[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by blueash

Note that present law already allows for the addition of nursing home beds to the area. If there is demonstrated need then beds can be "transferred" from another facility which exists in a lower demand area. This allows for Morse to build here if he closes beds elsewhere where they are not needed. Obviously if our local occupancy rate is 85% and the law defines full occupancy as 96% to automatically grant new beds, we don't have excess occupancy here. If the 10 local facilities, including 2 new ones in the last year are not up to Morse's vision, there would be nothing to stop him from purchasing those existing facilities and upgrading them in place nor relocating them within the local community, if I understand the law as it exists.
The state of Florida, wisely or meanly, decided that it was spending too much on poor people living in nursing homes that weren't filled. If the home has empty beds the cost per resident is obviously higher, and that cost is passed to the taxpayer.
You may feel the Villages is different. Why? Is this the only area in the state where residents deserve more? If the law is bad, then get rid of it statewide. Why the tricky wording instead of just asking for a new law saying the old law doesn't apply to the Villages? The OP is asking, and the newspapers are asking, should Morse's desires carry more weight in the state because he gives so much to the party that is in charge. If this law passes, are you comfortable that it was done because it is right for all the citizens of Florida, or because in part those in government are beholden to a family that has the money and the willingness to give it to those that do its bidding are in power. The old line.. The best government that money can buy.

Could you further explain this part? Is this kind of like public housing?