New Year Marks Return Of Perennial Issues In Florida
January 7, 2013
With the holidays over and the fiscal cliff problem put off for a few months, drivers of public policy are turning their attention toward the 2013 legislative session.
As advocacy groups prepare for a legislative cycle that for all intents and purposes begins a week from now, a handful of hot button issues has already re-emerged that will provide fodder for part-time lawmakers who will spend most of their time in the capital for the next several months.
Local pension benefits, fast-track foreclosures, taxes and health care reform are again expected to play prominently when lawmakers return for the 2013 session. With committee hearings gearing up a week from now, much of the process will happen before the official March start of the regular session.
Gov. Rick Scott was in the thick of working on his proposed budget this week. He must turn it in to lawmakers in a couple of weeks. While major growth in revenue isn’t expected, neither is a big deficit.
“Hopefully, what we’re doing is we’re solving some problems,” Scott said this week in an interview. “As we solve problems, hopefully we don’t have to spend as much money in certain areas.”
Scott said he’ll suggest more money anything that creates jobs, and look to save elsewhere. For example, more money for Enterprise Florida, which recruits companies to come to Florida – and at least a little new money for education, he said Friday. Anything that doesn’t give the state a return, might not make it.
While school funding may be safe, a number of education issues, from battles over charter schools and protecting schools from gunmen to the funding formula for early learning and how much tuition should be, will be on the table in the coming months.
HEALTH CARE
Advocates were also looking ahead this week to a health care debate in the coming year.
Medicaid and the state’s response to the Affordable Care Act have already drawn the attention of both Scott and Republican leaders. The state has been pressing to move more Medicaid patients into managed care plans, an effort that has drawn opposition from Democratic lawmakers and some patient advocates.
The state Agency for Health Care Administration has been seeking approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for more than a year and also has started the contracting process for managed-care plans that want to take part in the long-term care system.
The state also is seeking approval to require the broader Medicaid population, such as low-income women and children, to enroll in managed-care plans.
Lawmakers must also respond to the Affordable Care Act — better known as Obamacare –which will remain the law of the land following the November elections. Both chambers have established committees to deal exclusively with the issue.
VOTING
Also as the new year has begun, state officials have continued the look at what went wrong on Election Day and how the voting apparatus might need to be changed, if it does.
Scott said on national TV recently that early voting days need to be re-examined – hinting that he and other Republicans may have made a mistake in cutting the number of days during which people can vote. He said this week that he does want lawmakers to look at that, though he isn’t ready to say how many days, exactly, is a good idea. Scott also repeated this week the assertion that the ballot may be too long – something that should be looked at, he said, as a way of reducing voting wait times.
PENSIONS, LOCAL REVENUE
Cities and counties this week outlined legislative agendas that focus on protecting longstanding revenue streams while seeking more flexibility in dealing with police and firefighter pensions.
Both groups are wary of changes to the state’s communication services tax. Originally established in 2000 as a way to consolidate taxes on a growing list of communication services, the tax generated about $1.5 billion in revenue last year, according to Department of Revenue estimates. Of that, cities and countries receive about half.
Changes made last year were determined to have a year negative impact on local governments, but state economists couldn’t determine what the long term economic impact would be on local collections.
For many cities, increasingly expensive pensions, especially for police and firefighters, are gobbling up larger portions of cash strapped budgets. The Florida League of Cities has made pension reform its top priority for the coming year.
While many cities have adequately funded pensions, some municipalities have seen their ability to fund pension benefits erode as the economy went south and tax collections dipped.
A study by the LeRoy Collins Institute, a Tallahassee-based think tank housed at Florida State University, reported in September that pensions for police, firefighters and other special category employees grew at a much steeper rate than that of other government workers. In seven years, contributions for public safety employees grew from 28 to 41 percent.
OTHER ISSUES IN THE HOPPER
A bill to speed up the foreclosure process was filed this week in the House by Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples. At first blush, the bill is a more limited version of a bill (HB 213) that passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate.
