They have a populist governor who has appointed two Democrats as agency heads and who has personal connections with both.

They have GOP politicians smarting from the Nov. 7 elections in which Republicans were thrown out of office nationwide and the state House lost seven seats to Democrats.

They have a fractured GOP caucus in the state Senate that forced Senate President Ken Pruitt of Port St. Lucie to reach out to Democrats.

And they have minority leaders in both chambers who are articulate, intelligent, well-respected and politically savvy.

"Everything has come together to give the Democrats in this particular two-year cycle unprecedented influence, which includes the division in the Republican Party and includes the new voices from the top from both the governor and the Senate president.

From the "Values" Crowd

"Pediatricians, school nurses or any other health providers who find out that a girl under 16 is pregnant would have to tell the police, under a bill anti-abortion lawmakers are pushing in the Florida Legislature. Abortion providers would also be required to collect a DNA sample from girls under 16 who end a pregnancy, as well as from the aborted fetus." "Florida doctors call police on young pregnant girls, under bill".

House Property Tax Proposal

"Cities and counties threatened to unleash prisoners, shutter libraries and lay off police before a panel of House lawmakers who are moving swiftly to impose massive property-tax cuts to appease steamed homeowners." "Cities, counties lash out at lawmakers over tax-cut plan".

"House Republican leaders heard a torrent of criticism Friday about their plan for cutting property taxes, with many of the complaints coming from officials representing usually steady GOP voting blocs." "GOP bastions pan tax-cut plan" See also "Local officials expect trouble over tax cuts", "Pleas on property taxes get cool House reception", "City, county officials make their case" and "Local Officials Criticize Proposed Sales Tax, Property Tax Swap". But see "Rise in home, business values means cities keep raking in tax dollars".

"An Associated Press check of property records shows one of the groups that would do well: the Republican House leadership. Most would save thousands unless they are exorbitant spenders." "Homeowners, lawmakers gain from GOP tax reform. Is it fair?". See also "Homeowners, lawmakers gain from GOP tax reform. Is it fair?" and "Some interesting numbers".

"House Republican leaders put the brakes on the plan they had fast-tracked earlier this week. They postponed a vote on the plan until next Friday as the House Policy and Budget Committee heard a mounting list of concerns from business groups, small counties, cities and legislators -- many of them Republicans." "House rethinks tax-cut drive".

Up Next week: "The House Policy and Budget Council is expected to vote next week on the proposal to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to eliminate property taxes and replace local revenue with a 2 1/2-cent increase in the state sales tax. The council also is expected to consider a plan to roll back government spending to 2001 levels. Senate leaders are expected to unveil their plan next week.")

The "Tax-Swap" Experience In Other States

Florida's "most radical proposal, forwarded by House Republicans, would scrap the property tax on homestead properties and raise revenue for local governments by boosting the statewide sales tax at the cash register by 2 ½ cents on the dollar. That tax-swap strategy was employed to lesser degrees by Idaho, South Carolina, Texas and New Jersey last year, according to Stateline.org. In addition to Florida, Indiana and Illinois are considering it this year. Many find such swaps palatable because of the nature of the property tax." "Florida Not Alone In Tax Woes".

HD 49 Sentinel Endorsement

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Democrats voting in the March 20 special election for state House District 49 should choose Darren Soto. They might just have a hand in launching their party's next rising star." "Soto in District 49 primary".

Open Government

"Crist sets example for open government". However, "There's no system in place to track open government violations".

Another Jebacy

"Somewhere along the line, Florida leaders faltered in their commitment to their own groundbreaking KidCare program. While other states were forging ahead, signing up as many children as possible for their health care initiatives, Florida lawmakers found ways to turn families away." "Fixing KidCare".

Teacher Pay

"A surge of frustration with Florida's newest merit-pay plan for teachers is prompting state lawmakers to consider getting rid of the program just a month before districts are supposed to start divvying up money." "Lawmakers do homework on failing teacher bonus pay".

Raw Political Courage

"Sexual predators would face tougher sentences under Florida bill".

Argenziano Rolling

"Sen. Nancy Argenziano is now one of 12 people vying for two open spots on the Florida Public Service Commission after a nominating panel on Friday unanimously moved her to the semifinal round. Argenziano, a consumer advocate and a harsh critic of the utility regulatory board, is said by a source in the governor's office to be a favorite of Gov. Charlie Crist, who will make the final picks." "Republican lawmaker may have edge in joining PSC".

Tampa

"Redner Fighting City He Wants To Serve". See also Steve Otto yesterday: "Election Short On Voters, Not Moments".

Romney In Miami

"Mitt Romney railed against Cuban leader Fidel Castro but did not repeat prior calls for a crackdown on illegal immigration in a speech Friday to the Miami-Dade Republican Party." "Miami cool to Romney's stance". See also "Romney launches early Florida push" and "Romney courts South Florida voters".

Poor Mitt, he's having a hard time dragging his knuckles:

In his speech to the Conservative Political Action Committee last week, Republican presidential candidate called for immigrant children to be taught school in English.

But at the same time, Romney, in preparation for a campaign trip to Miami, was running a Spanish language radio ad there appealing to anti-Castro Cubans.

In a press release today, the national Democratic Party calls that hypocritical, and says Romney has switched sides during the presidential race, from a moderate stance on immigration to one designed to appeal to conservative hard-liners.

State Song

Lauren Ritchie contends "There's just one artist perfect for new state song" I ask again, "How about 'Honeymoon in Palatka'?" (scroll down).

Rate Increase

"An arbitration panel has ruled the state must allow a 75.4 percent increase in the hurricane premiums charged by Homewise Insurance Co. to its 31,000 policyholders." "Insurer wins rate hike appeal".

Scripps

"Governors past and present sat side by side Friday and spoke of hope that, as far as Scripps Florida is concerned, the second time's the charm. After all, it was the second groundbreaking in so many years for the high-tech medical research center that promises to streamline science, technology and pharmaceutical development for lifesaving medical advances." "Shovels turn for Scripps biomedical research center in Jupiter". See also "Post: Crist lauds Bush's tenacity on biotech hub".

Nova Boots Newly Unionized Janitorial Firm

"Nova Southeastern University has worked hard to promote itself as a dynamic, fast-growing private school that serves the community. But critics of the university's decision to switch janitorial contractors after low-wage service workers sought to unionize say the Davie-based school let the community down." "Union raises pressure on NSU after school switches janitorial companies".

Fat Cutters

"Bean, a Republican from Fernandina Beach, wants his colleagues to ditch sweets and set a good example in a state where more than 60 percent of the population is overweight and 22.8 percent are obese, according to a 2005 study. Bean has set up a contest to see which House and Senate members can shed the highest percentage of their body weight during Florida's 60-day legislative session." "Lawmakers vow to take on the fat: their own".

Massive Development on the Skids

"The massive hotel and condominium resort a St. Petersburg surgeon wants to build in rural Taylor County suffered a major setback this week, drawing severe criticism from the state's growth planning agency." "State questions plans for N. Florida resort".

Safe Homes

"Working on safe home program".

