In the years since -- and as recently as January -- the think tank's directors said it played no role in the Scotland visit.

But congressional records show a direct link between the Washington-based policy group and a foundation identified by Senate investigators as Abramoff's personal "slush fund" that he used to evade taxes and lavish luxuries on his friends on Capitol Hill.

The NCPPR was nothing more than a "front organization" for Abramoff, who was one of its officers until 2004, according to an October minority report from Democrats on the Senate Finance committee.

could not be reached for comment this week after repeated attempts by the Orlando Sentinel. She previously told Congress that Abramoff deceived her about the money transfers.

In 2005, Ridenour told Congress that Greenberg Traurig -- Abramoff's former law firm -- sent her center $1.5 million in 2003. Abramoff then gave Ridenour specific instructions to route the money to two organizations he ran, including $250,000 to the Capital Athletic Foundation.

Playing dumb is Rep. Feeney's only defense as, after a lull, the feds press the Abramoff case again. Court documents unveiled last week in another branch of the Abramoff scandal describe Rep. Feeney as "Representative No. 3." Representative No. 1 was Bob Ney, R-Ohio, another Abramoff golf buddy and traveling companion who last year pleaded guilty to taking bribes. Representative No. 2 was Tom DeLay, R-Texas, yet another high-flying duffer who resigned from Congress after being indicted in a different scandal.

Moreover, a congressional aide who accompanied Abramoff and Rep. Feeney on the [Scotland golf] trip just became the 11th person to plead guilty or be convicted in the Abramoff scandal. Rep. Feeney says he didn't know that Abramoff paid for the trip, a violation of House rules, even though Abramoff's firm e-mailed Rep. Feeney's staff instructions to list the trip's cost at $5,643.

And Rep. Feeney says he didn't know that figure was way low - investigators have put the average cost per participant at $20,000 - even though the group flew to Scotland on a private jet and got lavish meals and golf at the exclusive Royal & Ancient Golf Club.

Rep. Feeney has said that he flew just one way on the jet, paid some expenses himself and was "duped and lied to." He also says that he never did anything for Abramoff. But the St. Petersburg Times reported that in 2003, before being invited on the golf trip, Rep. Feeney wrote the Energy Department opposing a rule change that an Abramoff client also sought to kill. Rep. Feeney's office said it would discuss that when the time is "appropriate." Which is something his behavior was not.

Tallahassee Flop

"Sent to the governor". See also "Session's end is an 'anticlimax'", "It's over, but incomplete", "Crist notches wins, but tax reform stalls", "Legislature adjourns without property tax reform", "Session ends with key bills but no property-tax deal", "Notable yeas and nays", "Crist gets some items on wish list", "For lawmakers, the hard work lies unfinished", "What got done, and what didn't", "2007 legislative session ends without property tax fix", "Numerous bills die as legislative session ends quietly", "Easy work is done for state", "Session's end more like recess than finale" and "Summing up the session".

Wingers Upset With Charlie

"Crist is continuing to get more and more national attention, but the latest bits may not help his relationship with conservatives, which already is showing initial signs of strain."

First, there’s a Time magazine profile in the magazine’s latest issue that bluntly proclaims, "Crist is no Jeb Bush. In fact, his record so far is undoing much of what the younger Bush son started."

former Pres. Bill Clinton sent Crist a hand-written note recently praising and thanking Crist for his initiative to restore voting rights for felons who have completed their sentences.

"Thanks for your leadership in restoring voting rights to convicted felons once they’ve served their sentences," the former president wrote April 22. Clinton called it the "right ... thing to do" and noted he was speaking as a former Arkansas attorney general.

Conservatives have already started to grumble — mostly on background, not in public — that Crist is acting too moderate, too bipartisan.

Wildfires and Hip Hop

We're sure the "weary" "Division of Forestry firefighters helping with the massive wildfires in southern Georgia [who] were ordered to return to the state Wednesday to help quell the outbreaks in Florida" appreciate the Legislature giving them a zero percent wage increase (and crummy "bonuses" instead). "State works to contain Florida wildfires"

This insult, while Marco Rubio is "dancing to hip-hop and salsa under strobe lights, along with dozens of other lawmakers at a celebration that ran into the wee hours."

"Congressmen Beware"

Steve Bousquet writes that "politics in Florida may never be the same."

The credit, or blame, rightly belongs to Sen. Charlie Justice of St. Petersburg.

Some deft maneuvering by the mild-mannered Justice opened a giant loophole in the resign-to-run law. He got it accomplished with six words.

From now on, "persons seeking any federal public office" won't have to resign from one office to run for another.

Justice, a freshman Democrat, reacted to a narrower Republican loophole that would exempt only those running for president or vice president, a move interpreted to let Gov. Charlie Crist run for VP in 2008.

But, Justice reasoned, why limit it to the White House?

"I would say, Congressmen beware, " said Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, the bill's sponsor. "Anyone with a four-year term could run for Congress without having to resign from their current post."

The change will embolden politicians who hold four-year terms to run for Congress, secure in the knowledge that even if they lose, they keep their old seats.

The change won't help state House members, who serve two-year terms, because the law still says that no one can run for two public offices at the same time.

Is this good for democracy? Yes and no.

Tallahassee Ticker

"Tallahassee ticker" See also "Highlights of Legislation" and "Only one issue going to voters: Should 'alien land laws' die?".

KidCare

"More than 700,000 Florida children lack health insurance of any kind. That's why it was so frustrating to see bickering and bungling kill an attempt to take down barriers in the Florida KidCare program." "Children without net".

No Slots

"A last-minute deal to add slot machines at about 10 parimutuels around the state is effectively dead this session". "Patent bill goes to gov without slots amendment".

Mark Lane: "You start with tax relief, but somehow end up with casinos".

Spare Us

"House Speaker Marco Rubio ended the 2007 legislative session dancing to hip-hop and salsa under strobe lights, along with dozens of other lawmakers at a celebration that ran into the wee hours." "Session ends in low-key style".

Will They Come?

"Will the Democratic presidential candidates campaign in Florida in spite of a boycott that might be imposed by national Democratic Party?"

When we put that question to the three leading candidates, Hillary Clinton gave what sounded like a yes.

But the two men in the race, John Edwards and Barack Obama—well, maybe they’re afraid of commitment.

Choice Politics

"Measures that could have required a waiting period for women seeking an abortion and helped judges decide when to let girls have the procedure without telling their parents both failed Friday in the waning hours of the legislative session." "Senate, House give up on abortion measure" See also "Abortion measures die after late debate", "Victory turns into defeat for Storms", and "Lawmakers can't reach a consensus on abortion bill".

