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The Florida legislative session is currently under way, and things are not looking good for Flagler County’s Adults with Disabilities Programs.

The Florida Senate budget that was approved late last week completely eliminated the funding for our entire Adults with Disabilities program while adding money to new programs. The proposed House budget has another 15% reduction for our programs, but at least we are included in their budget.

Adoption of the Senate budget would mean the elimination of our Step Up Industries, the Community Inclusion Program, The Adult Activity Center and Step Up Adult Basic Education. All programs run in conjunction with our partners at Stewart Marchman Act, and greatly impact the Transition Services we offer Flagler’s most vulnerable K-12 students.

We took a 15% reduction last year, and that resulted in the loss of three staff members. Our budget for this year is half of what it was for the 2006/2007 school year. While we understand Florida’s economic problems are severe, it would seem that we are trying to balance the budget by placing an undeserved burden on our most vulnerable citizens.

We currently have 248 students in the Adults with Disabilities Programs. The programs employ 18 full-time and five part-time School Board employees. Our programs include basic vocational training, life-skills training, community awareness and recreational activities, and basic academics.

Our students in the vocational portion of Step Up receive biweekly paychecks from Stewart Marchman Act. Once our students have their basic job skills intact, they are linked with a job coach to help them find a competitive job.

Flagler County Schools does not make anything on the work students produce. The companies we produce work for pay Stewart Marchman, and then pay student wages.

The workshop holds an accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation Of Rehab Facilities. The loss of this program to Flagler County would be not only devastating to our most vulnerable citizens but to our local economy. In a county with the highest unemployment rate in the state, we simply cannot sit by and allow another 18-plus jobs be eliminated.

We are asking ALL Flagler County residents to take the time to contact legislators immediately. The state budget will move into conference next week. The House and the Senate will come together to hammer out their differences. We must be sure that our delegation understands the impact this decision has on our local community and economy.

Please ask that they restore the funding for our Adults with Disabilities programs. This process will be coming to a close this week — don’t miss the opportunity to take a stand for those who may not be able to stand on their own!

Contact information for our local legislators is listed below.

Rep. Bill Proctor - our local Representative and chair of the House Education Committee
904-823-2550
bill.proctor@myfloridahouse.gov

Sen. Evelyn Lynn - chair of Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee
1-886-831-2665 or 386-238-3180
lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. John Thrasher – our local Senator
904-727-3600
thrasher.john.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Audrey Gibson – our local Senator
904-359-2553 or 386-506- 3492
gibson.audrey.web@flsenate.gov

Rep. Fred Costello – our local Representative
850-488-9873 or 386-736-5100
fred.costello@myfloridahouse.gov

It is imperative that we also reach out to the chairs of the Appropriation Committees.

Sen. Steve Wise – Chair Education
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov
904-381-6000

Sen. David Simmons – Chair of the k12 Appropriations Committee
simmons.david.web@flsenate.gov
407-262-7578

Sen. J.D. Alexander – Chair of the Budget Committee
alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov
1-800-444-9747

Rep. Denise Grimsley – Chair of House Appropriations Committee
Denise.grimsley@myfloridahouse.gov
850-488-3457

Rep. Marti Coley – Chair of House k12 Appropriations Sub Committee
marti.coley@myfloridahouse.gov
850-718-0047

*CLICK HERE to view a list of programs that will be eliminated if funding is not restored.

 

 

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