By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-970968.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Governor Rick Scott vetoed several programs dealing with children and people with disabilities, but he spared at least one of them: Guardian Ad Litem. Lynn Hatter reports the program provides attorneys to represent children in court cases.
As he signed off on a reduced 69-billion dollar budget, Governor Rick Scott got a show of appreciation from the state's Guardian ad Litem Program. The organization's 5th judicial circuit director Marsha Hilty came out to the bill signing to thank him.
"We were able to receive full funding this year and this will allow us to advocate for all the abused and neglected children in the state of Florida."
Guardian Ad Litem is a part of the Health and Human Services budget. It may have been spared, but other programs in that area weren't so lucky. The Dan Marino Foundation Vocational School for students with disabilities was vetoed, along with the Loveland center, which also provides support to adults with disabilities.