A proposal to permit slot machines at parimutuels all over the state sailed out of the Senate on Friday, 34-5, with promises of up to $2 billion for state coffers. And talk of higher tax revenue from Broward's new Vegas-style slots has dominated debate surrounding looser regulations for Broward's casinos.

So far, the notion of using gambling revenues to replace property taxes hasn't gotten much traction in the traditionally gambling-hesitant House, with Speaker Marco Rubio and his top lieutenants stiffly opposed to the notion. But, as the end of the legislative session nears, some legislators think gambling dollars belong in the mix as a logical piece to a property-tax compromise.

Tally Ticker

"Legislature roundup". See also "Tallahassee ticker" and "Florida lawmakers faced with lengthy to-do list in final week".

Goin' Home?

"House Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller said Friday that legislators may have to head home and gear up for a special legislative session to deal with the issue because they can't agree right now." "Competing plans for tax cuts may doom passage of any cuts". See also "Tax debate may mean overtime for lawmakers".

More: "Lawmakers take tax battle to the airwaves". See also "Market chills, tax bills won't", "Not everyone wants property tax relief" and "Sentinel: Tax debate may mean overtime for lawmakers".

Election "Reform"

"In a bill embraced by House leaders, the Florida Senate agreed to scrap touch-screen voting in favor of optical-scan machines -- and move up the 2008 presidential primary to Jan. 29." "Paper ballot system appears likely". See also "Paper-ballot votes get more support", "Senate passes bill changing state voting", "Senate OKs paper-trail votes", "Plan to spen $28 million on new voting machines clears the Senate" and "Senate Passes Elections Bill".

"A slew of presidential candidates and hundreds of journalists descended this week on South Carolina, showering attention on what nearly everybody is describing as the first-in-the-South primary state. Few of these politicos have grasped that Florida is about to crash the Palmetto State's party with a Jan. 29 Sunshine State primary." "Earlier Florida primary could blindside candidates". See also "Florida v. SC primary war".

"Give pundits the chance and they'll tell you how the campaign for president will unfold because, well, they think they know so much more about the candidates than you do. ... Thing is, despite the pundits' eagerness to call the race before it's run, anything can happen -- especially if the public chooses to involve itself in the proceedings and decide, for itself. Floridians can do that sooner than ever in next year's expected earliest-ever primaries. But also before. Next week, the Republicans debate. Tune them in." "See for yourself".

Cable Fight

"The future of cable television in Florida may have changed on the state Senate floor Thursday. After a two-year battle, phone companies appear poised to win approval for an easier way to enter the lucrative cable television market." "Senate backs phone entry in cable TV". See also "Titans battle for control of cable TV in Florida".

Dubya Struggles To Find A Friendly Audience

"Despite a growing antiwar mood on college campuses across the country, President Bush can expect more cheers than heckles Saturday as he addresses 1,500 students and their families at Miami Dade College's commencement."

Miami Dade, a commuter college whose graduates are 77 percent Hispanic -- the largest contingent among them Cuban American -- creates a friendlier political envi- ronment for Bush than he might have faced at many four-year universities.

Bush's visit coincides with rallies planned around the country by war protesters calling for Congress to impeach him. Protesters planning an "unwelcoming party'' for the president on the perimeter of the Kendall campus, where Bush will speak at the gymnasium, say they will not disrupt the 5 o'clock ceremony, though some alumni and faculty have signed a petition decrying the invitation.

CD 13

The CD 13 "Task force will meet" next week.

Terror Fighters

"The Florida Senate struck back at terror and genocide Friday, voting 39-0 to divest state pension investments from companies with known ties to Iran and Sudan." "State strikes back at terror". See also "Florida looks to lead charge on businesses in Iran, Sudan".

Choice Politics

"After two hours of heated debate, the state House approved a proposal to require an ultrasound and a 24-hour wait period before almost all abortions." "Abortion bill heads to Senate". See also "House approves curbs on abortion" and "House passes waiting period, ultrasound requirements for abortion".

Lost

"Mark Lunsford, who became a highly visible advocate for tougher child protection laws after his 9-year-old daughter was slain, was encouraged Friday by Gov. Charlie Crist to run for the state House of Representatives. Lunsford said he would run as a Republican, albeit on a traditional Democratic platform that he could become a voice for the elderly and less fortunate people." "Crist sets special election for state Senate seat". See also "Jessica Lunsford's father to pursue House seat" and "Crist pushes Lunsford to run for state House".

More Choice Politics

"Certain crimes on pregnant women that result in their fetuses' death could lead to murder charges, no matter how far along the pregnancy was, under a bill the Florida House passed overwhelmingly Friday. Opponents said the bill would change the law on when life begins in Florida." "Florida law on murdering fetuses tightened under House bill". See also "House wants to strengthen rules on fetal deaths".

Still Alive

"Sen. Charlie Justice, a Democrat from St. Petersburg, introduced a new amendment Friday that would apply to any Florida officeholder and any federal office—not just president and vice president, but U.S. House and Senate as well. That one sailed through the Senate and will now go to the House. With Rubio on record favoring it, its odds are good." "R2R—The Saga Continues". See also "Senate flips on 'resign-to-run'".

"Drunk-Proof Cars"

"Two bills aimed at curbing drunken driving have passed the House and are headed to the Senate." "Drunk-proof cars awaiting Senate action".

Why Florida Needs Mandatory Civics Classes

"Angry homeowners have watched as local governments, flush with cash from rising property values, have chosen to spend it on more police, better parks and all the other things local government does - rather than use it to soften the property tax hit." "Taxpayers Demand Trimming".

No-Fault

"The state Senate loves no-fault laws, but House lawmakers says the system is ripe with fraud." "Drivers, it could be your fault". See also "House, Senate rethink auto insurance" and "Senate extends no-fault until '12".

"The NRA Of Cults"

Daniel Ruth: "Think of those zany, cuckoo, wacky Scientologists as sort of the National Rifle Association of cults."

A few days ago, a joint Senate-House conference committee approved a $200,000 seed money appropriation to create the Statewide Suicide Prevention Program, which will be used to develop a comprehensive effort for consideration during next year's legislative session.

The program would involve local suicide prevention agencies, faith-based groups, law enforcement, emergency response professionals, schools, universities, substance abuse treatment organizations and, yes, cue the "Running with Scissors" theme - mental health experts.

Now there's a recipe for subversion - potentially suicidal people getting help from people who know what they are doing.

