Governor Recommends Budget Supporting Vulnerable Floridians
By Director Barbara PalmerFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis is showing his commitment to helping vulnerable Floridians by recommending $1.5 billion for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) to serve individuals with developmental disabilities during state FY 2020-21.
I thank Governor DeSantis for demonstrating that individuals with disabilities are important citizens to our state. We are excited that Florida will continue to support individuals living in their local communities while providing the supports they need. Governor DeSantis wants people to be able to exercise their God-given right to get a job and have choices to accomplish their goals for the future. Helping individuals with unique abilities go to work and achieve their dreams is a priority for our state.
The following are Governor DeSantis’ recommendations.
Summary |
Recommendations |
Request nonrecurring waiver funding in the “Back of the Bill” to close out funding needs of existing waiver clients from FY 18-19. |
$107,258,728 |
Request nonrecurring waiver funding in the “Back of the Bill” to close out projected funding needs of existing waiver clients in FY 19-20. |
$132,476,505 |
Request funding to offer waiver enrollment to 1,200 individuals on the waiting list that are in crisis and need waiver services to continue to live in the community. |
$56,565,936 |
Request funding for the continued implementation of the statewide APD iConnect system for the management, reporting, and trending of data for all agency customers and to provide electronic visit verification (EVV). |
$1,528,166 |
Request funding to contract with consultants to develop a methodology using the NGQSI tool to determine an individual’s resource/budget need. |
$120,000 |
Request recurring funding to continue to contract for eight nursing positions at the Tacachale facility in Gainesville. |
$818,000 |
Request recurring funds to provide supported employment services to gain employment or paid internships for individuals with developmental disabilities on the agency's waiver waiting list. |
$1,000,000 |
Request funding to replace 12 wheelchair lift vans at the Sunland and Tacachale Centers. |
$624,000 |
Request funding to replace seven vehicles (four vans and three SUVs) to transport APD residents living at DDDP and Pathways to on- and off-property functions (medical, dental, court, etc.) in secure vehicles. |
$230,215 |
Request nonrecurring funds to replace 400 laptops and workstations. |
$494,300 |
Request nonrecurring funds to replace existing data network cabling with Category 6 ethernet cabling at area offices. |
$441,000 |
Proviso language in the 2019 GAA authorizes AHCA to transfer funds to the APD waiver category for individuals moving from ICFs and Nursing Homes to community settings during FY 18-19. |
$1,585,104 |
Request for necessary repairs and maintenance to ensure safety at APD-managed facilities. |
$2,989,050 |
Request for necessary repairs and maintenance for critical repairs and ensure ADA compliance at APD-managed facilities. |
$3,298,428 |
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