GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT LIFTS EMERGENCY RULE FOR APD

[matt potak]

  GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT LIFTS EMERGENCY RULE FOR APD

    Reaches deal with House and Senate to release funds for services

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced an agreement with
the House and Senate that would provide an infusion of cash that will
prevent the Agency for Persons with Disabilities from discontinuing
services.

“I thank Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon
for joining me to protect the community APD serves, and I applaud the hard
work of the staff at APD for finding a solution to this problem,” Governor
Scott stated. “After years of deficit spending that put these services at
risk, I’m glad that we’re taking steps to finally bring responsible
financial management to this agency and the people they serve.”

After an Inspector General report disclosed that the agency would likely
run out of cash to pay for needed services in early May due to an
unprecedented $174 million budget shortfall, Governor Scott issued an
emergency order stretching funds through the end of the fiscal year to
avoid any cutoff of services.

The Governor’s Office worked closely with the Legislature to find a way to
provide immediate funding so that the Emergency Order could be lifted and
to find a long term solution to the problem. Governor Scott also continues
to work with the Legislature and members of the disability community to
develop strategies to prevent future shortfalls in APD's budget.

Today’s deal lifts a hold on approximately $30 million that will cover the
agency’s provider costs through the end of the fiscal year.


--
Matt Potak, M.S., BCBA
Behavior Analysis Solutions Inc.
www.shapingbehavior.com

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