Kramer did not respond to questions submitted through the Citizens Commission on Human Rights about his opposition to the bill.

Heaven Help Us If ...

Heaven help us if "T. Willard Fair is one of Florida's most recognized civil rights leaders". "Education Official Went Too Far With Harsh Immigration Ad".

After all, this is the same man who told Jebbie that "'In my judgment, there is no greater person on this Earth than you."

Lessons From Orlando (?)

"Last Tuesday's contest in state House District 49 in the Orlando area wasn't your typical, who-cares, no-name special election:"

- Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson flew in from Washington to campaign door to door with a 29-year-old rookie who had lost his last race.

- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also followed the campaign.

- The Democrat won.

That means the party flipped its eighth Republican seat in the House since November in a state where Democrats had gotten used to making concession speeches over the past several years.

Why should voters in Miami-Dade and Broward care about a Central Florida election in late April?

To Tell the Truth

"Give the Florida Senate a pat on the back for approving the Truth in Government Act. If enacted, the law would require anyone giving testimony before a legislative committee -- including lobbyists -- to be sworn in. That means someone who lies while addressing a committee could be charged with perjury." "Legislature 2007".

Voucher Madness

"For the second year in a row, lawmakers are trying to maneuver around the Florida Supreme Court ruling that struck down a private voucher program established under former Gov. Jeb Bush. The trick: Deposit revenues from corporate income taxes into a trust fund, and specify in statute that the fund can be used for 'any purpose other than education.'" "Trust fund could be voucher loophole".

Privatizing Death

"State lawmakers decided to keep a registry of private attorneys who represent inmates sentenced to death in North Florida despite Florida Supreme Court justices' request to scrap the pilot program initiated by Gov. Jeb Bush four years ago." "State opts to keep list of private attorneys".

Road Woes

"Floridians who will see millions of their tax dollars go to roads instead of mass transportation next year can thank rental-car lobby money for that. But if the state, once again, fails to leverage $50 million of that tax money into more than $1 billion in federal mass-transit dollars, blame state legislators." "Why accept gridlock?".

Gift

"Tampa Electric got a gift from the Legislature on Friday when the Senate voted to let it charge customers up front for a $1.5 billion experimental coal power plant in Polk County." "Tampa coal-plant measure passes".

Not A Tax Increase

"By a 28-10 vote, the Senate on Friday embraced a tiered tuition system that would generate tens of millions of dollars in extra revenue for the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of South Florida." "Senate approves higher tuition for 3 schools".

Huh?

"A legislative conference committee has refused, in the human services and health care appropriations bill, to include money to protect the state in the event of an avian flu pandemic. If that stands, it will make Florida the only state to turn down federal assistance to protect its people." "Influenza". See also "Public health experts urge legislators to stock antivirals to fight avian flu".

Poor Things

"Owners of second homes in Florida feel tax squeeze". See also "Homestead exemption only allowed on principal residence".

Anderson

"Financial settlements for a 14-year-old boy killed at a Florida boot camp and a wrongly imprisoned man are both halfway through the state Legislature." "Senate OK's $4.8 million in beating death of teenager". See also "Senate passes $5 million settlement in boot camp death", "After debate, Senate approves settlement for boot camp death", "Senate approves $4.8 million payout in boot camp death" and "Senate OKs $5 million Anderson settlement".

From The "Values" Crowd

"It would be unwise of the Florida Legislature to cut funding for the Medicaid safety-net program that helps cover hospital care for uninsured and charity patients. Yet this is exactly what a Senate proposal would do. ... The Legislature shouldn't shortchange poor and uninsured residents who use emergency services or the hospitals that care for them. Lawmakers should provide a safety net for the needy." "The neediest patients". See also "Cost-saving plan may cut state funding for disabled", "Accord to cut deficit likely to cap services for some disabled people", "Bailout could cut services to disabled" and "Budget Would Revamp Disabled Services".

Falling Water Levels

"Bird and alligator sightings rise as water levels continue to fall".

The foundation's connection is included among thousands of pages of Senate records and is the first evidence of who apparently paid for the trip, which has sparked an FBI probe. ...

As the investigation continues, two key areas of concern for Feeney could center on what precisely he disclosed as his share of the trip's costs and who sponsored the Scotland event.

Tally Ticker

"Today in Tallahassee". See also "Digest".

Going Early

"The Senate today passed its more expansive version of a bill to provide paper trails for voters and move up the presidential primary to Jan. 29." "Early Primary Advances". See also "Florida Senate passes bill with voting machine money, earlier primary", "Senate Passes Early Presidential Primary Plus Paper Trail Bill", "Senate passes election reforms, but House support is waning" and "Earlier presidential primary advances".

The Florida Progressive Coalition: "Election Reform Bill Passes Senate!".

Property Taxes

Update: "Senate President Ken Pruitt said a House plan to trade homeowner property tax relief for increased sales tax must be taken off the table before the talks can continue." "Senators Suspend Debate On Property Tax Switch".

"Flustered Florida lawmakers walked away from their property-tax negotiations Thursday even as Gov. Charlie Crist stepped up his pressure to broker a deal before the clock runs out on the legislative session next week." "Lawmakers won't budge on taxes". See also "Tax talks break down", "GOP split halts tax compromise", "Crist aims for 'doable' tax-cut plan", "Crist tries to bridge the tax relief divide separating House and Senate", "Legislators hone message on property relief as competing plans clash", "House, Senate stop talks on property taxes" and "Senate suspends property tax talks, but Crist is still optimistic".

On Wednesday night Rubio "called a Spanish-language Miami radio show and portrayed himself as the victim of a 'fix' engineered by local-government lobbyists who had won the governor's ear."

''I am upset with the governor'' said an agitated Rubio, who had learned earlier that Gov. Charlie Crist had proposed a rival plan while dismissing the West Miami legislator's proposal. On the Wednesday night talk show, Rubio said the lobbyists had ''descended on the Capitol'' to oppose significant tax cuts.

Were these the off-the-cuff remarks of a true-believing, thin-skinned 35-year-old politician with ambitions of higher office? Or was it all an appeal to sympathetic listeners of Radio Mambi's La Noche y Usted show to help him push a reluctant Senate and eager-to-please governor for deeper cuts?

Rubio's political chess-playing and brinksmanship during the now-stalled negotiations over property taxes have political strategists guessing. Most surprising is that Rubio -- one of the two most powerful legislative leaders -- told listeners he wanted them to back a referendum drive to bypass the Legislature and eliminate most homeowner property taxes in favor of raising sales taxes 2.5 cents. ...

