Drilling

"U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Miami Republican, and 14 other House members -- 11 of them from Florida -- Friday joined in introducing a bill that would deny visas to any employees of a company or entity that 'contributes to the development of Cuba's oil-exploration program.'"

Their bill, a companion to Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's Senate bill filed earlier, would also impose sanctions on any individuals -- or companies -- who invest $1 million or more to help Cuba develop its oil and natural gas resources. ...

Her co-sponsors include U.S. Reps. Lincoln Díaz-Balart and Mario Díaz-Balart, both Miami Republicans; Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale; Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, and Mark Foley, R-Palm Beach County; Katherine Harris, a Senate candidate, and Jim Davis, a Democratic candidate for governor.

Session News

- "Bills sent to the governor Friday". See also "Legislators race through bills in 'fantastic session'", "Bills that passed and failed", "Legislative Summary" and "Lawmakers scramble to finish", as well as a summary of developments from the Associated Press.

- Insurance Special Session? - "Just an outline of what the final bill might look like was available Friday, but only tiny breaks are expected on escalating insurance costs." "Lawmakers work late to resolve state's deepening insurance crisis". See also "Insurance reform trips up legislative session" and "Final obstacle is insurance".

Update - No Special Session: "Lawmakers late Friday approved a long-stalled insurance overhaul package that jeopardized the scheduled adjournment of the 2006 legislative session." "Insurance Bailout Passes Legislature". See also "State house pushes through insurance reform", "2006 session ends with compromise", "Insurance plan, $71.3 billion budget win OK" and "Insurance reform bill passes in final hour".

- "Florida lawmakers approved a $71.3 billion state budget that boosts spending for schools, healthcare, roads and juvenile justice programs." "Goodies for home abound in budget". See also "At last: Legislature approves $71.3 billion budget".

- "State lawmakers late Friday repealed a telecommunications law provision that had paved the way for the highest local-phone rate hike in state history. The bill also gives a substantial Senate-inspired boost to the Office of Public Counsel, increasing its budget by one-third. But a further move to expand the office's powers was rejected by the House late Friday, and the Senate concurred at 11:15 p.m." "Telephone rate hike repeal likely fails".

- "State lawmakers approved an energy plan that offers tax breaks, but opponents say it reduces the public's role." "Energy bill passes amid debate".

- "Drink tax despised by restaurant owners repealed".

- "The Senate gave up fighting for tougher soft money restrictions Friday evening and sent a much diminished campaign-finance bill to Gov. Jeb Bush." "Diluted slush-fund bill sent to Bush".

- "Counties get vote on rental car tax hike". See also "Senate OKs tax on car rentals".

- "Bill to fund Marlins ballpark dies without a House vote". See also "Marlins' subsidy bid ends with strikeout".

- "The contentious centerpiece of the project is a $245 million basket of incentives to compete for high-impact development projects and lure high-wage jobs to the state." "Innovation package approved".

- "DUI breath challenge: Lawmakers pass measure to eliminate loophole".

- "Students taking any type of state-financed private school voucher would be eligible to transfer to a program that some believe is less likely to be ruled unconstitutional under a bill passed by both chambers this week. The bill (SB 256) adds financial and limited academic oversight to Florida's voucher programs, but also includes language that lawmakers say was aimed at switching the students currently taking Opportunity Scholarships to the state's Corporate Tax Credit voucher program. Opportunity Scholarships were ruled unconstitutional in January." "Transfers, oversight of vouchers given OK".

- "Senate bill promotes alternate energy sources".

- "Bills Close Gun Permit, Autopsy Photo Records".

- "Dade opposes gas station bill".

- "Despite warnings that state employees will live in 'a culture of fear,' Florida legislators sent Gov. Jeb Bush a bill Friday intended to abolish every state agency on an eight-year cycle." "Agency review cycle approved".

- "Spring training support bill awaits governor's signature".

- "Brain tumor research gets boost from bill".

- "State lawmakers, who last year decided to give voters a chance to extend legislative term limits, have reversed that decision and canceled the ballot question." "Legislative term still limited to 8 years". See also "Lawmakers decide eight IS enough", "Legislature's term limits will remain at eight years" and "Lawmakers change mind on increasing term limits".

- "Hillsborough students' driver eye tests bill fails".

- "House approves $6 million for paralyzed teen".

- "State lawmakers proposed more than 42 measures this session to ask voters to amend the state Constitution in November. Here's what made it and what didn't". "The November Ballot".

"Jeb!" May Veto "Tax"

"The Senate gave final approval to the proposal on a 34-4 vote Friday evening. If signed into law by Gov. Jeb Bush, who has expressed concerns, the surcharge could raise $40 million annually for Orange, Seminole and Osceola county projects. It cleared the House on Wednesday by a vote of 103-14. ... But after the vote Friday, the governor appeared conflicted, saying the odds of him signing it were 50-50." "Governor has concerns about rental-car money".

"The GOP Four"


"The four Republican senators who voted against Gov. Jeb Bush's constitutional amendment on vouchers may not have endeared themselves to GOP leadership. But they do have friends, and some in surprising places." "The GOP Four's Fan Club".

Florida AWOL

Where's Charlie?

Why is Florida, one of the most gas-hungry, commuter-rich states in the Union, not among those states suing the administration? The Florida Department of Revenue estimates that in 10 years, consumption here will increase to 32.3 million gallons of gas per day, more than half of that consumed by light trucks and SUVs. Charlie Crist, the attorney general (and candidate for governor), has the authority to join the lawsuit without approval from Gov. Jeb Bush.

What's Crist waiting for?

Let Molly Sing

"A 10-year-old girl was barred from singing a President Bush-bashing ballad at her elementary school talent show because her principal deemed the song inappropriate and too political. 'Dear Mr. President,' performed and co-written by pop star Pink, criticizes Bush for the war in Iraq and policies including his stance on gay rights. Nancy Shoul said her daughter Molly should be lauded for choosing lyrics that are full of substance and that the ban violates her daughter's right to free speech." "Principal bars student from singing anti-Bush song".