"The Color of Money"

"When it comes to protecting Palm Beach County's Agricultural Reserve, the [South Florida Water Management ] district's 'green' intentions, however, too easily have been overcome by greenbacks." "Deals 'preserve' ability to skirt development rules".

"Whoops!"

"A big $40 million 'whoops!' in estimating the costs of a new coal-fired power plant in Taylor County, coupled with inquiries from the governor's office about how this $4.5 billion plant might affect Gov. Charlie Crist's climate-change initiative, should cause Tallahassee to pause in its headlong rush toward participation in the Taylor Energy Center." "Coal toll".

Bad Crop

"Florida orange crop expected to be lower this year".

Early Primary Slowdown

"The state Senate is taking its time deciding a new date for Florida's 2008 presidential primary. The Senate Ethics & Elections Committee postponed a vote this week on a bill that would move the primary up to Feb. 19." "Of (presidential) primary concern".

Whatever

"A dozen House Republican freshmen, including Gus Bilirakis and Vern Buchanan, have co-signed a letter to President Bush expressing concern over the conditions at a Walter Reed Army Medical Center outpatient facility." "GOP Freshmen Concerned About Walter Reed Conditions".

Poor Buddy

"Ducking Blame For Problems".

Sam Gibbons

"it was altogether rewarding Friday to see the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County Friday present [Former U.S. congressman and state legislator Sam]Gibbons its Lifetime Achievement Award. Gibbons, who retired from office in 1996, isn't in the spotlight much anymore. But the recognition is richly deserved for a man whose fingerprints are all over the region's prosperity and quality of life." "Gibbons' Sweeping Contributions".

Huh?

"Former gubernatorial candidate Sen. Rod Smith recently joined the board of Associated Industries of Florida." "Smith on AIF Board".

Tornado Warning System

"Recent deadly tornadoes have prompted governments to consider better tornado warning systems. The temptation is for officials to look for one perfect system - but no such thing exists." "A State Tornado Warning System Can't Depend On One Solution".

Virtual Stupid

"Virtual schools" - you know, private "schools" paid for with public money where the kiddies can stay at home so they don't have to be around gangstas - are getting some scrutiny.

"The popularity of the schools, a futuristic novelty when the Legislature first agreed to pay for them, is soaring in Florida and nationwide. That's why it's time for a reality check on publicly funded virtual schools, some legislators say." After all,

The schools generated heated controversy when they were first introduced in 2003, with critics saying the program was funneling millions into private companies that catered to homeschooling families.

A year later, it was discovered that the schools had illegally enrolled students who did not attend public schools the year before, which is a requirement in state law.

"I think that debate essentially has quieted down considerably," said Rep. Joe Pickens, R-Palatka, a longtime supporter of the schools.

Pickens is in favor of expanding the number of kids eligible to enroll in the schools and wants to keep the House budget provision that puts the schools into the state funding formula instead of making them wait for the year-to-year grant from lawmakers.

The governor's proposed budget includes $7.2 million for the kindergarten through eighth grade virtual-education program, a big boost over past years.

Florida's most powerful Republican pays homage to the teachers union and speaks so passionately about civil rights that one legislator dubbed him "Florida's first black governor."

What's a Democrat to do?

"Gov. Crist is a political nightmare for the Democrats," said state Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller. "How do we run against somebody who whenever we come up with a good idea, he goes, 'Hey that's a good idea, let's do that.' "

State Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, called Crist "one of the best Democratic governors Florida has ever had."

Day 3

"Legislature: Day 3 at a glance". See also "Session snapshot". On the agenda: "Upcoming at the Capitol".

Property Tax Fight Continues

"Florida counties Thursday launched their most aggressive defense yet against property-tax cuts proposed by Gov. Charlie Crist and the state House, denying charges they have wasted a rich bounty of tax dollars flowing to them."

A study by Orlando economist Hank Fishkind found that the $11.4 billion in extra tax money collected between 1999 and 2005 has gone chiefly toward law enforcement and schools, spending that county officials say is demanded by Florida's growing population.

Fishkind contends the increase in counties' spending during that time is based on a 17 percent increase in population in Florida and an average increase of 58 percent in the cost of county expenses for asphalt, pensions and gasoline. ...

he warned that if lawmakers force deep cuts in local government services, it could lead to unintended consequences that will cost more to fix later.

He said that while property-tax revenues increased by $11.3 billion throughout Florida since 2001, much of it went to schools -- $4.2 billion -- while $3.9 billion went to counties and $1.7 billion went to cities.

immediately found fault with his conclusions, saying they failed to explain how much of the money was spent. The Senate, by contrast, listened to Fishkind's report and offered its critique:

''They had the money and they spent it, as opposed to rolling back taxes,'' Sen. Mike Haridopolous, a Melbourne Republican and chairman of the House Finance and Tax Committee, said after Fishkind presented his report. "That's why we're all in agreement we're going to change the tax system. The question is how.''

Amendment Process

"A measure to make it harder for Floridians to amend the Constitution made progress in the Legislature." "Push on to slow Florida constitutional changes". See also "Panel OKs strings on petitions" and "GOP senator gets approval to make petitioning for ballot initiatives tougher".

Tampa Runoff

"The race comes down to a strip club king and a former schoolteacher. Can the strip club king win?" "Miller, Redner An Intriguing Matchup".

Waffle Houses at Full Employment

"State's jobless rate unchanged in January".

Early Primary in "Legislative Limbo"

"A proposal to bump up Florida's presidential primary was in legislative limbo Thursday, reflecting the overall disarray of the 2008 election calendar." "Senators hesitant over early primary". See also "Senate panel: Change state's primary date", "Committee Puts Brakes On Primary Move-Up Bill" and "House, Senate Dates For Presidential Primary Differ".

Ethics Charge in Deltona

"The Florida Commission on Ethics has thrown out a complaint against Deltona Mayor Dennis Mulder that alleged he used his position to try to find space at a local school for his wife's tennis organization." "State ethics panel tosses complaint about Mulder".

GOPer Immigration Quandary

"Presidential candidates who call for a crackdown on illegal immigrants risk alienating the influential Hispanic vote in Florida." Here's the problem:

Statewide, more than 55 percent of Republican voters agree with legislation that would give illegal immigrants a path to citizenship, according to a Miami Herald poll conducted before the September 2006 primary.

''The issue will loom large in the presidential primary because it's a high-intensity issue that appeals to conservatives, and Romney is positioning himself [taking 'the hardest-line immigration stance of any major contender' to woo the extreme right], but it's not where the majority of Republicans are,'' said pollster John Zogby, who conducted the Herald survey last year. "If the Republican nominee takes a hard-line position on immigration, that candidate could be disastrous for the party. Hispanic support for Republicans went down in the last election, in part because of this issue.''

President Bush, as well as Gov. Charlie Crist and Sen. Mel Martinez, supported the immigration legislation sponsored last year by McCain and Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. McCain's proposal also appeals to Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, a Cuban-American Republican.

Backers

March "McCain, Romney Announce Backers".

