The Murzin Report
June 19, 2009 

Contents:

·         The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Program ceases operations June 30, 2009: Take action immediately if you have already been approved for a MSFH grant. (6/18/09)

  ·         Murzin’s HB7123 is signed into law – Protection of Florida’s Military Bases and Missions (6/18/09)

·         Florida Chamber Commends “Distinguished Advocate” Rep. Dave Murzin (6/19/09)

The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Program ceases operations June 20, 2009

URGENT!  If you have been approved for a MSFH Grant, take action immediately. 

There are approximately 9,000 homeowners who have had their grants approved, but have not yet strengthened their homes and have not submitted paperwork to receive a reimbursement.  The work must be done and completed paperwork must be sent to the MSFH program postmarked no later than June 30, 2009.  The program will reimburse homeowners with grants already approved through June 30, 2009.

I received notification on 6/18/09, that the MSFH Program will cease operations on June 30, 2009.  Effective immediately, the Program is no longer taking applications for home inspections or grants.  When the economy recovers, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink, hopes to seek funding and restart the program sometime in the future.

For assistance or more information please call the toll-free MSFH Consumer Support line at 866-513-MSFH or 866-513-6734.

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Murzin’s HB7123 is signed into law – Protection of Florida’s Military Bases and Missions

On 6/18/09, Governor Crist signed into law HB7123, a bill I sponsored in April to enhance the state’s efforts in maintaining defense installations in our great state. The military presence in our state is a powerful and constant economic driver with an estimated $52 billion impact statewide.  It is our third largest industry and creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

The bill creates a Florida Council on Military Base Mission Support.  The Council will be responsible for providing community and state support to the 20 installations and three unified commands in Florida that would not only keep current infrastructure intact, but also promote the transfer of more military assets to Florida.   As the new administration in Washington is reviewing military missions across the board, it is good to have this law in place.  I commend Senator Gaetz for ensuring the bill’s passage in the Senate and Governor Crist for his signature.

Governor Crist signed the bill into law on 6/18/09 at Eglin Air Force Base which is the largest Air Force installation in the world.  Northwest Florida houses five of the 21 military bases in Florida.

The Council will be made up of gubernatorial appointees and House and Senate members.  The Council will work to strengthen Florida’s relationships with the military and help prevent any future base realignment rounds from negatively impact our state.

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Florida Chamber Commends “Distinguished Advocate” Rep. Dave Murzin (6/19/09)

Today, I was honored to have the Florida Chamber of Commerce recognize me as a “Distinguished Advocate.”  A Distinguished Advocate is one who fights for Florida’s employers by standing for fairness in Florida’s judicial system to protect Florida’s employers from abusive and costly lawsuits.  An Advocate fights on behalf of Florida’s taxpayers and job creators to reduce costs and invest in Florida’s future innovative economy.

Additionally, the Florida Chamber recognized me for receiving a perfect 100 percent on the Chamber’s 2009 Legislative Report Card, as well as a 97-percent in 2008.  The Florida Chamber’s membership represents employers, small and large, from all industries and regions across the state. For more information on the Florida Chambers Distinguished Advocates, Legislative Report Card, and other information, please visit www.FloridaChamber.com

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HB1431--Consolidated Study Commission—signed by Governor Crist

HB1431 provides for the creation of a Consolidated Study Commission to develop a consolidation plan or unification of services for the City of Pensacola, Town of Century, and Escambia County.  To read the bill and the bill’s history, go to the legislature's official website www.leg.state.fl.us  Click on the House's link and insert HB1431 in the bill search window.  Be sure the 2009 session is selected.

You can find other consolidation information at www.escambiaallforone.com/ There is a link to sign up as a supporter of consolidation and a link to volunteer in a number of capacities, including serving on the appointed study commission.  The website’s Contact Us link provides contact information for the campaign co-chairs Jason Crawford and/or Scott Remington.

Online Sunshine
I encourage you to keep abreast of what is going on in the legislature by frequently visiting "Online Sunshine," the official website of your Florida Legislature.  At http://www.leg.state.fl.us/ you'll find links to both the Senate and the House websites.  Online Sunshine provides links to Florida laws, the state Constitution, and other governmental information. 

Suggestions, Contacts and Public Appearances
My staff and I use email newsletters as a cost-effective way to keep you in touch with what is happening in our state and legislature.  Please feel free to forward The Murzin Report to those in your email contacts.  Alternatively, please let others know they can be added to my Newsletter distribution list by clicking here. 

We welcome all comments and suggestions.  My district office’s contact information is listed below.  You may also email me directly at dave.murzin@myfloridahouse.gov

Speaking Engagements
As my schedule allows, I am happy to speak at local community events or groups about issues of interest.  My Legislative Assistant, Brandon Patty, or my Secretary, Jerrie Lewis, will be happy to work with you in making such arrangements. 

