Last Call — Primetime reading on what’s going on in Florida politics.
first shot
agriculture committee wilton simpson Appointed as the new director of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Water Policy.
“I am honored to be nominated west gregory Leads the Agricultural Water Policy Office. West Gregory has a unique experience and skill set having worked for the Florida Legislature and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, setting a new collaborative tone with his colleagues at the Department of Environmental Protection and other key stakeholders. ,” Simpson said in a news release.
“Florida’s continued prosperity depends on Florida’s leaders providing a long-term, comprehensive, science-based approach to protecting and restoring water resources. I am confident Gregory can help Florida achieve this vision.”
Gregory came to FACS from DEP and served as Deputy General Counsel. In that role, he supported rulemaking, litigation, and policy development across a variety of environmental and water issues.
Previously, he served as Senior Counsel on the House Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, where he was involved in the research, review and development of agricultural and natural resource legislation. He holds a law degree and certification in environmental and land use law from the University of Florida.
FDACS’ Office of Agricultural Water Policy works with the agricultural industry, DEPs, state universities, and water management districts to develop and implement agriculture “best management practices” or BMPs that address both water quality and water conservation. increase.
Agricultural BMPs are practical, cost-effective measures that farmers can take to conserve water and reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste, and other pollutants entering water resources. It’s a measure. An egg farmer by profession, Simpson worked to promote and fund the BMP while serving as Senate Speaker in the state legislature.
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Florida Professional Firefighters praised the legislator. Demi Busatta Cabrera and Sen. Ed HooperA former firefighter himself, for introducing a bill to make the state’s retirement system more favorable to young firefighters.
The bill (HB 239/SB 224) relates to a “special risk class” within the Florida Retirement Plan. It was created to explain the physical strain that work puts on firefighters. EMS, police and corrections officers are also included in the class.
Under current regulations, firefighters who entered the FRS before July 1, 2011 are fully entitled and eligible to retire when they reach the age of 55 or have served 25 years. This clause also provides credit for military service for up to four years.
Class members entering retirement after that date are not fully entitled until they reach the age of 60 or have served 30 years. The FRF said the change would be particularly detrimental to firefighters. Firefighters are regularly exposed to cancer-causing toxins in addition to traumatic events on the job.
“These bills will undoubtedly improve first responder recruitment and retention across Florida by eliminating the retirement gap between fire, police and sheriff’s offices based solely on hire date. This bill is important to public safety and we are proud to work with our public safety partners to see this important piece of legislation passed.” Wayne “Bernie” Vernoska Said.
“Firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers in Florida risk their lives every day for their fellow Floridians. is a top priority for Florida firefighters.”
In addition to Busatta Cabrera and Hooper, Bernosca shouted out to Congressmen who co-sponsored the bill. Joe Casero and Sen. Jay Collins.
night reading
–“Ron DeSantis’ inauguration was sponsored by a company he loves bashingFrom Isaac Arnsdorf of The Washington Post
–“Top Republican in Michigan moves to 2024 DeSantis draftAlex Isenstadt of POLITICO
–“Florida Democrats, Republicans Need New Leaders, But For Opposite Reasonsvia Steven Lemongello of Orlando Sentinel
–“New Supreme Court case could turn every workplace into a religious battlefieldFrom Ian Millhiser of Vox
–“Short-term vacation rental problems in Florida continue. Is there a statewide solution?Via Mitch Perry, Phoenix, Florida
—”Dana Trabulsy proposes a film partnership program to lure productions.From Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
–“Florida officials blame unions as thousands of teachers still await pay raisesFrom Jeffrey S. Solocheck, Tampa Bay Times
–“5 minutes: Criminals need to present cases quickly to qualify for life-changing pardonsVia Isaac Morgan, Phoenix, Florida
–“Lawsuit challenges Jacks mayoral candidate Daniel Davis’ continued Jacks Chamber employmentFrom AG Gancarski of Florida Politics
–“Disposable coffee pods have amazing environmental benefits over other brewing methodsVia Allison Chiu of The Washington Post
–“Sundance’s big returnvia Variety’s Brent Lang
quote of the day
He said all this stuff in ’60 Minutes’ but now he puts them in the back of his Corvette at home. I know it was hidden. Hunter (Biden) , which is definitely a security risk. ”
— Governor Ron DeSantissuggesting that the president’s son may have had access to classified documents.
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Last Call is issued by peter shorshassembled and edited by Phil Amann When Drew Wilson With a contribution from the staff of Florida Politics.
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