The package agreed to Friday by the Legislature's Republican leaders has two parts. The first would force cities and counties to slash property taxes this year and limit future tax increases to the rate of personal-income growth.

Some other local government entities, such as water-management and hospital districts, would also be required to cut taxes, though likely at a lesser level. School districts would be spared from cuts.

That round of reductions would be followed by a constitutional amendment, which voters would have to approve later this year or in 2008, that would create a super-sized homestead exemption for homeowners. It would be based on a percentage of individual property values, and it would be designed to direct the biggest savings toward less-expensive homes.

Laff Riot

"Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the poster child for gay marriage? How about Sen. Mel Martinez, the Florida Republican who once accused an opponent of playing to the 'radical homosexual lobby'?"

A coalition of civil rights groups that back gay marriage is using photos of prominent couples like the former Republican governor and his Mexican-born wife, Columba, along with the Cuban-born Martinez and his American-born wife, Kitty, in an advertising campaign marking the 40th anniversary of Loving vs. Virginia, a U.S. Supreme Court decision that gave interracial couples the right to marry.

"Double- Whammy"

"Property taxes, insurance prove double-whammy".

Whatever

"Romney's County Chairs" (with complete list). See also "Romney names county chiefs" and "Romney Names County Chairs".

PIP

"If lawmakers don't fix the law requiring motorists to carry personal injury protection insurance, the requirement will disappear Sept. 30. "

Insurers are already salivating at the prospect. They stand to reap a significant windfall if they're no longer required to offer the coverage, which covers the first $10,000 of a policyholder's medical bills resulting from a collision. (It's a no-fault system, meaning everyone is covered by his or her own policy.)

But hospitals are understandably nervous. Their own studies show that roughly 40 percent of the people who show up in hospital emergency rooms with accident-related injuries don't have health insurance other than their mandatory PIP coverage -- and usually can't afford to pay the bills that come after the coverage limit is exhausted. The impact of dropping PIP could reach $3 million in the coming fiscal year for Halifax Medical Center, and the total impact statewide could reach $350 million annually. These costs would necessarily be shifted to other patients or taxpayers.

Liberti

"Former West Palm Beach City Commissioner Ray Liberti received $126,000 in secret payments from the developer of the City Center project, a lawsuit against two of the company's executives alleges. While Liberti was on the payroll of Republic Properties Corp. between 2004 and 2006, he repeatedly made motions and cast votes to advance the $154 million city hall/library complex. He never disclosed that he was working for Republic and its top two executives, Steven A. Grigg and Richard L. Kramer." "Liberti's other payments also need legal scrutiny". See also "Frankel, Liberti testimony sought".

FCAT Fiasco

"Florida education officials took the first public step Friday toward fixing artificially high scores on the 2006 third-grade reading exam by seeking advice from school administrators from across the state."

The Orlando meeting gave administrators an opportunity to express discontent and even outright suspicion about the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Many urged the state Department of Education to deal with the third-grade problem immediately -- the agency plans to rescore more than 200,000 tests -- but then take a wider look at the entire state testing program.

Wise Investment

"Based on 2003 data, the UF study showed every dollar of revenue generated in turn generates another $1.44. And for every job created, another 1.08 jobs are in turn created. A separate study several years earlier projected that for every public dollar invested in universities, Floridians realize a $5 return. It's consistently hopeful information. What is sometimes less encouraging is the reluctance of some policymakers to fully appreciate what powerful economic engines our universities already are, and how much more juice they could provide to regional and state economies if provided with additional support." "Priming the pump".

Buds

"For Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, going to Israel is about building friendships with a vital U.S. ally, an essential stepping stone for any ambitious American politician."

But when the mission ends Sunday, the most important friendship is likely to be the one between the Republican gover nor and Democrat Robert Wexler, a Palm Beach County congressman who played a key behind-the-scenes role in orchestrating the trip, advising on some of the smallest details.

Their friendship, while genuine, also furthers the political aims of both men.

For Wexler, Crist provides a key ally, which paid off when the governor approved paper-trail voting machines, a cause that Wexler has championed since 2001.

For Crist, Wexler provides a way to expand his base among Florida's sizeable Jewish population, which is largely in South Florida and overwhelmingly Democratic.

Gambling

"Five state lawmakers will head to Las Vegas next week for an educational conference on gambling that is in part being funded by a foundation that accepts money from companies with gambling interests." "Gamers' gifts pay for meeting".

