Mayor Trantalis January Newsletter

January 2018

                                                                                                                                                                                

Following on the success in December of closing the encampment next to the main library, the community initiative to end homelessness has launched its next phase.

Recently, Chief Judge Jack Tuter began a community court program at City Hall that deals with homeless people who are charged with minor offenses. The specialized court addresses the root causes of homelessness by offering alternative sentencing for certain misdemeanor offenses.

Instead of going to jail, the homeless are connected with essential health, rehabilitation, and social services, as well as housing. They also are required to complete community service. This compassionate approach will reduce jail costs, provide life-building assistance and reduce homelessness in our community.

The city worked with Judge Tuter and others for almost a year to create the community court. It is the first of its kind in Florida. Judge Tuter traveled out of state to observe the operation of similar programs before starting ours.

The city and the judiciary were concerned by the revolving door of homeless going through the court system.

Arrested on charges such as panhandling and camping in public, homeless individuals filled precious court time and expensive jail space. The underlying issues of why they were homeless went unaddressed. Released from jail, they were back on the street in Fort Lauderdale. They frequently found themselves returning to court and jail.

We have witnessed incredible results in a very short time from the homeless coalition that the city formed with Broward County, the business community and social service providers.

Almost 70 individuals from the downtown encampment have either been provided services along with either permanent supportive housing or temporary housing. We continue to recruit landlords to offer apartments for the program’s use. If you know any landlord willing to participate in the housing program in which market rate rents are paid to house these individuals, please contact my office.

More action is yet to come.

The United Way is negotiating with the Salvation Army and Hope South Florida to provide day respite programs for the homeless. A meal-sharing program is also being developed. 

Scooters

Last November, several companies began offering motorized scooters for rent across Fort Lauderdale. Residents and tourists have since used them thousands of times as an alternative to driving. But numerous accidents have occurred, and the city has been deluged with complaints about how they are used and where they are parked.

The city is committed to ending the dangerous conditions.

Our staff is reviewing regulations from other communities and expects to discuss the options with the City Commission in early February.

The city agreed last summer to allow four companies to offer dockless scooters and bicycles for rent. Scooters have become prevalent in many American cities in recent years, and our goal was to be proactive in establishing regulations based on national standards and best practices.

The hope was that the scooters would provide some relief to the heavy traffic that drivers often face on our streets. Many of the users over the last couple months have used them for short trips downtown or along the beach. Those are trips that typically would have occurred by car.

Unfortunately, our streets and sidewalks have become the Wild West. Public safety has suffered.

Emergency room doctors and dentists report numerous cases of people injured using scooters. Despite general traffic regulations and the city’s rules regarding scooters, it is not uncommon to see scooters swerve in and out of traffic or multiple people using one scooter. People are texting while riding scooters, and children and teens are using scooters despite age restrictions.

Where scooters are left by their riders has also become a significant concern.

Our rules say they must be left upright with four feet of clearance on the sidewalk. Also, they cannot be left on private property or block business entrances, fire hydrants or handicapped ramps. The reality too frequently is the opposite.

City staff believes there are ways to better regulate the scooters. I’d like to see them remain an alternate mode of transportation, but the current situation is untenable. If solutions cannot be found, the City Commission will need to reconsider the program entirely.

Sincerely,

Dean

Trump Sidelines Shutdown

Day 35.  The impact of the Trump's federal shutdown, the longest in US history, reached full crisis today -- finally forcing the President to succumb to a temporary deal to reopen the federal government.

	pic: Getty

For a full five weeks Trump has held the nation, and government funding, hostage over his demand for $5.7 billion for a wall at the US-Mexico border.

Over 800,000 federal employees have been forced to go on unpaid leave or work without pay, stopping or significantly affecting delivery of critical government programs, funding and services under nine US departments and other agencies.

The consequences have been catastrophic for the nation's economic stability, infrastructure and security, and brought home daily reminders of the devastating impact on everyday Americans who serve in, and rely on, our federal government.

