1/31/19
Gov. Ron Desantis followed through today on one of his key education campaign promises and announced the issuance of Executive Order 19-32, directing Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to conduct a comprehensive review of Florida's K-12 academic standards and make recommended revisions that eliminate "Common Core" standards, strengthen teaching of the US Constitution, streamline testing and outline ways for Florida to be "the most literate state in the nation." DeSantis also wants to make sure such changes reflect DOE consultation with stakeholders including parents and teachers. A copy of the Executive Order is attached. It is the second EO in as many days concerning education, following yesterday's order related to workforce education. The Governor made today's announcement at a Fort Myers high school. The text of the press release is at the end of this Update.
The Governor has yet another "major announcement" slated for 8:30 tomorrow morning in Tallahassee. This one may focus on the full state 2019-2020 budget recommendations which are due to the Legislature by this Sunday (30 days prior to the start of the regular session March 5th). Budget committees are scheduled to hearing presentations starting on Tuesday.
The Governor has yet another "major announcement" slated for 8:30 tomorrow morning in Tallahassee. This one may focus on the full state 2019-2020 budget recommendations which are due to the Legislature by this Sunday (30 days prior to the start of the regular session March 5th). Budget committees are scheduled to hearing presentations starting on Tuesday.
1/30/19
Governor Ron DeSantis this afternoon issued an executive order directing the Florida Department of Education to take a number of steps that he hopes will improve career/technical education in Florida. DeSantis, holding a press conference at Tampa Bay Technical High School, also announced he is submitting a budget request of $26 million to increase state college vocational training and $10 million toward start-up programs “high-quality workforce apprenticeships and industry-specific opportunities." He also is calling to increase computer science training and make high school computer science courses count as a science requirement toward graduation. The Governor's Executive Order 19-31 is here. The action comes prior to a schedule hearing in House Education next Tuesday afternoon on career/technical education in Florida.
The Governor has scheduled another press conference at a Ft. Myers high school tomorrow where it is believed he will release his FY20 budget recommendations for Prek-12 education. Legislative Committees in Tallahassee have already announced agendas next week to hear his recommendations on the full state budget which must be submitted 30-days prior (Feb 3rd) to the start of the regular session (March 5th).
Meanwhile, following last week's legislative hearings during which issues with teacher shortages and certification were highlighted, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced changes within DOE to speed up processing of teacher certification applications. His announcement follows below.
The Governor has scheduled another press conference at a Ft. Myers high school tomorrow where it is believed he will release his FY20 budget recommendations for Prek-12 education. Legislative Committees in Tallahassee have already announced agendas next week to hear his recommendations on the full state budget which must be submitted 30-days prior (Feb 3rd) to the start of the regular session (March 5th).
Meanwhile, following last week's legislative hearings during which issues with teacher shortages and certification were highlighted, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced changes within DOE to speed up processing of teacher certification applications. His announcement follows below.
1/24/19
An initial presentation on a 2018 mandated study of the District Cost Differential (DCD) used in calculating school district appropriations was made today in House Prek-12 Education Appropriations by the firm hired by the Florida Department of Education. Last year's Legislature appropriated $100K for a look at how the DCD is calculated and to make suggestions. Valerie Seidel of the Balmoral Group presented a brief background of the DCD which is currently based on a Florida Price Level Index (FPLI) study conducted annually (used to be U-F, now Fla Polytech). The current index, originally part of the FEFP when implemented in 1974, was updated in 2004 in an acrimonious legislative battle led by then-Senate President Jim King. King felt his district (Duval) and others like Duval were being unfairly funded at the expense of higher cost market-basket costs driven by "amenities" (beaches, etc.) in counties in South Florida, in particular.
Today's report is linked here. While Balmoral does not get into any specific formula changes the report suggests looking more at a wage-based formula rather than market-basket and to form a standing advisory group to help with addressing FPLI concerns. The DCD discussion followed an explanation of the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) for members. That ppt is also in the linked packet. The committee took no action, but look for this topic to come back up as the committee gets into its budget work in coming weeks.