Out Here In The Fields

"Florida guest farmworkers: Contractors steal from our salary".

See 'Ya

"The Florida manager of a half-billion-dollar FEMA program to fortify public buildings and improve flood-prone roads quit Friday, with money set aside nearly three years ago for the projects remaining largely unspent." "Head of storm-aid effort quits as projects pile up".

Point Plan

"U.S. immigration laws already read like a jumbled alphabet."

Add to the mix a proposed point system to score immigrants -- part of a bipartisan Senate immigration bill that seeks to legalize most of the nation's 12 million undocumented immigrants -- and one inevitable question arises: ``How will this affect me?''

Miami immigration attorney Wilfredo ''Willy'' Allen says he hears it from his clients every day.

The proposed point system, which values employment skills, education and proficiency in English above family connections or time spent in this country, might not do much for thousands of South Florida immigrants' chances of becoming legal residents. A proposed application fee of $5,000 for undocumented immigrants to become legal would be particularly burdensome, immigrants say.

"Worthless Fraud"

Taxpayers are

upset at their higher tax bills, due mostly to the rapid rise in valuations in the last six years and the state's lopsided tax system that protects homesteaded properties at the expense of non-homesteaded ones. But louder complaints don't make for fresher ideas, let alone good ideas. The Legislature in a special session on taxes in two weeks is lurching toward what could result in the biggest property-tax cut in the state's history. Legislators like Rubio call it reform. Local governments call it a catastrophe in the making: The property tax pays for most local services -- police, fire, ambulances, parks, roads, schools. Slash it, and those services will be slashed, too. Yet that's not the worst of the tax "reforms" making noise.

A small group of local activists is peddling one nutty idea on taxes in particular -- the abolition of the property tax in favor of a much higher sales tax. To call that idea reform is as misleading as calling it fair. "Fair tax" proponents are doing both. Their idea, as riddled with deceptions as its name, shouldn't be given more credit than it's worth. But it should be exposed for the worthless fraud that it is.

'Glades

"The debate over Florida Power & Light Co.'s proposed generating plant west of Lake Okeechobee can be simplified this way:"

FPL says it needs the 1,960-megawatt Glades Power Park by 2013-14 to keep up with demand. Because the state urged utilities to diversify fuel sources, FPL did so. The plant would run on coal, with updated technology to reduce emissions. The move would protect customers from price spikes for natural gas, which now generates half of FPL's electricity.

Critics oppose the plant for two reasons: Stronger conservation measures would take care of demand, and the massive size would produce dangerously high amounts of mercury and other emissions that would harm the Everglades just as the state is trying to clean it up.

The problem for those who must decide, based on need and environmental impact, is that FPL and its critics make well-informed arguments. Last week, the staff of the Florida Public Service Commission, which will rule on need, reflected the difficulty of the decision by making three recommendations.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

The Q reports that "House Speaker Marco Rubio will keep budget consultant Donna Arduin on the payroll for at least another month to help with special session." "Rubio adviser sticks around".

More on Arduin and her "crackpot" ideas see "The Real Culprit", "'Crackpot Theory', 'Florida-style'" (scroll down) and "Speaking of 'De-Jebification'".

Most Sought After Dem Endorsements?

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza gives us what he argues are "the five most sought after endorsements among Florida Democrats."

- Bob Graham: While Graham's 2004 presidential bid was never treated as anything more than a novelty at the national level, the former senator remains a powerful force in Florida politics. He is an iconic figure in the state's Democratic Party, having spent time in the state House (1966-1970), state Senate (1970-1978) and as governor (1978-1986).

- Kendrick Meek: Meek, who won his mother's Miami-area 17th District when she retired in 1992, is a comer both in Florida and in Washington. He earns a spot on our list thanks to his real-world experience in statewide campaigns. In 2002, Meek was the driving force behind a successful ballot initiative that sought to limit the number of students per classroom across Florida; it was strongly opposed by Gov. Jeb Bush (R). Then in 2004, Meek served as Sen. John Kerry's (D-Mass.) Florida campaign chairman.