However, if Rubio leads a petition drive, he'll face the opposition of the business lobby, which fears the cooling sales that come with higher sales taxes, especially on big-ticket items like televisions and cars. Many businesses might block signature gatherers from their workplace.

That's Our Charlie

"A friend in the petroleum industry helped Gov. Charlie Crist get to the Stop Global Warming rally and appearance with singer and environmental activist Sheryl Crow. ... The incongruity of Crist's plane sponsor to the environmental rally in Gainesville was not lost on activists at the Capitol." "Oil-industry friend gives Crist plane ride".

Restricting Choice

"Women seeking abortions in their first trimester of pregnancy would be required to have ultrasounds of their fetuses, though they could opt out of viewing them. The proposal amended onto a House bill Thursday also requires that women wait 24 hours after meeting with a doctor before having an abortion." "Bill Mandates Ultrasound".

Delightful

"Rep. Trudi Williams, R-Fort Myers, added the proposal earlier this week to a bill (HB 957) that would make it easier to get wetlands permits for strip malls and other projects on fewer than 5 acres." "Bill add-on eases wetland restrictions".

Hate

"The Florida House of Representatives on Friday unanimously approved a bill that imposes stiffer penalties for attacks or assaults on the homeless that take place because the victim is homeless." "House passes homeless hate crime bill".

No-Fault

"State lawmakers know well how intently Floridians want them to go after most anything connected to insurance. In January, public anger over oppressive property-insurance rates compelled them to eliminate industry loopholes and alter the way underwriters do business." "Keep no-fault". See also "Battle over the no-fault automobile insurance law moves to the Florida House" and "Vote set on extension of no-fault insurance".

Win-Win

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Rebating sales-tax money generated by sports teams makes good economic sense." "A win-win". Nevertheless, "State senators predicted a quick death for the Florida Marlins baseball stadium bill just moments after it passed out of the House." "New ballpark bill likely to strike out".

SD 3 June 5 Special Election

"Crist chose June 5 for a special primary election and June 26 for the general election in Senate District 3. The 13-county district runs from eastern Tallahassee across north Florida through Baker County, and southeast along the Gulf Coast to part of Marion County." "Special election set for District 3".

No More Lying?

"First, it was no gifts. Now comes no lying. Is it going to be any fun to be a state lawmaker any more? Lying to the Legislature would be a felony, thanks to a proposal approved Thursday by the state Senate that would require lobbyists, legislative staff members and lawmakers themselves to speak under oath." "Legislature trying truth or consequences". See also "Senate: Charge lying lobbyists with perjury" and "Bill calls for truth in hearings" and "Legislators take a stand against lies".

VP Charlie?

"A bill introduced late Wednesday in the Florida Senate, and supported by House Speaker Marco Rubio, would let Florida’s governor run for president or vice president without being forced to resign from the governor’s office."

A spokeswoman for Rubio denies that the legislation is aimed at making it easier for Gov. Charlie Crist to get out of the state House so Rubio can have a shot at getting in.

But Rubio might have some reasons to want to do Crist a favor that would also help get Crist out of the way.

He clearly isn’t happy with Crist, at least since about 3 p.m. Wednesday.

McCarty

"Attorney General Bill McCollum has joined in the expanded
investigation into fundraising activities at the Office of Insurance
Regulation. CFO Alex Sink on Tuesday asked Gov. Charlie Crist's inspector general
to join the case, and on Wednesday extended that invitation as well to
the attorney general and the agriculture commissioner." "McCollum is In".

Byrd

The Tampa Trib editors: "Personalities Aside, Byrd Institute Deserves Steady Funding Stream".

Cable

"AT&T Corp. and Verizon Communications Inc. don't want to be told they have to sell cable TV and broadband Internet to every area of a city or town." "Senate cable bill includes fine for providers who discriminate".

CD 13

"The three-member congressional task force examining the disputed Sarasota area congressional race will have its first open meeting next Wednesday." "Will the Florida 13 investigation continue?".

Laff Riot

"Rep. David Rivera just tried to amend a highway bill to rename University Avenue in Gainesville after Jeb Bush. But he was only kidding and quickly withdrew the amendment." "Jeb Bush Avenue".

World Class Joke

"The push for 'World-Class Education Standards' is this year's proof that Florida thinks the solution to every school issue is a new slogan, a meddlesome mandate and another standardized test."

The bill is a priority of House Speaker Marco Rubio, a 35-year-old Coral Gables attorney who was inspired by a Hoover Institution report commissioned by former Gov. Jeb Bush. As it turns out, the "Sunshine State Standards," which form the basis of FCAT standardized testing, are apparently not worldly enough.

The copy and paste commands on the Department of Education's computer could quickly adapt "Sunshine State" to "World Class," but Rubio wants more. The bill, HB 7151, insists that schools toss everything out and start over - "systematically replace (Sunshine Standards) by adopting World Class Education Standards that prepare Florida's students to effectively engage, communicate, and compete in a global economy." ...

Lest students and teachers get too international in their thinking, though, the bill directs further that social studies exams place "an emphasis on history, government, civics and United States patriotism and national sovereignty." Unpatriotic students, presumably, could be denied diplomas.

The bill, with its call for world-class U.S. patriotism, has made its way to the House floor. But the civics lesson may begin in the Senate, where supporters search for a way to bend the government's rules. A companion bill was defeated in a Senate committee and is now under a cloud because a motion to reconsider did not lead to a new vote. Rubio, unmoved, keeps pressing forward.

If this is the path to world-class education, maybe Florida can wait.

"Shocking Death Rate"

"Rep. Betty Reed and Sen. Arthenia Joyner have shepherded a $1 million initiative to address the shocking death rate among black infants in Florida. The House unanimously approved the bill on Thursday, and now the Senate and Gov. Charlie Crist must act. ... In some parts of Tampa, a black infant has no better chance at surviving their first year than a child born in Jamaica or Serbia." "Action Needed To Save Lives".

From The "Values" Crowd

"In the closing days of the 2007 session, a key senator opposes a decision by the House to pay Crotzer $1.25-million, or $50,000 for each year in prison, without providing a system for similar cases in the future. Sen. Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, who has worked extensively on wrongful imprisonment issues, said he remains opposed to arbitrarily handling such cases one by one, based on the ability of people and their lawyers to get the Legislature's attention." "Payment for lost years may have to wait".