Big Al

"Lawson was unanimously elected to succeed Geller after the 2008 legislative session. He has been in the House and Senate since 1982 and will be the longest-serving legislator in either party in the 2008-10 term. Meanwhile, the House Democrats chose Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, as their leader for the next term." "Big Democrat in Senate chosen as new minority leader"

News Flash: Developers To Fill Campaign Coffers of Local Pols

"The compromise was greatly watered down from an original version that critics say would have stripped the State Department of Community Affairs of much of its power to regulate growth. Instead, the measure creates a pilot program that would make it easier for developers in Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Hialeah and Broward and Pinellas counties to avoid state review and meet concurrency regulations that mandate sufficient roads, schools and utilities to matchgrowth. " "State gives urban areas chance to rein in sprawl". See also "Program would speed growth in some areas".

Flip-Flopping

"When Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani came to the home county of Terri Schiavo last month,"

he said he supported the controversial effort by Congress to intervene to keep the severely brain-damaged woman alive.

But now it's not so clear where he stands on the Schiavo case.

In a televised presidential debate Thursday night, Giuliani suggested the Schiavo controversy should have been left to the courts.

Privatization Idiocy

"Now for sale and lease: Certain toll roads and future state roads in Florida. The House on Friday signed off on a sweeping transportation bill that allows private companies to take over control of some existing roads and build planned roads - and charge tolls to pay for them." "House approves toll-road measure".

"Chaos"

"The Legislature has quietly overhauled the way attorneys are paid to represent poor people, creating a new system that courthouse regulars say is underfunded and will leave many impoverished defendants and families without competent attorneys." "Legal plan for poor faulted".

The One Job Mel Can't Have Handed To Him

"Change the U.S. Constitution so Cuba-born Mel Martinez can run for president? No, said several of the 10 Republican presidential hopefuls when asked that question during their Thursday night debate in California. Thumbs down, as well, to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who like Florida’s Sen. Martinez is not eligible. " "Sorry, Mel And Ahnuld—Candidates Oppose Amendment".

Now That Jebbie's Gone ...

"The spirit of cooperation between former political opponents and among branches of government that has been fostered by Gov. Charlie Crist is paying dividends."

Thanks largely to the leadership of Bob Butterworth, Crist's secretary of the Department of Children and Families, there is now communication and collaboration in quickly getting these mentally troubled inmates who are incompetent to stand trial into an appropriate placement setting, whether that be in community control or a state hospital.

This intelligent and compassionate approach will ultimately save Florida taxpayers money while maintaining public safety. It is certainly a far cry from the prior DCF administration, which was facing contempt charges and fines for failing to move mentally ill inmates out of local jails and into mental health facilities within the law's 15-day limit. ...

It has been a long time since Florida public officials in various branches and levels of government offered each other goodwill and a desire to work in a partnership toward mutual goals. Everyone will benefit from this attitude adjustment, particularly the state's most vulnerable populations.

Citizens

"A key provision among the more than 70 in this bill is the expansion of Citizens' operations. No longer is the state-run company the insurer of last resort. It now can compete with private insurers in Florida." "Citizens to freeze rates, can now spread risk upstate". See also "State freezes insurance rates" and "State lets Citizens insurer become more competitive".

Meanwhile, "a bipartisan group of lawmakers representing inland Florida lost a bid on the House floor to strip government-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. of its ability to tax even non-Citizens customers when it needs money to pay claims following a hurricane." "Inland-Coastal Insurance Fight".

No-Fault to Expire; Insurance Companies Thrilled

"Florida's controversial no-fault auto insurance law will expire Oct. 1 with no action by lawmakers who couldn't agree on significant reforms. ... Major insurers including State Farm, Allstate Floridian and Nationwide are happy to see the no-fault law go away. " "Many plans, but no more no-fault law". See also "No-fault insurance set to expire".

"Go Green"

"In a session in which frustrated lawmakers delayed for a month their quest for property tax relief, they got a version for those who make renewable energy choices." "Go green, get a property-tax break".

"Amid a sobering mix of environmental, economic and security concerns, Florida lawmakers Thursday signaled loud and clear that the Sunshine State is about to grow greener." "Greener pastures".

"The Last Laugh"

It is becoming di rigeur to have a chuckle or two at Jebbie's expense:

It was just six months ago that then-Gov. Jeb Bush accused Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Crockett Farnell of having a "judicial temper tantrum," for fining state officials for not moving mentally ill jail inmates to hospitals.

But Farnell, whose independence was honored by the Clearwater Bar Association on Friday, may have the last laugh.

"All I've got to say is, eat your heart out, Jeb Bush, " Farnell said after accepting the George W. Greer Judicial Independence Award.

CRAs

"Before calmer heads prevailed and lawmakers put the brakes on their mad rush to slash property taxes, it was clear that few in the Legislature had carefully thought through the effects of a one-size-fits-all plan to roll back tax rates. Unfortunately, both House and Senate proposals would hurt community redevelopment agencies -- so-called CRAs. These were created to ensure that taxpayers, often businesses, that benefit from specific government services pay for them." "Apply logic".

Steroid Tests

"The Legislature unanimously approved a proposal to randomly test high school athletes for anabolic steroids -- but only in three sports." "Steroid tests win approval". See also "Steroid testing bill on way to governor's office".

Early Primary

William March reminds us that, notwithstanding the early primary, "it really is early 2007, and the 2008 presidential race is in full swing, especially in Florida." "In Election News, '07 Is The New '08".

No Subsidy

"The Florida Marlins stadium bill: Dead again. And as usual, the blame rests on the state Senate, where the plan has died five out of six times." "Marlins strike out on stadium subsidy". See also "Marlins ballpark effort snagged again in Florida Legislature".

The Other Election "Reforms"

Aside from paper trails, resign to run and the early primary, the Legislature "reformed" election law in several other important ways:

- a penalty that would fine outside groups registering voters if they don't promptly return forms to election officials.

- a requirement that write-in candidates live in their district to qualify for office. The provision by state Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, is designed target candidates that enter races as write-ins to force a closed primary. For example, last year a write-in candidate prevented Democratic and Independent voters from casting ballots in the heated Republican primary between state Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, and former Miami-Dade school board member Frank Bolanos.

Whatever

"Students at public elementary schools throughout the state will be required to take 30 minutes a day of physical education." "Daily gym class mandated for elementary students". See also "Lawmakers sign off on more physical education for students".

Transportation Authority

"Exciting possibilities are on the horizon after the Legislature unanimously approved a bill creating a seven-county transportation authority." "Regional Transport Breakthrough".

