Lawmakers meeting next week over World Cup security, other issues

The full Legislature isn’t returning to Tallahassee next week to pass the budget. But that’s not stopping the Joint Legislative Budget Commission from meeting to vote on several budget amendments, including beefing security for the upcoming World Cup game in Miami.

The Commission is scheduled to meet April 17. On the agenda, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is seeking to access grant funds it was awarded for security to look for unmanned aircraft systems during the six FIFA World Cup matches being played in Miami this year.

FDLE is asking the Commission to approve budget authority of $8.1 million in the Federal Grants Trust Fund and another $8.1 million in budget authority in the Operating Trust Fund, according to the Commission’s agenda packet.

In addition, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management was also awarded a nearly $74 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“The FIFA World Cup Grant Program makes funds available to Host City Committee Task Forces for funding the extensive security activities required to protect players, staff, attendees, venues, and critical infrastructure across the host cities, strengthening them against potential terrorist attacks,” the Commission meeting agenda records read.

“The majority of the grant ($63.6 million) will be used to reimburse local law enforcement for overtime expenses. The remainder of the grant will fund equipment purchases ($3.5 million), planning and administration ($4.9 million), and training and exercises ($1.75 million).”

Meanwhile, the Agency for Health Care Administration is asking for budget authority for $210 million from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to invest in rural health care systems under the Florida Rural Health Transformation Program.

“The program will expand access to high-quality, affordable care by addressing provider shortages, technological fragmentation, and reimbursement challenges,” the Commission’s agenda documents say. 

Other agenda items in front of the Commission include helping send grant funds to support preschool, residency program expenses and more. 

The Commission is chaired by Sen. Ed Hooper along with Rep. Lawrence McClure serving as Vice Chair. Influential members include incoming Senate President Jim Boyd, Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, and Sens. Jason Brodeur and Kathleen Passidomo.