GOoPers Hate The Pledge

Steve Bousquet:

Four months ago, Sen. Ken Pruitt delivered the shocking news. The Pledge of Allegiance was in grave danger.

Pruitt, the man designated to be the next Senate president, issued an urgent call to arms to fellow Republicans in a January fundraising letter. Act now, he wrote, to save the pledge from an "all-out assault by liberal judges, the radical ACLU and the anti-God left."

Pruitt's pitch was aimed at motivating Florida's conservative Republican base in an election year. It sounded good, but it wasn't really true.

The irony of this tale is that Republicans, who control the legislative agenda, fumbled an effort to protect the Pledge of Allegiance. It wasn't the liberals' fault after all. Some Republicans decided to spend more time on issues like whether people could bring guns to work.

Whatever

"President to tout senior drug plan in 3-day Florida swing".

Good Luck

"Gina Vivinetto, an arts columnist for tbt*/Tampa Bay Times , has resigned from the newspaper after acknowledging that she posted several contributions to a phony Web site that mocked Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms." "Times arts columnist resigns".

Appointment

"Gov. Jeb Bush named a Brevard County businesswoman Thursday to head the state Agency for Workforce Innovation." "Bush names new head for workforce agency".

Steve Otto

"Did you know the hurricane season is about three weeks away?" "No Parties For Sinko De Florida".

Here's A Rumor

"'He'd be an awesome candidate,' CFO candidate Tom Gallagher said when asked about the Goss for Senate talk." "Senator Goss".

"Jeb!" and "Bubba"

"Commentary: How Jeb got Bubba to request dike study".

SUS Spending

"The university system ended up with a total of $445 million for significant capital improvements and renovations - $49.9 million for Florida State University, and $31.1 million for Florida A&M. For you Gators out there, UF's take was $89.4 million." "Higher-ed bread". See also "$95 million approved for state universities" and "Extra funding for UF, FSU rankles other universities".

Voucher Madness

"Jeb!"

said Thursday that he is still lobbying senators who opposed his bid to put his school voucher plan before voters, but he denied using strong-arm tactics.

Sen. Mandy Dawson, D-Fort Lauderdale, accused Bush allies of threatening to kill her budget priorities or bills unless she reversed her vote Monday against the governor's ballot proposal. ...

With the Legislature scheduled to end its two-month session today, it's uncertain whether Bush will push lawmakers for another vote.

It Had to Happen ...

sooner or later: "State checking eBay land deals".

Big Smith Endorsement

"Broward teachers' union supports Smith in governor's race".

Fuming GOoPers

"In a vote about as surprising as summer's arrival in Florida, Broward Republican activists on Thursday overwhelmingly endorsed Charlie Crist for governor -- again -- over rival Tom Gallagher." "Broward GOP's endorsement decision leaves some activitst fuming".

"A Final Rebuke"

"Six Republicans joined all 14 Democrats in the Senate last week to block the latest effort to undermine the class-size mandate. Politically, their vote was a final rebuke for outgoing Gov. Jeb Bush, who has fought the amendment since the day it was proposed. But the bipartisan vote may also speak to a larger political reality." "Voters' voice on class sizes heard".

Will Bense Jump?

"Pressure is growing on state House Speaker Allan Bense to challenge fellow Republican Katherine Harris in the U.S. Senate race. But defeating her won't be easy, and he will need fundraising commitments." "Senate savior?"

Storms Stupidity

"Stormy Times: Ronda’s Interview Ignites Controversy".

Teacher Raises

"The STAR performance pay plan leaves plenty of room for improvement." "A start on teacher raises".

They Call This "Reform"?

The campaign finance reform legislation ain't all it was chocked up to be:

Many news stories have used words such as "sweeping" to describe the campaign finance reform legislation backed by Senate President Tom Lee, and editorials have urged House leaders to help the bill become law.

But a Tribune analysis shows that the reform would have a serious effect on only about 5 percent of current soft money groups in the state, leaving vast loopholes in other places.

Of the 816 soft money committees listed with the Division of Elections, 41 are controlled by legislators - the focus of Lee's bill.

"That's certainly not comprehensive," said University of Virginia political expert Larry Sabato. "So in other words, [Lee] has achieved John McCain status" in Florida. "Any time he makes a move [on campaign finance], he gets the benefit of the doubt, and much of the coverage is puffery … lazy journalism."

The Senate passed the Brandon Republican's legislation by a 40-0 vote last week, but House members have been balking, asking for the already limited bill to be scaled back. The bill may come up for a final vote today.

"Stiff rate increases"

"The compromise property-insurance deal brokered by the governor's office offers Floridians stiff rate increases paired with a property-tax rebate and the promise of relief from future bailouts of Citizens Property Insurance." "Insurance bill could bring steep increases". See also "A third of state property insurance market at risk", "Insurers struggle as storms approach", "Insurance problems receive top billing as legislative session winds down", "Citizens' reform likely to be painful", "Rebates Favored Over Bailout", "Complicated plan could lead to extended session", "Senate takes up 'tough medicine' for insurance woes" and "Rebates Favored Over Bailout".

The Tampa Trib editorial board: "Lawmakers Find Way To Achieve Property Insurance Reform".

"Jeb!" Congratulates Himself

"Bush: Congratulations".

Klein - Shaw

"With President Bush coming to South Florida next week to campaign for U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, Democratic challenger Ron Klein is taking to the airwaves with a radio ad criticizing Bush, Shaw and the Republican Congress. Klein's 30-second spot, which debuts today, is the first purchase of radio or TV time by either candidate in a campaign that is expected to be among the costliest and most competitive in the nation." "Klein aims radio spot at Shaw, Bush".

