995034. 995052. 995058. 995018. 995078. 995. SENATOR HOOPER. 995030. 995130. 995144. 99506. SENATOR MARTIN 995025. 995021. 995104. SENATOR MASSULLO 995102. 995012. SENATOR McCLAIN 995082. 995080. 995143. 995174. 995167. 995026. 995050. 995070. 995098. 995139. 995089. 995168, 995004, SENATOR POLSKY 995117. 995115. SENATOR ROUSON. 995053. 995016, 995056. 995014. SENATOR SHARI 9952127. SENATOR TRUMBULL 995151. 995180. 995123, 995120, 995121. 995123, 99514. 915719. 995133. 995135, 995181. 995199. 995054. 995152, 995156. 995076, 995140, 945125. 995124. 995126, 995080. 995041, 995158. 995150. 995046. 995017. 995137. 9951705. 995099. 995071. 995161, 995069. 995019, 995165. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU ALICIA VERY MUCH. YOUR OBJECTIONS TO THE CONSENT AGENDA? IF SO PLEASE IDENTIFY THE BARCODE ON THE AMENDMENT. SEEING NONE WE DON'T HAVE TO READ THEM AGAIN. WE WILL MOW TO AMENDMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY BY COMMITTEE. PICKUP AMENDMENT 995027 BY SENATOR HARRELL AND THEN WE WILL SHOW THE SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT BARCODE 995182 BY SENATOR HARRELL. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT. >> Sen. Harrell: THANK YOU MR. CHAIRMAN. THIS AMENDMENT PROVIDES $1,000,310. 1,310,800 IN NON RECURRING REVENUE FOR TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK SENIOR FOOD AND RESOURCE PROGRAM. IT ALSO PROVIDES 350,000 IN NONRECURRING GENERAL FUNDS FOR LEA HEALTH GME EXPANSION PROJECT PHASE 1 AND IT REDUCES THE FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY FOR COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS BY $1,660,800. THAT IS THE AMENDMENT. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU SENATOR HARRELL. I DON'T THINK WE HAVE PUBLIC TESTIMONY OF THE AMENDMENTS. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS ON SENATOR HARRELL AMENDMENT? WE HAVE NO APPEARANCE FORMS. IS THERE DEBATE? YOU ARE RECOGNIZED A CLOSE. >> Sen. Harrell: WAIVE CLOSE. >> Chair Hooper: THOSE IN FAVOR SAY YAY. OPPOSED NAY. THAT AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. SENATORS, ANY QUESTIONS ON ANY OF THE PENDING AMENDMENTS? IF SO, PLEASE IDENTIFY THEM. IS THERE ANY PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON ANY OF THE PENDING AMENDMENTS? WE ARE IN DEBATE. IS THERE DEBATE ON PENDING AMENDMENTS? THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE PENDING AMENDMENTS SIGNIFY BY SAYING YAY. OPPOSED NAY. SHOW THE AMENDMENTS ARE ADOPTED. WE ARE NOW BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED. ARE THERE QUESTIONS ON THE PROPOSED SPV 2500 AS AMENDED? WE DO HAVE SEVERAL APPEARANCE FORMS. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> MICHAEL RAYNOR SPEAKING FOR INFORMATION. >> GOOD MORNING. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> GOOD MORNING MR. CHAIRMAN SENATORS. MICHAEL, PERSON LIVING WITH HIV-AIDS, CLIENT OF THE AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. FIRST I WANT TO THANK THIS BODY. WHEN I CAME TO YOU JANUARY 14 YOU ALLOWED ME TO SPEAK QUITE A BIT TO BRING AN ISSUE THAT BLINDSIDED THE LEGISLATURE FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. I WANT TO THANK THE SENATORS FOR HEARING AND ACTING ON THE HIV COMMUNITIES CONCERNS. AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND THE SHORTFALL WAS A SURPRISE THAT I BROUGHT YOU JANUARY 14. YOUR ACTION TO PROPOSE A SOLUTION