"For years the right has vilified federal workers as nameless, faceless bureaucrats, but the truth is they're air traffic controllers, food inspectors, they're transportation security officers and law enforcement ... our veterans. Many of these people are fighting for our country right now, and we are not paying them." -- Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson

This morning the Federal Aviation Administration, citing safety concerns stemming from a shortage of air traffic control staff, halted all incoming traffic to New York's LaGuardia Airport. 

Outgoing flights at LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Washington, Newark and other major airports have been delayed by hours. 

FBI Director Christopher Wray: "It takes a lot to get me angry, but I'm about as angry as I've been in a long, long time." (Click)

Today FBI Director Christopher Wray, in a rare public statement, released a video condemning the government shutdown and its impact on the agency. In a direct message to FBI employees, Wray emphasized the work being done behind the scenes to get them paid, while praising their commitment and dedication.

"We are now five weeks, and two missed paychecks, into this mess .... I know tons of you are feeling the anxiety and the emotional strain of this shutdown. And 100% of you are feeling the financial strain. Making some people stay home when they don't want to, and making others show up without pay -- it's mind-boggling, it's short-sighted, and it's unfair."

This afternoon at 2:20pm, President Trump announced a three-week deal to reopen the federal government -- without funding for the border wall.  He threatened, however, that if his wall funding was not secured by February 15th, then he would take adverse action.

"We really have no choice but to build a powerful wall or steel barrier. If we don't get a fair deal from Congress, the government will either shutdown on February 15th, again, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the Constitution of the United States to address this emergency."

South Florida Democratic Delegation Calls on FL Senators to End Shutdown

The delegation is made up of Reps. Hastings (FL-20), Frankel (FL-21), Deutch (FL-22), Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Wilson (FL-24), Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), and Shalala (FL-27).

(Washington) House Democrats have passed ten separate spending bills, and given House Republicans eleven opportunities, to re-open the federal government. With the government shutdown now running over one month, 800,000 federal employees will once again not receive their paychecks tomorrow.

Ahead of the Senate's vote this afternoon on bills to re-open the government, the South Florida Democratic Congressional delegation urges Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Rick Scott to end this government shutdown by voting for the clean spending bill that will re-open the government and provide disaster assistance.

House Democrats are prepared to work with Senate Republicans and President Trump on funding effective border security proposals, but not while holding the government hostage.

House Democrats support robust border security solutions, including:
• Increased infrastructure investments at our ports of entry, including additional ports and roads;
• Advanced technology to scan for drugs, weapons and contraband at ports of entry;
• New technology to detect unauthorized crossings; and
• More immigration judges and customs personnel.

Since the first day of the 116th Congress, House Democrats have voted on eleven bills to fund the government, with ten passing:

Jan. 3 – House Democrats passed a package of six appropriations bills that have all previously passed the Senate. Jan. 3 – House Democrats passed a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security through February 8. Jan. 9 – House Democrats passed a funding bill to reopen the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service and provide employees with back pay. Jan. 10 – House Democrats passed a funding bill to reopen the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration and provide employees with back pay. Jan. 10 – House Democrats passed a funding bill to reopen the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development and provide employees with back pay. Jan. 11 – House Democrats passed a funding bill to reopen the Environmental Protection Agency, national parks, and museums and provide employees with back pay. Jan. 15 – House Democrats voted for a short-term funding bill to reopen closed federal agencies through February 1 (this bill did not pass). Jan. 16 – House Democrats passed legislation that included disaster relief funding and a continuing resolution to fund the government through February 8. Jan. 17 - House Democrats passed a continuing resolution for all government agencies through February 28. Jan. 23 - House Democrats passed a package of six appropriations bills. Jan. 24 - House Democrats passed a continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security through February 28.

Deutch Cosponsors Bill to Protect Federal Workers & Families from Impacts of Shutdown

Thirty-three days into the partial government shutdown, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) cosponsored the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) to protect federal workers and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown.