"Companies that 'abandon morality in favor of profit'"

"Companies that 'abandon morality in favor of profit' should not get any investment dollars from Florida, the state Senate agreed on Thursday. Florida's $140 billion pension fund is the fourth largest in the country. The divestiture would affect about $1 billion worth of investments." "Senate votes to use its financial might to undo social wrongs".

With all due respect, "Companies that 'abandon morality in favor of profit'"? Who might those be?

"It's beginning to look a lot like 2006"

"Up in Tallahassee, it's beginning to look a lot like 2006. With only a week left in the regular session, tough issues like property- tax reform and insurance reform remain tied up in knots. With each passing day, it becomes more likely that any resolution will be a hurried, half-baked affair. Lawmakers shouldn't let this happen -- again." "Lawmakers should get priorities straight".

Ron Reagan's Priorities

"House members disarmed a controversial House insurance 'glitch' bill Thursday, keeping consumer benefits passed just three months ago in special session."

House insurance chief Ron Reagan brought back and passed HB 7077, tabled for nearly a month while he tried to work out a compromise that would pass.

In the end, he abandoned efforts to exempt commercial insurance from new laws requiring claims to be paid within 90 days. However, he won language that limits penalties against slow-to-pay insurers to regulatory action, though insurers must pay property owners interest earnings on their late checks.

Privatization Follies

"The mess at Broward County's ChildNet could be worse in only one way: It could involve harm to some of the 1,000-plus young charges of the private foster-care agency. But so far, at least, the mounting problems involve job abuses -- charges of theft and fraud and unqualified workers -- but no child abuse. There could be more trouble ahead, though. The FBI served search warrants at ChildNet's offices this month but hasn't revealed its investigation's target." "ChildNet's miscues a disappointment".

Anderson

"The Florida Senate voted this afternoon to give the parents of Martin Lee Anderson $5 million in a settlement with the state. Lawmakers debated for more than an hour on the bill (SB 2968) before approving it 29-5. The bill was amended to change language some said convicted the former Bay County drill instructors and nurse before their criminal trial." "Senate OKs $5 million settlement for Anderson family".

Tuition Hikes

"Here's a look at the different tuition-hike bills in the House and Senate." "Proposals to increase tuition".

Privatization Follies

"Hoping to head off more privatization failures, the Senate voted unanimously Thursday to create a new state technology agency with the governor and Cabinet in charge."

Sen. Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, said the state spends about $2 billion a year on computer systems and high-tech equipment and services. But he said some big-ticket projects have flopped, costing the state millions and diverting time and money into clean-up work instead of public services.

''We have a track record of busted projects and broken budgets,'' Lawson said in a statement. ''We have to do better. Damage control only takes time and money away from other priorities. It makes for easy headlines but lousy public policy.''

Dems Coming Back To Life

Bill Cotterell yesterday: "It's too early to call it a trend, but the Florida Democratic Party might be snapping out of its slump." "Democrats are showing signs of life".

"This issue is not about splitting the difference," said Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. "This issue is about a measure of tax relief our citizens need."

After the Senate increased its proposed tax cuts from $12 billion to $15 billion over five years Tuesday, the House responded Wednesday afternoon by hiking its proposed cuts from $44 billion to $47 billion.

The plan includes a rollback and cap on local government, doubling the $25,000 homestead exemption and allowing people to transfer Save Our Homes benefits to new homes.

"Some (lawmakers) have come to me and said, 'A little more guidance from the executive branch might not be a bad thing,' " Crist said.

Two hours later, his two-page proposal was circulating in the Capitol.

Next year, he wants to double the homestead exemption to $50,000 - or even triple it by a local option election.

The rollback would amount to $27.2 billion over five years. The plan also includes a statewide election to create Save Our Homes portability that would phase in over three years and boost the total five-year tax reduction to $33.5 million.

Besides allowing longtime homeowners to take their Save Our Homes discounts with them when they move, Crist wants to give a 25-percent assessment discount to first-time homebuyers.

Senate Finance and Tax Chairman Mike Haridopolos said Crist's new plan closely resembled where the Senate wanted to go.

''We're farther apart than we were before,'' grumbled Rep. Jack Seiler, a Wilton Manors Democrat, after a late-night negotiating conference dissolved in discord.

The only agreement: They will meet again today -- though they didn't even set a time.

Crist is also insisting that homeowners be allowed to take their low property-tax assessment with them when they buy new homes. That would result in even more people paying disproportionately low property taxes.

Just as we feared, leaders are slamming together a tax-cut plan that will impact Floridians and reshape city and county budgets for years to come.

That's not good leadership. The House, in particular, would rush a plan before voters to eliminate most property taxes on homes and raise the state sales tax.

Day 32

"Legislature: Day 32 at a glance". See also the Miami Herald's "Legislature" update. "Time's running out, bills are dying, but chambers still dawdle".

Feeney Follies

"Rep. Tom Feeney has insisted for years that he didn't know convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff paid for their luxury golfing trip to Scotland in 2003."

But an e-mail obtained by the St. Petersburg Times on Wednesday shows that Abramoff's office sent specific instructions on how to report the trip expenses to a handful of people, including Feeney's congressional assistant."

Jason Roe, Rep. Tom Feeney's former chief of staff, abruptly resigned from Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. It came after the St. Petersburg Times reported the FBI was seeking an email Roe sent the newspaper about Feeney and convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Roe's wife, Patricia, did some fundraising work for Feeney before becoming chief of staff to Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Arizona. Last week, federal investigators raided Renzi's wife's office in a scandal unrelated to Abramoff. This week, Renzi resigned from his House committees.

Early Primary Punishment

"Not only will Florida be punished if it moves up its presidential primary before Feb. 5, but any Democratic candidate who steps foot in the state will be too, Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean said Wednesday. ... The Republican National Committee has threatened to take similar actions if the primary is moved before Feb. 5." "Dean says early primary will cost state party".

But It Is Not A "Tax" Increase

"Tens of thousands of students who expect free tuition at three of Florida's largest state universities under the Bright Futures scholarships would have to pay additional tuition -- as much as $1,000 a year -- under an overhaul plan moving through the Legislature." "University tuition increase proposed". See also "Proposals to Increase Tuition".

The Tampa Tribune editors: "For as much as he gets right, Gov. Charlie Crist is wrong to believe that Florida universities best serve citizens by maintaining the lowest tuition in the country." "Crist Should Set Moon-Shot Goal To Raise Prestige Of Universities".

