Gov. Scott Celebrates Record Funding for Persons with Disabilities
Ceremonially Signs Florida ABLE ActBy Director Barbara Palmer
I was happy to join Governor Rick Scott when he ceremonially signed Senate Bill 642, the Florida Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, at events in Miami and West Palm Beach in July. Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Chief of Staff Karen Hagan joined Governor Scott at an event in Jacksonville.
The bill establishes a trust fund for certain people with disabilities to use for important services such as education, housing, and transportation. Governor Scott also celebrated the elimination of the APD critical needs waiting list for the second year in a row in his “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget. This year’s budget also includes $1 million for the Employment Enhancement Project (EEP) which better connects individuals with disabilities with possible employers and job opportunities. Governor Scott has provided a record investment of $1.2 billion for APD this year and $96 million over the past three years to help eliminate APD’s critical needs waitlist.
I am thrilled with Governor Scott’s “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING”budget for APD. It invests $1.2 billion to support people with disabilities so they may participate in their local communities. This is the third year in a row that a significant amount of funding has been allocated for the waiver waiting list. I thank Governor Scott and the Legislature for their strong backing of APD customers. Additionally, I am happy that Governor Scott signed the Florida ABLE Act for individuals with disabilities to save money in a tax-free savings account for future services without losing their eligibility for state and federal benefits. I think this will be a great help to families who want to save money for their family member with a disability.
During the event Governor Scott said, “The ABLE Act will help improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in our state by helping them work to get jobs. I’m very proud we have also eliminated the entire waiting list for Floridians with critical needs for a second year in a row.”
Read what other are saying:
Senate President Andy Gardiner said, “Our current system of reducing or cutting off benefits to those who exceed a relatively small income or asset threshold disincentivizes people with unique abilities from pursuing employment opportunities. Senate Bill 642, the Florida ABLE Act, corrects this issue and provides the opportunity for persons with unique abilities to use their talents in the workforce, earn a wage, and save for the future without the concern of losing important state and federal benefits.”
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli said, “Governor Rick Scott is leading the way for opportunities for Floridians with disabilities. Providing $1.2 billion dollars in this year's “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” allows APD to continue enriching the lives of thousands of Floridians and their families.”
Representative Ray Rodrigues said, “I thank Governor Scott for signing SB 642 providing more beneficial services for individuals with disabilities. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all Floridians in our state, and will continue working to support this important mission of APD and other service providers.”
Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto said, "SB 642 becoming law will continue to provide opportunities for Floridians with unique abilities and I am proud to be a part of the team that made that possible."
Senator Eleanor Sobel said, “Governor Scott’s signing of SB 642 is proof of his commitment to improving the quality of life for Florida families. Creating the Florida ABLE program will provide more opportunities and enhance the lives of individuals living with disabilities in our state.”
Senator Rene Garcia said, “I commend Governor Scott for his continued support of individuals with disabilities. His “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget has made a record investment of $1.2 billion for the Agency of Persons with Disabilities. This money enables all Floridians the opportunity to improve their quality of life by providing services such as workforce training.”
Representative Carlos Trujillo said, “I am pleased Governor Scott’s “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget includes over $40 million removing more than 2,000 individuals with critical needs from the waiting list. Workforce training provides every person the opportunity to achieve their highest potential and benefits the entire community.”
Representative Jose Oliva said, “For the past two years, funding to remove individuals on the wait list has been fully provided and has improved the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities. The waiver provides essential services to individuals with developmental disabilities so they are able to succeed. I commend Governor Scott for his ongoing commitment to APD and the people they assist.”
Representative Holly Raschein said, “With the record $1.2 billion funding for APD, Governor Scott’s “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget allows individuals with critical needs on the waiting list the access to life- changing services. Floridians with disabilities will benefit from these important investments allowing for personal growth and job training benefits in communities and Florida businesses.”
Representative Jeanette Nunez said, “Governor Scott’s focus on improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities is fantastic news for the Miami community. The $1 million in funding allows our disabled community the ability to receive workforce training. Hiring employees with disabilities provides unique experiences and understanding that transforms a workplace environment in a positive way.”
APD Southern Regional Operations Manager Evelyn Alvarez said, “A heartfelt thank you to Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for allowing us the opportunity for a third year to continue serving individuals on the waiting list with immediate needs and provide employment supports. The APD Southern Region Team is excited to be part of improving the quality of life of individuals with special needs!”
Marian Center School & Services Inc. Director of Adult Services Barbara Psinakis said, “We at the Marian Center School and Services would like to thank Governor Scott for assisting people with developmental disabilities to strive to achieve all they can be. The funds that have been given will greatly help families that are on the waiting list and give individuals the chance to attend programs and receive help in finding job placements to enhance their lives.”