Manicure Protection Act

"In an effort to strengthen consumer protections, Florida legislators have approved a bill requiring nail-salon specialists and other cosmetology professionals to undergo hundreds of hours of additional education, training and testing before applying for a license to practice." "Nail salon bill awaits governor's approval".

Poor Little Marco

"100 ideas not done? It's the Senate's fault".

"Florida Friendly"

"State water managers want citizens to re-think their relationship with fertilizers and pesticides. They would like you to consider 'Florida Friendly' landscapes with drought-tolerant vegetation, plants grouped according to water demands, a layer of thick mulch, and a limited amount of turf grass. These landscapes dramatically reduce the need for fertilizer and irrigation." "How Green Does A Lawn Need To Be?"

Tallahassee Today

"Legislature". See also "Tallahassee ticker".

STAR and FCAT Follies

"It's possible, although not likely, that one county's entire class of third graders one year is significantly smarter than that county's entire class of third graders the next year. It's possible, although even less likely, that an entire state's class of third graders one year is significantly smarter than that state's entire class of third graders the next. Yet that's what the latest Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores would have you believe."

What the numbers do show is the silliness -- no, the injurious deception -- of using FCAT scores as comparative tools in any way, whether across annual classes, between schools or between counties. Any such comparison would be a discredit to the teachers and the students on the receiving end of the resulting analyses, good or bad.

Students in a German class received a test written in French. English students had to wade through multiple misspellings and repeated material. Questions in a physics exam referred to an illustration that was missing. ...

More than $10 million in bonus cash [in Orange County] hinges on how well students perform on these tests, a situation many teachers find appalling. ...

Insulted teachers are protesting by refusing to give the exams, and outraged students are complaining. ...

Although juniors study American literature and seniors study British lit, the English test for both classes is the same. The test is misnumbered and rife with misspellings, including the first reference to former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins.

The same test was given to four distinctly different classes in two grade levels: Advanced Placement Language, Advanced Placement Literature, English III Honors and English IV Honors. The test repeats a series of questions about a Romeo and Juliet passage. Eight of the 25 questions refer to a missing article.

The Advanced Placement Physics C test, given to seniors, includes an 11th-grade FCAT science formula sheet, as well as a periodic table -- useless outside of chemistry classes. Riddled with spelling mistakes, the 25-question test contains material not covered in many physics classes. Four of its questions refer to a missing graph.

"'Not Doable'"

"The old days of relatively cheap insurance may be gone forever, and any real solution to Florida's property insurance is still far away, top officials and experts say." "Timely Insurance Fix 'Not Doable'".

"Remarkably Foolish"

The St Pete Times editors observe that "it gets harder each year for the Florida Legislature to do something so foolish that it deserves special censure. This qualifies:"

Lawmakers will allow only two companies to bid on a $15-million to $20-million prison construction project.

Odd if the state is trying to keeps bids low through competition. But what makes this action remarkably foolish is that the two companies named are under criminal investigation for overcharging the state $4.5-million for prison operations. It's like a bank asking famed bank robber Willie Sutton to bid on the security contract.

Budget Priorities

"Florida lawmakers approved a $72 billion budget Thursday stuffed with incentives for biofuels and the film industry but barren of cash for emergency vaccines or expanding health insurance for the working poor." "Budget shuns poor for biofuels". See also "Legislature approves $71.9 billion budget".

"With the final hours of the legislative session draining away, more lawmakers on Thursday called for fixing what ails the state's health insurance program for poor children during next month's special session. But dour responses from House and Senate leadership suggested it will be a hard case to make." "Lawmakers Plead For KidCare Fix". See also "Weary House, Senate send $72B budget to governor", "Legislature OKs $71.9B state budget", "$71.9 billion budget passes Senate, House", "State budget aids schools, cuts health and human services" and "Despite pleas, KidCare is low priority".

"With the legislative clock winding down, lawmakers and children advocates pleaded with Senate leaders Thursday to reconsider a bill expanding the state's health-insurance program for low-income children, KidCare." "Proponents say KidCare bill is ready for Senate approval".

"Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, must have little regard for poor Floridians, even as he allows other Floridians to benefit from them." "KidCare: Expand it".

"The Florida Legislature again is fumbling its chance to help deserving youngsters obtain health insurance." "Child Welfare".

"Crist didn't get everything he wanted, but conceded he has three more years to keep asking." "Governor didn't get all that he wanted on nearly $72 billion state budget".

Crist Declares Florida "Cured"

"Fifteen Florida counties will get new voting machines while the entire state gets an early look at presidential candidates under a bill that received final legislative approval Thursday. 'We, as Floridians, since 2000, have been put in an interesting light as it related to elections,' Gov. Charlie Crist said. 'This cures that, in my view.'" "Election law changes await governor's signature".

By the way: do you "want your very own touch-screen voting machine? They might be available: The Legislature voted Thursday to trash the ATM-style devices in favor of paper ballots." "Touch-screen voting on way out, but millions still owed".

A Half-Billion-Dollar Tax Increase

"State lawmakers have spent most of the legislative session debating how to cut property taxes -- yet they passed a state budget Thursday that depends on a half-billion-dollar increase in property taxes levied by schools to make the numbers work."

Legislators justified the move, saying it's really not a property-tax increase. Instead, they said, they are just using money that will come in anyway because of the increase in property values.

''They'd never let me get away with saying that,'' said John W. Smith, a lobbyist for the Florida League of Cities.

Webster Is At It Again""

As if Dan Webster hadn't done enough harm to Florida this week (see "Webster Dithers" and "'An unconscionable, inhumane travesty'" (scroll down)), "under an amendment introduced by Sen. Daniel Webster on Wednesday, several urban areas would be relieved from requirements they submit their growth plan changes to the state Department of Community Affairs, the agency charged with regulating growth ... the measure could perpetuate unregulated growth and damaging sprawl." "Development proposal stalls over pilot plan".

Pesky Deadlines

"As legislators meet for the final day of the 60-day legislative session, here are some high-profile bills left undone". "Bills That Could Miss Deadline".

More Webster: Voucher Madness

"The Senate passed a bill Thursday letting children at failing schools get corporate tax credit vouchers, but saw an accompanying proposal to build a "firewall" protecting that program fall by the wayside."

"I don't want to drag the Senate through another long debate when there are others bills that have a better chance of passing," Majority Leader Daniel Webster said.

