April 14, 2016
Governor Signs Veterans’ Protection Bill
Brevard County – Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) is pleased to announce that Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 821, Reimbursements of Assessments, to provide more protection for veterans in the State of Florida.
“Governor Scott approving this bill today symbolizes Florida’s continued dedication to our military service members and veterans,” said Senator Altman. “It was an honor to sponsor this legislation with my colleague Representative Patrick Rooney and I am appreciative of Governor Scott’s support. Florida actively works to recruit veterans to our state and this bill is one measure to ensure the Sunshine State is the best place for veterans to call home.”
House Bill 821 prohibits accredited representatives from collecting or attempting to collect fees from a veteran during the benefit assessment or benefit denial appeals process. Additionally, the law makes it a second degree misdemeanor for any accredited representative to request, receive or obtain reimbursement of the administrative fee from a veteran.
For information about House Bill 821, please visit www.flsenate.gov
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January 13, 2016
Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez and Sen. Thad Altman call for action on Florida's death penalty
Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) and Representative José Javier Rodríguez (D-Miami) are calling on the Legislature to pass SB 330 and HB 157 to reform Florida’s death sentencing scheme in light of the United States Supreme Court ruling 8 to 1 that Florida’s death penalty scheme is unconstitutional.
Justice Sotomayor, writing the opinion for the majority in Hurst v State, stated on page 4: “We granted certiorari to resolve whether Florida’s capital sentencing scheme violates the Sixth Amendment in light of Ring. . . . We hold that it does, and reverse.”
Rep. Rodriguez said, “It is disappointing that it has taken a Supreme Court ruling to spur the legislature to action after decades of ignoring prior Supreme Court opinions suggesting problems with our death sentencing scheme. Today as we convened for the first day of Session, we learned that the Legislature no longer has any choice but to fix the death sentencing scheme. However we feel about the death penalty it must reliable and constitutional.”
Sen. Altman said, “I have filed legislation to reform Florida’s death penalty laws for the past three sessions. Last year, this same capital felonies bill passed through the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice with a bipartisan, unanimous vote. I am calling on my colleagues to once again support this legislation, particularly in light of yesterday’s ruling that will require the legislature to make changes to our death-sentencing statutes. This is going to give us time to have meaningful debate on the most extreme sentence we can hand down, I believe the courts did the right thing, and I have faith that the legislature will too.”
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January 13, 2016
Senator Thad Altman & Representative Lori Berman
Propose legislation to create educational standards for deaf interpreters
Senator Thad Altman & Representative Lori Berman propose legislation to create educational standards for deaf interpretersSenator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) and Representative Lori Berman (D-Lantana) filed Senate Bill 916 and House Bill 705 as a bipartisan effort to demonstrate their commitment to serving K-12 students who are deaf and hard of hearing. This legislation will establish professional standards for all K-12 educational interpreters ensuring excellency and consistency in the public school system.
Currently, Florida is one of only five states that does not have state standards for interpreters in K-12 settings. The companion bills provide the definition for educational interpreters and the requirements for education and testing standards. Forty-five school districts in Florida employ sign language interpreters, and it is anticipated those districts will begin to immediately implement the program in order to assure compliance in five years, as mandated by the legislation.
“I am very pleased to file this good bill along with the many advocacy groups in favor of it,” said Representative Berman. “It is important that we ensure school districts across the state are hiring only qualified interpreters to assist students that are hard of hearing or deaf. Education is a vital key to lifetime success and a properly qualified interpreter can facilitate and improve educational opportunities for the students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“Without these standards we continue to leave our deaf and hard of hearing children behind,” said Senator Altman. “We fail to provide our students with equal opportunities when we consistently exclude a community from having access to an education deserving of all children. I believe the passage of this bill will increase the chance for our students to excel academically and provide them with the opportunity for success in the workforce after they leave our public schools.”
If passed the bill provides for an effective date of July 1, 2016.
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October 28, 2015
Senator Altman Congratulates Northrop Grumman on Long-Range Strike Bomber Contract
Tallahassee --State Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) is elated to hear that Brevard-based Northrop Grumman was awarded the Air Force Long-Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) contract during yesterday’s public announcement. This defense contract continues to solidify Northrop Grumman’s presence on the Space Coast and in Florida.
“I believe Northrop Grumman is the ideal candidate for this auspicious Air Force contract,” said Senator Altman from his Capitol office. “We were hopeful that they would be granted this award, and are looking forward to the positive benefits associated with winning a major defense contract.”
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October 22, 2015
State Rep. Alan Williams and State Sen. Thad Altman introduce legislation to establish the Florida Commission on Poverty
Tallahasse --State Representative Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) and State Senator Thad Altman (R- Rockledge) held a joint press conference today to announce the filing of companion bills HB 371 and SB 556, proposed legislation that establishes the Florida Commission of Poverty within the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).
The Commission will establish a unified statewide effort to eradicate poverty through the creation of an advisory board of five appointed voting members, as well as additionally appointed non-voting members, tasked with counseling the Governor and Cabinet, Legislature and state agencies on the state of poverty in Florida.
“Florida is the third largest state and America is the wealthiest nation in the world, but there is an increasing gap between the haves and have-nots in our state. Our state poverty rate of 16.5 percent is higher than the national poverty rate of 14.5 percent. Fifty years after the passage of President Lyndon Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act far too many people are still condemned to living in poverty in Florida,” stated Rep. Williams.
“Those who live in poverty are some of Florida’s hardest working citizens, but due to circumstances beyond their control they can’t attain a livable wage. A thriving middle class is essential to the success of Florida’s economy, and when we discuss economic opportunity in the state, we need to take into consideration how we can help lift up our poorest communities, and put those who are living below the poverty line right at the front of the conversation.”
The proposed Florida Commission on Poverty would provide a comprehensive plan of strategic goals to assist the legislature and state agencies prioritize policies and funding for critical programs to help our most vulnerable Floridians. This legislation seeks to create opportunities for economically disadvantaged Floridians achieve financial sustainability and rise into the middle class. If passed, the bill will take effect July 1, 2016.
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SENATOR THAD ALTMAN REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROTECTING, PRESERVING AND RESTORING THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
Tuesday, June 9, 2015 – (Tallahassee, FL) Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge), who represents Brevard and Indian River counties, said today despite special interest attacks to the contrary, the revitalization of the Indian River Lagoon remains his top legislative priority, in addition to the restoration of the Florida Everglades, as week two of special session continues in the Capitol.
The Senate’s proposed budget allocates $37 million for Florida Forever, the state’s land acquisition program, which was contested by Altman who filed an amendment during the 2015 session to fully fund the program.
The state senator to the Space and Treasure Coasts has long been a champion of the Indian River Lagoon. During the 2014 legislative session he secured $10 million for the dredging of the northern lagoon, alongside an additional $10 million for dredging the Eau Gallie River to aid in the restoration of this unique natural resource. He is currently fighting to secure an additional $20 million for these projects.
Senator Altman continues to advocate to secure funds for the Indian River Lagoon saying, “the removal of latent muck in the system is critical to the lagoon’s health.” Nutrients and pollutants in muck generate algae blooms that damage sea grasses and other marine life, which are essential to the health of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem.
As a member of the Senate Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations, which has been tasked with the initial implementation of Amendment 1, Altman is also committed to being a voice for Florida voters who approved the constitutional amendment to dedicate money to environmental conservation with an overwhelming 75 percent of the vote.
The amendment states money from the voter initiative must fund the “Land Acquisition Trust Fund” and can only be used for “the acquisition and improvement of land, water areas and related property interests.”
###
Governor Signs Veterans’ Protection Bill
Brevard County – Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) is pleased to announce that Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 821, Reimbursements of Assessments, to provide more protection for veterans in the State of Florida.
