State Pension, Health Care Overhauls Advance In Florida Senate
April 25, 2017
A Senate committee on Monday narrowly backed a controversial change in the state pension plan and endorsed an overhaul of the health-insurance program for state employees.
The Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee voted 4-3, along partisan lines, to change the default retirement option for newly hired public employees, including school teachers, county workers and state employees. Under the bill (SPB 7030), new workers who do not actively choose to join the traditional pension plan or a 401(k)-type investment plan will default into the investment plan six months after they are hired.
Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, chairman of the panel, said the revision does not take away the initial choice for workers to pick the traditional pension plan and that moving employees into the investment plan could help those who do not vest in the pension plan, which requires at least eight years of service to obtain benefits.
“No one is taking anything away,” Baxley said.
But he also conceded the pension bill as well as legislation revamping the health-insurance program for state workers are House-backed priorities that could be part of the two chambers’ final negotiations on a state budget.
“I mainly want to get this over to (the) Appropriations (Committee) so it can be part of that discussion,” Baxley said about the pension bill. “We might have some different tires and wheels on it before it gets to the floor.”
Democrats opposed the bill because of the default option, although the legislation has other provisions, including expanding eligibility benefits for firefighters who develop cancer “in the line of duty.”
Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, said moving new workers into the investment plan rather than the traditional pension plan would put them financially at risk.
“New employees, who do not feel confident or knowledgeable enough to make a (pension plan) selection, should be defaulted to the safest plan, not the most risky plan,” Rouson said. “In fact, it’s risk-shifting.”
Rouson’s amendment that would have maintained the traditional pension plan as a default was defeated in a voice vote. Another amendment, which would have increased a public agency’s match in the investment plan for its employees from 3 to 6 percent, was also rejected.
The bill’s narrow passage was helped by the appointment of Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, to the panel, replacing Sen. Frank Artiles, R-Miami, who resigned last week. Without Simpson, the legislation would have failed in a tie vote.
The Senate committee approved another bill (HB 7007) that would allow employees to choose among four different levels of health-insurance benefits beginning in 2020. The proposl would provide an incentive for employees to choose coverage that would cost less than the amount of money the state contributes for premiums.
If employees choose lower-premium plans, which could carry higher deductibles, they could receive additional benefits, ranging from a salary increase to other health coverage benefits.
Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, who sponsored a similar bill (SB 900), said the legislation is aimed at overhauling “an arcane” health-insurance plan that provides few incentives for providers or employees.
But Rich Templin, a lobbyist for the Florida AFL-CIO, warned the cheaper health-insurance plans could represents “a cost shift from the state to the employees in terms of health insurance.”
“It may put more money into a state worker’s pocket, but it has much higher out-of-pocket expenses,” he said.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Budget Prospects Dim As House, Senate Feud
April 25, 2017
The legislative session appeared to careen off course Monday, as the House prepared to pass its second budget of the year — a plan Senate leaders have already ruled out as “ineffectual.”
The showdown between the two chambers came with just eight days to go until lawmakers would be forced to call an extended or special session to resolve the budget impasse, making it seem unlikely that lawmakers would get their work done on time.
That would mark the second time in three years that the Republican-dominated Legislature was unable to finish the budget, its one constitutionally mandated task, by the scheduled end of the regular session.
In a memo to his members issued late Monday afternoon, House Speaker Richard Corcoran said the House Appropriations Committee would take up a “standard operating budget” aimed at continuing the functions of state government largely at current levels. Extra spending meant to account for increased Medicaid costs and public school enrollment would also be funded.
Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, emphasized in the memo that “we remain optimistic that we will reach budget consensus with the Senate,” despite a deepening rift between the two sides that opened over the weekend.
“However, by considering this standard operating budget as a contingency, we would prevent an unnecessary government shutdown, protect the state’s future, and still enable us to fund new priorities in the future,” he wrote.
The mention of a government shutdown alone seemed to raise the prospect of a prolonged battle between the two sides; a shutdown would not occur until after the end of the current budget year on June 30.
The new budget scheduled to be considered by the committee weighs in at $82.1 billion, up nearly a billion dollars from the House’s initial budget but still well short of the $85.1 billion plan the Senate approved.
It would also increase spending on the state’s main formula for funding public education by 0.34 percent per student, up from the first House offering but also well short of where the Senate was. The House would still refuse to allow property-tax bills to increase with real estate values, an issue that has separated the chambers.
By the time the “standard operating budget” was released, though, Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, had already rejected it in a memo to his own colleagues.
“I have no interest in adopting this ineffectual practice,” Negron wrote. “Our constituents deserve and expect more. … I will insist on a budget work product that reflects public testimony from our fellow citizens, input from the constituents we represent and the thousands of informed decisions — big and small — elected legislators have made since November 2016.”