Of note yesterday was discussion in both the Prek-12 Innovation and PreK-12 Quality Subcommittees on teacher certification. FLDOE staff provided a good review of the certification process and costs (packet linked here). Quality Committee Chair Byron Donalds and members focused much of their discussion on tests that beginning teachers are required to pass, especially the General Knowledge Test (GKT) that has been the subject of attention in recent months due to reports on numbers of teachers failing one or more of the four parts, namely the math and essay portions. Based on the questioning and comments, it is likely to see multiple bills filed this session ranging from alternative certification options to extending the timeline for passing the GKT from one to 2 or 3 years. Under current law and rule, a beginning teacher who has not passed the GKT, regardless of passing the other exams, by the end of the first year of teaching is out of a job even though the temporary certificate is good for three years and can be extended a fourth.
Also in the Quality Committee packet (first part) is a review by OPPAGA (Office of Program Policy Analysis and Govt Accountability) on successful strategies districts have used in the past two years for turnaround schools.
Committee meetings have concluded for this week. Lawmakers return to Tallahassee for Week 4 of pre-session hearings on February 4th.
Today's report is linked here. While Balmoral does not get into any specific formula changes the report suggests looking more at a wage-based formula rather than market-basket and to form a standing advisory group to help with addressing FPLI concerns. The DCD discussion followed an explanation of the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) for members. That ppt is also in the linked packet. The committee took no action, but look for this topic to come back up as the committee gets into its budget work in coming weeks.
Of note yesterday was discussion in both the Prek-12 Innovation and PreK-12 Quality Subcommittees on teacher certification. FLDOE staff provided a good review of the certification process and costs (packet linked here). Quality Committee Chair Byron Donalds and members focused much of their discussion on tests that beginning teachers are required to pass, especially the General Knowledge Test (GKT) that has been the subject of attention in recent months due to reports on numbers of teachers failing one or more of the four parts, namely the math and essay portions. Based on the questioning and comments, it is likely to see multiple bills filed this session ranging from alternative certification options to extending the timeline for passing the GKT from one to 2 or 3 years. Under current law and rule, a beginning teacher who has not passed the GKT, regardless of passing the other exams, by the end of the first year of teaching is out of a job even though the temporary certificate is good for three years and can be extended a fourth.
Also in the Quality Committee packet (first part) is a review by OPPAGA (Office of Program Policy Analysis and Govt Accountability) on successful strategies districts have used in the past two years for turnaround schools.
Committee meetings have concluded for this week. Lawmakers return to Tallahassee for Week 4 of pre-session hearings on February 4th.
1/22/19
Because of the high degree of interest in this, here is the link to the 5-mb file that contains House Education Committee presentations today by FLDOE Safe Schools Deputy director Brooks Ruminek and Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission Chair and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. Ruminek presented a summary of actions and statistical data since last session implementing SB7026.
Gualtieri, whose presentation begins on page 39 of the attached pdf file, discussed the Parkland shooting in context of recommendations. He reiterated criticisms aimed at local school districts for what he feels is their "lack of urgency" in making changes to rules, protocols and in the hiring process for armed individuals--school resource officers and guardians--in schools. He focused much of his presentation on the need for rapid response when a shooting action arises, noting numerous times it took less than two minutes for the Parkland shooter to injure or kill over 20 students and adults. Much of that discussion included potentially arming teachers. For those wishing, the vodcast of the House meeting is on The Florida Channel linked here. A similar presentation, using the same document, was made to the Senate Education Committee this afternoon, the vodcast linked here.
No legislative action was taken in either committee. Senate Chair Manny Diaz indicated he will be assembling representative school superintendents and sheriffs for further discussion and questioning at a future meeting (likely next month).
