There might be hope for Florida State Surgeon General John Armstrong. Senate Ethics and Elections Chairman Garrett Richter says there are still two more weeks left in the legislative session, and therefore, time Armstrong could still be confirmed. The surgeon general has faced questions about layoffs in county health departments, rising cases of HIV, the quality of pediatric heart surgery centers, and the removal of 13,000 sick and disabled kids from a state-run healthcare program.
“He continues to respond to questions he’s been receiving from members," said Senate Ethics and Elections chairman, Garrett Richter who supports Armstrong. " And so we still have another two weeks in session until we get to sine die. It’s my hope the surgeon general can resolve those issues and concerns surrounding his confirmation.”
But time is running out.
Armstrong narrowly cleared his first hearing on a 5-4 vote, but his next hearing has been delayed twice. There’s speculation Armstrong could lose his $140,00 a year job. The surgeon general was appointed by Governor Rick Scott, but lawmakers didn’t confirm him last year.
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