- Alex Sink: Sink is the lone statewide elected Democrat in the state after Sen. Bill Nelson, and as such is the titular head of the party. But she is far more than a symbolic leader. Sink is one-half of a powerful political couple in the state (her husband Bill McBride was the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 2002) and won 300,000 more votes in her successful 2006 run for chief financial officer than the party's gubernatorial nominee Jim Davis got in his losing effort.

- Debbie Wasserman Schultz: Wasserman Schultz won the 20th District in 2004 and has been moving up the Democratic food chain ever since. Her district takes in huge population centers in Broward County, which as of 2005 had 1.76 million people living within its borders. Wasserman Schultz herself wouldn't claim to be able to deliver all of these votes to a particular candidate, but her endorsement would certainly give a presidential candidate entree into some critical communities.

- Robert Wexler: Asked about Wexler's influence in Florida Democratic politics, one plugged-in Democrat said the six-term congressman had an organization in "the condos" that couldn't be matched. Those condos house thousands upon thousands of retirees (Wexler's 19th District has one of the highest percentages of Social Security recipients in the nation) who make up a huge and influential voting bloc in the state.

Whatever

"Crist to urge other governors to divest Iran holdings".

Very, Very Scary ...

"If Florida legislators don't make property taxes 'affordable' in an upcoming special session, angry taxpayers are likely to take matters into their own hands with unpredictable results, House Speaker Marco Rubio told a business group Thursday." "Rubio urges leaders to control reform of property taxes".

More "devious" Plans?

"Democratic Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina doesn’t think much of Florida’s Jan. 29 presidential primary. Here’s what he told the Associated Press:"

Florida’s primary move "was done by a Republican-controlled General Assembly and a Republican governor, and they did it intentionally just to mess up the Democratic process. I mean, that’s all they did it for," said Clyburn. ...

"I think it’s kind of interesting how Florida continues to play into these things in a very devious way."

'Ya Think?

"Richardson Says Florida Key To Win".

Readiness Questioned

"At the dawn of a hurricane season predicted to be unusually active, a report from a Washington think tank is warning that the war-stressed Florida National Guard may be ill prepared to respond after a strike by a major storm." "Report questions readiness of National Guard in crisis".

Whatever

"So what kind of a speaker does a Democratic club in Palm Beach County [the Century Village and West Palm Beach Democratic Clubs] look for to address its hard-core members? How about a Republican governor?" "Everyone loves Charlie, Part 89".

Only a "Glitch"

The FCAT apologists at The Sun-Sentinel try to minimize the latest FCAT Fiasco:

The recent "glitch" in Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores points out why more attention needs to be paid to altering and improving the test.

Whoopee

"Sales-tax holiday begins today for essential storm supplies". See also "State details sale tax holiday on hurricane items".

That's Our Charlie

"Olmert asks for some of Crist's magic".

Whose Fingerprints Are On This?

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Gov. Charlie Crist was right to veto a bill that would have given Medicaid HMOs a $5 million rate increase and taken away a requirement needed to protect HMO patients with severe mental illnesses. Now Medicaid HMOs still will be required to spend 80 percent of their state payment on direct services for mentally ill clients. The objectionable provisions were added to the bill behind closed doors near the end of the session. No legislator owned up to adding the provisions. " "Veto protects Medicaid".

Fight Over?

"Now that state GOP Chairman Jim Greer seems to have negotiated a truce of sorts between the state party and the Florida Republican Women's Network (the group of prominent Republican activists booted last year from the national Federation of Republican Women), perhaps we should expect Charlie Crist to return home having resolved the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." "GOP women's club feud resolved?"

Bad Timing

"The value of homes and business property in Central Florida continues to increase by double-digit percentages, county officials are reporting, adding further fuel to legislative efforts to dramatically slash property taxes. County property appraisers are finalizing their 2007 estimated tax rolls across Florida, basically telling cities and counties what they can expect to collect in property-tax revenues to pay for public safety, social service, roads and other services in next year's budget." "Counties' windfall adds fuel to tax-cut talk".

Looming Trooper Cutbacks

"Florida lawmakers quietly tucked $25 million in the back of the 400-page state budget to keep driver's license offices open and state troopers on the road. With just days left in the spring session, top Republicans were warned that the end of the state's no-fault auto insurance law this October could result in deep budget cuts for the state agency that oversees motorists." "DMV guards against cutbacks as end to no-fault law looms".

