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Workforce Florida Weekly Update 02-06-08 |
CONTENTS The State & RegionsBlueprint Commission Presents Juvenile Justice Reform
Recommendations To Governor Crist And Legislature. Tallahassee, Fla. (February
5, 2008) — The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
(DJJ) and the Blueprint Commission today presented "Getting
Smart About Juvenile Justice in Florida," a report of
recommendations to reform Florida’s juvenile justice
system. Following a series of six statewide public hearings,
the Blueprint Commission created the report to drive future
decisions on systematic improvements to the juvenile justice
system. "Our goal is to lead Florida’s juvenile
justice system on a new path," Chairman Brogan said. "This
report will provide our state with the necessary tools to bring
the vision of DJJ and the Blueprint Commission to life and
provide our youth with the means to become positive contributors
to our society." The Blueprint Commission identified 52
specific recommendations for change and based on 12 guiding
principles, which are compiled in the "Getting Smart about
Juvenile Justice" report. These recommendations are to
be implemented over multiple years and are intended to guide
and support DJJ in their commitment to focusing on children
and families while reducing juvenile delinquency and improving
public safety.
Governor Crist Applauds New Civic Education Center ~ Center Will Help Make Civics A Priority In Florida Schools. TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist last week joined former Senator Bob Graham and former Congressman Lou Frey to unveil a unique partnership between the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at the University of Central Florida and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida. The partnership will establish the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship – a primary resource to help strengthen civic education in the state. An outgrowth of the bi-partisan civic education initiative Graham and Frey launched last year, the center will promote the development of enlightened, responsible, and actively engaged citizens and lead efforts to improve civic education in Florida schools. Governor Crist’s proposed education budget includes $3.4 million to strengthen civic education through professional development opportunities for current and prospective teachers and grants to encourage innovative approaches to civics education. “Educated and informed voters are the foundation of our nation’s democratic process. I applaud the efforts of two of our state’s most distinguished statesmen, and encourage Floridians to support their efforts,” said Governor Crist. “Our state’s future is in the hands of the children who are now in school. Through sound civics education, we can ensure that Florida’s future leaders have the knowledge and skills to make their voices heard in the political process.” Under the leadership of former Senator Graham and former Congressman Frey, the center will coordinate efforts to improve civics education in Florida and provide leadership to help make civics a priority in Florida’s teacher education programs. It will also encourage the use of classroom materials that help students understand government in the state and in the communities where they live. Periodically, the center will report to the citizens of Florida on the state’s civic culture. One of the center’s first initiatives is to implement a statewide professional development training program for middle school teachers. For this project, the center is partnering with Helios Education Foundation, which will provide a community investment of $556,466 toward the program. With this funding, the center will offer training programs for middle school teachers statewide during the summers of 2008 and 2009. www.myflorida.com. Governor Crist Announces University of Miami Human
Genomic Institute. MIAMI – Governor Charlie Crist last week joined
Speaker Marco Rubio and University of Miami President Donna
Shalala to announce the creation of the University of Miami
Human Genomics Institute. “Today’s announcement
is a testament to Florida’s success in establishing one
of the top biotechnology centers in the nation,” said
Governor Crist. “The Miami institute, along with Florida’s
other innovative life science projects, will help medical doctors
do a better job of preventing, detecting, and treating diseases.” The
institute, to be located on the campus of the University of
Miami, will support approximately 1,274 positions directly
and indirectly, over a 20-year period and will generate $3.2
billion in gross state product, as well as $196 million in
state government gross revenues from direct and indirect impacts
in its first 20 years of operation. The state’s $80-million
investment in the University of Miami Human Genomics Institute
will establish an important research center that will focus
on transferring clinical applications into the commercial sectors.
The project uses a novel approach to collaborative biomedical
research, seeking to build upon the existing intellectual infrastructure
provided by the biotech businesses existing in the area. The
project will also serve to train a critical mass of doctorate-level
scientists. The institute will help address many of the challenging
problems within the fields of biology, bioengineering and medicine.
The University of Miami Human Genomics Institute is anticipated
to become an internationally recognized biomedical research
center. It will focus on the application of genomic advances
to the prevention, detection, and refined treatment of human
diseases. This effort builds upon University of Miami’s
reputation as a leader in biomedical research by accelerating
the development of biomedical research technologies. In December
2007, Governor Crist announced the creation of the Florida
Max Planck Institute of Bio-imaging in Jupiter, and in January
2008, announced that VGTI Florida is expanding to Port St.
