Senate Press Releases

Senator Hukill To Present Student Leadership Awards

Senator Hukill — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Port Orange — State Senator Dorothy L. Hukill (R-Port Orange) will present the 2013 Student Leadership Award to students in Volusia County at their respective award ceremonies. The award is given to students who have demonstrated a high achievement of leadership skills, maintained above average grades, and served their school and community. A committee of teachers and administrators recommended the students receiving the award. Senator Hukill has presented this award to students since 2005.

The students she will present the awards to are:

Austin Champoux, DeLand High School

Rodrigo Galarza, Taylor Middle High School

Alexander Phillips, University High School

Kayla Meyer, Deltona High School

Kahiya Fairclough, Pine Ridge High School

Rebecca Adle, NSB Middle School

Roger Bivens, Campbell Middle School

Austin "Gage&q...

Work Plan Florida Road Journal: Day 2

President Office — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Lakeland, FL– Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today visited Central Florida on the second day of the Work Plan Florida Road Trip to highlight accomplishments from the 2013 Legislative Session. Click HERE to watch a video of highlights for Day 2.

Senate President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford made stops today in Orlando and Lakeland. Among the highlights were:

Tour of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Orlando: Senate President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford were joined by Senator David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs), Senator Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando), House Majority Leader Steve Precourt (R-Orlando) and Representative Bryan Nelson (R-Apopka) to tour the facility, which is located at The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families at the ...

Work Plan Florida Road Journal: Day 1

President Office — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tampa, FL– Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today kicked off the first leg of the Work Plan Florida Road Trip to highlight accomplishments from the 2013 Legislative Session. Click HERE to watch a video of highlights for Day 1.

Senate President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford made stops today in Brooksville and Tampa. Among the highlights were:

Tour of the Brooksville National Guard Armory: Senate President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford were joined by Major General Emmett Titshaw, Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard, Senator Wilton Simpson and Representatives Jimmie T. Smith and Rob Schenck to tour the armory. The members saw firsthand how a portion the $15 million appropriated for the Florida Department of Military Affairs will be used to assist with upgrad...

Statement by President Gaetz Regarding Governor Scott Signing the 2013-14 GAA

President Office — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) today released the follow statement regarding Governor Scott signing the 2013-2014 General Appropriations Act.

“Unlike the deficits and dysfunctions in Washington, today our Chief Executive signed a budget that lives within our means, meets the critical needs of the people of Florida, raises the salaries of state workers and effective teachers, pays down obligations instead of piling on more, puts aside money for a rainy day, and doesn't raise taxes by one dollar. By contrast with the $141 billion budget of the State of New York, Florida's similar-sized population is supporting a government that costs about half as much and a state that is adding, no longer losing, jobs and population.

“While many will disagree with some of Governor Scott's line item vetoes, that is his constitutional role as Chief Executive. ...

MEDIA ADVISORY: President Don Gaetz and Speaker Will Weatherford Kick Off Work Plan Florida Tour

President Office — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — On Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23, 2013, Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) will begin their Work Plan Florida Regional Tour. Highlighting the successful completion of their joint “Work Plan Florida” agenda, as well as critical investments in Florida’s future appropriated through the bi-partisan 2013-14 state budget, this week’s leg of the tour will include visits to National Guard Armories, Children’s Advocacy Centers and Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Academies located in Central Florida.

For additional information on the Work Plan Florida agenda, please visit: http://flsenate.gov/topics/WorkPlanFlorida.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Visit the Brooksville National Guard Armory

Statement from President Gaetz Regarding Florida TaxWatch

President Office — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) today released the following statement regarding Florida TaxWatch releasing their 2013 Turkey Watch Report.

“The TaxWatch list is built on the unconstitutional perversion that if an appropriation isn't recommended by unelected agency officials it shouldn't be considered in conference by elected legislators. This is an arrogance of the elite who spend too much time in Tallahassee and Washington listening to the echoes of their own invented wisdom and thinking they're hearing the voice of God.

“No agency put in its budget a $3,500 raise for Florida's most effective teachers, yet that was funded. No agency testified before the Legislature asking for a raise for state employees who had been without one for six years, yet we passed it. No bureaucrat in the Department of Education asked for a career-technical pathw...

Senator Alan Hays & Representative Bryan Nelson

Senator Hays — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Eustis — State Senator Alan Hays (District 11) and State Representative Bryan Nelson (District 31) will host a joint town hall meeting at Eustis City Hall on Tuesday, May 21st. This will be a chance for the citizens of Lake County to listen and ask questions of their Legislators after the conclusion of the 2013 Legislative Session.

“I want to thank Senator Alan Hays for co-hosting this event with me", said Representative Nelson. "Working together, the Legislature had many accomplishments in the 2013 Session, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Session with the citizens of Lake County."

