Enviroment – International World Of Business

Governor Issues Updates on Hurricane Ian Recovery

Press Room Team — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 10:47:17 +0000

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. October 13, 2022.- The Governor Ron DeSantis visited the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office to visit with first responders and to show his support for those selflessly serving their communities. While there he announced that $2 million from the Florida Disaster Fund is being awarded to four first responder organizations which have had members impacted by Hurricane Ian. Governor DeSantis also visited Gulf Elementary School to announce that all Lee County School District schools will be open by Tuesday, October 18, less than three weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall. To watch the Governor’s full remarks click here and here.

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $45 million since activation. To read more info, click here. To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

Additionally, the First Lady has worked with the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator, Sara Newhouse, to compile a webpage of resources to help first responders navigate resources for mental health needs post hurricane. To visit the site, click here. Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. Floridians’ health and well-being are a top priority, and the Department of Children and Families is reminding individuals that they are not alone. All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.

Safe and found persons can be reported safe at http://safe.fl.gov.

Additional programs that have been put into place to aid communities include the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, the initiation of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof, and FDOT’s diligent work to construct temporary bridges into areas that are cut off from motorists. First Lady Casey DeSantis, Volunteer Florida and Tervis have created a design with Florida imagery for a new tumbler product. With every sale of this tumbler, all proceeds will go to the Florida Disaster Fund. Products are available for purchase on the Tervis website HERE and will soon be available in stores for purchase.

State response efforts include:

Search and Rescue

There have been 2,500 rescues made to date.
There are more than 1,000 team members performing search and rescue.
DCF has created a First Responder Support Line (407-823-1657) that all first responders throughout the impacted areas can contact. This line combines current resources into a single point of contact that will connect first responders with mental health professionals.
The State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator created a survey to assess the need for mental health services for Hurricane Ian first responders.
Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, Joint Task Force Florida has 4,351 personnel activated and is executing missions in response to Hurricane Ian. The Florida National Guard has supported a total of 246 missions.
Task Force engineering resources have been deployed to assist with route clearance in Pine Island and Charlotte County. The FLNG has cleared 51.5 miles to date in the impacted area. Guardsmen continue to assist law enforcement with roving patrols, security, traffic control and curfew enforcement missions.

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)

At the request of Governor DeSantis, FDEM worked with federal partners to secure an additional 30 days of 100% federal cost share for Public Assistance Category A (debris removal) and Category B (emergency protective measures) for Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. More information can be found here.
Counties eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance include Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia. Impacted residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
FDEM has worked with FEMA to activate the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program for impacted residents in counties declared for FEMA Individual Assistance. FDEM will continue to work with FEMA to determine additional unmet needs for residents in newly declared counties for Individual Assistance. Individuals can apply for disaster assistance and may be eligible for TSA if they cannot return to their home.
The Crisis Cleanup Line, 800-451-1954, provides debris removal services to impacted residents, and has completed more than 1,000 requests to date.
In coordination with federal and state partners, more than 100 pets have been rescued through air operations from the Barrier Islands.
Under State Coordinating Officer Kevin Guthrie, members of the Forward SERT have deployed to Southwest Florida to coordinate recovery efforts on scene.
More than 14.1 million MREs and 51 million bottles of water have been distributed so far. PODs open today include:
DeSoto County
Nocatee Elementary School

4846 SW Shores
Arcadia, FL 34266

FDEM is working with feeding partners to operate kitchens for impacted and displaced residents. More than 57,900 hot meals were served on Wednesday, October 12, and more than 2.1 million hot meals have been served since volunteer kitchens opened.
FDEM is coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct infrastructure assessments of water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, and assisted living facilities.
Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), more than 1,800 personnel from 26 states have deployed to Florida to assist in response and recovery efforts.
FDEM has activated the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) to provide an additional resource for Floridians to receive up-to-date information regarding Hurricane Ian. Residents and visitors can call this toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557.
FDEM has opened an additional fuel depot on Pine Island for a total of 13 fuel depots across Central and Southwest Florida to provide fuel for first responders. A public, mobile fuel depot is open at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center and Park in Harlem Heights to provide fuel for vehicles and gas cans for generators to impacted residents.
FDEM has received more than 6,000 resource requests for Hurricane Ian and fulfilled. Over 4,970 of these requests are currently being processed and are either in route or being mobilized. This includes the coordination of resources such as: trucks of food and water, generators and tarps.
FDEM is mobilizing pet food and supplies for displaced pets, including: rabies vaccines, dry and canned dog food, dry and canned cat food, cat litter, disposable pet bowls and disposable leashes.
91 critical lift stations at wastewater treatment plants have been brought back online in Lee County through the utilization of generators and/or pumps.
FDEM is deploying the following resources for distribution to impacted areas:

4 barges are aiding in the delivery of commodities in Lee County to Pine Island and Sanibel Island. Barges completed seven missions yesterday in support of critical infrastructure restoration and fuel supply.
2 Bobtails and 1 Humvee are staged and ready to depart to North Captiva Island.
Coordinating to set up 4 barges to aid in the delivery of commodities in Lee County to Pine Island and Sanibel Island.
Trailers for restrooms, showers, laundry, sleeping and sanitation to ensure the care of first responders in the field.
More than 4,000 gallons of diesel to Lee County to power water plants that provide water to nearby hospitals.
Drone teams to assess flooded areas.
500 traffic barrels to Charlotte County to safely modify traffic patterns.
More than 500 generators for traffic signals and other traffic needs.
2 full-service mechanical shops.
500,000 tarps.
375 kits for parents of infants and toddlers with critical supplies that will last for 10 days each.
Coordinating the provision of meals for first responders staged in Orange County.
FDEM is in constant communication with all 67 county emergency management offices and state agencies to coordinate recovery actions and needed resources.

