Gov. Rick Scott says he's willing to reconsider aspects of rule he imposed governing the restoration of rights to convicted felons -- one of a series of priorities established by the state's Legislative Black Caucus.
If somebody has a better idea or they can show me the facts I didnt know before, Ill look at it, Scott said Tuesday when asked about the rule prior to meeting with caucus members. If there is something that doesnt make sense, Ill look at it.
But some members of the caucus didn't believe Scott is that willing to revisit the issue.
Caucus member Rep. Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville, said if Scott needs more information, he just has to ask.
Hes able to get all the information he needs at the drop of a hat, Jones said. We pointed out there were already a number of people that were in the process of getting their rights restored and then they came in with stroke of a pen and made the decision to add additional years and it impacted every single one of those. That needed to be addressed.
In March, Scott and the Florida Cabinet imposed a five- to seven-year waiting period for convicted felons to apply to have their rights restored.
The decision, opposed by groups including the ACLU of Florida, overturned the effort by Gov. Charlie Crist in 2007 to grant automatic restitution of rights for nonviolent felons once they completed their sentences.
Under Scotts change, felons convicted of nonviolent crimes will have to apply to have their rights restored without a hearing five years after they have completed their sentences. Felons convicted of violent crimes must wait seven years to apply.
The state had required a five-year waiting period for all felons until 2004, when Gov. Jeb Bush allowed nonviolent felons to avoid a waiting period before applying to get their rights restored.
The restoration of rights was one of a series of issues the Florida Legislative Black Caucus asked Scott to consider that ranged from education and health care to doing more to create racial diversity through hiring in his office and through judicial and gubernatorial appointments.
Among the caucus priority areas: historically black colleges and universities; public education; restoration of civil rights; the Florida Parole Commission; closing the gap on health disparities; judicial and gubernatorial appointments; the Black Business Investment Board; the Office of Supplier Diversity; State Small-Business Credit Initiative; Cultural Trail Preservation Network.
The caucus believes it can hold Scott accountable for improving health care even if the state continues to oppose the federal Affordable Care Act.
When you talk to the doctors and the hospitals, they need the people to have coverage because they can only keep their doors open for so long if theyre not getting paid for the services theyre providing, Jones said. And people are still coming through the doors.
A release issued Tuesday by the caucus included the following statements:
State Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg:
The judiciary should reflect, as best as possible, the community that it represents. Integrity, impartiality and legal knowledge should be the hallmarks of qualification to serve. We are certain that there are many African-American lawyers who meet these qualities who desire and deserve to serve. They may not always think like the governor, but they respect the rule of law. Judicial nominating commissions can be a critical part of solving the underrepresentation and must be sent a clear message by you that require diverse panels from which to be selected.
State Rep. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando:
While Governor Scott recruits businesses to locate to Florida, there are many enterprises within the state that are owned by women, disabled veterans, blacks and other minorities that have untapped potential to create jobs and spur economic development. With technical assistance and financial support, these businesses can enhance their operations and expand jobs in Florida. The state needs to assess how well we are doing with these businesses because of the great potential for job creation in an underutilized market. We can't improve what we don't measure. The Florida Legislative Black Caucus urges the governor to set some goals in this area and to hold state agencies accountable for improvement in helping minority- and women-owned business enterprises to create jobs. One of Florida's largest industries is tourism and we are asking the governor to support the creation of a commission to spur travel to Florida's African-American cultural and historical sites."
State Sen. Arthenia L. Joyner, D-Tampa:
We view this as an effort to maximize the opportunities for minorities in our state, and as caucus vice chair and Senate Democratic leader pro tempore, I am willing to work closely with the governor to assure minorities receive a reasonable share of the state's appropriations.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859 or (772) 215-9889.