IS GIVEN MY COMMUNITY SIGNIFICANT HOPE. YOU HAVE HEARD OUR PLEA AND HELPED HIM BROUGHT ACTION. HOWEVER, HALF OF THE 32,000 CLIENTS IN THE AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STATEWIDE WERE BEING TERMINATED OR FEARFUL BUT NOT SURE HOW THEY WERE GOING TO PROVE WITHOUT LIFESAVING MEDICATIONS FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS WILL NEED TO VISIT EMERGENCY ROOMS AND CREATE A FINANCIAL BURDEN ON LOCAL HOSPITALS AND ALL THIS COULD BE PREVENTED WITH THE FAR LESS FINANCIAL COST OF THE STATE AND LOCAL HOSPITALS. THE SOLUTION YOU ARE BRINGING PROVIDES FOR BRIDGE FUNDING IDENTIFIED BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PATCH DOH SHORTFALL. CONTINUATION OF THE PREMIUM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN PREDICTING ELIGIBILITY FOR HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE POVERTY LIMIT, WHICH IS THE GOAL WE HAVE BEEN STRIVING FOR. THE SENATE PROPOSAL IS BEING UNDERMINED, SABOTAGED, AND THE BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AT THIS TIME FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS NOT HALTED ITS CHANGES SET FOR MARCH 1. WHILE THEY ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE RULEMAKING PROCESS WE UNDERSTAND THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO HALT ANY CHANGES UNTIL AFTER THAT PERIOD WHICH WOULD BE SOMETIME IN MARCH OR PERHAPS LATE MARCH. ADDITIONALLY, THEY ARE NOT GIVING THE LEGISLATURE THE RESPECT TO ADDRESS THIS THROUGH A BUDGETARY SOLUTION IN WHICH YOU ALL ARE LEANING IN. BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE HAVE BEEN ACTING IN GREAT FAITH FOR THE COMMUNITY TO LISTEN AND BE A PARTNER IN THE SOLUTION WE ARE ALSO GRATEFUL. THE PROBLEM IS BY THE TIME THIS GETS TO THE GOVERNORS DESK AND SIGNED SOMETIME IN JUNE, HEALTH POLICIES BEGAN TO CANCEL FOR NONPAYMENT OF PREMIUM BECAUSE THEY HAVE TOLD THEIR CONTRACTED PROCESSOR NOT TO PAY PREMIUMS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH. WE ARE GOING TO BE HAVING CLIENTS GO WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE UNABLE TO ACCESS THEIR DOCTORS, UNABLE TO ACCESS LIFESAVING MEDICATIONS WE ARE STRUGGLING AND FEARFUL OF THAT. WE ARE 10 DAYS AWAY FROM THE TIMEBOMB THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS LAUNCHING ON US AND WE NEED TO IMPLORE THIS COMMITTEE, THE SENATE AND HOUSEWORK WITH THE GOVERNORS OFFICE AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THEM HOLD THESE CHANGES IMMEDIATELY. THEY ARE NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE HIV COMMUNITY WHICH HAS US IN DEEP FEAR. WE HAVE ONE INDIVIDUAL WHO I SPOKE WITH LAST NIGHT WHO HAS ALREADY WRITTEN HER OBITUARY. WE HAVE TORI SAM WELL WHO IS HERE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WAS SITTING NEXT TO ME. SHE LIVES IN THE PRESIDENTS DISTRICT IN OCALA AND WAS FEATURED IN THE WASHINGTON POST AND IS A MOTHER OF CHILDREN MARRIED AND SHE MAKES 3002 MUCH AND IS BEING BOOTED FROM THE PROGRAM. HER LIFE DEPENDS ON IT TO GET ACCESS. YOU KNOW, I NEED TO REMIND YOU A FAIR NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WITH HIV HOW MANY CO-OCCURRING CONDITIONS. WHETHER IT'S SUBSTANCE ABUSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND OTHER TYPES OF TRAUMA AND HOMELESSNESS. THIS IS CONCERNING AND THE REASON IT'S CONCERNING IS AS PEOPLE BECOME FEARFUL AND DESPERATE, WE ARE REALLY WORRIED ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THESE