Item O6
Board of County Commissioners
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting Date December 18, 2002 Division: Board of County Commissioners
Bulk Item: Yes [] No}ZJ Department: George R. Neugent
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
As requested by the Florida Association of Counties, a presentation and request of
support to a resolution in objection to the shifting of Medicaid cost to the Counties.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT I AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
TOTAL COST: BUDGETED: YES [] NO Er"
COST TO COUNTY: $ GJf\
REVENUE PRODUCING: YES [] NO IJ AMT PER MONTH: YEAR:
APPROVED BY: COUNTY ATTY [] OMB/PURCHASING [] RISK MANAGEMENT []
/'
~)II ',,'I, . i I
APPROVAL: ':> 1'/' i " ( If,'
Commissioner GEORGE R. NEUGENT
DISTRId II
DOCUMENTATION: INCLUDED yJ TO FOLLOW [] NOT REQUIRED []
DISPOSmON: AGENDA ITEM # o..~(:;.
.-.
. ...
FLOR" ':.1
ASSOCIATI ':. _, P.O. Box 549/ Tallahassee, Florida 32302
Of COUN ~ Phone: 850/922-4300 Suncom: 292-4300 FAX: 850/488-7501
..- Website: www.fl-counties.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: County Commissioners
FROM: Mary Kay Cariseo, Executive Director
DATE: October 9,2002
RE: Medicaid Grassroots Lobbying Efforts
I would like to thank each of you for agreeing to participate in the Florida Association of
Counties (FAC) Medicaid grassroots lobbying efforts to educate key members of the
Legislature of the potential impact Medicaid costs shifts could have on your local
budgets.
As we approach the 2003 legislative session, a wide variety of issues will be discussed
and evaluated as the Legislature tackles yet another budget deficit. Many issues will
require legislative funding such as Article V, high speed rail, the potential passage of
constitutional amendments on education, the Governor's initiative to attract more elder
retirees to Florida and increased health care costs. Now is the time for local
governments to inform legislators that cost shifting their budget responsibility to the local
level is not an adequate budget solution.
Enclosed in your packet you will find a one-page follow-up form, a brief overview of the
Medicaid program, history of county contributions for Medicaid costs, Medicaid talk
points, a spreadsheet outlining your current contribution to the Medicaid program and
the potential impact on your county, and various newspaper clippings capturing some
interesting points made by county officials, as well as legislators.
FAC will facilitate scheduling a breakfast, lunch, or dinner meeting with you and your
assigned legislator. FAC staff will also try to be available to attend these meetings with
you in your district.
FAC appreciates your help in participating in the very important initiative. Should you
have any questions or any need additional information, please contact Joe Anne Hart at
the FAC office.
Enclosures
cc: County Administrators
County Lobbyists
FACSSE Affiliate
MARY "" CAR'SEO I CHUCK DUNN/CK I C. GUY MAxer I CUE"HA'" I WE,roN G. CADWEL' I XAREN 1. MARCUS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PRESIDENT PRESIDENT- ELECT 1ST VICE PRESIDENT 2ND VICE PRESIDENT IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
OSCEOLA HIGHLANDS LEON LAKE PALM BEACH
"--
Medicaid Grassroots Lobbying Efforts
Follow-up Form
Please complete this form after meeting with assigned legislator(s).
Name: County:
Legislator: Date of Meeting:
1. Does the legislator supports FAC's position to OPPOSE Medicaid nursing home
cost shifts to counties?
YES NO, please explain.
2. Does the legislator need any additional information regarding Medicaid cost shifts
to counties? If yes, please explain in detail.
3. Any additional comments:
Please fax to Joe Anne Hart at (850) 488-7192 as soon as possible.
.to ']ltbl (~ C:()11tents FLORIDA'S MEDICAI~
J","~'_'_'_"""' ~~~_n~..~'''~.'_'~'''__'''_''.'~''_;._~""~.__.'..,..,,.._,_,.W~"_""'_"'_'~___'~__'.,,,,"
PROGRAM
(Includes attached documentation)
OVERVIEW OF COUNTIES'
FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION
IN THE MEDICAID PROGRAM
MEDICAID TALK POINTS
REBUTTALS TO
LEGISLATORS' ARGUMENTS
TO INCREASE COUNTIES'
SPREADSHEET
(County-by-County breakdown
.- of potential increase)
COUNTY MILLAGE RATE
INFORMATION
OPPAGA MEDICAID STUDY
ARTICLES ON MEDICAID
(2001-2002)
,
.---.-
FLORIDA'S MEDICAID PROGRAM
The Florida Medicaid Program (Title XIX) provides health care services to eligible
elders, disabled, low-income families, pregnant women, and children in families below
poverty. Health care services include mandatory (inpatient and outpatient hospital,
skilled nursing home services, physician services) and optional (Medipass, hospice
care, state mental health hospital services, home and community-based) services.
Medicaid is jointly financed by state and federal funds. State law requires counties to
contribute to Medicaid for their eligible residents. Counties are mandated to reimburse
the state for the cost of inpatient hospitalization for days 11 through 45 and payments
for nursing home costs of $55 per patient per month. In FY 2000-01, counties
contributed $131 million for Medicaid expenditures and estimated at $140 million for FY
2001-02.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), the federal agency within the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services that regulates the Medicare and Medicaid
programs, requires states to have an approved selected fiscal agent to administer the
Medicaid program. The designated agency for Florida is the Agency for Health Care
Administration (AHCA). AHCA is responsible for billing counties and collecting
reimbursement funds from counties for inpatient hospitalization and nursing home care
services. Counties have no authority over administering the Medicaid program.
Medicaid is not the same as MEDICARE. Medicare (Title XVIII) is available for people
age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal
Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Medicare has two
parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Hospital insurance
coverage includes inpatient care in hospitals, critical access hospitals, and skilled
nursing facilities. It also covers hospice care and some home health care, but certain
conditions must be met to qualify. Medical insurance covers doctors' services,
outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services that Part A does not cover.
You must pay a premium to have Part B as a Medicare benefit.
Recently, the Medicaid program has been a high priority issue for many states because
of the tremendous increase in health care costs over the past fevy years. States like
Florida, New York, North Carolina, and California are experiencing budget constraints
from the cost and caseload increase in their Medicaid programs. The National
Association of Counties (NACo), as well as the National Govem.ors Association (NGA)
have taken a position to support an increase in the federal medical assistance
percentage (FMAP) to bring some financial relief to each states' budgets.
(See supporting documentation attached.)
NACo - Legislative Affairs - American County Platform -- Health Page 1 of:'
N A I: II
,""'::,
NACQj::lQm~ I .cQnt!'l~tUs I Se!'lKO I Sitelnctex I Li nks
l.,~gi$ll1tiv~ American County Platform
Ac::tiQI:!(:~r1J~r
Grassroots 2002 - 2003 Resolutions -- Health
R~$Ql,IrC::~$
RESOLUTION ON FMAP INCREASE WITHOUT DIMINISHING
LeQislative ELIGIBILITY
I'Il,I!l~tirl
Issue: Increase the federal medical assistance percentages
Legislative (FMAPs) and help strengthen the Medicaid program that serves
Priorities millions of low-income children, families, seniors and persons with
disabilities.
