Mayfield Minute - April 15, 2018
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This week was a very productive week meeting with various organizations and constituents in District 17. While the 2018 Legislative Session is over, there are still many current events that are important for us to follow. I will continue to keep you updated on issues concerning our state, such as the Constitution Revision Commission, as well as local issues affecting our district through the Mayfield Minute and on social media.
I consider it a great honor to represent all the citizens and visitors of District 17. Our subscription to the Mayfield Minute continues to grow thanks to your support. If you have friends and family members who would be interested in receiving the Mayfield Minute, please continue to share
this link
with them. Likewise, if you know of someone who could use my assistance, please pass along my contact information. If you have any questions on bills acted on during the 2018 Legislative Session, please feel free to reach out to my office. My staff and I are here to serve you.
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Debbie
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Congressional Hearing on Private Activity Bonds related to All Aboard Florida
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As Chairman of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC), I directed the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to review the policies and procedures of the Florida Development Finance Corporation (FDFC) and to report back to the full committee. In November 2017, the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee held a hearing based OPPAGA’s findings.
The initial report we received lacked details on whether FDFC was conducting themselves in accordance with the proper required policies and procedures. Therefore I directed OPPAGA to take a deeper look at several operational aspects specifically related to public notice requirements and the use of Private Activity Bonds for the All Aboard Florida project. Based on those new findings, there was sufficient evidence to cause concern if those Private Activity Bonds were issued properly. Based on this report, we asked Congressman Brian Mast to request a Congressional Hearing from Chairman Mark Meadows of the Subcommittee on Government Operations. The purpose of this hearing is to look into the potential improper issuance of Private Activity Bonds by the U.S. Department of Transportation to aide the All Aboard Florida/Brightline’s project.
The Hearing will be held in Washington D.C. this Thursday, April 19th at 10 AM. I plan to attend this Hearing and will provide you with more information on my Facebook and Twitter this week.
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Legislation Signed By Governor Scott
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Signed Into Law by Governor Scott
HB-55,
Sale of Firearms
, requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to provide additional payment options to licensed firearm dealers, importers, and manufactures when paying for criminal history record checks. Currently, the only payment methods authorized by administrative rule are personal checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks. This bill was signed on April 6
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and will go into effect on October 1, 2018.
HB-483,
Unfair Insurance Trade Practices
, amends the Unfair Insurance Trade Practices Act to allow insurers and their agents to give goods, gift certificates, event tickets, anti-fraud or loss mitigation services, charitable donations, or other items not exceeding $100 in value within 1 calendar year to insureds, prospective insureds, and others. This bill was signed on April 6
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and will go into effect on July 1, 2018.
HB-523,
Trespass on Airport Property
, provides that it is a third degree felony to trespass with the intent to injure another person, damage property, or impede the operation or use of an aircraft, runway, taxiway, ramp, or apron area. This bill was signed on April 6
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and will go into effect on October 1, 2018.
Vetoed by Governor Scott
HB-1149,
Environmental Regulation
, is also known as the “Toilet to Tap” bill. This legislation would have allowed water utilities to put wastewater into Florida's aquifer, which is the source of most of our drinking water.
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Florida Students Shine in 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress
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The Senate will continue our commitment to invest in Florida’s schools and teachers. Our priority is to ensure all children receive a high-quality public education. Congratulations to our students and teachers on your outstanding work!
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Constitution Revision Commission Update
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Last Wednesday, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Style and Drafting Committee adopted a preliminary proposal to combine 18 proposals into 6 amendments for final consideration by the full CRC. The remaining 6 proposals would stand alone as single amendments. The full CRC must approve these 12 amendments with 22 “yes” votes in order for them to be placed on the November ballot. Below, I have outlined which proposals have been combined and which proposals will continue to stand alone. I will continue to update you on this process through this newsletter as well as through social media.
Combined Proposals
- Group one combines Proposal 13, requiring Miami-Dade County to elect its sheriff; Proposal 26, creating the Office of Domestic Security and Counter-terrorism within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Proposal 9, establishing the Department of Veteran’s Affairs as a constitutionally required office; and Proposal 103, changing the start date of the legislative session.
- Group two combines Proposal 10, expanding civic education in public schools; Proposal 71, allowing state and local school boards to authorize charter schools; and Proposal 43 limiting terms of school board members.
- Group three combines Proposal 3, repealing the Alien Land Law; Proposal 12, repealing high-speed rail provisions in Florida; and Proposal 20, which cleans various criminal statutes.
- Group four combines Proposal 44, requiring a super-majority vote by university trustees to raise fees; Proposal 49, providing college tuition for survivors of first responders and military members who die in the line of duty; and Proposal 83, placing the state college system in our Constitution.
- Group 5 combines Proposal 96, establishing new victims’ rights in court proceedings; Proposal 6, giving judges the authority to interpret statutes independently; and Proposal 41, extending the mandatory retirement age from 70 to 75 for judges.
- Group 6 combines Proposal 91, banning oil and gas drilling in state-owned waters and Proposal 65, adding vaping to the indoor smoking ban.
Proposals Standing Alone
- Proposal 39 restricts current public officers from lobbying and prohibits the use of public office for public benefit.
- Proposal 93 allows high-performing school districts to have the same flexibility as charter schools.
- Proposal 11 closes the write-in loophole for elections.
- Proposal 29 requires employers to verify the immigration status of employees.
- Proposal 67 bans greyhound dog racing in Florida.
The CRC must vote on these proposals by May 10 in order for them to be placed on the November 2018 ballot. If you would like to voice your concern regarding any of the above proposals, you may contact the
o
ffice of the CRC
or the
CRC members
directly.
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State Department Highlight
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Career Source Florida
This department serves as the statewide workforce policy and investment board. They are partnered with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, 24 local workforce development boards, and 100 career centers throughout the state of Florida.
If your business needs help recruiting, hiring new team members, or training existing employees, please visit
Florida Flex’s website
through Career Source Florida. Additionally, if you are looking for employment, please contact your
local workforce development board
for assistance.
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Public Outreach Meeting on Proposed Water Reuse Line Project
Many of the homeowners of The Shores Property Owners Association have expressed concerns regarding the John’s Island Reuse Extension Project. To ensure that the residence of The Shores have an opportunity to speak and voice their concerns, I requested a public hearing with the various entities involved in this project.
The meeting will be held on April 18th at 3:00 PM in the Indian River County Administration Complex, Building B in Conference Room B-1501. Representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Indian River County, the Town of Indian River Shores, St. Johns Water Management District, and Knight McGuire & Associates will be in attendance. If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please don’t hesitate to
contact my office.
Public Outreach Meeting
Indian River County Administration Complex, Building B
Conference Room B-1501
1801 27th Street
Vero Beach, FL. 32960
April 18
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at 3:00 PM
Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard to Host 31st Annual Reunion
This Thursday April 19 - Sunday April 22 the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard will host their 31st Annual Veteran Reunion at Wickham Park. This event is open to the public and will include live music, food & drinks, military vendors, military displays, POW/MIA Ceremonies, The Last Patrol, and The Moving Tribute.
For more information on this wonderful event honoring our Veterans, please call 321-408-2698 or email RaRusso1962@gmail.com
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Melbourne Office
900 E. Strawbridge Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 409-2025
Tallahassee Office
324 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
(850) 487-5017
Vero Beach Office
Administration Building B
1801 27th Street
Vero Beach, Fl 32962
(772) 226-1970
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