This time around, the proposal jettisons some of its more controversial items, including a provision dealing with abandoned property. The new bill (HB 87) Also maps out in more specificity the rights and obligations following a final foreclosure judgment.
A handful of House bills has also been filed dealing with tuition for Florida high school students who are American citizens but the children of undocumented immigrants.
STORY OF THE WEEK: With Congress barely averting a “fiscal cliff” by passing a last-minute deal to extend a series of tax breaks while postponing planned spending cuts, Gov. Rick Scott was working on his proposed spending plan for the state – which is required to have a balanced budget. Scott dropped a few hints, but mostly hasn’t said much about what he’ll suggest, other than additional tax relief for businesses and more money for education.
By The News Service of Florida
Attorney General: Nine Hate Crimes In Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties
January 6, 2013
Nine hate crimes were reported in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties during 2011, according to a report released last week by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, the following hate crimes were reported, along with the alleged motivation behind the offenses:
- Escambia Sheriff’s Office: Two aggravated assaults due to ethnicity or national origin
- Pensacola Police Department: One simple assault due to race or color; one simple assault due to sexual orientation
- Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office: One case of intimidation due to race or color; three cases of intimidation due to ethnicity or national origin
- Milton Police Department: One aggravated assault due to ethnicity or national origin
The numbers represent an increase for Escambia County and Pensacola over 2010. Escambia County reported three hate crimes in 2010, while the City of Pensacola reported zero.
During 2011, there were 139 reported hate crimes in Florida. Hate crimes motivated by the victim’s race represented 43.2 percent of all reported hate crimes, followed by religion at 20.9 percent; sexual orientation at 20.1 percent; ethnicity/national origin at 15.1 percent; and mental disability at 0.7 percent. No hate crimes were reported under the categories of physical disability or advanced age.
A hate crime is an act committed or attempted by one person or group against another – or that person’s property – that in any way constitutes an expression of hatred toward the victim based on his or her personal characteristics. It is a crime in which the perpetrator intentionally selects the victim based on one of the following characteristics: race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, advanced age or mental/physical disability.
New District 5 Member Appointed To County Mass Transit Advisory Committee
January 6, 2013
The Escambia County Commission has confirmed District 5 commissioner Steven Barry’s appointment of Jonathan Michael Pytynia as the District 5 representative to the Escambia County Mass Transit Advisory Committee.
The appointment will run concurrent with Barry’s term as a commissioner.
Pytynia, a resident of Cantonment, is currently employed in business development at Pensacola Data Storage Center and has experience with property management and reality companies.
The previous District 5 representative, Jeffery S. Overhalser, resigned his appointment.
The Escambia County Mass Transit Advisory Committee advises the commission on mass transit issues in the county. The next meeting is Wednesday, January 9 at 3 p.m. at the Central Office Complex at 3363 West Park Place.
Escambia Legislative Delegation Meets On Thursday
January 6, 2013
The Escambia County Legislative Delegation will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 10.
The delegation — consisting of Sen. Greg Evers, Rep. Clay Ingram and Rep. Clay Ford – will hear public comments on local proposals for the 2013 regular Legislative session.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6-8 p.m. meeting on Thursday, January 10 at the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio on the Pensacola State College campus at 1000 College Boulevard.
For 10th Year, Weight Watchers To Meet At Aldersgate UMC
January 6, 2013
Now in its 10th year, the Molino Weight Watchers class will meet again this year at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. Weight Watchers is a program which provides a healthy method to loose and maintain your goal weight.
The first class is Monday, January 7. Classes are held on Mondays, with weigh-in from 6 until 6:30 p.m. and the class is from 6:30 until 7 p.m.
For more information, contact class leader Sandra Greenwell at (850) 587-2489.
Tate Baseball Booster Club To Meet
January 6, 2013
The Tate High School Aggie Baseball Booster Club will meet this week.
The meeting will be held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Fryman Gym on campus. Everyone interested in Aggie baseball is welcome to attend.