Fac::t Sheets Adopted Policy: The National Association of Counties urges
Ac:tvoC::l1C::Y Congress to:
PQc::ul11~n~s · Provide a increase in the federal medical assistance
NA(:Q...I.Ql:Jl:Jyi$~$ percentage (FMAP);
· Any proposal for an increase in the federal medical assistance
Steering percentage (FMAP) should protect current eligibility for
Medicaid and have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
(:QmmJn~~$ that current Medicaid eligibility within a state will be
sustained; and
Caucuses · To the greatest extent possible, any proposal for an increase
in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) should
American be exclusively in the form of a increase in a state's FMAP and
County not in the form of a block grant.
Platform 81
Resolutions Background: Authorized under Title XIX of the Social Security Act,
Medicaid is a means-tested entitlement program administered by
the states which provides health and long-term care insurance to
more than 44 million low-income and disabled individuals at a total
cost of about $260 billion. Medicaid is financed by both the federal
and state governments based on the federal medical assistance
percentage (FMAP) which is individually calculated for each state
involved.
Due to the recent economic slow down, states are experiencing
severe budget deficits. States have an aggregate fiscal shortfall of
$40 billion to $50 billion. Also, because nearly all states are
required to balance their budgets, many states have already raised
taxes and/or cut counter-cyclical programs like Medicaid. At the
same time, the number of uninsured has increased dramatically,
placing a strain on already tight budgets.
Despite the economic situation many states currently find
themselves, the economic boom of the late 1990's and the 2000
decennial census counts dramatically reduced 29 states' FMAPs. The
29 states with reductions will lose about $565 million in federal
funds in fiscal year 2002.
In many states, counties are ultimately responsible for the provision
http://www.naco.org/leg/platformlhealth/03FMAP .cfm
NACo - Legislative Affairs - American County Platform -- Health Page 2 of =-
of health care to the uninsured and rely heavily on the Medicaid
program for support in meeting this mission. With decreasing state
budgets and federal participation in Medicaid in combination with
the increase in the number of uninsured and uncompensated care
has placed counties in financial peril. In order to alleviate this
situation, an increase in state FMAPs is warranted to protect county
safety net providers.
Fiscal/Urban/Rural/Impact: Counties in the 29 sates with FMAP
reductions could face a significant reduction in Medicaid
reimbursements.
Adopted July 16, 2002
NACo Home I CQnta(;t'!)~ ISeaC(;J1 IStteJ!1Qe~ I Links
National Association of Counties, 440 First Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Telephone (202) 393-6226 I webmaster email address: webmaster@naco.orq
http://www.naco.org/leg/platformlhealth/03FMAP .cfm
**...*
.. G Jf.NATIONAL
,.. OVERNORS
'* * ASSOCIATION
.*ic'"
Policy Position
EC-2. State Fiscal Relief and Medicaid Flexibility Policy
The nation's Governors propose and strongly support enactment of federal fiscal relief for states and increased
flexibility in the Medicaid program. This proposal has two separate, but related, components.
Fiscal Relief. The first would be legislation providing short-term fiscal relief to states and territories to help them
meet their current health and social service program obligations. The Governors' proposal includes the following
three components: 1) a temporary increase in states' Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP); 2) flexible
health and social services grants allocated on the basis of states' shares of Medicaid FMAP; and 3) funding for a
one-year hold harmless for states that experienced a reduction in FMAP for federal fiscal 2002. A temporary
increase in FMAP should not be linked to any new eligibility mandates and should be designed so that it provides
fiscal relief for all states and territories.
Medicaid Flexibility. Governors also seek enhanced flexibility for states to manage optional benefits and optional
populations in their Medicaid programs, consistent with the existing NGA Health Care Reform policy (HR-32). This
second component could include a combination of enhanced statutory flexibility as well as additional waiver
authority. Any new proposals inconsistent or absent from that policy would need to be addressed through NGA's
formal policymaking process. The Governors will seek to negotiate legislation with the Administration.
Both of these initiatives would move independently and on separate tracks. NGA and Governors' staff would work
together to build bipartisan interest and support for both packages in Congress.
Time limited (effective Annual Meeting 2002 - Annual Meeting 2004).
Adopted Annual Meeting 2002.
Printed from the NGA web site.
http:/ /www.nga.org/ngallegislativeUpdate/policyPositionDetaiIPrintll, 1390,3717 ,00.html
**..*
-\' G If- NATIONAL
*" OVERNORS
'* * ASSOCIATION
"'*icjf-
Press Release
Governors Applaud Senate Vote on Fiscal Relief
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The nation's governors issued resounding support for a decision in the U.S. Senate to
provide nearly $9 billion in fiscal relief to state Medicaid and social services programs via the Rockefeller-Collins-
Nelson-Smith amendment to the Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act of2001 (S.812).
The measure temporarily increases the federal share of Medicaid by $6 billion through a hold harmless provision for
states that would experience a drop in their Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) and 1.35 percentage
point across the board increase for each state, with a 2.7 percentage point FMAP increase for each territory. The
amendment also provides an additional $3 billion in temporary social services block grants to be administered
through Title xx.
"This vote marks the culmination of many months of hard work in the Senate, particularly by Senators Rockefeller,
Collins and Nelson," said NGA Chairman Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton. "Many states continue to face budget
shortfalls and face the prospect of instituting significant cuts in health care and social services to curb expenditures.
The adoption of the Rockefeller-Collins-Nelson-Smith amendment is an important first-step in helping states
maintain service levels during the continuing fiscal crisis."
The $9 billion in fiscal relief would flow directly into Medicaid budgets and the flexible Social Services Block
Grants which provide critical services such as long-term care for the elderly and assistance for the disabled. Fiscal
relief would also allow states to reduce proposed cuts in state budgets to other programs, including education.
According to NGA, skyrocketing Medicaid costs are crippling state budgets, which experienced a $45 billion
revenue shortfall in Fiscal Year 2002 (FY02) and face similar prospects in FY03.
"As it stands, states can no longer afford Medicaid," said NGA Vice Chairman Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthome. "With
the program's growth rate approaching 25 percent over the past two years and representing more than 20 percent of
state budgets, it was imperative for the Senate to recognize that states needed significant assistance. Passage of this
amendment ensures that many low-income families will be protected from drastic cuts in the programs that provide
for their health care and social service needs."