“Governor Scott approving this bill today symbolizes Florida’s continued dedication to our military service members and veterans,” said Senator Altman. “It was an honor to sponsor this legislation with my colleague Representative Patrick Rooney and I am appreciative of Governor Scott’s support. Florida actively works to recruit veterans to our state and this bill is one measure to ensure the Sunshine State is the best place for veterans to call home.”
House Bill 821 prohibits accredited representatives from collecting or attempting to collect fees from a veteran during the benefit assessment or benefit denial appeals process. Additionally, the law makes it a second degree misdemeanor for any accredited representative to request, receive or obtain reimbursement of the administrative fee from a veteran.
For information about House Bill 821, please visit www.flsenate.gov
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January 13, 2016
Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez and Sen. Thad Altman call for action on Florida's death penalty
Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) and Representative José Javier Rodríguez (D-Miami) are calling on the Legislature to pass SB 330 and HB 157 to reform Florida’s death sentencing scheme in light of the United States Supreme Court ruling 8 to 1 that Florida’s death penalty scheme is unconstitutional.
Justice Sotomayor, writing the opinion for the majority in Hurst v State, stated on page 4: “We granted certiorari to resolve whether Florida’s capital sentencing scheme violates the Sixth Amendment in light of Ring. . . . We hold that it does, and reverse.”
Rep. Rodriguez said, “It is disappointing that it has taken a Supreme Court ruling to spur the legislature to action after decades of ignoring prior Supreme Court opinions suggesting problems with our death sentencing scheme. Today as we convened for the first day of Session, we learned that the Legislature no longer has any choice but to fix the death sentencing scheme. However we feel about the death penalty it must reliable and constitutional.”
Sen. Altman said, “I have filed legislation to reform Florida’s death penalty laws for the past three sessions. Last year, this same capital felonies bill passed through the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice with a bipartisan, unanimous vote. I am calling on my colleagues to once again support this legislation, particularly in light of yesterday’s ruling that will require the legislature to make changes to our death-sentencing statutes. This is going to give us time to have meaningful debate on the most extreme sentence we can hand down, I believe the courts did the right thing, and I have faith that the legislature will too.”
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January 13, 2016
Senator Thad Altman & Representative Lori Berman
Propose legislation to create educational standards for deaf interpreters
Senator Thad Altman & Representative Lori Berman propose legislation to create educational standards for deaf interpretersSenator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) and Representative Lori Berman (D-Lantana) filed Senate Bill 916 and House Bill 705 as a bipartisan effort to demonstrate their commitment to serving K-12 students who are deaf and hard of hearing. This legislation will establish professional standards for all K-12 educational interpreters ensuring excellency and consistency in the public school system.
Currently, Florida is one of only five states that does not have state standards for interpreters in K-12 settings. The companion bills provide the definition for educational interpreters and the requirements for education and testing standards. Forty-five school districts in Florida employ sign language interpreters, and it is anticipated those districts will begin to immediately implement the program in order to assure compliance in five years, as mandated by the legislation.
“I am very pleased to file this good bill along with the many advocacy groups in favor of it,” said Representative Berman. “It is important that we ensure school districts across the state are hiring only qualified interpreters to assist students that are hard of hearing or deaf. Education is a vital key to lifetime success and a properly qualified interpreter can facilitate and improve educational opportunities for the students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“Without these standards we continue to leave our deaf and hard of hearing children behind,” said Senator Altman. “We fail to provide our students with equal opportunities when we consistently exclude a community from having access to an education deserving of all children. I believe the passage of this bill will increase the chance for our students to excel academically and provide them with the opportunity for success in the workforce after they leave our public schools.”
If passed the bill provides for an effective date of July 1, 2016.
###
October 28, 2015
Senator Altman Congratulates Northrop Grumman on Long-Range Strike Bomber Contract
Tallahassee --State Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) is elated to hear that Brevard-based Northrop Grumman was awarded the Air Force Long-Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) contract during yesterday’s public announcement. This defense contract continues to solidify Northrop Grumman’s presence on the Space Coast and in Florida.
“I believe Northrop Grumman is the ideal candidate for this auspicious Air Force contract,” said Senator Altman from his Capitol office. “We were hopeful that they would be granted this award, and are looking forward to the positive benefits associated with winning a major defense contract.”
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October 22, 2015
State Rep. Alan Williams and State Sen. Thad Altman introduce legislation to establish the Florida Commission on Poverty
Tallahasse --State Representative Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) and State Senator Thad Altman (R- Rockledge) held a joint press conference today to announce the filing of companion bills HB 371 and SB 556, proposed legislation that establishes the Florida Commission of Poverty within the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).
The Commission will establish a unified statewide effort to eradicate poverty through the creation of an advisory board of five appointed voting members, as well as additionally appointed non-voting members, tasked with counseling the Governor and Cabinet, Legislature and state agencies on the state of poverty in Florida.
“Florida is the third largest state and America is the wealthiest nation in the world, but there is an increasing gap between the haves and have-nots in our state. Our state poverty rate of 16.5 percent is higher than the national poverty rate of 14.5 percent. Fifty years after the passage of President Lyndon Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act far too many people are still condemned to living in poverty in Florida,” stated Rep. Williams.
“Those who live in poverty are some of Florida’s hardest working citizens, but due to circumstances beyond their control they can’t attain a livable wage. A thriving middle class is essential to the success of Florida’s economy, and when we discuss economic opportunity in the state, we need to take into consideration how we can help lift up our poorest communities, and put those who are living below the poverty line right at the front of the conversation.”
The proposed Florida Commission on Poverty would provide a comprehensive plan of strategic goals to assist the legislature and state agencies prioritize policies and funding for critical programs to help our most vulnerable Floridians. This legislation seeks to create opportunities for economically disadvantaged Floridians achieve financial sustainability and rise into the middle class. If passed, the bill will take effect July 1, 2016.
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SENATOR THAD ALTMAN REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROTECTING, PRESERVING AND RESTORING THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
Tuesday, June 9, 2015 – (Tallahassee, FL) Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge), who represents Brevard and Indian River counties, said today despite special interest attacks to the contrary, the revitalization of the Indian River Lagoon remains his top legislative priority, in addition to the restoration of the Florida Everglades, as week two of special session continues in the Capitol.
The Senate’s proposed budget allocates $37 million for Florida Forever, the state’s land acquisition program, which was contested by Altman who filed an amendment during the 2015 session to fully fund the program.
The state senator to the Space and Treasure Coasts has long been a champion of the Indian River Lagoon. During the 2014 legislative session he secured $10 million for the dredging of the northern lagoon, alongside an additional $10 million for dredging the Eau Gallie River to aid in the restoration of this unique natural resource. He is currently fighting to secure an additional $20 million for these projects.
Senator Altman continues to advocate to secure funds for the Indian River Lagoon saying, “the removal of latent muck in the system is critical to the lagoon’s health.” Nutrients and pollutants in muck generate algae blooms that damage sea grasses and other marine life, which are essential to the health of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem.
As a member of the Senate Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations, which has been tasked with the initial implementation of Amendment 1, Altman is also committed to being a voice for Florida voters who approved the constitutional amendment to dedicate money to environmental conservation with an overwhelming 75 percent of the vote.
The amendment states money from the voter initiative must fund the “Land Acquisition Trust Fund” and can only be used for “the acquisition and improvement of land, water areas and related property interests.”
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media coverage
State Senator Thad Altman, Guest columnist - Revitalizing Our Estuary
FLORIDA TODAY 3:14 p.m. EDT July 28, 2014
We have a treasured part of Florida history right in our own backyard. It encompasses not only a variety of natural resources, species and plant life, but also plays host to millions of visitors each year who enjoy its unique beauty.
The Indian River Lagoon is a natural resource we must work to revitalize for current and future generations. I share in that commitment in fighting to bring back a more pristine environment.
