Representative Sachs Weekly Newsletter

Week of March 3-9, 2008

“If we did all the things we are capable of,
we would literally astound ourselves.”

Thomas Edison

SACHS IN TALLAHASSEE FOR FIRST WEEK OF SESSION 2008

HB 207, Teacher Certification Requirements, defines the scope of certification tests that are required by the Department of Education to include, Hebrew, Italian, and Chinese. The purpose of the tests is to demonstrate mastery of that subject area knowledge. If this bill passes, it will eliminate the need for teachers to hold a Bachelor’s degree in the specified language. By including these language tests, it eliminates redundancies in teacher certification, and makes it easier for native speakers to teach those languages. It also encourages expanding the scope of foreign languages taught in our schools, which helps to prepare Florida’s students for the ever expanding global community.

HB 229, Tax Credits for Renewable Energy, revises provisions of renewable energy source property exemption, it clarifies the defined amount of the exemption to include the entire cost of the renewable device and installation however it excludes the cost of replacement of such devices. The property tax exemption will apply to real property and can be used by homeowners and builders, but not both.

HB 279, Program Grants, establishes grant program to encourage counties to develop and implement electronic monitoring and tracking programs. Tracking programs gives those in certain populations, like Alzheimer’s patients, people with Down Syndrome, or other afflictions that may cause they to get lost or wander, bracelets that will track them if they get lost. Such programs are already in effect in Pasco County, and are soon to be implemented in Palm Beach County. By having such programs, it significantly reduces the need for extensive search and rescue operations that are extremely costly in terms of human and financial resources. There is a real need for this bill, as the National Alzheimer’s Association reports that over 32,000 people wander away from homes and care facilities each year.

HB 1119, Florida Retirement System, provides an immediate 12.5% increase in retirement benefits for public school teachers and educational staff professionals. If passed, this bill will provide a recruitment tool to encourage students to enter teaching and for former teachers to return. The same recruiting advantages will be seen in other public school positions. This bill will serve to retain school employees as retirement benefits encourage retention. The bill rewards existing teachers, administrators and ESP for their dedicated service with retroactive benefits. Retirement system surpluses could be used to pay for all or a major part of this benefit. Whereas, firefighters and police officers in the FRS system have seen several changes that benefit them. It’s time to reward our dedicated public school employees.

HB 1121, Supervision of School Children, is a bill that would protect children from harassment, intimidation or bullying on school property or school buses. Current laws only protect students on school property; if passed, this will establish a law that would protect students en route to school. It would also extend the jurisdictional protection and punishment powers of the school districts to cover school children walking to or from school, including waiting at bus stops.

HB 1297, Dissolution of Marriage and Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets, allows for an interim order during a divorce that identifies the value of marital and non-marital assets so that they may be distributed equally. The order can allow for a partial distribution of assets and liabilities prior to the finalization of a divorce. Finally, the bill re-defines the term “marital assets” to allow for personal property titled jointly by the parties as tenants by the entireties, whether acquired prior to or during the marriage, shall be presumed to be a marital asset

Please stay tuned as my bills begin going though the lengthy legislative process.

SACHS ON BUDGET CRISIS

The Capitol is once again abuzz with the start of Session. This week was another important time for the citizens of Florida and the House of Representatives. Unlike most, this one has been off to a fast start with the re-working of the 2007-2008 budget. While cuts to our state’s budget seem inevitable, I am determined to help minimize the impact on Palm Beach County. This week, I supported numerous amendments that reduced or eliminated the proposed cuts to our Justice System, education and healthcare (including Medicaid). Although most of the amendments failed, I will continue to fight throughout this session for a balanced and fair budget for the people of my district, Palm Beach County and the State of Florida.

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE

Low and moderate-income workers, including veterans, can get free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Please call 1 (800) 906 – 9887 to locate the nearest VITA site.

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP also offers the Tax-Aide counseling program. To find an AARP Tax Aide site, please call 1 (800) 227 – 7669 or visit the AARP web site at https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator.jsp.