Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam says ethanol repeal sends wrong message for Florida

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is technically neutral on a proposal to repeal the 2008 Florida law that requires gasoline to include ethanol, which a House committee passed today.

But read carefully his comments to House Democrats today. Substantively, he said, there is no effect of the repeal because a federal fuel standard will remain.

"Symbolically, it sends the wrong message for Florida about our commitment to renewable energy," he said. "So if you're saying we need to repeal this and modernize it, that's absolutely right. We do need to repeal it and modernize it to give it the flexibility that reflects the rapidly advancing technologies in renewable fuels. That's not really what's being said though. What's being said is we just need to repeal it."

Florida should make it clear to international investors, he said, that it embraces new energy technology.

Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, said she was disappointed that his office took a neutral stance in the House committee earlier Tuesday. The repeal is sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz and Sen. Greg Evers.

PolitiFact Florida: Slimy truth about giant African land snails

 

Florida is now home to a slime-oozing plant-chowing snail the size of a teacup Chihuahua, and Adam Putnam wants to make sure that's temporary.

The giant African land snail can grow up to 8 inches, live nearly a decade, devour indiscriminately, lay 500 eggs at a time and snack on stucco for the calcium to build its shiny brown shell striped with cream.

Last weekend, CBS News Sunday Morning featured the snails along with other invasive species, from Illinois' Asian carp (fish) to Georgia's kudzu (plant). Southwest Miami homeowners described the "disgusting," "slithery," "juicy" pests. Putnam explained the public threat.

"With something like the snails we've got the trifecta," Putnam said. "It carries human meningitis, so people are concerned. It eats 500 different plants, so agriculture's concerned. And it eats houses, so homeowners are very concerned."

Leaf- and stucco-chomping? Check. Just ask the snails' Miami neighbors. But disease-carrying? PolitiFact Florida decided to check it out.

 

 

Dept. of Agriculture close to federal OK to handle school food programs

School food programs are making their way to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – though they are still not officially there yet. The federal government has to grant a waiver to house school food programs there instead of the Department of Education.

Robin Safley told legislators Wednesday that they have requested the waiver in July and received a response back in August. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture asked for a few more things, to make sure “all the t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted because it’s a big system and we’re moving it midstream,” she said. Safley will be the director of the Division of Food, Nutritution and Wellness at the state Department of Agriculture.

The move was Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s biggest priority last legislative session. Part of the goal is to have more fresh fruits and veggies in school cafeterias.

Lawmakers passed it overwhelmingly in May, though Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, cast the sole no vote and questioned the conflict of interest: How the Department of Agriculture would look out for children instead of Big Ag.

That did not come up at the House subcommittee on K-20 Education Competitiveness.

Florida Energy Summit planned for October

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced on Thursday plans for the 2011 Florida Energy Summit, Oct. 26-28 in Orlando.

“The Florida Energy Summit will advance the expansion of the production of renewable energy in Florida by bringing together leaders in energy development, agriculture production, government, academic research, technology and finance,” Putnam said. “By taking a more comprehensive look at prospective energy resources, we will gain a better understanding of Florida’s energy potential to not only capture, but also capitalize on the rich resources available.”
 
Hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at Rosen Shingle Creek, the summit will focus on energy conservation and the future of renewable energy in Florida. Visit www.floridaenergysummit.com for more information and to register.

Will the professional deregulation bill come back?

What’s all the fuss about?

Floridians logged more than 45,000 complaints to a state consumer hot line during the latest fiscal year, up 20 percent from the year before. That’s according to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which manages 1-800-HELP-FLA and recently released a list of the top 10 consumer complaints.

Telemarketers, motor vehicle repair shops and travel agents all cracked the list.

Those professions share an interesting thread: All were slated to be removed from state oversight in earlier versions of the House’s professional deregulation bill, HB 5005, leading Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to balk about the toll it would take on his agency’s consumer hot line as well as losing oversight of auto repair shops and charities.

A whittled-down proposal that removed those professions from being deregulated passed the House but suffered a stunning defeat on the last night of session by senators who felt the bill was being shoved down their throats.

Aside from launching nasty relations between the chambers that night, the defeat sparked questions of whether it would return in next year’s session, and if it would have a Senate companion.

The sponsor of the proposal, Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, said she stripped travel agents, auto repair shops and telemarketers from the bill after hearing concerns from Putnam and others. Still, Hukill said she has not decided if she will sponsor a reincarnation of the deregulation bill next year.