The bill addresses the real threat of federal workers losing their homes, falling behind on student loans and other bills, having their car repossessed, or losing their health insurance because they have been furloughed during a shutdown or required to work without pay. Modeled after the Servicemembers Relief Act, the Schatz-Kilmer legislation will prohibit landlords and creditors from taking action against federal workers or contractors who are hurt by the government shutdown and unable to pay rent or repay loans. The bill would also empower federal workers to sue creditors or landlords that violate this protection.

"Families in South Florida are suffering from the very real pain of this shutdown," said Congressman Deutch. "I've heard from constituents who are struggling to pay their bills and medical expenses because they haven't received a paycheck in a month. Why should federal workers and their families be punished for the President's stubborn refusal to reopen the government? We can and should have a debate on border security, but not while 800,000 workers and their families are struggling to make ends meet. This bill will provide important relief for these families as we continue to push the President and Republicans to reopen the government immediately."

The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act would safeguard workers impacted by a shutdown from the following:

• Being evicted or foreclosed;
• Having their car or other property repossessed;
• Falling behind in student loan payments;
• Falling behind in paying bills; or
• Losing their insurance because of missed premiums.

The protection would last during and 30 days following a shutdown to give workers a chance to keep up with their bills. This partial government shutdown hurts more than 800,000 federal workers in all 50 states.

Deutch, Buchanan Reintroduce Bill to Criminalize Animal Abuse

Deutch, Buchanan Reintroduce Bill to Criminalize Animal Abuse

The bill has 139 additional original cosponsors.

 Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) reintroduced the "Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act" to criminalize certain acts of animal cruelty.

In 2010, Congress passed the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which made the creation and distribution of animal crushing videos illegal. However, the underlying acts of cruelty against animals were not included. The PACT Act closes this loophole by prohibiting certain cases of animal abuse. A fact sheet for the PACT Act can be found here.

Last Congress, the PACT Act (H.R. 1494) received 284 cosponsors. The Senate companion (S.654) passed by unanimous consent.

"This is common sense, bipartisan legislation to bring some compassion to our animal laws," said Congressman Deutch. "For many Americans, animal welfare is an important policy issue, and the idea of animal abuse is abhorrent. By building on state and local laws, Congress should act to guarantee a level of protection for animals across the country by criminalizing these inhumane acts. We've acted in the past to stop the horrific trend of animal abuse videos; now it's time to make the underlying acts of cruelty a crime as well."

“The torture of innocent animals is abhorrent and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Congressman Buchanan said. “Protecting animals from cruelty is a top priority for me and I look forward to working with Congressman Deutch on this important issue.”

“Decades ago the Federal Bureau of Investigation recognized the seriousness of animal cruelty and its link to escalating violence toward humans. All 50 states have felony provisions for animal cruelty and so a parallel federal statute is long overdue to crack down and fill gaps in the law. Representatives Deutch and Buchanan are tremendous advocates for animal protection, and we are grateful to them for seeking to eradicate malicious cruelty” said Sara Amundson, President, Humane Society Legislative Fund.

Gov. DeSantis reverses SOE Snipes Suspension

On the day he suspended Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, Governor Ron DeSantis rescinded former Governor Rick Scott's suspension of Brenda Snipes. Instead, Governor DeSantis accepted Snipes' resignation as Broward Supervisor of Elections. The Executive Order claims the court battle initiated by Snipes would cost too much money and time to defend.


CLICK ABOVE TO ENLARGE 

FPL Pledges 30, Million Solar Panels

FPL says it is planning to install 30 million solar panels across the state by the end of the next decade. Laid end-to-end, the 30 million solar panels would wrap around the Earth one and a half times.

It would be the largest installation of solar panels by a regulated utility in the world and provide a 67-percent fleet-wide reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions rates by 2030 as compared to the national average, according to FPL.

FPL is the Sunshine State’s largest solar producer, generating ten times as much solar power in 2018 than it did in 2016.

FPL and its sister company, NextEra Energy Resources, are already the world’s largest producer of renewable energy from the wind and sun and, when this plan is completed, FPL expects to be the largest utility owner and operator of solar in America.