Largo fight

"A city manager facing dismissal after going public with plans to get a sex change said Thursday he plans to fight to keep his job, because his case represents the struggle 'to deal with morality, sexuality and gender.'" "Largo city manager who wants sex change will fight to keep job".

Hard Work

Sarasota -- "A few thousand pieces of campaign literature can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,200, and candidates labor over their layout, color palettes, photographs and text." "Candidates work hard to craft flyers".

'Ya Think?

"State's Plan For New Roads Favors Developers Over Taxpayers".

Martinez and Mikulski

"Martinez announced bipartisan support Thursday for an effort to pump more money into Hope IV, the federal housing program that restores dilapidated public housing -- but has come to spell turmoil in Miami. Under the bill, introduced with Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., the program -- now set to expire -- would keep running through 2012. The program was created by Mikulski in 1992 with the aim of replacing aging public housing with mixed-income developments. " "Sen. Martinez backs federal program". See also "Martinez defends threatened housing grants".

General Lee

"For more than 75 years, the portrait of Lee has hung in the main chamber of the county's historic, postcard-pretty courthouse. Flanked by state and American flags, the general peers across the room into a second-floor balcony -- the section that blacks were restricted to until 1963." "In county named for Robert E. Lee, portrait divides community".

Towing Rules

"Having your car towed can be one of life's more aggravating experiences. For many people, the towing begins a descent into a nightmarish world where the rules vary by address, ZIP Code, operator, town, city or county. Did we mention time of day? State Rep. Julio Robaina, R-Miami, wants to bring some order to this chaos of rules and regulations with a law that would require uniform, statewide licensing and certification of towing companies and their drivers." "State needs uniform vehicle towing rules".

Spring Break

"First came the Conch Republic. Then Margaritaville. Now, some in Key West hope to claim another title for the island's tourism repertoire: Gay Spring Break Capital of the World." "Key West recruits gay spring breakers".

Shalala

"The appointment of University of Miami President Donna Shalala and former Sen. Bob Dole to head the inquiry into military healthcare is the best news to come out of this shameful scandal so far. Neither is likely to accept phony explanations about why wounded and traumatized veterans have been treated with such appalling neglect. Both are proven public servants, unlikely to settle for anything less than concrete solutions to the problem of how to ensure that veterans get the best medical care." "Neglect, red tape exposed in care of vets".

Whatever

"Crist focuses on biotechnology today when he heads to South Florida." "Biotechnology on Crist's mind today".

Huh?

"Just as Florida insurers begin to announce huge returns from 2006, regulators say the state's new law limiting excess profits by property insurers won't curb premiums." "New law may not lower insurance premiums".

Civics

"Democrat Bob Graham may be retired from public office, but the former U.S. senator and governor is hardly retired from public service. He and Lou Frey, a Republican who once represented the Orlando area in the U.S. House of Representatives, have joined forces to battle the dangerous drop in the level of civic education and participation." "Need to know".

Not Good

Sarasota -- "Three local Democratic Party leaders quit Thursday in a dispute sparked by the seating chart for a weekend gala, gutting the party's upper ranks just days before a pivotal city election."

Former county party chairman Henry Bright and his wife, Virginia, resigned when they discovered they would have to sit next to -- and possibly take the stage with -- their rival, Harold Miller.

Next to quit was current chairman Phil Rains, who had been on the job for less than two months, thanks largely to support from the Brights.

He responded to their resignations by resigning himself, frustrated because his attempt to broker a peace accord between the warring factions had backfired.

Lights, Camera ...

"A state House committee green-lighted a proposal backed by Gov. Charlie Crist to offer $75 million a year in tax credits to entice more TV and film productions to Florida." "House committee sets stage for TV, film".

Anti-Murder Bill

"Most violent criminals who violate probation would back go to jail or prison, unless a judge says they're no danger to the community, under a bill the House passed unanimously Thursday and sent to Gov. Charlie Crist. Passage of the bill gives Crist the second major victory of his new administration, sending him a bill he has said was his highest priority." "House OKs Crist's top-priority bill". See also "Crist gets antimurder bill", "Governor's top-priority crime bill sails in House", "Crist crime bill sails through House".

Bloomberg Passes on Photo Op

"New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who left for Miami while the city was reeling from one of its deadliest fires in years, defended his decision to go and said he never considered canceling the trip." "NYC mayor defends decision to go to Florida after fatal fire".

"So what?"

"Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Palm Beach Gardens, asks the basic question about President Bush's 'surge' in Iraq. If it works, 'So what?'" "Challenge for Democrats is to shift Iraq debate".

"It's about time"

"Former Gov. Jeb Bush hated the evils of gambling so much he wanted no part of dealing with the tribe. Gov. Charlie Crist says negotiating a compact with the Seminoles is the smart way to go. It's about time." "Casinos".

Lobbyists

"Floridians curious to learn how much influence costs these days will have an easier time unraveling the next round of the Legislature's lobbyist compensation reports." "Keeping track of state lobbyists' dollars is about to get easier".

Public Money

"A Pinellas lawmaker wants to stop cities and counties from using public money to sway voters, but it was clear Thursday he still has some convincing to do." "Cities' use of taxes is targeted".

Buddy?

"When Hillsborough Court Clerk Pat Frank discovered recently that her office had fallen behind processing legal documents, she called the media, explained the problem and set a deadline to fix it. When reporters asked Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson how he came to change two polling places in Tampa's city election Tuesday, what followed was seven hours of misinformation and spin that symbolizes the wall Johnson has built between his office and the public." "This Buddy system fails voters again".

The tax rollback cleared the House Government Efficiency and Accountability Council by a party-line 10-5 vote, and is scheduled to reach the House floor in two weeks.

The Florida GOP has launched a website touting the House's tax plan and promoting the constitutional amendment [which would eliminate all property taxes on homesteads and would replace it with a 2.5 percent sales tax increase]. Rubio and his top deputies have sent out e-mails urging Republicans across the state to click on www.nomoreproperty tax.com.

Among the information on the site, it calls the governor's proposed solution -- doubling the homestead exemption -- a ''band-aid'' approach to the problem.

Republican Party spokesman Jeff Sadosky defended the website, even though Senate Republicans have not endorsed the House proposal.

Romney Hires "Worst Person in the World"

Romney reaches further into the wingnut bucket, having "hired another Florida-based political operative for his campaign — Jason Roe, former chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo." "Romney Hires Jason Roe, Former Feeney Aide".

Scott Maxwell notes that "Roe has been a particularly hot commodity in D.C. since last year. That was when he took a leave of absence from Feeney's office and pulled off one of the GOP's few surprise victories in Congress, helping Peter Roskam, R-Ill., beat back a challenge from Democratic Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth."

Is this really the kind of Floridian Romney wants to associate with? Tom chief of staff Jason Roe, while on leave from Feeney's staff to work on Peter Roskam's campaign for Illinois' 6th District was named "Worst Person in the World" by MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann. Here's what he said:

But our winner--we need to clarify a previous worst. We reported that Illinois congressional candidate Peter Roskam had said his opponent Tammy Duckworth wanted to "cut and run from Iraq" even though she lost both her legs there while serving as a helicopter pilot.

