We are proud to present the second issue of FCSC News Update -- a bi-weekly compilation of news and views important to the work of Children's Services Councils. The FCSC encourages you to share this newsletter with colleagues and other like-minded individuals who are commited to building better lives for Florida's children and families.

Members of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission's Finance & Tax Committee unanimously approved a proposal to cap local and state government spending and revenue collection. The proposal limits state and local spending to the rate of inflation adjusted by population and school enrollment. Property tax revenue is also limited at inflation plus growth. The proposal will likely end up on the November ballot. See details.

Gov. Crist Appoints New DJJ and AHCA Secretaries

Gov. Crist appointed Rep. Frank Peterman Jr. of St. Petersburg to serve as Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The Governor also tapped former House Representative and DBPR Secretary Holly Benson to lead the state Agency for Health Care Administration. See press releases.

Children & Youth Cabinet Publishes Annual Report

Florida's Children and Youth Cabinet has published its 2007 Annual Report, available online at: www.flgov.com/youth_cabinet.

DJJ Blueprint Commission Releases Final Report

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Blueprint Commission has released a report titled, "Getting Smart About Juvenile Justice in Florida." The Report details the Commission's findings on juvenile justice issues and offers suggestions to create a new path for Florida's juvenile justice system. See the full report.

President Bush Proposes Cuts to Afterschool Funding

President Bush's proposed budget would change the 21st CCLC budget and how funds are spent. His proposal cuts funding by 27 percent from this year's level, denying afterschool programs to hundreds of thousands of children. The proposal also converts the 21st Century initiative into a voucher program. Congress has not shown support for the president's budget. See full budget. Additional details about the proposed federal budget as it relates to children are available on the Child Welfare League of America web site.

New Requirements for Collection of Social Security Numbers

The Florida legislature approved changes to the Open Government Sunset Review Act last year, which now require agencies collecting Social Security Numbers (SSN) to state in writing the purpose for its collection. Full details of the SSN requirements are prescribed in HB 7197.

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Gelber and Posey File Child Restraint Bills

HB 619, filed by Rep. Dan Gelber (D-Miami-Dade), and SB 668, by Sen. Bill Posey (R-Orange), seek to change the age requirement of children who must use a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device from 5 to 7 years or younger. The bill also addresses child booster seats for children ages 4 to 7. See HB 619. See SB 668.

Hill and Planas File Zero Tolerance Bills

Sen. Tony Hill (D-Santa Rosa) and Rep. J.C. Planas (R-Miami-Dade) filed SB 1346 and HB 829, respectively, to require a district school board to adopt a policy of zero tolerance in addressing crime and substance abuse, and victimization of students. See SB 1346. See HB 829.

Special District Bill Filed in House

Rep. Rick Kriseman (D-Pinellas) filed HB 795, a companion bill to Sen. Baker's special districts bill (SB 1210). Both bills would declare it a policy of the state to codify the charter of each independent and dependent special district every 10 years. See Bill Details.

Committees Focus on Budget Cuts

Appropriations committees are meeting this week and next to deliberate budget reductions and recommend another round of state budget cuts. The legislature must cut an additional $3 billion in 2007-08 and 2008-09. These major budget cuts seriously threaten the fate of many state-funded programs, including human services.

Committee Rejects AWI Request for Child Care Funding
Last week, AWI's Office of Early Learning (OEL) presented a new child care funding formula to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation and Economic Development, along with a request for an additional $15.5 million to fund the formula. The new formula is a vast improvement over last year's formula, which would have resulted in major losses for some counties. Despite these improvements, Committee Chair Sen. Mike Fasano (R-Hernando) advised that state budget reductions will not allow for additional dollars to fund the new formula.

NET DATA

House Releases Review of Florida Special Districts

The House Government Efficiency & Accountability Council released a 73-page whitepaper containing findings from a review of Florida's special districts. The report provides a current overview of the state's special districts, as well as data on other state laws related to special districts. The report also presents options for possible changes. See the full report.

Florida Children's Health Insurance Study

The statewide Florida Children's Health Insurance Study provides detailed information about the health coverage status of children in the state of Florida. Prepared by the Child Health Institute with the University of Florida. www.healthykids.org/board/_doc/tab_n.pdf

CSCs in the News

Just a few of the headlines in newspapers across the state.

Children's Board Rises To The Challenge - The Children's Board of Hillsborough County stepped up in a big way for this community this week.
For sure return, invest in children - Every day, children arrive in Volusia and Flagler counties' public schools hungry.
Securing the Safety Nets -- In Palm Beach County, for example, the Children's Services Council levies a modest property tax.

EVENTS

Florida 21st CCLC 2008 Spring Conference

Scheduled for March 25-28 in Daytona Beach, the 21^st Century Community Learning Centers 2008 Spring Conference will be a western-themed conference open to anyone wishing to develop, enhance, or research outstanding after-school programs for students between kindergarten and twelfth grade. Visit the conference web site for more details and registration.

Children's Week Activities Under Way

Plans are in the works for the 13^th Annual Children's Week, March 30 - April 6, in Tallahassee. Television and radio ads are running. Flyers and press releases are being distributed. A "Kids Only" Town Hall Meeting is planned for April 1. Students will meet with members of the Children and Youth Cabinet to ask questions. Students interested in participating in the Town Hall meeting are encouraged to apply. Applications are due Friday, Feb. 15. See all CW events.

Infant Mental Health Annual Conference in May

The Florida Association for Infant Mental Health (FAIMH) will hold its Annual Conference May 15-16 in Jacksonville. For more details, or to register, go to: www.faimh.org. On another note, FCSC CEO Vivian Alarcon is scheduled to give a presentation on CSCs to the FAIMH Board of Directors March 4 in Tallahassee.

Do you have an update for FCSC News Update?
Send your information at least three days prior to the issue date. FCSC News Update is published every other week on Wednesdays. Updates must be 100 words or less. Longer updates can include a link to more detailed information. FCSC reserves the right to omit, edit and/or adjust the content of your contribution for space considerations.

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FCSC News Update is a bi-weekly compilation of news and information relevant to the work of Florida's Children's Services Councils (CSCs). The Florida Children's Services Council is a statewide, non-profit organization working on behalf of the CSCs to promote policies that build effective primary prevention and early intervention systems of supports for Florida's children and families.