4 February 2018 Currents
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Kathleen Passidomo , R-Naples , and its companion House Bill 191 provide one of the most important measures the Legislature can pass . The bipartisan bill would stop the legislative raids of trust funds that were created in 1992 to address Florida ’ s affordable housing needs . The 1992 act set aside a portion of documentary stamp taxes on real estate transactions to distribute back to counties and cities for programs like down payment assistance , housing rehabilitation and to build apartment complexes . The Legislature has drifted from the mission over the years , reallocating much of the trust fund money to budget balancing .
Queue Al Gore and his “ Lock-Box .”
The Naples Daily New is asking legislators to consider these issues :
1 ) Deliver a plan for better hurricane preparation and response . These measures would include backup power for nursing homes and adult living centers ; a fuel reserve and emergency distribution system ; shelter / housing support , and regulating debris removal companies . 2 ) Repeal HB 7069 approved last year and evaluate the 50 or so different educational measures crammed into one overbroad bill , passed in the session ’ s final hours . 3 ) A continued financial commitment toward Everglades restoration and an increased commitment to acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands and beach restoration . SB 370 that would dedicate $ 100 million yearly to the state ’ s Florida Forever land acquisition trust fund so far has received favorable committee votes . 4 ) A greater investment in both mental health programs and education . Governor Scott ’ s
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