It was not clear whether the House today will take up and pass the voucher measure (HB 7145) that passed in the Senate without the bill (SB 2382) that would put all corporate income tax money in a new "trust fund" that proponents believe would protect it from constitutional challenge. Voucher opponents say the trust fund shouldn't make a difference in determining whether the corporate tax credit vouchers are unconstitutional.

Webster's voucher bill passed 26-13 on a largely party-line vote the day after he weakened it so it no longer would create a new program, but instead would let children at failing schools into the existing corporate income tax credit voucher program for poorer children.

Tax Cut Tossed

"Among the casualties as the legislative session reaches its last day today was an effort to cut taxes on communications services ranging from telephones, pagers, beepers and fax machines to satellite and cable television services. Proponents of cutting the taxes said the state's rates are among the nation's highest. Detractors said it was unlikely that the savings would be passed on to consumers." "Senate says no tax cut on phone and cable".

Children in Cars

"Adults who leave a child unattended in a car could face up to five years in prison under a bill that received final legislative approval on Thursday. The bill (SB 2) had a rough ride on Thursday in the House, where Republican leaders opposed the measure." "Prison could await those who leave children in cars".

Fossil Fuels

"Crist is expected to sign the bill, which outlines a plan many other states already follow. Two consumer-oriented facets - a sales-tax break for the purchase of alternative-fuel vehicles and a tax holiday for energy-efficient appliances - didn't make the final product because of budget pressures in a tight fiscal year." "Legislature passes plan to help wean Florida off fossil fuels".

Posada

News on Bushco buddy Luis Posada Carriles: "The document provides additional proof of Posada's involvement in violent efforts to undermine Castro's communist government, said Peter Kornbluh, director of the National Security Archive's Cuba Documentation Project. The Archive is an independent research organization located at George Washington University. 'These documents provide the true historical backdrop for the legal proceedings against Luis Posada Carriles,' Kornbluh said." "Documents link Cuban militant with 1976 airplane bombing". Will "Jeb!" comment?

Though the terrorist’s presence [was] been an open secret in Miami, neither President George W. Bush nor Florida Gov. Jeb Bush ... ordered a manhunt. The U.S. press corps has been largely silent as well.

The reason is that this terrorist, Luis Posada Carriles, was a CIA-trained Cuban whose long personal war against Fidel Castro’s government is viewed sympathetically by the two Bush brothers and their father. When it comes to the Bush family, Posada is the epitome of the old saying that "one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter."

The Bush administration – which has imprisoned Jose Padilla and other alleged Muslim "enemy combatants" without trial – has taken a far more lenient approach toward the 77-year-old Posada, who is still wanted in Venezuela for the bombing of a Cubana Airlines plane in 1976 that killed 73 people. Posada also has admitted involvement in a deadly hotel bombing campaign in Cuba in 1997.

"Shameful"

"Under the pretext of patient safety, the state House of Representatives has delayed hope of relief for patients who face inordinate delays in hospital emergency rooms." "Shameful Move By House Ensures Longer Waits In E.R.s".

Pruitt's "Shame"

"Senate President Ken Pruitt promised 14 claims bills this year, and no more. So when the Florida House tried to add compensation for a man who spent nearly half his life in jail for a crime he didn't commit, the president balked. Because of Pruitt's arbitrary and capricious rule, the state won't compensate Alan Crotzer, who spent a quarter century in Florida's prison system because of the state's mistake." "And Now, The Senate's Shame".

Back to Paper

"The next time Floridians go to the polls to help elect a president, they'll be able to use paper ballots. The state's next presidential primary will happen earlier, too." "Bill requiring paper ballots, Jan. 29 primary goes to governor". See also "Florida to abandon paperless touch screen voting".

Lowest Only Bidder

"A youth-work bill heading to Gov. Charlie Crist includes a last-minute amendment that would require all auto dealers in Florida to print temporary license tags under a system that only a single company provides." "No-bid vendor may get lock on temporary tags".

"Stiffed"

"Maimed by a state doctor 19 years ago and stiffed by state lawmakers for seven years, Minouche Noel was finally awarded $8.5 million by the Legislature for the botched surgery that has required her to use a wheelchair." "Disabled teen finally receives $8M from state". See also "Legislature okays $8.5M for paralyzed girl".

Special Session

"Property tax debate deferred until June". However, "Florida legislators won't have to start from scratch when they return to the Capitol in mid-June. They have already set the framework for a deal when they resume the quest for property tax relief." It seems "Legislative leaders had agreed in recent private discussions to slash between $20 billion to $25 billion in property taxes over the next five years, lawmakers and aides said. That's about twice as much as the Senate originally offered, and half as much as the House had sought." "Legislators agree on $20-25 billion in property tax cuts, but details still unsettled".

Here's a question: "If the 60-day regular session wasn't enough to produce consensus on a good plan, how can Floridians expect one from a 10-day extra session?" "Taxes: How can 10 days be better than 60 days?".

The delay is causing problems: "The Legislature's failure to reform the state's controversial property tax system by the end of its regular session today means tax cuts probably will not be decided until late June. That's normally the time that city and county governments unveil detailed, proposed budgets." "Tax decision delay affects local plans".

Meanwhile, "residents across the state are furious, especially property owners and the suffering real-estate industry whose expectations of relief were raised sky high by all the pre-session rhetoric." "Going to overtime for property-tax relief". But, "if you think residents are screaming now over their tax bills, imagine the revolt if they can't get their garbage picked up or their kid's soccer league gets the axe because of staffing shortages." "Legislature 2007".

Steriods

"Steroid-testing bill has better shot at survival".

Whatever

"The governor's most personal legislative priority, a daily half-hour physical education requirement for elementary school students, passed both chambers and is headed to his desk for final approval." "Go to gym class; it's the law".

"Mired in a rivalry between two Miami lawmakers, a bill that would have given tens of millions to the Tampa Bay Lightning is headed toward defeat for the second straight year." "Lightning won't get tax break".

Slots

"Just months after they opened their doors, Broward's new casinos are about to get longer hours and more slot machines under a proposal the Legislature passed Thursday. The Senate approved the loosened slots rules in a 30-9 vote, sending the bill along to Gov. Charlie Crist, who has said he does not oppose the changes." "Lawmakers ease limits on slots". See also "More slot machines could soon be dinging at tracks in Broward".

No Fault

"Inaction Could Save Drivers On Auto Insurance".

Argenziano

"Less than 24 hours after she resigned from the Florida Senate, her former colleagues unanimously approved Nancy Argenziano's appointment to the Public Service Commission on Thursday." "Senate approves PSC appointments". See also "Two new regulators fill out utilities panel".

Huh?

