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5 state budget items to watch

Good morning and happy Friday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis often talks up Florida’s financial stewardship and the steps he has taken to protect residents from “Bidenflation.” A report before a key panel today gives a peek into what his last two years are expected to look like — as well as potential issues emerging for the next governor.

The Joint Legislative Budget Commission will sit down this morning for a presentation by Amy Baker, the Legislature’s chief economist, about the state’s long-range budget outlook and have a chance to ask questions.

It gives lawmakers, state workers, lobbyists and voters a good sense about how various state programs are doing and helps policymakers plan for the future. At the end of the meeting, the panel will vote to formally approve the financial outlook. They’ll also take up a series of budget adjustments for agencies. (Tune in at 10 a.m. on the Florida Channel.)

Here are 5 things to know about the 53-page report:

Florida looks to add more nuclear power, including at military bases

It would take years, possibly decades. But Florida is looking at the possibility of adding nuclear power.

After state lawmakers this year required a study on the feasibility of expanding the use of nuclear energy, Florida Public Service Commission staff members Thursday met with experts and electric-industry officials to discuss what is known as “advanced” nuclear technology.

Myriad questions remain about issues such as costs and regulations. Also, future nuclear might not look like past nuclear. While advanced technology could include large nuclear plants, it also could involve small reactors that might be used by the military or industries.

It’s not just Florida studying the issue. The Biden administration said in May it was forming a working group as part of a goal of “delivering an efficient and cost-effective deployment of clean, reliable nuclear energy and ensuring that learnings translate to cost savings for future construction and deployment.” Also other states have been looking at advanced nuclear technology.

Florida to spend more on nursing education to prevent a provider shortage

The Sunshine State will invest more in nursing education to bolster the state’s growing health care demands and ensure Floridians can access care.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that nursing education will receive a significant boost in funding to offset Florida’s facing health care worker shortage in the coming years. Florida has placed a strong emphasis on workforce training over recent years and nursing education has become a top priority.

“We understand there’s a lot of different specializations, not every nursing pathway is the same, there are some that require training more than others, some of course at our state colleges, but also at our state universities,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated there are over 3 million registered nurses currently in Florida, but the need to produce more qualified nurses continues to grow.

Florida Supply Chain Summit to draw dozens of state leaders in port operations to Miami

Executives and administrators from Florida’s five main ports will gather in Miami Sept. 9 through 11 for the fifth Supply Chain Summit.

The event is organized by port officials and is being held at the PortMiami cruise terminal and the Marriott Biscayne Bay where dozens of leaders in the industry will engage in panel discussions on global influences and the impact on transportation and logistics.

“By facilitating and strengthening partnerships within the trade and logistics industry, the Florida Supply Chain Summit provides an invaluable platform for collaboration among key representatives from industry, government, and academia,” said Hydi Webb, director and CEO of PortMiami, the event’s business sponsor. “The summit is crucial for addressing industry challenges, embracing emerging trends, and fostering workforce development.”

Key players in the Supply Chain Summit will involve representatives from the host port, JAXPORT from Jacksonville, Port Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee and Port Everglades and other transportation and logistics experts from around the state and beyond.