Gualtieri, whose presentation begins on page 39 of the attached pdf file, discussed the Parkland shooting in context of recommendations. He reiterated criticisms aimed at local school districts for what he feels is their "lack of urgency" in making changes to rules, protocols and in the hiring process for armed individuals--school resource officers and guardians--in schools. He focused much of his presentation on the need for rapid response when a shooting action arises, noting numerous times it took less than two minutes for the Parkland shooter to injure or kill over 20 students and adults. Much of that discussion included potentially arming teachers. For those wishing, the vodcast of the House meeting is on The Florida Channel linked here. A similar presentation, using the same document, was made to the Senate Education Committee this afternoon, the vodcast linked here.
No legislative action was taken in either committee. Senate Chair Manny Diaz indicated he will be assembling representative school superintendents and sheriffs for further discussion and questioning at a future meeting (likely next month).
1/8/19
State
Florida's 46th governor was sworn in just before noon today as Ron DeSantis took the oath of office administered by Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady. The full inauguration proceedings including Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, CFO Jimmy Patronis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez can be viewed here on the Florida Channel. Governor DeSantis' oath of office followed by his inaugural address begins about 58:25 into the vodcast.
In his comments, the Governor reiterated his campaign themes of expanding career/vocational education, providing parents with more choice options for school attendance and strengthening civics instruction in public schools. DeSantis also hit on other state issues including the environment and natural resource water protection, costs of medical insurance and prescription costs and appointment of supreme court judges. On this last matter, Gov. DeSantis is holding a press conference tomorrow morning in Miami to announce one or more individuals he is naming to replace three justices who retired this week because of the age (70) limit. The complete transcript of his comments can be read at the end of this email, courtesy of our partners from the Florida News Service.
Later today, DeSantis issued two executive orders concerning ethics in state government. These orders take effect immediately and are listed here:
Executive Order 1910 reaffirms the policy of non-discrimination in government employment established in Executive Order 99-281 and Executive Order 11-04. It is the policy of the DeSantis Administration to prohibit discrimination in employment based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or disability and to ensure equal opportunity for all individuals currently employed and/or seeking employment in the DeSantis Administration. Executive Order 1910 also reaffirms the policy of non-discrimination in government contracting established in Executive Order 99-281 and Executive Order 11-04. To see Executive Order 19-10, click HERE.
Executive Order 19-11 directs the immediate adoption and implementation of a revised Code of Ethics applicable to the Executive Office of the Governor, as well as all agency heads, deputy agency heads and chiefs of staff at executive branch agencies serving at the pleasure of the Governor. The Executive Order re-establishes the Governor's Office of Open Government previously established by Executive Orders 07-01 and Executive Order 11-03 and affirms the DeSantis' Administration commitment to Florida's Sunshine and Public Records Laws. Executive Order 19-11 also re-adopts Executive Order 17-319 Preventing Sexual Harassment in State Agencies. It directs all state agencies headed by an official serving at the pleasure of the Governor to review its policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment and misconduct. To see Executive Order 19-11, click HERE.
As a prelude to a hearing in two weeks on the 400+ page Majory Stoneman Douglas Commission on Public Safety final report, the Senate Education Committee this afternoon got a briefing from Dept of Education Safe Schools Exec Director Damien Kelly on the implementation status of SB7026 passed last session and from two school superintendents whose districts have implemented some form of the Guardian program. The DOE presentation can be viewed and downloaded here and the committee meeting can be watched here on the Florida Channel. Among other points, Kelly noted that districts have been focusing state facility dollars on fencing, single point of entry and video surveillance.
Meanwhile, House Education Committee members received a 35-minute orientation on K-12 governance that covered the roles of the state board of education, local school boards and superintendents including their statutory authority.
House Appropriations members were updated by Economic/Demographic/Research (EDR) Coordinator Amy Baker on last month's general revenue estimating conference. Baker today placed a little greater emphasis than she did with the Senate last month on the long economic growth run Florida has had since the "great recession" and noted that a growing number of economic "risk" indicators show a possible slowdown or recession starting in late 2019 or 2020. In the meantime, revenue projections are up by over $800M for this year and FY20 combined over last summer's estimates.