Davis

"Davis vows education improvement".

Term Limits

"Term limits issue becomes a hot potato".

Holy Land"

"The Florida Senate, by a 28-10 vote, approved and sent to the governor Thursday a bill that would exempt an Orlando religious theme park from property taxes." "Holy Land exemption is in Bush's hands now". See also "Holy Land park might avoid tax bill".

No Cigar

"State Rep. Ralph Arza said he was sorry if he offended anyone but that he didn't mean to say anything 'racially insensitive' about Dade schools Superintendent Rudy Crew. Crew said the statement fell short."

The public mea culpa stopped short of expressly addressing whether he repeatedly used the ''N'' word and a Spanish epithet comparing schools chief Rudy Crew to excrement, which four sources reported to Crew and, later, to The Miami Herald. Arza previously denied using racial epithets, but acknowledged he has a foul mouth on occasion.

Budget Shortfalls

"Child-care advocates worried about shortfalls in budget".

Mad Rush

"Even in normal times, Rush Limbaugh makes little sense during his radio gasfest. But this week, he tried to fool his audience into thinking that he wasn't arrested."

So the man who in 1995 maintained that the way to treat drug users was to "send them up the river" gets the chance to benefit from a public program he never would have supported for others. Mr. Limbaugh's attorney once defended his client's comments about the case by noting that hypocrisy is not a crime. Good thing for Mr. Limbaugh, who had been a serial offender long before the issue became his own alleged criminal conduct. Anyone stopping at the Limbaugh Truth Shop for the facts about his case would see this sign: Gone Fishin'.

Nelson Plots Drilling Strategy

"Despite threats from him and another senator, Sen. Bill Nelson said Wednesday that he expects Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne to be confirmed as secretary of the Interior." "In offshore drilling fight, Nelson shifts his strategy".

Amendment

"The Florida Legislature on Thursday passed a resolution that would allow an additional $25,000 homestead property tax exemption for people 65 and older. The proposal will go on the ballot this fall as an amendment to the Florida Constitution, with voters having the final say." "Seniors Could Pay Lower Taxes If Voters Approve Amendment".

"A-Plus-Plus"

"Florida lawmakers enacted several sweeping education bills on Thursday, including one that tells school districts when they can start school each year." "Bush's prized project passes". See also "Parents, industry drive push for later start dates", "Legislature passes majors for high school, A-Plus-Plus", "Sweeping education changes OK'd", "Yes-Yes Votes Given To 'A-Plus-Plus' Plan", "Legislature passes majors for high school, A-Plus-Plus" and "School year to get later start".

Session News

- The House and Senate will be debating the budget today - "Today at the Capitol". See also "Today is the scheduled final day of the 60-day session of the Legislature".

- "Senators bicker as the clock ticks; major issues unresolved".

- "Bills sent to the governor Thursday".

- "Legislature 2006: Developments from day 59, May 4". See also "Thursday's Capitol Roundup" and "Legislative news briefs".

- "Senate backs off on citizen initiatives, sticks with pig repeal". See also "Initiatives withdrawn" and "Amendment will stick to grammar and pigs".

- Budget - "Education is winner as session nears end".

- "Inmates' DNA deadline may be dropped". See also "DNA justice".

- "Tuition deal for undocumented immigrants' kids hits impasse".

- "Push to test student athletes for anabolic steroid use killed".

- "Legislators approve education, housing bills".

- "Legal loophole in DUI cases could be tossed".

- "Lawmakers Approve Taser Use Limits".

- "'Humongous' housing bill heads to governor".

- "Bill limits eminent domain". See also "Legislators OK bill limiting power of governments to seize property" and "Proposal restricts property seizure".

- "Foe's maneuver may sink Marlins' funds". See also "Lawmakers tack proposal onto spring training bill".

- "Public records exemptions pass". See also "Vote gives gun rights advocates a victory".

- "Court interpreter bill awaits governor's signature".

- "K-8 virtual schools' expansion headed for governor's signature".

- "Panhandle developers now play by entire state's rules".

- "Insurance overhaul snags legislative wind-down". See also "Senate debates costly reforms".

- "Lawmakers tack proposal onto spring training bill".

- "Senate re-enacts 'Earnhardt law'".

Cable

"But members of the House and Senate this session have been far apart on how best to promote competition in the cable television industry. And with just a day left in the regular session, it appears unlikely that a bill will emerge this year." "Cable choices".

Appointment

"he Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Gov. Jeb Bush -- not voters -- should pick Seminole County's next circuit judge." "Court backs Bush on judicial appointment".

The political catfight over school vouchers virtually shut down the Florida Senate on Wednesday morning as jilted Democrats [specifically Sen. Les Miller, D-Tampa] pulled a procedural maneuver of their own, forcing bills to be read in their entirety.

The strategy was abandoned and the chamber went back to work after nearly two hours of monotony as a clerk read the text of three bills. But it made a statement of the party's ire over a Republican leadership scheme the day before to resurrect the controversial voucher issue.

Bush, Lee and other voucher supporters are hoping that at least one of the senators who voted against the measure Monday will switch and approve the ballot proposal.

The four Republicans who broke away insist they have no plans to change their vote, heightening lobbying efforts directed toward five black Senate Democrats who voted against Bush.

Lee, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the Cabinet post of chief financial officer, is vigorously defending Bush -- perhaps with an eye toward ensuring the still-popular governor's support on the campaign trail. Lee is squaring off against Rep. Randy Johnson, R-Celebration, in the GOP primary.

Harris Death Watch

Anonymous former staffers are turning on Harris:

Former senior members of U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris' congressional staff say they initially rejected a defense contractor's $10 million appropriation request last year but reversed course after being instructed by Harris to approve it.

Harris insisted that Mitchell Wade's request for funding be given to a defense appropriations subcommittee, despite the request's being late and difficult to understand, according to two former staff members and Harris' former chief political strategist.