####
Printed from the NGA web site.
http://www.nga.org/ngalnewsRoom/pressReleaseDetaiIPrint/l, 1422,4179,00.html
OVERVIEW OF COUNTIES' FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION IN
THE MEDICAID PROGRAM
HISTORY
In 1972, the Florida Legislature passed legislation requiring counties to reimburse the
state for Medicaid cost, which included payments for inpatient hospitalization in excess
of 12 days and payments for nursing home care in excess of $170 per month, with
county contributions being 35% of the total cost. During this time, the Legislature
approved payments for nursing home care in the General Appropriations Act. This
allowed the Legislature to have a significant role in determining the cost of nursing
home care as it relates to the counties' mandated match contribution. Today, the
process is more complicated and is determined in a manner that takes many factors into
consideration such as targets, ceilings, and growth rates, just to name a few.
Several years later, the Legislature realized that the substantial growth that exists in
nursing home costs could potentially threaten local county budgets. Therefore, during
the 1975 Legislative Session, the Legislature approved a $55 cap for nursing home cost
to counties as a mechanism to help control the fiscal impact to counties.
After the Legislature placed a cap on nursing home costs, the Medicaid statute was left
unchanged until the 1991 Legislative Session. The Legislature wanted to rewrite the
Medicaid statute to provide a comprehensive description of the program and its
requirements. During this rewrite, the section that requires counties to contribute to the
Medicaid program included changes that placed a limit on the number of hospital days
counties were responsible to pay to the state, without changing the cap on nursing
home costs.
CURRENT COUNTY RESPONSIBILITIES
Currently, counties are mandated to reimburse the state for nursing home and inpatient
hospital expenses. This mandate cost counties approximately $131 million statewide.
In 2001, the Legislature increased counties' share for hospital inpatient services
approximately $13.5 million, adding days 11 and 12 to counties' mandated
reimbursement to the state. Prior to this change, counties were responsible for inpatient
hospital coverage from the 13th - 45th day. Counties' responsibilities for nursing home
costs are capped at $55 per month per person, which cost counties $32.8 million during
the 2000-2001 fiscal year.
COUNTY POSITION
Florida's counties support legislation that reduces inpatient hospital costs by limiting
county responsibility to only the 13th - 45th day of hospital coverage. Additionally,
counties support the current statute that caps the nursing home costs to $55 per month
per person.
Prepared by: The Florida Association of Counties
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TALK POINTS AGAINST MEDICAID COST SHIFTS
. Any provision that increases the counties' share for Medicaid nursing
home costs is an unfunded mandate.
. The counties' currently contribute approximately $32.8 million for
Medicaid nursing home costs. Should the Legislature choose to
increase the $55 nursing home cap, counties could potentially be
mandated to pay over $80 million annualized for Medicaid nursing
home costs. This represents a recurring increase of 1550/0 in
actual dollars for county taxpayers.
. Counties are funding many programs, including elder and long-term
care services, at the local level with discretionary dollars. These
programs provide assistance to people who cannot get health
insurance through their employers and who do not qualify for
Medicaid. By doing this, counties help reduce the cost of
uncompensated care that hospitals typically pick-up.
. Local governments have limited capacity to generate revenues at the
local level. Counties have to prioritize their budgets to fund essential
local health and human services programs and services, as well as
new roads, transportation, public safety, growth management, pay
raises and so forth.
. As quoted in the Lakeland Ledger "If the state of Florida can meet its
obligations without changing the state's tax structure, why is it looking
to county governments to pay as much as $48 million in new costs
for" state programs. (Article attached.)
. It's time for the Legislature to be responsible and take ownership in
funding state programs with state funds. Let's not raise taxes at the
local level, while screaming "NO NEW TAXES" at the state level.
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Bi' 'lifts Medicaid Cost Burden ge 5 of 5
. .. -
Senate President John McKay has proposed doing
away with many sales tax exemptions and lowering
the overall sales tax rate.
Bush and Feeney see that as a tax increase. And
they say Florida can handle its needs without
increasing taxes.
The F AC, which supported McKay's proposal, sees
it differently.
"If the current revenue structure is stable, why are
they looking to local government for revenue for a
state program," said Hartofthe FAC.
And Gifford agrees, writing in his email to
legislators, "My recommendation is, if you don't
want to pay for something, cut it from your budget,
but please, don't send mandates down for us to
pay."
Billy Townsend can be reached at
binYJ.()wnsen<!~h~l~g~r ~~Q!l} or 863-802-
7540.Staffwriter Bill Rufty contributed to this
article.
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BagI_12..ll!I! ...~...,. n..l(.l...."'.ll"J:J <1'II'U1I1'. iI'I":
C 2002 The Ledger Questions? Problems? Suggestions? QI!I!~~@t~~te~dg~r.c!)1!!
.
http://www.theledger.comllocaVlocaV06MEDI.HTM 3/6/02
Rebuttals to Legislators' Arguments to Increase
Counties' Share for Medicaid
If a legislator says.....
Counties are not paying their fair share for Medicaid nursing home costs.
Commissioner's response.....
Over the past 30 years, the counties' share for Medicaid nursing home
costs has steadily increased. The County payments to cover the state
Medicaid costs have increased 280% since 1983. This rate of increase in
Medicaid payments to the state far exceeds the rate of growth in property
values since 1983. Thus, counties have been raising taxes or decreasing
services over the last two decades to meet increased payments to the state
for Medicaid.
If a legislator says.....
Counties will have additional dollars available when the state takes over
payments for Article V court costs.
Commissioner's response.....
The promise to the voters who approved Revision 7 in 1998 was that
savings arising locally from the state assuming a greater responsibility for
the state court system would either enhance local programs and services
or provide local property tax relief. Requiring counties to pay the state for
an increased share of state Medicaid costs does not fulfill either promise.
If a legislator says.....
Counties are not doing enough in the area of health care.
Commissioner's response....
Many counties provide health care to indigent persons who are not eligible
for Medicaid and can not afford to purchase health insurance on their own.
Counties use local discretionary funds to serve as the health care safety
net in their communities.
MEDICAID NURSING HOME COSTS
COUNTY BY COUNTY BREAKDOWN
Column 1: Shows what counties are currently paying for in the area of medicaid nursing
home costs.
Column 2: Shows by how much each county's billing will increase should the Florida
Legislature shift additional cost to county governments.
Column 3: Shows the annualized amount each county will have to pay because of the
increase.