Power

Power has been restored to all accounts on the mainlaind which can receive it.
For a full report on current outages, click here.

Health and Human Services

DOH County Health Departments have been deployed to all Disaster Recovery Centers to provide services and resources. This includes Women and Infant Care, Vital Statistics, and other public health services. Costs for any vital statistics, such as birth and death certificates, have been waived.
DOH’s Division of Children’s Medical Services’ Early Steps and Newborn Screening programs has sent additional supplies to Ft. Myers. Supplies include hand sanitizer, silicone bibs, thermometers, baby spoons, and cooling towels. This will be package in Moms and Babies’ waterproof bags and distributed to individuals in need.
Hope Heroes are deployed to assist at shelters, Disaster Recovery Centers, as well as delivering meals to seniors’ homes and aiding in debris clean up. To become a Hope Hero and volunteer to help older Floridians, visit helpcreatehope.com.
Visits are being conducted at all health care facilities in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian. AHCA has completed 615 assessments at facilities in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Seminole, Volusia.
102 clients have received weather-related Emergency Home Assistance for the Elder Program funds to assist with individuals experiencing a home energy emergency in the affected areas.
1 special needs shelter remains open, serving 19 clients. This shelter will be phased out as clients return to their homes or identify long term housing solutions.
DOH’s Children’s Medical Services Plan and partners have setup 4 locations (one in DeSoto, Sarasota and Orange counties, and two locations in Lee County) for individuals to receive free hygiene and infant supplies, in addition to other essentials. All sites are open to the public.
DeSoto County – First Christian Church located at 34 El Verano Ave., Arcadia, Florida 34266. Hours of operation are Noon to 6 p.m.
Lee County – Family Initiative located at 734 SW 4th St., Cape Coral, Florida 33991. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lee County – Sunshine Fort Myers located at 4901 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33905. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sarasota County – Sarasota Christian Church located at 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34231. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Boil Water Notices have been issued for 90 areas, over 19 counties, following the impacts from Hurricane Ian. DOH continues to monitor and maintain a comprehensive statewide list of notices for residents to access online.
DOH’s Maternal and Child Health Section facilitated the delivery of family supplies to Lee County. The following supplies were provided:

o 50 Manual breast-feeding pumps.

o 100 Electric rechargeable breast pumps (that also includes a car charger).

o 50 totes to carry the pump and bottles.

o 100 sets of bottles (2 bottles in each set).

Infrastructure

All accessible State-owned bridges have been inspected across Florida. FDOT continues to assist with inspections on locally-owned bridges.
97% of cut and toss operations are complete statewide
100% of cut and toss operations are complete in Lee County.
100% of cut and toss operations are complete in Charlotte County.
Access restored to Pine Island Bridge in just over 50 hours/ under 3 days.
Construction has begun on the Sanibel Causeway.
Initial debris pick-up:

3,309 miles of state roads have been completed statewide.
Statewide 33,876 cubic yards of vegetation debris have been picked up.

BRIDGES

Bridges Closed as of 11 a.m. on 10/11/22

Sanibel Causeway (Lee County)

ROADWAYS

Roads Closed as of 11 a.m. on 10/11/22

Brevard County
SR-46 Westbound at Hatbill Road – Lane closed
Charlotte County
Bridge closed on Rotonda Boulevard both directions at Rotonda Boulevard South
DeSoto County

NW 2nd Bunker Avenue at Arrowhead Pond Road – Lane closed, both directions
R-72 Westbound beyond SR-70 – All lanes closed
SR-72 from NW Pearce Street to SR-70 – Lane closed
Hardee County

N Hollandtown Road at Thoroughbred Road – Lane closed, both directions
SR-64 from Brantwood Drive to Wilbur C King Boulevard – Lane closed, both directions
Highlands County

Golfview Road at Lake Drive Boulevard – Lane closed, both directions
Marble Avenue from W Martin Road to S Lake Boulevard – Lane closed, both directions
Lee County

Sanibel Causeway
Bonita Beach Road at Simmons Lane – All lanes closed
Captiva Drive from Palmflower Lane to Sanibel Captiva Road – Lane closed, both directions
CR-865 at Broadway Channel – Lane closed, both directions
CR-865 from Estrellita Drive to Cape Hickory Court – Lane closed, both directions
CR-867 Southbound from Port Comfort Road to Punta Rassa Road – All lanes closed
Estero Boulevard at Broadway Channel – Lane closed, both directions
Manatee County
SR-37 at Manatee/Polk County Line – Lane closed, both directions
Polk County

E Grove Avenue at S Scenic Highway – Lane closed, both directions
SR-37 Northbound before SR-674 – All lanes closed
US 98 from Avon Park Cutoff Road to Highway 27 – Lane closed, both directions
Seminole County
SR-46 Eastbound at N Jungle Road – Lane closed

PORTS

All Deepwater ports are now open.
Fuel Terminals: All port fuel terminals have resumed normal operations.

AIRPORTS

All Commercial Service airports are now open

TRANSIT

Operations normal except for:
LeeTran (modified service)
Sarasota County Area Transit (modified service)
Flagler

RAIL

PASSENGER RAIL

Amtrak: operations have returned to normal service apart from Silver Star trains #91/92, which suspended rail service beyond Jacksonville. A bus bridge will be provided to Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, Florida
SunRail: Rail corridor experienced some damage. Repairs are anticipated to be complete over the next few weeks. Currently, service is running on a modified schedule. Please www.SunRail.com for service details.

FREIGHT RAIL

Seminole Gulf Railway sustained significant damage. Damage assessments continue and repair plans are underway. Operations reopened in Ft. Myers only.