As your state senator, I am proud to have led the efforts in securing $10 million for dredging the Indian River Lagoon and an additional $10 million for dredging efforts in the Eau Gallie River. This, along with another $2 million to develop recommendations to improve the environmental and economic health of the estuary, allows our region to move in the right direction.
Much more needs to be done. It will take a concentrated, committed and combined long-term effort to bring the lagoon back. Here is what we can accomplish together.
The four R’s of lagoon restoration — remove, reduce, restore and research.
• Remove the muck that serves as a continued source of pollution. Fifty years’ worth of decomposing organic matter and fine metals are sitting on the bottom of the lagoon. In some areas, it is 12 feet deep. Muck removal involves a cooperative effort to identify and prioritize removal based on the best environmental impact. Historically, muck removal has been targeted to improve navigation. We need a long-term plan to remove millions of cubic yards of muck to improve the lagoon’s water quality.
• Reduce the sources of nutrients and toxic pollutants entering the lagoon. We need to identify where different sources of pollution are coming from and work to address them based on the potential good it will do for the lagoon. We need to understand where problem septic tanks are so we can target those areas with programs to address them. We also need to reduce the volume of stormwater entering the lagoon by redirecting it to areas where the water can be stored and treated before discharging.
• Restore shorelines, wetland buffers and sediment feeders in the lagoon that help clean the water. Replanting mangroves and grasses along the shore traps sediments and stabilizes the shoreline while providing habitat for natural filter feeders such as shellfish, crabs and fish. We have lost more than 99 percent of the clams and oysters that were in the lagoon a mere 35 years ago. Those lost resources must be restored, as they are effective at filtering sediments and nutrients that help reduce nutrients and increase water clarity.
• Research that has been completed needs to be put into action and future research needs to focus on the information needed to prioritize, address and evaluate revitalization strategies. We can no longer afford to do science for the sake of science. We need to fund research that leads to action, and we are fortunate to have many research institutions working in the lagoon to assist us with restoration.
Bringing back the Indian River Lagoon to how we want it as a community — alive, productive and healthy — will take a multifaceted approach that includes everyone. As your elected senator, I will continue to bring common-sense, environmental solutions to get it done.
About the writer
Thad Altman is a Republican state senator representing Brevard and Indian River Counties. He is chairman of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee and a member of the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.
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State Sen. Thad Altman R-Rockledge
March 1, 2014
Written by: Jim Waymer
FLORIDA TODAY
Sen. Thad Altman says his priorities include funding muck dredging for the Indian River Lagoon, helping veterans gain vocational training and maintaining funding for space program infrastructure.
"Obviously, the lagoon is a huge priority," said Altman, R-Rockledge.
So he'll push for $20 million in annual funding over five years for muck dredging in the lagoon and its tributaries, such as theEau Gallie River. The dredging would help remove excess nutrients that fuel algae blooms.
Altman says he'll also push for continued dredging of the lagoon's Intracoastal Waterway.
He has introduced a bill to change state law to allow local-option infrastructure sales taxes to be used for muck removal. Brevard County officials have discussed putting such a sales tax on the ballot.
Altman, who heads the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, said maintaining the Space Florida budget is another top priority.
But he points to a bill that would increase vocational training opportunities for veterans as one of his highest priorities this legislative session. "Florida's GI bill" would "set Florida apart," Altman said, and encourage more veterans to move to the state.
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Senate redistricting plan looks good for Brevard
11:56 AM, Dec. 3, 2011 | Florida Today Newspaper Opinion
The Florida Senate Redistricting Committee’s proposed boundaries for congressional seats have drawn fire from some Democrats, who say they give Republicans an unfair advantage in some parts of the state.
Although the proposal released last week is hardly perfect, the congressional boundaries for Brevard County seem sound. They’re more compact, putting all of Brevard and Indian River counties into a single congressional district, held today by Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge.
That’s how it worked before the Legislature picked off northern Brevard and Kennedy Space Center for a new district 10 years ago. That district was drawn to elect Republican former House Speaker Tom Feeney of Oviedo.
A possible downside politically is that Brevard would have one representative in Congress, not two.
But the more important question was whether the boundaries would comply with Constitutional Amendments 5 and 6, approved by Florida voters in 2010. The Fair Districts amendments were meant to stop gerrymandering and to prohibit lawmakers from drawing boundaries to give an incumbent or political party an advantage. Districts must be geographically compact, follow city and county lines as much as possible and maintain minority voting blocs.
Brevard Community College professor Chris Muro said he thinks the new congressional and state Senate boundaries for Brevard make more sense.
“I do not believe this will weaken Brevard County in any way,” the political scientist said.
Required after each U.S. Census, the new district boundaries take effect with the November 2012 election.
The Senate plan redraws District 15 to include Brevard and Indian River counties, as well as eastern Orange County, making it far more compact.
Today, Posey’s district includes the southern two-thirds of Brevard, Indian River County, most of Osceola County and a small sliver of Polk County. It includes Canaveral Air Force Station.
The northern part of Brevard, including Kennedy Space Center, is represented by Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Orlando. Her 24th district also includes parts of Orange, Volusia and Seminole counties. Under the redistricting plan, Adams’ district would move inland and include portions of the Orlando area.
State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, said he supports having two members of Congress represent Brevard, and hopes Adams will continue to be an advocate for Kennedy Space Center and issues crucial to Brevard.
Under the plan, Adams would split Seminole County with U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, whose nine-county District 3 continues to meander more than 200 miles from Orlando to Jacksonville. It would remain heavily black and mostly Democratic.
And it clearly constitutes gerrymandering. It splits counties such as Orange and Polk into four and five different congressional districts.
Muro said the Senate’s congressional redistricting map looks “very reasonable” — except for that.
“I am surprised that Rep. Corrine Brown's congressional district still retains its odd, snakelike shape,” he said.
The state Senate Redistricting Committee also drew new boundaries for its own 40 districts.
Under the plan, Brevard would still be represented by two senators, but the boundaries would change drastically.
District 24, now represented by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, would no longer include Brevard and bear no resemblance to the current boundaries. Altman would be shifted to District 26, now represented by Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, who will leave office next year because of term limits.
A new District 24, meanwhile, would snake from south Orange County, through Osceola and Polk counties, becoming a Hispanic, Democrat-leaning seat.
While the District 24 lines may face debate, the boundaries for District 26 appear compact. The new District 22 would include North Brevard and parts of Seminole, Orange and Volusia counties.
The Senate’s redistricting proposals are just the beginning of a process that will be debated during the two-month session of the Legislature that begins Jan. 10. The House Redistricting Committee is scheduled to release its plan this week, and the two chambers must agree on a compromise.
Ultimately, the Legislature’s proposed districts will be subjected to a court review.
“Whether or not the districts are fair will be determined by the court … if they decide to get involved in this question,” Muro said. “The Fair District amendments and so-called independent commissions established to make the process more fair have only empowered the courts to control the process rather than our elected Legislature. I do not view this as a positive development.”
We hope fairness wins out over politics, and will continue to watch whether the new boundaries respect the will of Florida’s voters.
LINK HERE:http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111204/OPINION/312040014/Senate-redistricting-plan-looks-good-Brevard?odyssey=nav%7Chead
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Perman, Altman to Form Bipartisan Everglades Caucus
JIM TURNER'S BLOG | Posted: November 28, 2011 10:25 AM
A bipartisan effort to promote the Florida Everglades restoration will be announced this afternoon in Boynton Beach.
State Rep. Steven Perman, D-Boca Raton, and State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, will host a media conference to introduce the new Everglades Caucus in the Florida Legislature.
Others at the 1 p.m. announcement will be representatives from the Everglades Coalition, Everglades Foundation, Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, and Friends of the Marshall Refuge.