The agency’s release of complaints -- and a subsequent Putnam tweet warning about unregistered charities -- leads us to think Putnam would not be down with a bill that kicks staffers out of his consumer services division.

Here’s the list:
1. Do Not Call, 12,345
2. Telemarketing, 10,416
3. Credit/Banking, 2,289
4. Communications,  2,267
5. Motor Vehicle Repair, 1,913
6. Travel/Vacation plans, 1,682
7. Real Estate Broker/Salesperson, 1,532
8. Landlord/Tenant, 1,332
9. MV Sales/Accessories, 1,311
10. Medical, 854

Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam wants Legislature to "clarify" legality of internet cafes

Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam told reporters Wednesday that the Legislature needs to clarify Florida law so his agency can deal with the explosion of internet cafes across the state.

Are the rooms a form of illegal gambling or a sweepstakes, which his agency oversees?

“Clarification is needed. There is no question in my mind that there is an ambiguity in the law itself, which is leading to uneven enforcement. And that’s unhealthy regardless of who the impact parties are. You can’t have a rule of law that is subject to an individual sheriff or state attorney’s interpretation. So even the internet cafes would say that there is an ambiguity. And so the short answer is, yes, it needs to be clarified.”

Putnam said internet cafes would argue they are technically a sweepstakes, not gambling, because "there is a predetermined number of winners at that video terminal just as there are a predetermined number of Boardwalks and Park Places that allow you to win a new Wii."

Putnam also talked about his newest acquisition courtesy of a supportive Legislature: school food programs. Putnam successfully lobbied for passage of SB 1312, which transfers school food programs from the Department of Education to his agency and awaits Gov. Rick Scott's signature.

* * *

He also talked chocolate milk and vending machines. Basically, he won't be banning either.

A reporter asked if Putnam had any plans to deal with chocolate milk. Putnam asked the Board of Education to hold off on plans to ban the beverage last year.

"Ever since that conversation began we have already worked cooperatively with vendors to the school system and, without us even having responsibility for it, we have a vendor that is responsible for milk, including flavored milk, in 16 counties who’s already cut carbs, sugar and total grams of fat," he said. "So there are ways to improve the quality and nutritional value of those meals without an outright ban on chocolate milk."

Putnam said he has his eye on restricting "competing foods," like soda, sugary vending machine offerings and food chains that offer their products in schools. He said the transfer, if approved, grants him that authority.

"That would mean either turning off vending machines during school hours or turning off carbonated beverage vending machines during school hours. There are certainly vending machines that sell juice, that sell water, that sell healthier snacks. I’m not opposed doing what it takes to improve the quality and nutritional value of what our kids have recognizing that the policy for a high school student would be different than the policy for elementary school students. ... The way forward on that is not to ban vending machines, it’s to have vending machines that are selling healthier options."

* * *

There was also talk of immigration policy -- specifically, the Legislature's failure to pass one this year.

On Sen. J.D. Alexander's famous floor speech on E-Verify, Putnam said his words "were exceptional." Putnam had been cool to immigration reform all along, saying an Arizona-style law would not be good for Florida and the responsibility really belonged to Congress.

"Our strength comes from our diversity, and we are essentially the capital of the Western Hemisphere. We are the financial capital of Latin America, particularly South Florida. We are a trade destination, an international tourism destination, we need to get it right."

"I think that Sen. (Anitere) Flores and Sen. Alexander did an extraordinary job of shepherding an explosively emotional, passionate, complicated issue and ultimately it did not make it across the finish line. The conversation continues, it’s not going way. And hopefully this summer will give everyone an opportunity to address the issue without the distractions of the other thousands of things going on in the session."

Legislature eats up Adam Putnam's school lunch takeover

Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam's desire to house school food programs within his agency, setting up a unique change in command that he says will bring more fruits and veggies to cafeterias.

"It's a transformational move for the department," he said.

The proposal, SB 1312, moves all school food and nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Putnam deemed the transfer his top priority this session. He said his agency is better equipped for the job because of its industry connections and partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which controls the program's purse and sets school nutrition guidelines.

Nearly every lawmaker agreed. The House approved the transfer Wednesday with a 115-1 vote. The Senate passed it 37-0 on Friday. No lawmakers spoke against the bill during debate on either floor.

"It makes sense that the Department of Education stick with education, and the Department of Agriculture stick with food and nutrition," said Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, amid a chorus of supportive House Democrats.

Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, was the only member of the Legislature to push his "no" button. His criticism mirrored past criticism from Board of Education member Roberto Martinez: Putnam's plan presents a conflict of interest.