Mass Care

DBPR investigators and other staffers from across the state are at all the Disaster Recovery Centers in Charlotte, Collier, Lee and Sarasota Counties, helping with any licensing needs and educating the public about the importance of hiring a licensed contractor.
Today, 10 Department of Elder Affairs CARES assessors are deployed to Lee, Sarasota, and Orange counties to provide hands-on assistance in special needs shelters. They are determining the level-of-care needs for older Floridians housed in shelters and are discharging them to the appropriate place.
For the week of October 10-16, 13,361 home delivered meals, 579 shelf stable meals, and 2,839 congregate meals have been served to seniors in Central and Southwest Florida.
For the week of October 10-16, providers in Central and Southwest Florida have made 1,092 telephone reassurance calls to senior clients to check in on their needs.
For the week of October 10-16, 110 clients have received weather-related Emergency Home Assistance for the Elder Program funds to assist with individuals experiencing a home energy emergency in the affected areas.
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas County has worked with Amazon to get $13,000 in donated gift cards for seniors in affected areas.
Ageless Innovation has donated 96 robotic cats and 72 robotic dogs from the Joy For All Companion Pets line to be distributed to long term care facilities housing older Floridians who have been affected by Hurricane Ian. The robotic pets alleviate social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive decline by delivering joy, fun, and happiness to improve quality of life.
Florida’s application for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) has been approved. More information about D-SNAP can be found online at MyFLFamilies.com/DSNAP.
FRLA continues to work on lodging and feeding missions across impacted areas.
DCF has opened four Family Resource Support Centers with staff on site, including Hope Navigators, behavioral health partners who specialize in disaster recovery response, and public benefit eligibility specialists to help individuals and families. More information can be found here: www.myflfamilies.com/frsc
Locations include: Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Arcadia.

DCF released $235,351,849 in early SNAP benefits to a household population of approximately 773,579 people at risk of impact for Hurricane Ian. More information can be found here: ACCESS Florida – Florida Department of Children and Families (myflfamilies.com)
Florida Housing Finance Corporation has updated its Disaster Relief webpage to provide families with information on housing resources and assistance. This webpage will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. Disaster Relief Resources and Information (floridahousing.org).
Florida Housing has ensured that all current listings are up to date in the event that families need to quickly relocate at www.FloridaHousingSearch.org.
Each SHIP office has an adopted disaster strategy that allows for assistance in the immediate aftermath of a declared disaster. Strategies may include temporary relocation and rental assistance, debris removal and short-term repairs to prevent further damage to the structure or to allow for occupancy until further repairs are made. Please contact your local office directly for more information: Local Government Information (floridahousing.org)

Law Enforcement

FLHSMV has deployed Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobile units to Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, and Collier counties to provide no-fee replacements for driver license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations, and titles.
Dates, locations, and hours of operation for FLOW mobiles are subject to change and will be announced on FLHSMV.gov
SARASOTA COUNTY:
Disaster Recovery Center

Shannon Staub Library
4675 Career Lane
North Port, FL 34289
LEE COUNTY:
Disaster Recovery Center

Lakes Regional Library
15290 Bass Road
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Hertz Arena

11000 Everblades Parkway
Estero, FL 33928
Disaster Recovery Center

Joseph P. D’Alessandro Office Complex
2295 Victoria Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
CHARLOTTE COUNTY:
Port Charlotte Town Center

1441 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
COLLIER COUNTY:
Disaster Recovery Center

Veterans Community Park
1895 Veterans Park Dr, Naples, FL 34110

FLOW Hours of Operation: 9:00am – 6:00pm, seven days a week
As of October 11, more than 2,800 customers have been served since operations began.
Nearly 950 law enforcement officers remain deployed following Hurricane Ian working 350 missions including supporting local law enforcement agencies in the impacted areas with patrol, traffic control and security.
FDLE has four response teams and one logistical support team deployed in Lee and Charlotte counties checking in law enforcement officers reporting for duty, maintaining the base camps and matching law enforcement resources to the identified needs.
FDLE’s mutual aid team is supporting 300 hurricane response missions.
FDLE is preparing for a second wave of law enforcement deployments relieving those who have been deployed since last week.
FDLE staging areas are open in Southwest Florida and Hardee County at the Lee County Sports Complex, Weigh Station Mile Marker 161 in Charlotte County and in Hardee, at the Civic Center in Wauchula. All deployed law enforcement officers in these areas should check in at one of these staging areas for work assignments.
More than 100 FDLE agents are deployed in Southwest Florida assisting with traffic control, security needs and law enforcement check-ins.
FDLE established telephone lines for Fort Myers regional law enforcement coordination team.
FDLE’s base camp in Lee County is fully operational serving first responders deployed to the area. Base camps include meal service, sleeping quarters, showers, laundry and restroom facilities.
FHP continues to assist FDOT with bridge and road closures across impacted areas.
FHP’s fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial systems are aiding in FDOT’s efforts as they continue to undertake bridge and other infrastructure repairs.
FHP continues to provide escorts for fuel, utility, and emergency response teams to provide critical resources to the impacted areas.
FHP is assisting multiple local agencies with law enforcement functions in the impacted areas.
FHP has deployed mobile command centers to the State Emergency Operations Center and southwest Florida to provide enhanced communication capabilities and additional resources.
More than 1,700 sworn FHP members are available to assist with enhanced response efforts.
FHP has activated 12-hour Alpha, Bravo shifts for Troopers throughout Florida.
Peer support is available 24/7 to all FHP members and their families through FHP’s Peer Support Team and the FHP Wellness App to support their overall wellness.
FHP has provided liaisons to affected county emergency operations centers.
FHP encourages motorists to report disabled vehicles or dangerous driving conditions to *FHP (*347).
FLHSMV driver license and motor vehicle service center closures can be found here.
FLHSMV has issued Emergency Order 092422, which:
Waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; and
Waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
The FWC has established a field base of operations in Lee County and deployed a mobile command center and 6 BERG units to provide communications and operational support to officers in the area while they respond to calls for assistance.
A total of approximately 78 FWC officers and support personnel are currently deployed for Hurricane Ian response and recovery efforts.
51 FWC officers and 1 vehicle and vessel mechanic with a full complement of four-wheel drive vehicles, vessels and response and recovery equipment and supplies are based in Lee County.
11 FWC Special Operations Group officers from the North Central Region in conjunction with partner agencies have deployed to five barrier islands currently inaccessible to vehicles to establish and operate ongoing command and control complexes.
15 FWC officers from across the state have deployed to assess and process thousands of vessels displaced due to the storm.
As more officers assigned to their home communities in affected counties join the storm response and recovery effort, they have been working side by side with their deployed counterparts and area law enforcement partners to augment the unprecedented resources brought to bear following the storm.
FWC officers are conducting 24-hour land-based and waterborne safety and security patrols around Sanibel Island and other barrier islands to protect people and property on the islands.
FWC officers are using vessels to transport additional rescue personnel, supplies and equipment to all affected barrier islands inaccessible to vehicles, including Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Island.
FWC Aviation Section is providing the State EOC with aerial assistance, reconnaissance and post-storm damage assessments.
More than 350 captive wildlife facilities have been assessed.
The FWC, in conjunction with state and federal partners, is standing up a Unified Command to address the large numbers of displaced vessels in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
If a vessel owner is removing their vessel, they should notify the Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline of their plans for vessel removal by calling 850-488-5600 M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If your vessel is missing, you have located a vessel or have questions about displaced vessels or vessels in state waters which have been rendered derelict by Hurricane Ian, you are encouraged to call the Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 850-488-5600.
To report an oil, fuel or hazardous materials spill in Florida waters call 800-320-0519.
FWC cautions all boaters to exercise extreme caution in waterways in areas affected by Hurricane Ian and encourages boaters to report missing or damaged waterway markers by calling 866-405-2869 or by filling out an online form at: https://myfwc.com/boating/waterway/markers/damaged-or-missing/.

