Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Hello Managed Long Term Care
February 9, 2013
Florida this week won approval to begin shifting low income, long-term care residents to managed-care plans amid broader questions about whether it will go along with the federal government in expanding Medicaid.
Federal approval this week of the long-term care changes brought Republican backers a step closer to the Holy Grail — a federal waiver allowing the state to shift virtually all Medicaid patients to HMOs or similar plans.
Meanwhile, lawmakers returned to preparation for a session that although not scheduled to begin for more than a month feels in full swing.
Pensions, foreclosures, and ethics reform were just some of the big issues already being tackled by lawmakers. While those issues, – along with the death penalty, search and seizure laws and juvenile justice, sparked lively debate, Gov. Rick Scott’s budget proposal got a yawn from many lawmakers, or polite acknowledgement, along with more than a little skepticism.
The only chillier response, perhaps, was a House committee’s icy reaction to a bill repealing the state’s death penalty, which was known to be dead on arrival but sparked lively debate before being shelved for at least the year.
Outside the capital, Progress Energy Florida announced it would shut down its nuclear reactor in Crystal River after a botch do-it-yourself repair project damaged critical portions of the 35-year-old plant. Environmentalists, meanwhile, filed a legal challenge to a deal giving a pair of south Florida sugar growers 30-year leases north of the Everglades
MEDICAID WAIVER APPROVED
The week started off well for Scott and Republican leaders who have been wrangling with federal health care officials over how the state delivers medical care to low income and nursing home residents.
Federal officials on Monday approved a key part of Florida’s effort to transform its Medicaid program by allowing Medicaid-eligible seniors who need long-term care to be enrolled later this year in HMOs and another type of health plan known as a “provider service network.”
The Republican-controlled Legislature approved wide-ranging bills in 2011 aimed at shifting to a statewide managed-care system in Medicaid. The plan was to make the changes in two phases — first for seniors who need long-term care and then for the broader Medicaid population.
Backers of a statewide system argue it would help hold down Medicaid costs and better coordinate services for beneficiaries. But critics have long argued that the shift will result in managed-care plans squeezing care to save money.
Such Medicaid proposals require approval by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services before they can take effect.
PENSIONS
Legislators on both sides of the Capitol continued a two-track debate on retirement benefits for public workers. The Senate has taken the lead on how to handle the funding of some local pensions, while the House is pushing ahead with a bill on the state retirement system — a key priority for House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.
In the Senate, lawmakers are working toward a consensus on giving cities more flexibility in using revenues from insurance premium taxes to fund police and firefighter pensions. But the effort is running into resistance from cities, which want to repeal any restrictions on which benefits they can pay with the tax revenue, in keeping with a new interpretation of the state law governing the funding of pensions following a dispute in Naples.
Lawmakers have signaled hesitance about that approach.
Anger on the part of employees and Democrats is more pronounced on the House bill dealing with state pensions. That bill would require workers hired on or after Jan. 1 to enroll in a 401(k)-style “defined contribution” plan instead of a traditional, “defined benefit” pension.
Supporters say moving now will allow them to avoid cutting current employees’ benefits. But opponents blasted Republicans for moving forward with the bill before a study on the effects of the proposal was complete.
SCOTT’S BUDGET MAKES THE ROUNDS
Gov. Scott’s $74.2 billion spending plan made the rounds this week and one of the centerpieces of the proposal, a $2,500 across-the-board raise for Florida public school teachers, was met with polite skepticism.
“The governor’s proposal seems to treat different employees differently, and we have some consternation about that as it relates to teachers being treated differently than corrections officers being treated differently than other state employees,” said House budget chairman Rep. Seth McKeel R-Lakeland.
Other aspects of Scott’s proposal, including sales tax cuts for manufacturers, appeared to fall on more receptive ears, but budget builders were careful not to commit too strongly to much.
FORECLOSURE BILL MOVES
The House this week took another crack at speeding up the foreclosure process, a controversial topic in a state that leads the nation in the percentage of homeowners facing losing their homes.
Sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, the bill (HB 87) aims to shorten the time period involved in a foreclosure proceeding and relax restrictions on who can request an expedited procedure and the standards for what can be filed.
Passidomo said the bill would help remedy a problem that extends far beyond the state and of which the state has limited authority: the relationship between lenders and those who borrow from them.
The bill would reduce from five years to one the length of time a lender could pursue a claim after a foreclosure action and require lenders to provide more. The bankers are concerned about that.
Homeowner advocates, meanwhile, are skeptical of changes making it easier for a judge to forgo further proceedings if the paperwork is in order.
ETHICS/ELECTION BILLS INTRODUCED, ADVANCE
Lawmakers dealt with both election and ethics issues this week as they debated measures to expand early voting , more accurately track contributions and more aggressively investigate suspected unethical behavior.
A Senate ethics bill passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Wednesday, apparently queued up for quick action when lawmakers return in March. The measure (SB 2) would limit the jobs elected officials could take with state agencies, give the Ethics Commission more power to collect fines and strengthen conflict-of-interest laws.
The committee approved an amendment that would bar elected officials from taking a job with a government agency if the official knows he or she is getting the job because of their elected position.