Even though "the system was plagued by errors, service delays and complaints of long waits on help lines in the past few years", "DMS poll: Six in 10 happy with 'People First' service". Strange.

Divestiture

"Billions in Florida's pension fund would be divested from companies that support the economies of Iran and Sudan, under a bill on its way to Gov. Charlie Crist." "Pension fund may divest from firms backing Iran, Sudan".

Tallahassee Dithers

"A state Senate proposal that would have created an additional high school sports organization in Florida was quashed Thursday. But the battle among private schools, public schools and the Florida High School Athletic Association might just be getting started." "FHSAA won't split, but critics say changes necessary".

Tuition Increase

The Tallahassee Democrat editors think "Crist, the people's governor, should trust the people appointed to guide our public universities.

The governor has said he may veto legislation allowing Florida State University and the University of Florida to increase tuition by as much as 40 percent over the next four years, and the University of South Florida to raise tuition by 30 percent.

He should keep his hand from instinctively reaching for that veto pen.

Weldon Challenge

"Paul Rancatore, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserves and a captain with American Airlines, announced Thursday he'll challenge Republican Rep. Dave Weldon." "Florida GOP'er draws a challenger".

Loan Inquiry

"A widening investigation into student lending practices is reaching Florida universities for the first time." "College loan inquiry extends to Florida schools".

Dem Leadership

"Franklin Sands tapped as next House Democratic leader" (he will be the Dem leader after the 2008 elections). More: "Weston legislator to lead Florida House Democrats". See also "Lawson ready to take Democrats to next level" (as Dem leader in 2009-2010) and "Lawson chosen as next Senate Democratic leader".

Imagine

Naked Politics reports on a "bill would have stripped farmers, contractors, restaurant and hotel owners of their licenses if caught employing illegal workers. It caused quite a stir at a committee meeting - but died there."

Tornado Victims

"Measure provides tax relief for tornado victims".

Heaven Help Us

"Florida senators think you should do more to prepare for hurricane season than stockpile tarps and batteries. They want you to pray." "Dateline Florida".

Courthouse Gossip

"In charges filed with the Florida Supreme Court, the [state Judicial Qualifications] commission said that by criticizing Judge Charles J. Kahn Jr. in a written court opinion, [1st District Court of Appeal Judge Michael E.] Allen could 'impair the confidence of the citizens of this state in the integrity of the judicial system.'"

At the time, Kahn was chief judge, but the uproar over the Childers case and questions raised about extramarital affairs Kahn had with two court employees led his fellow judges to replace him and file a complaint against him with the JQC.

The JQC rejected the complaint involving Kahn but accepted one filed against Allen by Martin Levin, son of Pensacola lawyer Fred Levin, a former law partner of Kahn's and a longtime friend of Childers'.

Shutters Required

"Homeowners whose dwellings are insured for $750, 000 or more in Pinellas County and other coastal areas will need hurricane shutters to get insured by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. beginning July 1, 2008." "Citizens to require shutters on vulnerable, pricey homes". See also "Measure would limit hurricane grants" and "Mitigation bill heads to Gov. Crist's desk".

The majority Republicans put a brave face on the postponement, claiming that the House and Senate are closer than ever to reaching agreement. House Speaker Marco Rubio said the chambers needed time to deal with the "mechanics" of writing what the two chambers have conceptually agreed upon. He offered little more than vague generalities of what that means.

Democrats, meanwhile, pronounced the session a failure for having failed to accomplish tax reform, its premier issue. House Minority Leader Dan Gelber said agreement may be apparent on some things, but he left no doubt that the sides remain far apart.

Day 35

"Legislature: Day 35 at a glance". See also "Digest", "2007 Legislature roundup", "Tallahassee ticker" and "Session To Wrap at 6 p.m. Friday".

Running "Government Like a Business"

Bill Cotterell takes on one of our favorite canards: "One time or another, probably every member of the House and Senate must have promised to 'run government like a business.'"

You hear it in campaigns every even-numbered year, from governors and Cabinet candidates as well as legislators. Government is too big and wasteful. It does too much. No business could survive doing what they do in Tallahassee (or Washington). We need some shrewd business-minded folks to shake things up.

CD 13

"A Democrat-dominated House task force opened a federal investigation Wednesday into why more than 18,000 ballots cast in Sarasota County recorded no vote for either candidate in last November's District 13 congressional election. Voting 2-1 along party lines, the task force agreed to have the Government Accountability Office -- Congress' nonpartisan investigative arm -- look at whether malfunctioning touch-screen voting machines were at fault, as the Democrat who lost by 369 votes contends." "House probing election". See also "Election dispute sent to independent agency", "Sarasota race to be examined" and "Sarasota election faces new scrutiny".

Feeney Accuses Times of "Outright Lie"

Rep. Tom Feeney, a/k/a "Representative #3" in the feds investigation of him, ain't happy. He contends that "the implication in Sunday's St. Petersburg Times article that I traded legislative favors to benefit a lobbyist is an outright lie. I take my responsibility and oath to this office very seriously and have represented constituents with the integrity they deserve." "I followed the law, didn't trade favors". He's not happy with the Florida Today editors either: "Feeney defends his actions".

FCAT Follies

"Sixty-nine percent of third-graders scored at or above grade level on the reading section of the 2007 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, compared with 75 percent last year, according to scores released Wednesday."

The percentage who failed the test -- and could be barred from fourth grade -- climbed from 14 percent last year to 19 percent this year.

Believe It Or Not

"Three months after Gov. Charlie Crist ordered an investigation of some $4.5-million in overpayments to two companies that operate private prisons for the state, those same companies will be the only ones permitted to bid on expanding and building another facility." "Past is no barrier to state contracts".

Citizens

"The Florida Senate agreed unanimously Wednesday to freeze Citizens Property Insurance Corp. rates through 2009 and require certain homeowners to put shutters on their windows if they want to remain covered by the state-run insurer." "Senate passes Citizens rate freeze". See also "Crist still pushing for property-insurance legislation" and "Senate bill freezes rates for Citizens".

Maybe Next Year

"Florida has the third-highest rate of uninsured children in the nation, with some 750,000 eligible kids living without this basic safety net. What is the disconnect here? And why, by the way, is our state willing to leave $400 million in federal matching funds untouched when that money is meant to help states keep children healthy and attending to their No. 1 jobs - being in school, learning. The Florida Legislature, in particularly the Senate, gets no free pass on its inexplicable inertia in handling legislation (SB 930) designed to streamline and consolidate access to these programs." "No kidding".

