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The Florida Grantor, Spring 1999

President's Message

By Sharon Griffith, President & CEO

Happy springtime and happy 1999 Legislative Session. The session began with great enthusiasm, anxiety and as always, hope for expansion of disability issues. With a new Governor and many newly elected Legislators, some change is inevitable. An unexpected announcement by Governor Jeb Bush allocating $110 million for developmental disabilities was a tremendous gesture to fill a great need.

Legislation affecting several areas of disability services was introduced this year. Senate Bill-230 proposes to restructure the Department of Labor and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to set the Division on a more performance-based contractual paradigm. SB-230 appears as one possible major change which will affect service providers as well as the Division. Another, House Bill-1745 and Senate Bill-1900, proposes establishment of an Office of Disability Coordination within the Executive Office of the Governor. This bill proposes to "streamline intake of clients," collect and disseminate information, "coordinate outcomes and accountability measures,"

and perform various oversight services for all entities serving people with disabilities.

It's too early to evaluate the impact of this session on disability program, therefore it is suggested that you contact your Senator and Representatives to personally find out what results are anticipated and educate them about your agency programs. By keeping our legislators informed, we can all help to make this a winning session for Florida's citizens with disabilities.