Governor DeSantis' Inaugural Address:
"Mr. Chief Justice, Senator and Mrs. Scott, members of the Cabinet and fellow citizens:
I take the helm of the ship of state as a Florida native, a veteran of our nation’s military, conscious of my own deficiencies, mindful of the great trust that has been placed in me and thankful for so many of you who have prayed for me.
Being charged with leading a state with so much promise, all I can promise is the sweat off my brow, a full heart, my best judgment and the courage of my convictions.
I will not be a rudderless vessel in this endeavor; my compass will be the principles reflected in the constitutional oath I have just taken, and for which Americans have given their lives: that our rights are endowed by God, not government; that we the people loan power to government under the Constitution in order to protect our rights; that government’s role is not to run our lives for us but to provide what Lincoln called an “open field and fair chance for one’s industry, enterprise and intelligence.”
These principles endure not because they are partisan --- they aren’t; they endure because they are right.
I will also be guided by the love and support of my wife Casey. She will be a terrific First Lady for Florida --- she’s my best friend, an accomplished professional, a wonderful mother for our two young kids, Madison and Mason, a pretty darn good campaigner and she really cares about the people of this state.
Casey and I have decided to dispense with the parade that typically takes place after these inaugurations; instead, we will return to the Governor’s mansion to have our little boy Mason baptized with water we brought back from the Sea of Galilee in Israel.
I am also fortunate to be succeeding our new U.S. Senator, Rick Scott, who stood here eight years ago at a time of great economic turmoil and pledged to put people back to work. Today, a million and half more Floridians have jobs and our economy is one of the best in the nation.
Senator, your laser-like focus on improving Florida’s economy has meant so much in the lives of so many in our state. You are leaving a strong foundation from which we here today can build. I wish you and Ann fair winds and following seas in our nation’s capital; I know you will be a champion for Florida in the U.S. Senate.
It now falls to me to build upon the foundation that has been laid, navigate the challenges --- economic, environmental, constitutional --- that lie ahead, and steer Florida to a stronger, cleaner and safer future.
Florida competes with other states to attract investment, jobs and opportunities for our citizens.
Too many states have sought to match runaway public expenditures with ever-increasing levels of taxation. This creates a vicious cycle that leads productive citizens to flee, repels investment and leaves their people overburdened, with less opportunity to prosper, and badly damages the fiscal health of these states.
Indeed, we in Florida have benefitted from these follies and have wisely chosen sound fiscal policies and maintained a favorable tax climate.
Let’s promote a virtuous cycle whereby low taxes, a reasonable regulatory climate, a sensible legal system and a healthy environment attract jobs, business and investment --- particularly in the areas of technology, manufacturing and finance.
An expanding economic base will yield more high-paying jobs for our citizens and is the best way to generate the revenue needed for public priorities like education, protecting our natural resources and infrastructure.
We know what works and what doesn’t --- let’s not veer off course.
Our economic potential will be jeopardized if we do not solve the problems afflicting our environment and water resources.
People want to come to Florida because of its natural beauty. Tourism is not only a pillar of our state’s economy, it helps spread the tax burden to non-Floridians, limiting taxes on our citizens. But this could be in jeopardy if we do not solve our pressing environmental problems. As the great philosopher Yogi Berra remarked: if people don’t want to come nobody is going to stop them.
For Florida, the quality of our water and environmental surroundings are foundational to our prosperity as a state --- it doesn’t just drive tourism; it affects property values, anchors many local economies and is central to our quality of life. The water is part and parcel of Florida’s DNA. Protecting it is the smart thing to do; it’s also the right thing to do.