"Partially Naked"

"Florida's leaders are gambling big-time that Florida will enjoy another quiet hurricane season. As the new season begins today, never before have the stakes been higher for taxpayers and the state's economic future." "Florida Stands Partially Naked To Risks Of New Storm Season".

Plan B

"House minority leader Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, sat sprawled across a chair in the lobby of the Tel Aviv Hilton at midnight, Israel time, voicing his doubts about the progress of tax negotiations and hearing the concerns of more than a dozen members of the Democratic caucus in a conference call with lawmakers. Democrats were preparing for next Monday's tax hearing in which they will formally introduce a revised homestead exemption proposal." "Worried about tax progress, Dems revamp plan".

Grasping GOPers

The Buzz:

Among the prominent former Pinellas legislators helping on Thompson's prospective campaign: RZ "Sandy" Safley (formerly with Romney), Curt Kiser (formerly with Giuliani) and Jack Latvala.

What's more, it sounds like we can expect state Reps. Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid, and Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, to jump on board if Thompson gets all the way in. Oscar Juarez, another former Howard Baker organizer, is enthusiastic about his longtime friend Thompson and may jump ship from McCain.

"Pay-to-Pave"

"Under the state's wildlife permitting process, the developers could have applied for a permit to bulldoze and pave over the creatures' burrows, destroying them, in exchange for paying into a fund that purchases land for wildlife protection. This appalling practice has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of these slow-moving, terrestrial turtles over the last 15 years and, coupled with development throughout the state, put them at risk of extinction. ... Fortunately, this grotesque 'pay-to-pave' program is set to end July 31, thanks to pressure by environmental and animal welfare groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, which correctly calls the practice "perverse."" "Tortoise Getting Protection It Deserves".

SD 3

"As Dennis Baxley and Charlie Dean scrap it out in the final days before the SD3 primary, the Republican Party is turning attention to the general election."

A new mailer is calling into question Democrat Suzan Franks' voting record as a legislator in New Hampshire.

"Let's take a look at liberal Suzan Franks' baggage," reads a tag on a suitcase packed for Florida. The flip side shows votes Franks made on a state income tax, statewide property tax and other taxes. ...

If Franks prevails in her own primary, she can expect her New Hampshire voting record will be on full display. More about Franks at her Web site. An interesting tidbit you won't find there: Franks, formerly of Nashua, was a Republican until switiching parties in 2000.

In a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday, the House Democratic Caucus said confidence in the state's accountability system has been shaken by the flaw, which is requiring the rescoring of 204,000 tests.

The group, which represents 42 House Democrats, wants a complete audit of all FCAT results since 2000, not just a rescoring of last year's third-grade test.

They also want to know how far-reaching the effects of third-grade blunder are and an analysis of what other mistakes the FCAT is subject to. Another group, the Florida Coalition for Assessment Reform, also made similar requests of the Governor this week.

Debates

"Televised debates between the major contenders for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations are planned for Florida on Jan. 23 and 24, less than a week before the state's primaries, organizers said Wednesday. Leadership Florida, in partnership with the Florida Press Association and the Florida Public Broadcasting Service, will produce the two hourlong live debates, which may get added national exposure on C-SPAN, officials said." "Florida to host key debates in presidential race". See also "Organizers: Major presidential candidates to debate in January", "Presidential debates planned for January" and "State to host pair of presidential debates".

"Charlie of Arabia" Strides the World Stage

Howard Troxler: "The guy has been governor for just shy of five months, and he's knocking around the Middle East? Who is he, Charlie of Arabia?" "Maybe the Knesset can fix our tax mess".

"On the second day of a trade mission to the country, Crist also visited Jewish holy sites and met with top Israeli officials, raising his own international profile." "Crist visits holy places, meets leaders in Israel".

Scott Maxwell writes this morning that:

pundits are busy speculating that Crist is also hoping to make himself more attractive as a national candidate by bolstering his foreign-policy credentials. Still, Crist may have his eyes on an even loftier office -- if you believe the papers over there, anyway. After all, the St. Petersburg Times, which is traveling with the governor, cited a slightly misspelled headline about Charlie in Wednesday's Jerusalem Post that read: "Christ visits Jerusalem."

Nobody's Perfect

From The Orlando Sentinel editorial board:

Since Mr. Bush put the FCAT in place 10 years ago ...

Not Enough

"Agency officials said there will still be some cuts to services, but those cuts won't be as bad as was feared during the Legislative session." "State budget to include $116M extra for disabled".