"An ambitious plan to overhaul a complex program that provides cheap or free health insurance to low-income children may not survive the chamber where it was born."

Children's advocates and lawmakers have been working all session to streamline KidCare, a program rife with bureaucratic barriers that have left about half a million children eligible but uninsured in Florida.

But in the waning days of the session, Senate President Ken Pruitt has said the bill won't be heard this session, leaving supporters perplexed.

''It's a very curious situation,'' said Alex Sink, the state's chief financial officer who has been an ardent proponent of overhauling the system. "As a newcomer to Tallahassee, it's astounding to me that something that seems so easy and an issue that seems so popular has not been embraced with open arms.''

The Florida Legislature has run out of time on property tax relief, but lawmakers do have time in the last two days of the session to help kids and avoid national embarrassment. They should cut through bureaucratic fights and competing special interests to make it easier for uninsured low-income children to get and keep health coverage. It would be a travesty if this doesn't get done, because thousands of kids would lose the opportunity to get health care and Florida would stand to lose millions in federal matching dollars.

Florida KidCare is aimed at providing health coverage for uninsured kids in families with incomes under 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $40, 000 a year for a family of four. Medicaid covers some of those children, but the controversy is centered on those covered by the public-private partnership, Florida Healthy Kids. That program was a national model when it was created more than 15 years ago, and just three years ago it covered more than 337,000 children.

In fact, it proved to be too popular for former Gov. Jeb Bush and state lawmakers. They eliminated a long waiting list in 2004 and tightened the rules instead of finding the money to meet demand. While some of those restrictions were later reversed, the program never fully recovered and covers just under 215,000 kids now. Thousands of kids lose health care coverage every month just because their families lose Medicaid eligibility but can't figure out how to sign up for Healthy Kids.

"There's Still Time"

"Lawmakers didn't solve Florida's property-insurance woes when they met in January in a special session. To their credit, they have acknowledged as much. But with the regular session ticking down to a close, House and Senate leaders still lack agreement on provisions that would better protect Florida consumers. There's still time to get it done." "Down to the wire". See also "Crist still pushing for property-insurance legislation".

Earmarks

"Some more openly than others, Tampa Bay area members of Congress are responding in different ways to new rules designed to make the workings of government more open and transparent." "Open And Shut".

Budget

"Florida's new budget is tough on the disabled, teachers and state workers, but it leaves $1.6 billion in the bank for a rainy day." "Many of needy left out; Dade fares better than Broward". See also "Miami-Dade gets results from strong bloc" and "Lawmakers: Broward got good share". More: "Budget showers goodies on region", "Budget highlights: Dade County" and "Budget highlights: Broward County".

Argenziano

"Republican maverick leaves state Senate". See also "Tearing herself away" and "Argenziano says goodbye".

Love those Landlords

"The bill lets landlords charge a termination fee of two months' rent if a tenant breaks a lease early. The charges would occur even if a landlord has found another tenant for the unit." "Lawmakers OK Double Of Renters' Penalty".

Tuition Increase

"Tuition at some Florida universities could increase up to 40 percent over time under a bill passed by the House." "Tuition increase may be blocked by Crist". See also "University fee increase wins approval", "House approves tuition boost for FSU, UF", "3 state universities may raise tuition", "House pushes tuition increase" and "House OKs tuition hike".

"An unconscionable, inhumane travesty"

"What an unconscionable, inhumane travesty. The state of Florida erases 24 years from Alan Crotzer's life for a crime he didn't commit -- and Senate President Ken Pruitt blocks compensating Mr. Crotzer because he fears a last-minute ''rush'' to judgment. Hogwash. Shame on you, Sen. Pruitt, for misusing your power and trampling the public trust." "Delay worsens miscarriage of justice". See also "Senate turns its back on man's broken life".

Pruitt is not alone in this. "Senate Majority Leader Dan Webster is blocking the effort. Mr. Webster is holding up relief for Mr. Crotzer until the Legislature passes a law to address payments to all those who have been jailed and then proved innocent." "A matter of fairness".

Florida's Booming Economy

"Nearly 1,300 personal-bankruptcy cases were filed in Orlando during the first three months of 2007, nearly twice as many as during the first quarter of last year, figures from U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida show. And that may be just a hint of what is to come, bankruptcy lawyers say." "'Perfect storm' of debt puts Floridians in bankruptcy".

Yak, Yak, Yak

A good question: "Did you come here to yak or pass legislation?"

Anderson

"A proposal compensating the family of Martin Lee Anderson for the teenager's death at a boot camp is on its way to the governor." "Settlement in boot camp death a 'done deal'". See also "Senate OKs payment in boot-camp case".

"Voter Fraud"?

"Amending the Florida Constitution could be getting harder. ... Republicans who supported the bill said it would prevent petition fraud and abuse. Democrats said it stomps on freedom of expression and usurps the democratic process." "Tougher curbs on amendments?".

State Decides to Follow the Law

"Former Gov. Jeb Bush and legislators responded in December by giving $16.6 million to the Department of Children & Families to eliminate the wait. ... Florida law requires inmates be moved to a psychiatric hospital within 15 days after a judge declares them incompetent to stand trial. Some inmates were waiting months before moving to a hospital." "DCF slashes wait for mentally ill to leave jail for psychiatric help".

Reading that, you'd think Jebbie came up with the cash out of the goodness of his heart when in fact he scraped the cash together only after being threatened with contempt of court. "Judge Looking To Cite "Jeb!" With Contempt".

Voucher Madness

"A proposal to resurrect an unconstitutional failing school voucher program was watered down Wednesday to make children from such schools eligible for the existing corporate tax credit vouchers. Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, made the changes to eliminate objections to the bill (SB 2380), which now primarily creates a new state account separate from the general fund to hold corporate income proceeds." "Corporate vouchers bill made palatable".

Jebbie Cashes In

"Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare is awarding its new director-to-be. The company on Monday filed papers with the Securities Exchange Commission announcing it has granted former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush shares worth about $257,000." "Shares for Bush". For more on this delightful arrangement see "'Jeb!' and the Fraudsters".

Whoopee!

"Legislators approve ban on expiration dates, maintenance fees for gift cards".

From the "Values" Crowd

"A last-minute change in funding rules for HMOs could have long-term negative consequences for poor, mentally ill Floridians and their communities. The change would lift a state mandate on how much health maintenance organizations must spend on care for Medicaid patients with severe mental illnesses. As a result, communities could pay more for jails, shelters and hospital beds." "Less care for Medicaid recipients".