Lucie. Other biotech organizations that have established a
research and development presence in Florida include the Scripps
Research Institute, the Burnham Institute for Medical Research,
and Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies. www.myflorida.com. Fannie Mae Foundation And PELTH Honor Winners Of Seventeenth
Maxwell Awards Of Excellence – Two Florida Nonprofits
Among The Fourteen Nonprofits Honored. WASHINGTON, D.C., January
25, 2008 -- The Fannie Mae Foundation, in collaboration with
the Partnership to End Long Term Homelessness, today announced
the Seventeenth Maxwell Awards of Excellence winners. Four
organizations received the Maxwell Award of Excellence, along
with a $75,000 grant from the Fannie Mae Foundation to continue
work in the field of supportive housing for homeless individuals
and families. The remaining ten organizations received honorable
mentions and were each awarded a $10,000 grant. "The Fannie
Mae Foundation commends each of this year's Maxwell Awards
of Excellence winners for their outstanding efforts to prevent
and end homelessness. These organizations are true leaders
and we are pleased to honor them," said Peter Beard, executive
director of the Fannie Mae Foundation. "These organizations
have greatly improved the lives of homeless individuals and
families through their ability to provide appropriate supportive
services and permanent housing for their tenants. They are
wonderful examples of organizations committed to ending homelessness
in their communities," said Bob Hohler, executive director
of the Melville Charitable Trust and executive committee chairman
of the Partnership to End Long Term Homelessness. Winners were
selected by an independent advisory committee for having produced
the best examples of supportive housing in four categories:
Housing for Homeless Veterans; Housing for Chronically Homeless
Individuals; Housing for Homeless Youth; and Housing for Homeless
Families.
Free Tax Aide Available To Suncoast Residents. During the month of February, residents in Manatee and Sarasota County can receive free, personal income tax assistance at various locations across our region. Trained IRS-certified tax-aide volunteers will be available at various locations to provide consultation services and assistance for electronically filing tax returns so any refunds due will be received sooner. No appointment is necessary. In addition to this free service, low to middle income individuals and families may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Depending on the amount of income, qualifying taxpayers can claim up to $4,716 on their returns. To be eligible, taxpayers must have earned income generally under $40,000. The Suncoast Workforce Board's mobile career centers in collaboration with the Economic Prosperity Program of Manatee County will provide the free e-tax service to residents of Manatee County. "It's a great opportunity for working families. The tax credits can potentially raise a person's hourly salary by one to two dollars. Also, by having your taxes prepared for free means not having to spend $200-$300 for private tax preparation service," explained Marja Scheeres, Coordinator of the Economic Prosperity Program of Manatee County, an extension of Manatee Whole Child Project. In Sarasota County, AARP teamed up with Sarasota County Government to provide free tax-aide services. "This is a great program not only for seniors but for all individuals and families. Residents should find their local tax-aide center and make use of these services," said David Leopard, Area Manager for AARP. The Suncoast Workforce Board further encourages our newsletter readers to share this information with others. For scheduled times and locations of tax-aide sites, visit the Suncoast Workforce Board's website at www.swdb.org. Those without access to a computer may dial 211. WCF Mobile Unit Part of Free Tax Preparation Sites. The WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA Mobile Unit will be one of 30 free tax preparation sites throughout Central Florida. The event, offered in collaboration by the ExtraCredit program of Heart of Florida United Way, WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, is open to individuals who earn $40,000 a year or less and will offer assistance from trained VITA volunteers. For more information including dates of the event, call 2-1-1 or e-mail eitc@hfuw.org. In addition, there are more than 30 additional free tax preparation sites throughout Central Florida, open February 1 – April 15. A complete list is available on the Heart of Florida United Way Web site at http://www.hfuw.org/tax_locations.htm.aspx. The NationFinal Bush Budget Released: R&D Gets Boost; Economic Development Slashed (from SSTI Weekly Digest for February 6, 2008). Analysts Say Request Going Nowhere. The last budget request of a lame duck administration rarely musters much attention from Congress as its focus is turned toward the next administration and, for entire the House of Representatives, its own re-election. Not one of the previous seven budgets of the Bush years has been passed on time, so no one in Washington expects this one to be the exception. Nevertheless, the fiscal year 2009 request provides the Bush Administration one final opportunity to outline how it would like to see the federal government spend its money. As in every previous budget request from the Bush White House, that doesn’t include much for economic development programs. “Highlights” for economic development programs include:
Whether or not this tired assault on the federal government’s
role in encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship gains much
traction during Congress’s budget sessions this summer
remains to be seen. To the Administration’s credit, it
has managed to whittle down spending on economic development.
For example, in FY 2001, MEP’s budget was $107 million.
The EDA budget was a whopping $412 million. By proposing cuts
or elimination, the Administration forces constituents to argue
for maintaining some level of funding, rather than sustaining
or growing programs. Squeezing budgets year after year, as
has been the approach, means programs do not keep pace with
inflation or meet the growing needs for services as the country
slips further into recession.
