Governor Scott Signs Budget with $1 Billion for K-12 Schools

On April 17, 2012, in News Releases, by staff

In keeping his pledge to add $1 billion to the K-12 education budget, Governor Rick Scott signed the 2012-13 state budget today while visiting Cunningham Creek Elementary School in St. Johns County. Governor Scott made $1 billion in additional education funding the centerpiece of his legislative agenda this year.

“Over the last year I have traveled the state to hear from Floridians what issues they care about most. That’s why this budget should be known as an education budget,” Governor Scott said. “The two issues that Floridians care most about are jobs and education, and the two go hand-in-hand since a good education is critical to getting a good job.” Read More…

SURGING JOBS AND SHRINKING UNEMPLOYMENT SHOW FLORIDA’S ECONOMY HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

On April 20, 2012, in News Releases, by staff

Job statistics released today by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity show Florida’s unemployment rate for March 2012 declined from 9.4 to 9.0 – the largest monthly unemployment rate drop in 20 years, since 1992. Florida added 10,800 jobs in March and more than 100,000 private sector jobs have been created since Governor Scott took office. Read More…

Governor Scott Signs Cuba-Syria Bill, Sends Message that Florida Will Not Support Doing Business with Countries that Oppress Freedom

On May 1, 2012, in News Releases, by staff

Governor Rick Scott signed legislation today intended to prevent taxpayer dollars from ending up in the hands of companies with business ties to the dictatorships of Cuba or Syria. House Bill 959 lays the groundwork to prevent state and local governments from entering contracts worth $1 million or more with businesses operating in Cuba and [...]

Governor Scott ‘Gets to Work’ Picking Florida Oranges

On May 2, 2012, in News Releases, by staff

Continuing his focus on job creation and promoting Florida’s world famous citrus industry, Governor Rick Scott picked and processed oranges at IMG Citrus in Indian River County for his ninth ‘Let’s Get to Work!’ Day. He took part in every step of getting oranges to market, including picking, sorting and packing the fruit. Florida’s citrus industry has an economic Impact of $9.3 billion annually and accounts for nearly 80,000 Florida jobs.

“Florida’s citrus industry represents about two-thirds of the U.S. citrus market,” Governor Scott said. “That’s why people think of oranges when they think of Florida, in addition to our great beaches and sunshine.”

Governor Scott spent the morning in the orange grove, picking citrus that was loaded onto a truck and taken to the packinghouse. He also used a tractor to mow the grass between the citrus trees.

Later, Governor Scott arrived at the packing plant with the citrus he and the other citrus workers picked during the morning. After lunch with packinghouse employees, he assisted with sorting the fruit by color, size and quality. After the oranges have passed the rigorous grading process, he packed them into either boxes or bags for shipping to markets throughout the United States and around the world.Read More…

Project Sunburst Gives Citizens and Media Easy Access to Executive Staff E-mails

On May 3, 2012, in News Releases, by staff

In order to further the goal of government transparency, Governor Rick Scott announced Project Sunburst. E-mails to and from the Governor will be accessible to the public through an online, read-only e-mail viewer. In addition, e-mails to and from 11 members of the Governor’s Office leadership team, who currently constitute more than 80 percent of the public records requests for e-mails, will be available. This unprecedented step gives the citizens of Florida and members of the media an open and transparent window into how their state government works.

“Since my first day in office, I have committed to making sure the citizens of our state have access to the information they need to hold their state government accountable,” Governor Scott said. “I invite Floridians to view my e-mails, as well as those of my leadership team, to learn more about how we are working to make Florida the best state for businesses to grow and expand and create jobs.” Read More…

Governor Scott Signs Auto Accident Reform into Law

On May 4, 2012, in News Releases, by staff

~Lowers the Cost of Living for Florida Families~

Flanked by local law enforcement today, Governor Rick Scott signed legislation to reform auto accident fraud in Florida, this year’s number one consumer protection issue. This meaningful legislation will lower the cost of auto insurance premiums for Florida drivers by limiting fraud in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Accident fraud would have cost average Floridians over $1 billion this year if PIP reform was not passed.

“Growing up in a family without a lot of money, I truly understand the value of the hard-earned dollar for Florida families,” Governor Scott said. “By helping reduce fraudulent auto accident claims, this legislation will benefit the pocketbooks of every Florida family who drives an automobile. I am glad to do my part in keeping the cost of living low in Florida, and I will continue to work to find ways to do so.” Read More…

First Lady Ann Scott and Volunteer USA Foundation Unveil Love.Read.Learn! ™ Baby Journal… a Gift to Newborns & Parents in Florida

On May 15, 2012, in News Releases, by staff

05/15/2012 Tallahassee –  Florida First Lady Ann Scott hand delivered a brand new Love.Read.Learn! ™ Baby Journal to the mother of a newborn today — the first of over 200,000 free journals being provided to parents statewide over the next year. The journals are designed to be one of the first gifts a child receives, [...]

First Lady Ann Scott Unveils New Florida “Love.Read.Learn!™” Baby Journal

On May 14, 2012, in Follow First Lady Ann Scott, by staff

~Project Benefits Families of Newborns & Young Children~ On Tuesday, May 15, First Lady Ann Scott will unveil her new “Love.Read.Learn!™” Baby Journal for parents of newborns in Florida. In partnership with the nonprofit Volunteer USA Foundation, the engaging and educational scrapbook-style journal is filled with reading and learning tips, plus child wellness information. With [...]

Governor and First Lady Scott Send Warm Wishes for Mother’s Day

On May 11, 2012, in News Releases, by staff

“On Sunday, Ann and I, along with all Floridians, will honor mothers of all generations throughout our state. Mothers deserve appreciation for the selfless care and endless amount of love they’ve given each of us. “In addition, we are grateful to the many women who have extended their families by welcoming a foster child into [...]

Governor Scott Reappoints Two to Tallahassee Community College District Board of Trustees

On May 9, 2012, in Recent Appointments, by staff

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointments of Eugene Lamb Jr. and Frank S. Messersmith to the Tallahassee Community College District Board of Trustees. Lamb, 65, of Midway, has been a Commissioner with the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners since 2004. He was athletic director for Gadsden County Schools from 2007 to 2009, a [...]

Governor Scott Calls for Applications to Board of Trustees for Florida Polytechnic University

On May 8, 2012, in In the News, News Releases, Recent Appointments, by staff

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced a national search for prospective appointees to the charter Board of Trustees for Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland. By law, applicants do not need to live within close proximity of a Florida public university to serve on its Board of Trustees. “As we work to make Florida the best state [...]