Going Out on a Limb

"Kottkamp urges preparedness in face of hurricanes".

"A Matter of Numbers"

"It is becoming a matter of numbers - delegate numbers, to be exact. With 113, Florida has more than the 110 combined of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina." "With primary moved ahead, GOP's top 3 focus on Fla.".

"To that 'F' grade, add the 'Incomplete'"

"Florida families are paying higher insurance, property tax and gas costs, Gov. Crist observed last week. 'I don't think it's right to make them pay higher tuition, too.' Yet his veto of the state budget's 5 percent tuition increase just made Florida's 11 universities and 28 community colleges less accessible."

In a university system that is expecting 7,000 new students, Gov. Crist has excised $19 million in needed financing. That's roughly the equivalent of 300 new faculty, or about the number at Florida Gulf Coast University, said state university system spokesman Bill Edmonds. For the community colleges, the loss is a similar $19 million.

To that "F" grade, add the "Incomplete" the governor earned for omitting the tuition-proviso language from the $922 million university financing authorization. Whether he can reduce rather than eliminate a budget line item is the current legal limbo that the university system's Board of Governors should challenge. Not the least because the veto also eliminated language that spelled out how much students will be charged per credit hour.

I Am Shocked

"Don't act shocked at where tax dollars from South Florida slot machines are going. You were warned. According to a recent South Florida Sun-Sentinel report, Las Vegas-style slots in Broward County will raise more than $223 million for education projects in Florida. More than half of it will go toward higher education, not to public schools, as slots proponents vowed. Doesn't sound right, does it?" "Gambling Taxes".

Our Editors at Work

This really is beneath even the Sun-Sentinel editorial board - they write that Cindy Sheehan "became so shrill and strident that she lost effectiveness, and she helped turn the level of debate on both sides nasty rather than thoughtful and productive." "A Divider".

It would be nice to see such shrill rhetoric directed at the self proclaimed "uniter not a divider" and the other Iraq war fools.

Discovery

"Lower water levels yield discovery of ancient site".

Charlie's "Political Favoritism"

"The amount Gov. Crist vetoed from the Legislature's proposed state budget - $459 million - was unprecedented, but not his message of political favoritism." "Some turkeys more equal".

Good Luck

"Up in Florida's Panhandle, a test awaits Gov. Crist's Department of Environmental Protection. Will Secretary Michael Sole uphold a ruling that, finally, makes a paper mill stop polluting once-pristine Perdido Bay? This month, an administrative law judge denied the world's largest paper company, International Paper, a permit to build a discharge pipe to the bay and told the DEP to make the firm obey clean-water rules." "Clean-water win, if the state agrees".

"Tax Worries"

"Broward sees another double-digit jump in property values, fueling tax worries".

They Can Probably Handle It

The Sun-Sentinel editors think Florida pols have been mean to insurance companies; they complain that "some state officials have been hurling boulders at insurance companies. Doing so earns them political points, because insurers have been highly unpopular across the Sunshine State ever since they jacked up premiums on people following the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons." "Storm Season".

A Bushco Thing

"The United Arab Emirates' prime minister wants President Bush to help win dismissal of a federal lawsuit filed in Miami that accuses the country of forcing thousands of children to work as camel jockeys."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, also the ruler of Dubai, said in a letter to Bush that the lawsuit filed in Miami federal court ''is causing an unnecessary interference with the good and mutually valuable relations'' between the two countries.

The lawsuit, filed in September, seeks unspecified monetary damages for about 10,000 boys and thousands of their relatives. The case was brought under a 218-year-old U.S. law known as the Alien Tort Statute, which gives federal courts jurisdiction over certain civil cases involving foreigners.

The Emirates say the suit should be thrown out because U.S. courts have no jurisdiction and its rulers are entitled to sovereign immunity.

The lawsuit contends Miami is a proper venue because Emirates family members own horse farms in Ocala and because no other court in the world would adequately deal with the claims.

Probably A Good Thing.

"It's not often the Florida Legislature gets international attention."

Not Too Late for Thompson?

Adam Smith believes that "it's not too late for the actor to make a splash in the state's wait-and-see GOP fundraising pool." "Thompson's timing could suit Florida".

"Veto It"

"The latest legislation aimed at stifling citizen initiatives is headed to Gov. Charlie Crist's desk. The bill (SB 900) is flawed, unnecessary and potentially expensive. Crist should veto it."

If he doesn't, anyone gathering signatures to put a proposed amendment on the ballot would be required to hand those signatures in within 30 days of collecting them. Meeting the 30-day deadline might be difficult for grassroots groups working to collect signatures statewide, and it's not necessary -- there's already a statutory cutoff that gives election supervisors enough time to verify that signatures are valid. This bill punishes both the groups collecting signatures and the voters who, in good faith, signed the petitions.

It gets worse. This bill includes a provision giving voters 120 days to retract their signatures, opening the door for what the League of Women Voters describes as a "cottage industry" harassing petition-signers.

The retraction language assumes voters are too stupid to read the plain language of the petition they're signing, which is required to be printed at the top of every signature form. It would be disruptive and costly if elections supervisors have to scramble to match up names of petition signers with names on petition-revocation forms.

Similar language was buried in the massive elections bill signed into law earlier this month by Crist, but the governor really had no choice in that case -- that bill also set out a requirement for paper ballots, a top priority for elections integrity.

SB 900 presents no such dilemma -- it's a bad idea from start to finish. Crist should have no problem rejecting it.

"Jeb!" Watch

"Jeb!" and fellow deep thinker Ken Mehlman share their wisdom on the Wall Street Journal editorial page:

Immigration reform is very tough. It's an issue that divides both political parties and, on the right, has led many close personal and ideological friends -- people we respect and whose criticism we take seriously -- to oppose new rules governing how people enter this country and how we handle those who are here illegally. But we hope our friends reconsider.

We support the immigration reform compromise worked out in the Senate for a few simple reasons. It strengthens our national defense. It makes our economy more competitive and flexible. It enhances the rule of law and promotes national unity.

The Fine Print

"When Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed 5 percent college tuition increases last week, he said he was looking out for students and families burdened by property insurance and taxes. But not everyone was spared. The governor failed to veto 5 percent increases for community college work force development programs. That means thousands of the poorest students could pay more for the skills to become a welder, nurse or dental hygienist." "Crist veto pen skipped a line on tuition hikes".

Waiting for (the Right) Wingnut

"Underscoring how Jeb Bush's departure from Tallahassee has changed Florida's political scene, an overwhelming majority of President Bush's top political fundraisers in Florida are sitting on the sidelines so far in the 2008 presidential race." "FL Bush bundlers on sidelines".

Delightful

"Illegal immigrants who worked long shifts scrubbing theme restaurants for an indicted janitorial firm have signed their names to a lawsuit seeking unpaid wages. Some were rounded up in federal workplace raids in February and deported, they say, before receiving their final paychecks. Others worked 80- or 100-hour weeks for years without earning overtime pay or even the prevailing minimum wage, the suit charges."

The 14 plaintiffs - most from Mexico - worked for Rosenbaum-Cunningham International Inc., a Palm Beach, Fla.-based janitorial firm.

Nukes?

Mile Thomas thinks Florida should go nuclear: "Decades lost -- we must get energy-smart".

Whatever

"Huckabee Makes Tampa Appearance".

Thompson Locks Up Florida

"U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, is officially uncommitted, but sure sounded like a Fred Thompson guy". "Putnam digs Thompson".

"Cosmopolitan"?

"Steve Stanton was fired as city manager in Largo two months ago after announcing his plans to become Susan Stanton. On Wednesday, Stanton, wearing a white skirt, pumps and makeup, was turned down for the top job in this more cosmopolitan tourist town. Sarasota commissioners picked another of the five finalists. Stanton was their third choice." "City turns down transsexual".

"Delusional Hubris"

Daniel Ruth doesn't think much of Dennis Kucinich: "The Kucinich Juggernaut Hits Town".

Property Tax Cut

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Crist's cuts leave the state flush with $7 billion in reserves, and lawmakers looking for a quick way to cut property taxes will be tempted to dip into that money. It is particularly convenient since lawmakers actually voted to increase property taxes to pay for schools while they were marching lockstep in the crusade to cut the property taxes that fuel city and county budgets. The problem is that most of the money held in reserve is the result of a one-time windfall and can't be counted on year after year. So if Mr. Crist and lawmakers dump that money into schools this year, what will they use to fill the void next year?" "Don't be reckless".