To view all Committee assignments or meeting schedule, please visit www.myfloridahouse.gov. 

Pensacola Legislative District Office
11 East Olive Road
Suite 1
Pensacola, Florida 32514

Phone:  (850) 494-7330
Fax: (850) 494-7332

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 The Murzin Report
June 12, 2009

Contents

1.      Military Base Closure HB 7123 Signed into Law
2. Hurricane Expo is June 20th at the Pensacola Civic Center
3. New Seat Belt Law effective June 30th

Military Base Closure HB 7123 Signed by Governor Crist 6/10/09

HB7123 is one of my favorite bills that I sponsored this past session.  The bill establishes the Florida Council on Military Base and Mission Support. This important legislation will allow the Florida Legislature to show its support and work to ensure that our military installations are protected when the federal government next decides which bases are to be closed. 

 

Being pro-active and engaged with our military partners will go a long way to keeping this important economic driver in our community. I look forward to working closely with this new Council in the coming year.

Hurricane expo is June 20 at Pensacola Civic Center

On Saturday, June 20, the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies Hurricane Expo will be held at the Pensacola Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to the Pensacola News-Journal, exhibitors will provide information on services and products that help in the preparation for and mitigation against disasters. Expo visitors will benefit from special discounts of up to 50 percent off home inspections, which can help save money on homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Hurricane season began on June 1. Please, if you are not yet ready, get prepared. For more information, please visit the Expo on the 20th or http://www.floridadisaster.org.

Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law -- CS/SB 344 Signed by Gov 5/6/09; Effective 6/30/09

A new seat belt law goes into effect in Florida on June 30, 2009.  SB 344 amends the “Florida Safety Belt Law” to provide for primary enforcement of the safety belt law for operators and front seat passengers.  The bill amends Florida Statutes 316.614 and allows law enforcement officers to stop motorists solely for not using their safety belts.  A person violating this section would be cited for a nonmoving violation, punishable by a $30.00 fine.

The bill also removes from the list of exemptions to the safety belt law front seat passengers of a pickup truck in excess of the number of safety belts installed.  The operator and any front seat passengers of a pickup truck will be subject to primary enforcement of the safety belt law.

The amendment to the Safety Belt Law may qualify Florida to take advantage of a federal grant offered to states passing primary enforcement safety belt laws.  The potential grant could be as high as $35 million.  The federal money a state receives can only be spent on highway-related projects.

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The Murzin Report

Representative Dave Murzin serving House District 2

May 15 , 2009

 

Contents

1.      Back in the District

2.      Final Budget

3.      Education Funding

  1. Concealed Weapons Permit Trust Fund

5.      Boots to Books Program – new GI Bill education benefits

 

Back in the District

It is so good being home after an extended session in Tallahassee. The issues we addressed, while always challenging, were even more so due to the severe budget deficit.  In fiscal year 2009-2010, for the second year in a row, the State of Florida will have $6 billion LESS in revenue than the year before.  That two-year drop of $12 billion in revenue is the worst budget reverse since the Great Depression.

Final Budget

As you know, the Florida Legislature stayed a week late in Tallahassee to get the budget right. We wanted to make sure we took a fiscally responsible, long-term view that primes Florida to rebound quickly when the economy picks up. While cuts are never easy, I am pleased that the Florida House prioritized its spending and protected the core missions of state government.

Some notable budget decisions include:

·        Increased per-student classroom funding for our schools

·        Fully funded the MEDS-AD and Medically Needy Programs, which were scheduled to expire on July 1, 2009.

·        Allocated $31 million for first-time homebuyers

·        Continued funding for Everglades restoration

·        Protected services and provider rates for Florida’s developmentally disabled

·        Expanded the Nursing Home Diversion Program, which will enable an additional 2,200 Floridians to receive vital services in their communities.

If you wish to learn more about the budget and these programs, please visit www.myfloridahouse.gov .

Education Funding

One of the Florida House’s highest priorities is education funding. With a $6 billion dollar backdrop, we worked diligently to protect and even increase education’s share of the budget.

For fiscal year 2009-10, the budget for PreK-12 funding is $13.4 billion, which is a 14.5% increase from last year. This translates into an increase of per-student funding to a statewide average of $6873.

More closer to home, Escambia County’s per-student funding will be increasing to $6,577 and in Santa Rosa County the per-student funding for will increased to $6,478.

It is good to keep in mind that one reason for less dollars in education revenue is student enrollment declines.  Escambia County schools have lost 3,339 students since 2006.  This one variable has resulted in a loss of $21,960,603 at $6,577 per student.