The caucus is expected to focus on Rick Scott’s plan for the Everglades that calls for building reservoirs, unblocking flow ways, controlling seepage and expanding man-made wetlands by 2022.
Read more here.
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If passed, ‘Religious Freedom’ amendment would help state outsource services to faith groups
By Ashley Lopez | 05.10.11 | 11:43 am
Last week the Florida Senate passed the “Religious Freedom Act” — a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would repeal language that bans using public money to fund religious organizations. Coupled with the state legislature’s efforts to privatize several state services, repeal of such a ban could lead to an increase of religious institutions providing public services — without having to follow many of the rules federal programs must adhere to. # The amendment would remove Article 1 Section 3 of Florida’s Constitution, the Blaine Amendment — a historically bigoted law dating back to the 1800s. It was originally aimed at keeping public money away from Catholics. However, despite the law’s prejudiced roots, similar amendments remain in the constitutions of about 40 other states because they have maintained a firewall between church and state. Supporters of repealing the language say that Florida’s firewall goes farther than the U.S. Constitution in restricting access to funding.
The Florida legislature sought to overturn the amendment because they claim it is an attack on “religious freedom.”
Click here for full story...
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FLORIDA LEGISLATURE DELIVERS $43+ MILLION FOR SPACE INDUSTRY
Written by Tina Lange | 09 May 2011
Tallahassee, FL (May 9, 2011) –
Aerospace-related economic development played a significant role in the 2011 Florida Legislative Session, with more than $43 million being committed for growth of the industry. Governor Rick Scott laid out an aggressive plan, not only for Florida’s overall economy, but for Florida’s space industry in particular, and that plan was formalized by the Legislature.
“We are extremely grateful for the leadership exemplified by Florida’s Governor and legislators during this year’s session,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “It is clear that space-related economic development is a real priority. This is the next step in arming Space Florida with tools to help ensure that we can achieve an aggressive mission of tripling the size of Florida’s aerospace industry by 2020.”
The Florida Legislature, led by Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne) and Speaker of the House Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park), appropriated approximately $10 million to Space Florida. This was done for the purposes of recruiting new business, expanding existing business, and creating jobs during this critical time.
Space Florida worked with the Legislature and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to secure $16 million in infrastructure funding for launch support facilities. This $16 million comes from the State Transportation Trust Fund and is to be used to improve launch complex and additional spaceport infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral.
The Space Business Incentives Act (HB873), sponsored by Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) and Representative Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island), was also passed by the Legislature, as part of HB143, during the 2011 session. This bill includes $10 million in space business tax credits both to enable the state to attract new and expand exiting space-related businesses. Specifically, the bill includes corporate income tax credits and transferrable net operating loss tax credits.
Also passed during the 2011 session were Research and Development tax credits. SB942, sponsored by Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Ft. Lauderdale) and Representative Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne), included $7.1 million in tax credits for research and development work done in Florida. These tax credits are critical as Space Florida works to diversify the state’s space industry and become known as the R&D ground node for the International Space Station.
Additionally, Senator David Simmons (R-Orlando) and Representative Tom Goodson (R-Titusville) sponsored SB652, “Spaceflight Informed Consent,” which was passed by the Legislature in support of Florida’s space industry and exempts launch companies from the liability associated with the inherent risk of spaceflight. The bill includes provisions for the manufacture and supply of components, services, or vehicles that have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The bill also removes the 2018 Sunset provision, which was included in when the original law was passed in 2008.
# # #
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.
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Bill that gets tougher on house parties heads to governor's desk
Brevard tragedies lead to legislation
1:10 PM, May. 4, 2011 |
Written by
JEFF SCHWEERS
FLORIDA TODAY
A bill created in response to the deaths of at least five Brevard County teens after they had been at drinking parties is on its way to the governor's desk.
Five years in the making, the bill sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, and Rep. Tom Goodson, R-Rockledge, toughens the penalties for hosting house parties where alcohol is served to minors and for the first time punishes people who host those parties if a minor is seriously injured or killed.
"People should be aware of consequences of having these open parties," Goodson said. "I hope people take notice and be responsible for their actions."
The Florida Senate voted 38-1 Tuesday in favor of the House version of the bill after the House voted unanimously for its passage Friday. It now goes to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature.
The bill increases the penalty for a second or subsequent offense violating the open house party statute from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalty on a first-degree misdemeanor conviction is up to one year and $1,000, compared with 60 days and $500 for a second-degree misdemeanor conviction.
It also creates a first-degree misdemeanor charge if a minor is seriously injured or killed as a result of drinking or taking drugs at an open house party.
"A lot of minors are getting alcohol at these house parties with adults present," Altman said.
The bill is the culmination of efforts by state lawmakers, local officials and members of the community following the deaths of Titusville high school students Morgan Gordon, 16 and Chelsea Beck, 17, in a one-car accident after they left an open house party in Port St. John in 2006.
"When we started in 2006, everybody was still reeling from the situation," said Tyler Winik, a former classmate of the two girls.
The bill has gone through several revisions since first introduced in 2007, by then-Sen. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, now a U.S. representative.
Winik said he hoped the bill would be a deterrent to people thinking of hosting open house parties in the future.
He hoped passage of the bill would be "one important thing that has come from their deaths."
Contact Schweers at 321-242-3668 or [email protected].
Link to story here: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110504/NEWS01/105040326/Bill-gets-tougher-house-parties-heads-governor-s-desk
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High speed rail ridership study shows line would have had operating surplus
An updated ridership study released Wednesday shows that the high speed rail line connecting Tampa to Orlando would have had a $10.2 million operating surplus in 2015, its first year of operation, and a $28.6 million surplus in its 10th year. A 2009 study showed the line would not have seen a surplus until 2021.
The study shows the line would have had 3.3 million riders in its first year. The previous analysis predicted the line would have had 2.4 million riders in 2015.
Gov. Rick Scott cited concerns about operating losses when he decided to kill construction of the project by rejecting $2.4 billion in federal money to build the line. He said he made the decision last month based on a verbal review of the ridership study, as well as documents provided by the libertarian Reason Foundation and the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Scott said he feared the 84-mile line would be a burden to Florida taxpayers, even though private vendors had indicated they would be willing to cover any operating losses or construction cost overruns, and federal officials said Florida would not have to repay the $2.4 billion if the project failed.
Thad Altman, a Republican Senator from Melbourne who unsuccessfully fought Scott's decision in the Supreme Court, said he doubts an earlier release of the ridership study would have made a difference to the Governor.
"His conclusion was political, not based on economics, good business or even protecting the taxpayers," Altman said. "As time passes and more information comes out, you can see the injustice that was done to the state of Florida."
U.S. Department of Transportation secretary Ray LaHood is expected to announce by the end of the week which states will receive Florida's money. According to an attorney for the governor, Florida had already spent about $110 million on the project when Scott announced that he did not want to go forward with it.
Posted by janet zink on March 9, 2011 | Permalink
Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2011/03/high-speed-rail-ridership-study-shows-line-would-have-had-operating-surplus.html#ixzz1G80oDftD
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Gov. Rick Scott rejects high-speed rail deal
BY ALEX LEARY, BILL VARIAN AND JANET ZINK
Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau
TALLAHASSEE An intense last-ditch effort to save high-speed rail in Florida collapsed Thursday with Gov. Rick Scott rejecting the plan, and then angry lawmakers accused him of overstepping authority and threatened legal action. “I remain convinced that the construction cost overruns, the operating cost risk, the risk that we would give the money back if it’s ever shut down, is too much for the taxpayers of the state,” Scott told the Times/Herald.
