Template Image

Financing Long-Term Care in Florida: Finding Ways to Meet the Challenge

Orlando, Fl

The meeting will focus on ways in which our state can meet the needs of persons with disabilities and elders who will need in-home or residential care in the years to come. As you know, Florida has the one of the largest populations of residents 65 years and older, and the number of seniors who are 85 and older is growing much faster than the national average. Assuring that these individuals receive the care they need in the location they choose will require significant changes in both financing and service delivery. Neither will be easy in these difficult economic times.

Agenda

Speaker Bios

Josh Wiener, Ph.D. Senior Fellow and Program Director Aging, Disability and Long-Term Care, RTI International

Alma Ballard, Executive Director Family Housing Management Company

Consumer Protection in the Digital Age

Tallahassee, Fl

At some time in our lives, we, or someone close to us, will experience a questionable consumer transaction. In some cases, this experience will be little more than an annoyance. In other cases, however, it could have significant long-term fiscal and emotional consequences. Consider these statistics: According to a report by Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability, 202,356 complaints were filed with 17 state agencies in 2004-2005. State agencies respond to consumer complaints on a wide array of issues including but not limited to identity theft, price gouging, deceptive and false marketing or trade practices, insurance fraud, telemarketing fraud, predatory mortgage lending, defective vehicle purchases and repairs, contaminated food, and cyber crimes.
All segments of Florida’s population are affected, but the elderly, children, recent immigrants, and the developmentally disabled are particularly vulnerable to scams, fraud, and deception. At this meeting, experts will discuss the measures currently used to protect Florida’s consumers against various scams, fraud, and deception and suggest ways to improve protection.

Sally Hurme; Issue Coordinator, AARP Financial Security
Brochure
Agenda
Speaker Bios
Background Essay

Building Community around Florida's 4 Generations: Where Should We Begin?

February 7-8, 2008

For the first time in American history, Florida has four different generations living and working side-by-side. The vast migration of seniors, their greater longevity, and the migration and immigration of young families and young adults have positioned Florida as a testing ground for the ways in which these 4-generations interact with one another. The reality is that all four generations are dependent on one another for their economic well-being, general prosperity, and the advancement of the state. The goal of this Institute is to find approaches that will enhance relationships and mutual understanding among the four generations and to pursue initiatives that promote cooperation among our citizens.

Speaker Presentations from the Conference

Speakers:

Conference Agenda
Speaker Bios
4 Generations Essay
Brochure

The Future of Higher Education in Florida
The Pappas Report

May 14 and 15, 2007

The Askew Institute with the participation of Dr. Rosenberg and the State University System of Florida will hold a meeting in Tallahassee, Florida on the Pappas Report entitled: “Proposing A Blueprint for Higher Education in Florida: Outlining the Way to a Long-term Master Plan for Higher Education in Florida.” The meeting will focus on the Pappas Report and on funding public universities and community colleges so that they can be competitive with the best systems of public education in the nation. Representatives from the Pappas Consulting Group and leaders in higher education in Florida and nationally will participate. As with other meetings of the Askew Institute, this meeting will combine presentations by experts with participant involvement in discussion groups.
The key questions to be addressed at this meeting include: What can we do to improve both access and quality at our public universities and community colleges? How can we meet the broad educational needs of students and pursue advanced research that will enhance Florida’s national and international leadership? Does the California Compact that was recently agreed to by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and state education officials offer a possible model for Florida?

Conference Agenda
Speaker Bios

Recent Policy Changes in Medicaid and SCHIP
What Works and What Doesn't?

September 14-15, 2006

Sponsors: The Askew Institute, the Institute for Child Health Policy (ICHP), the Institute for Child and Adolescent Research and Evaluation (ICARE), the University of Florida, and the Winter Park Health Foundation, with additional support from: the Office of Research and Graduate Programs, University of Florida, the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government, and the WellFlorida Council, Inc.