I will lead the efforts to save our waterways. We will fight toxic blue-green algae, we will fight discharges from Lake Okeechobee, we will fight red tide, we will fight for our fishermen, we will fight for our beaches, we will fight to restore our Everglades and we will never ever quit, we won’t be cowed and we won’t let the foot draggers stand in our way.
We resolve to leave Florida to God better than we found it.
We also resolve to support education. Florida should place a greater emphasis on vocational and technical training, as there is honor in jobs that require vocational skills and those who work hard in these trades make great contributions to our society and should have our admiration.
Skills-based education should also include training in computer science and technology, as these skills will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future.
In a large and diverse state, our education system needs to empower parents to choose the best possible school for their children. One size does not fit all. No family should be denied the opportunity for their child to succeed due to insufficient income or to living in the wrong zip code. And this opportunity must extend to every Floridian regardless of race, color or creed.
We must rediscover the value of civics education. Our founding principles are what enables a nation conceived in liberty to long endure; their preservation is why so many Americans have laid down their lives in battles near and far. How can we ensure that government of the people shall not perish from the earth if we fail to provide all of our students with the foundational knowledge needed for properly discharging the duties of citizenship?
One key element of our civic tradition is the distinction between the three branches of government. As a recovering U.S. Congressman, I understand and respect the powers afforded to the Legislative Branch. Our legislators are independently elected and do not work for me; but I hope they will work with me to meet the needs of the people of Florida.
In 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 current system is riddled with perverse incentives, intrudes on the doctor-patient relationship and is mired in bureaucracy and red tape. The people of Florida deserve relief.
I also understand that the role of the judiciary, while important, must be limited. It is a self-evident truth that in our constitutional system, courts lack the authority to legislate, but for far too long Florida has seen judges expand their power beyond proper constitutional bounds and substitute legislative will for dispassionate legal judgment, damaging the constitutional separation of powers, reducing the power of the people and eroding individual liberty.
To my fellow Floridians, I say to you: judicial activism ends, right here and right now. I will only appoint judges who understand the proper role of the courts is to apply the law and Constitution as written, not to legislate from the bench. The Constitution, not the judiciary, is supreme.
One month before the election, a ferocious storm tore through parts of Northwest Florida. Hurricane Michael brought widespread destruction, but it did not destroy the resilience and resolve of the people of Northwest Florida. To the communities impacted, we will stand with you to rebuild your communities stronger than before.
To our veterans and the men and women in our armed forces, Florida values not only your service in uniform, but also the contributions you make to our state.
To our men and women in law enforcement, I will stand with you to protect our communities. You put your life on the line in defense of others; you deserve support, not condemnation.
To our local and federal law enforcement partners, the state of Florida will work with you to keep our people safe, particularly the safety of our schools. We must never turn a blind eye to those who represent a danger to our schools and community; we cannot sacrifice the safety of our people at the altar of social experimentation.
We will stand for the rule of law. We won’t allow sanctuary cities. And we will stop incentivizing illegal immigration, which is unfair to our legal immigrants, promotes lawlessness and reduces wages for our blue-collar workers.
We also cannot allow Florida’s reputation to be further tarnished by the repeated failure of a small number of counties to conduct elections in a transparent, lawful manner. A generation of botched elections is enough.
Alexander Hamilton wrote, “Energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government.” I agree.
So let there be no misunderstanding: as governor, I will lead with purpose and conviction on behalf of the people of Florida.
--- If the Legislature engages in wasteful spending, I will veto it.
--- If a local official is neglectful of required duties, I will remove the official.
--- If our environment is threatened, I will move to protect it.
Leadership requires decisive action. After all, “If the trumpet sounds an uncertain note, who shall prepare for battle?”
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked to be the first to sign the new Constitution. It was a tumultuous convention; it seemed like a miracle that it had succeeded.
Franklin pointed to the chair at the front of the chamber from which General George Washington had presided over the convention. The chair featured a sun that sat low on the horizon.