"She said, 'It's important to me, so submit it,' " said an ex-staffer who was involved in the process. "She wanted it in."

"GOP Urges Bense To Take On Harris"

Bushco is apparently abandoning Harris

Gov. Jeb Bush, echoing publicly what many Republican leaders hope privately, thinks Bense would make "a great United States senator." Tuesday, Bush said he hopes someone challenges Harris, adding "I have doubts about whether she can win."

If Bense agrees to run a last-minute campaign, a decision he is to announce after the Legislature adjourns Friday, he could restore at least some plausibility to the party's visions of defeating incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson.

Overcoming Harris, the defiant, well-known Longboat Key congresswoman in the Sept. 5 Republican primary is hardly a sure thing, even for a savvy politician known for making friends and finding common ground between adversaries.

Kids "Left behind"

"When they pass the coming year's budget, Florida lawmakers will fall short of their obligation to the state's children. In light of the record fiscal surplus at the Legislature's disposal, it's a sorry performance. The budget, scheduled for a final vote Friday, scrimps in areas that could be crucial to the future of young Floridians." "Left behind".

House Clerk

"Clerk Retires After Keeping House On Track For 20 Years".

Open Mouth ...

embarass self: "Down with Iraq 'Defeatism'" ("Martinez is not up for reelection until 2010.")

Distraction

Blame game:

If Sen. Lee wants leaders to blame, he might try Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, and Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach. They reportedly crafted the plan to stop Sen. Villalobos from becoming Senate president as scheduled in two years and promote Sen. Atwater instead. First they undermined Sen. Villalobos' authority. Then they blamed him for not delivering.

But most of the blame falls on Gov. Bush, who has betrayed his own voucher programs by refusing to make them accountable.

"Be careful what you wish for"

"Supporters of Tom Gallagher's campaign for governor take heed: Be careful what you wish for. In response to their complaints that the Broward Republican Party improperly endorsed rival Charlie Crist on Jan. 30, a second endorsement vote is scheduled for today. And party leaders -- even some who back Gallagher -- are sure about the outcome." "Broward GOP to vote again on candidates".

No

"Can a makeover and French cuffs help Jeb Bush succeed his brother?"

Insurance Crisis

"With only one day before the 2006 Legislature adjourns and less than a month from the start of hurricane season, lawmakers have crafted bills to lessen insurance surcharges and sweeten the pot for insurers. Yet these measures, even taken together, will do little to attract insurers to Florida or stop rate hikes that will affect homeowners for the foreseeable future." "No legislative remedy for insurance crisis".

Temp FDLE Chief

"Gov. Jeb Bush and the Cabinet chose a veteran police executive Tuesday as temporary head of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Gerald Bailey, inspector general of the Lottery Department, said he will not be a candidate to permanently replace Commissioner Guy Tunnell, who resigned last month. Bailey said he won't be returning to the Lottery 'because the department needs to fill the position.'" "Veteran law enforcer appointed as temporary FDLE chief".

Oh Pleeez ...

The Tampa Trib thinks Lee "has responded to the unpleasant situation quietly but decisively and without concern for what others might think. That's leadership." "Voucher Legislation Was Victim Of Backroom Tallahassee Politics".

Helpless Bystander

"With eight months left in office, Gov. Jeb Bush is more helpless bystander than lame duck." "As time dwindles, worries pile up for Bush".

Tallahassee "Offenses"

A list of "The latest Capitol offenses".

Slots

"An attempt to cash in with arcade games that require "skill" deserves to lose." "The slot machine spin".

Destroying Wetlands

"Not satisfied with destroying thousands of acres of wetlands each year, the building industry and compliant lawmakers are pushing a measure that would add to the devastation. Legislation progressing in the House and Senate is aimed at preventing counties from enforcing wetlands protections tougher than the state's. " "Pulling The Plug On Wetlands".

"The hypocrisy is palpable"

Poor Rush:

Rush Limbaugh is in his comfort zone: full spin mode. Even as the talk radio host is being held responsible for breaking the law by seeking multiple pain pill prescriptions, he used his radio pulpit to claim vindication after 21/2 years of fighting The Man.

Some vindication. He turned himself in to the Palm Beach County Jail on the felony, and was fingerprinted, photographed and released on $3,000 bail. This, he absurdly insists, is not an "arrest."

While he spends the next 18 months in mandatory drug treatment, he can't own a gun, he can't get drunk, he'll pay $30,000 for prosecution costs and he has to submit to random drug tests, all part of a first-offender program sparing him a criminal record if he complies. If not, he could be looking at jail time. ...

Rather than admit he was caught, Limbaugh tried to get the courts to stop prosecutors from looking at his doctors' records. He tried to paint himself the victim. He succeeded only in prolonging his moment in an unflattering spotlight.

"Money was quietly slipped into the budget"

"The $70.3 billion budget that lawmakers began debating Wednesday includes $7.6 million for two state contractors, including one with ties to the office of Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon. The money was quietly slipped into the budget without a single committee hearing." "Money for contractors added to new budget".

Scripps

"Leaders work to firm up Scripps 'cluster'".

Levee

"Members of Congress are joining forces with Gov. Jeb Bush to hasten efforts to bolster the aging levee surrounding Lake Okeechobee." "Support grows for bolstering levee". See also "The Lake" ("Report warns of major threat from Lake Okeechobee's deteriorating dike.")

Davis, Lawson Spat

"He and a state senator disagree on who said what during a phone call about vouchers."

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Davis is the clear leader in the polls in the Democratic governor's race. But in the state Capitol, Sen. Rod Smith is the runaway front-runner, and Davis has to tread lightly when he steps on Smith's turf.

The latest example? Davis' efforts to kill a proposed constitutional amendment to ensure the continuance of school vouchers.

Sen. Al Lawson of Tallahassee, the only Democratic senator who supported the voucher bill, said Davis called him Sunday night and urged him to join fellow colleagues in rejecting the measure.

