Governor Signs Budget Supporting Floridians with Unique Abilities
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 this week which demonstrates his commitment to helping Floridians served by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “I commend and applaud Governor DeSantis for approving $1.5 billion for individuals with disabilities and providing a solid foundation for APD to move forward in the coming year. More than $30 million will serve people on the waiver waiting list and $67 million will be used to meet the changing needs of individuals already on the waiver. We are excited that $1 million will fund services for people who want to go to work and achieve their dreams. Additionally, respite providers will see a rate increase in the coming year totaling $1.8 million. Considering the financial forecast, APD is happy with the budget that was signed today.”
Other provider rate increases were vetoed this year due to the projected impact of the pandemic on state revenue collections. They were for ADT, Personal Supports, and Residential Habilitation.
Additionally, APD received $240 million to cover past iBudget Florida waiver deficits that had not been funded in the past. Now the agency is on good financial footing for the future.
To read more about the state’s budget, visit https://apd.myflorida.com/docs/2020-Budget-Highlights.pdf.
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