Private Sector Support

• Work search reporting and other requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian in FEMA disaster-declared counties. Eligible Floridians must file for regular state Reemployment Assistance benefits before applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is available for individuals and businesses in FEMA disaster-declared counties. Learn more here.

• Over 11,500 DUA claims have been submitted since DUA was activated.

• To support Floridians during this time, DEO has deployed personnel to the field and extended call center hours to seven days per week. Additionally, DEO secured six ID.me kiosks and support technicians to reduce the number of fraudulent claims. DEO is expanding the number of agents available to review and process claims.

• All these efforts are focused on reducing the processing time so DUA benefits can be expedited to Floridians in need.

• DEO and CareerSource Florida are mobilizing resources from other Local Workforce Development Boards and activating the disaster recovery jobs portal to connect businesses and people impacted by Hurricane Ian with workforce programs. To look for employment opportunities or post disaster-related jobs to help rebuild Florida’s communities impacted by Hurricane Ian, visit Florida’s Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal at disasterrecovery.employflorida.com.

• CareerSource Florida is working with DEO to support recovery efforts and help connect affected residents with temporary employment and other recovery assistance. All career centers are open statewide. To find your local career center, visit Find Your Local Team or Career Center Directory.

• CareerSource Southwest Florida centers in Fort Myers, Immokalee, Clewiston, Naples, Port Charlotte are open and operational Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Information on disaster recovery resources and mobile career center locations are available at www.careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/disaster-recovery-information/.

How Corruption Works in the Public Sector—One Easy Lesson

Press Room Team — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:51:23 +0000

A recent paper published by the Washington-based Institute for State Effectiveness argues that a consequence of systemic failure in national accountability may be catastrophic corruption. The paper presents a singular view of corruption by looking at the problem through a public finance lens. A “follow-the-money corruption cycle” is used to demonstrate how corruption works at each stage of the public finance management system.

Democracy is presented as a foundation for national accountability where citizens can hold government to account for its promises through the election system every few years. The paper argues that the primary national accountability mechanism that operates in the space between elections is the budget cycle. When the budget cycle is broken, national accountability is likewise. Moreover, the ability of the public finance system to learn and self-clean may be critically compromised.

Examples of such budget cycle failures are numerous. When the budget is more like an auction, without policies being subjected to a rigorous evaluation process, the whole public finance system can be jeopardized. People with power and influence, such as politicians, public officials, and business owners pay for budget allocations and allotments, pay for contracts, pay to vary a contract, pay to verify that a road was built (when it wasn’t), and pay to get paid. They pay to clear audit irregularities whether those are real or otherwise. They pay for positions in government and public corporations, pay to cover tracks in the accounting system, pay for access to lucrative government assets or for favorable treatments on debts. They bribe public officials for low assessments of tax liabilities, low valuation of goods at customs, and favorable concessions and royalty treatments in extractive industries.

The paper similarly describes how, if any evidence of malfeasance gets referred to accountability bodies, such as the police, public prosecutors or an anti-corruption commission, people with political power or influence just pay to clear the referrals.

Clearly if corruption is exploiting weaknesses at all points of the public finance system to this degree, there isn’t much public money left over for key services such as health and education, let alone an inclusive and sustainable growth strategy.

The paper argues that looking at the corruption problem through a broad public finance lens allows reformers to understand why some reforms fall victim to the “whack a mole” problem. One reform is used to stamp out corruption in the area of public procurement, for example, only to see it pop up somewhere else, for instance during contract management.

Another danger is that donor resources are often misdirected into costly investments in IT systems (for example, FMIS and procurement systems) that are much less effective in mitigating corruption than measures designed to disrupt corruption networks in budget and audit systems. Examples of such measures include a requirement for agencies to prepare financial statements that comply with international accounting and classification standard, or amnesties combined with follow-on targeted sting operations. The paper warns, however, that while such reform measures might be far more cost-effective in reducing corruption, the political challenges of overcoming vested interests can be huge.