The proposal to divert responsibility to a group of cities, including Tampa and Orlando, was presented to Scott’s office Wednesday. He saw nothing to change his mind — a stance critics attacked as politically motivated and profoundly stubborn.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson deemed it “one heck of a mistake.” U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, said she was “devastated” by the loss of potential jobs.
In Tallahassee, Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, said he hoped U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood would grant Florida more time before reallocating the $2.4 billion to other states so lawmakers can explore challenging the governor on constitutional grounds. The deadline had been today and LaHood’s office showed no sign of backing away from that.
“I believe that he exceeded his executive authority and in a very strong sense we have a Constitutional crisis on our hands,” Altman said. Senate Republican leader Andy Gardiner acknowledged there are concerns about the “parameters” of the governor’s use of his executive power. He did not reject the possibility that a fellow caucus member would have a legitimate basis for suing the Republican governor. Altman noted that the Legislature voted to accept the federal money and build high-speed rail in a special session.
“We have a law on the books,” he said, and quoted the portion of the Florida Constitution that reads: “The Governor shall take care that the laws of Florida are faithfully executed.”
“The governor has completely ignored that,” Altman said.
Even before Thursday, there was virtually no chance Scott would budge from last week, when he rejected the federal stimulus funding for the 84-mile Orlando-Tampa line.
Scott, who relied on studies from conservative organizations including the Reason Foundation, said taxpayers could be on the hook for billions and doubted ridership would be high enough.
Still, bullet train backers began working feverishly to craft an alternative, to get around Scott’s insistence that the state not be financially liable in any regard. They continued to hold onto a shred of hope that Scott would come around, saying it would create thousands of jobs.
The plan, calling for local governments to take over the project, was submitted to Scott on Wednesday after meetings between the governor’s office, federal transportation officials and representatives from local governments including Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland and Miami.
This new partnership would be considered a “non-recourse entity,” which is the key piece of the proposal. It means that if the project goes bust, in no way would the state or local governments be held liable for construction or operating cost overruns. The new entity would oversee the design, building and operation of the rail system, which would effectively be privatized, with the private company bearing all risks for construction and operating cost overruns.
The state would effectively be rendered into little more than a pass-through agency for the federal grants, accepting the money and turning it over to the “non-recourse entity.” The state would still provide the land on which rail lines are placed and provide some consulting to ensure a smooth transition.
The U.S. DOT would be in charge of determining that the winning company has the financial wherewithal to assume the risks. The company would be required to provide a guaranty on both the construction and operating side and surety bonds or some other form of insurance against cost overruns. It would be required to submit a fixed bid for construction costs, meaning if it misses its target it’s on the hook to make up the difference. The company would be responsible for operating costs for a period covering 30 years.
All “costs, fees and expenses and general liability of cost overruns and operating shortfalls shall be passed on to and guaranteed by the winning bidder selected from a concourse of bidders from the private sector,” the proposal stated.
In the end, it failed to garner Scott’s support.
Asked Thursday if he had contacted federal transportation officials, Scott said no and reiterated his opposition.
“I’ve said that all along, so there’s nothing new,” Scott said. The governor also seemed unmoved by talk of a lawsuit, again stating his reasons for rejecting the project.
He added a feature to his Facebook page allowing supporters to add a badge to their own profile saying, “I stand with Governor Scott against high-speed rail.” In a few hours, more than 500 people had clicked on button indicating they “like this.” “Thanks for having the guts to stand up for us!!” wrote one woman.
Information was also stripped off a state high-speed rail website.
Officials behind the effort to save the deal were outraged.
“A wise man’s quote favored by President Kennedy was that ’an error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it,’ ” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.
“Well, today, Rick Scott made one heck-of-a mistake. Forget the fact that we answered all the governor’s concerns, there still were 24,000 other good reasons why this project should have been approved.”
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said: “His reasoning does not take into account the work that has been done in the past week, which lays out a clear path for private investment and risk responsibility. The facts are clear: we have addressed his concerns on risk — the risk will fall to the private sector.”
Iorio and others, including prominent Republicans like former Gov. Jeb Bush, have questioned why Scott did not let the project go out to bid, to at least see what private companies could offer in assurances of assuming financial liability.
“In effect, the message being sent to eight world-wide business consortiums across the globe and the United States is don’t bother,” Iorio said. “As a mayor who cares about economic development and the encouragement of investment by the private sector, I can not understand or justify his stance.”
Times/Herald staff writers Steve Bousquet, Marc Caputo and Michael C. Bender contributed to this report.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/24/v-print/2084241/gov-rick-scott-rejects-high-speed.html#ixzz1Ewvm0WY6
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Close call inspires Cocoa teen to teach anti-texting lesson
Mock wreck displays dangers of distraction behind the wheel
Written by
SUSANNE CERVENKA
FLORIDA TODAY
MERRITT ISLAND — Angelique Brown-Wiggin stopped texting while driving after she nearly got into a car crash herself.
"The big thing is, look at the last text message you sent. Would you like that to be the last thing you're remembered by?" she said. "Mine was 'Dad, I need a physical.' I wouldn't want that to be the last thing people remember."
This year, Altman plans to take a different tack with another bill that bans texting specifically among 16- and 17-year-old drivers, which will soon be introduced before lawmakers.
Altman said he still supports an overall ban, but, because of last year's opposition, is focusing on what he calls an obvious safety concern.
"I don't know how anyone can rationally argue that anyone just beginning to drive should be texting," he said.
Florida is behind other states in tackling laws that address texting while driving, said Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for Governors Highway Safety Association...(more)
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Our Opinion: Booster seat rerun
Florida is too lenient in child safety
Tallahassee Democrat
• Published: February 10. 2011 2:00AM
A bill requiring stronger protection for young children riding in passenger vehicles is worthy of the attention of parents and guardians in Florida.
Florida is one of only three states that has no regulations requiring use of booster seats by children up to 8 years old, giving us the distinction of having some of the weakest child-safety laws in the country. All that is required in Florida is that children up through 3 years old ride in a child-restraint seat, and at that we are the most lenient in the nation.
State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, is sponsoring legislation that, if successful in becoming law, could help offset statistics that suggest thousands of children could possibly have had their lives saved or their injuries reduced had they been using a booster seat for protection...(more here)
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Transportation safety issues bring NTSB chair to city
By Dave Hodges
DEMOCRAT BUSINESS EDITOR
• Published: February 09. 2011 2:00AM
It's time for Florida to advance its lagging highway safety status in the U.S. and enact state laws that better protect children and teens, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.
Read more: | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20110209/BUSINESS/102090310/Transportation-safety-issues-bring-NTSB-chair-to-city#ixzz1DUi8SrKl
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Mark Pafford: Time to Extend Benefits for Recent Vets in Florida
Kevin Derby's blog | Posted: January 27, 2011 3:07 PM
Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, and Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, have reached out across the aisle to work together to craft a bill to extend benefits in Florida for recent veterans.
“When Floridians are making huge sacrifices to serve and protect our country, the right thing to do is to ensure their eligibility for the benefits that they and their families deserve,” said Pafford. “Florida is home to nearly 200,000 men and women who have been deployed to active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. By recognizing in Florida statutes Operation New Dawn and other military operations subsequent to Sept. 11, 2001, we will ensure that these veterans receive the benefits they have earned for their service to our state and our country.”
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Local leaders ponder security
Florida Today - Rick Neale -
Thad Altman expects a bill to soon emerge in Tallahassee that would let public officials with concealed-weapons permits carry firearms to meetings inside ...
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Scott working phones to bring businesses to Fla.
MiamiHerald.com - Bill Kaczor - 18 hours ago
Thad Altman of Viera praised Scott's hands-on approach. Altman said some business leaders have told him they didn't locate in Florida because governors of ...
FLORIDA TODAY 3:14 p.m. EDT July 28, 2014
We have a treasured part of Florida history right in our own backyard. It encompasses not only a variety of natural resources, species and plant life, but also plays host to millions of visitors each year who enjoy its unique beauty.