"Jim said vouchers are very important to him, and once he got in as governor, he would like me to consider joining him in his administration," said Lawson, who is supporting Smith in the governor's race.

It's illegal under Florida statutes to promise a job in state government to someone "for the purpose of influencing the vote or political action of any person or for any consideration."

The Davis campaign denied Lawson's account.

Session News

- "Upcoming".

- "Legislature 2006: Developments from day 58, May 3". See also "Legislative Briefs", "Tallahassee ticker" and "".

- "Budget Includes Teacher Raises".

- "House OKs tax hike on car rentals to pay for roads".

- "The Legislature clears a no-fault auto bill that would extend the law until 2009 but contains no major reforms." "Auto bill passes, lacks reform".

- "Lawmakers get tough on alcohol sales to underage drinkers".

- "Legislature signs off on 'doggie dining'". See also "House OK's table for 2 and doggy, too" and "Hey, waiter, woof, woof!".

- "House sees future in nuclear power".

- "Energy tax holiday OK'd".

- "Florida House approves more than $300 million in incentives to lure companies to the state. The Innovation Incentive Program is a Gov. Bush priority but still requires Senate approval." "House OK's $300M incentive bill".

- "Use of stun guns reined in".

- "Budget Affords Parking For Bolts".

- "The Florida House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously moved to make sure records of private organizations that buy public hospitals are not subject to state public records law." "Change in public records law passes House".

- "Bill makes forced labor a racketeering offense".

- "K-8 virtual schools' expansion headed for governor's signature".

- "Back-to-school tax break".

- "Legislation named for a Daytona Beach murder victim passed the House on Wednesday, giving police the authority to charge family members as accessories to crime if they help a relative hide evidence or flee." "Legislation named for murder victim awaits signature".

- "Bill would remove mine-industry fee cap".

- "Public records exemptions alarm activists".

- "A disagreement between the House and the Senate could kill the politically popular proposal." "Easing phone rates is unsure". See also "House backs partial repeal of phone measure".

- "Legislation banning college and university students and professors from traveling to 'terrorist nations' -- including Cuba -- is headed to the governor." "School trips to Cuba face ban".

- "Senate tunes out film bill".

- "House kills canker eradication program".

- "Nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court sparked a furor about property rights, Florida lawmakers appear ready to block cities and counties from condemning private property to use in redevelopment projects." "Decision on property rights expected this week".

- "Marlins stadium funding gets a new life".

Oil Drilling

"Published reports suggest Republicans eager to take action on the spiraling cost of gasoline may use a Senate bill that singles out Florida waters as a centerpiece of legislation that could come to the Senate floor as early as next week. The bill would open up nearly four million acres of Lease Sale Area 181, a sprawling, natural gas-rich region of the Gulf of Mexico off Florida's Panhandle." "Oil drilling near Florida gets boost".

Revenge of the Jebbites

"Alex Villalobos lost his bid for the Senate presidency and his post as majority leader after helping to kill a proposal dear to the governor. Now, the Miami Republican may face something he hasn't seen in 14 years: an opponent for reelection." "From majority leader to GOP outcast".

Villalobos' positions on both issues were not appreciated by Lee, who said he asked for Villalobos' resignation as majority leader shortly after the Senate adjourned Monday night because he could no longer count on Villalobos to work as "a team player" to pass the Republican agenda.

Limbaugh Must Surrender Guns, Submit To Random Tests

As Limbaugh misleads his audience of true believers ("Limbaugh Says He Wasn't Arrested"), we read today that the plea deal requires Limbaugh to submit to random drug testing and to remove his not-yet cold, dead fingers from his weapons, "Limbaugh must submit to drug tests".

Harris Watch

Even "onetime top Harris strategist Ed Rollins said he, too, felt there had been a "quid pro quo" in Harris' interaction with Wade and had urged her to hire a lawyer. Rollins supported the view that Harris had not knowingly engaged in wrongdoing but missed obvious signals she was being used." "Harris Dinner Criticized". See also "Watchdog asks Justice to probe Harris deal".

In the meantime, the "Harris' campaign totters" ("'There's great concern about the state of affairs at the Katherine Harris campaign, and most Republican stakeholders in Florida are looking at other alternatives prior to the May 12 deadline,' said Al Cárdenas, immediate past chairman of the state Republican Party, during an interview Monday").

How does that song go, "like a rock": "Harris Drops 26 Points In Polling In Less Than A Year" ("Veteran pollsters have never seen this before.")

Not Enough

"State lawmakers have passed legislation that will give thousands of ex-felons a better shot at regaining their civil rights, including the right to vote. ... a bill requiring county jails to help thousands of inmates apply for their civil rights once they have paid for their crimes." "Ex-felons get help regaining civil rights".

Immigration Rallies

"Loss of workers impacts businesses on bottom line". See also "Thousands march in immigration rally", "A loud, proud response" ("But the demonstration of foreign workers' value had a mild effect in South Florida").

Session News

- "Today is Day 57 of the 60-day session of the Florida Legislature".

- "Legislature 2006: Developments from day 56, May 1" See also "Capitol Roundup".

- "Budget crafters produce accord".

- "House, Senate Consider HMO Pilot For Disabled".

- "Insurance bills take spotlight".

- "Surplus no help to some programs".

- "Critics: Energy policy runs out of gas".

- "Boynton man's teen marriage bill fails".

- "House finishes plan for affordable housing help". See also "Affordable-housing plan clears House", "House finishes $634 million affordable-housing proposal" and "".

- "A bill that would have given prosecutors the final word in closing arguments in cases where the defense doesn't present evidence except for the defendant's testimony tentatively was defeated Monday in the Senate." "Senate defeats bill to override 'last word' court rule".

- "Payday may be more pleasant".

- "Legislative leaders agree to raise college tuition".