The paper also cautions of risks with peace deals that are agreed based on a “spoils of war” approach, where power is the reward and gets distributed through agreements on who gets unfettered access to resources within specified budgets or infrastructure projects – the bounty from winning. In spoils of war deals, some government agencies are fought over harder than others. Examples are tax and customs authorities – as they raise revenue – and health, education and infrastructure ministries as they typically finance many large projects.

The paper argues that peace deals might be better served by pursuing a “rules of the game” approach, which explicitly considers how the whole public finance system should operate under a negotiated peace deal. It is argued that a “follow-the-money corruption cycle” is a useful tool for considering how the public finance system should operate under a negotiated peace deal and the extent to which rampant corruption can be dealt with. Even if “spoils of war” methods are adopted, negotiators and the public would be well served if they had information on the value of rents that accompany allocating government positions in a spoils system, and the likely impact on corruption, service delivery, and the additional aid required to meet service delivery needs if public funds are diverted.

The paper highlights busting corrupt auction systems in both budget and audit processes as priority areas for reform. Such reforms provide a foundation for both national accountability, where citizens have enough information to hold government to account for its promises and results, and institutional learning, where officials and decision makers have access to good fiscal information that helps them learn from successes and failures and continuously improve public sector operations.

Black Mayors to Trump Admin: Do Not Circumvent the Supreme Court on the Census Citizenship Question

Press Room Team — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 12:18:53 +0000

WASHINGTON – The African American Mayors Association celebrates that the Supreme Court’s decision requiring the Department of Commerce to remove the citizenship question from the 2020 Census will not be challenged by the Trump Administration.

African American mayors from across the country previously highlighted the danger of including a question like this in a letter to Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross; and director of the U.S. Census Bureau, Steven Dillingham. With the Trump Administration’s attempts to circumvent the Court’s ruling, AAMA cautions against any and all efforts to target vulnerable populations with citizenship data.

“We were happy to know that the highest Court in the land had struck down a flagrant attempt by the Trump Administration to undermine and undercount millions of people of color making their home in our country. The ruling reaffirmed the rule of law and the checks and balances that make our nation great,” said AAMA President, Mayor Hardie Davis, of Augusta, Georgia. “Now is the time for the Trump Administration to comply with the letter and spirit of the ruling to prevent disenfranchisement for the communities we lead.”

AAMA commends the advocates who are continuing to fight for a fair and accurate census. Latinos, Afro-Latinos, as well as those from the African and Asian Diasporas, deserve to have resources allocated fairly in their communities and have equitable representation in government. African American mayors will continue to fight to ensure we have an accurate census count and that citizenship data is not used to target vulnerable populations.

About AAMA

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization exclusively representing over 500 African-American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.

Headquarter’s Boeing Space and Launch Moving to Florida’s Space Coast

Press Room Team — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 19:51:56 +0000

Tallahassee, Fla. – Boeing announced that it is moving its Space and Launch Headquarters from Arlington, Va. to Titusville on Florida’s Space Coast. Below is what Governor DeSantis, state leaders and elected officials are saying about this important announcement:

“Florida is the world’s premiere gateway to space and our commercial space industry continues to flourish,” said Governor DeSantis. “Boeing’s decision to move its Space and Launch headquarters from Arlington, Virginia to Titusville affirms our state’s position as a national leader in innovation and job growth and will bring increased investment to the Space Coast.”

“We are thrilled Boeing has made the decision to relocate to Titusville, Florida,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “It is further evidence that Florida is the ideal environment for the space industry to continue thriving. We welcome Boeing and encourage others to enjoy the benefits out great state has to offer.”

“The relocation of the Boeing Defense, Space & Security Space and Launch headquarters to Florida is more of a homecoming than a move to someplace new,” said Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Leanne Caret. “Boeing helped build the Space Coast during the first Space Age and has long been a leading presence in this storied community. As we move forward into the second Space Age, Boeing will build the future again from this base across our portfolio of human spaceflight, military and commercial space programs.”

“Boeing’s decision to move its Space and Launch headquarters to Titusville further solidifies Florida’s position in becoming the global leader in space exploration, national security and space commerce,” said Frank DiBello, President and CEO of Space Florida. “The Cape Canaveral Spaceport is well-positioned to lead the future of this industry, and we join Governor DeSantis is welcoming the headquarters to the State. Space Florida looks forward to witnessing Boeing expand its already storied presence here on the Space Coast.”

“This is fantastic news for Florida and we are excited to once again partner with Boeing to bring jobs to Florida,” said Tim Vanderhoof, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Enterprise Florida. “It speaks volumes to Florida’s standing as a premier business state when a global leader like Boeing decides to make such a significant commitment. I thank them for their continued partnership and look forward to seeing their growth on the Space Coast.”

“I am so pleased that Boeing has chosen to join the other major manufactures in locating their headquarters to the Space Coast,” said state Senator Tom Wright. “As our space industry continues to thrive, we look forward to the increased investment and opportunities this move will provide for Floridians and their families. Thank you to Boeing for realizing the potential Florida has to offer.”

“Florida’s space and aviation industries are thriving, which has never been more evident than with Boeing’s announcement this morning,” said state Senator Debbie Mayfield. “Governor DeSantis has prioritized the Space Coast and the relocation of Boeing’s space and launch headquarters to Titusville will enhance our economy and provide job opportunities for Floridians.”

“I commend and thank Boeing for relocating their space and launch headquarters from Virginia to Florida,” said state Representative Thad Altman. “This announcement is fantastic news for the men and women who work on our Space Coast. With Governor DeSantis leading the charge, our space industry has never been stronger and I look forward to the positive results this headquarters will bring to the community.”