Franklin remarked, “I have often … in the course of the session … looked at the sun behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.”
If we meet the challenges that lie before us; if we overcome the tribalism that has dominated our politics; if we set the interests of hard-working taxpayers as our true north, then I have no doubt that the state of Florida will cruise to bright new horizons.
We will see that rising sun.
So Sail on, O’ Ship of State, For the future of Florida is strong and great.
God bless you, and may God bless the great state of Florida. Thank you."
Florida's 46th governor was sworn in just before noon today as Ron DeSantis took the oath of office administered by Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady. The full inauguration proceedings including Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, CFO Jimmy Patronis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez can be viewed here on the Florida Channel. Governor DeSantis' oath of office followed by his inaugural address begins about 58:25 into the vodcast.
In his comments, the Governor reiterated his campaign themes of expanding career/vocational education, providing parents with more choice options for school attendance and strengthening civics instruction in public schools. DeSantis also hit on other state issues including the environment and natural resource water protection, costs of medical insurance and prescription costs and appointment of supreme court judges. On this last matter, Gov. DeSantis is holding a press conference tomorrow morning in Miami to announce one or more individuals he is naming to replace three justices who retired this week because of the age (70) limit. The complete transcript of his comments can be read at the end of this email, courtesy of our partners from the Florida News Service.
Later today, DeSantis issued two executive orders concerning ethics in state government. These orders take effect immediately and are listed here:
Executive Order 1910 reaffirms the policy of non-discrimination in government employment established in Executive Order 99-281 and Executive Order 11-04. It is the policy of the DeSantis Administration to prohibit discrimination in employment based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or disability and to ensure equal opportunity for all individuals currently employed and/or seeking employment in the DeSantis Administration. Executive Order 1910 also reaffirms the policy of non-discrimination in government contracting established in Executive Order 99-281 and Executive Order 11-04. To see Executive Order 19-10, click HERE.
Executive Order 19-11 directs the immediate adoption and implementation of a revised Code of Ethics applicable to the Executive Office of the Governor, as well as all agency heads, deputy agency heads and chiefs of staff at executive branch agencies serving at the pleasure of the Governor. The Executive Order re-establishes the Governor's Office of Open Government previously established by Executive Orders 07-01 and Executive Order 11-03 and affirms the DeSantis' Administration commitment to Florida's Sunshine and Public Records Laws. Executive Order 19-11 also re-adopts Executive Order 17-319 Preventing Sexual Harassment in State Agencies. It directs all state agencies headed by an official serving at the pleasure of the Governor to review its policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment and misconduct. To see Executive Order 19-11, click HERE.
As a prelude to a hearing in two weeks on the 400+ page Majory Stoneman Douglas Commission on Public Safety final report, the Senate Education Committee this afternoon got a briefing from Dept of Education Safe Schools Exec Director Damien Kelly on the implementation status of SB7026 passed last session and from two school superintendents whose districts have implemented some form of the Guardian program. The DOE presentation can be viewed and downloaded here and the committee meeting can be watched here on the Florida Channel. Among other points, Kelly noted that districts have been focusing state facility dollars on fencing, single point of entry and video surveillance.
Meanwhile, House Education Committee members received a 35-minute orientation on K-12 governance that covered the roles of the state board of education, local school boards and superintendents including their statutory authority.
House Appropriations members were updated by Economic/Demographic/Research (EDR) Coordinator Amy Baker on last month's general revenue estimating conference. Baker today placed a little greater emphasis than she did with the Senate last month on the long economic growth run Florida has had since the "great recession" and noted that a growing number of economic "risk" indicators show a possible slowdown or recession starting in late 2019 or 2020. In the meantime, revenue projections are up by over $800M for this year and FY20 combined over last summer's estimates.
Governor DeSantis' Inaugural Address:
"Mr. Chief Justice, Senator and Mrs. Scott, members of the Cabinet and fellow citizens:
I take the helm of the ship of state as a Florida native, a veteran of our nation’s military, conscious of my own deficiencies, mindful of the great trust that has been placed in me and thankful for so many of you who have prayed for me.
