The Legislature is taking a Passover/Easter break this week, delaying the start of the budget conference until April 21st. Meanwhile, both policy and budget committees have concluded their work and, with the exception of budget conference, Rules Committees and last-minute policy or appropriations committees, legislators will spend the last two weeks of session voting on floor bills.  One major issue remaining to be resolved is child welfare. The omnibus bills, SB 1666 and HB 7169, will be heard in Week 8, when legislators return.

At last week's Children's Week

Business Leaders Luncheon, Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, announced that the Chamber Foundation is creating a Florida Business Alliance on Early Education.  More than 150 Florida business leaders and other stakeholders attended the luncheon, which was hosted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Council of 100, Florida TaxWatch, the Children's Forum, Children's Movement of Florida and United Way.  Neuroscientist Dr. Pat Levitt and Governor Rick Scott called early learning a workforce development priority, underscoring the message that the first years of life are the foundation for a strong economy.    

When young children are abused or neglected and taken away from their families to protect them, should they be kept with their siblings in group homes or should they be separated from their siblings and placed with foster parents, who can provide a more nurturing and supportive environment?
When children have been victims of human trafficking should they be locked in a facility to keep them from running away?