Update 850

In the 18th episode of "Update 850," Caleb Hawkes provides a concise update on Florida's Capitol City. The episode covers Governor DeSantis appointing former Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin as the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller of Miami-Dade County, leading to a special election in house district 118. Governor DeSantis also signed the 2023/2024 General Appropriations Act, outlining a $116.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, along with exercising his line-item veto authority to strike $511 million in spending. The podcast highlights the recognition received by Florida's Specialty Hospitals for Children, with their specialty programs ranking among the nation's best in the U.S. News & World Report's "Best Children's Hospitals" survey. Additionally, it touches upon the need for more foster parents in Florida, particularly in the central region, as Heartland for Children raises awareness about this pressing issue. Stay informed with "Update 850" as Caleb Hawkes keeps you up to date on Florida's political landscape and noteworthy developments impacting the state. This episode is sponsored by the Florida Coalition for Children's 2023 annual conference. Join us from July 16th to 18th in Bonita Springs, Florida, for a remarkable event featuring influential speakers and leaders in the child welfare community. Visit flchildren.org to register.

In the seventeenth episode of UPDATE 850, we discuss the intense Presidential Preference Primary race in Florida and the ongoing efforts to restructure the Democratic party. Join us to stay informed about the latest developments in Florida politics. This episode is sponsored by the Florida Coalition for Children's 2023 annual conference. Join us from July 16th to 18th in Bonita Springs, Florida, for a remarkable event featuring influential speakers and leaders in the child welfare community. Visit flchildren.org to register. We discuss Governor DeSantis' early campaign experiences, the budget watch in Tallahassee, and significant events like the Governor's executive order and Operation Lone Star. We also touch on challenges to Senator Rick Scott's seat, the Florida E-Verify requirement, upcoming local elections, and the anticipated growth of the 2024 legislative class. Stay tuned for more informative episodes of UPDATE 850.

Welcome back to the sixteenth episode of UPDATE 850! In this episode, we dive into the recent activities of Governor Ron DeSantis. The Governor has been busy signing legislation, facing questions about his 2024 plans, and overseeing important decisions. We'll discuss the highlights of the week, including the signing of Curtis' Law to support families affected by crime, investments in land conservation, and the Governor's long-awaited announcement of his intention to run for President. We also touch upon other notable developments, such as the tax relief plan and the bipartisan transition team formed by Mayor-elect Donna Deegan of Jacksonville. Join us as we explore the latest news from the Capitol City and gain insights into Florida's political landscape. Would you like to do more than just listen to UPDATE 850? Become a proud sponsor and engage with our audience. For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us at communications@flchildren.org. We extend our gratitude to the Florida Coalition for Children's 2023 annual conference, our sponsor for this episode. The conference, happening from July 16th to 18th in Bonita Springs, Florida, will feature esteemed speakers and leaders from the child welfare community, fostering collaboration and raising awareness about crucial work in child welfare. Register now to join us on this meaningful journey "Together Towards Tomorrow!"

In the fifteenth episode of Update 850, we delve into the aftermath of Florida's legislative session and explore the latest political developments in the sunshine state. From the remodeling of the Capitol to the anticipation of the governor's future plans, we keep you informed. Governor DeSantis signs crucial legislation, the battle between Disney and the governor continues, and education reforms take center stage. We also cover the launch of a program to combat opioid overdoses and updates on law enforcement recruitment. Join us as we bring you the latest news and insights from Florida's Capitol City. Thank you for your continued support, and stay informed with us every week. Would you like to do more than just listen to Update 850? Become a proud sponsor and support our FCC podcasts. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us at Communications@flchildren.org.

In this episode of "Update 850", we take a look at the final week of the legislative session in Florida's Capitol City. The week saw the quick finalization of the fiscal year budget, as well as the confirmation of 16 agency heads by the Florida Senate. The episode includes a breakdown of the passing legislation and policy negotiations that took place in the House and Senate from Monday to Thursday. Finally, we discuss the expected conclusion of the legislative session with the passing of the final budget and the possibility of political surprises. We extend our warm wishes for a wonderful Cinco de Mayo and a happy end of the 2023 legislative session. Going forward, we will be expanding our coverage to offer more in-depth analysis of the legislation that was recently passed, as well as political developments affecting our state. Additionally, we will continue to bring you news and information on issues that directly impact the lives of children and families here in Florida.