Rose Marie Olsen-Barbara, Family Care Council Area 11 Chairperson said, “I want to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their support of people with developmental disabilities. The Keep Florida Working budget that was passed for 2015-2016 includes $40 million dollars that will allow more than 2,000 people to get off the Medicaid waiver waiting list and receive services through the iBudget Medicaid waiver. Additionally, funding of $1 million dollars has been allocated towards employment programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. On behalf of the Family Care Council of Area 11 serving Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, thank you for listening to the families and believing that people with disabilities may have a meaningful fulfilling life and may contribute to the workforce in our state.”
Senator Joe Negron said, “Governor Scott’s “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget includes over $40 million to remove more than 2,000 individuals with critical needs from the waiting list. It is refreshing to see the quality of life in families improving due to the care and services the waiver’s funding provides.”
Representative Tom Rooney said, “The creation of the Florida ABLE program will help disabled individuals in our West Palm community save money without losing eligibility for many important benefits. We applaud SB 642 and Governor Scott’s ongoing support of Floridians with disabilities.”
Senator Audrey Gibson said, “I was happy to support SB 642 and I am glad the Governor is signing legislation that creates the Florida ABLE program, enabling more economic independence and a better quality of life for the individuals living with disabilities in our community and across the state.”
Representative Lake Ray said, “I applaud Governor Scott for his record investment of $40 million to remove over 2,000 individuals with disabilities from the waiting list for the second year in a row. Governor Scott has made it a priority to bring APD out of budget deficit and provide funding to care for Floridians with disabilities.”
Senator Travis Hutson said, “Our community applauds Governor Scott’s record funding of $1.2 billion in his “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget. Every individual should have the opportunity to get a great job and education regardless of the challenges they may face, and we are glad he made this funding a priority.”
Representative Mia Jones said, “As an advocate for Floridians with disabilities, Governor Scott’s commitment to support the removal of individuals on the APD waiting list is great news. His ongoing efforts to offer waiver enrollment and job training to everyone with critical needs show his commitment to our West Palm and Jacksonville communities.”
Senator Aaron Bean said, “It was a great day in the Florida Senate when we passed this bill unanimously, and it’s a great day today when Gov. Scott signs it. There is nothing better than when we can work as a team to accomplish important goals for Floridians, and I look forward to seeing the life-changing ways this program will help Floridians with unique abilities in Jacksonville and across the state.”
Representative Debbie Mayfield said, “I commend Governor Scott’s commitment to improving the lives of Floridians with disabilities. Governor Scott’s mission to remove more than 2,000 individuals with critical needs from the waiting list shows ensures every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of the challenges they may face.”
Karen W. Oberg, Area 9 Family Care Council Chair said, “On behalf of the Family Care Council, Area 9 Palm Beach Co., and the families we represent who have members with developmental disabilities, we would like to thank Gov. Scott and the Florida Senators and Representatives who supported the $40 million allocated this year to reducing the numbers of disabled individuals desperately waiting for services. This will help approximately 2,000 families. The $1million dollars designated to Employment Enhancement Project will supply help to those who are able to be employed and are badly in need of training for jobs. The efforts of the Governor and our elected officials over the past few years have greatly heartened the hopes of families that Florida is taking a positive role in the support of our most needy citizens.”
Elaine Scola, APD customer’s sister, said, “I have received news advising that $40 million will be released to expand the iBudget Medicaid waiver to help take approximately 2,000 individuals off the APD waiting list. I would like to take this opportunity to express my humble gratitude to Governor Rick Scott for his assistance in getting this budget passed. It was such a blessing when I learned that Jerry had been selected to receive the iBudget Medicaid waiver last year. Jerry and I have benefitted greatly from the waiver.”
Leslie Richards, APD Northeast Regional Operations Manager said, “Families served by APD in Northeast Florida are very energized by the support of Governor Rick Scott and the Florida legislature as demonstrated in the 2015-2016 budget. Many more individuals in need will receive community services with this additional money. We appreciate the continued backing of the Governor and the Legislature to ensure that people receive the services they require.”
Jon May, Pine Castle, Inc., Chief Executive Officer said “We are very pleased with Governor Scott's support of funding for additional persons with developmental disabilities from Florida’s large waiting list. We hope for his future support for improved rates to maintain quality services provided to these vulnerable citizens.”
Mary A. Smith, Family Care Council Florida Vice Chair said, “We sincerely thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their continued funding support to address the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. With the 2015-2016 Budget, we mark the third year of additional funding that has been allocated for reduction of the waiting list. This is the second year of funding to enhance employment services. This year’s “Keep Florida Working” budget added funding to enhancing quality affordable housing for individuals and better pay for support coordinators. Thank you for your continued support in our quest of quality support and stabilization of home and community services under APD for individuals with disabilities to promote independent and participation in their communities.”
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