The Tampa Trib editorial board agrees, and argues that

lawmakers would begin to balance their tax-cutting rhetoric with their planned increase in the one local tax they control. Since 2000 lawmakers have moved $4.1 billion onto the backs of property owners through this school tax, called the "required local effort."

Tallahassee leaders should no longer pretend they're not contributing to the crippling tax bills facing Floridians. School taxes account for 30 percent of property taxes, and it's impossible to talk about tax reform without acknowledging that state lawmakers have pushed an ever-greater share of that burden onto property owners.

That's A Relief

"Crist, a Republican, said he had no plans to meet with Palestinian officials during his trip." "Florida governor begins 5-day tour of Israel".

As Charlie Burnishes His Foreign Relations Bona Fides ...

"Lake Okeechobee's low water levels threaten South Florida water supply".

Promises, Promises

"South Florida residents questioned House Speaker Marco Rubio on proposed property tax reforms. He told them that local governments are highly unlikely to cut essential services." "House Speaker Rubio: Essentials won't be cut". See also "Property tax talk heats up".

Covering His Bases

"The host committee for freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein’s Wednesday fund-raiser in Fort Lauderdale includes auto magnate Michael Maroone, who last year opened his home to President Bush for an event that raised more than $800,000 for former Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw." "Former Shaw moneyman helps Klein".

Delightful

"Tacked onto the elections bill on a voice vote in the hectic, waning days of the legislative session, the section altered what's called the 'resign-to-run' law. State, city and county elected officials now may run for federal offices, including Congress, without having to resign from their current positions. State elections officials say the change also means officeholders could run for two offices at once, as long as one is a federal office." "Law Opens Door To State Politicians".

Whoopee

"The overhaul of Florida's welfare system, which allows most food stamp and Medicaid recipients to apply for aid and check their benefits online, is among 18 finalists for a prestigious national award [i.e., the Innovations in American Government Awards, bestowed annually by Ash Institute for Democratic Governance at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government] that recognizes government innovations." "Medicaid overhaul in running for prize".

No Takers

"Wanted: Veteran attorney to oversee important cases in 35 Florida counties. Job expected to last 18 months or so. Salary: $145,400. Sounds enticing, but so far there have been almost no takers."

In the past, lawyers clamored to be U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida -- one of the most powerful federal-prosecutor jobs in the country.

Debates

"PBS Plans Florida Presidential Primary Debates".

FCAT Fiasco

"A mistake that erroneously boosted the scores of more than 200,000 third-graders on the FCAT last year has given new ammunition to critics of the test that not only assesses student performance but is also used to hold schools accountable." "Overdue change".

"The casual manner in which Florida education officials acknowledged last week a massive miscalculation of reading test scores is as alarming as the errors themselves." "FCAT mistakes go beyond score".

Carbon

"Florida Power & Light is urging state utility regulators to let it build a proposed coal-fueled power plant in Glades County to help it meet demand and move away from its reliance on natural gas." "FPL pushing hard for Glades coal plant".

'Ya Think

"Crist should veto legislation written to make it more difficult for citizens to gather petitions to change the state constitution." "Crist Should Veto Petition Bill".

Laff Riot

"Crist takes turn at diplomat today".

"Implications"

"Florida remains No. 1 in the nation as a retirement destination, but its lead is no longer quite so comfortable. In a recent study by the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, which tracks national migration trends, Florida's share of the retiree market dropped from 19.1 percent in 2000 to 16.6 percent in 2005. Texas, which had been number four nationally, vaulted to second place. The implications run deeper than a billboard battle on state roads and interstate highways." more on those "implications" here: "Golden geese".

"No Welcome Mat"

"Florida's wild creatures are beleaguered enough without the additional threat posed by an influx of coyotes into the state. Too many exotic species already compete with native wildlife, sometimes even threatening to crowd out Florida's indigenous species. Meanwhile, constant development adds to the pressure on native animals' habitat, including that of endangered species like the Florida panther. Now comes the coyote, more familiar to the terrain of Western states, which -- like so many two-legged and four-legged transplants -- is making itself right at home in Florida." "No welcome mat for the wily coyote".

Raw Political Courage

"Crist, Rubio agree that Floridians are taxed out".

Odd

"Democrat Tim Mahoney touted his business savvy in winning the Republican-leaning U.S. House District 16 seat last year, but he will need to demonstrate more political savvy to get reelected in 2008." "Mahoney's odd tantrum".

