Okaloosa County BOCC — November 17, 2015 — 2015-2016-interim-legislative-program — reading text

Program (HMGP). SUPPORT the creation of an emergency bridge loan program for counties to provide a source of expedient cash flow to counties impacted by a major catastrophe. 23  2015-16 Interim Legislative Program Emergency Management Credentialing: To strengthen the professionalism of County Emergency Management Directors, SUPPORT efforts that provide enhanced training and education opportunities for County Emergency Management employees. OPPOSE any state mandated training and hiring requirements for County Emergency Management Directors. Federal Interim Policy Lisa M. Hurley, Esq., Legislative Director lhurley@fl-counties.com Statements Phone: 850-922-4300 Fax: 850-488-7501 Eric Poole, Assistant Legislative Director Email: epoole@fl-counties.com Phone: 850-922-4300 Fax: 850-488-7501 WATER Waters of the United States (WOTUS): SUPPORT legislation that clarifies that local streets, gutters, and other stormwater infrastructure are excluded from the definition of “Waters of the U.S.,” while also requiring federal agencies to consult with state and local officials to identify which waters should be federally regulated and which should be left to the states. TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE MAP-21 Reauthorization: SUPPORT passage of a multi-year surface transportation authorization bill that provides long-term funding certainty, restores solvency to the Highway Trust Fund, and distributes to high growth states like Florida at least 95% of all highway funds by formula. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Reform: FAC SUPPORTS legislative efforts, policies and programs that ensure all property owners can receive affordable flood insurance within a program framework that helps the NFIP become financially stable. FEMA Mapping Procedures: As FEMA amends flood hazard maps for Florida’s counties, SUPPORT the agency’s full coordination with local governments and technical experts to ensure technical and scientific accuracy of any final maps, which have the potential for negative economic impacts. 24  2015-16 Interim Legislative Program DISASTER RECOVERY Federal Disaster Assistance: SUPPORT legislation that prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from deobligating from counties previously- awarded disaster funds for projects that have been certified complete by the state for at least three years. ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE Waters of the United States (WOTUS): Monitor and report on the impacts of the implementation of the WOTUS rule on counties. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA): SUPPORT revisions to OPA to provide for greater participation from local governments as primary first responders in the protection of local communities. Offshore Energy Production: Monitor and report on the potential for expansion of offshore energy exploration in Florida’s federal waters. Numeric Nutrient Criteria: Monitor and report on activities associated with proposed numeric water quality criteria for lakes, flowing waters and canals. TAX REFORM Tax-Exempt Status of Municipal Bonds: SUPPORT the preservation of the existing tax-exempt status of municipal bonds. Oppose legislative provisions that would repeal or eliminate the tax exempt status of municipal bonds. Oppose legislative provisions that would repeal, limit or “cap” the deduction for interest earned on new and outstanding municipal bonds. Marketplace Fairness Act: Monitor and report on the status of legislative provisions for the collection of sales and use taxes from remote sellers and the effect on a state’s ability to enforce state and local sales and use tax laws. 25  2015-16 Interim Legislative Program ENTITLEMENTS AND APPROPRIATIONS Block Grants: Monitor and report on the status of funding for the Social Services Block Grant, the Community Services Block Grant as well as the program’s formula grant structure. Oppose any efforts to eliminate or reduce block grant funding. Immigration: Monitor and report on the status of federal reimbursement to counties for all costs related to detaining, and transporting undocumented immigrants. Monitor and report on the reauthorization of the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), to reimburse state and local costs of incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens. HEALTHCARE & HUMAN SERVICES Health Care: Monitor and report on implications of health care reforms for potential fiscal and health delivery impacts. Monitor and report on implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and changes to Medicaid that would further shift the financial burden to states and counties. Veterans Health: SUPPORT NACo’s efforts to assure that: • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds are made available to reimburse counties for the services provided to veterans eligible for VA services and for services provided to veterans awaiting determination of eligibility. • VA funds are made available to reimburse services provided to veterans eligible for VA services by public and private providers under contract with the VA. • U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) funds are made available to reimburse counties for the services provided to veterans eligible for DOD services. • Appropriate county level data are available so that counties know how many veterans are returning to their local areas. 26