Being charged with leading a state with so much promise, all I can promise is the sweat off my brow, a full heart, my best judgment and the courage of my convictions.
I will not be a rudderless vessel in this endeavor; my compass will be the principles reflected in the constitutional oath I have just taken, and for which Americans have given their lives: that our rights are endowed by God, not government; that we the people loan power to government under the Constitution in order to protect our rights; that government’s role is not to run our lives for us but to provide what Lincoln called an “open field and fair chance for one’s industry, enterprise and intelligence.”
These principles endure not because they are partisan --- they aren’t; they endure because they are right.
I will also be guided by the love and support of my wife Casey. She will be a terrific First Lady for Florida --- she’s my best friend, an accomplished professional, a wonderful mother for our two young kids, Madison and Mason, a pretty darn good campaigner and she really cares about the people of this state.
Casey and I have decided to dispense with the parade that typically takes place after these inaugurations; instead, we will return to the Governor’s mansion to have our little boy Mason baptized with water we brought back from the Sea of Galilee in Israel.
I am also fortunate to be succeeding our new U.S. Senator, Rick Scott, who stood here eight years ago at a time of great economic turmoil and pledged to put people back to work. Today, a million and half more Floridians have jobs and our economy is one of the best in the nation.
Senator, your laser-like focus on improving Florida’s economy has meant so much in the lives of so many in our state. You are leaving a strong foundation from which we here today can build. I wish you and Ann fair winds and following seas in our nation’s capital; I know you will be a champion for Florida in the U.S. Senate.
It now falls to me to build upon the foundation that has been laid, navigate the challenges --- economic, environmental, constitutional --- that lie ahead, and steer Florida to a stronger, cleaner and safer future.
Florida competes with other states to attract investment, jobs and opportunities for our citizens.
Too many states have sought to match runaway public expenditures with ever-increasing levels of taxation. This creates a vicious cycle that leads productive citizens to flee, repels investment and leaves their people overburdened, with less opportunity to prosper, and badly damages the fiscal health of these states.
Indeed, we in Florida have benefitted from these follies and have wisely chosen sound fiscal policies and maintained a favorable tax climate.
Let’s promote a virtuous cycle whereby low taxes, a reasonable regulatory climate, a sensible legal system and a healthy environment attract jobs, business and investment --- particularly in the areas of technology, manufacturing and finance.
An expanding economic base will yield more high-paying jobs for our citizens and is the best way to generate the revenue needed for public priorities like education, protecting our natural resources and infrastructure.
We know what works and what doesn’t --- let’s not veer off course.
Our economic potential will be jeopardized if we do not solve the problems afflicting our environment and water resources.
People want to come to Florida because of its natural beauty. Tourism is not only a pillar of our state’s economy, it helps spread the tax burden to non-Floridians, limiting taxes on our citizens. But this could be in jeopardy if we do not solve our pressing environmental problems. As the great philosopher Yogi Berra remarked: if people don’t want to come nobody is going to stop them.
For Florida, the quality of our water and environmental surroundings are foundational to our prosperity as a state --- it doesn’t just drive tourism; it affects property values, anchors many local economies and is central to our quality of life. The water is part and parcel of Florida’s DNA. Protecting it is the smart thing to do; it’s also the right thing to do.
I will lead the efforts to save our waterways. We will fight toxic blue-green algae, we will fight discharges from Lake Okeechobee, we will fight red tide, we will fight for our fishermen, we will fight for our beaches, we will fight to restore our Everglades and we will never ever quit, we won’t be cowed and we won’t let the foot draggers stand in our way.
We resolve to leave Florida to God better than we found it.
We also resolve to support education. Florida should place a greater emphasis on vocational and technical training, as there is honor in jobs that require vocational skills and those who work hard in these trades make great contributions to our society and should have our admiration.
