Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Invests More Than $109.7 Million for the Department of State

TALLAHASSEE –

Today, Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner applauded Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019, which invests $109.7 million in the Department of State. Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget makes key investments to continue Florida’s successful elections administration, improve business efficiency, and supports cultural heritage tourism and economic development.

Governor Scott said, “Ensuring the continued safety and security of elections information is the top priority for the Department of State and these investments will help support this critical goal. I am also proud to recommend investments in Florida’s many historic and cultural treasures that bring families and visitors to communities across our great state each year.”

Governor Scott’s proposed budget includes:

• $488,693 and five staff positions in recurring funds from general revenue to create a cyber-security section at DOS which will bolster the current staff and enhance the Department’s ability to provide security for its mission critical systems.

• $12 million in nonrecurring funding from general revenue to replace the aging SunBiz system, an electronic business filing system, which will ensure increased efficiency and security.

• $350,000 for updated and increased security monitoring for all Department properties.

• $14.3 million in grant funding for cultural, historical and library grant programs which will provide additional funding for these programs over the Department’s base budget.

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will help Florida continue to safeguard voter information, facilitate efficiency and accuracy for Florida business filings, and make critical investments that improve the quality of life for all Floridians. Governor Scott’s commitment to investments in library grants, cultural programs, and historic preservation support cultural heritage tourism and economic development, ensuring Florida continues to be one of the world’s best places to live and visit for generations to come.”

Paul Lux, Supervisor of Elections, Okaloosa County, said, “Cyber criminals are constantly rethinking their strategies; Governor Scott’s commitment provides additional resources that help to ensure implementation of innovative safeguards to combat potential cyber threats.”

Malinda Horton, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Museums, said, “We applaud Governor Scott for his continued dedication to cultural and museum grant funding. Cultural organizations and museums provide many benefits to communities throughout Florida and strengthen the economy and job creation.”

Katharine Dickenson, Member of the Florida Council on Arts & Culture, said, “Funding for culturally-based activities improves quality of life and increases opportunities for all Floridians. We thank Governor Scott for his support of arts and culture in the State of Florida.”

Marion Almy, Chair of the Florida Historical Commission, said, “Governor Scott understands that investments in historic properties are an investment in Florida’s future. Historic preservation serves as an economic engine for Florida communities and supports cultural heritage tourism.”

Doug Crane, Chair, State Library Council, and Library Director, Palm Beach County Library System, said, “Libraries provide critical services to our communities by supporting early learning and providing homework assistance to career exploration, information literacy, and lifelong learning. We are grateful that Governor Scott recognizes the significant contributions that libraries provide to Florida citizens.”

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