Governor's Budget Recommendations

Today, Gov. Rick Scott proposed a $66.4 billion budget for next year, down from this year's $69.1 billion budget. The budget contains no cuts to Medicaid funding for nursing home care. It restores previous cuts to education by $1 billion, would cut 2,800 actual filled state jobs "all over" government and would rely on cuts in health care spending and the prison system. 

While the Governor's budget does not negatively impact nursing home funding, we want to remind our FHCA members that both the House and Senate will come out with their respective budgets not long after the session begins in January. It's important that we continue educating lawmakers about the impact the July 1st $187.5 million Medicaid cut, together with the October 1st $332 million Medicare cut, is having on facilities' ability to maintain an adequate workforce and continue delivering high-quality care to our state's seniors.

In the meantime, watch our video message by clicking here and learn how you can get involved this legislative session, which kicks off January 10, 2012. You'll hear from Sen. Thad Altman (R-24) as he shares his thoughts about the high-quality care delivered by and economic impact of Florida's long term care facilities. You'll also learn more about our 2012 legislative priorities and how you can get involved in our grassroots activities, including:

• 2012 Lobby Wednesdays - Click here to learn more.
• Get the Facts Campaign  - Spread the word about these important LTC facts.
• Safeguard Our Seniors website - Find the tools you need to advocate for our profession.

It's going to take all of us working together and staying informed to make a difference.