Skills-based education should also include training in computer science and technology, as these skills will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future.
In a large and diverse state, our education system needs to empower parents to choose the best possible school for their children. One size does not fit all. No family should be denied the opportunity for their child to succeed due to insufficient income or to living in the wrong zip code. And this opportunity must extend to every Floridian regardless of race, color or creed.
We must rediscover the value of civics education. Our founding principles are what enables a nation conceived in liberty to long endure; their preservation is why so many Americans have laid down their lives in battles near and far. How can we ensure that government of the people shall not perish from the earth if we fail to provide all of our students with the foundational knowledge needed for properly discharging the duties of citizenship?
One key element of our civic tradition is the distinction between the three branches of government. As a recovering U.S. Congressman, I understand and respect the powers afforded to the Legislative Branch. Our legislators are independently elected and do not work for me; but I hope they will work with me to meet the needs of the people of Florida.
In 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 current system is riddled with perverse incentives, intrudes on the doctor-patient relationship and is mired in bureaucracy and red tape. The people of Florida deserve relief.
I also understand that the role of the judiciary, while important, must be limited. It is a self-evident truth that in our constitutional system, courts lack the authority to legislate, but for far too long Florida has seen judges expand their power beyond proper constitutional bounds and substitute legislative will for dispassionate legal judgment, damaging the constitutional separation of powers, reducing the power of the people and eroding individual liberty.
To my fellow Floridians, I say to you: judicial activism ends, right here and right now. I will only appoint judges who understand the proper role of the courts is to apply the law and Constitution as written, not to legislate from the bench. The Constitution, not the judiciary, is supreme.
One month before the election, a ferocious storm tore through parts of Northwest Florida. Hurricane Michael brought widespread destruction, but it did not destroy the resilience and resolve of the people of Northwest Florida. To the communities impacted, we will stand with you to rebuild your communities stronger than before.
To our veterans and the men and women in our armed forces, Florida values not only your service in uniform, but also the contributions you make to our state.
To our men and women in law enforcement, I will stand with you to protect our communities. You put your life on the line in defense of others; you deserve support, not condemnation.
To our local and federal law enforcement partners, the state of Florida will work with you to keep our people safe, particularly the safety of our schools. We must never turn a blind eye to those who represent a danger to our schools and community; we cannot sacrifice the safety of our people at the altar of social experimentation.
We will stand for the rule of law. We won’t allow sanctuary cities. And we will stop incentivizing illegal immigration, which is unfair to our legal immigrants, promotes lawlessness and reduces wages for our blue-collar workers.
We also cannot allow Florida’s reputation to be further tarnished by the repeated failure of a small number of counties to conduct elections in a transparent, lawful manner. A generation of botched elections is enough.
Alexander Hamilton wrote, “Energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government.” I agree.
So let there be no misunderstanding: as governor, I will lead with purpose and conviction on behalf of the people of Florida.
--- If the Legislature engages in wasteful spending, I will veto it.
--- If a local official is neglectful of required duties, I will remove the official.
--- If our environment is threatened, I will move to protect it.
Leadership requires decisive action. After all, “If the trumpet sounds an uncertain note, who shall prepare for battle?”
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked to be the first to sign the new Constitution. It was a tumultuous convention; it seemed like a miracle that it had succeeded.
Franklin pointed to the chair at the front of the chamber from which General George Washington had presided over the convention. The chair featured a sun that sat low on the horizon.
Franklin remarked, “I have often … in the course of the session … looked at the sun behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.”
If we meet the challenges that lie before us; if we overcome the tribalism that has dominated our politics; if we set the interests of hard-working taxpayers as our true north, then I have no doubt that the state of Florida will cruise to bright new horizons.
We will see that rising sun.
So Sail on, O’ Ship of State, For the future of Florida is strong and great.
God bless you, and may God bless the great state of Florida. Thank you."