Issues of Interest

ALZHEIMER’S GRANT FUNDING Thirty projects will receive a total of $4.8 million to support research leading to the prevention and possible cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Funding is provided through the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program. More information about the grants and the grant recipients may be found here.  

MEDICAID  The federal government approved the Agency for Healthcare Administration’s request to cover only thirty days of existing healthcare bills for those becoming eligible for Medicaid.  Federal law requires ninety-day retroactive coverage; however, this change, along with some other requests, will save the State at least $100 million.  

PARKLAND COMMISSION  For nine months, the 15-member Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission has studied and discussed what could have been done to prevent the great loss of life at the high school on February 14th.  The Commission must submit a final report to the Governor and state lawmakers by January 1st.   A 407-page final report was discussed during its final meeting in Tallahassee the week of December 10th. It analyzes perceived failures at the school and the response by the Broward Sheriff’s Department.  Among the recommendations is a change in state law that would allow qualified and trained teachers to carry concealed weapons. 

GROVELAND FOUR Incoming Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, in her capacity as a member of the Clemency Board, intends to move forward the pardon for the “Groveland Four,” the men wrongly convicted of raping a white woman in 1949. Last year, the Florida Legislature asked Governor Scott and the other three members of the Clemency Board to speed up the process to posthumously pardon the men.  For the clemency to be approved, the Governor plus two other members must vote in favor of the request. 

DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS  In an attempt to make something positive from horrific incidences at the Dozier School for Boys,  the State has transferred ownership of the site and the adjacent property to Jackson County.  The County requested the transfer and views it as a long-term economic development project opportunity.  Forty-seven remains of boys who died at the facility have yet to be re-interred.  The question of reparations for survivors remains open