As the state economy begins to improve with modest revenue growth, FAC is preparing for another challenging legislative session and the potential for tax cuts and unfunded mandates that effect local revenues. During last week’s Legislative Conference, FAC’s membership adopted the following as priorities for the 2014 Legislative Session:

• Maintaining Revenues for Florida’s Communities
• Enhancing Juvenile Justice
• Protecting Florida’s Waters
• Ending Homelessness in Florida

During the FAC Legislative Conference last week in Volusia County, the Health & Human Services Policy Committee met to adopt policy positions for the 2014 Legislative Session and select its top priorities.  Many items that have long been part of the HHS platform remain in the legislative package, although the committee considered and approved a handful of new items, including support for minimum regulatory standards for sober homes/recovery residences as well as supporting efforts to steer veterans who are eligible for federal health care benefits into the appropriate programs.

The Growth Management, Agriculture & Environment Policy Committee had a very productive meeting last week, discussing several issues that we anticipate will receive heightened attention during the upcoming legislative session.  FAC would like to thank the Committee Chairman, Commissioner Jean Monestime (Miami-Dade County) for his excellent work leading the discussion, moderating the debate and directing the Committee’s focus.