- "Lawmakers back ending scalping ban".

- "Some Republicans want teacher bonuses in budget".

Spinning The FCAT

The "Jeb!" is an education wizard crowd in the media, are eating up Jebbie's spin on the latest FCAT results (scored by unknown test scorers pursuant to who knows what standards) "".

FCAT Follies

While "many more third-graders will move on to fourth grade than before" (or you could put it this way: "Fewer third graders fail FCAT reading test"), overlooked in the headlines is the fact that

a higher percentage of seniors won't graduate with regular high school diplomas.

The Last Week - A "Demolition Derby"

"Some people compare the last week of Florida's legislative session to a horse race. This year, it's more like a demolition derby -- with at least two anti-voter proposals already consigned to smoking rubble." "Senate split".

Pruitt Goin' Down?

"For Sen. Ken Pruitt, the Florida Senate's 20-20 vote that killed his attempt last week to water down the class-size amendment may have signified far more than the defeat of a particular education proposal. It may have been a preview of ill tidings to come, including the possibility that he might not ascend to the top position in the Senate, according to senators from both parties." "Class-size defeat may affect Senate leadership vote".

DEP Pollution Rules

"]P]roposed water quality standards seem more concerned with cutting costs than saving rivers. The DEP has set the bar far too low in a proposal that would allow industries and municipalities to continue fouling water bodies rather than clean up their operations." "New Rule Would Save Money But Won't Save Polluted Rivers".

No More Gimmicks

"Thank goodness enough state senators had the sense to defeat the latest gimmick to repeal voters' wishes for smaller classes. The new ploy would have added a requirement that 65 percent of school districts' budgets be spent 'in the classroom.' In addition to good sense, six Republican lawmakers showed real political courage. They resisted pressure to do this not only from Gov. Jeb Bush and legislative leaders but also from party bosses. The proposed constitutional amendment failed on a 20-20 vote last week -- 24 votes were needed to put it on the ballot." "More gimmicks".

Lipstick on a Pig

"Legislation to subsidize for-profit colleges with $3 million that should be going to public institutions shows proponents can make any idea sound good in Tallahassee." "Put public colleges first".

"Unfinished business"

"Florida lawmakers, as a class, apparently don't have child-care issues - certainly few are rearing 4-year-olds for whom preschool education or daily care accommodations are anything but smooth sailing. If only all Florida families found those early years of child rearing a breeze." "Unfinished business".

That Explains It

"State lawmakers have been acting weird lately. They're finally talking about spending money on smaller classes. And they've even stopped pushing to extend their own term limits. So what's gotten into the water in Tallahassee? Elections. For the first time in many years, incumbents are nervous, meaning they're having to try something new -- listening to the people who decide whether they stay in office." "This is new . . . and strange".

Cheap Labor

Mike Thomas: "It's time for us to face reality of cheap labor".

Down With The Ship

"With President George W. Bush's approval ratings in the tank, it's no secret that Republicans nationwide have been a little skittish in talking about him on the campaign trail. But even as Bush's approval ratings dip below 40 percent, Tramm Hudson -- one of the four Republicans running for Congress in the 13th Congressional District -- isn't buying that advice." "Hudson won't abandon Bush".

Fragmented Management

"[L]awmakers are pushing through legislation that would undercut all this progress by encouraging a fragmented approach to growth management." "Bill Would Fragment Growth Controls".

Racial Slurs?

"The Legislature's black caucus announced Monday that it would file a complaint with the House Rules Committee over Rep. Ralph Arza's alleged use of racial slurs in two languages to describe Miami-Dade's African American schools chief" "Black lawmakers to file complaint against Arza".

A Nuclear Florida

Troxler: "Did you know that a bill about to pass the Florida Legislature makes it easier to approve new nuclear power plants in this state, makes it harder to oppose them, and allows utilities to start billing customers for them in advance?" "There's more to the energy bill than the flip of a switch".

Term Limits

"In a blunt, bite-sized assessment of what's wrong with term limits, state Sen. Bill Posey last week offered this ugly truth: 'If you're a lobbyist, and you've got a lot of money invested in (a lawmaker), you want to keep him around for 12 years instead of eight.' The remarks of Mr. Posey, R-Rockledge, were in the context of whether to ask voters to extend term limits from eight to 12 years. Senators ultimately decided not to put that question before voters in November. Good plan." "Effectively limited".

Too Busy

"Three of the state's best-known lobbyists have asked a federal judge to derail an attempt to take sworn statements from them in the closing hours of the legislative session. Lawyers for Senate President Tom Lee and House Speaker Allen Bense have subpoenaed lobbyists Ron Book, Guy Spearman and Ken Plante to bring all of their financial records and testify Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - the most critical time of a legislative session scheduled to end on Friday." "Lobbyists ask judge to delay depositions".

Addicted To Slush Funds

"The Florida Senate sent a strong message Friday with a unanimous vote to crack down on the slush funds used by legislators to circumvent campaign contribution limits and raise unlimited amounts of money from special interests. Now the state House has until this Friday, the scheduled end of the session, to do the right thing. It should be an easy vote, but the power of money is awfully hard to resist for too many lawmakers who are addicted to it." "House must act to curb slush funds".

A well-known government-watchdog group will ask the Justice Department today to investigate U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris' dealings with a now disgraced defense contractor accused of bribery.

Common Cause wants to know whether Harris broke the law when she and Mitchell Wade met at an exclusive Georgetown restaurant in early 2005. At that dinner -- which cost Wade up to $2,800 -- Wade offered to hold a fundraiser for Harris and sought her help obtaining $10 million in federal money.

Common Cause's director of ethics campaigns said there is sufficient evidence to suggest Harris submitted the appropriations request in exchange for Wade's fundraising support.

"There's certainly the appearance of a quid pro quo," said Mike Surrusco. "We absolutely think this complaint has merit."