On the finance front, the House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee heard testimony on a bill (HB 569) that would prevent committees of continuous existence, or CCEs, from accepting contributions after Aug. 1.
The bill, which is expected to come up for a vote in the committee on Monday, also raises individual contribution limits from $500 to $10,000. House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, has made getting rid of CCEs one of his main goals on ethics reform.
Early voting issues also came up with a bill (SB 80) by Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, to add more early voting days discussed in the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee. The bill is among a handful of measures in response to long voting lines in the November election.
COURT ACTIONS PENDING
Legal challenges to a recently penned Everglades agreement and a proposed utility rate hike were filed this week.
Environmentalists called on a state administrative law judge to rescind a pair of 30-year leases awarded to Florida Crystals and A. Duda and Sons on about 14,000 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
The Florida Wildlife Federation filed the challenge with the Division of Administrative Hearings, saying the long-term leases will further degrade water quality in the River of Grass.
Meanwhile, Florida’s utility consumer watchdog filed a challenge with the Florida Supreme Court, arguing that a recently approved $350 million rate hike requested by Florida Power & Light is invalid.
The dispute focuses on a settlement that FPL reached in August with groups of major power users. That settlement, which did not include the Office of Public Counsel, served as the basis for the rate hike approved by regulators in December.
The Office of Public Counsel contends that such a settlement cannot move forward without its agreement.
OTHER BILLS TRAVELING
Bills dealing with texting while driving and the use of aerial drones by law enforcement also made headway this week.
The Senate Transportation Committee amended a texting ban bill (SB 52) by Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, to allow texting while a driver is stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic. This is the fourth year Detert has sponsored a texting ban.
Bills barring the use of aerial drones by the police seemed to be on autopilot this week, with a House plan flying through its first committee without debate. The bill (HB 119) would prevent law enforcement officials from using drones without a warrant.
The measure, similar to SB 92 in the Senate – which is also moving quickly – is opposed by police and sheriffs, who say they want to make sure there are carve-outs for circumstances under which they would still be able to use drones.
STORY OF THE WEEK: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approves a waiver allowing Florida to place Medicaid beneficiaries needing long-term care into managed care plans.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “This bill’s been around nearly as long as I’ve been alive.” Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres, who is 31, talking about the annual fight between optometrists and ophthalmologists about the things each profession is allowed to do.
By The News Service of Florida
Extension Service To Offer Beekeeping Course
February 9, 2013
Escambia County Extension will be hosting a four-week beekeeping in the Panhandle interactive video course. Classes will be held on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Escambia County Extension office, 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment, starting February 18. The cost of the course is $25 per person or $40 for a family which covers course materials and refreshments.
The couse schedule is as follows:
- February 18 — Queen and Package Bee Production
- February 25 — Nutrition/Immunity in Honey Bees
- March 4 — Integrated Pest Management for Disease/Pest Control
- March 11 — History and Theory of Honey Production
For more information or to register, contact Libbie Johnson at (850) 475-5230 or libbiej@ufl.edu. .
Pine Forest Softball Drops Home Opener
February 8, 2013
The Pine Forest varsity softball team couldn’t get its bats going and struggled defensively Thursday night when the Lady Eagles lost their home opener, 14-1, to Choctawhatchee in five innings.
Junior right-hander Janessa Landas struck out three and allowed only one walk, but Choctaw’s bats were hot. The Indians connected for 15 hits, including nine for extra bases, and scored in every inning but the third. Pine Forest’s defense let Landas down, committing four errors that led to six runs.
Sophomore Rebecca Rudd went 2-for-2 with a walk and a run for Pine Forest (1-1) and is hitting .600 for the season. Landas went 1-for-2 with a walk, senior Kellie Payne had a single and junior Alexis Gardner singled and drove in the Eagles’ only run.
Pine Forest is off until Tuesday, when they play host to Gulf Breeze at 6:30 p.m.
The Lady Eagles’ junior varsity improved to 2-0 as they beat Choctaw 9-1. Sophomore Brooke Lauter pitched a complete game for the victory.
Escambia Upset Pensacola May Not Turn Over Money From Gas Tax Hike
February 8, 2013
Late last year, the Escambia County Commission approved a four cent gas tax increase in 2014 to fund ECAT public transportation. The Town of Century balked, and now it appears the City of Pensacola may not play along.
The City of Pensacola has yet to agree forward the additional four cents collected within the city to the county for ECAT. Pensacola may instead use the funds as incentives for Project Stallion, an aerospace company with 500 jobs that is considering a location at the Pensacola International Airport. Pensacola is expected to collected over $700,000 annually from the gas tax.
Thursday morning, Escambia commissioners spoke out against the plan because the gas tax was intended for public transportation.
“It was well understood that the gas tax became the earmarked funding source for mass transit,” Commissioner Gene Valentino said. “This approach is not balanced or fair, and is a last minute move the (Pensacola) administrator made us aware of.”
Valentino said Pensacola needs to head “back to the drawing board” an find another way to finance their portion of a bond issue for Project Stallion. Escambia County does, Valentino added, remain 100 percent committed to the new company.
“The county was expecting the city to agree to reduce the mill rate with this gas tax pledged to mass transit. At the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 14th, the BCC will discuss and decide how we collectively will agree to fund Project Stallion, but it’s only fair that the city find a way to do what they financially committed to, without taking from the gas tax revenue dedicated completely to mass transit,” he said.
The Town of Century has also refused to agree to remit their portion of the tax to the county, claiming it would potentially force the three gas stations in Century to close as drivers cross the state line and purchase cheaper gas in Flomaton.
Century asked the Escambia County State Legislative Delegation to support a bill exempting Century from the tax, but that idea failed because Florida law won’t allow the exemption. Century is now considered a push for a constitutional amendment to nix the tax in Century.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Cheerleaders Take Second Best In The State
February 8, 2013
The Tate High School Varsity Cheerleaders took second best in the state during the recent FHSAA State Cheerleading Competition in Kissimmee.
After competing in the preliminary round against 14 teams, Tate advanced to final four before taking the title of state runner-up. This was highest finish in the five years of competing at the FHSAA state compeition. The team trained for the event since tryouts in April 2012and began working on the competition routine in September.
The Tate Varsity Cheerleaders are coached by Andrea Howey, who has been coaching the varsity program since 2009. Members of the varsity team are: Sarah Al-Qahtani, Sarah Baxter, Lauren Chavers, Kaylee Coots, Katie Cutting, Brooke Fowler, Ashley Gozalka, Corissa Hammer, DeAnna Jernigan, Kirstyn Johnson, Jordan McGowan, Lauren McKinnon, Shelby Miller, Maranda Milstead, Alie Phillips and Brooke Vincent.
Pictured: The Tate High School Varsity cheerleaders. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets 50 Years For Killing His Wife
February 8, 2013
A 51-year old Escambia County man that shot and killed his wife in October 2011 has been sentenced to 50 years in prison.
James Scott Thompson was convicted of second degree murder in December, with Judge Michael Allen handing down the half century sentence Thursday. He will be required to serve at least 25 years before being eligible for release.
Thompson shot his wife, 46-year old Bobbi Thompson, in the face during a drunken rage at their home in the 4900 block of LaVentana Circle. Deputies found Thompson leaning over his wife’s body when they arrived on scene.
National Junior Honor Society At Ernest Ward Middle Inducts New Members
February 8, 2013
Just over two dozen students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society Thursday night at Ernest Ward Middle School.
The NJHS is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle school students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character.
Students must have and maintain a 3.5 GPA for honor society membership.
New National Junior Honor Society members at Ernest Ward are: Elisabeth Amerson, Anna Belle Barberree, Alayna Brown, Dawson Brown, Korbin Bryan, Savanna Calhoun, Breanna Deloach, Jason Fischer, De’Asia Fountain, Kayla Galvan, Bailee Hinote, Madalyn Lathan, Mallory Lathan, Triston Long, Ean Lundy, Robin Nahkala, Hannah Nelson, Celeste North, Sarah Perritt, Olivia Reber, Trevor Singleton, Sabra Stewart, Destiny Watson, Jacob Weaver, Jacob White, and Tara Windham.
Ernest Ward NJHS officers are: Kayleigh Linam, president; Alyssa Borelli, vice president; Hunter Cofield, secretary; Peighton Dortch, treasurer; Mitchell Singleton, reporter; Ian Schneider, parliamentarian; and Autumn Albritton, historian.
Pictured: Just over two dozen students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society Thursday night at Ernest Ward Middle School. Photos by Sara Calhoun for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Gets 11 Years For Shooting
February 8, 2013
An Escambia County man was sentenced to almost 11 years in prison Thursday for a 2010 robbery gone wrong that ended with a murder.
Jarvis Lamar Jessie, 27, was sentenced to 10.8 years in prison for the shooting death of Donald Diego Turner, who was shot outside of his home in the 1600 block of Augusta Avenue on March 21, 2010.
Jessie pleaded no contest to manslaughter. He received the reduced sentence for testifying against co-defendant Charmdar Turner. Turner, who was convicted of second degree murder, will be sentenced next month.
Motorcyclist Injured In Hwy 29 Hit And Run Crash
February 7, 2013
One person was injured in a hit and run crash Thursday afternoon involving a motorcycle.
The accident happened about 4:10 on Highway 29 southbound at Morris Avenue in Cantonment. The motorcycle driver was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Witnesses told authorities that an older model blue station wagon with wood grain panels was involved in the crash but fled the scene. The station wagon reportedly rear-ended the motorcycle, pushing it into a pickup.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured top and inset: A motorcycle driver was injured in a hit and run crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 29 at Morris Avenue in Cantonment. Pictured below: Portions of the grill from a station wagon involved in a hit and run crash Thursday afternoon in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Highway 29 Crash
February 7, 2013
One person was injured in a single vehicle accident about 8:30 Thursday morning on Highway 29 near Barrineau Park Road. The driver of an Isuzu SUV lost control and ran off the roadway into a wooded area. The adult male was transported to a Pensacola hospital with non-life threatening injuries. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.