Jason Roe from the Roskam campaign charged us with intellectual dishonesty because Roskam merely said that the Illinois sixth is "not a cut and run district."

Hey, pal, this is about campaigning against a woman who has no legs because they were cut off while she served in Iraq and still being insensitive enough to use the phrase "cut and run." You leave the intellectual to us, we‘ll leave the dishonest to you.

Peter Roskam and staffer, Jason Roe, today‘s "Worst Persons in the World."

Feeney's campaign paid nearly $50,000 to Roe's wife, Patricia, who was a professional fundraiser in Washington, D.C.

The Session

"The Florida Legislature is in session through May 4. The key issues yesterday and what's coming up:" "2007 Legislature roundup". See also "Legislature: Day 2 at a glance".

On the agenda: "Upcoming at the Capitol".

Neverending Feud

"Trial lawyers and businesses that have pumped millions of dollars into lobbying Florida government have rekindled their running feud over who pays in negligence lawsuits." "House examines trials feud". See also "Lawsuit bill is personal for Needelman" ("Trial lawyers and businesses that have pumped millions of dollars into lobbying Florida government have rekindled their running feud over who pays in negligence lawsuits.")

Not a Wallflower

"Sen. Nancy Argenziano is headed to Orlando Friday, hoping to be interviewed for one of the Florida Public Service Commission vacancies even though her name wasn't on the original list of 19 to meet with a PSC nominating committee." "Early, but ousted, favorite invited to try for state post". See also "Sen. Nancy Argenziano will interview for PSC".

Expensive Publicity Stunt

"'Anti-murder' bill passes unanimously". See also "Anti-Murder Act closer to passage", "Florida Senate passes Crist proposal to jail violent probation violators" and "Tough crime measure sails through Senate".

"Crist, riding the crest of his popularity in the first week of Florida's annual legislative session, has lawmakers over a barrel. They don't want to tell Crist no. And they certainly don't want to appear (if such a thing is possible) pro-murder. But they know -- they must know -- that Crist's stated legislative priority is an expensive boondoggle." "Anti-prudence".

Q Poll

New Q Poll, "surveying 1,125 Florida voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percent, including 429 Republicans with a margin of error of +/- 4.7 percent, and 442 Democrats with a margin of error of +/- 4.7 percent":

Looking at other possible 2008 presidential matchups in Florida, the Quinnipiac University Swing State Poll finds:

* Clinton tops former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney 48 - 36 percent;
* Giuliani tops 2004 vice presidential candidate John Edwards 48 - 40 percent;
* McCain tops Obama 43 - 39 percent;
* McCain edges Edwards 43 - 41 percent;
* Obama tops Romney 43 - 34 percent;
* Edwards beats Romney 48 - 32 percent.

In a Democratic primary matchup, Clinton gets 38 percent, followed by 13 points each for Obama and former Vice President Al Gore and 6 percent for Edwards.

Among Republican primary voters, Giuliani gets 38 percent, followed 18 percent for McCain, 14 percent for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and 6 percent for Romney.

By a 56 - 20 percent margin, Florida voters have a favorable opinion of Giuliani. Favorability ratings for other contenders are:

* 48 - 39 percent for Clinton;
* 46 - 24 percent for McCain;
* 40 - 19 percent for Obama, with 39 percent who haven't heard enough to form an opinion;
* 46 - 23 percent for Edwards;
* 64 percent haven't heard enough about Romney to form an opinion.

Good Luck

"As lawmakers try to figure out how to boost enrollment in the state's low-cost health insurance program for children, some advocates call for expanding the program to cover the children of legal immigrants and state workers." "Advocates push health care for kids of immigrants, state workers".

Bob Graham

"Four years ago, when he was running for president, Bob Graham had something on his resume that made him pretty unique among top-tier candidates: He had voted against the Iraq war resolution. And it cost him dearly." "This time, he's just happy to be home".

Space

"A Space Coast lawmaker launched a $500 million plan today to finance alternative energy and the space industry." "Space initiative retried". See also "Allen launches $500 million for space jobs idea".

Safe Homes

"Florida's home construction industry will get a four-month reprieve from changes in the state's hurricane-proof building codes, under a bill that cleared its first Senate committee Wednesday." "Homes already designed exempt from new storm codes". See also "Pace of home inspections doesn't slow ambitions".

Voter Turnout

Noting that "nine U.S. troops were killed in Iraq, bringing the death toll of American military personnel serving in this insane war to 3,177", Daniel Ruth asks: "if Americans are dying in a faraway land so that an oppressed people can vote, that the citizens of Tampa can arise from their keisters and cast a ballot for the city's mayor and city council." "Was All That An Election Or Abdication?".

Coal

"After months of discussing alternative energy sources, the House Energy Committee passed its first bill Wednesday - a measure to promote coal-fired power plants." "House panel passes coal bill".

Every Vote Counts

"Rep. Alcee Hastings, who has endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for president, says he’s looking for Rep. Robert Wexler, who has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, to support a Clinton bill requiring a paper trail of electronic ballots." "Voting Bill Politics".

Abrams

"Boca Raton Mayor Steve Abrams says he’s awaiting word from his law firm before deciding whether to run in 2008 for the Palm Beach-Broward District 22 congressional seat that Democrat Ron Klein won from veteran Republican Clay Shaw last year." "Abrams for Congress?".

Mahoney's Seat

"Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith confirmed to The Palm Beach Post’s Jason Schultz Tuesday that he’s thinking of running in 2008 for the eight-county District 16 congressional seat now held by freshman Democrat Tim Mahoney." "GOP Six-pack for 16?".

Lake O

"Gov. Crist's focus on Lake O welcome; hire cleanup chief".

Diversity

"Some might be offended by Pinellas Park councilwoman Patricia Bailey-Snook's recent remark about Tampa's cultural diversity."

The councilwoman was concerned that if Pinellas Park police entered into a mutual aid agreement with Tampa police, they would have to learn a foreign language "so they can talk to the public over there."

She didn't stop there. "A lot of them will say that they don't speak English, but they do. But they'll just keep rattling off in Spanish and you can't get them to say a word in English."

Bailey-Snook fears her city's police officers would be in danger if forced to confront a hostile crowd of Spanish speakers in Tampa. Such logic presupposes that no Spanish speakers live in her fair city, a foolhardy assumption.

What Bailey-Snook needs is a little cultural exchange. A tour of Ybor City and a bowl of Spanish bean soup would do her good. Add in a little salsa music and a Cuban coffee, and she'd feel the richness of our city's heritage even if she doesn't understand the language.

FCAT Follies

"Many initial bills have either been withdrawn or voted down." "Changes to FCAT unlikely this year".

No DJJ Money from Charlie

"The new head of Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice is drawing cheers from all corners, but so far Gov. Charlie Crist isn't giving the popular choice any new money to help right the troubled agency." "New Head Of Juvenile Justice Emphasizes Prevention". The Tampa Trib editors: "Lack Of Rehab Makes Our Community Less Safe".

