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April Legislative Update

With the 2019 Legislative Session officially half way through and budget negotiations well under way, I want to update you all on what we've been up to in Tallahassee. 

I've been proud of the work we have done so far up here and excited to kick off the second half of Session!

Senate 2019-2020 Budget
The Florida Senate voted 40-0 to approve Senate Bill 2500, the Florida Senate’s proposed budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The balanced budget prioritizes education, hurricane recovery, and Florida’s environment while replenishing state reserves to more than $3.4 billion which can be used in future times of need in our state.

Senate Bill 2500 increases funding for the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) by $1.1 billion over the current year budget, which is a 4.71% increase in total funds per student. The budget also increases the total state investment in Hurricane Michael Recovery to more than $1.8 billion and invests $656 million toward protecting the environment and improving water quality.

4H Day at the Capitol




Alachua County 4-H members celebrated 4-H Day at the Capitol this week! It's always an honor to meet with this great group that works everyday to "Make the Best Better" in our communities and classrooms! 
 

Promoting Booster Seat Safety 


Last week I passed a provision through the Senate Infrastructure & Security Committee that enhances Booster Seat safety by requiring children to ride in a booster seat through the age of 6. 

Studies have shown that when child safety seats are used correctly, they can reduce fatal injuries by over 70% for infants and by 54% for toddlers.

PACE Center for Girls


We had the pleasure of having PACE Center for Girls join us at the Capitol! It's always great to see the PACE girls and staff make their way up to Tallahassee. We can't thank PACE enough for the good work they do to support our girls! 

Hawthorne Student Government


Hawthorne Middle/High School students took a trip to the Capitol to see their state government in action. Mayor Matt Surrency accompanied the group to show how important a healthy relationship between local and state elected officials is for making our communities even better!  

 

Excess Credit Hour Surcharge

 
My bill that will increase the amount of credit hours university students can take before a surcharge kicks in has passed its second committee! Right now, when students take 10% more classes than are required by their major, they are subject to a costly surcharge. We are extending this threshold to 20%.

This will allow students to pursue studies in highly-demanded fields that require more coursework without the fear of not being able to afford the required classes. I'm excited to continue working with Rep. Mariono to help keep more students out of debt! 

Back to School Tax Holiday


This year I'm proposing a 10-day sales tax holiday to help students and their families save money while they prepare for the upcoming school year!  
You can track my bills here!

Office Contacts
Gainesville Office
Adriana Mitchell
(352) 264-4040
 
Ocala Office
Adriana Mitchell
(352) 264-4040
Tallahassee Office 
Kayla Lott
(850) 487-5008

Palatka Office
Robbie Vogan
(354) 264-4040

 

I hope my newsletter is helpful in keeping us connected throughout the Legislative Session. I look forward to representing you and hearing from you during the legislative process! 

Sincerely,
Signature

Senator Keith Perry

Tallahassee Office       
316 Senate Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 487-5008

Gainesville Office       
2610 NW 43rd Street, Suite 2B 
Gainesville, FL 32606
(352) 264-4040



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Palatka Office       
Putnam County Government Complex
2509 Crill Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177

Ocala Office       
Ocala City Hall
110 SE Watula Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471