Florida's 32 United Ways are working together to solve our most pressing education, income, health, and safety net challenges.  Our 2014 Florida United Ways Consensus Legislative Agenda has two statewide priorities:

• Quality early learning opportunities; and
• Access to affordable health care.

We will advocate for these priority issues during Session, and also support our community partners in their advocacy efforts to improve the quality of life for all Floridians.  Read more.

The House Education Committee is again taking the lead in addressing Florida's early learning system. With leadership from Chair Maureen O'Toole (R-The Villages), the Committee passed HB 7069, strengthening health and safety standards, licensing, training and minimum qualifications for early learning providers.  The bill also includes a 2-year pilot to study the impact of English/ Spanish Voluntary Prekindergarten assessments for children who are English Language Learners.  Read more.

Kaiser Health News reports that Florida has the nation's second-highest rate of uninsured residents younger than 65 - about 3.8 million people, close to 25 percent of the state's population - including more than 500,000 younger than 19.  Read more.
 

How many residents in your county are uninsured and what is the "coverage gap?"  Check out this interactive county map to learn more.  (Healthcare for Florida Now, March 5, 2014)

CS/HB 409 Offenses Against Vulnerable Persons (Passidomo, R-Naples) will be heard in the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee this week. The bill strengthens protections against identity theft and financial exploitation for elders and disabled adults.