"Web of Fraud and Foreclosure"

"Unwary tenants find themselves caught in a widening web of fraud and foreclosure." "Renters, too, face mortgage fallout".

Baxley

"The National Rifle Association has launched a radio advertising campaign on behalf of Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who's vying with Rep. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, and a handful of others in a tight Senate race." "NRA Launches Baxley Radio Ads".

After deadlocking earlier this month over lowering property taxes, lawmakers could return to work June 12 staring across a similar divide.

Gov. Charlie Crist and House Speaker Marco Rubio, the twin poles in the debate, have both been clear about the need to pacify taxed-out Floridians.

They've also been just as elusive about the details.

Dem Confusion

"Florida's decision to move up its presidential primary to January is adding new levels of confusion for state and national Democrats and their candidates." "Democrats stuck in primary prison". See also "Democrats' primary may not count. So what, some say".

Hold Your Noses

"The Florida Legislature, with support and prodding from Gov. Charlie Crist, did the citizenry some good with its new elections law, namely by moving up the presidential primary to January and making the state a power player in the high-stakes contest. But many Floridians ought to hold their noses, because the benefits come at a price. At the last minute, a number of anti-voter provisions were snuck into the ultimately bloated, 80-page bill." "Legislature".

Consequences

"Ask anyone you know if they want a tax cut and they'll almost certainly say yes, and make it big."

Legislators heading into a special session on how to cut local taxes understand the public mood. What they don't seem to understand is the flip side of the issue, where passions also run high.

If taxes are cut, services must be cut too. Counties experiencing rapid growth are far behind in providing needed services such as new roads and transit, a drought-proof water supply, smaller classrooms, adequate jails and enough deputies.

Major budget cuts will put them farther behind, and sharply lower taxes on new homes will remind everyone that newcomers won't soon pay enough for all the services they demand today.

"Conspiracy Theory"

"It's a conspiracy theory made for Florida's most avid government geeks: The Legislature guts local property-tax structures then forces cities and counties to turn to legalized gambling as a way to keep police on the street and school buses running." "Rolling the dice".

SFWMD

"Crist's appointment of Shannon Estenoz to the board of the South Florida Water Management District sent a jolt of excitement through Florida's environmental community." "Environmentalists Laud Picks".

Money Man

Thirty-three year old "Adam Putnam remains the wealthiest member of the Tampa Bay area congressional delegation, with his stake in his family's citrus and cattle business making him a millionaire several times over."

Putnam, the third-ranking Republican member of the U.S. House and scion of a prominent family in Polk County agriculture, reports that his assets by the end of 2006 were between $3.2 million and $13.2 million.

Putnam's overall net worth - tabulated by subtracting his reported liabilities from his assets - is between $3 million and $13 million. That would place him among the wealthiest members in the 435-seat House.

the largest of Putnam's assets listed was his ownership share of Putnam Groves, worth between $1 million and $5 million. He also reported having $1 million to $5 million in Citrus and Chemical Bank accounts.

Most of Putnam's "unearned income" from assets - $1 million to $5 million - was listed as "S" corporation income from Putnam Groves.

The House and Senate don't officially release these reports for public review until June. But this month, Nelson and area members of the House agreed to provide theirs to The Tampa Tribune upon request. Republican Sen. Mel Martinez declined.

Mandatory Insurance

"It took longer than she had hoped, but Florida State this fall will be the state's first public university to require health insurance, starting with freshmen and other new students." "Better have health insurance before enrolling at Florida State".

Lake O

"Lake Okeechobee nears lowest level ever".

Kucinich

"Second-time presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich made three Tampa Bay stops in his first Florida campaign visit Saturday, bringing along his newest campaign asset, a striking British bride." "Kucinich's Words, Wife Are Turning Heads". See also "Kucinich Will Campaign In Florida Despite Party Boycott".

FCAT Fiasco

The Miami Herald editorial board:

Newly discovered errors in tallying last year's FCAT scores heighten long-held concerns about high-stakes testing. Yes, Florida's teachers, schools and school districts must be held accountable for teaching children to read, write, count and think. Yet the errors call attention to the FCAT's critical role as the single most-defining measurement of success or failure for students, schools and entire schools districts. Is that right? We think not.