“Boeing undoubtedly made the right decision by relocating their space headquarters to Florida,” said state Representative Randy Fine. “I would like to thank Governor DeSantis and Boeing for realizing what the Space Coast has to offer. With this announcement, Florida has solidified itself as a leader in this industry and Florida families will benefit from this great news.”

“Boeing’s announcement is the latest example of Florida’s resurgent commercial aerospace industry,” said state Representative Tyler Sirois. “I am proud to have this great company grow its footprint on Florida’s Space Coast. I share Governor DeSantis’ commitment to see Florida lead the way in commercial aerospace— both to grow our economy and advance our national security.”

“With today’s announcement by Boeing, Florida’s space industry is only gaining speed,” said state Representative Rene Plasencia. “Since taking office, the Governor has made the Space Coast a top priority and we are seeing the results. By relocating their space and launch headquarters to Florida, Boeing understands that Florida is the best place for development and growth.”

For more information on Boeing’s announcement, click HERE.

Governor DeSantis, Senator Rubio and Senator Scott ask President Trump to Include $200 Million in Construction Funding for Everglades Restoration

Press Room Team — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:10:38 +0000

Tallahassee, Fla. – As part of his commitment to advocate on behalf of Florida’s environment and water quality, Governor Ron DeSantis today joined Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott asking President Donald Trump to include in the federal budget a sustained annual commitment of $200 million in construction funding for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER).

A PDF copy of the signed letter is available HERE. The full text of the letter is provided below.

Governor DeSantis recently announced his commitment to secure historic investments in Florida’s environment and water quality. In his Bold Vision for a Brighter Future budget Governor DeSantis recommended investing $625 million for Everglades Restoration and protection of water resources. By investing this amount each year, $2.5 billion will be invested by the end of his first term, which is $1 billion more than what was invested the previous four years; $360 million would be specifically dedicated to Everglades restoration.

Text of Letter from Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Rick Scott

Dear Mr. President:

We write to request your direct support for a sustained annual commitment of $200 million in construction funding for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) in your Administration’s future budget requests to Congress. Along with your leadership in fulfilling this funding request, your unique background and experience is key to advancing this world-class environmental infrastructure project to restore America’s Everglades.

As evidenced by a recent letter addressed to you and signed by all 27 members of Florida’s delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives, support for the Everglades is broad-based and bipartisan. The federal-state partnership to restore the Everglades is critical to protecting Florida’s unique environmental character, preserving our state’s full economic potential, and enhancing the resilience of every community south of Lake Okeechobee. Unfortunately, federal funding has not kept pace with the state’s increasing contributions.

Florida’s recent struggles with harmful algal blooms have raised the stakes for accelerated progress on Everglades restoration. Enhanced federal funding to complement years of historic state funding levels would fast-track design and construction of the Central Everglades Planning Project and the Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoir to divert and clean Lake Okeechobee releases and increase water deliveries to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. These funds would also advance important water storage and treatment infrastructure planned for the Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir and Indian River Lagoon-South projects that will further reduce harmful algal bloom frequency and intensity through enhanced coastal water quality.

The critical infrastructure that will be built as a result of sustained annual budget requests to Congress of $200 million in construction funding for SFER would be a tremendous part of your legacy in Florida. We stand ready to help execute any action you take to fulfill long overdue federal commitments to restore the Everglades.

FWC holding public meetings to gather input on aquatic plant management

Press Room Team — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 13:20:29 +0000

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding several public meetings to gather community input about the agency’s aquatic plant herbicide treatment program.

These meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to provide feedback about management activities on Florida water bodies during the past 12 months.

The meetings will be held at the following times and locations (all meetings are from 5:30-8:30 p.m. local time):

Feb. 6 – Kissimmee: County Commission Chambers, fourth-floor Osceola County Administration Building, 1 Courthouse Square
Feb. 7 – Okeechobee: Okeechobee County Civic Center, 1750 U.S. Highway 98 N.
Feb. 13 – Sebring: Bert J. Harris, Jr. Agri-Civic Center, 4509 George Blvd.
Feb. 26 – Eustis: Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Dr.

There will be a Gainesville area meeting scheduled with the date and time to be determined. For updated information on meeting times and locations go to MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats and click on “Invasive Plants.”

Comments may also be sent to Invasiveplants@MyFWC.com.

Invasive plants degrade and diminish Florida’s waterways by displacing native plant communities. Some invasive aquatic plants pose a significant threat to human welfare and cause economic problems by impeding flood control and affecting recreational use of waterways.

ARTICULO: Cuatro en la dinámica de la ciencia, la calidad y el liderazgo y la gerencia

Press Room Team — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 12:58:41 +0000

Por: Dr. Js. Gilberto Concepcion Garcia
jconcepcion@claro.net.do

Exclusivo para, y publicado originalmente en, la
Revista “El Mundo de los Negocios”, y desde ya en
varios de los demás Multimedios de The Ballester Group.

Haciendo un recuento histórico podríamos indicar que tres números son los más utilizados para diseñar o enunciar cualquier teoría. Nos referimos al tres, al cuatro y al cinco. En el año 1996 cuando iniciábamos el proceso de usar este medio como educación científica para nuestro país escribimos el artículo 5-4=3, buscando la trilogía. Desde los escritos de Eugenio María de Hostos y de Moscoso Puello en Cartas a Evelina mostraban la incidencia del tres en la cultura dominicana. Hemos estado ligados a estos tres números en la mayoría de nuestras publicaciones.

En esta oportunidad queremos señalar algunos fenómenos que nos muestran que el cuatro puede considerarse como el número clave en el pensamiento científico ya que es con el que se puede explicar más fenómenos apegados a la simetría. Empecemos por el momento inicial en la historia del universo, el Big Bang. Todo se inicia con la aparición de la partícula Divina. Esta partícula se caracteriza por ser la materia más pequeña conocida con peso y que no tiene simetría. Empieza la danza y estas partículas empiezan a unirse y al pesar más, empiezan a girar de forma imaginaria para nosotros hacia la derecha o hacia la izquierda. Este concepto la ciencia lo acuña como simetría. Se forman los quarks que a su vez con aumento en tamaño forma los protones y neutrones y los leptons que forman los electrones. De la unión de estos se forman los átomos, siendo el primero el Hidrogeno. En este momento se inicia la importancia del cuatro.