Senator Wilton Simpson Hosts Citizens Property Insurance Policyholder Forums

Senator Simpson — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, Fla. — Senator Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) invites his constituents to participate in a Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Policyholder Forum. These forums will be held on May 20 and May 21 at the Pasco Hernando Community College campuses in New Port Richey and Spring Hill. "Many of my constituents have contacted me with questions and concerns about their Citizens Insurance policies," said Senator Simpson. "I am hopeful that bringing Citizens down to the district will get people the answers they need."

Senator Simpson and representatives from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation will begin each of the forums with brief comments and introductions. Policyholders will then be able to sit down one on one with a representative from Citizens to review their insurance policies and concerns. Senator Simpson and his staff will be available to meet with constituents until noon at each loca...

2013 Work Plan Florida

Senator Gaetz — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Dear Neighbor,

On Sunday afternoon, Vicky and I left Tallahassee and headed home to Niceville – the 2013 Florida Legislative Session completed and our “Work Plan Florida” agenda largely accomplished. While there’s always more that can be done better, this year’s legislative session was the most successful of the seven in which I have served as Senator for Northwest Florida.

The difference between Washington Senators and Florida Senators is that in our state we balanced the budget, lived within our means, paid down our debt instead of piling on more deficits, met the critical needs of the state and didn’t raise taxes one penny.

Other contrasts are stark, as well. The State of New York, which lost population to Florida in the last census and now is close to the same size as us, has a state budget of $141 billion. Florida’...

Senate Democratic Caucus Calls on Governor to Convene Medicaid Expansion Special Session

Minority Office — Mon, 06 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — The 14-member Senate Democratic Caucus signed and sent the following letter to Governor Rick Scott today:

May 6, 2013

The Honorable Rick Scott

Governor

Office of the Governor

The Capitol

400 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Dear Governor Scott:

The inability of the Legislature to reach an agreement on Medicaid expansion in Florida was the single greatest disappointment of the 2013 Legislative Session.

Not only did the failure leave more than 1 million uninsured Floridians in the lurch, but it reportedly threatens Florida’s businesses with a whopping $150 million in fines because their employees will be without health care. As you are well aware, under the federal health care reform, these businesses must either pay to cover their employees, or face ...

Senate Unanimously Passes 2013-2014 State Budget

President Office — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — The Florida Senate today unanimously passed SB 1500, the 2013-2014 General Appropriations Act, prioritizing investments in education and economic development while saving nearly $3 billion in reserves. The 2013-14 state budget is based on existing revenues and does not include increases in taxes or fees.

“Our 2013-14 budget makes significant investments in education, economic development, state employee compensation, including law enforcement and the court system, with the overall goal of responsibly addressing budget areas most significantly impacted in prior years as legislators were faced to make drastic cuts and forgo needed increases in order to meet the constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville).

“Through this budget we demonstrate our commitment to responsibly planning for Florida’s future by living within our means an...

Florida House and Senate Celebrate Completion of Work Plan Florida Agenda

President Office — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Upon the conclusion of the 2013 Legislative Session, Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) celebrated the completion of their joint legislative agenda, "Work Plan Florida." The joint agenda, announced in January, includes bold steps to tackle ethics and campaign finance reform, fiscally responsible changes to Florida's local public sector pension plans, innovations in Florida's higher education system and a review of Florida election laws. To date, four of the five Work Plan Florida agenda items have passed the Florida Legislature and three have been signed in to law by the Governor.

“The Work Plan Florida Agenda highlights our joint commitment to keeping Florida on the road to full economic recovery by rebuilding trust and confidence in government and tying job creation to the realities of the economy through investments in education,&rdq...

Senate President Gaetz Comments on Conclusion of 2013 Legislative Session

President Office — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Florida’s lawmakers today wrapped up the 2013 Legislative Session, marking the completion of the joint Work Plan Florida agenda of House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) and Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and the successful passage of important reforms for Florida. The Session was marked by a focus on raising the standard of public conduct and linking education to the realities of the economy.

“I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this legislative session,” said Senate President Gaetz. “A spirit of cooperation extended through the capitol and past party lines and quickly came to define the legislative session. We saw both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate work past philosophical differences in order to create a better state for all Floridians.

“With both chambers working together, the Legislature advanced key provisions of the Work Plan Florida agenda,...

Florida Legislature Passes Everglades Restoration Act

Senator Simpson — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, Fla. — This afternoon, the Everglades Restoration Act (HB 7065/SB 768)) received bipartisan and unanimous support on the Senate floor. Filed by Senator Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) in the Senate, and shepherded in the Florida House by Rep. Matt Caldwell and Speaker Designate Steve Crisafulli, this legislation makes crystal clear the commitment to adequately fund the Everglades Restoration plan that was agreed to by the State of Florida and the federal government.