Senate leaders compared the move to Washington, D.C., where “continuing resolutions” are often used to avoid government shutdowns.
“Why do we want to model Florida after Washington, D.C.?” asked Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater.
Latvala raised the possibility that Corcoran’s move — and comments over the weekend that painted the Senate as liberal — were aimed at “a certain small element of the Republican primary voters.” Corcoran is rumored to be considering a bid for governor in 2018, and Latvala has said he is also thinking about running.
Democrats, long consigned to minority status in the Legislature, reveled in the chaos. A sign outside the House Democratic office labeled “Live Shot from Inside Budget Negotiations” showed a well-known Internet meme with a dog sitting in a burning room saying, “This is fine.”
In a statement, House Minority Leader Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, lashed out at Republicans for the gridlock after the House approved a budget she said didn’t include adequate funding for education or health care.
“To top it all off, now Republicans want to waste $72,000 a day on a special session to do the only job we’re constitutionally required to complete,” she said. “It’s pathetic and it’s below the level of competence that should be expected of an elected body.”
Despite appearances, though, GOP lawmakers publicly insisted that a deal could still be reached in time to bring the session to a successful conclusion on May 5 — with the budget needing to be done three days earlier to allow for a constitutionally required “cooling off” period.
“I think it’s still a possibility, a good possibility,” Latvala said, before the House appropriations meeting was scheduled. “If we get in gear today, tonight, tomorrow, we can still get it done.”
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florda
One Injured In Roberts Road Crash
April 25, 2017
One person was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries following a two vehicle collision Monday afternoon on Highway 95A near East Roberts Road. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not yet been released. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay Advance In District Tournament
April 25, 2017
SOFTBALL DISTRICT TOURNAMENT
Northview 2, Freeport 1
Tuesday: Northview vs. South Walton, 5 p.m. at Baker HS
Jay 11, Baker 1
Tuesday: Jay vs. Chipley, 7 p.m. at Baker HS
BASEBALL
Central 3, Northview 2
Baybears Beat Wahoos 2-1 In 17 Innings
April 25, 2017
Playing in its longest game in team history, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell, 2-1, Monday when Mobile BayBears third baseman Zach Houchins hit a walk-off single with the bases loaded and no outs.
Mobile loaded the bases with no outs in the 17th inning at Hank Aaron Stadium when center fielder Zach Welz singled, right fielder Michael Hermosillo was hit by a pitch and DH Andrew Daniel reached first on a sacrifice bunt.
The BayBears have now won two straight games against Pensacola and leads the series between the arch-rivals, 2-1.
Pensacola reliever Jake Ehert took the loss and is 0-1 this season. It was a rare blown save for the Blue Wahoos bullpen, which leads the Southern League with 11 saves.
The Blue Wahoos had scored its first run in the 16th inning against Mobile BayBears to take a, 1-0, lead when right fielder Gabriel Guerrero lined a two-out single to left field to drive in shortstop Blake Trahan.
Guerrero was 0-6 Monday against his former team before driving in Trahan.
But Mobile came right back in the bottom of the inning to tie the game again, 1-1, when second baseman Hutton Moyer slapped a two-out grounder to right field to score Houchins. The 24-year-old Houchins was 3-8 in the game with a run scored and game-winning RBI.
The 17-inning game is the longest Pensacola has played in after going 16 innings in the 2016 and 2013 seasons.
The game went into extra innings with the score tied, 0-0. Pensacola had runners on first and third with two outs when Guerrero stepped to the plate and struck out on three pitches.
Both teams had plenty of chances to score. Pensacola was 3-12 with runners in scoring position and left 11 players on base. Meanwhile, Mobile was 2-17 with runners in scoring position and left 16 runners on base.
The loss wasted a second good start by Pensacola right-hander Keury Mella, who threw seven scoreless innings, allowed four hits, one walk and struck out four. He now has an 11-inning scoreless streak and lowered his ERA to 4.12 from a high of 10.80.
Mobile starter Grayson Long worked six scoreless innings and gave up just one hit, one walk and struck out four.
Pensacola still has the best record in the Southern League at 13-5 and leads second place Mobile, which is 9-9, by four games in the Southern Division.
No Serious Injuries In McBride Road Rollover Crash
April 24, 2017
One person escaped serious injury in a single vehicle rollover crash Monday afternoon on McBride Road, between Bratt and Byrneville Roads, outside Century Monday afternoon. The roadway was temporarily blocked by the wreck. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Assault, Battery With Deadly Weapon
April 24, 2017
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly pointing a gun at and pistol whipping the father of his girlfriend’s children.
Cedric Terrell Gray, 21, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery using a deadly weapon and battery.