Merit Pay Flip Flop

"In a surprising reversal, the Republican-controlled Legislature is moving quickly to scrap a controversial merit pay system for teachers that lawmakers put in place less than a year ago. Republican legislators are not abandoning the idea of awarding bonuses to teachers. But the turnabout represents a rejection of ideas first pushed by the administration of former Gov. Jeb Bush -- and even includes some minor tweaks to Bush's ''A+ Plan'' that was adopted eight years ago." "A turnabout on merit pay". See also "Revamp of bonuses for teachers advances" and "Senate's merit teacher pay plan would give locals wide authority".

Storms in Action

"Storms' Bill Is Interpreted As A Barrier To Abortion Rights".

What'll You Have?

"Bars can refuse serving patrons who drink too much, but they shouldn't be allowed to force service on people who don't drink enough, a state Senate panel agreed Tuesday." "Senate committee says bars can't throw out nondrinkers".

Martinez Bill

"Florida hospitals would avoid the loss of more than $4 billion in Medicaid money under a congressional bill introduced Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez." "Martinez seeks to protect Medicaid money for hospitals".

Gaming

"The Seminole Tribe hopes a new federal lawsuit will help convince the state that the window for cashing in on Indian gaming is about to close." "Seminoles' suit all about revenue". In the meantime, "in a dramatic departure from his predecessor, Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday said he is willing to negotiate a gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe -- a move that could bring millions into Florida's cash-strapped treasury." "Crist willing to gamble".

See also yesterday's "Crist, Seminole tribe open talks on slots".

Charlie's Big Tent

The Miami Herald editors: "To say that Gov. Charlie Crist's first State of the State speech struck an inclusive tone is an understatement. The governor's upbeat, wide-ranging address included proposals supported by Democrats as well as those on Republicans' agenda. He capped his address by citing a philosophy held by a much-admired Democrat, Robert Kennedy." "A big-tent approach to state governance".

Tampa

"Political watchers are trying to figure out how Charlie Perkins pulled in enough votes Tuesday to force a runoff in the District 7 city council race." "District 7 Race Perplexes Political Onlookers".

Stadium Vote

"With money tight and many residents facing skyrocketing homeowners insurance premiums and rising property taxes, the Legislature has no business providing tax breaks for professional sports franchises, a southwest Florida lawmaker said Wednesday." "Lawmakers want voters to decide if tax money goes to stadiums".

Early Primary

"Presidential primary date up for a vote".

Fixed?

"As property insurance companies rush to meet the state's March 15 deadline to lower premiums, they're also poised to do something the state wouldn't allow them to do until now: drop policyholders." "Insurance crisis fixed? Check your mailbox".

Crist repeated his call for teacher bonuses, a gimmick that would selectively and temporarily benefit some of the state's teachers, but he ignored the elephant in the room by failing to mention the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. ...

The governor brushed over issues that are of paramount importance to Florida's vast corps of working families. Health insurance remains out of reach for more than 20 percent of Floridians. ...

Meanwhile, the word "poverty" didn't pass the governor's lips, even though nearly 10 percent of Floridians survive on salaries lower than the federal poverty guidelines.

Crist Voter Gives "Democratic" Response

"State Rep. Bill Heller of St. Petersburg seemed an unlikely pick to deliver the Democratic response to Gov. Charlie Crist's State of the State speech. Heller is a freshman lawmaker, for one, and his disposition is more elder statesman than tooth-bearing partisan. He also voted for Crist." "Heller praises bipartisanship".

On the Agenda

The calendar: "Upcoming at the Capitol". What happened yesterday: "Legislature: Day 1 at a glance", "2007 Legislature roundup" and "2007 Fla. legislative session begins".

Anti-Murder

"Crist implored legislators to pass his so-called 'Anti-Murder Act' by week's end, and they'll probably comply." "Crist pushing for 'Anti-Murder Act'". See also "Crist's 'anti-murder' bill gets quick first look", "'Anti-murder' bill up for vote", "Senate gets right on 'anti-murder'" and "'Anti-Murder' bill a priority".

"Crist's Anti-Murder Act may be pushed into law during the first week of session, but the political rush appears to have left a few major questions at loose ends." "Cost Of Crist's Murder Act Raises Questions".

Teacher Bonuses

"Under mounting pressure from teachers and education groups, House and Senate leaders are moving to open up a year-old teacher bonus program to more instructors and give school districts more flexibility in how they assess instructors." "Legislators tweak teacher bonuses". See also "Performance pay program for teachers wins approval", "House committee approves teacher performance pay bill".

Silly Jebbites

"Just as Jeb Bush was leaving office, some of his biggest fans sought to leave behind a legacy: The Jeb Bush Mitigation Center for Excellence." "A 'Love Note' to Jeb".

"Lowering the Price of Admission"

"If lawmakers want to become known as the people's Legislature, they can start by lowering the price of admission." "Don't retreat on influence industry limits".

Laff Riot

"House Speaker Marco Rubio opened the 2007 session with sweeping vision for Florida, urging lawmakers to create a "world-class" education system and make Florida the "silicon valley" for environmental technology." "Rubio: Let's solve problems". See also "Before Crist, Rubio" and "Rubio cites ideas; Pruitt, reality".

Storms in Action

"State Sen. Ronda Storms, a Brandon Republican, has joined forces with a top House Republican, Rep. Dennis Baxley of Ocala, on the bill, which aims to crack down on underage sexual abuse by having health care professionals assume pregnant teens are crime victims." "Legislators want pregnant girls reported". See also "Storms' Bill Treats Pregnancy Of Girls Under 16 As Crime".

Tampa

"Mayor Pam Iorio sailed to an expected victory, securing another four-year term running Tampa." "Iorio Wins Re-Election". See also "Dingfelder Re-Elected To Serve South Tampa", "Energized Miranda Returns For 5th Term", "Caetano, Margarella In Runoff", "Citywide, Mulhern Upsets Harrison" and "Campaign Isn't Finished For Miller, Redner". Meanwhile, "Commissioner Charged With Campaign Spending Violations".

Lake O

"With Lake Okeechobee rapidly receding and no rain on the radar, regional water managers said Tuesday they were being forced to install pumps to keep water flowing -- to farms for now and possibly to South Florida's suburbs in the near future." "Plunging lake could bring water cutbacks".

Problems, Problems

"Elections officials spent part of Tuesday responding to complaints at two polling places. At one, a woman said a poll worker tried to influence her vote. At the other, voters said they arrived at their precinct to discover it had been moved." "Poll Worker Denies Trying To Influence Woman's Decision".

"Ridiculous Gun Bill"

"With all the important issues before lawmakers this session, it's hard to believe that they'd waste one minute revisiting a ridiculous gun bill killed last year over the National Rifle Association's objections." "Danger ahead".

Limbo

"The job of Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty continues to hang in limbo.
Gov. Charlie Crist to date has said he's not ready to declare whether he wants to keep the insurance commissioner he inherited from Jeb Bush." "Insurance commissioner in limbo".

Poor Charlie

"So here is Gov. Crist's dilemma."

The bill he presumably champions hides a poison pill for patients and is mainly political cover for its backers, so that they can boast that they “support stem-cell research.” The sponsors believe that the public won't understand the scientifically obscure language employed to disguise their real intent, which is to stifle embryonic stem-cell research in Florida.