" Unregulated Insurance Companies"

"Unregulated insurance companies could sell Medicare supplemental coverage in Florida under legislation being questioned by Gov. Charlie Crist." "Senate decides to reconsider measure on Medigap plans". See also "Senate decides to reconsider measure on Medigap plans".

"Shocking News"

The Hill: "Shocking news out of Florida! Nearly nine months after Rep. Robert Wexler (D) said that cocaine and prostitutes are fun things to do, someone wants to take the lawmaker’s job. Imagine that! No one in the political world has forgotten Wexler’s comments to Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert last summer, especially Democrat Ben Graber, who announced last week he is challenging the sixth-term incumbent in the 2008 primary." "Wexler cocaine comment may haunt him" (via Naked Politics' "Is the joke on Wexler?")

"Crisis"

"Blamed for improper cost estimates and for hiding numbers, the agency serving develop- mentally disabled people is in crisis -- and the most needy might pay the price." "Agency for disabled people falls into 'crisis'". More: "Home care at risk".

Soto

"Soto's victory means Democrats have picked up eight House seats since last year. The Republicans still hold a 78-42 majority." "Darren Soto sworn in to Florida House". See also "Another Democrat in the House" ("Just under 10 percent of the district's 77,188 voters cast ballots in the race, which means it's hard to draw any sweeping conclusions about which party could be making inroads with Hispanics (who make up half the district's voters).")

On The Cheap

"If Florida is aiming this year to lower the quality of its public universities, politicians are on the right track. Former university chancellor Charles Reed once used Latin to describe what he viewed as the state's attitude toward higher education: Humiles sumus et quoque superbi, or, 'We're cheap, and we're proud of it.' His motto fairly characterizes this year's effort so far." "Too cheap for too long".

Hurricane Mitigation

"A popular hurricane mitigation program [My Safe Florida Home] may offer half as much grant money or about four times as many free hurricane inspections in coming weeks, depending on what the state Legislature decides." "Changes To Storm Grants In Wind". See also "Relief bill gets House panel OK".

Brilliant Mistake

"After two terms of Jeb Bush in the Florida governor's mansion and two terms of George W. Bush in the White House, abstinence groups have gotten a big funding boost and entrée into public schools."

And what has it gotten us?

More abortions than ever in Florida and Broward.

He's Baaack

"T. Willard Fair, an ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush, is the new face of opposition to proposals like one championed by President Bush to allow undocumented immigrants to gain citizenship." "Activist opposes amnesty push".

"Scaled-down back-to-school sales tax holiday"

"Florida parents of schoolchildren may sense the state's budget pinch this summer after the Legislature's Wednesday approval of a scaled-down back-to-school sales tax holiday." "Legislators scale back school sales tax holiday, schedule it for Aug. 4-13". See also "Sales tax holidays returning" and "Sales-tax holiday approved". On a related note, "Shoppers may get more breaks".

Laff Riot

"Former Gov. Jeb Bush got a prime-time endorsement for president in the little-noted fictional character demographic. Eccentric and lavishly conservative Denny Crane -- played to the hilt by William Shatner on the ABC drama "Boston Legal" -- Tuesday declared his preference to occupy the White House in 2008. 'Jeb!' Shatner's Crane exclaimed." "Denny Crane! endorses Jeb!"

Charters Not A Good Choice?

FCAT scores: "Most of the charters did not fare as well. The passing rates among charter school students - 72 percent for elementaries, 83 percent for middle and 73 percent for high schools - are well below district and statewide percentages." "At charters, scores on FCAT produce cheers, frustration".

Paid Sick Leave ... Oh, The Horror!

"In Washington and Tallahassee, a handful of politicians are proposing new laws that would require many employers to provide six weeks of paid sick leave for their workers." The less than surprising response from folks who don't lose a penny when they happen to be sick (after all, "Sick leave is a fairly common benefit in white-collar work environments, but it's much harder to find in service industries, such as hospitality, retail and food service, which are major employers in Florida") is the usual whining:

business owners and advocates are gearing up to challenge the proposals, saying they would hinder profits, productivity and entrepreneurship.

- According to "The Work, Family & Equality Index," released this year by the Institute for Health and Social Policy at McGill University, at least 145 countries provide paid sick days. Of these countries, 136 provide at least one week's worth of paid sick leave.

- The National Partnership for Women & Families, a nonprofit organization that supports paid sick leave for American workers, says 48 percent of all full-time private sector workers have no paid sick leave. The group says lower paid workers are most affected: nearly 80 percent of all low wage workers have no paid sick leave, and 41 percent of all workers with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty line have no paid leave whatsoever. ...

Outside the United States, paid sick leave is customary in industrialized nations. In Germany, for example, workers receive up to six weeks of paid sick leave a year.

Sen. Frederica S. Wilson, D-Miami, has introduced the Healthy Workers, Healthy Family Act, which calls for 6½ days of paid sick leave for full-time workers at companies with 10 or more employees, and 3¼ days for workers at smaller businesses. Workers would be able to use their paid sick leave to take care of family members.

Wilson said her bill is a "win-win" for workers and employers.

"It's clear that everyone, at some point in their working career, has a bout with sickness - or has a bout with family sickness - and they have to be absent," Wilson said.

If sick employees come to work, they may become sicker or contaminate other workers, she said. However, many times those employees must go to work "because they can't afford not to come to work," she said.

Wilson's message to critics: "Everything is a burden in life, but as you work through this process and you assure these people are really sick, and not taking advantage of it - which we know most people will not - we don't think it will be such a big burden."

Reptiles

"Worried about nonnative reptiles that are establishing their own colonies in Florida's welcoming hot climate, state lawmakers are about to establish a $100-a-year license that would be required for anyone owning a 'reptile of concern' that could hurt the state's environment or humans if it gets loose." "Nonnative lizards, snakes a worry for state".

Don Can't Help It

"House: Illegal immigrant children should be eligible for KidCare". See also "House-approved KidCare plan would revamp, simplify process". "Among those voting against the bill: Rep. Don Brown, a Republican from DeFuniak Springs, who didn't like that the bill extended coverage to illegal immigrant children." "Don Brown and illegal immigrants, Part 2".

