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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