With its dedicated biomedical researchers and thousands of patients with incurable afflictions, Florida surely deserves better. This is an issue that cries out for bold for leadership. If Charlie Crist really supports the quest for cures, he should disavow the Flores bill. Your move, Governor.

Party Warfare Out?

"Crist may almost single-handedly begin turning around more than a decade of demoralizing party warfare through simple daily acts of courtesy and a generous acknowledgment of others' contributions to shared causes - such as homeowners' insurance relief developed during the recent special session." "R-e-s-p-e-c-t".

Crime Bills

"Florida Senate takes up 2 top crime bills for 2007 session".

Lawsuit

"A lawyer and investor is accusing Gov. Charlie Crist of receiving inappropriate campaign contributions — including $11,000, travel on a private jet and the use of sport skyboxes — from boy-band impresario Lou Pearlman while he was under state investigation." "Lawsuit faults Crist, suggesting improper campaign gifts".

Safe Homes

"The Department of Financial Services should inspect more homes and give more grants to homeowners to make their houses better withstand hurricane-force winds, a windstorm-mitigation panel told the governor and legislature Tuesday." "Expand 'Safe Home' program, panel says".

Hasner Says No

"Hasner won't run for Congress".

"Pretty Innocuous"

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Soon, Gov. Crist will announce his appointments to the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District. When the governor does, Kevin McCarty's name should not be among them. As The Post reported Tuesday, Mr. McCarty - the board chairman - submitted for board approval last month a resolution supporting the annexation into Broward County of a slice of nearly 2,000 acres on the southern edge of Palm Beach County. The resolution was nearly identical to one e-mailed to Mr. McCarty by Justin Sayfie, a lawyer who represents some of the landholders. The water district board approved the resolution, and Mr. McCarty never disclosed that it came from the landowners. Mr. McCarty told The Post that, to him, it all seemed 'pretty innocuous.'" "Don't reappoint McCarty".

Straw Poll

"Florida Democratic leaders discussed the prospect of holding a presidential straw poll at their October convention but did not make a final decision Monday." "Dem straw poll still on the table".

On the Air

"Romney launches Spanish radio ad".

Steroids

"High school athletes competing in football, baseball and weight lifting would be subject to at least one year of random steroid tests under a bill that won unanimous support from its first House committee Tuesday." "High school steroid testing earns full committee backing".

Flagler

"Voters in three Flagler County municipalities gave a big thumbs-up to the status quo Tuesday." "Incumbents prevail in Flagler".

Dope

" Mayor Jim Naugle acknowledged Tuesday that a recent Sister Cities mailing, which he said he did not explicitly authorize, would be banned under the tougher ethics rules he's advocating and which got partial approval Tuesday night." "Fort Lauderdale mayor says solicitation letter against his own ideals".

Revenues On The Skids

"Florida's budget is in worse shape than predicted just a month ago."

When revenue estimators meet March 12, "we are expected to lose between $500 million and $800 million in recurring funds," Senate Fiscal Policy and Calendar Committee Chairman Lisa Carlton, R-Osprey, told Senate President Ken Pruitt and others Monday. ...

If revenues continue to decline, lawmakers could be faced with a budget that puts crucial services and state agency funding in jeopardy.

Put on a Happy Face

"Exuding confidence and enthusiasm for his first legislative session as Florida's chief executive, Gov. Charlie Crist brushed aside news of a looming slump in state revenues Monday and predicted a productive, harmonious 'partnership' with lawmakers for the next 60 days." "Crist: Session heralds bright future for state".

"Crist will base his first State of the State speech, at 11 a.m. today, on the populist themes that have worked for him in the past." "Crist's populist push turns to taxes today". See also "Crist gives State of the State today", "Crist's State of the State will encourage cooperation" and "Crist may have surprises in 1st State of the State address".

The Tallahassee Democrat editors: "It is a very big day here in the capital city as the Florida Legislature begins its annual session, highlighted by Gov. Charlie Crist's State of the State address mid-morning." "Capital day".

One Big, Happy Family

"Crist held his first State-of-the-State dinner Monday night at the Governor's Mansion", which included special guests "lobbyist/fundraisers Ron Book, Brian Ballard and Rich Heffley, as well as NRA Florida lobbyist Marian Hammer." Perhaps the happiest guests were Charlie's newest, best friends, the

members of Florida's news media and the Capital Press Corps.

Session Convenes

After the State of the State speech, "Day One of 60 to come begins as House and Senate convene with opening remarks by Senate President Ken Pruitt and House Speaker Marco Rubio."

The clock is ticking until midnight May 4, when regular session ends. The budget and property tax legislation will take the most negotiation and management. ...

As early as this afternoon, the Senate could debate and give initial passage to its bill (SB 146) to put probationer's back behind bars if they violate the terms of their release. ... Final passage in the Senate as early as Wednesday, with the House likely to act in the first week of session to give Gov. Charlie Crist an early victory on a campaign promise. ...

The Senate could take up its bill to expand prosecutors and police powers to investigate and convict sexual predators who use the Internet (SB1004).
... House action on its bill could come later this week.

Now That Jebbie's Gone

After essentially giving Jebbie a free pass for eight years, we now read that things are "a far cry from the past eight years under Gov. Jeb Bush. The Republican majority ruled with a philosophical iron fist, and anyone who disagreed, Democrats and Republican moderates, were shunted aside."

Floridians have had enough of that nonsense. They want results.

So it's refreshing to see the Legislature encouraging debate over stem-cell research, rather than squelching it. It would be best if that debate ended with a law that goes further than the current proposal and pays for embryonic stem-cell research.

It's good that the education debate has moved away from vouchers and on to improving the curriculum and finding better ways to hold schools accountable for their performance.

And instead of a contentious, take-it-or-leave-it approach to tax reform, there are now 20 proposals for lawmakers to consider. It's important that they proceed carefully and adopt a plan that irons out the inequities in the property tax without shifting the burden to those who can least afford to shoulder it.

Talk -- even happy, refreshingly nonpartisan talk -- is easy. Now it's time for Mr. Crist, Mr. Rubio and Mr. Pruitt to show real leadership and get things done.

Revolt?

Q asks: "Is There Going To Be A Property Tax Revolt?".

In the meantime, Susan Latvala, a Pinellas County commissioner and president of the Florida Association of Counties, argues that

State leaders are initiating hasty proposals that would take one crisis -- the pain that some people are facing from our broken property tax structure -- and replace it with another, by choking off funding for crucial county programs and services on which local residents depend daily.

Gators

"Thousands of Florida residents complained of nuisance alligators last year, and that's one reason the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering eliminating some of the rules that have protected the species for a generation." "Alligators may lose their protected status in Florida as residents' complaints mount".

Words Mean Things

Take a look at this abjectly partisan Sun-Sentinel headline:

"Democrats plan to fight tax cuts"

"Tax cuts at center of new session"

"House Democrats offer broader tax relief"

Tampa Elections

"Vote Today If You Live In Tampa And Care About The City's Future". See also yesterday's "Mayor's Post, 6 Council Seats Up For Grabs Tuesday".