Divestiture

"Saying Florida needs to lead the battle against genocide and terrorism, state legislators are mandating that the state drop any investment it has in companies that do business with the country of Sudan and Iran's energy sector. Florida's $140 billion pension fund is the fourth largest in the country. The divestiture would affect about $1 billion worth of investments." "Legislature votes to divest state investments from Sudan".

Stanton

"In a professional victory for the woman Steve Stanton hopes to become, the Sarasota City Commission on Wednesday unanimously selected "Susan Stanton" as one of 11 job finalists for city manager." "Stanton picked as finalist for Sarasota job".

"A Rough Patch"

"Maybe Gerald Kogan, a former Florida chief justice, is right. Maybe Broward County's judicial bench is just going through ''a rough patch.'' Or maybe the serial missteps by Broward judges is part of an endemic problem -- say a lack of diversity in Broward courts, or insularity in a county where judges rarely face reelection challenges." "Intemperate judges tarnish justice system".

Webster Dithers

"The legislation passed in the Florida Senate on Tuesday could likely be shelved or altered. Under existing law, all state secondary schools that compete for a state championship are under the jurisdiction of the Florida High School Athletic Association. The legislation proposed by Republican Daniel Webster would create a separate Florida Private High School Athletic Association. Each organization would conduct its own state championships." "'Private' bill has few fans".

Dan Webster has time for this junk, yet "Mr. Webster is holding up relief for Mr. Crotzer until the Legislature passes a law to address payments to all those who have been jailed and then proved innocent." "A matter of fairness"

No-Fault

"With little fanfare, and even less public vetting, the House Majority Whip pushed through an unwise bill to replace the state's existing no-fault law or personal injury protection, and instead require accident victims to obtain care in a hospital emergency room within 72 hours of the collision. The Florida House of Representatives approved Bogdanoff's bill along party lines and set up a roadblock to any serious efforts to extend the current law. " "Legislature 2007".

Mahoney

"A lot of politicians are leery these days of saying too much about the war in Iraq, fearful it could alienate a portion of the electorate. But U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney, a Democrat who represents most of Charlotte County, is showing little hesitation in jumping into the hottest political issue of the day. On Tuesday, he was at it again. This time he was the only Democrat from Florida to take to the House floor to call for President Bush to sign the emergency supplemental budget bill, which includes timelines for withdrawal." "Mahoney: Iraq is a "religious civil war"".

"Giant Leap Backward"

"Easy to get the impression that the legislative session's been just one mad, unsuccessful dash to bring homeowners tax relief. But when the session wraps later this week, it also could mark a giant leap backward in the cause of preserving land. Lawmakers so far have stiff-armed Gov. Charlie Crist's proposal to add $100 million next year to Florida Forever, the state's premier land-buying program. And they're considering making it easier to construct region-transforming toll roads that could encourage sprawl while laying waste to environmentally sensitive lands." "Reverse course".

No Oversight

"State oversight of Florida's fastest-growing communities ... could be seriously curtailed if lawmakers agree to a pilot program proposed Wednesday." "Bill cuts state's role in planning".

"Back To Reality"

"State Rep. Scott Randolph proposed a slew of good ideas recently. Unfortunately for Randolph, he proposed them in Tallahassee -- which meant they were quickly killed."

Take a look:

Since many legislators think poorly paid teachers shouldn't get big bonuses unless they're top performers, Randolph thought it made sense to do the same with highly paid athletes. His proposal: No subsidies for NBA teams unless they finish in the top 25 percent of the league (a formula that he said was roughly equivalent to the number of teachers who could get bonuses under certain merit-pay plans). "If it works for someone making $35,000, why not someone who makes $3.5 million?" Randolph asked. ...

The Orlando Democrat also suggested no public subsidies for teams unless they were willing to put up at least 40 percent of the cost of the arenas they demand. ...

Randolph thought the very least teams getting whopping amounts of public cash could do was set aside seats and skyboxes for public school children. This idea received rousing cheers from the House floor. And then legislators killed it.

Randolph said the point of all these ideas -- most of which suffered losses by 2-1 margins -- "was to bring this whole debate back to reality."

Unfortunately, Tallahassee is no place to do such a thing.

Transportation Agency

"State lawmakers on Wednesday approved what could soon become the most powerful transportation agency in the bay area." "Legislators approve area transit authority".

Big Cats

"A bill meant to track and deter the sale of big snakes also will make it pricier for nonprofit groups and sanctuaries to exhibit big cats." "Cost of showing big cats to rise".

"Legislative couch potatoes"

"Florida senators must decide today whether to promote a healthier lifestyle among Florida schoolchildren or play the role of legislative couch potatoes." "Senate Should Pass P.E. Bill".

Whether lawmakers can reach a compromise on property tax reduction in the remaining days of this spring's legislative session may well depend on how the speaker, Marco Rubio, answers that question.

For three months, Rubio has pushed to eliminate property taxes on homesteads and replace some of the lost money with a sales tax increase - and for three months, he has found no interest in the Senate and only slightly more from Gov. Charlie Crist, a fellow Republican.

Now, with only three days to go before the scheduled adjournment, Rubio must decide whether it's smarter to accept a compromise that does not include a sales tax hike or risk a possible special session in which he has less control of the agenda.

On Tuesday, it was unclear which direction he was heading. Negotiations between the House and Senate, which stalled last week, remained nonexistent, even as all involved expressed optimism that an agreement would come together.

Day 34

"Legislature: Day 34 at a glance".

Gambling

"A plan to expand gambling across Florida surfaced Monday in the state House and was immediately linked to the ongoing legislative battle to slash property taxes." "House ties gambling proposal to tax cuts".

Charlie's take: "Crist: Gambling bad, but taxes worse".

The Tampa Trib editors: "It's not surprising to see big-time gaming interests offer an 11th hour solution to the property tax debate in Tallahassee, given the industry's insatiable desire to expand its tentacles in Florida." "Solution To Property Tax Puzzle Won't Be Found In Gambling Sites". More: "Video lottery costly sellout for tax relief". See also "Florida's costly addiction" ("This dishonest expansion of gambling, under cover of helping education, cheapens Florida. If it gets through the Legislature, Gov. Crist should kill it.")

It Was A Fine Idea At The Time

"A grand plan to give Florida a bigger say in presidential politics by holding one of the earliest primaries in the nation could backfire and leave Democrats in the largest swing state with less power than in Rhode Island."

A bill expected to pass the Legislature this week would set the vote for Jan. 29, 2008 -- one week after New Hampshire's -- jumping over the Feb. 5 start date set by the national parties to try to stretch out the primary schedule.

