Florida's economy and budget picture look brighter this year.  Unemployment is at its lowest rate in four years.  General revenue is estimated to increase next fiscal year, giving the state a $400+ million surplus, the first in five years. Governor Scott's proposed budget is the largest in Florida's history: $74.2 billion.  But the legislature, not the Governor, decides on the final budget. Senate Appropriations Chair Joe Negron (R-Stuart) and House Appropriations Chair Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland) will release initial budget allocations soon and intense negotiations are likely.  In addition, the effects of the federal sequestration cuts on Florida's economy and revenues are still unknown.  Read more.

 

Access to quality early learning is a top priority for Florida United Ways.  This session, for the first time, a diverse group of state early childhood advocates is meeting weekly in Tallahassee to build consensus around key early learning issues.  They've agreed on: increased funding for the School Readiness program; local flexibility for Early Learning Coalitions (ELCs); and a governance structure for the Office of Early Learning.  The House will take the lead on drafting an early learning bill, with Education Committee Chair Marlene O'Toole bringing a fresh, energetic approach.  Chair O'Toole required each committee member to visit a local ELC to meet with staff, board chairs and funded childcare providers. She declared, "When we make changes to early learning, the committee members will understand exactly why."  Read more.

CS/HB 215 is heading for a House vote this week, with strong, bipartisan support. It creates the "Quality Parenting for Children in Foster Care Act".  The bill recognizes the importance of normalizing the lives of children in foster care, clarifies that those children are entitled to participate in age appropriate activities, and empowers caregivers to make decisions about their participation using their own assessments as caregivers based on a reasonable and prudent parent standard.