En la física química de las partículas hay una definición de la rotación de estas partículas asignándole el signo positivo o negativo. Si nos vamos al concepto más conocido de números binarios que usa la computadora podemos usar 0 y 1. Estos dos números pueden dar cuatro combinaciones 00, 01, 11 y 10. Para pasar de un estado a otro solo puede haber un cambio de una unidad, lo que se denomina transiciones permitidas o de mayor probabilidad y cuando es de dos transiciones, no permitidas o de menor probabilidad. Esta condición permite que se formen átomos más grandes que el Hidrogeno como son el Nitrógeno, el Carbono y el Oxígeno y por supuesto los demás elementos de lo que se denomina la tabla periódica. En el 2004 publicamos el concepto bpqd en el artículo El cambio dinámicamente simétrico para explicar este ejemplo de una letra con cuatro configuraciones.

No es hasta transcurrido cerca de 500 millones de años del Big Bang que se forma la primera molécula, la del Hidrogeno y con esta el segundo suceso de mayor importancia en el desarrollo del Universo, la luz. Esta está asociada a los cambios en simetría antes mencionados en la molécula de Hidrogeno. El cuatro está detrás de todo esto. Con la luz podemos incidir que es el comienzo de del inicio de la vida. Se forman moléculas sencillas a base de Carbono, Oxigeno, Nitrógeno e Hidrogeno. Los cuatro elementos de mayor importancia que forman el trazado de la química orgánica que junto al agua forman una sopa de moléculas que dan inicio a los aminos ácidos que luego forman las proteínas. De ahí salen las células, las bacterias hasta llegar a los organismos con vida más avanzados. Una lombriz y un ser humano tienen las mismas proteínas. Lo que nos diferencia es el número de moléculas que tenemos que si multiplicamos por 10 no cabrían en una línea de esta página. Cuatro moléculas tienen mayor importancia el Hidrogeno, el Agua, el Butadieno y el Benceno. El Modelo que explica los niveles de energía de estas moléculas está basado en cuatro estados.

De aquí podemos pasar a los neurotransmisores que son básicamente moléculas derivadas del Benceno y como consecuencia sus cuatro niveles de energía juegan un papel de importancia en nuestra manera de pensar. Lo mismo podemos asociar a la calidad, la gerencia, el liderazgo, los procesos dinámicos del cambio de; sólido, líquido, gas y plasma o tierra, agua, aire y fuego. Lo importante no es el estado, sino como hacemos los cambios y la simetría asociada al cuatro puede explicar todos los modelos que queramos desarrollar ya sea en la ciencia, en la gerencia, en el liderazgo, en la calidad en la economía y cualquier otra actividad. En nuestra próxima entrega veremos esto funcionando.

Jesús Gilberto Concepción García.

Químico Físico, Profesor Emérito Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU). Doctor en Filosofía de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, recinto de Rio Piedras. Post doctorado de la Universidad de Syracuse, New York y entrenamiento en medio ambiente y desarrollo industrial de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte, Chapel Hill. Es Miembro de Número de la Academia de Ciencias de la República Dominicana y ha recibido múltiples reconocimientos a nivel nacional e internacional. En la actualidad permanece como profesor investigador en la UNPHU donde estudia la mecánica cuántica aplicada a la neurociencia. Fue el consultor principal en el desarrollo inicial de los Premios a la Calidad del sector privado y público. Es el Director Global de la División de Desarrollo Humano y Liderazgo de la Sociedad Americana para la Calidad. Ha publicado en las áreas de química física, liderazgo, gerencia, desarrollo humano y neurociencia con más de 200 publicaciones. Sus publicaciones indexadas tienen un índice H de 7 y 150 citas. De acuerdo a Reseach Gate una de sus últimas publicaciones tiene más de 20 mil lecturas. Tiene dos libros publicados y dos patentes.

Embajadores países Mancomunidad expondran seminario

Press Room Team — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 18:30:04 +0000

Santo Domingo, RD: Los embajadores de Gran Bretaña, el Canadá y Nigeria, Chris Campbell, Shauna Hemingway y Janet Olisa, expondrán sobre las oportunidades que brindan sus naciones en el “Primer Seminario Potencial Económico y Comercial ofrecen los 53 países de la Mancomunidad a la República Dominicana”.

El evento tendrá efecto el 12 de diciembre, a las 8:30 am, en el salón Yarey del hotel Sheraton, organizado por la Mesa Redonda de los Países de la Mancomunidad en la República Dominicana y contará con la asistencia de representantes de los sectores público y privado.

El discurso inaugural del seminario estará a cargo del director ejecutivo de la Comisión Nacional de Competitividad, Rafael Paz, quien señalará los pasos da la República Dominicana para ser más competitiva y atractiva internacionalmente.

Los países de la Mancomunidad en conjunto son los mayores inversionistas extranjeros en República Dominicana y los principales destinos de las exportaciones dominicanas.

Que es la Mancomunidad?

Es una organización voluntaria agrupa a 53 países, encabezada por la Reina Isabel II, los cuales tienen una misma idiosincrasia, que es la británica y cuenta con el mismo sistema legal y político. La Mancomunidad contiene 2.4 billones de habitantes (un tercio de la población mundial), en 6 continentes.

Incluye como miembros naciones tan grandes como el Reino Unido, Canadá, Australia, la India, África del Sur, Malasia y tan pequeños como Antigua, Barbados, Malta, Mauricio y Singapur, entre otros.