2002-03
2000-01 Proposed Medicaid Estimated 2002-03
County Contributions Nursing Home Increase Total Proposed County
To Medicaid Nursing from $55 to $140 Contribution to Medicaid
Home Costs County Fiscal Year Impact Nursing Home Costs
Alachua $336,042 $492,140 $828,182
Baker $65,096 $95,334 $160,430
Bay $395,454 $579,150 $974,604
Bradford $68,699 $100,610 $169,309
Brevard $1,028,949 $1,506,913 $2,535,862
Broward $1,739,528 $2,547,570 $4,287,098
Calhoun $66,683 $97,657 $164,340
Charlotte $387,277 $567,173 $954,450
Citrus $367,172 $537,729 $904,901
Clay $221,468 $324,344 $545,812
Collier $292,210 $427,946 $720,156
Columbia $170,152 $249,191 $419,343
DeSoto $77,906 $114,095 $192,000
Dixie $42,973 $62,934 $105,907
Duval $1,949,496 $2,855,072 $4,804,568
Escambia $696,787 $1,020,458 $1,717,245
Flagler $91,573 $134,111 $225,684
Franklin $45,392 $66,477 $111,869
Gadsden $173,340 $253,859 $427,199
Gilchrist $40,124 $58,762 $98,886
Glades $10,113 $14.810 $24,923
Gulf $40,852 $59,829 $100,681
Hamilton $67,013 $98,141 $165,154
Hardee $51,306 $75,139 $126,446
Hendry $74,500 $109,107 $183,608
Hernando $204,844 $299,998 $504,842
Highlands $241,962 $354,358 $596,321
Hillsborough $1,821,870 $2,668,161 $4,490,032
This increase was proposed by the Florida House of Representatives during the 2002
regular session in HB 1975. The bill would have increased the required county
contribution to Medicaid from $55 per month per patient to $140 per month per patient.
The State Fiscal Year (SFY) runs from July 1 to June 30th. County Fiscal Year (CFY)
runs from October 1 to September 30th. Should the Legislature implement this shift
on October 1, 2002, it would result in a shift for 9 months in the SFY and twelve
months in the CFY.
2002-03
2000-01 Proposed Medicaid Estimated 2002-03
County Contributions Nursing Home Increase Total Proposed County
To Medicaid Nursing from $55 to $140 Contribution to Medicaid
Home Costs County Fiscal Year Impact Nursing Home Costs
Holmes $116,514 $170,637 $287,151
Indian River $220,121 $322,371 $542,491
Jackson $279,601 $409,480 $689,081
Jefferson $77,417 $113,379 $190,796
Lafayette $20,199 $29,582 $49,781
Lake $535,496 $784,243 $1,319,739
Lee $815,465 $1,194,263 $2,009,727
Leon $391,179 $572,889 $964,068
Levy $105,692 $154,788 $260,480
Liberty $32,655 $47,825 $80,480
Madison $93,576 $137,044 $230,619
Manatee $538,840 $789,141 $1,327,981
Marion $643,050 $941,758 $1,584,807
Martin $262,251 $384,072 $646,322
Miami-Dade $3,623,900 $5,307,267 $8,931,167
Monroe $148,102 $216,898 $365,000
Nassau $111,887 $163,860 $275,748
Okaloosa $376,711 $551,701 $928,412
Okeechobee $88,654 $129,835 $218,489
Orange $1,685,836 $2,468,938 $4,154,774
Osceola $349,416 $511,725 $861,141
Palm Beach $2,020,701 $2,959,354 $4,980,055
Pasco $874,353 $1,280,506 $2,154,860
Pine lias $2,787,244 $4,081,969 $6,869,212
Polk $1,318,233 $1,930,576 $3,248,809
Putnam $246,946 $361,658 $608,604
Saint Johns $252,693 $370,072 $622,765
Saint Lucie $469,359 $687,385 $1,156,744
Santa Rosa $178,602 $261,565 $440,167
Sarasota $874,483 $1,280,697 $2,155,180
Seminole $522,416 $765,087 $1,287,503
Sumter $116,791 $171,043 $287,834
Suwannee $156,202 $228,761 $384,963
Taylor $80,035 $117,212 $197,247
Union $19,415 $28,434 $47,849
Volusia $1,262,366 $1,848,758 $3,111,124
Wakulla $54,157 $79,314 $133,472
Walton $129,241 $189,276 $318,517
Washington $126,709 $185,568 $312,278
Statewide $32,776,288 $48,000,000 $80,776,288
This increase was proposed by the Florida House of Representatives during the 2002 regular
session In HB 1975. The bill would have Increased the required county contribution to
Medicaid from $55 per month per patient to $140 per mpnth per patient.
The State Fiscal Year (SFY) runs from July 1 to June 30th. County Fiscal Year (CFY) runs from
October 1 to September 30th. Should the Legislature Implement this shift on October 1, 2002,
it would result in a shift for 9 months in the SFY and twelve months in the CFY.
2001 County Millage Rates
.-
2001 2001
Operating Operating
County Millage County Millage
Alachua 8.9887 Lee 5.3401
Baker 8.9600 Leon 8.5700
Bay 5.6620 Levy 9.0000
Bradford 10.0000 Liberty 10.0000
Brevard 4.2303 Madison 9.8290
Broward 6.6677 Manatee 7.4557
Calhoun 10.0000 Marion 5.8500
Charlotte 4.7141 Martin 5.4910
Citrus 7.7410 Miami-Dade 5.7130
Clay 8.9885 Monroe 4.1407
Collier 3.8772 Nassau 7.3821
Columbia 8.7260 Okaloosa 4.2500
Desoto 8.1000 Okeechobee 8.0010
Dixie 10.0000 Orange 5.1639
Duval 10.3465 Osceola 5.9945
Escambia 8.7560 Palm Beach 4.5500
Flagler 4.9612 Pasco 9.1140
Franklin 5.5730 Pinellas 6.8010
Gadsden 10.0000 Polk 7.5270
Gilchrist 10.0000 Putnam 8.8000
Glades 10.0000 Saint Johns 6.0650
Gulf 6.5750 Saint Lucie 7.6794
Hamilton 10.0000 Santa Rosa 6.6175
Hardee 8.5000 Sarasota 4.3770
Hendry 9.5000 Seminole 4.9989
Hernando 8.3204 Sumter 9.5650
Highlands 8.5000 Suwannee 9.0500
Hillsborough 7.4349 Taylor 8.0760
Holmes 9.9800 Union 10.0000
Indian River 4.0501 Vol usia 6.3144
Jackson 8.5050 Wakulla 9.7500
Jefferson 10.0000 Walton 5.3700
Lafayette 10.0000 Washington 10.0000
Lake 5.1170
2001 County Millage - Sorted by Millage
-
2001 2001
Operating Operating
County Millage County Millage
Duval 10.3465 Okeechobee 8.0010
Bradford 10.0000 Citrus 7.7410
Calhoun 10.0000 Saint Lucie 7.6794
Dixie 10.0000 Polk 7.5270
Gadsden 10.0000 Manatee 7.4557
Gilchrist 10.0000 Hillsborough 7.4349
Glades 10.0000 Nassau 7.3821
Hamilton 10.0000 Pinellas 6.8010
Jefferson 10.0000 Broward 6.6677
Lafayette 10.0000 Santa Rosa 6.6175
Liberty 10.0000 Gulf 6.5750
Union 10.0000 Volusia 6.3144
Washington 10.0000 Saint Johns 6.0650
Holmes 9.9800 Osceola 5.9945
Madison 9.8290 Marion 5.8500