“FPL is not your traditional electric company,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL. “We’re a technology company that delivers power, and we’ve long believed in making smart, forward-thinking infrastructure investments to produce tangible, long-term benefits – cleaner air, lower electric rates and reliable service – for our customers and our state. Now we’re taking our long-standing clean energy commitment to the next level. Bottom line, this bold, innovative plan is the right thing to do for our customers and for our fast-growing state and we look forward to working with local and state officials and our regulators to make this vision a reality.”

“I am supportive of programs that will provide Floridians with greater access to affordable, clean energy which will help propel the State to a healthier future,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.  “We live in the Sunshine State and solar energy is a natural resource that should be seriously considered. FPL’s initiative is important. As Florida’s energy needs continue to grow at a rapid pace, it is important that we diversify our energy resources. This is vital to the economic well-being of our State and quality of life for residents.”

FPL has studied solar technology for decades and already operates 18 large solar power plants and hundreds of other universal solar installations across Florida.

FPL’s first solar power plant in Miami-Dade County is scheduled to come online early this year.

Source CBS4

Deutch, Quigley Reintroduce Gun Buyback Program Bill

Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) reintroduced the "Buyback Our Safety Act," legislation that would create a Department of Justice program to support local gun buyback initiatives.

The "Buyback Our Safety Act" authorizes a new matching grant available for local law enforcement agencies to help offset costs of buyback programs. The bill also requires the Department of Justice to report back to Congress on the success of the grant program.
"Buyback programs are an effective way to remove unwanted guns from homes and take them off the streets," said Congressman Deutch. "By giving people the opportunity to safely give up their firearms, these programs are helping to prevent gun accidents at home and reduce the chance of guns falling into the wrong hands. The Department of Justice should support these programs as a public safety effort to help prevent gun violence."

“The extremely high concentration of firearms in our country, including those that are often unused or unwanted, poses many challenges to gun violence prevention and our ongoing efforts to save lives,” said Congressman Quigley. “The Chicago area, in particular, knows all too well the importance of getting dangerous weapons off our streets. Buyback programs are an effective, responsible step forward in making our homes and our communities safer by limiting the opportunities for gun-related accidents and deaths, and I am pleased to partner with Rep. Deutch on this vital legislative priority.”

Following the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland parents created 4FNOW ("Fewer Firearms, Fewer Funerals Now"), a gun violence prevention organization created to help "remove unwanted, unneeded guns from our community." Last September, 4FNOW partnered with the Coral Springs Police Department to host a voluntary, anonymous gun buyback event.
“In the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, courageous students emerged to lead a movement to reduce gun violence, challenging the notion that there was little that could be done. Our goal was to stand beside them while they helped to make a safer world," said Doug Eaton, president of the 4FNOW organization. "At 4Fnow.org, we are interested in one thing: safer communities in which to live, work, play, and go to school. Fewer firearms leads to fewer funerals, and certainly to fewer violent crimes involving weapons. Therefore, our vision is to remove unwanted and unneeded guns from our communities, and to create a sustainable model for doing so, to be replicated in other communities.”
"My husband, Chris Hixon, was a victim of the MSD shooting on Feb. 14, 2018. I support the movement of gun buyback programs to help keep our schools and streets safe by getting unwanted firearms off the streets," said Debbie Hixon, a member of the 4FNOW organization. "Gun buybacks are a way for Americans to come together to do something about the gun violence epidemic in our society; they help to keep the conversation about responsible firearm ownership moving forward and they help keep unwanted firearms off the streets. They are voluntary programs which indicate the people who participate see the value in disposing of unwanted firearms in a responsible way."

South Florida Democratic Delegation Calls on Senators, President to End Shutdown

The delegation is made up of Reps. Hastings (FL-20), Frankel (FL-21), Deutch (FL-22), Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Wilson (FL-24), Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), and Shalala (FL-27).

(Washington) Twenty-seven days into President Trump’s partial government shutdown, House Democrats have voted eight times to reopen the federal government and resume paying federal workers.