Que es la Mesa de la Mancomunidad en RD?

La Mesa Redonda de los Países de la Mancomunidad en la República Dominicana es una entidad que tiene como objetivo el promover las relaciones bilaterales, económicas, políticas y sociales entre los países de la Mancomunidad y la República Dominicana.

La integran los diplomáticos de los países que son este bloque y que están adscritos en República Dominicana y los presidentes de las cámaras binacionales de comercio británica, canadiense, de la India y de Trinidad.

Además, son asociados de esta Mesa, las multinacionales que tienen su casa matriz en un país de la Mancomunidad.

Activan compromiso diversidad búsqueda candidatos juntas directivas todo el mundo

Press Room Team — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 23:09:13 +0000

CHICAGO, – Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII), uno de los principales proveedores de servicios de búsqueda de ejecutivos, evaluación y desarrollo de liderazgos, efectividad organizacional y perfilado de culturas a nivel mundial, anunció que cada año al menos la mitad de la lista acumulativa de candidatos iniciales a juntas directivas que presentará a sus clientes será diversa, lo cual reafirma el compromiso de promover la diversidad en las búsquedas de candidatos para juntas directivas a nivel mundial. Desarrollado en colaboración con el Rock Center for Corporate Governance de Stanford, el compromiso de Heidrick & Struggles está diseñado para aumentar la cantidad mujeres y miembros de grupos subrepresentados que son considerados por las juntas directivas.

“Ahora es el momento de hacer público lo que hemos estado impulsando a nivel mundial como empresa”, afirmó Krishnan Rajagopalan, presidente y director ejecutivo de Heidrick & Struggles. “En el día de hoy estamos haciendo una promesa a nuestros clientes, candidatos y empleados: Nos comprometemos a que cada año al menos la mitad de los candidatos iniciales a juntas directivas que presentemos a los clientes de todo el mundo será diversa”.

Para acelerar este esfuerzo, la compañía identificará proactivamente a candidatos a directores diversos, haciendo hincapié en los posibles directores que no hayan servido anteriormente en una junta directiva. Cada año la empresa medirá los resultados y procurará nuevos modos de ampliar y mejorar sus esfuerzos de diversidad global en cada búsqueda de candidatos a juntas directivas.

“Nuestra empresa está comprometida a fomentar un panorama de talentos tan diverso como el mundo en que vivimos, con el objetivo de servir mejor a nuestros clientes y representar a nuestros empleados”, manifestó Rajagopalan. “En nuestro carácter de asesores de juntas directivas de todo el mundo, reconocemos que identificar una lista de candidatos diversos es un imperativo y cumple con el propósito y los valores más profundos de nuestra empresa”.

El recientemente publicado Heidrick & Struggles 2018 Board Monitor notó un aumento sustancial de mujeres directoras entre los directivos que ingresaron a empresas de la lista Fortune 500, pero también una falta de crecimiento en el porcentaje de directores hispanos y asiáticos. Asimismo, los directores afroamericanos también están significativamente subrepresentados en las juntas directivas.

“En el último año, el 52% de los puestos de nuestra junta directiva en América del Norte han sido diversos”, afirmó Bonnie Gwin, vicepresidente y socia coadministradora de la oficina de dirección ejecutiva y junta directiva global de Heidrick & Struggles. “Esta es una oportunidad para cobrar un impulso global a través de la presentación de las más diversas opciones de candidatos a juntas directivas a nuestros clientes del ámbito mundial. En la actualidad no hay escasez de talentos de candidatos diversos y calificados y hay muchas mujeres y ejecutivos étnicamente diversos excepcionales que podrían ser directores sumamente efectivos. Nuestros últimos datos provenientes del Heidrick & Struggles Board Monitor sugieren que las juntas directivas están cambiando sus tasas de actualización y optando por ampliar las visiones, los antecedentes y la composición total de las juntas directivas con el objetivo de mejorar la diversidad”.

Acerca de Heidrick & Struggles:
Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII) atiende las necesidades de talento y liderazgo a nivel senior de las principales organizaciones del mundo como asesor de confianza en lo que refiere a servicios de búsqueda de ejecutivos, evaluación y desarrollo de liderazgos, efectividad organizacional y de equipos y perfilamiento de culturas. Heidrick & Struggles fue pionera en la profesión de búsqueda de ejecutivos hace más de 60 años. Al día de hoy, la compañía ofrece soluciones de liderazgo integradas para ayudar a sus clientes a cambiar el mundo, de a un equipo de liderazgo por vez®. www.heidrick.com

AMCHAMDR reconoce y felicita Bernstein embajadora designada RD

Press Room Team — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 20:13:01 +0000

Santo Domingo, julio 2018.- La Cámara Americana de Comercio de la República Dominicana (AMCHAMDR, por sus siglas en inglés) reconoció la decisión del comité del Senado de Estados Unidos de aprobar la nominación de la empresaria Robin Bernstein, propuesta por el presidente de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, como Embajadora Extraordinaria y Plenipotenciaria de ese país en la República Dominicana.

“Extendemos nuestras felicitaciones a la embajadora designada de Estados Unidos en República Dominicana, y aquí la recibiremos con la cálida bienvenida que solo los dominicanos saben ofrecer”, expresó William M. Malamud, vicepresidente ejecutivo de AMCHAMDR. “Nos sentimos optimistas y convencidos de que, con esta designación, continuaremos nuestra labor con la embajada estadounidense de contribuir con el mejoramiento económico, social, y jurídico de ambas naciones”.

“Somos afortunados de tener como embajadora designada a una persona que tiene una relación cercana con el Presidente Trump por muchos años”, agregó.

Bernstein se ha desempeñado como presidenta y directora de Richard S. Bernstein and Associates, Inc., desde 2004, y vicepresidenta y directora de Rizbur, Inc., desde 2002, ambas en West Palm Beach, Florida.