Wakulla 9.7500 Miami-Dade 5.7130
Sumter 9.5650 Bay 5.6620
Hendry 9.5000 Franklin 5.5730
Pasco 9.1140 Martin 5.4910
Suwannee 9.0500 Walton 5.3700
Levy 9.0000 Lee 5.3401
Alachua 8.9887 Orange 5.1639
Clay 8.9885 Lake 5.1170
Baker 8.9600 Seminole 4.9989
Putnam 8.8000 Flagler 4.9612
Escambia 8.7560 Charlotte 4.7141
Columbia 8.7260 Palm Beach 4.5500
Leon 8.5700 Sarasota 4.3770
Jackson 8.5050 Okaloosa 4.2500
Hardee 8.5000 Brevard 4.2303
Highlands 8.5000 Monroe 4.1407
Hernando 8.3204 Indian River 4.0501
Desoto 8.1000 Collier 3.8772
Taylor 8.0760
, I
.-
2001 1 Total Taxable Value Value of one Mill One mill
: Operating 2001 All Property revenues
County Millage Poulation i 2001 I per capita
;
Alachua i 8.9887 222,935 1 $6,655,961,286 $6,655,961 29.86
Baker 8.9600 22,562 $367,676,762 i $367,677 ' 16.30
Bay 5.6620 150,287 $6,604,698,500 $6,604,699 43.95
Bradford 10.0000 26,080 $509,520,062 $509,520 19.54
Brevard 4.2303 485,178 $18,196,157,723 $18,196,158 i 37.50
Broward 6.6677 1,649,925 I $83,221,357,649: $83,221,358 ' 50.44
Calhoun 10.0000i 13,073 $239,553,6231 $239,554 18.32
Charlotte I 4.7141 144,571 $8,468,318.051 $8,468,318 58.58
Citrus ! 7.74101 120,471 1 $5,585,697,7651 $5,585,698, 46.37
Clay 8.9885 i 142,838 I $4,758,097,742 $4,758,098 33.31
Collier 3.8772 i 264,475 $33,395,002,460 $33,395,002 126.27
Columbia I 8.7260 57,066 $1,360,729,564 $1,360,730 23.84
-- $860,119,8821 $860,120.
Desoto I 8.10001 32,736 26.27
,
Dixie i 10.00001 14,059 $290,325,895 : $290,3261 20.65
Duval 10.34651 793,898 ' $32,219,300,408 $32,219,300! 40.58
Escambia I 8.75601 296,709 $8,508,918,357 : $8,508,918 28.68
Flagler 4.9612 : 53,061 $3,174,408,1691 $3,174,408, 59.83
Franklin 1 5.5730 ' 11 ,197 I $942,965,0651 $942,965' 84.22
Gadsden 10.0000 45,284 $844,497,111 $844,497 : 18.65
Gilchrist 10.0000 14,699 I $312,819,005 $312,819~ 21.28
Glades 10.0000, 10,612 : $410,876,4941 $410,876 38.72
Gulf I 6.5750' 14,952 1 $943,849 !
I $943,848,860 I 63.13
Hamilton 10.0000 : 13,731 1 $490,345,682 $490,3461 35.71
Hardee I 8.5000 26,921 $883,138,5181 $883.139 i 32.80
Hendry 9.5000; 36,302 ! $1,411,703,411 i $1,411,703 38.89
Hernando ! 8.32041 132,762 i $4,733,388,623 i $4,733,3891 35.65
Highlands 8.5000 88,212 $2,961,506,938 $2,961,507 i 33.57
Hillsborough ! 7.4349 1,026,906 $42,782,759,3331 $42,782,7591 41.66
Holmes I 9.98001 18,714 I $277 ,876, 7541 $277 ,877 ! 14.85
I I
Indian River , 4.05011 115,716 ; $8,541,205,140: $8,541,205 ' 73.81
Jackson 8.5050' 47,495 I~ $878,527,138' $878,527 18.50
Jefferson :-r-- $328,637 :
, 10.0000, 13,043 I $328,636,952, 25.20
Lafayette I 10.0000[ 7,057 $146,849,050' $146,849 ' 20.81
Lake -----T 5.1170 220,323 i $8,480,649,3341 $8,480,649, 38.49
:
Lee 5.3401, 454,918 $31,854,496,0201 $31,854,4961 70.02
Leon I 8.5700 i 244,208 $8,742,136,729 $8,742,1371 35.80
Levy : 9.00001 35,118 , $974,135,625 , $974,136i 27.74
Liberty , 10.0000 7,132 I $136,524,324 $136,5241 19.14
I
Madison I 9.8290' 18,862 I $366,467,802 $366,468: 19.43
I
Manatee 1 7.45571 270,771 1 $14,357,958,675 $14,357,9591 53.03
Marion : 5.8500 i 264,277 : $7,978,654,453 $7,978,6541 30.19
Martin i 5.4910, 128,873 i $11,123,877,413 ' $11,123,877 i 86.32
Miami-Dade 5.7130, 2,285,869 i $103,822,610,022 $103,822,6101 45.42
Monroe 4.1407 i 80,588 $11,285,509,899 $11,285,5101 140.04
Nassau I 7.3821 i 59,409 I $3,532,555,179 $3,532,555; 59.46
: i i -
2001 Total Taxable Value Value of one Mill One mill
Operating 2001 All Property revenues
County Millage Poulation I 2001 per capita
Okaloosa 4.2500 i 173,450 I $8,363,348,849 i $8,363,349 48.22
Okeechobee 8.0010 36,147 $1,025,610,488 $1,025,610 28.37
Orange 5.16391 930,034 $55,904,604,483 $55,904,604 60.11
Osceola 5.9945 i 179,534 $9,711,714,371 $9,711,714 54.09
Palm Beach 4.5500 1,154,464 $79,622,188,734 $79.622,189 68.97
Pasco 9.1140 352,380 $11,002,947,919 $11,002,948 31.22
Pinellas 6.8010 929,208 $42,410,832,981 $42,410,833 45.64
Polk ! 7.5270 496,112 $16,802,670,465 ' $16,802,670 33.87
Putnam 8.8000 I 70,820 $2,430,537,862 $2,430,538 34.32
Saint Johns 1 6.0650 : 128,604 $9,581,736,698 $9,581,737 74.51
Saint Lucie 7.6794: 198,253 , $8,667,691,605 $8,667,692 43.72
Santa Rosa I 6.6175' 121,370 : $4,568,997,095 i $4,568,997 37.65
Sarasota I 4.3770 : 334.023 $26,352,280,077 : $26,352,280 i 78.89
Seminole 4.9989 377,960 $16,929,001,857 $16,929,002' 44.79
Sumter I 9.56501 56,932 i $1,503,897,605 $1,503,898 26.42
I
Suwannee i 9.0500 35,695 I $752,459,8481 $752,460 ' 21.08
Taylor 8.0760 ! 19,521 $800,216,694, $800,217 40.99
Union I 10.0000 13,521 $157,987,633 $157,988 11.68
Volusia 6.3144 452,050 $17,249,810,284 $17,249,810 38.16
Wakulla i 9.7500, 23,807 1 $551,749,882 : $551,750 23.18
Walton 1 5.3700 42,542 $4,596,825,454 . $4,596,8251 108.05
Washington i 10.00001 21,437 $468,110,906 $468,111T 21.84
: 16,331,739 $803,417,587,2381 $803,417,587 :
I I 1 I
This spreadsheet presents operating millage, the total taxable value, the value of one mill, and
- the value of one mill per person. These statistics allow comparison of the ability of each county
- to raise revenues from property taxes. When viewed along with the proposed Medicaid increase
-- spreadsheet, the user can see how much property tax is necessary to meet the proposed
- medicaid increase. For example - Holmes County generates $277,877 from one mill. The
f------ proposed new Medicaid Nursing Home payment for Holmes would be $287,151, which exceeds
f------ what one mill generates in Holmes. Additionally, Holmes County is at 9.98 mills and can raise
f------ only $5500 additional revenues with the remaining millage. The proposed increase for Holmes
f------ was $170,637.