With 800,000 federal workers out of work or working without pay for nearly a month, including over 13,000 Floridians, the government shutdown is costly to American taxpayers and is beginning to impact our national economy. In addition, with Coast Guard servicemembers and Homeland Security officers working without pay, the shutdown creates a threat to our national security.

The South Florida Democratic Congressional delegation calls on Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Rick Scott to end this government shutdown, vote for the House-passed spending bills, and let 800,000 federal workers go back to work with pay. House Democrats are prepared to work with Senate Republicans and President Trump on funding effective border security proposals, but not while holding the government hostage.

House Democrats support robust border security solutions, including:
• New drug, weapons & contraband scanning technology at official ports of entry;
• Advanced technology to detect unauthorized crossings;
• More customs personnel;
• Expanded port of entry infrastructure.

Since the first day of the 116th Congress, House Democrats have voted on eight bills to fund the government:

Jan. 3 – House Democrats passed a package of six appropriations bills that have all previously passed the Senate. Jan. 3 – House Democrats passed a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security through February 8, 2019. Jan. 9 – House Democrats passed a funding bill to reopen the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service and provide employees with back pay. Jan. 10 – House Democrats passed a funding bill to reopen the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration and provide employees with back pay. Jan. 10 – House Democrats passed a funding bill to reopen the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development and provide employees with back pay. Jan. 11 – House Democrats passed a funding bill to reopen the Environmental Protection Agency, national parks, and museums and provide employees with back pay. Jan. 15 – House Democrats voted on a short-term funding bill to reopen closed federal agencies through February 28. Jan. 16 – House Democrats passed legislation that included disaster relief funding and a continuing resolution to fund the government through February 8.

First Woman to Chair Military Construction-VA Appropriations Subcommittee

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) was selected to chair the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs panel today, making history as the first woman to hold that pivotal House post. The MilCon/Va Appropriations Subcommittee is the only one in the Congress that makes policy and provides funding for the entire life cycle of an individual’s service, from their time in the military and after they leave the service and join the ranks of veterans.

“I’m truly honored to be the first woman ever to take this gavel. After this historic election cycle when a record number of women were elected to Congress, serving in this role will allow me to bring a unique perspective to the quality of life issues for our military and veterans,” Wasserman Schultz said. “I’m also fiercely determined to work diligently, and across the aisle, to ensure that our nation’s veterans and the men and women who serve, get the resources and support they need.”  

House Appropriations Committee Democrats chose its roster of leaders for various Subcommittees today. Before becoming final, the Subcommittee Chairs and the Subcommittee rosters must be formally approved by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and the House Democratic Caucus.

Wasserman Schultz Legislation Would Curb Russian Military Influence in Venezuela

(Washington D.C.) – As Nicolas Maduro begins a second tarnished term in office today, U. S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) announced that she will be introducing legislation that requires intelligence agencies to work with the U.S. State Department to develop threat assessments and strategic plans to monitor and combat the Kremlin’s influence in Venezuela.

The United States must not only help restore true democracy to the Venezuelan people, but also combat military bonds from forming between Maduro’s ruthless regime and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, the congresswoman said. The legislation would also monitor the foreign acquisition of assets held by the embattled nation’s state-owned oil company, CITGO, in the United States.

“Today we reach what many of my neighbors in Weston, Florida see as rolling from one illegitimate Maduro term, to the tragic start of another,” said Wasserman Schultz. “As we struggle to return true democracy to this nation, it is vital that we actively combat the bonds that this corrupt regime is forming—none of which is more troubling than its ties to Russia and Vladimir Putin.”

This legislation is part of a series of bills to be introduced in the coming weeks by members of South Florida’s congressional delegation, which will target the Maduro regime. Representatives Donna Shalala (FL-27) and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) will also be introducing legislation that would restrict the export of defense articles or services to Venezuelan security forces, and provide humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people, respectively.

“Unfortunately, the suffering shows no end in sight, so it is essential that solving the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela never loses its sense of urgency,” Wasserman Schultz said. “Y no podemos olvidar que el que se cansa, pierde. He who tires, loses.”

