June 19, 2009

Dear Friend, Governor Crist signed Senate Bill 462 yesterday, which authorizes the creation of a prescription drug monitoring system in the Florida Department of Health. I’m proud to have been among the sponsors of this legislation that will help end the prescription drug abuse epidemic that has devastated many Florida families and given our state a reputation as the nation’s pill mill. I appreciate Governor Crist’s positive action on this legislation. Florida’s lack of a monitoring system has made our state a target for criminals looking to buy prescription drugs easily and sell them illegally here and elsewhere. I am pleased that we are now equipping physicians and law enforcement personnel with the tools they need to stop the abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs.

We would not have been able to get this bill signed into law without the help of the many people who called and e-mailed the Governor, and I thank you for your support.

Broward County Website Provides Access to Economic Recovery Money--Broward County has launched a new website that allows citizens to track how Broward County is using its share of the federal economic recovery money. The site also includes links to federal and state recovery websites, and information on economic assistance programs available to local residents and businesses. Visit http://www.broward.org/recovery, or for more information, call the Stimulus Grants Coordination Office at 954-357-5358 or 954-357-5338.

Palm Beach Water Utilities Department to Flush Lines with Chlorine--Starting June 15 through July 15, the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department will temporarily change the disinfection process used to treat our drinking water in order to maintain high water quality in the county’s distribution system. The county will be using a slightly stronger process that produces chlorine residual instead of a chloramine residual. These temporary changes will not cause adverse health effects. If you use a home dialysis machine, or you are an owner of tropical fish or a manager of stores and restaurants with fish and shellfish holding tanks, you should seek professional advice for removing chlorine residuals from tap water. For more information, call the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department at (561) 740-4600, option #3.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.

Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90.

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