To The Extent You Care ...

here's the Orlando Sentinel editorial board's request to the Legislature to "Do what's right". In the editorial, they note that "Mr. Bush can't see it, but vouchers stand to tarnish his legacy as an education reformer."

There's An Idea

"Smith: Restore intangibles tax to pay for teachers' raises".

Session News

- "One week left in legislative session".

- "Week left in legislative session, and key items remain".

- "Lawmakers rush amendments".

- "Legislators scramble to expand foster-care programs".

Statewide Protests

"Immigration protests planned across Florida" See also "S. Florida immigrants and supporters say they will join nationwide boycott today", "Orlando readies for immigrant march" and "Protest strike's focus blurs".

Death Politics

"Concerns have been raised about Florida's lethal injection regime that should be addressed by lawmakers rather than wait for a high court ruling." "Of pain and punishment".

Voucher Madness

"A group led by a Tampa millionaire pays for radio spots urging key Democrats to support a proposed constitutional amendment."

Expecting a critical vote on private-school vouchers as early as today, a Tampa millionaire is spearheading a political advertising campaign aimed at persuading key black state senators to change their stance.

A series of radio advertisements urge: "Don't turn your back on thousands of children whose lives were saved by the chance to attend private schools."

Tampa's John Kirtley, a prominent voucher advocate and former venture capitalist, is a leader of the Florida Committee for Educational Freedom, which paid for the spots in Jacksonville and Orlando, targeting two black Democratic senators.

"If this thing loses by one vote, every senator who voted "no' is the deciding vote," Kirtley said. "These two senators represent over 2,000 kids in their districts whose lives are in jeopardy."

Palm Beach County

George Bennett"Politics: GOP's Loeb gains enemies in own party".

Privatization "Curse"

"Privatization can be a blessing or a curse".

Petty Politics

"A week after the state House passed a bill that would allow postconviction DNA testing to prove an inmate's innocence, the bill's counterpart in the Senate is in trouble and running short of time." "Petty Politics Could Kill DNA Bill". See also "Justice, senators?"

JJ

"Rep. Gus Barreiro's passion for juvenile justice grew with each abuse. In his last term, he led the elimination of boot camps." "His finest hour fathoms camps' lowest".

Schiavo

"[D]ogged by protesters, Michael Schiavo told a bioethics gathering Sunday that outsiders have no right to intervene in medical decisions that divide even ethicists, neurologists and Catholic church officials." "Husband: I should have talked sooner".

GOoPers Diss Abortion Foes

Missed this yesterday:

You might think this would be a big priority in Florida, where roughly 90,000 abortions are performed annually and where Republican leaders regularly tout their "prolife" credentials.

The Harris Effect

"'God wants [Harris] to be senator.'"

Heading into the November election, Republican Party strategists fear U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Longboat Key, won't just lose her own race for the U.S. Senate but injure other Republicans on the ballot, too.

Concern grows over a "negative coattails" effect as rising gas prices and President Bush's falling public poll numbers darken GOP election prospects.

In response, high-profile party leaders have begun saying openly that they would prefer another candidate. GOP strategists and operatives have begun a whispering campaign. Calling and requesting anonymity, they feed reporters the same kinds of negative story tips about Harris they would normally seek to spread about a Democratic opponent.

Those tactics may not work, though, partly because of Harris' appeal as a GOP superstar and partly because her determination may come from a source beyond politics: She has expressed a religious calling to run.

Harris has hinted at that, but former top political adviser Ed Rollins says it straight out, quoting Harris as telling him: "God wants me to be senator."

Showdown

"A campaign finance reform effort championed by Senate President Tom Lee to prevent candidates from tapping into secretive slush funds is headed for a final-days showdown in the Florida Legislature. On Friday, House Republican leaders signaled that they still have little appetite for the get-tough measure that would sharply curtail the use of shady political fund-raising committees in Florida." "Campaign reform showdown at hand".

Klein Raises Money

With the State Senate

prepared to vote on one of the most heavily lobbied, big-money issues in years, one side with a huge stake in the battle was pouring money into the congressional campaign of state Sen. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton.

A South Florida Sun-Sentinel analysis of Klein's campaign contributions shows a spike in donations from attorneys in March. He took in $50,350 from attorneys that month, 21/2 times his $19,750 monthly average from attorneys since becoming a candidate for Congress last year. He is seeking the Broward-Palm Beach County seat held by U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale.

Klein is one of the few members of the Legislature allowed to raise campaign cash during the session. State rules prohibiting fund raising during the legislative session don't apply to candidates for federal office.

"Market is teetering"

"The announcement that three Florida insurance companies face closure was just a start. The state's property-insurance market is teetering." "Lawmakers may shift more cost to vacation owners". See also "Legislature saves insurance bills for last".

Illegals

"Consider the predicament of the Florida farmers. May is a critical harvesting month, yet the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association has no choice but to support the boycott - up to a point - because without reforms and a guest-worker program from Congress, farmers will continue to struggle to maintain a stable workforce. Jay Taylor, owner of Taylor & Fulton farms, a fruit and vegetable grower in Florida and Virginia, is shutting down operations Monday so hundreds of his workers can attend rallies." "We say we don't want illegals here".

But the Orlando Sentinel editorial board - whose maids, pool boys and yard men must work on Mondays - are imploring those concerned with the issue to abanodon the effort and "Keep working".

The Tribune Company's "know nothing" founders and its wingnut former president Colonel Robert R. McCormick would be proud,

Warped System

Tallahassee Democrat Editorial Page Editor Mary Ann Lindley argues that in Florida "We need to repeal term limits, end single-member districts and reorganize reapportionment - or sit and wait until an effective third party upsets the apple cart and appeals to all of us who are no longer very thrilled with either party." "System warps political interplay".

