Champion for Children Bob Butterworth Resigns

Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Bob Butterworth announced his resignation Tuesday morning at a press conference with Gov. Charlie Crist. His resignation is effective Aug. 15. Child advocates were saddened by Butterworth's announcement. FCSC Board Member Jim Mills summed it up saying, "We, and all who care about what happens to families and children in Florida, have never had a more powerful, effective leader in that position."

Butterworth, Florida's former attorney general and one of two Democrats holding agency secretary jobs in Crist's administration, told the governor when he accepted the DCF top spot that he would serve for 18 months. After 19 months on the job, Butterworth said it was "time to pass the torch to a new secretary." He touted DCF's accomplishments, including the fact that there are now 20 percent fewer kids in foster care than when he arrived. In his resignation letter, Butterworth wrote, "None of the things we did were my idea. We simply tapped the knowledge and creativity of our employees, from the leadership team to the front lines." Crist said it was "with mixed emotions'' that he accepted Butterworth's resignation. The governor did not indicate a replacement.

Last July, while presenting Butterworth with the National Governors Association Award for Distinguished Service to State Government, Crist said, "Throughout my career, I have regarded Bob as a role model who truly sets the gold standard for public service. His achievements are numerous, and his service to the State of Florida is just one of the countless examples of ways in which his work has contributed to the well-being of our state."

Miami Herald Endorses Children's Trust

An editorial in last Sunday's Miami Herald highly praises the work of The Children's Trust. It states, "the Trust has built a remarkable record: It delivers what was promised; it has created a transparent, accountable, trustworthy organization that binds our community to a common purpose." Read more. On Aug. 26, voters in Miami-Dade County will determine whether The Children's Trust is reauthorized and becomes a permanent part of the community. CSCs across the state will be watching the results of this very important vote.

FAN, DCF and FSU Partner to Produce Afterschool Training Videos

The Florida Afterschool Network (FAN) is partnering with the Florida Department of Children and Families and Florida State University to develop afterschool in-service training modules centered on FAN's, "Florida's Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs" and the "Florida Quality Assessment and Improvement Guide." Available online, the modules will be 12 hours, and will be part of the state's required 30 hours of training for child care personnel. Afterschool practitioners who complete the training modules will have met 12 of the 30-hour requirement for the introductory training for school-age personnel.

JWB Pinellas Board Adopts New Millage Rate

On July 17, the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) of Pinellas County voted to adopt a proposed millage rate of .7915. The new rate is a 7 percent increase over the current rate of .7384; however property valuations have been reduced by approximately 8.49 percent. As a result, the budget for funding programs for at-risk children and working class families will be reduced by $1.1 million. JWB estimates 1,000 children in Pinellas County will lose services next fiscal year. JWB will host two Truth in Millage (TRIM) Hearings on Sept. 11 and Sept. 18 to seek public input on their budget, as well the priorities in funding critical services to children and families who need them.

~ Submitted by Ben Kirby, JWB-CSC of Pinellas County

TaxWatch Says Amendment 5 Detrimental to Florida's Economy

TaxWatch released the first in a series of briefings on the constitutional amendments approved by the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. In its first briefing, TaxWatch focuses on Amendment 5, concluding that the amendment, if approved, would place Florida's economic future at great risk. View the complete report on the Florida TaxWatch web site.