Speaker Presentations from the Conference

Speakers:

Medicaid - SCHIP Essay

Abuse and Neglect: Building Partnerships to Meet Children’s Needs

March 30-31, 2006
Gainesville University Hilton Hotel

The meeting focused on ways to build creative partnerships to meet the needs of children who suffer from abuse and neglect. More than 80,000 Florida children were verified victims of abuse in 2004-5 and thousands more are in danger. Florida recently privatized much of its child welfare system so many programmatic and administrative changes are taking place. Within this arena of rapid change, creative strategies are needed to build partnerships that strengthen the child welfare system and create better conditions for Florida’s children and their families. Our goal is to bring together all sectors, including service providers, the courts, health professionals, schools, foster parents and advocates to develop appropriate recommendations.

Plan, Rescue, Recover and Reassess: Coordinating Responses to Hurricanes in Florida

January 19-20, 2006
Doubletree Hotel: Tampa West Shore Airport, Tampa, FL

The goal of this meeting is to develop recommendations on the ways in which government, foundations, nonprofit organizations and business can work together better before, during and after hurricanes. Although Florida has an excellent plan in place, the 2004-5 hurricane seasons have shown us that there is a need for additional coordination among the three sectors. Government provides the initial response and leads response and recovery efforts, but without the assistance of nonprofit organizations and foundations many people would not receive assistance. Business is not part of the state emergency management plan, yet businesses play a key role in hurricane management by ensuring that adequate supplies are available, providing funding for recovery and rebuilding and playing a leadership role within communities. It is our hope that this institute will be a catalyst to bring the three sectors together by providing information and a chance for representatives of each sector to discuss this important topic.

Suggested Readings:
Plan, Rescue, Recover and Reassess: Coordinating Responses to Hurricanes in Florida by Lynn Leverty

How Should Florida's Water Supply be Managed in Response to Growth?

Spring 2005 - March 31-April 1, 2005
Orlando Marriott Downtown Hotel, Orlando, Florida
Sponsored by the Public Utility Research Center

This meeting explored the problems and challenges Floridians face in planning for a reliable and affordable supply of water to meet the needs of a projected population of almost 22 million in the year 2020. Water supply needs are already outstripping capacity in many regions of the state. Effective approaches to ensuring sustainable, environmentally-responsible water supply in Florida require new and creative thinking. What approaches are currently implemented or contemplated? What policy trade-offs need to be considered? What priorities should be assigned water use? What can we learn about improving water supply management from other states and countries? How do we educate Floridians about our most pressing water supply policy issues? This meeting included two interrelated programs that will tackle these and other questions. In the first program, organized by the Public Utility Research Center, University of Florida, water policy specialists shared their observations on current planning initiatives, and environmental and economic considerations involved in linking water supply to population growth. The second program, organized by the Reubin O'D. Askew Institute, University of Florida, examined the evolution of water supply policies at home and abroad, their implications for economic development, and strategies for educating the public about water sustainability issues.

Suggested Readings:
Avoiding a Water Crisis in Florida - How Should Florida's Water Supply be Managed in Response to Growth? by Lynne Holt

Power Point Presentations:

The Role of Philanthropic Organizations in Florida's Civil Society

Spring 2004 - May 13-15, 2004
Westin Swan, Orlando, Florida
Sponsored by the Edyth Bush Foundation

Philanthropic foundations in the United States offer a wide array of programs that address issues of importance throughout the nation and world. Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Foundation, stated in a recent interview in Philanthropy News Digest that, in his opinion, "American foundations are unique and the envy of the world because they provide things - programs, ideas, projects, experimentation, demonstration, unbiased research, nonpartisan advocacy and so forth - that no other nation has in such abundance. In fact, they've become an indispensable part of America’s fabric of progress, as well as of its growth in terms of social, economic and political justice" (Philanthropy News Digest, November 2002). The Askew Institute at the University of Florida and the sponsors of this conference believe that the future of Florida is inextricably bound to the vitality of our state's philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. Government devolution and budget cuts, revisions in federal tax laws, changing demographics, emerging technologies, globalization and other factors challenge old ways of doing business and present new opportunities for philanthropic enterprises in Florida. We recognize that philanthropic organizations have considerable power to shape such things as public opinion, higher education, and social services in a democratic society. The goal of this conference is to discuss and make recommendations about ways in which the independent sector, government and business can work together to emphasize what each does best.