“It is exciting to be a part of this landmark agreement. The Everglades is an integral part of what makes Florida unique,” said Senator Simpson. “The passage of this legislation will allow for the continued restoration and protection of this delicate ecosystem while allowing farmers to responsibly grow food through utilization of best management practices. I commend all the stakeholders who worked so hard to get to where we are today.”

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Florida Legislature Passes Natural Gas Vehicle Legislation

Senator Simpson — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Natural Gas Vehicle Act of 2013 (HB 579) is headed to Governor Scott for signature. This legislation repeals the archaic decal tax structure and replaces it with a tax structure similar to diesel fuel. A five year period of no taxes on natural gas fuel is created, along with a rebate program that will incentivize the public and private sectors to expand their natural gas vehicle fleets.

“This legislation will pave the way for the increased use of natural gas; spurring economic growth, reducing our dependency on foreign oil, and providing a cleaner burning source of fuel,” said Senator Simpson. “I know that Governor Scott understands the importance of our nation’s energy independence and by signing this legislation he will put Florida on the map as a leader in this area.”

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Supreme Court Reinforces Brandes-Trujillo Bill

Senator Brandes — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee —

SUPREME COURT REINFORCES BRANDES-TRUJILLO BILL

Florida Supreme Court rules warrantless searches of cell phones unconstitutional

Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Florida Supreme Court ruled 5-2 that law enforcement does not have the authority to search the contents of an arrested person’s cell phone without first obtaining a search warrant. “Today is a great day for the privacy rights of Floridians,” said Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg). “As technology continues to become more interconnected in our daily lives it is critical that the law recognize that electronic devices are the modern day equivalent of papers and effects falling under the protections of the 4^th Amendment of the Constitution, and I am very glad that the court has agreed on thi...

Florida Legislature Unanimously Passes Fire Code Bill

Senator Simpson — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, the Florida House passed legislation relating to the Florida Fire Prevention Code (SB1122/HB0971) with a bipartisan vote. Filed by Senator Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) and Representative Jake Raburn (R-Lithia), this legislation was passed by both legislative chambers unanimously, and will head to the governor for signature.

“I would like to thank CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater for his support of this bill that will remove unnecessary regulations from Florida’s Fire Code,” said Senator Simpson. “This legislation is good for small business and for our local economies, as it will provide relief to the agricultural community and other small businesses from superfluous fire requirements.”

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President Gaetz Comments on Pension Transparency Bill Heading to Governor

President Office — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — The Florida House passed Senate Bill 534, sponsored by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), equipping local pension plan administrators, employees and taxpayers with improved universal tools to evaluate the financial stability of local pension plans. Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) released the following statement regarding the bill which will now be reviewed by Governor Rick Scott:

“By using a universal reporting system to assess taxpayer-funded pension plans, our state will bring accountability and transparency to retirement benefits for both current and future retirees,” said President Gaetz. “I thank Senator Brandes as well as Speaker Weatherford and our colleagues in the House for moving this important reform forward and enabling our hard-working public employees to be confident in their retirement benefits.”

“Increasing transparency and standardizing accounting pri...

Senator Hukill's Manufacturing Sales Tax Exemption Passes Senate

Senator Hukill — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee —

Senator Dorothy L. Hukill (R-Port Orange) passed Senate Bill 518 as part of the Senate’s Economic Opportunity Package SB 1024/HB 7007 on the Senate Floor today. Senator Hukill’s priority legislation, promotes business expansion and job growth throughout the state by providing a sales tax exemption on the purchase of industrial equipment and machinery used by Florida’s manufacturers.

This legislation will ensure that Florida is a manufacturing-friendly environment, while diversifying Florida's economy, producing high-wage jobs for Floridians, and encouraging capital investment. Manufacturing accounts for over 18,000 employers and over 300,000 jobs in Florida with higher than average annual wages.

“As Florida’s economy continues to improve it is critical that we support the companies that make up the backbone of our economy,” said Hukill.&nb...

President Gaetz Comments on Legislation Protecting Infants Passing Florida Senate

President Office — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tallahassee — Today the Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 1636, which was substituted for House Bill 1129 and will now be considered by Governor Rick Scott. Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) released the following statement regarding the bill that protects infants who are born alive during attempted abortions:

“Today, our Florida Senators took a decisive step to ensure the safety of Florida’s most defenseless citizens,” said President Gaetz. “I appreciate Senator Flores’ unwavering resolve in garnering bi-partisan support for this important piece of legislation. Infants born alive during a botched abortion could not have a more dedicated advocate.”

Under Senate Bill 1636, infants born alive during an attempted abortion are entitled to the same rights as any naturally born child. The health care provider present must give the infant gestational-age-appropriate medical care and ensure t...