Scripps

"Scripps' lawyers haven't understood that the county needs to show taxpayers that the institute is making a genuine commitment. There are lots of ways to do that, but Scripps acts as though even the slightest symbolic commitment will threaten the institute's future. So the county looks like it has the soul of a number cruncher, and Scripps looks like an ingrate. Is that how each side wants this marriage to end?" "Only the right kind of talk saves Scripps". See also "Scripps' deal drifts away from consensus on liability concerns, jobs".

Busansky

"Busansky's race is one of 22 chosen for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red-to-Blue effort, which seeks to take House seats held by the GOP. It provides campaign assistance, including money." "Busansky Gets Help From National Party".

Loophole

Here we go again:

The Sarasota County Republican Party chairman is practically begging for candidates to run for County Commission. Even though three Republicans are already in the District 2 race, Chairman Bob Waechter is pushing to get at least one more registered Republican in the contest, but with a stated mission: lose.

What he wants is a Republican to file as a write-in candidate, which under state law would stop the race from becoming an open primary in which any registered voter in the county could cast a ballot.

"That's just plain wrong," said Ben Wilcox, executive director of Common Cause of Florida.

Rookie

"But nearly five years shy of picking up the gavel for the first time, the 37-year-old lawyer [State Rep. Dean Cannon] has been drawn into the inner circle of Republican House leadership in a way that was unthinkable for a freshman before voters sped up the leadership-selection process with eight-year term limits.
" "Statehouse rookie from Winter Park making fast ascent".

Heavy Lifting

"With five days to go in the session, the most important legislation remains unresolved. That's not unusual for the Legislature, but some particularly daunting tasks remain, including passing a record-breaking $70 billion budget and dealing with complicated legislation concerning insurance, education, ethics and tax cuts." "Lawmakers Leave Heavy Lifting For Final Days Of Session". See also "Bills die slow death at session".

FCAT Follies

"While it's a stretch to see a pressing public need to know the graders' names, the department and the company are on weak grounds in defending their secrecy. The 'trade secrets' provision in the contract does not apply to performance-related matters, and maintaining secrecy in a matter of high public importance violates at least the spirit of the 'sunshine law.'" "FCAT Graders".

"Excellence is pursued only by the penny."

"Florida schools long have suffered from the political illusion that cheap is better. They have ranked 48th in the nation in per-student spending, and they are known for the nation's largest schools and some of its most overcrowded classrooms. The fact that a governor would portray first-grade classes with 18 students as a form of financial Armageddon speaks to a mind-set where excellence is pursued only by the penny." "More money for schools".

You Do The Numbers

Let's see, Brian

Ballard collects a total of about $270,000 a year representing the cities of Palm Beach, Pembroke Pines and Boca Raton, and Charlotte and Martin counties. He said his rates, $40,000 to $65,000, are lower than what he charges 63 private clients, including Verizon, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Yankees.

Semantics

"Florida's big budget surplus was originally supposed to mean money back for residents. But semantics may be getting in the way." "'Tax cut,' a term that's still evolving".

Jebbie's Defeat A Boost To Smith?

"A vote blocking the governor and GOP leaders from asking voters to ease class size caps can be traced to a power struggle in the Senate."

The present Senate president, Tom Lee, R-Valrico, said the power struggle played a role in Friday's vote. He also singled out the success of Sen. Rod Smith, D-Alachua, a candidate for governor, in uniting Democrats and dissident Republicans to torpedo the class size overhaul. "It's a very dangerous situation to find yourself in as a presiding officer, so I wanted to address it as soon as I saw it beginning to happen," Lee said.

As Republican support on other issues melted away, Lee disappeared from the rostrum for long stretches, working to save a working majority.

Lee's dilemma could be a political boost for Smith. It reinforces a theme of Smith's gubernatorial campaign that he can get things done, despite being in the minority. "We were able to put together a coalition here and hold that coalition for success on this issue," Smith said.

The Rich Are Different

"According to financial disclosure reports filed last July, 60 of the state's 160 lawmakers reported a net worth topping $1 million. Also, the average income of legislators was about $187,000 -- five times that of the average Floridian. Maybe that helps fuel empathy with the wealthiest 1 percent of Floridians affected by the so-called intangibles tax. One thing is clear: The tax break will cost the state treasury $130.6 million this year, and another $161.2 million expected next year." "Wealthy lawmakers ease the pain".

Surging To The Wingnut Right

A GOoPers gotta do what a GOoPers gotta do:

In the Republican race for attorney general, that position puts former U.S. Rep. McCollum of Longwood on the same page on Schiavo as state Rep. Joe Negron of Stuart. The other two Republicans running to succeed Crist, Sen. Burt Saunders of Naples and Rep. Everett Rice of Treasure Island, disagreed with the legislative intervention.

The Democrat running for attorney general, state Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell of Tamarac, supported intervening in the Schiavo case in 2003 but voted against it in 2005.

Sen. Mel Martinez beat McCollum in the 2004 Republican Senate primary, in which Crist took the unusual step of endorsing Martinez. Now that Crist is in a tough gubernatorial primary against Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, however, McCollum won't return the favor.

Screwing State Workers

"State lawmakers are shortchanging the Florida Highway Patrol -- again." "Support the troopers".

"It ought to be illegal"

Troxler:

It ought to be illegal, it ought to be a felony and grounds for removal from office, for a member of the PSC to have contact with a regulated company outside of public regulatory proceedings in Tallahassee.

It ought to be illegal for a regulated company to be able to supply the PSC or its staff with any material that is not filed in the public record, with proper notice supplied to all parties.

It ought to be illegal for a former member of the PSC to work for regulated companies after they leave office. Period. If they don't like it, then don't serve. There are 18-million people in this state; we won't run out of qualified folks.

Even the humblest traffic court judge in Florida somehow manages to abide by these kinds of rules every day. Certainly, unelected regulators with the power to take billions of dollars out of the pockets of Floridians should have no lower standard.