INDIVIDUALS WILL REVERT BACK TO MAYBE USING AGAIN OR END UP HOMELESS AGAIN IN A PANIC TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO BALANCE THEIR BILLS HERE ABOUT THE BARMAN IS NOT THEY ARE ENGAGED IN PUBLIC HEALTH IN SOLVING THESE PROBLEMS AND WE NEED TO HEAR FROM THEM TODAY. DOH NEEDS TO STAND DOWN HER THEY NEED TO DELAY THE PROPOSED CHANGES UNTIL THEY ADMINISTERED OF RULEMAKING PROCESS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE. THEY NEED TO ALLOW THEM THE TIME DOES IN THE BUDGET OF THE GOVERNOR SO THEY CAN BE APPROVED. A CANON FLOOR THAT THIS BODY HAS DONE ITS WORK. YOU HAVE HEARD THE COMMUNITY. YOU'VE STEPPED UP TO THE CHALLENGE AND I CAN ONLY THANK YOU. WHAT YOU ARE DOING BY MAKING SURE THERE WERE ADEQUATE FUNDS TO CONTINUE ACCESS TO HIV MEDICATIONS, AND TAKING A GREAT STEP PREVENTING NEW CASES OF HIV BY ENSURING TREATMENT IS PREVENTION. BY SUPPRESSING SOMEONE'S HIV VIRAL LOAD SO THAT WE DON'T TRANSMIT THE VIRUS. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I KNOW MR. JERRY OVERLY LEANED IN ALONG WITH CHAIR TRUMBULL AND OTHERS. I'M IN A GREAT DEBT OF GRATITUDE I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK TO FORT LAUDERDALE. DRIVING BACK AND FORTH WITH MY DOG EACH WEEK IS KILLING ME. I WANT TO THANK YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE HEARD US. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU. I CAN ASSURE YOU WE ARE CONTINUING TO HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES. >> Sen. Smith: MR. CHAIR I HAVE A QUESTION VERY BRIEFLY. >> Chair Hooper: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Smith: THANK YOU MR. RAYNER. I'M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SAYING RIGHT NOW. THIS IS A RACE OF TIME. THE FLORIDA SENATE, AS HE MENTIONED, PUT FORWARD VERY STRONGLY WE SHOULD PROVIDE BRIDGE FUNDING TO KEEP PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV ON THEIR MEDICATIONS. BUT YOU ARE SAYING BECAUSE THE DOH HAS PUT FORWARD THESE CUTS THAT WILL BEGIN TO TAKE EFFECT. ACTUALLY NOW DEPENDING ON WHAT PROGRAM YOU HAD. SOME OF IT IS THROUGH THE END OF FEBRUARY, SOME OF IT IS THROUGH THE END OF MARCH. ARE YOU SAYING EVEN IN THE CASE WE WERE TO ADOPT THE SENATE LANGUAGE THAT IS PROVIDED HERE TO TEMPORARILY SOLVE THE PROBLEM, YOU ARE SAYING PEOPLE ARE HAVING THEIR BENEFITS DEFUNDED BY DOH AND THEY ARE GOING OFF OF THEIR MEDS NOW BECAUSE THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE AND THAT THIS IS GOING TO COSMOS MAJOR HEALTH CHALLENGES, POTENTIALLY WORSE EVEN AS WE GO UP TO SIGNEE DIE. IS THAT WHAT YOU WERE SAYING? AND IF THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE SAYING, WHAT IS IT WE NEED TO DO TO TRY TO STOP THAT LAPSE? WE ARE TRYING TO PROVIDE THE FUNDING BUT WHAT ELSE NEEDS TO BE DONE. ON TRYING TO UNDERSTAND AS WELL WITH THE ASCUS. >> THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE STOCKPILING MEDICATIONS AND SKIPPING DAYS AT A TIME TO HAVE A SUPPLY TO TRYING TO CARRY OUT. TO ANSWER THE OTHER QUESTION WHICH IS THE MORE PRESSING THING WITH THE TIMEBOMB THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LAID ON US. THEY HAVE A CONTRACTED PROVIDER THAT PAYS HEALTHCARE PREMIUMS AND FAILURE TO PAY YOUR HEALTHCARE PREMIUM WILL RESULT IN A NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF YOUR INSURANCE FOR NONPAYMENT OF PREMIUM HERE IF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS TOLD THE VENDOR IN FEBRUARY NOT TO PAY MARCH PREMIUMS, I DON'T KNOW WHICH COMPANY OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF THEIR HEART WILL COVER SOMEBODY UNTIL MAYBE JULY WHEN THE BUDGET GETS APPROVED AND MONIES CAN BE BACKFILLED. I DON'T KNOW HOW LOGISTICALLY THAT GETS DONE. I WOULD HATE TO SEE THE TREMENDOUS WORK THE SENATE HAS DONE IN THE WORK THE HOUSE IS DOING. I WOULD HATE TO SEE ALL OF THAT HAVE THE RUG PULLED ONTO THE LEGISLATURE BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT WHERE THERE MIGHT NOT BE INSURANCE POLICIES TO PAY. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU. MR. VICE CHAIR? >> Vice Chair Rouson: CONNIE EDSON SPEAKING FOR. >> Chair Hooper: GOOD AFTERNOON. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> GOOD AFTERNOON SHARON MEMBERS. MY NAME IS CONNIE EDSON AND THIS IS MY SIXTH YEAR ADVOCATING FOR AIR CONDITIONING AND FLORIDA STATE PRISONS. TWO YEARS AGO WE SPENT $5 MILLION ON THE REPORT HIGHLIGHTING THE HEAT CRISIS AND STILL NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. THE CURRENT LAWSUIT DATES CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION STATING FOUR PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES PICK THE HEAT INDEX REACHED 116° PUTTING STAFF IN THE INCARCERATED AT SERIOUS RISK AND ESCALATING VIOLENCE THROUGHOUT THE FACILITIES. YEAR AFTER YEAR WE PUT A BAND-AID ON THE PROBLEM. WE SPENT MILLIONS BRINGING IN THE NATIONAL GUARD BECAUSE WE WERE SHORT 3000 CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND WE KEEP PATCHING PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF FIXING IT. OFFICERS WORK FULL HOURS SHIFTS OR LONGER WEARING TWO LAYERS OF CLOTHING AND 116° HEAT. WOULD YOU WANT TO WORK IN THAT ENVIRONMENT? THE BEFORE AND AFTER THE PROGRAM TARGETS EDUCATION DORMS, THE DOG PROGRAM AREAS AND TWO MEN CELLS. OF THE WHOLE FACILITY. THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS WOULD WELCOME CONDITIONING BUT FUNDING IS LIMITED AND THAT'S WHY LEGISLATURES CAN STEP IN AND LEAD WITH THE PILOT PROGRAM. A FEW YEARS AGO SECRETARY DIXON LET ME DONATE A SPLIT MANY AIR UNIT TO THE DOG PROGRAM AT LOWELL KOHLER ACTUAL INSTITUTION IN OCALA. THESE UNITS COME IN MANY DIFFERENT SIZES AND FABRICATED WALLS THE DOG PROGRAM IS NOW AIR-CONDITIONED. ONE COMPRESSOR CAN COOL AN ENTIRE 44 TWO MAN CELL WING OR A LARGE OPEN BAY AREA AND WE FABRICATE A WALL. IT'S THE MOST ENERGY-SAVING AND COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION THAT WE CAN DO RIGHT NOW IF YOU'RE FLORIDA HAS THE CHANCE TO LEAD THE WAY FOR ALL THE SOUTHERN STATES. PROTECT THE PEOPLE WORKING AND LIVING IN THESE FACILITIES. ISN'T THAT WHAT APPROPRIATIONS ARE FOR? TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO HELP THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT THE MOST. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PILOT PROGRAM. IT'S PRACTICAL, HUMANE, AND THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR OUR STAFF AND INCARCERATED. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO SENATOR GARCIA SMITH BELIEVING IN THE BEFORE AND AFTER AC PILOT PROGRAM AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR VOTING YES ON THE AMENDMENT. THANK YOU SO MUCH. HAVE A GOOD DAY. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. THERE ARE NO MORE APPEARANCE CARDS. WE ARE IN DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED BILL. IS THERE DEBATE? SEEING NO DEBATE, SENATOR MOVES SPV 2500 AS AMENDED BE SUBMITTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. IS THEIR OBJECTION? SEEING NONE, MOTION IS ADOPTED. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL CALL ON SPV 2500. >> Sen. Berman: >> Sen. Brodeur: >> Sen. Burgess: >> Sen. DiCeglie: YES. >> Sen. Garcia: YES. >> Sen. Grall: YES. >> Sen. Harrell: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen, Massullo: YES. >> Sen. McClain: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. >> Sen. Polsky: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Smith: YES. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL? SENATOR WRIGHT? >> Vice Chair Rouson: YES. >> Chair Hooper: YES. BY YOUR VOTE SHOW SPV 2500 REPORTED FAVORABLY AS A COMMITTEE BILL. I WILL TURN THE GAVEL TO VICE CHAIR ROUSON. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED, SIR. >> Vice Chair Rouson: THANK YOU VERY MUCH MR. CHAIR. SENATORS, TAKE-UP TAB TWO SPV 2502 BY APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO IMPLEMENTING THE 2026/2027 JOURNAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT. SENATOR COOPER, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSED BILL. >> THE BILL PROVIDE STATUTORY AUTHORITY NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT AND EXECUTE THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 26/2027. STATUTORY CHANGES ARE TEMPORARY AND EXPIRE JULY 1, 2027. ALTHOUGH THE PROVISIONS ALLOW FOR SPECIFIC BUDGET DECISIONS TO BE EFFECTIVE, SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS ARE MADE IN THE PROPOSED IN THE BUDGET. THAT IS THE BILL MR. CHAIRMAN. >> Vice Chair Rouson: HAVING EXPLAINED TO THE BILL, ARE THERE QUESTIONS ON THE PROPOSED BILL? LEADER BERMAN? >> Sen. Berman: CHAIR HOOPER, THERE'S A PROVISION IN HERE. I BELIEVE IT IS SECTION 24 ABOUT FEDERAL FUNDING. IN PAST YEARS OF THE FEDERAL FUNDING PROVISIONS WE INCLUDED THE REFERENCE TO THE SUMMER EBT PROGRAM IN THIS YEAR WE DON'T INCLUDE ANY REFERENCE TO THAT. SO AM I TO CONCLUDE WE MADE THE DECISION WE WILL NOT BE FUNDING THE SUMMER EBT PROGRAM? >> LET ME GET TO SECTION 24 IF I MAY. >> MR. CHAIR, I CAN ANSWER THAT QUESTION. >> I THINK I UNDERSTOOD THE QUESTION CORRECTLY. ON SECTION 24 IT REPRESENTS THE GRANTS WE WOULD NEED FEDERAL AUTHORITY FOR. YES, MA'AM. GO AHEAD. >> Sen. Berman: IF WE DON'T NEED FEDERAL AUTHORITY DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE NOT APPLYING TO THAT GRANT? >> THAT IS CORRECT. >> Sen. Berman: HAD A QUESTION ABOUT SECTION 107 HAVING TO DO WITH CFO AUTHORITY. COULD YOU EXPLAIN WE ARE CLOSING DOWN THE TRUST TO FUND BUT HAVING THE MONEY REVERT TO OTHER FUNDS. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE REASON FOR THE CHANGE? 107 CORRECT CFO AUTHORITY. >> I'M HOPING CHAIRMAN BRODEUR WOULD HAVE AN ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION. >> I BELIEVE I HAVE AN ANSWER. IT REFERS TO SECTION 106. IT IS A TECHNICAL SECTION THAT SWEEPS THE GR IDENTIFIED IN SECTION 106. >> Vice Chair Rouson: ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? THERE IS AN APPEARANCE FORM. MARQUIS McMILLAN ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SPEAKING FOR INFORMATION. THERE BEING NO MORE APPEARANCE FORMS, IS THERE ANY DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED BILL? SEEING NONE, SENATOR HOOPER MOVES SPV 05 TO BE SUBMITTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. IS THERE ANY OBJECTION? SEEING NONE, SHOULD THE MOTION ADOPTED. PLEASE CALL THE RULE: 2502. >> Sen. Berman: YES. >> Sen. Brodeur: YES. >> Sen. Burgess: YES. >> Sen. DiCeglie: YES. >> Sen. Garcia: YES. >> Sen. Grall: YES. >> Sen. Grall: YES. >> Sen. Harrell: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen, Massullo: YES. >> Sen. McClain: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. >> Sen. Polsky: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Smith: YES. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL? SENATOR WRIGHT? >> Vice Chair Rouson: YES. >> Chair Hooper: YES. >> Vice Chair Rouson: BY YOUR VOTE SPB052 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY AS A COMMITTEE BILL. SENATORS, WE ARE GOING TO TAKE UP TAB THREE SPB 2504 BY APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO STATE EMPLOYEES. SENATOR HOOPER, WHO ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSED BILL. >> Chair Hooper: SPV 2504 IS A PLAY SETTLER FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO RESOLVE THE NONECONOMIC ISSUES THAT IMPASSE IN THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND ITS EMPLOYEES THESE ISSUES WILL BE RESOLVED ALONG WITH ECONOMIC ISSUES WHICH WILL BE ADDRESSED IN THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT AND THAT IS THE BILL. >> Vice Chair Rouson: ARE THERE QUESTIONS ON THE PROPOSED BILL? NO APPEARANCE CARDS. ANY DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED BILL? SENATOR HOOPER MOVES SPB 2504 THESE SUBMITTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. IS THEIR OBJECTION? SHOW THE MOTION ADOPTED. CALL ROLL: SPV 2504. >> Sen. Berman: -- >> Sen. Brodeur: YES. >> Sen. Burgess: YES. >> Sen. DiCeglie: YES. >> Sen. Garcia: YES. >> Sen. Grall: -- >> Sen. Harrell: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen. Massullo: YES. >> Sen. McClain: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. >> Sen. Polsky: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Smith: YES. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL? SENATOR WRIGHT? >> Chair Hooper: YES. >> Vice Chair Rouson: YES. BY YOUR VOTE SPB 2504 IS FAVORABLY REPORTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. I WILL TURN THE CHAIR TO SENATOR HOOPER. >> Chair Hooper: THANK YOU VICE CHAIRMAN. ON TAB FOUR WE WILL TAKE UP SB 7028 ON RETIREMENT BY GOVERNMENTAL OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY. CHAIRWOMAN MAYFIELD IS HERE. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> MEMBERS, 7028 THE RETIREMENT BILL DOES SEVERAL THINGS FOR THE BILL ESTABLISHES CONTRIBUTION RATES PAID BY EMPLOYERS FOR EACH CLASS OF EMPLOYEE WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM BEGINNING JULY 1 26. THIS IS TO ADDRESS A STUDY BUT THE FRS SYSTEM. THE 3% PLOY CONTRIBUTION RATE IS NOT CHANGED BY THE BILL. THE BILL ALLOWS AN ELECTED OFFICER OTHER THAN A SITTING LEGISLATURE TO RECEIVE A DROP PAYOUT OF THE ELECTED OFFICER COMPLETED PARTICIPATION IN IS 59 1/2 YEARS OLD. RETIREES IN THE SPECIAL RISK LOSS WOULD RECEIVE AN ALTERNATIVE COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT OF 1.5 PERCENT AFTER FIVE YEARS OF RETIREMENT. TO BE ELIGIBLE THEY MUST I COMPLETED SIX YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE SPECIAL RISK IF IT ENROLLED PRIOR TO JULY 1. IF ENROLLED IN A RETIREMENT MUST I COMPLETED EIGHT YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE SPECIAL RISK CLASS A MR. CHAIRMAN I HAVE AN AMENDMENT BARCO 448760 WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT. >> Chair Hooper: BEFORE WE TAKE UP THE AMENDMENT ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS ON THE BILL PRIOR TO THE AMENDMENT? THERE IS AN AMENDMENT BARCODE. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED IT EXPLAIN YOUR AMENDMENT. >> THIS AMENDMENT ALLOCATES A PORTION OF THE INCREASE CONTRIBUTION RELATING TO THE NEW COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT POLICY TO THE DISABILITY AND IN LINE OF DUTY DEATH BENEFITS OFFERED IN THE FRS INVESTMENT PLAN. >> Chair Hooper: QUESTIONS ON THE AMENDMENT? NO APPEARANCE CARDS. ANY DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT? SEEING NONE, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY YAY. OPPOSED NO. THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED. ARE THERE QUESTIONS? STILL OF NO APPEARANCE FORMS. WE ARE IN DEBATE. IS THERE DEBATE ON THE BILL? YOUR RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE. ALICIA, PLEASE CALL ROW: CS FOR SB 7028. >> Sen. Berman: -- >> Sen. Brodeur: YES. >> Sen. Burgess: YES. >> Sen. DiCeglie: YES. >> Sen. Garcia: YES. >> Sen. Grall: >> Sen. Harrell: >> Sen. Martin: -- >> Sen. Massullo: YES. >> Sen. McClain: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. >> Sen. Polsky: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Smith: YES. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL? SENATOR WRIGHT? >> Vice Chair Rouson: YES. >> Chair Hooper: YES. BY YOUR VOTE CS FOR SB 728 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY. YOU'RE GOING TO HANG AROUND BECAUSE WE HAVE ANOTHER BILL AFTER THE BUDGET BILLS. ON TAB FIVE IT WILL TAKE HIM SPV 2506 BY APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO FUEL TAXES. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED >> SPV REVISES THE DISTRIBUTIONS OF FUEL SALES TAX PROCEEDS AND CAPS THE DISTRIBUTION IN THE INLAND PRODUCTION TRUST FUND. THAT IS THE BILL. >> Chair Hooper: QUESTIONS? NO APPEARANCE FORMS. IS THERE DEBATE? SENATOR BROEDEUR MOVES IT BE SUBMITTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. IS THEIR OBJECTION? SEEING NONE THE MOTION IS ADOPTED PLEASE CALL THE ROLL CALL 12506. >> Sen. Berman: >> Sen. Brodeur: YES. >> Sen. Burgess: YES. >> Sen. DiCeglie: YES. >> Sen. Garcia: YES. >> Sen. Grall: YES. >> Sen. Harrell: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen. Massullo: YES. >> Sen. McClain: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. >> Sen. Polsky: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Smith: YES. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL? SENATOR WRIGHT? >> Vice Chair Rouson: YES. >> Chair Hooper: YES. BY YOUR VOTE SPV 2506 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY AS A COMMITTEE BILL. UNDER TAB SIX SPB 2508 BY APPROPRIATIONS RELATED TO THE STATE AGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT RADIO SYSTEM YOU ARE RECOGNIZED EXPLAIN THE PROPOSED BILL. >> Sen. Brodeur: 2508 REMOVES A SCHEDULED EXPLORATION DATE OF JULY 1, 2026 ON A THREE DOLLAR SURCHARGE IMPOSED ON CRIMINAL OFFENSES AND ALL NONCRIMINAL MOVING TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. THE SURCHARGE PROVIDES FOR MILLI-DOLLARS IN REVENUES TO SUPPORT THE FUNCTIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS OF THE STATEWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT RADIO SYSTEM. THAT IS THE BILL. >> Chair Hooper: QUESTIONS ON THE PROPOSED BILL? NO APPEARANCE FORMS. IS THERE DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED BILL? SENATOR MOVES 2508 BE SUBMITTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. IS THEIR OBJECTION? THE MOTION IS ADOPTED. CALLED SPB 2508. >> Sen. Berman: YES. >> Sen. Brodeur: YES. >> Sen. Burgess: YES. >> Sen. DiCeglie: YES. >> Sen. Garcia: YES. >> Sen. Grall: YES. >> Sen. Harrell: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen. Massullo: YES. >> Sen. McClain: >> Sen. McClain: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. >> Sen. Polsky: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Smith: S. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL? SENATOR WRIGHT? >> Vice Chair Rouson: YES. >> Chair Hooper: YES. 2508 IS FAVORABLY REPORTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. UNDER TAB SEVEN 2510 BY APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO TRUST FUNDS ON THE STATE COURT SYSTEMS. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSED BILL. >> IT TERMINATES THE MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION TRUST FUND IN THE STATE COURT SYSTEM. THE 2011 THE LEGISLATOR PASSED HB 5045 WHICH REDIRECTED FILING FEES FROM THE ARBITRATION TRUST FUND TO THE STATE COURT REVENUE TRUST FUND AND ELIMINATED STATUTORY REFERENCES TO THE MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION TRUST FUND. THERE IS NO CURRENT BALANCE IN THE TRUST FUND. THAT IS THE BILL, MEMBERS. >> Chair Hooper: QUESTIONS ON THE BILL? IS THERE DEBATE? SENATOR GARCIA MOVES IT BE SUBMITTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. IS THEIR OBJECTION? MOTION IS ADOPTED. CALL THE VOTE ON SPB 2510. >> Sen. Berman: YES. >> Sen. Brodeur: YES. >> Sen. Burgess: YES. >> Sen. DiCeglie: YES. >> Sen. Garcia: YES. >> Sen. Grall: YES. >> Sen. Harrell: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen. Massullo: YES. >> Sen. McClain: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES . >> Sen. Polsky: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Smith: YES. >> SENATOR TRUMBULL? SENATOR WRIGHT? >> Vice Chair Rouson: YES. >> Chair Hooper: YES. BY YOUR VOTE SPV 2510 IS REPORTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. UNDER TAB EIGHT WE HAVE SPV 2512 BY APPROPRIATIONS RELATED TO JUDGES. SENATOR GARCIA, YOUR RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSED BILL. >> Sen. Garcia: THANK YOU CHAIR MEMBERS SPB IS THAT OCCASIONED WILL. THIS IN THE PROPOSAL LINES OF THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT CERTIFICATION OF NEED FOR ADDITIONAL JUDGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 AUTHORIZING 30 NEW CIRCUIT CT. JUDGES AND 12 NEW COUNTY CT. JUDGES PICK THE CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE SHIPS ARE ALLOCATED AS FOLLOWS. ONE ADDITIONAL IN EACH OF THE FIRST, FIFTH, SEVENTH, EIGHTH AND NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUITS AND EIGHT ADDITIONAL IN THE 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. THE COUNTY COURT JUDGE SHIPS ARE DISTRIBUTED AS FOLLOWS BUT ONE ADDITIONAL IN EACH OF WALTON, HIGHLAND, HILLSBORO AND LEE COUNTIES GOING TO ADDITIONAL IN ORANGE COUNTY AND THREE EACH AND DO FALL AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTIES. FUNDING ARE THE ESSENTIAL SUPPORT STAFF, I