In this episode of "Update 850," we cover the start of the 2023-2024 legislative budget conference in Florida, where House and Senate members begin negotiations on the budget. They have agreed to spend $45.2 billion of the state’s general revenue across six state agencies. Meanwhile, various committees concluded their work for the legislative session, and advocates for pending legislation are working on last-ditch efforts to move forward. We also discuss the Lauren’s Kids advocacy walk, the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee, and House Democrats' weekly press conference. The episode concludes with an overview of the budget conference committees that met during the week.

In this episode of Update 850, we dive into Florida's Capitol City to bring you the highlights of the 7th week of the State's legislative budget building. Although the week held great promise to start the final phase of building the State's 2023-2024 legislative budget, the expected start was delayed until the next week. However, various committees and floor sessions were conducted throughout the week, with some agendas containing more than 20 bills, as the House and Senate worked to get legislation through the last steps of the process and ready for or moved off the floor. We cover various bills, including those related to mental health policies, education for children, and the Children's Medical Services Program. Tune in to Update 850 Episode 12 to get a roundup of the week's events in Florida's Capitol City.

In the 11th episode of the Update 850, we discuss the latest developments in Florida's legislative process. In week 6, the focus was on keeping bills moving through committees and onto the floor, as well as preparing the budget for the upcoming 2023-2024 fiscal year. The episode covers the meetings of various committees on Monday, including the House Health and Human Services Committee, which considered bills on background screenings, Medicaid for individuals with developmental disabilities, education for children in out-of-home care, and the transition of Child Protection Investigations. The Senate Rules Committee met on Tuesday to discuss legislation related to Individual Education Plans and Direct Support Organizations for the Department of Children and Families. The House held several committee meetings but did not consider any significant legislation related to children and families. The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee met on Wednesday to discuss bills related to child and adult protective services, workforce education and internship programs, mental health, and stopping sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee also met and discussed the Agency for Persons with Disabilities bill package and the Step in Success Workforce Education and Internship Pilot Program, among other legislation. Additionally, the episode covers the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs' Legislative Day of Advocacy, free CPR classes offered for legislators and staff, and Gator Day at the Capitol.

Week 5 of the Legislative Session in Florida was marked by a series of events, including the consideration of big issues by the Republican majority, protests by Democrats, and former President Donald Trump's indictment. On Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Constitutional concealed carry measure, making Florida the 26th state with such a law. The Florida Senate also passed the state's controversial 6-week limit for a pregnant woman to pursue an abortion, and presented their version of the budget. Meanwhile, the House Democratic Leadership discussed their concerns in women's healthcare, the state budget, and other issues. Later that evening, Florida Democratic leaders were arrested during a protest of the Abortion Bill passed by the Florida Senate. On Tuesday, the Florida Senate continued their meetings for the week, discussing a variety of legislative proposals related to healthcare, children, and families, and passed another controversial legislative proposal related to treatments for sex reassignment. Wednesday saw the early end of the legislative work for the week, with the Senate finishing their committee meeting agendas.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the events and happenings in week 4 of the legislative session in the Capitol City. Topics covered include the signing of major bills, the annual Children's Week at the Capitol, budget proposals, conforming legislation, and various committee meetings. We also hear from Democratic legislators and advocacy groups on the proposed legislation affecting education and the press conference hosted by the Department of Children and Families to increase awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Lastly, we preview the weekend's festivities and provide a glimpse into the upcoming week's schedule.

In this episode, we recap the highlights of the third week of Florida's legislative session, which began with the release of the House and Senate's proposed budgets for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. We discuss the ongoing race for legislative members, lobbyists, and advocates to ensure their budget priorities are funded in at least one chamber. We also cover important legislation passed in the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs committee and House Children, Families, and Seniors subcommittee, as well as the First Lady's expansion of the Hope Florida initiative. Finally, we review the Senate's initial draft budget for health and human services, including funding for child welfare needs and the Community Based Care Funding model.

