Last Friday, Governor Jeb Bush proposed budget recommendations for a $565m emergency management plan for hurricane preparedness and response that will help the state prepare for hurricanes and their aftermath and educate the public in self-reliant methods. The proposal, which would be funded by the state and federal governments, would raise public awareness about early preparation, continue the sales tax holiday on hurricane supplies, and strengthen older homes to better withstand hurricane-force winds. The governor's plan would also use funds to assist residents during the immediate response. The response strategy includes funds to build shelters to house an additional 100,000 people, to install permanent generators in special needs shelters and to expand and strengthen county emergency operations centers. Governor Bush also proposes a partnership with businesses like Publix, Target or Loew's to help distribute supplies more quickly in a storm's aftermath. Thank goodness we have a proactive governor in our state that is alert to the needs of public in hurricane preparedness and not waiting until after the fact like in Louisiana. Hopefully, our county will be able to re-energize the need for shelter space for our residents during hurricanes with the Florida Legislature (I believe Ginny Brown-Waite already jumped on board at the federal level for shelter space).
Governor Bush also joined forces with Senator Paula Dockery to launch a campaign to encourage employers to recruit and hire qualified persons with disabilities. Governor Bush is recommending more than $1.3 billion in this fiscal year to assist disabled persons. And I'm sure Mark Berry from our local ARC chapter will be looking into this proposal to see if it will benefit his most worthwhile organization since they have been hit hard on funding over the last several years.
We look forward to many positive plans being proposed as we move into the new 2006-07 budget year.
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