f------
f------
f------
i I I
OPPAGA STUDY (MEDICAID NURSING HOME COSTS)
ENROLLED
2002 Legislature HB 59-E, Second Engrossed
1
2
3 Section 43. The Office of Program Policy Analysis and
4 Go~ernment Accountability, assisted by the Agency for Health
5 Care Administration, and the Florida Association of Counties,
6 shall perform a study to determine the fair share of the
7 counties' contribution to Medicaid nursing home costs. The
8 Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
9 Accountability shall submit a report on the study to the
10 President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
11 Representatives by January 1, 2003. The report shall set out
12 no less than two options and shall make a recommendation as to
13 what would be a fair share of the costs for the counties'
14 contribution for fiscal year 2003-2004. The report shall also
15 set out options and make a recommendation to be considered to
16 ensure that the counties pay their fair share in subsequent
17 years. No recommendation shall be less than the counties'
18 current share of 1.5 percent. Each option shall include a
19 detailed explanation of the analysis that led to the
20 conclusion.
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
115
CODXNG:Words etrick~h are deletions; words underlined are additions.
Page I of2
- .
TheLe~er Close this window
tbe~x ,QCIIrO
Gifford Blasts Medicaid Vote
He lambastes Polk's five representatives for voting in favor of $2 million in new costs.
Thursday, March 7, 2002
By BILLY TOWNSEND
The Ledger
BARTOW -- This is how County Commissioner Don Gifford sees it:
The Florida House of Representatives, with the full support of Polk's five representatives, all
Republican, is about to hand county taxpayers a bitter $2 million pill.
And Gifford, himself a Republican, wants everybody to know it.
"If this becomes law, county residents will lose some existing services, or we'll have to raise taxes,"
Gifford said.
The target of Gifford's ire is the House's proposal to make counties pay more Medicaid costs for low-
income hospital and nursing home patients. The Florida Association of Counties estimates that the
measure would cost all Florida counties $48 million combined.
Polk's share would be about $2 million -- a painful wallop in what promises to be a difficult budget
season, even without the new Medicaid costs.
Late Tuesday, Rep. Susan Bucher D-Palm Beach, offered an amendment to the bill dealing with
Medicaid that would have done away with the increase to counties.
But it was defeated 65 to 47, with eight representatives not voting.
Polk's representatives -- Marty Bowen R-Haines City; Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland; J.D. Alexander, R-
Lake Wales; Dave Russell, R-Brooksville; and Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland -- all voted against the
amendment and in favor of the $2 million in new costs for Polk.
When Gifford learned of the vote -- while relaxing between the commission's morning and afternoon
sessions Wednesday -- it sent him into sharp-tongued frustration.
He left the podium where commissioners were sitting and sought out a reporter in the audience, waving
a Florida Association of Counties account of the vote.
He pointed out the votes of each Polk representative.
"They wonder why I keep saying the things I'm saying about them," Gifford said. "And you can print
that. "
The other commissioners looked on laughing, clearly amused by Gifford's emotion. But none of them
http:/ /newstools.publishmynews.com/PrintFriendly /TheLedger/PrintFriendly.cfm 3/7 /2002
Page 2 of2
- .
disagreed with him.
Gifford complained that representatives can operate in relative anonymity because of the buffer that
governing in Tallahassee provides and suggested they couldn't stand up to the close scrutiny county
commissioners receive from local residents and media.
"If we're not picking up the garbage, we're going to hear about it instantly," Gifford said. "People need
to know about what (the representatives) are doing."
The Medicaid bill has not yet been formally approved by the House.
And there is no companion bill in the Senate, which means that the likelihood that it will become law is
uncertain at best.
Polk's representatives could not be reached for comment from the House floor late Wednesday.
But Alexander addressed the Medicaid issue Tuesday.
He said health care should be a county concern as well as a state concern and said that counties had not
absorbed a Medicaid increase in many years.
At the same time, Alexander said he and other representatives had some misgivings about the new
county costs.
But he said "we are going to follow the plan" laid out by House leadership.
Billy Townsend can be reached at billy.townsend@theledger.com or 863-802-7540.
The Ledger Close this window
~'q.1C.0t1lT.
http:/ /newstools.publishmynews.comlPrintFriendly fTheLedger/PrintFriendly.cfm 3/7/2002
.
~
Tuesday, March S, 2002
Last modified at 12:08 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5,2002
Plan would hike Medicaid costs
Lawmaker wants counties to pay more
:J Visit our 2002 Leiislature section for complete coverage of this year's session.
By Jim Saunders
Times-Union staff writer
TALLAHASSEE -- Rep. Sandra Munnan likens Medicaid to the old
video game Pac-Man.
With the number of poor people and senior citizens growing in Florida,
the health care program gobbles up more and more of the state's budget
each year.
"If you can imagine a little Pac-Man eating into general revenue, that's
what Medicaid is," said Munnan, a Tampa Republican who oversees
health spending in the House.
Now, Murman is pushing a plan that could lead to Medicaid chewing
into the budgets of Jacksonville and other local governments. Murman
wants to require counties to spend as much as $48 million more next
year to help pay for Medicaid nursing home costs.
The proposal, part of a House budget that is expected to be approved
today, has spurred lobbying by counties who fear they could have to
shift money from other programs or raise property taxes to pay for the
mcreases.
During the fiscal year that ended last June, Jacksonville spent about
3/5/2002
\.
.:
Page 2 of3
$1.9 million on nursing home care for Medicaid patients. Under
Murman's proposal, that total would go to $4.8 million in the 2002-03
fiscal year, which starts in July.
Sharon Ashton, a spokeswoman for Mayor John Delaney, said
Jacksonville hasn't determined how it would make up the money.
"This is an enonnous chunk of money, and it would be very difficult
for the city to handle at this point," Ashton said.
.
