Rick Scott Showcases APD Funding in Jacksonville

In recent days, Gov. Rick Scott has been doing events around the state to showcase parts of the budget he signed earlier this month. On Wednesday, Scott hit the First Coast to highlight $36 million going toward the Agency for Persons with Disabilities' (APD) waiver waiting list. The agencys total budget stands at $1.1 billion.

I want every Floridian, including those with disabilities, to be able to follow their dreams, Scott said. By investing $36 million in funding for APD for the first time in eight years, individuals with disabilities will be able to receive services in their communities and more people will be able to get the skills they need to have a job.

For the first time in eight years, we will move more than 750 people off the APD waiting list so that they will receive the services they need to participate in their community and develop skills to find employment, said APD Director Barbara Palmer. I want to thank Governor Scott and members of the Legislature for their support of our agency. All stakeholders and employees worked together to bring our waiver spending under control, and we are ready to begin helping those with the most urgent needs beginning July 1.