Speech by Frank Karel (PDF)

Confronting the Public Education Challenge in Florida and the Nation

Spring 2004- February 5-7, 2004
Gainesville, Florida

The Spring 2004 meeting of the Askew Institute was held in Gainesville from February 5 - 7, 2004. The topic for this year's meeting - "Confronting the Public Education Challenge in Florida and the Nation" - is particularly germane in light of recent reports by the Department of Education and educational leaders that American schools are failing in their mission to educate our children. Few issues are more important to the future of this nation than its education system and the academic preparation of young people to be leaders in our society. Florida's educators and policymakers face some of the more daunting challenges in the nation, including substantial enrollment increases, a significant transient student population, high drop out rates, increased diversity, some of the largest school districts and schools in the nation, and an array of special needs for children. The educational issues we will discuss this year are important to the economic prosperity of our state and nation, workforce retention, business recruitment efforts, and the well being of our society and our children. The presentations and discussions at the meeting provided a forum to explore best practices in addressing these critical issues.

PowerPoint Presentation from the 2004 Askew Institute:

The Askew Urban Forum Breakfast Series

Spring 2004

The Askew Institute, in partnership with the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, is inaugurating a breakfast series that focuses on topics of regional and statewide importance to local officials and the business community. We hope you can join us on January 21, March 24, and May 6, 2004 for stimulating discussions with, and presentations by, respected University of Florida economists on: demographic changes in this region and our state; the prospects we face concerning our regional water supply; and the choices confronting us in terms of desired services and money to pay for them.

The Health Care Crisis: Seeking Solutions for Florida and the Nation

Spring 2003

The 2003 meeting of the Reubin O'D. Askew Institute on Politics and Society took place at the University of Florida in Gainesville from February 13 - 15, 2003. The topic for this year's meeting "The Health Care Crisis: Seeking Solutions for Florida and the Nation" was particularly germane in light of the recent report from the United Health Foundation which ranks Florida 43rd in the nation in health status and which highlights the health care dilemma facing the nation. Faced with fiscal constraints, policymakers are struggling to develop strategies and identify resources to accommodate the needs of citizens and the growing consumer demand for more expensive health care services. The issues discussed are important to the economic prosperity of the state and nation, workforce retention, business recruitment efforts, and the general health and well being of our society. The presentations and discussions at the meeting provided a forum to explore best approaches for addressing these critical issues.

The Constitutional Amendment Process in Florida - Citizen Initiative

Fall 2002

This memorandum provides some background about Florida's citizen initiative process and issues that may be considered in reviewing that process. It is not intended to advocate any positions for reform.

Civic Education Workshop

Summer 2002

The Askew Institute received grant from Florida State University and the Florida Department of Education to held a civic education workshop for thirty high school American government and history teachers on June 10-13, 2002. The teachers came from five central Florida counties and participated in discussions about government structure, voting behavior, voting procedures and political advertising,and new teaching techniques facilitated by University of Florida faculty and other experts.

Democracy and the Economy in Florida at a Time of National Crisis

Spring 2002

Florida must confront many challenges in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Challenged by presentations by Mayor John Delaney of Jacksonville, Professor Michael Gannon, Senator Rod Smith, Manny Fernandez of the Gartner Group and Lucy Morgan of the St. Petersburg Times, participants discussed ways that Florida could preserve the liberties of its citizens and promote economic growth while simultaneously increasing public safety and improving Florida's connections with the rest of the world.

North Florida's Regional Future

Fall 2001

This regional meeting was hosted by Representatives Jennings and Baxter, the Public Policy Institute of Marion County and Central Florida Community College. The purpose was to bring together North Florida leaders and community activists to discuss ways in which cooperative efforts could strengthen local development efforts. Dr. Lance DeHaven-Smith provided the keynote address.