Tallahassee ... We Have A Problem

Even columnists who profess that "it feels good to kill some people" recognize the Florida's system of killing human beings has problems:

The Death Penalty Information Center, a nonprofit group that tracks capital cases, lists 123 death-row inmates who were pardoned, had their conviction overturned, were acquitted at retrial or had all charges dropped, dating back to 1973. Twenty-two were from Florida.

It raises the question of how many innocent people have been executed. Given Southern justice and defendants of color, rest assured the answer is more than none.

There's no way to give him back his youth, but the state can and should compensate him. The $1.2 million sum proposed seems miserly in contrast to the great injustice done.

But even more pitiful is the Legislature's refusal to spare the dignity of wronged innocents like Crotzer, by stalling legislation that would make compensation automatic for those found to have been wrongfully convicted. ...

There are no clear fingerprints on the knife that gutted the compensation bill, but one thing is obvious: Some lawmaker or lawmakers have cause to be ashamed.

Whatever

"Senate Conference Room Named For Jennings".

Nelson

"Sen. Bill Nelson is planning a trip to Sudan in May, his Washington office announced this afternoon." "Nelson planning trip to Sudan".

Energy Bill

"The Florida House unanimously passed an energy bill Wednesday that would provide sales tax exemptions for the purchase of hybrid vehicles and require state and local governments to construct energy-efficient buildings." "House unanimously approves energy bill". See also "Energy bill passes House unanimously", "House bill gives tax breaks for being green" and "House OKs tax break for hybrids".

'Glades

"Once again, money for the $1.37 billion cleanup of the Indian River Lagoon seems tantalizingly close. But with the Bush administration opposing the Water Resources Development Act, which the U.S. House just approved 394-25, the project still is far from certain. In March, a Senate committee approved a similar bill, which awaits approval by the full Senate." "Keep Everglades promise".

Anderson

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Boot camp death: Pay up".

Coal

"Funding for a $1.5-billion coal-gasification plant stalled Wednesday after the sponsor of a Senate bill submitted a sweeping, last-minute amendment critics fear could harm the environment." "Tampa Electric's bill stalls".

"New Criteria"

"New standards for Florida's public school students were given tentative approval Wednesday in the state House, but the bill's outcome in the Senate was less clear. A top priority of House Speaker Marco Rubio, the bill would require additional training for teachers and more foreign language classes for students, while other measures would be set by the state Board of Education." "House passes new criteria in education".

FAMU

"Florida's top auditor is taking issue with claims by interim Florida A&M University president Castell Bryant that she never requested an internal review by the school's inspector general, who was later fired." "FAMU audit takes issue with interim president".

"Wishful Thinking

"With the regular legislative session ending next week, it appears as if retired state workers, even more than those still actively employed by Florida government, are like Rodney Dangerfield."

They can't get any respect from lawmakers, despite having a champion who does get respect from Republicans and Democrats alike.

Sen. Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, was hopeful early this year that legislation he and Rep. Bob Allen, R-Merritt Island, are sponsoring to modestly raise health-insurance subsidies for state retirees would get a fair hearing from their colleagues and perhaps even pass.

Now it appears that Mr. Lawson, a seasoned legislator and longtime supporter of state employees, was engaged in wishful thinking.

Who can blame him for his earlier optimism? After all, a new wind seemed to be blowing in the Capitol, with a new governor who professes reverence for public service and a different tone in the political conversation.

Charlie Hearts Dems

"Crist accepted an invitation to meet with House Democrats on their turf Wednesday, offering further evidence of the changed political atmosphere in Florida." "Charlie and the Democrats".

McCarty Mess

"As Gov. Charlie Crist continues to support the state's insurance commissioner, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is pushing to broaden an investigation being conducted by her office." "Insurance chief faces broader investigation".

Another "Jeb!" Legacy

"A former regional director of Florida's prison system was sentenced Wednesday to two years and seven months in prison for his role in accepting $130,000 in kickbacks from a contractor." "Prisons director gets 31 months".

McCain

Adam Smith: "McCain seeks a fresh start".

FBI agent Kevin Luebke refused to say whether Feeney, a Republican from the Orlando area, is under federal investigation.

Federal agents also have asked the St. Petersburg Times for an e-mail sent to the newspaper by Feeney's office describing a golfing trip the congressman took with Abramoff to Scotland in 2003.

Feeney deflected most questions about his dealings with federal authorities, noting that his attorneys have advised him not to go into much detail.

The former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives would not say how recently Justice officials contacted him or what they asked.

Martinez has said he can't recall the meeting.

But here's Martinez's problem. He's said that he never met wtih Abramoff while heading HUD; but clearly Ney was acting as a kind of lobbyist for Abramoff, who was trying to win HUD funds for his Indian clients.

And he got plenty. According to The Miami Herald, Abramoff's client The Saginaw Chippewa, for whom Abramoff was working hard to win HUD money, was awarded about $4 million from 2002 to 2004.

Martinez was richly rewarded. Just two months after he left HUD in order to make a run for the Senate in early 2004, his campaign netted $250,000 from a fundraiser co-chaired by Abramoff.

So it seems that it's time for another round of denials from Martinez that he gave Abramoff any special treatment.

Argenziano Gets PSC Gig

"State Sen. Nancy Argenziano, a sometimes maverick Republican who has squared off against utility companies in her legislative career, will be able to watch over them full time after being named to the state Public Service Commission." "Senator appointed to fill PSC vacancy". See also "Governor names Argenziano to commission" and "Longtime PSC watchdog named a member" ("Argenziano once declared 'war' on the commission that regulates rates for Florida's electricity, gas and phone.")

Day 30

"Legislature: Day 30 at a glance". See also "The day in Tallahassee, Monday, April 23, 2007".

Dems Poised to Pick Up Seat in HD 49 Special Election Today

There HD 49 special election is today, and the Orlando Sentinel editors think, Dem Darren "Soto a good fit".

House Draws "Line in the Sand"

"Lawmakers engaged in lots of posturing -- but agreed on little -- in their first day of property-tax negotiations." "Property tax wrangle goes nowhere". See also "Property tax plans $73 billion apart" and "Tax negotiations at impasse". On the possible increase to the sales tax, see "State lawmakers see sales tax as a ready source of quick cash".

"Twelve hundred dollars."

That's the absolute minimum on average that House Republicans said primary homeowners should save in property taxes next year, as they kicked off property-tax negotiations Monday with the Senate with a numerical line in the sand.

Second-home owners and rental-property owners should save at least $750, and commercial-property owners should save at least $3,300, they added.