The Indian River Lagoon is a natural resource we must work to revitalize for current and future generations. I share in that commitment in fighting to bring back a more pristine environment.
As your state senator, I am proud to have led the efforts in securing $10 million for dredging the Indian River Lagoon and an additional $10 million for dredging efforts in the Eau Gallie River. This, along with another $2 million to develop recommendations to improve the environmental and economic health of the estuary, allows our region to move in the right direction.
Much more needs to be done. It will take a concentrated, committed and combined long-term effort to bring the lagoon back. Here is what we can accomplish together.
The four R’s of lagoon restoration — remove, reduce, restore and research.
• Remove the muck that serves as a continued source of pollution. Fifty years’ worth of decomposing organic matter and fine metals are sitting on the bottom of the lagoon. In some areas, it is 12 feet deep. Muck removal involves a cooperative effort to identify and prioritize removal based on the best environmental impact. Historically, muck removal has been targeted to improve navigation. We need a long-term plan to remove millions of cubic yards of muck to improve the lagoon’s water quality.
• Reduce the sources of nutrients and toxic pollutants entering the lagoon. We need to identify where different sources of pollution are coming from and work to address them based on the potential good it will do for the lagoon. We need to understand where problem septic tanks are so we can target those areas with programs to address them. We also need to reduce the volume of stormwater entering the lagoon by redirecting it to areas where the water can be stored and treated before discharging.
• Restore shorelines, wetland buffers and sediment feeders in the lagoon that help clean the water. Replanting mangroves and grasses along the shore traps sediments and stabilizes the shoreline while providing habitat for natural filter feeders such as shellfish, crabs and fish. We have lost more than 99 percent of the clams and oysters that were in the lagoon a mere 35 years ago. Those lost resources must be restored, as they are effective at filtering sediments and nutrients that help reduce nutrients and increase water clarity.
• Research that has been completed needs to be put into action and future research needs to focus on the information needed to prioritize, address and evaluate revitalization strategies. We can no longer afford to do science for the sake of science. We need to fund research that leads to action, and we are fortunate to have many research institutions working in the lagoon to assist us with restoration.
Bringing back the Indian River Lagoon to how we want it as a community — alive, productive and healthy — will take a multifaceted approach that includes everyone. As your elected senator, I will continue to bring common-sense, environmental solutions to get it done.
About the writer
Thad Altman is a Republican state senator representing Brevard and Indian River Counties. He is chairman of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee and a member of the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.
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State Sen. Thad Altman R-Rockledge
March 1, 2014
Written by: Jim Waymer
FLORIDA TODAY
Sen. Thad Altman says his priorities include funding muck dredging for the Indian River Lagoon, helping veterans gain vocational training and maintaining funding for space program infrastructure.
"Obviously, the lagoon is a huge priority," said Altman, R-Rockledge.
So he'll push for $20 million in annual funding over five years for muck dredging in the lagoon and its tributaries, such as theEau Gallie River. The dredging would help remove excess nutrients that fuel algae blooms.
Altman says he'll also push for continued dredging of the lagoon's Intracoastal Waterway.
He has introduced a bill to change state law to allow local-option infrastructure sales taxes to be used for muck removal. Brevard County officials have discussed putting such a sales tax on the ballot.
Altman, who heads the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, said maintaining the Space Florida budget is another top priority.
But he points to a bill that would increase vocational training opportunities for veterans as one of his highest priorities this legislative session. "Florida's GI bill" would "set Florida apart," Altman said, and encourage more veterans to move to the state.
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Senate redistricting plan looks good for Brevard
11:56 AM, Dec. 3, 2011 | Florida Today Newspaper Opinion
The Florida Senate Redistricting Committee’s proposed boundaries for congressional seats have drawn fire from some Democrats, who say they give Republicans an unfair advantage in some parts of the state.
Although the proposal released last week is hardly perfect, the congressional boundaries for Brevard County seem sound. They’re more compact, putting all of Brevard and Indian River counties into a single congressional district, held today by Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge.
That’s how it worked before the Legislature picked off northern Brevard and Kennedy Space Center for a new district 10 years ago. That district was drawn to elect Republican former House Speaker Tom Feeney of Oviedo.
A possible downside politically is that Brevard would have one representative in Congress, not two.
But the more important question was whether the boundaries would comply with Constitutional Amendments 5 and 6, approved by Florida voters in 2010. The Fair Districts amendments were meant to stop gerrymandering and to prohibit lawmakers from drawing boundaries to give an incumbent or political party an advantage. Districts must be geographically compact, follow city and county lines as much as possible and maintain minority voting blocs.
Brevard Community College professor Chris Muro said he thinks the new congressional and state Senate boundaries for Brevard make more sense.
“I do not believe this will weaken Brevard County in any way,” the political scientist said.
Required after each U.S. Census, the new district boundaries take effect with the November 2012 election.
The Senate plan redraws District 15 to include Brevard and Indian River counties, as well as eastern Orange County, making it far more compact.
Today, Posey’s district includes the southern two-thirds of Brevard, Indian River County, most of Osceola County and a small sliver of Polk County. It includes Canaveral Air Force Station.
The northern part of Brevard, including Kennedy Space Center, is represented by Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Orlando. Her 24th district also includes parts of Orange, Volusia and Seminole counties. Under the redistricting plan, Adams’ district would move inland and include portions of the Orlando area.
State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, said he supports having two members of Congress represent Brevard, and hopes Adams will continue to be an advocate for Kennedy Space Center and issues crucial to Brevard.
Under the plan, Adams would split Seminole County with U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, whose nine-county District 3 continues to meander more than 200 miles from Orlando to Jacksonville. It would remain heavily black and mostly Democratic.
And it clearly constitutes gerrymandering. It splits counties such as Orange and Polk into four and five different congressional districts.
Muro said the Senate’s congressional redistricting map looks “very reasonable” — except for that.
“I am surprised that Rep. Corrine Brown's congressional district still retains its odd, snakelike shape,” he said.
The state Senate Redistricting Committee also drew new boundaries for its own 40 districts.
Under the plan, Brevard would still be represented by two senators, but the boundaries would change drastically.
District 24, now represented by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, would no longer include Brevard and bear no resemblance to the current boundaries. Altman would be shifted to District 26, now represented by Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, who will leave office next year because of term limits.
A new District 24, meanwhile, would snake from south Orange County, through Osceola and Polk counties, becoming a Hispanic, Democrat-leaning seat.
While the District 24 lines may face debate, the boundaries for District 26 appear compact. The new District 22 would include North Brevard and parts of Seminole, Orange and Volusia counties.
The Senate’s redistricting proposals are just the beginning of a process that will be debated during the two-month session of the Legislature that begins Jan. 10. The House Redistricting Committee is scheduled to release its plan this week, and the two chambers must agree on a compromise.
Ultimately, the Legislature’s proposed districts will be subjected to a court review.
“Whether or not the districts are fair will be determined by the court … if they decide to get involved in this question,” Muro said. “The Fair District amendments and so-called independent commissions established to make the process more fair have only empowered the courts to control the process rather than our elected Legislature. I do not view this as a positive development.”
We hope fairness wins out over politics, and will continue to watch whether the new boundaries respect the will of Florida’s voters.
LINK HERE:http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111204/OPINION/312040014/Senate-redistricting-plan-looks-good-Brevard?odyssey=nav%7Chead
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Perman, Altman to Form Bipartisan Everglades Caucus
JIM TURNER'S BLOG | Posted: November 28, 2011 10:25 AM
A bipartisan effort to promote the Florida Everglades restoration will be announced this afternoon in Boynton Beach.
State Rep. Steven Perman, D-Boca Raton, and State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, will host a media conference to introduce the new Everglades Caucus in the Florida Legislature.