HHS Publishes Final Rule Implementing Changes to the
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program. The Administration
for Children and Families within the Department of Health and
Human Services has published the final rule implementing changes
to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
required by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA). The DRA
reauthorized the TANF program through fiscal year (FY) 2010
with a renewed focus on work, program integrity, and strengthening
families through healthy marriage promotion and responsible
fatherhood. On June 29, 2006, ACF published an interim final
rule implementing the required statutory changes with a 60-day
comment period that ended on August 28, 2006. NASWA Workforce Bulletin Headlines – February 1, 2008:
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities and NoticesFor current information, visit the External Grant Opportunities page.Featured Opportunity:(none) Upcoming Meetings, Conferences and
Events
Workforce Florida Board and Related Meetings Schedule:For up-to-date WFI board meeting info please check the calendar at the WFI website. February 13, 2008
February 14, 2008
Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
February 12, 2008 February 14, 2008 March 11, 2008 March 18-20, 2008 March 25, 2008 May 13 – 16, 2008 May 18-20, 2008 July 15-17, 2008 Odds and EndsMeasuring Innovation Committee Publishes Recommendations. The Advisory Committee on Measuring Innovation in the 21st Century Economy, a panel convened by Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez to create meaningful measurements of innovation, has produced its first report, Innovation Measurement: Tracking the State of Innovation in the American Economy. In the report, the Committee recommends better coordination between government statistical agencies, increased access to government data sources for outside researchers, and enhanced funding to create a stronger framework for measuring innovation. For business, the Committee recommends that corporate leaders provide expanded support for the creation of new firm and industry-level measures of innovation. Business leaders should also actively participate in innovation research activities. The Committee defined innovation as “the design, invention, development and/or implantation of new or altered products, services, processes, systems, organizational structures, or business models for the purpose of creating new value for customers and financial returns for the firm.” Download the January 2008 report of Committee at: http://www.innovationmetrics.gov/Innovation%20Measurement%2001-08.pdf. Putting Entrepreneurship in the Social Sector (from Harvard Business School Working Knowledge for Business Leaders). Despite the best of intentions and trillions of dollars worth of assets, nonprofits have been unable to solve many of society's worst ills. A new casebook by 4 Harvard Business School professors argues that the social sector should take an entrepreneurial approach. Q&A with coauthor Jane C. Wei-Skillern. Key concepts include:
Recognition Given To Best Communities for Young People – Five Florida Communities Make the List. The America’s Promise Alliance recently announced the 2008 winners of its 100 Best Communities for Young People competition, which identifies cities and towns nationwide that have made the well-being of children and youth a top priority. The competition highlights those communities that find unique and effective ways to ensure their young people receive the resources necessary to stay in school and succeed. To learn which 27 communities across the South were selected as a best community for young people, visit: http://www.americaspromise.org/APAPage.aspx?id=9846. Five Florida communities made the list – they are: Coral Springs, Greenacres, City of Plantation, Hillsborough County/ Tampa, Manatee County, and St. Petersburg. All of these Florida communities, with the exception of Hillsborough County/Tampa, have been selected as best communities for young people for three consecutive years. A description of those model communities can be found at: http://www.americaspromise.org/APAPage.aspx?id=9824. Assets of Low-Income Families. "The typical family headed by someone without a high school diploma may own a home (56 percent) valued at $75,000, a car (70 percent) worth $7,400, and hold a checking or savings account (72 percent) worth $1,100." From "The Balance Sheets of Low-Income Households: What We Know About Their Assets and Liabilities," by Adam Carasso and Signe-Mary McKernan, available online at: http://www.urban.org/publications/411594.html. VA Increases Travel Reimbursement for Eligible Veterans. WASHINGTON (January 31, 2008) - Over a million eligible veterans
will see their mileage reimbursement more than double starting
tomorrow, for travel to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
medical facilities. "This increase helps veterans --
especially those living in rural areas -- offset some of
the gasoline costs as they travel to VA's world-class health
care," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James
B. Peake. "Increasing the mileage reimbursement is one
more step by VA to help veterans access the health care they
deserve." The 2008 appropriations act provided funding
for VA to increase the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement
rate from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile. The increase
goes into effect on Feb. 1. After little more then a month
on the job, Secretary Peake used his authority to establish
the first increase in the mileage reimbursement in 30 years,
fulfilling a pledge he made during his Senate confirmation
hearing last month. While increasing the payment, VA, as
mandated by law, also equally increased the deductible amounts
applied to certain mileage reimbursements. The new deductibles
are $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, with
a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. However, these deductibles
can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran. Quote for the Week:"In sitcom school they tell you how great it is to have a long-running show, but they don't tell you how hard it is to say goodbye." David Hyde Pierce |