Those figures mirror the savings that would be produced if the Senate agreed to most of the House's plan to impose deep cuts on local governments and swap lower property taxes for a higher sales tax.

But that's an idea the Senate has flatly rejected so far.

"I Choose Not to Vote"

"Maybe a congressional race was so nasty that a large number of voters simply didn't want to check the box next to either candidate. That's what state Sen. Mike Bennett believes happened in the now-infamous District 13 congressional race. Hoping to prevent a repeat, he persuaded the Senate Ethics and Elections committee to approve a bill (SB 494) Monday that would require ballots to have the additional option of 'I choose not to vote.'" ""I choose not to vote" may become ballot option in Florida". See also "Plan gives voters option to not vote for any candidate".

"Jeb!" Appointment "On the Take"

The Jeb appointed former head of the Florida Department of Corrections, Secretary James "Crosby, and his friend and protege, Allen Clark, had a nasty secret. Despite their generous state salaries, they were on the take. They admitted last July that they received $130,000 in kickbacks from a company that supplied potato chips, soft drinks and other snacks to weekend prison visitors. Both are scheduled to be sentenced this week - Crosby on Tuesday, Clark on Wednesday - and will probably receive federal prison time. Federal officials have said Crosby could receive up to eight years in prison." "Ex-state prisons chief to be sentenced for taking kickbacks".

Romney Strikes Out

"Mutual Admiration Society, But No Endorsement, As Crist And Romney Meet". See also "Romney: I am a conservative", "Governor gets to know Romneys" and "Romney wants taste of Crist's popularity".

On supposes this is Better than nothing: "Bronson Backs Romney". See generally: "Romney Latest GOP Contender at Capitol", "Mitt, for a change" ("About 30 lawmakers joined former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for lunch Monday at the Governor's Club in Tallahassee") and "Romney betting on early Florida primary".

Charlie's Citizen Plan Faltering

"With critics pointing to huge financial risks, Florida House members backed away Monday from a plan to freeze Citizens Property Insurance Corp. rates until 2009 and allow Citizens to compete more with private insurers." "Citizens plan slips in house". See also "Panel nixes plan to keep Citizens rates frozen", "Property tax negotiators don't move much", "Committee undoes Crist's Citizens efforts" and "Bill to strengthen Citizens moves forward in House".

From the "Values" Crowd

"Inmates put to death by lethal injection are supposed to die quickly and painlessly, but they actually might suffocate aware and in agony, a team of researchers concluded in a study released Monday. " "Study: Lethal injection flawed". See also "Study: Lethal injection method flawed" ("The drugs used to execute prisoners in the United States sometimes fail to work as planned, causing slow and painful deaths that probably violate constitutional bans on cruel and unusual punishment, a new medical review of dozens of executions concludes.")

Crime Victim Compensation Program Changes

"On Monday, a bill that would allow money [from the state's Crime Victim Compensation Program] to flow to the families of Florida residents who are killed in violent crimes in other countries passed through committees in the House and the Senate." "State may help family of those killed abroad".

Poverty

"The policies of the last six years may not have been explicitly anti-poor. But they've been disproportionately pro-rich. For the swelling number of those living in poverty, it amounts to the same thing. They count less -- literally and politically." The News-Journal editors explain:

If the poverty line was adjusted to reflect statistical and contemporary realities, there wouldn't be 37 million poor Americans, as there was in 2005 (the last year for which data is available). The number would be closer to 41 million. The proportion of Americans living in poverty wouldn't be 12.6 percent, but 14.1 percent. The formula would be based on after-tax income (the working poor don't pay federal income taxes, but they still pay payroll taxes, which take a disproportionate share of their income), but would also add in such cash-value aid as food stamps. It would take housing, child care, clothing, out-of-pocket medical expenses and transportation into account. Only then would the number come closer to reality.

Corporate Welfare

"CSX Transportation charges local governments millions to fix and maintain railroad crossings on public roads. Yet there is no accounting of how those tax dollars are spent and there is considerable evidence its charges are excessive." "CSX's Pricing Process Runs Over Taxpayers, Accountability".

Whatever

How non-partisan of them: "Fred Thompson—lawyer, actor, senator and possible candidate for president—will wear two of his many hats in Tampa May 10 when he speaks to the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation’s Law and Liberty Dinner." "Fred Thompson To Address Local Bar".

McCarty Mess

"Crist came out Monday in support of the state's embattled insurance commissioner, defending Kevin McCarty from what he says are industry attacks." Recall that "CFO Alex Sink, one of four Cabinet members to whom McCarty reports, rebuked the commissioner for creating an atmosphere of 'arm-twisting and payback.'". "Crist defends insurance commissioner". See also "Insurers for McCarty" ("lobbyist Mark Delegal says State Farm, at least, stands by the
Florida regulator.")

Big of 'Em

"Florida lawmakers [and in particular state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey] may have put an end to a contract that allowed a single vendor [National Safety Commission, a Ponte Vedra Beach company owned by one Kenneth Underwood] to print the state's driver license handbooks that included pages of advertisements for the vendor's own business. The House-Senate committee negotiating the state budget on Monday put $750,000 into the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' budget to print the handbooks as long as it doesn't include any advertisements." "State may use $750,000 for no-ad drivers guide".

Remember this?

Underwood's contract was the subject of a state audit last year that said the public should have known that the lobbyist representing Underwood's company, Sherry Dickinson, was the wife of the then-agency head, Fred Dickinson.

In addition, Underwood's competitors for traffic school business have aggressively lobbied legislators to short-circuit his deal.

Fasano's former legislative aide, Shawn Foster, used to lobby for a traffic school that is one of Underwood's rivals. The senator discounted that as a factor in his actions.

Tech Fee

"As House and Senate negotiators work out compromises on higher education funding in Tallahassee, student leaders are going before legislators seeking a special technology fee. The fee would be voluntary, according to leaders of the Florida Students Association, and each campus would put any proposed fee up for a student vote. Given that Florida's universities are technologically behind many other states, the fee is critical to offering students a quality education in a global economy." "Tech fee would help universities".

Sinking ...

"What began as a consumer-friendly proposal tacked to the cable-video franchising bill to keep basic local phone rates from rising could ultimately end up sinking the legislation." "On the line/a>". See also "Cable proposals still need tuning".

"Sabotage"

"The historic 'pay as you go' growth management law passed two years ago may be sabotaged in the Florida House."

Bills to fix some minor glitches in that law are in both the House and Senate this year.