GOPers in a Quandry

"A controversial measure pitting the National Rifle Association against Florida's business lobby was resurrected Monday, just 24 hours before the opening of the Legislature's 2007 session. The NRA-backed bill (HB 1417) would make it illegal for businesses to prevent their employees from keeping guns locked in their cars when they park at work. A similar measure divided the Republican-controlled Legislature a year ago, drawing headlines across Florida." "Revived gun bill pits NRA against some businesses". See also "NRA vs. Big Business -- Round II".

Foster Care

"The Legislature has been stingy with foster parents in the past. Though lawmakers approved a $2 per day increase last year in the board rate for foster children, the state still lags far behind others in its support for families. But lawmakers calling for increased security measures should recognize the additional burden that would be imposed on foster families -- and that the state might attract more potential foster parents if rates were more in line with what other states paid." "Protecting kids".

We Have Met The Enemy ...

"The biggest buyer of lobbying influence is ... us. Local government, from city councils to school boards and county commissions, shelled out more than any other special interest to influence Florida government last year, according to new reports collected by the Legislature." "Guess who's hiring all those lobbyists ...".

Mass Transit

The "efforts to launch two tracks from DeLand to Orlando and beyond are coming closer to reality. On Friday, an agreement was reached at the federal level to add DeLand to long-term plans, according to Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno. The same day, U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park -- a longtime advocate of commuter rail -- announced that the federal government has pledged $250 million for the project, roughly half of the cost for the 60-plus-mile rail service." "On board".

No-Fault

"Bush vetoed the extension of Florida’s No-Fault insurance law last year because he wanted more protections built in against fraud and abuse. New Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday morning said he, too, wants to guard against abuse in the law, which is set to expire Oct. 1, but that he’d be inclined to sign that passed last year. The No-Fault law requires that Florida drivers carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection. The coverage reduces the need for litigation over who was at fault in an accident." "Crist Could Sign No-Fault Law Bush Rejected".

Whoopee!

"House Republicans Monday officially voted in Rep. Ray Sansom as their next designated speaker." "Sansom voted in as next House speaker". See also "Speaker-Designate Sansom", "Rep. Sansom to lead House Republicans in 2 years".

Romney

"Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney continues to make a big push for Republican help in Sarasota, being far more aggressive than other top candidates expected to challenge for the GOP nomination next year." "Romney puts emphasis on Sarasota".

Tax Reform

The St Pete Times editors contend that "there should be more to this debate than just issuing demands for lower taxes. The discussion needs to include changing the way property is assessed for tax purposes, fairly spreading the tax burden and using more state revenue for public education to lower local property taxes." "Time to make tax system fair".

Dissing Byrd

"Where's Johnnie?".

Florida A&M

"The interim president of Florida A&M University assured state legislators Monday the payroll problems that sparked walkouts by some campus employees are being fixed." "Bryant to panel: Pay woes 'age-old'". See also "FAMU payroll still in disarray".

Phase Two

"January's special session on insurance delivered some welcome relief from soaring premiums. Now lawmakers turn to longer-term fixes: helping homeowners pay for storm-proofing homes and better equipping the state-run Citizens Property Insurance to handle its increasing load of policies." "Lawmakers seek long-term insurance fixes". See also "Numbers to be real test of insurance legislation" ("Property insurance was 'the' issue for the special session of the Legislature in January, and it remains 'an' issue during the regular session that begins today.") But see "Property insurance crisis will take back seat to taxes during legislative session".

Meanwhile, the Washington Post argues that "Florida's bet against Mother Nature puts its environment and economy at risk." "Flirting With Disaster" (via The Buzz). See also "Washington Post blasts Florida insurance plan".

Obama in Tally

"Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is coming to Tallahassee on Friday, March 30 for a fundraiser and public speech at the capitol." "Obama coming to Tallahassee".

Condemned Inmates

"Florida's condemned inmates are almost as likely to die in prison as they are to be executed, according to a newspaper's review of state prison records. Thirty-four inmates have been executed since 1993 and 29 have died in prison, mostly from natural causes, according to the St. Petersburg Times' review of Department of Corrections statistics. Prison officials were unable to provide detailed statistics before 1993." "For many, prison is a death sentence".

Secret Docket Argument

"The Florida Supreme Court heard a wide range of objections Monday to proposed rule changes designed to stop the improper sealing of court records and dockets. The proposal was in response to last year's discovery that hundreds of civil and criminal cases involving television personalities, judges, police, elected officials and other prominent people had been sealed as part of secret dockets in some courts, mainly in South Florida." "Court hears objections on closed files". See also "State high court hears debate over open records".

Yucky Beggars

The Miami Herald editors argue that "when people attend a public event, whether it is a concert, basketball game, art fair or boat show, they have a right to expect not to have to negotiate a gantlet of beggars." "Reviving urban core".

Charlie and the Ponzi Schemer

"Music promoter Lou Pearlman needed help to keep his huge financial Ponzi scheme going."

Tampa lawyer Jim Lowy said he got it from then-Florida Attorney General - and now Governor - Charlie Crist as well as major financial institutions.

Crist delayed or interfered with investigations against Pearlman and his companies, Lowy said in a lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Tampa. The complaint alleged that $10,500 contributed by Pearlman and his companies to Crist's campaign for governor may have been diverted from scammed investors. And while Crist was attorney general, he enjoyed the use of Pearlman's skyboxes and private jet, according to the complaint, reimbursing the impresario for trips at far less than the actual cost.

Crist declined to comment, saying he had not been briefed on the details of the complaint.

Roads

"A plan to build a series of massive expressways across rural Florida is getting a cool reception from Gov. Charlie Crist, who said Monday the state instead needs to expand existing roads." "Crist signals break with past on roads".

Towing

"The 300-member Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida, for one, is backing a bill that would increase state regulation of the industry by requiring criminal background checks of tow truck operators and driver training. They say the bill would improve their image and address age-old consumer gripes. But opponents -- which include the road service giant AAA -- claim the bill's consumer focus is meant to disguise a ploy by large, established towing firms to push mom-and-pop operators out of the business." "Legislature considers regulating towing".

Milligan

"Former Florida Comptroller Bob Milligan today started work as consumers' new insurance advocate, declaring his intent to immediately get down to business. 'I'm not here to be window dressing,' said Milligan, who came out of retirement at the request of Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink." "New insurance advocate: I'm not window dressing".

Dem Property Tax Proposals

"Challenging Republicans on a politically sensitive issue, Florida House Democrats are seriously exploring property-tax-cut options that would slash costs for a broad swath of Floridians, including renters, without savaging budgets of local governments or giving the most relief to the wealthy."

Republicans, who have proposed eliminating property taxes, say they are open to a bipartisan tax-cutting package and would proceed with caution.

A prime tax-cut option House Democrats are studying would increase the current $25,000 homestead exemption but base additional exemptions on a percentage of median property values within a county.