During a visit to Miami by Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean on Tuesday, the party made clear that any candidate who stumps in states that break the Feb. 5 rule would forfeit all delegates to the nominating convention. That means, for example, that if Sen. Hillary Clinton campaigned in Florida, she would not win a single delegate even if she won a majority of the primary vote.

Crotzer Screwed

"The Florida House voted Tuesday to give the parents of Martin Lee Anderson $5 million in a settlement with the state, but it came with much regret that the bill did not include compensation for a man wrongly imprisoned more than 24 years."

A House council Monday amended the bill (SB 2968) to include a $1.25 million payment for Alan Crotzer. That payment is for the time he spent in prison as a result of a wrongful rape and kidnapping conviction in 1982. He was proved innocent by a DNA test.

The Crotzer amendment was dropped on the House floor Tuesday when sponsors learned it would kill the measure in the Senate.

Heaven Help Us

"Claiming that the Florida High School Athletic Association is 'arrogant' and biased against private and parochial schools, the Florida Senate signed off on a last-minute proposal Tuesday that would allow private schools to have their own high school sports governing board and championship competition." "Senate plan splits public, private schools in athletics".

Election Deform

"U.S. election officials gave Florida the go-ahead Tuesday to use federal money to pay for voting machines with a paper trail, easing the way for the state Legislature to scrap touch-screen machines in Miami-Dade, Broward and 13 other counties." "Paper ballot switch gets federal aid". See also "Florida permitted to use federal funds to replace voting machines", "Federal funds for paper ballots" and "Paper Ballot Funding OK'd".

However, "Legislation to create a statewide paper trail for Florida voters got so sullied on its way through the Florida Senate that it doesn't deserve support, regrettably. "

The state needs paper-ballot records for recounts. The bill would replace touch screens used by 15 counties (Broward and Miami-Dade included) with optical scanners.

The Senate bill was filled with obnoxious provisions that limit voter participation, not expand it. The measure, likely to pass in the House, will bring the needed paper trail, but it also disregards the civil rights of disabled Floridians, makes voting access harder and risks future election debacles by rushing the 15 counties into using scanners in the 2008 presidential election -- 19 months away. ...

The bill would impose fines against third-party groups that register voters and do not quickly turn over forms to election officials. This repeats an existing provision being challenged in court by the League of Women Voters and other civic groups. They maintain that this law would shut down their voter-registration drives in Florida, thereby reducing access to voting.

The bill unadvisedly removes two of the nine acceptable forms of photo identification to qualify for voting -- employee ID's and buyer's club cards. The purpose is to prevent fraud, but a recent federal study of national elections found little fraudulent voting with fake ID's. This puts more burdens on voters. A few years ago, all you needed to prove you were a qualified voter when lacking photo ID was to sign an affidavit.

As we said, this bill is likely to pass in the House. Gov. Crist made getting a paper trail a priority, so he likely will sign it.

Even the League is holding its nose and supporting the measure for the sake of seeing the paper trail become a reality. This bill takes with one hand and gives away with the other. Lawmakers' goal should be to make voting more accessible and accurate, not more onerous.

Dubya in Tampa

"Bush visit stirs small protest in Tampa".

Tuition Increase

"The House tentatively agreed today to let the University of Florida and Florida State University increase tuition up to 40 percent over four years, but the measure faces a likely veto by Gov. Charlie Crist." "Tuition increase a possibility".

Reworking Insurance

"Crist says he has not given up on further insurance reform in the last days of session." "Crist: Still time to rework insurance". See also "Senate poised for vote on insurance reform package".

Citizens

"Rates for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. customers would remain frozen through 2009 under a bill debated Tuesday in the Florida Senate. Consumers also could choose to remain covered by the state-run insurer if the rates of another company were 15 percent higher, according to the proposal, which is part of an effort by Gov. Charlie Crist to strengthen Citizens." "Citizens rates frozen under Senate plan".

"Double Rent"

"Renters could face steep fees if they break their lease agreement after state lawmakers passed legislation that would allow landlords to collect what critics called 'double rent.'" "Renter fees bill passes". See also "Early termination fees for renters approved", "Breaking a lease may get costlier" and "Landlords get a boost under new state rental rules".

Immigrant Rallies

"Thousands of immigrants and their supporters across the state waved American flags and demanded a pass to citizenship for those in the U.S. illegally, echoing similar demonstrations across the country Tuesday." "Immigrants and supporters gather around Florida for rallies".

Whoopee

"Mitt Romney’s campaign sent out a list of young professionals supporting the former Massachusetts governor for president. Among them are three who worked with former Gov. Jeb Bush - Jill Bratina, former communications director; Ryan Duffy, former speechwriter and Kimberly Fritts, who worked on Bush’s 1994 campaign. She was also scheduler for Connie Mack when he was in Congress. " "Make That Three Jebsters for Mitt".

"The Taxman's Hand"

"While debate over high property taxes has dominated the legislative session this year, few people complain about the taxes they pay on such things as electricity, phone service and gasoline, in part because many Floridians don't know what these taxes cost them." "The taxman's hand may be deeper in your pocket than you realize".

"Long-term negative consequences"

"A last-minute change in funding rules for HMOs could have long-term negative consequences for poor, mentally ill Floridians and their communities. The change would lift a state mandate on how much health maintenance organizations must spend on care for Medicaid patients with severe mental illnesses. As a result, communities could pay more for jails, shelters and hospital beds." "Less care for Medicaid recipients".

Lake O

"The Legislature wants help in expediting an aging dike's repairs." "Lake O".

No Rules

"Schools districts designated as "high performing" would be exempt from state rules regarding the development of reading plans, certain program spending, portable classrooms and instructional material choices, under a bill (SB 574) that passed the Senate Tuesday and the House Monday." "Elite schools may not have to follow rules". See also "Law would give schools freedom".

No ERA

"Thirty-five years after the women's rights movement reached a fever pitch with a constitutional amendment to guarantee women equal protection under the law, the Florida House won't give the notion the time of day." "Equal Rights Amendment sinks in legislative tide".

Steroids

"High school wrestlers, football players and baseball players would be subject to random testing for anabolic steroids starting next school year, under a one-year pilot program embraced by lawmakers." "Prep steroid testing okayed".

Bi-Partisanship

"With the end of the legislative session in three days, cracks in legislative bi-partisanship showed Tuesday when Republicans in one House Council voted to keep several Democratic bills from getting a vote on the floor." "In final days, some Democratic bills get bumped from House votes".

Charlie Rebuffed

"Senators Rebuff Crist's Bid for More Sway Over Citizens".