"It's nothing against the new commissioner. Maybe he'll be a great commissioner," Randolph said. "I just know the old DACS, and I just don't trust DACS to look out for the best interest of the children rather than looking out for some of Big Ag."

Keep reading.

What they're saying about Gov. Rick Scott's speech

House Speaker Dean Cannon: "I share Governor Scott’s commitment to making the tough policy decisions that will benefit our state in the long-term, rather than settling for a knee-jerk Washington approach that tries to put off short-term problems regardless of negative long-term consequences. I look forward to working with the Governor on the many issues for which he has advocated which require legislative approval or oversight. I am confident that we can work together to refine the best ideas that come from each chamber and the Governor’s Office and am very encouraged by the progress we have already made."

Senate President Mike Haridopolos: "I congratulate Governor Scott for laying out a vision for Florida that will result in the economic turnaround we so badly need in our state. The message of getting to work that propelled him to the Governor’s office has carried forward in his role as Florida’s chief executive. The Governor’s vision for Florida is bold and decisive.  The Florida Senate is prepared to work with him to accomplish the goals he discussed in his State of the State address. During the next 60 days, his agenda will get a thorough review in the Senate. We all share the same goal – getting Florida back to work."

Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith: "Tonight, Governor Rick Scott’s words trying to defend his job destroying agenda rang hollow to Floridians hurting during the hard economic times. Since he took office, Floridians have seen that Rick Scott only cares about imposing his rigid and extreme philosophy on our state, rather than working to implement common sense solutions for Florida. Whether he is killing high speed rail, proposing his spending plan that would lay off 20,000 teachers, or putting communities at risk by ending critical law enforcement tools to stop pill-mills, Rick Scott’s agenda is doing real harm to our state."

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam: “I share the Governor’s vision to reduce unemployment and grow our economy by creating jobs.  I look forward to working with the Governor, the members of the Cabinet and the Legislature to accomplish this goal. As Commissioner of Agriculture, I’m focused on fostering an environment in which businesses can grow and thrive in Florida. I believe we should invest in higher education, research and grants that will enable Floridians to create, innovate and, ultimately, generate more jobs across our great state."

Florida Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mark Wilson: "It’s refreshing to have a Governor who says the same things after the election as he did before the election. Governor Scott understands that to grow the private sector, we must shrink the government sector. Tonight, Governor Scott reinforced his pledge to improve education, lower taxes on entrepreneurs, and to pass legal reform. Florida is keeping the American dream alive, and Governor Scott has the bold vision and the uncommon courage to stay strong and help Florida lead the nation back to prosperity."

House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera: “I, like Governor Scott, believe that Florida should not rely on handouts from the federal government or participate in the reckless spending practices that have become so commonplace in Washington D.C. The governor highlighted the need for a fiscally responsible government that eliminates wasteful spending, curbs the growth of entitlement programs, and restores jobs to Floridians.  Although addressing these difficult issues may not be easy, it is necessary to ensure the future economic prosperity of our state and our state’s citizens. I look forward to working with him this Session."

Putnam's pitch: Florida needs a water policy

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam told Florida reporters and editors Wednesday that the most important long-term policy issue facing the Sunshine State is quantity and quality of water. A rational long-range water policy is needed, he said, and, if done properly, it can also create jobs the state needs. For example, he said, water desalinization plants should be co-located with two recently permitted nuclear power plants.

Under no circumstances, Putnam said, should the state consider sale or transfer of water use rights from one region of Florida to another. "It would put us on the brink of a civil war," Putnam said.

He reiterated his opposition to a sweeping Arizona-style law to curb illegal immigration, and he expressed his opposition to a money-saving proposal by Gov. Rick Scott to merge the Department of Citrus with Putnam's agency, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Because the citrus agency is self-supported by a tax on citrus, not general tax dollars, "You don't save any money by eliminating that department," Putnam said.

The boyish 36-year-old is without question the wittiest and most articulate agriculture commissioner in Florida history, effortlessly discussing topics as varied as renewable energy, rural economic development and land conservation, while sprinkling his talk with references to small-town, ag-rich places such as Palmdale, Clewiston and Perry.    

The former GOP congressman said he's glad to be "out of the circus that is Washington, D.C.," and brushed aside a question about whether he plans to run for governor, saying: "I don't spend any time thinking about that," which brought gales of laughter from the press gallery.

-- Steve Bousquet

Video: Florida's first all-new cabinet in a century