Earlier this month, I rolled out my plans for increasing access, advancing innovations and strengthening the workforce pipeline in health care. 

As our state population grows, so does the demand for quality health care.  The Live Healthy initiative is a robust package of policy proposals and strategic investments that will help our state meet the growing demand for health care.  It includes measures to recruit and train professionals in the health care industry, break down barriers for new delivery methods and expand services for behavioral health needs.

The first two Live Healthy proposals were heard in committee this week.  Senator Colleen Burton introduced SB 7016, and Senator Gayle Harrell rolled out SB 7018 during the Senate Committee on Health Policy. 

Access to health care is critically important at every phase of life, and this session we are working to ensure every Floridian can get the quality care they need. 

Senate Bill 7016

Senate Bill 7016, presented this week by Senator Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, focuses on addressing the shortage of health care workers across our state and expanding access to health care services, including free and charitable clinics to reach the vulnerable in need of early diagnosis and better health management.

Specifically, this legislation removes burdensome regulations on health care certifications, provides increased access to preventative health screenings, increases the number of residency slots available at Florida medical schools and hospitals, and enhances educational opportunities for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.  Through expanded opportunities for education, training and retention, Senate Bill 7016 will expand Florida’s health care workforce and ensure that every Floridian is able to have a “medical home.”

Senate Bill 7018

Senate Bill 7018, presented by Senator Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, reduces the strain on the system by stimulating innovation in the health care sector to ensure that every Floridian has access to effective, efficient and economic healthcare services.

Technology continues to make a significant impact on the healthcare system in the State of Florida.  This legislation is designed to facilitate the implementation of additional innovative technologies which will deliver Floridians increased efficiency, improved patient outcomes and expanded access to care while reducing strain on our healthcare workforce. 

Senate Bill 7018 establishes a Health Care Innovation Council to convene experts on delivery in the State of Florida. Senate Bill 7018 also provides this council with revolving funding to make strategic investments, in the form of low-interest loans, to support innovative health care technologies. Rural hospitals and nonprofits will receive priority funding to ensure that the most underserved populations receive critical support for their health care needs.

Through strategic investments in innovative technologies, this legislation empowers health care providers in Florida to better meet their patient’s needs by expanding access and enhancing health care delivery systems.

In addition to Florida’s current shortage of health care professionals, our sunny beaches, low taxes and freedom focused policies attract nearly 1,000 new Floridians each day.  Unfortunately, these new neighbors aren’t bringing their health care providers with them. This legislation not only looks to address the current shortage, but also helps Florida prepare for future population growth and ensures that our health care system is able to meet the needs of our growing population.

Legislative Package Supporting Neighborhood Public Schools Heads to Senate Floor

The Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy passed on Tuesday a legislative package aimed at cutting burdensome red tape and providing more flexibility to neighborhood public schools across the State of Florida. Through the three critical pieces of legislation contained in this package, the Florida Senate is reaffirming its commitment to support teachers, empower parents and level the playing field in Florida’s K-12 education system.

Senate Bill 7000

Senate Bill 7000, presented by Senator Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami), removes burdensome red tape on local school districts regarding issues such as teacher training certification and salaries. This legislation empowers school districts to recruit and retain the very best teachers, ensuring that Florida’s neighborhood public schools remain the cornerstone of our state’s education system.

Senate Bill 7002

Senate Bill 7002, presented by Senator Travis Hutson (R-St. Augustine), provides school districts expanded flexibility over administrative processes, facilities management, and financial requirements. This legislation allows administrators and staff to spend less time worrying about bureaucratic red tape, and allows for them to focus on improving the educational environments for students and teachers.

Senate Bill 7004

Over the last several years we have built on the high standards set forth in the 1990s by working to identify struggling readers well before the 3rd grade – even as early as preschool – to ensure young readers receive the additional help they need.  Rather than mandatory 3rd Grade retention for struggling readers, SB 7004 expands the role of parents – a child’s first and best educators - in making the final decision, subject to an agreed-upon plan to make sure the student continues to get extra help with reading.

The bill also changes the role of high stakes testing in Algebra and English needed for a standard high school diploma. Under the bill, those assessments will comprise 30 percent of the final course grade, so if a student successfully completes the course, and the rest of Florida’s rigorous 24 credit requirements, he or she will still be able to graduate from high school. We know a high school diploma is essential for most postsecondary options, for the military, or to achieve success in the workforce. Without eliminating a single test or standard, our bill makes common sense updates to ensure students are learning key skills, not just passing tests.

Governor’s Office Presents Proposed Budget

The Director of Policy and Budget for the Executive Office of the Governor, appeared on Tuesday before the Senate Committee on Appropriations to present the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

The Focus on Florida’s Future Budget includes $114.4 billion in total funding for public safety, education, economic development and other needs across the State of Florida. This budget proposal also maintains $16.3 billion in state reserves, dedicates $455 million to accelerate the reduction of our state’s outstanding debt and provides significant tax relief for Floridians.

The Focus on Florida’s Budget establishes record funding for education, increasing the per-student allotment to ensure that all students have access to the full array of educational opportunities. Further, this budget increases the teacher salary allocation, allowing Florida’s public schools to recruit and retain the very best teachers.

This budget proposal also provides full funding for affordable housing programs such as the State Apartment Incentive Loan Program, the State Housing Initiative Program and the Hometown Heroes Program. This funding ensures that the policy measures and funding established in the Live Local Act continue to expand access to affordable housing opportunities. 

Additionally, this proposed budget makes significant investments in preserving and protecting Florida’s beautiful natural resources. Through strategic funding dedicated to Everglades restoration, water quality improvements and citrus protection, the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget places a specific emphasis ensuring that generations of Floridians will be able to experience an enjoy the paradise we call home.

The Senate and House will review and consider the Governor’s proposed budget before drafting their own proposed budgets for Fiscal year 2024-2025.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance.

Respectfully,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate President
State Senator, District 28

Not paid for at taxpayer expense.

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