Deutch, Castor, FL Democrats Ask Gov. DeSantis to Expand Medicaid, Reject Block Grant Proposals

Deutch, Castor, FL Democrats Ask Gov. DeSantis to Expand Medicaid, Reject Block Grant Proposals

(Washington) Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) led the entire Florida Democratic Congressional delegation in a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis encouraging him to reject proposals to undermine Florida's Medicaid program and instead to expand Medicaid to countless Floridians and Florida’s economy.

The letter is signed by Reps. Deutch (FL-22), Castor (FL-14), Hastings (FL-20), Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Wilson (FL-24), Frankel (FL-21), Crist (FL-13), Demings (FL-10), Lawson (FL-05), Murphy (FL-07), Soto (FL-09), Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), and Shalala (FL-27).

"Instead of building additional barriers to health coverage for Floridians, we urge you to work with us to defend the vital consumer protections included in the Affordable Care Act and to expand Medicaid to serve Florida families and create a more efficient system of care in Florida," and “bring billions of our tax dollars home to Florida,” the Members write in their letter.

A signed copy of the letter can be accessed here. The text of the letter is included below.



Dear Governor DeSantis:

Congratulations on your swearing in as governor of the great State of Florida. We look forward to working with you to improve the lives of all Floridians. Affordable health care is fundamental to the wellbeing of the families we represent and we encourage you to shift the state’s focus to constructive improvements in care and coverage and build on the success of the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and Medicare.

The success of the Affordable Care Act in Florida is clear as demonstrated by the historic number of Floridians who found affordable health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace for 2019 – approximately 1.8 million Floridians. Florida again led the nation in the number of citizens who enrolled. Affordable health coverage will bring economic security and peace of mind to many of our neighbors. Even in the midst of concerted efforts by the Trump Administration and Republicans at every level of government to sabotage the ACA, the citizens of Florida have spoken on the importance of affordable health coverage through the robust enrollment numbers.

Affordable coverage for Florida families is at risk, however, due to a misguided federal lawsuit making its way through the courts. We encourage you and Attorney General Ashley Moody to remove the State of Florida from the federal lawsuit that would kill the ACA and rip health coverage away from American families, including individuals with preexisting health conditions. Former Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi never should have joined the lawsuit to destroy the ACA. Following the federal court ruling last month, it is more imperative than ever for the State to withdraw and instead side with the almost eight million Floridians with preexisting conditions – including the 2.1 million Floridians with preexisting conditions who have individual coverage. We urge you to stand up for Florida families and vital ACA consumer protections that save lives and save money. As we asked Governor Scott in June 2018, we urge you to withdraw from this dangerous lawsuit and work with us to adopt consumer protections that will protect Florida families – especially those with preexisting conditions.

The ACA, Medicaid, Medicare and private health policies work in tandem to keep Floridians healthy and well. Misguided changes to our insurance framework spell trouble for Florida. For example, recent comments regarding “Medicaid block grants” as a potential way to control costs for health services for Florida families caught our attention because block grants would cause massive losses of revenue to the State and trigger huge cuts in care. A Medicaid block grant would put the health of our most vulnerable neighbors and our state’s budget in jeopardy. Instead, we encourage you to work with us to expand Medicaid and to encourage Floridians to enroll in comprehensive coverage. The key to reducing health care costs in Florida is to ensure that Floridians have affordable and meaningful “coverage” and to end the costly and inefficient system that exists now.

Block granting Medicaid or considering per capita caps would be uniquely devastating to Florida. In Fiscal Year 2017, the federal government funded 61.2 percent of the $23 billion Medicaid budget in Florida. A block grant would place an arbitrary cap on that federal Medicaid percentage (“FMAP”) and slash billions of federal dollars sent to Florida. At the same time, the needs and population of the state will grow. Federal Medicaid matching dollars must grow or else the state will be on the hook for enormous costs or will have to institute devastating cuts in care.

Florida is more susceptible to economic swings and natural disasters than the rest of the country. Fortunately, the FMAP increases when Florida experiences an economic downturn, health crisis or hurricane, but would not increase under a block grant. Our state cannot afford to suffer under arbitrary “caps” in assistance especially during a crisis. In recent years, hurricane damage to Puerto Rico brought tens of thousands of new Floridians to our state, a Zika outbreak in 2016 put pregnant women at risk, and the opioid crisis continues to grow in our communities. A block grant would put our Medicaid budget at risk and trigger cuts in basic care, cuts to already underpaid providers, and cuts to other important state responsibilities like education and infrastructure.

At present, Medicaid in Florida covers mainly children, seniors in nursing homes and pregnant women - our most vulnerable neighbors. Capping federal resources devoted to their care is inconsistent with our values and unwise due to the major financial burden that would be shifted to the state and local communities. Provider payment rates also would suffer in a state that already underpays many doctors and medical professionals.

Instead of a devastating block grant approach, we urge you to expand Medicaid to bring billions of our tax dollars home to Florida and create a more efficient health care system. Medicaid expansion would ensure that our neighbors get the care they need and would boost our economy. Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia already have expanded Medicaid to provide affordable health care to working families and students. This includes several states led by conservative governors who have found a way to make Medicaid expansion work for their states. Florida’s failure to expand Medicaid to date has cost our state $66 billion according to an analysis by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute . Recently announced appointments have us concerned with the direction your administration may take, so we strongly urge you not to leave Florida’s hard-earned tax dollars in Washington even one more day and expand Medicaid immediately. Otherwise, Florida remains at a significant financial disadvantage compared to the states that acted to expand Medicaid.

Medicaid expansion also is the right thing to do for the health of Floridians. Earlier this year, The Urban Institute estimated that Florida’s 15.7 percent uninsured rate would drop 4.5 percent if we fully implemented expansion. In addition to sharp reductions in the uninsured population, “expansion greatly improved access to care, generally improved quality of care, and to a lesser degree, positively affected people’s health.” Providing hardworking Floridians access to comprehensive health coverage would provide a path toward improving preventive care, management of chronic conditions, diverting routine health care out of hospital emergency departments, and reducing uncompensated care.

Medicaid expansion also is the right thing to do for Florida’s budget and economy. Medicaid expansion will boost jobs and enable Florida to move to a more efficient health care delivery model. Earlier estimates suggested that the state would have seen $8.9 billion in increased economic activity and 71,300 new jobs in 2016. These economic benefits would start in the health care sector and then spread throughout other parts of our economy. Additional costs associated with expansion are estimated to be either fully or largely offset by savings from other programs. Furthermore, no studies have shown that expansion would negatively impact job creation, employee behavior, labor force participation, or the number of work hours per week. A healthy workforce makes for a healthy economy.

Finally, Medicaid expansion is popular. A survey published by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation found that 67 percent of Floridians support moving forward with expansion to bring $66 billion in federal funding between 2013-2022 to our state. This fall, residents of three red states, Idaho, Nebraska, and Utah all voted to expand Medicaid coverage. That followed a successful 2017 Medicaid expansion referendum in Maine.

Instead of building additional barriers to health coverage for Floridians, we urge you to work with us to defend the vital consumer protections included in the Affordable Care Act and to expand Medicaid to serve Florida families and create a more efficient system of care in Florida. Medicaid expansion would aid the state’s bottom line as well. A Medicaid block grant would prove devastating to the State of Florida and should be taken off the table immediately. Instead, we urge you to focus on coverage for Floridians and eliminating costly emergency room visits and delayed care.

In your inaugural remarks, you stated that, “[i]n no area is legislative initiative more needed than in the field of health care. The escalating cost of medical care, prescription drugs and health insurance has wreaked havoc on family budgets, priced many out of the market entirely, and has put significant stress on our state budget. ... The people of Florida deserve relief.” We agree and urge you to take concrete steps to improve affordable, quality health care to our neighbors across Florida. We look forward to working with you on behalf of all Floridians and to the betterment of the state we love. Thank you.