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Hope for the Developmentally Disabled in Special Session?

May 20th, 2015 by Mike Vasilinda

The hopes of thousands of parents of children with learning disabilities were dashed when state lawmakers went home early. The kids were promised brighter futures by top lawmakers, and as Mike Vasilinda tells us Governor Rick Scott may be rekindling some of that hope.

Senate President Andy Gardiner is the father of an 11 year old autistic child. Parents in the Developmentally Disabled community see him as a savior. He pushed two bills..opening job opportunities and the possibility of college for their kids. Gardiner was visibly unhappy when the legislation died during last months legislative meltdown.

“And sadly, some of the stuff for individuals with unique abilities that were finally going to have their opportunity to be promoted., those bills are dead” Gardiner said in a gaggle after the House went home.

Then, out of the blue, Governor Rick Scott showed up at a school for the uniquely abled on Wednesday, making a quick tour and presenting teachers with medals.

“Thanks for all your hard work” Scott told one teacher.

“You’re Welcome” she responded.

Scott’s been critical of the Senate and Senate President over their efforts to expand health care. We asked if his presence was sending Gardiner a message

“It’s very important to fund the K-12 education that helps students like this.”

Q:”And an olive branch for the Senate President?”

“Well, You know, my goal is to continue to work with the House and Senate to make sure we have a budget for all our families. That includes education funding and tax cuts.”

There was a bit of irony in the visit. Governor Rick Scott has been a staunch opponent of expanding Medicaid…yet most of the students enrolled in this school are also enrolled in Medicaid.

Perhaps the visit was just a coincidence..the disabled legislation is not part of the special session….but like everything else in the Capitol….things change in the blink of an eye.

While Scott still opposes a Medicaid expansion, he is taking credit for streamlining the program, cutting costs and saving taxpayers money.

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