Others at the 1 p.m. announcement will be representatives from the Everglades Coalition, Everglades Foundation, Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, and Friends of the Marshall Refuge.
The caucus is expected to focus on Rick Scott’s plan for the Everglades that calls for building reservoirs, unblocking flow ways, controlling seepage and expanding man-made wetlands by 2022.
Read more here.
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If passed, ‘Religious Freedom’ amendment would help state outsource services to faith groups
By Ashley Lopez | 05.10.11 | 11:43 am
Last week the Florida Senate passed the “Religious Freedom Act” — a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would repeal language that bans using public money to fund religious organizations. Coupled with the state legislature’s efforts to privatize several state services, repeal of such a ban could lead to an increase of religious institutions providing public services — without having to follow many of the rules federal programs must adhere to. # The amendment would remove Article 1 Section 3 of Florida’s Constitution, the Blaine Amendment — a historically bigoted law dating back to the 1800s. It was originally aimed at keeping public money away from Catholics. However, despite the law’s prejudiced roots, similar amendments remain in the constitutions of about 40 other states because they have maintained a firewall between church and state. Supporters of repealing the language say that Florida’s firewall goes farther than the U.S. Constitution in restricting access to funding.
The Florida legislature sought to overturn the amendment because they claim it is an attack on “religious freedom.”
Click here for full story...
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FLORIDA LEGISLATURE DELIVERS $43+ MILLION FOR SPACE INDUSTRY
Written by Tina Lange | 09 May 2011
Tallahassee, FL (May 9, 2011) –
Aerospace-related economic development played a significant role in the 2011 Florida Legislative Session, with more than $43 million being committed for growth of the industry. Governor Rick Scott laid out an aggressive plan, not only for Florida’s overall economy, but for Florida’s space industry in particular, and that plan was formalized by the Legislature.
“We are extremely grateful for the leadership exemplified by Florida’s Governor and legislators during this year’s session,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “It is clear that space-related economic development is a real priority. This is the next step in arming Space Florida with tools to help ensure that we can achieve an aggressive mission of tripling the size of Florida’s aerospace industry by 2020.”
The Florida Legislature, led by Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne) and Speaker of the House Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park), appropriated approximately $10 million to Space Florida. This was done for the purposes of recruiting new business, expanding existing business, and creating jobs during this critical time.
Space Florida worked with the Legislature and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to secure $16 million in infrastructure funding for launch support facilities. This $16 million comes from the State Transportation Trust Fund and is to be used to improve launch complex and additional spaceport infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral.
The Space Business Incentives Act (HB873), sponsored by Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) and Representative Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island), was also passed by the Legislature, as part of HB143, during the 2011 session. This bill includes $10 million in space business tax credits both to enable the state to attract new and expand exiting space-related businesses. Specifically, the bill includes corporate income tax credits and transferrable net operating loss tax credits.
Also passed during the 2011 session were Research and Development tax credits. SB942, sponsored by Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Ft. Lauderdale) and Representative Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne), included $7.1 million in tax credits for research and development work done in Florida. These tax credits are critical as Space Florida works to diversify the state’s space industry and become known as the R&D ground node for the International Space Station.
Additionally, Senator David Simmons (R-Orlando) and Representative Tom Goodson (R-Titusville) sponsored SB652, “Spaceflight Informed Consent,” which was passed by the Legislature in support of Florida’s space industry and exempts launch companies from the liability associated with the inherent risk of spaceflight. The bill includes provisions for the manufacture and supply of components, services, or vehicles that have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The bill also removes the 2018 Sunset provision, which was included in when the original law was passed in 2008.
# # #
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.
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Bill that gets tougher on house parties heads to governor's desk
Brevard tragedies lead to legislation
1:10 PM, May. 4, 2011 |
Written by
JEFF SCHWEERS
FLORIDA TODAY
A bill created in response to the deaths of at least five Brevard County teens after they had been at drinking parties is on its way to the governor's desk.
Five years in the making, the bill sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, and Rep. Tom Goodson, R-Rockledge, toughens the penalties for hosting house parties where alcohol is served to minors and for the first time punishes people who host those parties if a minor is seriously injured or killed.
"People should be aware of consequences of having these open parties," Goodson said. "I hope people take notice and be responsible for their actions."
The Florida Senate voted 38-1 Tuesday in favor of the House version of the bill after the House voted unanimously for its passage Friday. It now goes to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature.
The bill increases the penalty for a second or subsequent offense violating the open house party statute from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalty on a first-degree misdemeanor conviction is up to one year and $1,000, compared with 60 days and $500 for a second-degree misdemeanor conviction.
It also creates a first-degree misdemeanor charge if a minor is seriously injured or killed as a result of drinking or taking drugs at an open house party.
"A lot of minors are getting alcohol at these house parties with adults present," Altman said.
The bill is the culmination of efforts by state lawmakers, local officials and members of the community following the deaths of Titusville high school students Morgan Gordon, 16 and Chelsea Beck, 17, in a one-car accident after they left an open house party in Port St. John in 2006.
"When we started in 2006, everybody was still reeling from the situation," said Tyler Winik, a former classmate of the two girls.
The bill has gone through several revisions since first introduced in 2007, by then-Sen. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, now a U.S. representative.
Winik said he hoped the bill would be a deterrent to people thinking of hosting open house parties in the future.
He hoped passage of the bill would be "one important thing that has come from their deaths."
Contact Schweers at 321-242-3668 or [email protected].
Link to story here: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110504/NEWS01/105040326/Bill-gets-tougher-house-parties-heads-governor-s-desk
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High speed rail ridership study shows line would have had operating surplus
An updated ridership study released Wednesday shows that the high speed rail line connecting Tampa to Orlando would have had a $10.2 million operating surplus in 2015, its first year of operation, and a $28.6 million surplus in its 10th year. A 2009 study showed the line would not have seen a surplus until 2021.
The study shows the line would have had 3.3 million riders in its first year. The previous analysis predicted the line would have had 2.4 million riders in 2015.
Gov. Rick Scott cited concerns about operating losses when he decided to kill construction of the project by rejecting $2.4 billion in federal money to build the line. He said he made the decision last month based on a verbal review of the ridership study, as well as documents provided by the libertarian Reason Foundation and the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Scott said he feared the 84-mile line would be a burden to Florida taxpayers, even though private vendors had indicated they would be willing to cover any operating losses or construction cost overruns, and federal officials said Florida would not have to repay the $2.4 billion if the project failed.
Thad Altman, a Republican Senator from Melbourne who unsuccessfully fought Scott's decision in the Supreme Court, said he doubts an earlier release of the ridership study would have made a difference to the Governor.
"His conclusion was political, not based on economics, good business or even protecting the taxpayers," Altman said. "As time passes and more information comes out, you can see the injustice that was done to the state of Florida."
U.S. Department of Transportation secretary Ray LaHood is expected to announce by the end of the week which states will receive Florida's money. According to an attorney for the governor, Florida had already spent about $110 million on the project when Scott announced that he did not want to go forward with it.
Posted by janet zink on March 9, 2011 | Permalink
Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2011/03/high-speed-rail-ridership-study-shows-line-would-have-had-operating-surplus.html#ixzz1G80oDftD
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Gov. Rick Scott rejects high-speed rail deal
BY ALEX LEARY, BILL VARIAN AND JANET ZINK
Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau
TALLAHASSEE An intense last-ditch effort to save high-speed rail in Florida collapsed Thursday with Gov. Rick Scott rejecting the plan, and then angry lawmakers accused him of overstepping authority and threatened legal action. “I remain convinced that the construction cost overruns, the operating cost risk, the risk that we would give the money back if it’s ever shut down, is too much for the taxpayers of the state,” Scott told the Times/Herald.
