Rick Scott Recognizes Publix with Business Ambassador Award

During Thursday's Florida Cabinet meeting, Gov. Rick Scott presented Publix with the Governors Business Ambassador Award for the companys "longstanding commitment to hiring people with disabilities throughout the state."

Publixs Associate Diversity Development Specialist Greta Dupuy, Store Manager Chip Seale, and Store Manager Mark Grant accepted the award during the meeting. Scott and the Florida Cabinet also declared the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

I am happy to recognize Publix with the Governors Business Ambassador Award for their work to ensure every Floridian has an opportunity to get a great job," Scott said in a statement released by his office. "Over the past two years, we have taken steps to make sure Florida businesses can grow and its working. I thank Publix for their commitment to creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families.

Our legacy of community engagement has spanned for 84 years," Dwaine Stevens,Publix media and community relations manager - Jacksonville division was quoted in the same statement."Our founder, George Jenkins, gave us the greatest examples for striving to be reflective of communities in which we serve and operate; including diversity in the workplace. We are deeply honored to be recognized for such a prestigious designation and recognition for our support of the total community.

Last month, the governor announced his Florida Families First budget, which provides $36 million in funding to people on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiver waiting list. More than 22,000 people are on the APD waiting list and the $36 million increase will allow individuals on the waiting list to enroll in the APD Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver so they will receive services in their local communities. Those with the most critical needs will benefit from this new funding. This new funding is part of the $1.1 billion budget being proposed for APD in the coming year.

Gov. Scotts budget proposal also includes $2.5 million to assist people on the waiver waiting list who have indicated that they want to be employed. The funding will pay for job internships and supported employment job coaches for about 1,000 people with developmental disabilities. Scott says this funding will help ensure that all Floridians can find employment.