In this episode of Update 850, we take a closer look at week 2 of the Florida Legislature. Although the week started with less fanfare, it was still full of activity as advocates crowded committees to voice their opinions on matters of the day. Governor DeSantis had a relatively light week in the sunshine state, relying on his team to manage the day-to-day of the legislative session. We discuss the State's Public Health Integrity Committee meeting, the Governor's round table with leaders in the State's higher education system to discuss Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs, and the Senate's initial approval of the State's Surgeon General. We also touch on the Senate's tort reform package, Governor DeSantis's announcement of Florida's approval of over $46.6 Million to conserve 21,000 Acres, and the Second Annual Spring 2023 Florida Space Art Contest for K-5 Students. Finally, we delve into the House's Children, Families and Seniors subcommittee meeting, the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. Join us as we delve deeper into the second week of the Florida Legislature.

The first week of the 2023 legislative session in Tallahassee saw proposed legislation finalized and major priorities moving forward. We cover major events, such as the State of the State Speech by Governor Ron DeSantis and introduced legislation of various committees in the House and Senate, including support for dependent adult children, domestic violence task force, child support, and provisional childcare licensing. In this episode we also look ahead to week 2 of the legislative session and what to expect in terms of committee meetings and proposed legislation.

In this episode, we will cover the latest updates from Florida's political scene. We start with the appointment of Dennis Moore as the new leader of the state's Guardian ad Litem office. Next, we discuss the recent passage of the Florida House's tort reform legislation and the ongoing battle between Florida Trial Attorneys, businesses, and insurance companies. We then move on to the new Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Nikki Fried, and the challenges that lie ahead for the party. We also cover a report by the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, which highlights the improving trends among Florida nonprofits. Additionally, we discuss the new legislation filed by Senator Ilena Garcia and Representative Dana Trabulsy, aimed at assisting foster youth, and modifying sections of statute related to dependent children. We also talk about Governor Ron DeSantis's book release and the ongoing changes to New College Board of Trustees. Finally, we cover the latest legislative filings, including SB 1278, SB 1306, SB 1288, SB 1322, SB 1332, and SB 1400.

In this episode, we reflect on the final committee week prior to the 2023 Regular Session convening in Florida. On Saturday, Christian Ziegler won the election to serve as Chair for the Republican Party of Florida, while the Florida Democratic Party is still deciding between former State Senator Anette Taddeo and former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. The Senate Health Policy Committee discussed six pieces of legislation related to healthcare, while the Florida Coalition for Children’s Rally in Tally event took place on Tuesday. Wednesday saw the Florida House Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee approve three pieces of legislation, and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services discussed several topics, including an update on the State’s Opioid Settlement agreement and the Family First Prevention Services Act. The episode concludes with a note that the FCC will be eagerly monitoring the developments around the Community Based Care Funding Model.

In this episode of UPDATE 850, we recap the activities that occurred during the legislative week leading up to Florida's upcoming session. We also announce the Florida Coalition for Children's 2023 Rally in Tally, which will be held at Florida’s Capitol building. The event offers an opportunity for legislative and coalition members to meet and discuss ways to improve Florida’s child welfare system on behalf of the children and families they serve. During the week, committee meetings were held, and experts such as Office of Economic and Demographic Research Director Amy Baker and Health Care Appropriations Staff Directors Brian Clark and Tonya Money presented forecasts for Florida’s healthcare programs that serve children and families. The episode also covers the press conferences held by House Democrats, Senate Democrats, and a bi-partisan group concerning new social media protection regulations for minors. We round off the week with the Joint legislative Budget Commission meeting, the Press Conference and Rally on African American Studies in Florida Schools, and the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. The podcast provides insights into the upcoming regular session of the legislature in the next two months.

This week, the President discussed childcare and online privacy in the State of the Union, while the Florida Legislature met in a special session to address immigration and various policy issues. The Governor's staff presented the "Framework for Freedom Budget" to committees, and organizations hosted events to introduce legislative members to their issues. Governor DeSantis announced $275 million for resilience projects, hosted a round table on legacy media defamation, and highlighted a $2 billion tax relief plan for Florida families. No major legislation related to child-welfare was filed this week. Don't miss the Florida Coalition for Children's 2023 "Rally in Tally"! Register at: www.FLChildren.org Rally in Tally is dedicated to educating our foster youth, families, and child welfare workers on advocating for their needs with Florida’s lawmakers. We want to offer our advocates, especially our youth, the opportunity to meet one-on-one with legislators and share their stories and experiences. As part of the child welfare system, they bring awareness to the issues facing the system each day across the state.