The victim told deputies the mother of his children and Gray, her current boyfriend, followed him to the Raceway gas station on Highway 29 at Muscogee Road in Cantonment. Gray exited his Nissan Murano, approached the driver’s side window, punched it and told him to get out of the car, according to an arrest report. The victim refused because his child was in the vehicle and told Gray to meet him at his mother’s house on Stinnis Street.
They both then drove to Stinnis Streeet. Gray exited the Murano with a firearm, pointed it at the victim and then took several swings at the victim with the gun, hitting him in the back of the head, causing a laceration. They then started to physically fight, the report states. The victim refused medical treatment at the scene.
Gray returned to the scene after deputies arrived, and he was placed under arrest without further incident. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
The Nissan Murano was seized for forfeiture by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office because it was used in the crime.
Molino Park Elementary Cafeteria Receives National Recognition
April 24, 2017
Molino Park Elementary School was one of six in Escambia County receiving national recognition as a recipient of the United State Department of Agriculture’s Healthier U.S. School Challenge with a Bronze Level Award. Other schools receiving the Smarter Lunchroom Awards in Escambia County were Holm Elementary, Ferry Pass Elementary, Myrtle Grove Elementary, O.J. Semmes Elementary and C.A. Weis Elementary. Accepting the award for Molino Park at a recent Escambia County School Board meeting were Principal Lisa Arnold, Assistant Principal Quinn Evans and Assistant Cafeteria Manager Ginger Smith. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Government Meetings This Week
April 24, 2017
The following Escambia County government meetings are scheduled for this week:
Monday, April 24
District 1 Town Hall Meeting, Bellview Middle School, 6201 Mobile Highway, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 25
Board of County Commissioners Committee of the Whole, Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 9 a.m. (Agenda)
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate, 3363 West Park Place, 1:30 p.m. (Agenda)
Merit System Protection Board, 4th Floor Training Room, 221 Palafox Place, 5 p.m.
Oakfield Redevelopment Plan Meeting, Woodham Middle School, 150 East Burgess Road, 6 p.m. (One or more County Commissioners may attend the meeting)
Wednesday, April 26
Development Review Committee, 3363 West Park Place, 1 p.m.
Santa Rosa Island Authority Committee Meeting, 1 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach, 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 27
Coffee with Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, District 1, McDonalds, 5 South Blue Angel Parkway, 6:30 a.m.
Escambia School District Holding Hiring Event For Teachers
April 24, 2017
Escambia County School District is holding a Spring Hiring Event on April 29, for those interested in becoming ECSD teachers for the 2017-2018 school year. To be invited by the ECSD Human Resources Department to attend and interview, all application requirements must be completed by April 25th.
This event will feature all Escambia County School District schools with available positions and is designed for individuals who have their applications submitted and reviewed by the HR Certification Staff in time to be invited to interview the morning of Apruil 29. Those applicants will be contacted with additional details.
“This is a great way to introduce yourself to principals from multiple schools, interview for various positions, and see what the Escambia County School District has to offer for the upcoming school year,” said Dawn Ramirez, ECSD’s Coordinator of Teacher Certification. “Many of our schools will be filling positions during this event. Last year, 100 individuals were offered employment and were fully processed through Human Resources during a similar hiring event.”
Information about the application process can be found at the page, escambiaschools.net/teachecsd
Applicants must complete an online application and submit all required documents to participate in the hiring event. These documents typically include:
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- Verification of highly qualified status
- Out of state certificate, if applicable
- Florida subject area exam score report (Applicants may provide HR with the unofficial subject area exam results report and replace it with the official report when it arrives)
Deadline to submit your application and accompanying documents to be invited to attend the Spring Hiring Event, April 25, 2017.
“Once you have applied, your information will be vetted through our Certification Department for eligibility. Candidates who have been identified as eligible for employment will be contacted via email regarding the details of the hiring event, i.e. date, time, and location. This is a closed hiring event and only qualified and vetted individuals eligible for hire will be invited to participate,” said Ramirez.
Dawn Ramirez also explained that if someone can’t get the necessary documents by Apr. 25, they should still continue to work on getting everything submitted, because there are usually additional openings during the summer months.
“For example, we know that some college students will not have graduated in time for this round of interviews. We recommend they get their application started, that they request to have their final transcript sent to us by their university, and that they contact us as they near completion of the process,” Ramirez added.
The teachecsd page has additional information that is organized by situations:
· Education Degree Pending
· Certified in Florida
· Certified in Another State
· Teaching as a Second Career
· Substitute Teaching
Additional questions can be addressed to Jane Bell, Certification Specialist (for applicants with last names starting with A – K) 850-469-6252 or Bonnie Staples, Certification Specialist (for last names starting with L – Z) 850-469-6251.