Concealed Weapons Permit Trust Fund

One issue I have heard about during my visits throughout the district is the purported “sneak attack” on gun owners by taking funds from the concealed weapons permit trust fund. Unfortunately, the complete story was not told.

The trust fund transfer was first proposed by Governor Crist on February 20th of this year, nearly three months ago.  The proposal did not single out gun owners, as the Governor suggested transferring funds from numerous areas of the budget. In the final budget over $588 million was transferred.

If this was the only transfer that took place or if we did not work to improve permit processing times, I would also be concerned about our state’s commitment to 2nd Amendment rights.  However, the Florida Legislature has dedicated more dollars than ever before towards the processing of concealed weapons permits- over $18 million next year.  This sum is an increase of over 40% from next year’s start-up budget for processing concealed weapons permits.  

None of the transfers will negatively impact the concealed weapons permit licensing program, and if the program for some reason needs more resources than the current $18 million appropriation, then requests for additional funding will be considered and appropriated if needed.   

Please share this with your neighbors and friends. I am a 2nd Amendment advocate, and I promise to fight for our right to bear arms.

Boots to Books Program

With the passing of the New GI Bill, or “Post 9/11 GI Bill,” federal resources will soon be available to help veterans meet their educational and career goals.  This bill boasts the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.  The new benefit goes into effect on August 1, 2009.  The www.FLBootsToBooks.org web site provides up-to-date information including:  details of the GI Bill; instructions on how to apply; information on Florida’s community colleges and public and private universities; as well as links to the web sites of several veteran groups.

Best Regards,

 

Dave Murzin

 

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The Murzin Report

Representative Dave Murzin serving House District 2

May 4 , 2009

Contents

1.      LONG-TERM VIEW ON BUDGET

2.      A HELPING HAND FOR FLORIDA’S UNEMPLOYED

3.      PRESERVING WOKERS’ RIGHT TO A SECRET BALLOT

4.      PROVIDING CHOICE FOR FAMILIES PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

5.      DISASTER PLAN

Last week, the Florida House began the final sprint toward approving a responsible, balanced budget by meeting with the Senate to iron out differences in each chamber’s budget proposals.  Due to extensive negotiations, both chambers decided to extend the regular Session through this Friday to address the budget.  The extended Session is not without precedent, and House Republicans believe that it is more important to get the budget done right than to do it quickly.  Although the budget process took a little longer than anticipated, it is important that the priorities of both the House and the Senate are fairly represented in the final budget. .

LONG-TERM VIEW ON BUDGET

The House’s priority has been to identify responsible spending reductions to help us balance the budget long-term. I believe it is important to have a fiscally responsible long-term view that puts Florida in the best shape possible to rebound when the economy picks up.  This means House Republicans have to make some tough choices.  The responsible thing to do is stop spending more than Florida can afford so that we can create a stable financial environment for Florida's economy to rebound.

A HELPING HAND FOR FLORIDA’S UNEMPLOYED

I know that times are tough and that Floridians are hurting.  The Florida House is committed to lending a helping hand to those Floridians who have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn.  That is why I voted to accept nearly $2 billion in federal stimulus money to extend the length of time that unemployed workers receive assistance.  Part of the $2 billion will also be used to increase the weekly unemployment benefit by $25, to help Floridians until they can find another job.  I realize that federal stimulus dollars are not a silver bullet for the problems facing Florida, but these funds can help us bridge the gap for unemployed Floridians until they can find another job.

PRESERVING WOKERS’ RIGHT TO A SECRET BALLOT

It is no secret that our state and our nation face unprecedented economic challenges. And my focus is to help put Florida’s economy back on track and generate jobs for Floridians. Included in that focus is the protection of workers’ rights. To that end, the Florida House took a significant step toward helping our economy by voting to provide Floridians with the opportunity to enshrine their right to vote by a secret ballot in the Florida Constitution. I supported passage of House Joint Resolution 1013 because it is a pro-worker protection proposal.  Workers should never fear retaliation from their unions, their employers or their fellow employees.

PROVIDING CHOICE FOR FAMILIES PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

Paying for college is a difficult challenge for parents, especially during these difficult economic times. Many families have planned ahead for college expenses by purchasing the Florida Prepaid College Plan, and I supported House Bill 315 to maximize their choice for the use of their Prepaid College Plan dollars.  House Bill 315 permits the use of a Prepaid College Plan at any learning center recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

DISASTER PLAN

With hurricane season right around the corner, now is the time to review and develop a disaster action plan. To assist you in preparing, the State of Florida has a several great web pages that can be accessed through: www.floridadisaster.org

Best Regards,

 

Dave Murzin

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