Another tax-cut option House Democratic leaders expect to officially unveil Wednesday is a new "renters' homestead" that would give income-based rebates to people who don't own their homes. The goal is to ensure that property-tax cuts enjoyed by landlords are shared with tenants.

Good For Business

"Florida's economic development leaders expect this legislative session to be good for business. Their business agenda runs long, as the state's lawmakers prepare to hunker down and get to work on the thousands of bills they've churned out already. The 2007 legislative session begins Tuesday." "Busy with business".

"Tepid Reception" to Arduin Rubio Proposal

"Backers call it a bold, innovative idea that will immediately put money in the pockets of every Floridian. Critics call it voodoo economics based on a 30-year-old "trickle-down" concept that they say is a proven failure and only will make the rich richer and the poor poorer."

House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Coral Gables, is defending an ambitious plan to quell the property-tax revolt gaining ground statewide by doing away with property taxes for homesteaded homeowners and replacing the billions of dollars lost to local governments with a 2 1/2-cent statewide sales tax hike.

But even before his tax reform proposal is formally introduced as a bill, Rubio, on the eve of his first regular legislative session as speaker, is under attack by some of his fellow Republicans as well as by some homeowners, who say they'd rather pay reasonable property taxes than go without the services that cities and counties threaten would be cut under the plan.

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Senate are giving Rubio's plan a tepid reception, indicating that the package that finally passes may bear little resemblance to the House Republicans' original proposal.

"An Insider's Guide"

"So you've heard all about the property tax and homeowners insurance debate. Now it's time to take a look at some of the legislative tidbits that don't make the headlines every day." "Legislature 2007: An Insider's Guide".

Competing Stem Cell Amendments

"The Florida Legislature likewise is expected to wade into the moral minefield during its session that begins this week, debating whether to join seven other states that have dedicated funding to stem-cell research. Gov. Charlie Crist has proposed spending an unprecedented $20 million on the nascent field. But hoping to avert a political firestorm, he calls for research using only stem cells derived from adults, umbilical-cord blood or amniotic fluid -- not from embryos."

Ultimately, Florida voters could decide on which side the state should fall. Two proposed constitutional amendments might be headed to the Florida ballot in 2008. One would dedicate $200 million in state spending over 10 years to support research on embryonic stem cells derived from discarded fertility-clinic embryos. The other would forbid any state spending on any research that would destroy an embryo.

Death Penalty

"Legal experts say Florida's death penalty system has far more severe flaws than a shaky lethal injection protocol. Those flaws, they say, render the state's death penalty nearly ineffective." "Juries, appeals process criticized".

Doug Jamerson

"Republican Gov. Charlie Crist burnishes his bi-partisan image today, attending a ceremony honoring one of the state’s most popular Democratic politicians. Crist attends the 5 p.m. dedication on Adams Street, a few blocks from the Capitol, of the 'Jamerson Building,' named for former Education Commissioner Doug Jamerson." "Crist honors popular Democrat".

"Lavish Care and Feeding" Required

"Avoiding even the appearance of impropriety has been bad for business in a town where industry thrives on the lavish care and feeding of politicians." "Businesses feel the pinch of gift ban".

Good Luck

"Arts teachers would like to change state's tune".

Class Notes

"Lawmakers might want to watch what they say as the legislative session starts Tuesday."

State Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, could be taking notes for his students.

While most of the Legislature's 160 members have second jobs in business or law, Fitzgerald stands out. As a political science professor at New College in Sarasota, he is the only lawmaker who has devoted his life to studying the very game he and his colleagues will play for the next two months.

His job has done more than help him win a leadership position as the deputy policy chairman of the House Democratic caucus, a rarity for a first-term member.

Charlie Delights Editors

The Tampa Trib editors are "delighted to hear Florida Governor Charlie Crist - in Washington last week to lobby for the cat fund - say he might throw his political influence behind the presidential candidate who most strongly supports a national cat fund. As a political strategy, it's priceless." "Crist Uses Clout For Florida".

Crisis Drill

"The idea is to simulate - at least in the imaginations of the participants - an event resembling the Mariel boatlift of 1980 or the Haitian exodus and Cuban rafter crisis, both in 1994." "Mass migration drill to prepare for possible crisis".

Contrasting Styles

"Leaders of state's Senate, House provide study in contrasting styles". More on Pruitt: "As his career hits its peak, senator's ambition dwindles".

Sideshows

"Organizations, ranging from universities and local governments to children's advocates and military units, reserve the Capitol courtyard, steps of the Old Capitol or the rotunda to showcase their activities. Here's a list of some of the sideshows." "Beyond lawmaking". See also "County to court legislators at event".

Too Late?

"As president visits Latin America, some S. Floridians wonder: Is it too late?". See also "Jeb Bush encouraged brother to pursue ethanol" ("a greener-sounding Bush is about to depart for a trip to Brazil, where he hopes to forge a biofuels partnership that officials believe could revolutionize America's fuel industry and transform its relations with Latin America. Critics suspect the president's biofuels conversion is only superficial, a late-in-the-day effort to build a less oil-splattered legacy.")

The St Pete Times editors note that "Florida has worked hard over three decades to build ties throughout Latin America and expand its global presence in the aviation, health care and financial services industries. But since 9/11, the federal government has missed the mark in balancing national security concerns with the state's economic interests." "Security red tape chokes off jobs, dollars".

Rate Cuts

"Figures released by the state Office of Insurance Regulation last week project savings of between 24 percent and 50 percent for those insured by private companies. The relief could start arriving in June, just in time for hurricane season." "Storm Season".

Dade

"As they gear up to tackle the most pressing issues affecting Florida's largest county, state lawmakers from Miami-Dade face a big hurdle: each other." "Dade lawmakers trying to unite". See what is "On the Agenda".

Detert

Jeremy Wallace: "Nancy Detert is no longer in the Florida Legislature, but the Venice Republican is still getting plenty of political attention. ... Although Detert came in second in the 13th Congressional District Republican primary, she won Sarasota County by 5 percentage points despite being heavily outspent by her opponents."

They "Wouldn't Change It, Even If They Could"

Bill Cotterell doesn't think the Florida Legislature gives a damn about state employees: "Documenting, to the penny, how state salaries are lower than comparable wages in the private sector, or those of their peers in other states, is like pointing out a sunrise. Legislators are already well aware of it - and wouldn't change it, even if they could." "AFSCME ready to plead its case in session".

"Paris or Orlando"?

"Whether it's Paris or Orlando, the premise remains the same: To dismiss art as a frivolous accessory is wrong." "Enough already".

Secret Dockets

"The Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments today about how to resolve issues surrounding the use of secret dockets." "Can court cases be hidden?"

Pigeon Key

"Problems at Pigeon Key are causing concern that the historic island in the middle Keys may be turned into a more commercial venture." "Pigeon Key fighting development".

Heartland Parkway

The St Pete Times editors argue that "officials need to fully and fairly air the proposal to build a 147-mile corridor from Polk to Collier counties. The Heartland Parkway, supporters say, presents an opportunity to manage growth and preserve endangered habitat while creating a transit and economic link vital to Central Florida. Ensuring that balance should guide this debate." "Road to where?"