The proposal to divert responsibility to a group of cities, including Tampa and Orlando, was presented to Scott’s office Wednesday. He saw nothing to change his mind — a stance critics attacked as politically motivated and profoundly stubborn.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson deemed it “one heck of a mistake.” U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, said she was “devastated” by the loss of potential jobs.
In Tallahassee, Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, said he hoped U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood would grant Florida more time before reallocating the $2.4 billion to other states so lawmakers can explore challenging the governor on constitutional grounds. The deadline had been today and LaHood’s office showed no sign of backing away from that.
“I believe that he exceeded his executive authority and in a very strong sense we have a Constitutional crisis on our hands,” Altman said. Senate Republican leader Andy Gardiner acknowledged there are concerns about the “parameters” of the governor’s use of his executive power. He did not reject the possibility that a fellow caucus member would have a legitimate basis for suing the Republican governor. Altman noted that the Legislature voted to accept the federal money and build high-speed rail in a special session.
“We have a law on the books,” he said, and quoted the portion of the Florida Constitution that reads: “The Governor shall take care that the laws of Florida are faithfully executed.”
“The governor has completely ignored that,” Altman said.
Even before Thursday, there was virtually no chance Scott would budge from last week, when he rejected the federal stimulus funding for the 84-mile Orlando-Tampa line.
Scott, who relied on studies from conservative organizations including the Reason Foundation, said taxpayers could be on the hook for billions and doubted ridership would be high enough.
Still, bullet train backers began working feverishly to craft an alternative, to get around Scott’s insistence that the state not be financially liable in any regard. They continued to hold onto a shred of hope that Scott would come around, saying it would create thousands of jobs.
The plan, calling for local governments to take over the project, was submitted to Scott on Wednesday after meetings between the governor’s office, federal transportation officials and representatives from local governments including Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland and Miami.
This new partnership would be considered a “non-recourse entity,” which is the key piece of the proposal. It means that if the project goes bust, in no way would the state or local governments be held liable for construction or operating cost overruns. The new entity would oversee the design, building and operation of the rail system, which would effectively be privatized, with the private company bearing all risks for construction and operating cost overruns.
The state would effectively be rendered into little more than a pass-through agency for the federal grants, accepting the money and turning it over to the “non-recourse entity.” The state would still provide the land on which rail lines are placed and provide some consulting to ensure a smooth transition.
The U.S. DOT would be in charge of determining that the winning company has the financial wherewithal to assume the risks. The company would be required to provide a guaranty on both the construction and operating side and surety bonds or some other form of insurance against cost overruns. It would be required to submit a fixed bid for construction costs, meaning if it misses its target it’s on the hook to make up the difference. The company would be responsible for operating costs for a period covering 30 years.
All “costs, fees and expenses and general liability of cost overruns and operating shortfalls shall be passed on to and guaranteed by the winning bidder selected from a concourse of bidders from the private sector,” the proposal stated.
In the end, it failed to garner Scott’s support.
Asked Thursday if he had contacted federal transportation officials, Scott said no and reiterated his opposition.
“I’ve said that all along, so there’s nothing new,” Scott said. The governor also seemed unmoved by talk of a lawsuit, again stating his reasons for rejecting the project.
He added a feature to his Facebook page allowing supporters to add a badge to their own profile saying, “I stand with Governor Scott against high-speed rail.” In a few hours, more than 500 people had clicked on button indicating they “like this.” “Thanks for having the guts to stand up for us!!” wrote one woman.
Information was also stripped off a state high-speed rail website.
Officials behind the effort to save the deal were outraged.
“A wise man’s quote favored by President Kennedy was that ’an error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it,’ ” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.
“Well, today, Rick Scott made one heck-of-a mistake. Forget the fact that we answered all the governor’s concerns, there still were 24,000 other good reasons why this project should have been approved.”
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said: “His reasoning does not take into account the work that has been done in the past week, which lays out a clear path for private investment and risk responsibility. The facts are clear: we have addressed his concerns on risk — the risk will fall to the private sector.”
Iorio and others, including prominent Republicans like former Gov. Jeb Bush, have questioned why Scott did not let the project go out to bid, to at least see what private companies could offer in assurances of assuming financial liability.
“In effect, the message being sent to eight world-wide business consortiums across the globe and the United States is don’t bother,” Iorio said. “As a mayor who cares about economic development and the encouragement of investment by the private sector, I can not understand or justify his stance.”
Times/Herald staff writers Steve Bousquet, Marc Caputo and Michael C. Bender contributed to this report.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/24/v-print/2084241/gov-rick-scott-rejects-high-speed.html#ixzz1Ewvm0WY6
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Close call inspires Cocoa teen to teach anti-texting lesson
Mock wreck displays dangers of distraction behind the wheel
Written by
SUSANNE CERVENKA
FLORIDA TODAY
MERRITT ISLAND — Angelique Brown-Wiggin stopped texting while driving after she nearly got into a car crash herself.
"The big thing is, look at the last text message you sent. Would you like that to be the last thing you're remembered by?" she said. "Mine was 'Dad, I need a physical.' I wouldn't want that to be the last thing people remember."
This year, Altman plans to take a different tack with another bill that bans texting specifically among 16- and 17-year-old drivers, which will soon be introduced before lawmakers.
Altman said he still supports an overall ban, but, because of last year's opposition, is focusing on what he calls an obvious safety concern.
"I don't know how anyone can rationally argue that anyone just beginning to drive should be texting," he said.
Florida is behind other states in tackling laws that address texting while driving, said Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for Governors Highway Safety Association...(more)
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Our Opinion: Booster seat rerun
Florida is too lenient in child safety
Tallahassee Democrat
• Published: February 10. 2011 2:00AM
A bill requiring stronger protection for young children riding in passenger vehicles is worthy of the attention of parents and guardians in Florida.
Florida is one of only three states that has no regulations requiring use of booster seats by children up to 8 years old, giving us the distinction of having some of the weakest child-safety laws in the country. All that is required in Florida is that children up through 3 years old ride in a child-restraint seat, and at that we are the most lenient in the nation.
State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, is sponsoring legislation that, if successful in becoming law, could help offset statistics that suggest thousands of children could possibly have had their lives saved or their injuries reduced had they been using a booster seat for protection...(more here)
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Transportation safety issues bring NTSB chair to city
By Dave Hodges
DEMOCRAT BUSINESS EDITOR
• Published: February 09. 2011 2:00AM
It's time for Florida to advance its lagging highway safety status in the U.S. and enact state laws that better protect children and teens, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.
Read more: | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20110209/BUSINESS/102090310/Transportation-safety-issues-bring-NTSB-chair-to-city#ixzz1DUi8SrKl
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Mark Pafford: Time to Extend Benefits for Recent Vets in Florida
Kevin Derby's blog | Posted: January 27, 2011 3:07 PM
Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, and Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, have reached out across the aisle to work together to craft a bill to extend benefits in Florida for recent veterans.
“When Floridians are making huge sacrifices to serve and protect our country, the right thing to do is to ensure their eligibility for the benefits that they and their families deserve,” said Pafford. “Florida is home to nearly 200,000 men and women who have been deployed to active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. By recognizing in Florida statutes Operation New Dawn and other military operations subsequent to Sept. 11, 2001, we will ensure that these veterans receive the benefits they have earned for their service to our state and our country.”
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Local leaders ponder security
Florida Today - Rick Neale -
Thad Altman expects a bill to soon emerge in Tallahassee that would let public officials with concealed-weapons permits carry firearms to meetings inside ...
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Scott working phones to bring businesses to Fla.
MiamiHerald.com - Bill Kaczor - 18 hours ago
Thad Altman of Viera praised Scott's hands-on approach. Altman said some business leaders have told him they didn't locate in Florida because governors of ...