Friday, August 5, 2022

Okaloosa County Welcomes Governor DeSantis Again (July 2022) Dr. Doug Stauffer, Journalist

Okaloosa County Welcomes Governor DeSantis Again

By Pastor Doug Stauffer
Faith Independent Baptist Church
Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper
July 2022--Article 23 (2022-07-023)

The Governor has visited Okaloosa County four times officially this calendar year. In February, the Governor visited Niceville at Northwest Florida State College to announce a bill allocating $10 million for workforce charter schools. In April, the Governor stopped in Destin to proclaim the extended Snapper fishing season.

In May, the Governor stopped in Crestview to announce the $3.2 million Shoal River Ranch extension. In June, the Governor stopped in Ft. Walton Beach to sign six military-related bills into law. The bills either expand educational opportunities for active-duty military members and veterans or help them advance into career fields.

The military and veterans appreciate the Governor for supporting these bills and signing them into law. These bills are life-changing as men and women depart the armed forces to enter the next phase of their lives, and I know this first-hand.

I enlisted in the Air Force when I was 17 years old and used the GI Bill to help offset the costs of attending college. I gave my country six years, and America rewarded me with an education. Because Pennsylvania was a pro-military state, they helped me earn my college degree at Penn State University, finishing without going into debt. That was forty years ago, and Florida is doing even more!

The Governor signed: 1) House Bill 45—provides tuition assistance for disabled veterans to eliminate education costs.

2) Senate Bill 430—ensures a smooth school transition for children of military families.

3) Senate Bill 514—employers at state agencies can substitute military experience for post-secondary educational requirements.

4) Senate Bill 896—provides untraditional pathways to educator certification to service members allowing military service to count towards a teacher's certificate.

5) Senate Bill 562—requires the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to expedite license applications of active-duty military spouses.

6) Senate Bill 438—updates Florida’s definition of Uniformed Service to include the United States Space Force and updates military base names.

The Governor’s news release stated, “Florida is the most military-friendly state in the nation, and I am proud to continue that commitment to our military members and their families by signing these pieces of legislation. Providing military families with the resources they need to receive a high-quality education and find good jobs is the best way that we as a state can show our appreciation for the sacrifices that they make.”

Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard Major General James O. Eifert joined Governor DeSantis, along with Florida Department of Education Senior Chancellor Henry Mack, and Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs retired Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell.

MajGen James Hartsell commenced by saying, “It is truly an honor to be here with the Commander-in-Chief of the state of Florida this morning. As a 37-year Marine, I know about leadership, and I am truly honored to serve this leader.” He pointed out that Governor DeSantis is the only currently serving veteran Governor to have deployed overseas in combat. “Our Governor’s leadership has made us the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. …Today’s bills that he will be signing will be reinforcing our state's success.” He continued by pointing out that our Governor has made Florida the most sought-after state by veterans.

The Governor seems to have his pulse on the desires and wishes of his constituents. This truth showed as the crowd was enthusiastic and supportive of the legislation coming out of Tallahassee. I was blessed to witness the crowd show support for a strong leader loved for doing the right thing.






No comments: