Dear Fellow Floridians:
I traveled to Broward County last week shortly after the Parkland massacre and met with some of the victims, their families and many others. My heart breaks for those who were gunned down by this madman. It is a loss that will torment the families for the rest of their lives. While on the ground I also met with first responders who were on the scene, including the Coral Springs Parkland Fire Chief Frank Babinec. They spoke candidly about their experiences and the haunting images from that horrific day.
It’s been my top priority to fight for first responders to have access to mental health care because they are on the front line of defense. Lives were saved in Parkland because of these brave men and women, but who are on the front lines for them? As increasing mental health care treatment is discussed, we can’t forget the very real needs our first responders have as they struggle to deal with the mental toll of their job. Our first responders serve us every day without hesitation or questioning our politics. We’ve seen this time and time again, and now with the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I fully support increased mental health screening, counseling, and training, but it would be shameful if our first responders were forgotten in this conversation. It’s time Florida shows up for them.
Sincerely,
 Jimmy Patronis Chief Financial Officer State of Florida |
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OPINION: Mental health for first responders cannot be forgotten By Jimmy Patronis, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, February 21, 2018 The conversations I had with the victims and first responders in the wake of last week’s shooting in Parkland still haunt me. My heart breaks for those who were gunned down by this mad man. It is a loss that will torment the families for the rest of their lives. It will torment all those who witnessed this horrific tragedy. I traveled to Broward County last week and met with first responders who were on the scene, including the Coral Springs Parkland Fire Chief Frank Babinec. They spoke candidly about their experiences. In some cases, there were kids pulling out kids.
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News of Interest Sun-Sentinel: OPINION: Mental health for first responders cannot be forgotten WFLA Tampa Bay Radio: CFO Patronis Discusses Parkland Shooting and First Responder Mental Health Awareness Daytona Beach News Journal: Editorial: First responders need mental health support Orlando Sentinel/Sun Sentinel: Florida plans to boost Israel Bond holdings to a record $50 million UHealth: Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis tours Sylvester, praises Firefighters Cancer Initiative Tampa Bay Times: A rattled Florida Legislature concedes it should do more to address mental health after Parkland school shooting Miami Herald: South Florida firefighters and researchers unite to fight an invisible killer |
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CFO Jimmy Patronis Increases Investment in Israel to Unprecedented Amount Florida to Hold $50 Million in Israel Bonds in 2018 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced last week an increase in Florida’s investment in Israel Bonds by $10 million in 2018, increasing the state’s holdings to an unprecedented $50 million. The decision comes after discussions with Israel’s Finance Minister, Moshe Kahlon, and representatives, including the president of Israel Bonds. Florida is the third largest U.S. state investor in the State of Israel. |
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Fighting for Florida Consumers One of the duties of CFO Jimmy Patronis’ Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS) includes monitoring and auditing disability payments. CFO Patronis’ Bureau of Monitoring and Audit, Permanent Total Disability Unit works tirelessly to ensure Floridians receive benefits owed to the them.
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Florida Economic Briefs U.S. Retail Sales Down in January U.S. Building Permits and Housing Starts up in January |
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