The Children of Florida

Spring 2001

Every child deserves a decent beginning in life. Our state's future depends on children receiving the start they need to become productive, mature citizens. Presenters David Lawrence; Jack Levine; Judge Kathleen Kerney of the Florida Department of Children and Families; Mrs. Rhea Chiles of the Lawton Chiles Foundation; William McBride, former managing partner with Holland & Knight; and Dr. Steve Freedman of the Institute for Child Health Policy urged participants to think creatively and comprehensively about ways in which all Florida children and their parents can succeed in the 21st century.

The Graying of Florida

Fall 2002

Florida's senior citizen population currently stands at 18.5 percent of the total population. That is expected to increase to 26.5 percent by 2025, as the so-called Baby Boomers, those born between the years 1946 and 1964, enter their senior years. The challenge for Florida is to find constructive ways to engage seniors in the life of the state and in their local communities as well as to address issues of concern to them. Most seniors have made extraordinary contributions to Florida and the nation. With the promise of longer and healthier lives, they will remain a vital force in the state for many years to come.

The Graying of Ocala

Fall 2000

Ocala, as well as Marion County, has grown rapidly over the last few years. Elders comprise much of this growth and many of them have chosen to live in large gated communities. Participants discussed issues such as the need for community building, the development of additional services for elders including geriatric medical care and ways in which new elder residents could enhance the quality of life in Ocala. The Public Policy Institute of Marion County and Central Florida Community College hosted this local institute, and Dr. Lance deHaven-Smith provided the keynote address.

Jacksonville and the 21st Century: Building a Stronger Community

Fall 1999

Mayor John Delaney hosted this institute and Lynda Keever of Florida Trend gave the luncheon address. The goal of the meeting was to bring together local leaders to discuss ways in which a sense of community in Jacksonville may be strengthened in the face of rapid population growth and increasing diversity.

A View of the 21st Century: Demographic Developments and their Implications for Florida's Future

Spring 1999

During the sixty years from 1940 to 2000 Florida was transformed from a sleepy, rural state into the fourth largest state in the nation. Today, many of the fastest growing cities in the nation are in Florida. Inspired by presentations by Lynda Keever, Florida Trend, John Thrasher, then Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Mayor John Delaney of Jacksonville, Secretary of State Katherine Harris and Dr. Lance de-Haven Smith, participants discussed the impact of rapid growth and increasing diversity and the need to provide adequately for all Florida citizens.

Florida and the Global Economy: Possibilities and Potential Problems

Spring 1998

Governor Askew began this Institute with the statement that "...the economic future of our state is dependent on our ability to develop a strategic plan that will enhance opportunities abroad from business and agriculture. "Presenters Sam Gibbons Jr., Toni Jennings, former President of the Florida Senate, Mayor Glenda Hood of Orlando, Philip Blumberg, President, American Ventures Corporation and Dr. Terry McCoy each stressed the need for Florida to prepare to be global leader. In addressing this issue, participants stressed the need for enhanced educational opportunities both to prepare a world class workforce and to ensure that Floridians understand the world around them.

What do Floridians Expect from their Government in the 21st Century

Spring 1997

At the end of the 20th century, the role of state government is far different than that in the past. Participants stimulated by Institute presenters David Lawrence, Jane Haley, The Orlando Sentinel, Gerald Kogan of the Florida Supreme Court and Dr. Lynn Leverty as well as participants, agreed that Floridians need to know more about how their state government works, political leadership must be strengthened at all levels and the two political parties must learn to work together for the good of all Floridians.

Building Community in Florida: Four Regions in Search of a State

November 1995

The first Askew Institute focused on the single most pressing issue in Florida -- the need to enhance the ties among Florida citizens and Florida communities so that citizens feel a part of the state in which they live and policy decisions may be made for the good of all. Presenters Dr. Michael Gannon,Governor Lawton Chiles, Senator Bob Graham, David Matthews from the Kettering Foundation and UF President John Lombardi stressed that community building is an active and conscious process which must be nurtured through education and leadership. It is especially challenging in Florida because of rapid population growth, increasing diversity and the geographic realities of the state.

Primary Navigation