But the House bill, rather than simply making the minor staff-requested changes, establishes a series of exemptions from state oversight.

Significantly, it would allow the most densely populated counties, including Pinellas, to make changes in their comprehensive plans without being reviewed by the state Department of Community Affairs.

Expect Wingnut Influx Into GAL Programs

"Legislation that makes it harder for pregnant girls to avoid telling their parents before they get an abortion now heads to the Senate floor. The Senate judiciary committee on Monday voted 7-4 in favor of a bill (SB 1602) that requires a judge to consider additional factors before deciding whether a minor is mature enough to decide to have an abortion, including whether the girl was intimidated or pressured to have the procedure. ... Sen. Steven Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, unsuccessfully tried to remove the guardian ad litem requirement from Storms' bill. He said it was excluded from previous legislation because of concerns that guardian ad litems who are anti-abortion would not be able to separate their beliefs from their job, possibly affecting their ability to counsel girls." "Abortion bill adds guardian ad litems".

Renters Take It In The Shorts

"Florida renters could soon face thousands of dollars in new penalties for breaking leases under revamped rental laws that consumer advocates say would be tipped in favor of landlords." "Legislators may let landlords charge 2 months' rent for breaking a lease".

Early Primary Talk Working?

"If the goal in moving the primary up to as soon as late January was to make Florida more relevant in picking party nominees, the early attention from candidates proves it's working, said University of South Florida political science professor Darryl Paulson. Over the past two decades, when presidential candidates visited Florida in the early stages of the campaign, it was to raise money. Now, it is also to court voters." "Florida pulling in the candidates".

Keller in Trouble?

Scott Maxwell reports that "U.S. Rep. Ric Keller is off to his worst fundraising start since he was first elected in 2000."

The Orlando Republican says the slow start is all part of his strategy and that he'll soon be flush with cash. But his critics -- both Democrats and a Republican who is trying to unseat him and actually out-raised Keller this quarter -- say the numbers show Keller is more vulnerable than ever.

"People are looking for a big change," said upstart Republican candidate Todd Long, who reported raising $3,000 more than Keller. "And he's not going to be able to raise as much money from Central Floridians this time."

Added Florida Democratic Party spokesman Mark Bubriski: "When a relative unknown challenger in your own party gets that close in fundraising, you have to be worried about your party's confidence in you. Keller seems oblivious to the fact that he's extremely vulnerable."

CD 13

Jeremy Wallace asks "Will death affect Dist. 13 task force?"

The investigation into what happened in the 13th Congressional District election was already crawling along at a slow pace in Congress.

Now comes the unexpected death of Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-Calif.
On Sunday, the chairwoman of the House Administration Committee died at age 68 of cancer. Millender-McDonald, as the chairwoman of that committee, created the 13th District task force to look into Democrat Christine Jenning’s assertion that a voting machine error caused the abnormally high 18,000 undervotes.

Disabled Care

"There are reasonable and responsible ways to address the burgeoning costs associated with providing for the needs of Florida's developmentally disabled. A blanket cutoff of services is not one of them." "Spend wisely on disabled care".

Hill's "Misogynistic" Florida Cash

Washington Post columnist Colbert I. King thinks Sen. Hillary Clinton tshould "give it back -- 'it' being the reported $800,000 that's sitting in her presidential campaign coffers thanks to a fundraiser hosted in her honor March 31 in the Pinecrest, Fla., home of a huge Clinton fan who refers to himself as Timbaland." He explains why in "From Clinton, Hip-Hop Hypocrisy" (via The Buzz, "Should Hillary return Florida money?").

Stay Outa My "Quasi-Public" Place

"The measure would deprive citizens of the opportunity to exercise their right to petition government in 'quasi-public' places such as malls. It is also discriminatory, they said, because businesses could still allow petition drives they favor." "Hey, you kids, get off my parking lot!".

To Replace Argenziano

"Outgoing Sen. Nancy Argenziano said she’s going to leave office the day before the end of the legislative session to ensure Senate confirmation this year of her appointment to the Public Service Commission – but she’s not staying out of politics or coming anywhere close to endorsing Richard Corcoran, a 'political insider' who resigned as House Speaker Marco Rubio’s top aide to run for her office."

Corcoran ran a nasty campaign against her in 1998, and she’s not forgetting it. Meantime, Senate Republicans are still hashing out whom they’ll back in the race pitting Corcoran against Republican Reps. Dennis Baxley of Ocala and Charlie Dean of Inverness. Corcoran is close to Sen. Mike Fasano of New Port Richey and Senate Majority Leader Dan Webster.

Argenziano said she’s backing Dean, who’s the best-known candidate, and that Baxley is too religiously "extreme" for her moderate 13-county district that stretches from Citrus to Leon counties.

polls show an un-named Democrat could beat an un-named Republican, but Argenziano said no worthy Democrat has entered the race.

No Fault

"Florida House Republicans offered their first glimpse at how they want to rewrite the state's mandatory automobile insurance laws by pushing a bill through a committee that doesn't normally deal with policy." "House committee passes new auto insurance plan".

No Florida Subsidiaries

"Proposal would prevent new Fla.-only home insurance subsidiaries".

Not Cool

"The Palm Beach County School District has told 344 teachers and assistant principals that they must repay $900,000 they received because of a faulty payroll system." "Palm Beach County educators must pay back $900,000 after payroll blunder".

Touch-Screens for Sale

"How much confidence do state Senators have in the touch-screen voting machines they are trying to replace? So much that during a discussion of a bill today that would do away with most touch-screens, Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, suggested putting the machines on eBay." "Touch Screen Machines on eBay?".

Sorry, Charlie

"A Senate panel on Monday refused to confirm Dr. A.K. Desai , a St. Petersburg doctor[a "top Tampa Bay GOP fundraiser"] and owner of a Medicare HMO that has come under scrutiny by state regulators, to the State Board of Education. Desai was appointed earlier this year to the important board by Gov. Charlie Crist. Sen. J.D. Alexander, a Lake Wales Republican, made the move to delay confirmation of Desai, saying the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee needed more time to investigate press reports surrounding Universal Health Care." "Senate refuses to confirm Crist appointee". For more on Universal Health Care see "State fires back at Universal Health Care" ("Attorneys for the state Office of Insurance Regulation fired back at Universal Health Care, calling it 'absurd' that the agency conspired against the Medicare insurer and asking a judge to clear the way for liquidating the company's 'Any, Any, Any' plan.")