Even if the House approves the plan, it does not mean it will be
included in the final budget. The Senate, which blocked a similar
proposal during a special legislative session in the fall, has not called
for increasing the county costs.
Medicaid, which is mostly funded by the state and federal
governments, provides health care for hundreds of thousands of low-
income Floridians. But costs have surged in recent years and are
expected to climb by $1.3 billion next year, with the state expected to
pick up about $500 million of that tab.
The House budget would force counties to spend an estimated $80
million on nursing home care, according to a Florida Association of
Counties analysis. The counties spent $32.8 million in the 2000-01 ,
fiscal year. This year's cost is unclear because counties will continue
getting billed over the final three months.
Duval County would pay more than all counties next year except
Miami-Dade, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Clay County would
have to pay $545,000, up from $221,000 in 2000-01, while St. Johns
County would pay $622,000, up from $252,000 last year.
Murman made a change Friday that she said would exempt small
counties, such as Baker and Nassau, from increases. But she said other
counties, which have not seen their per-patient rates increase in the past
three decades, should pick up more of the cost from the state.
"I think the message needs to go back home that [the] elderly need to
be just as important at home as they are up here," Munnan said.
But the plan worries local officials, such as St. Johns County
community services manager Gloria Benischeck. She said relatively
small counties, such as St. Johns, would have a hard time finding
money for the increases and might have to cut funding for other
programs.
"The smaller counties are the ones that really feel the hurt," Benischeck
said.
Staff writer Jim Saunders can be reached at (850) 224-7515, extension
3/5/2002
48 House GOP Wants Counties To Pay: From The Tampa Tribune Page 1 of3
. ..
THE
Welcome There's 0 ~:~
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feedback Jiird a new cor! ./WNthef ./
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'Fribune Monday. March 4
. Advertise with us
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r · ftDRl SIdion
_._.~---_._.__.----~
Mebo
---..-.' ."._~.__._-_._'--- ....-....- 48 House GOP Wants Counties To Pay
· Stell'l! Otto
--....- ....._... ._. ...__.M..........
.John_1'\( By JOE FOWCK Jfolllck@tampatrlb.c:om
· PolItICS Published: Mar 2. 2002
· FlorIda ~lat&Jre
SlatS TALLAHASSEE - Florida counties advertisement
oMoneySense might be forced to raise taxes this year.
8ayllfe and they blame House Republican
lawmakers who devouUy preach"no
#rtday btra new taxes."
()penlon
'8Irths House Republicans want Florida's 67
OlI:uarws counties to pick up $48 million in
annual Medicaid nursing home costs.
~1ftecI That would more than double the
A8cent I!dltlons counties' current share.
ArcNYe
;; CancIct us The proposal is part of the House's
$48.3 billion budget, which was
Thi! TMnpIl TrIbune debated Friday and is expected to be
Home FIlge approved Tuesday. The Senate's $48.8
. . - billion budget does not contain the shift
to the counties.
· Pasco County
--..------..--
· Northeast Tampa Lawmakers will negotiate toward a ctir:...x:.hfc:1nna1Ian .'
. N. W. H1l1sborough compromise in coming weeks. though
---------- the Senate's desire to end some sales
· 50udl ~__~_ tax exemptions to increase school spending is finding no support in the House.
· Ce'1mII Tempa
------
· Bnmdon Mike Nurrenbrock. Pasco County's director of the Office of Management and Budget.
. ~ City said the county would have to find an additional $1.3 million to cover the change. He
· Pn/Ie$ County said that would require a .15 mill increase In property taxes. or $15 more per year for
· HemIndo County the owner of a $125,000 house with a homestead exemption.
· Highlands County "Really, thafs about the only revenue source we would have in order to absorb that,"
J ~Ity Haws he said.
: '*in filIge
Puslng The Buck?
But Rep. Sandra Munnan, R-Tampa. said counties need to pick up the slack as the
state prepares to spend $880 million this year on Medicaid nursing home costs.
Counties currently pay $32 million.
http://tarnpatrib.comlfloridarnetronewsIMGAIXOKlBYC.htrnl 3/4/2002
48 House GOP Wants Counties To Pay: From The Tampa Tribune Yage ~ 01 .1
- ,
~ "They need to prioritize their own budgets." said Munnan. chairwoman of the House
Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee. "We don't always get what we
1IIIwS want up here either."
'''l!iI:'1er
'"1'Nngs 110 no Rep. Bob Henriquez, 0- Tampa, said Republicans are merely "passing the buck" rather
..... than addressing the state's money shortage.
Lo'alfllc "We shouldn't force our local officials to make the tough choices we're not willing to
l 'Orr- ~
[~""1!IrIIe make just so we can say we're one step removed from a tax hike," he said.
{:e'~..1t Jim Keene, Polk County manager, said a $1.6 million shortfall last year for Indigent
~
..~ health care put the county in a fiscal hole.
(..)ft.IpAlHlon
~ fiUtlmdllIi!pllrIs He said the $ 1.9 million the county would have to find if the House budget is approved
l:;JnfDm1lltlDn 00 probably would mean a tax increase. He said he doesn't relish the idea.
;.' "DemInd "People notice." he said. "There will be screaming and hollering. Irs not easy to raise
L--1Ih
".~ taxes, and we've got enough challenges without this one."
I~nw Hillsborough County residents with a $125.000 home and a homestead exemption
,.
r " -It'JItIftrj would pay about $6 more to cover the shift.
r '-Maney Bill Celled Hypocrltlcel
;: ......
:-nomm County Commission Chairwoman Pat Frank is considering placing a leaflet in residents'
r:Hame Rage
. ',., . ,H", tax bills to explain how decisions in Tallahassee lead to county tax hikes.
~
'Yellow P8ges Frank said it's hypocritical for lawmakers who have approved more than $4 billion in
WhIte Rages cumulative tax cuts over the past three years to now force counties to raise taxes.
I!ma. Seudl
....,. end "The temptation is always there to pass the problem on to somebody else," said Frank,
0hcU0n5 a former state representative.
~J
MarlcetpJace The House fine-tuned their budget proposal Friday.
Dhaory
TV UltlnQs Munnan successfully added $80 million for the Medically Needy program that provides
,~ AtttWe health care to 24,000 people who have catastrophic illnesses or injuries.
:ClDnIact us Education is the only area of the House budget to increase since last year. The per-
student increase is 3.75 percent compared with the current budget. although that
statistic drops to less than 1 percent if compared with the budget before the midyear
cuts.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Reporter Joe FoIlick can
be reached at (850) 222-8382.
Subscribe to tbe Tribune and get two weeks free
Click bere for past stories from Tbe Tampa Tribune
.. Return to Top
I Prepare lor interviews I
http://tampatrib.comlfloriclametronewsIMGAIXOKlBYC.html 3/4/2002
,t~
Marl, 2002
State House Seeks To Shift Medicaid Costs To Counties
T he Florida House of Representatives seems concerned about little except opposing taxes. No
matter how small the fee, Speaker Tom Feeney and his followers are against It.