Featured Recipe: The Ultimate Game Day Chili Warm Up
January 6, 2013
Bold, flavorful chili is the ultimate game day grub, offering hearty portions to feed a hungry crowd and personalized toppings to suit every palate. For a delicious twist to your go-to, wow guests with a hearty, versatile pork-based chili with layers of savory flavor.
Smoky ingredients are all the rage, with fire-roasted tomatoes, bacon and chipotle peppers on the rise in restaurant menus across the country. Give this delicious trend the home-cooked treatment with Smoky Pork, Bacon and White Bean Chili, a simple recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and can be conveniently made in the slow cooker.
With this versatile recipe, it’s easy to add a personal touch. Make your hearty chili even more smolderingly smoky by adding finely chopped chipotle chiles (from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce) along with the onion. Or, to amp up the heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper powder along with the chili powder.
To round out the meal on game day – or any day – serve with warm corn tortillas or corn bread and a refreshing side salad with radishes and cilantro. Prepare a topping bar with sour cream, roasted tomato salsa, sliced avocadoes, scallions and shredded Jack cheese.
Smoky Pork, Bacon and White Bean Chili
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
8 ounces bacon, thick-cut, (5 or 6 slices), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 1/2 pounds pork loin roast, cut into 3/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 14 1/2-ounce cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, (white kidney) or other white beans, drained
Salt
1/2 cup sour cream, (optional)
2 scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
In large saucepan or small stockpot over medium heat, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Add onion to bacon fat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, add pork, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in chili powder and paprika. Stir in tomatoes (with juices) and water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender, 35 to 45 minutes.
Stir in beans and about 2/3 of bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10 minutes. Add salt to taste.
Free Trees: Seedlings To Be Given Away In Walnut Hill
January 5, 2013
In celebration of Florida’s Arbor Day, Escambia County, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) Extension and the Florida Forestry Service (FFS) will be giving away 4,000 seedling trees at two locations, including Walnut Hill.
Species include crabapple, mayhaw, cherrybark Oak, river birch, wax myrtle and bald cypress. Participants will receive two tree seedlings of their choice.
The first event will be held on Monday, January 14, at the Walnut Hill Community Center (Ruritan Building) at 7850 Highway 97 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The second event will be held on Friday, January 18, in conjunction with the grand opening of the Southwest Greenway at the Jones Swamp Preserve Trail entrance at 198 Patton Drive, near the intersection of Brigadier and Patton Drive, in Warrington, also from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Extension agents and master gardeners will be available at both locations to advise participants on tree types and tree placement in the landscape.
Cantonment Man Facing Drug Charges
January 5, 2013
A Cantonment man is facing multiple drug charges.
Billy David Clakley, 24, was charged with possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a scheduled narcotic without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer without violence. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $6,500 bond.
An Escambia County deputy reported being on patrol in the 400 block of Lakeview Avenue where a small party was being held. The deputy reported that as he approached, Clakley jumped into a Toyota parked close to the road and began to yell obscenities.
Inside the vehicle with Clakley, the deputies found a bag of marijuana and Clonazepam pills, a scheduled narcotic. In Clakley’s pockets, deputies found a bag of marijuana, digital scales with heavy marijuana residue and bags like those used commonly used to package the drug, according to an arrest report.
When Clakley was placed under arrest by deputies, he pulled in an effort to get away. “Clakley continued to be uncooperative and had to be assisted to my patrol vehicle,” an arresting deputy wrote in his report.
Escaped Escambia Prisoner Back Behind Bars
January 5, 2013
A prisoner that escaped from Escambia County’s work release program in December is back behind bars.
Charles Bernard Debose, 48, escaped on foot December 28 as authorities were attempting to handcuff him and escort him in the Escambia County Work Release Facility at 1211 West Fairfield Drive. Deputies were unable to locate him after a lengthy manhunt.
Debose had been arrested for larceny and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to jail records. He is now facing an additional charge of escape and is being held without bond.