The unbending stand allows House members to act as If they are protecting Florida residents
against Increased costs.
Don't believe It. The governing body can afford Its unbending opposition to taxes because In many
cases It simply passes on the costs of essential services to local governments, which must pick up
the slack whenever the state falls to meet the public's needs.
A case In point Is the House effort to shift the amount counties pay In Medicaid costs, money that
goes for the medical care of the poor.
A bill scheduled for debate today would shift $48 million In Medicaid nursing home costs from the
state to the counties. The transfer would allow representatives to say they held the line on taxes.
In reality, the legislation would simply allow them to escape their responsibilities.
Making matters worse, House leaders have not consulted with county officials, whose budgets
cannot accommodate the new expense.
""
The change would have serious consequences for local taxpayers.
For Instance, the legislation would boost Hillsborough's bill by $2.6 million. The county already is
faced with crushing costs, many passed down from Tallahassee.
County Administrator Dan Kleman says the $2.6 million equals .06 mills of additional property tax
or a 1 percent increase in the countywide rate.
So the proposed shift would likely sting county taxpayers. Local officials would take the heat.
Meanwhile, legislators could brag about fighting taxes. This cynical ploy Is a disgraceful and
dishonest sleight of hand.
True leaders do not duck and run when confronted with hard choices. But that seems to be the
strategy of choice In the House.
This story can be found at : httD://tamDatrib.com/News/MGA4BLD69YC.html
http://info.tbo.comlprintversion.cgi?urI=http%3A1/tampatrib.comINewsIMGA4BLD69YC.htm 3/4/2002
.PalmBeachPost.com Page 1 of3
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Main News Disputed With Co- . !::!.Q!jill
TALLAHASSEE -- As lawmakers departed Workers .~
Local News Tallahassee Thursday proud of the budget . Civil Rights Grouo . Free Ar
. MartinlSt. Lucie Denounces Aooointee · .l&ttID.
cuts they avoided, they left behind them a
. South P.B. County chorus of warnings from cities, counties and · Head of Sept. 11
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Sports "This time we dodged the bullet, but next · Senate Kills Anti-
Opinion time there's going to be a bigger deficit In Terror Package Specie
Accent the state budget and we need to · Bush Civil Rights .~
communicate to them it's not acceptable," Appointee Swom in Buver's (
Movie Listings said Palm Beach County Commissioner · Collaosinc Taliban Holiday (
Classifieds Karen Marcus, the president of the Florida Flee Kandahar . Palm Be
Association of Counties. · U.S. Army Mulls .~
Photo of the Day
Don Wright Cartoon Afghanistan Ootions r-. --
Legislators had threatened to shift · Arafat Accuses US of Ther.l.
Quick Headlines responsibility for millions of dollars in public Pro-Israel Bias ~
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WEEKLY health, social service and education · Talks on Germ- :R..tes. D,
SECTIONS programs to counties but instead used Warfare Ban II
A&E million in temporary money from state trust Susoended
Food & Dining fund accounts to avoid the worst of the · French Police
cuts. Demand Hiaher Pay
Good Life
Neighborhood Post But when that money runs out at the end of 1[)e~J~
TGIF June, the budget gaps that had been tilled by the one-time cash
Travel infusion will double. Without a dramatic improvement in the state
Real Estate economy, county and school officials predict legislators will be
Weekend forced to take some of the deepest program cuts in state history
PAST 7 DAYS to balance the 2002-03 budget -- or raise taxes.
http://www.gopbi.comlpartners/pbpost/epaper/editions/friday/news _ c3017546c48061 ba002... 12/7 /2001
. ' PalrnBeachPost.com Page 2 of3
Sunday "Next year, our reserves are gone, they're wiped out," said Wayne
Monday Blanton, director of the Florida School Boards Association. "If the
Tuesday economy doesn't turn around very quickly, we'll have to look at a
stop-gap tax increase. If not, the shooting is just starting."
Wednesday
Thursday The gloom has prompted school boards to join forces with
Friday counties and cities to make tax reform their priority for the regular
Saturday session that begins in January. The school boards and counties
POST SERVICES association, along with the Florida League of Cities, will meet in
Subscribe Palm Beach on Dec. 20 to "look at nothing but tax proposals,"
Blanton said.
Archives
Contact The Post Marcus complained that while legislators tout their tax cuts, they
Order Photos shift responsibility to the local level, where many counties that
PostFacts research don't have the ability to absorb the cuts must raise property
Advertise in The Post taxes. "It's all the same taxpayer," she said.
Announcements Legislators avoided shifting to counties the cost of nursing home
Work at The Post care for many Medicaid patients and the cost of hospital care for
Internships uninsured patients who don't qualify for Medicaid. But next year,
lawmakers are likely to follow through with those plans and shift
Extra!Extra! responsibility to the counties, Marcus said.
:elebrate "We're a cheap state. We provide mediocre services and we need
to change that," Marcus said.
mary _ellen_klas@pbpost.com
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Copyright @ 2001, The Palm Beach Post. All rights reserved.
http://www.gopbi.comlpartners/pbpostl epaper/ editions/friday/news _ c301 7 546c48061 ba002... 12/7 /2001
Lawmaker says nobody warned him about bill's implications
posted 12/07/01
By ALEX NEWBERRY
alex newberrv@heraldtribune.com
Manatee County officials wanted their legislative delegation to vote against a particular bill during the recent special session and thought
they conveyed that message. However, two Bradenton lawmakers - including the chairman of the county's legislative delegation - voted
for the bill.
Now county officials wonder how the communication wires got crossed.
The House measure would have shifted a portion of Medicaid expenses in the state's budget to the counties. Had the bill passed.
taxpayers in Manatee would have had to pick up $600,000 in Medicaid costs. Medicaid is a state and federal partnership that provides
health coverage for people with low incomes and their children.
Rep. Mike Bennett. R-Bradenton, and Rep. Mark Flanagan, R-Bradenton. voted for the measure. It failed in the Senate.
. Bennett said he was unaware county officials wanted him to vot~ against the bill. '. .
.
-. . . : .--
"Nobody from Manatee County contacted me on this issue," he said. "They should have contacted me as delegation chairman to spread
the word to other members of the delegation."
Manatee County officials are perplexed because, though they did not speak with him personally, they say that they contacted Bennett's
office.
On Nov. 13, County Commission Chairman Joe McClash sent a letter to all of the state representatives and senators from Manatee,
asking for their "attention to these important matters." County staffers followed up with at least one phone call to each legislator's office.
County Administrator Ernie Padgett said the crux of the argument was that the state should not balance its budget on the back of county
governments.
Although county officials said they are grateful that House Bill 29c failed, they still wonder how their communication with Bennett, in
particular. broke down.
Bennett said McClash or Padgett should have personally called him to ensure he understood their position but that they did not.
12/10/2001
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