"Did your taxes drop like a rock?"

"Legislators predicted typical property tax cuts of $174. Appraisers find it's even less." "Property tax savings don't match the hype".

Allen Update

"Attorneys for state Rep. Bob Allen are trying to get statements he made to police -- including when he told them he was intimidated by a 'stocky black gu'" -- thrown out and the charges dismissed, according to motions filed in court Friday."

Allen, who vehemently denies any wrongdoing and said he is not a racist, gave the statements to officers before he was read his Miranda rights and after several requests to speak to his lawyer, his attorney said. ...

The motion states Allen, R-Merritt Island, first was questioned while handcuffed and confronted by the arresting officer after it had been made clear to him he was not free to go. Allen told the officer he wanted to speak to attorney Philip Lupo.

Then, while in a holding cell, Allen was approached by Deputy Chief John Lau, who had concealed a tape recorder and questioned him about the "misunderstanding" at the park.

Polling

"Mitt Romney has gained some ground—apparently at the expense of John McCain—in two polls in the GOP presisdential in Florida this week. Both showed Romney rising out of single digits, while McCain sinks back into single digits. In a Rasmussen Research poll released [Friday], Rudy Giuliani led with 30 percent of GOP voters, followed by Fred Thompson with 17 percent; Romney, 15 percent; McCain, 7 percent; Mike Huckabee, 5 percent; undecided 22 percent, and four other candidates splitting the remaining 5 percent." "Romney Gains Ground In Florida Polls". See the Rasmussen polling here: Florida GOP Primary: Giuliani, Romney and Huckabee Gain Ground and "Clinton Continues To Dominate Florida Primaries".

"Howdy Doody Looking Nimrod" Speaks

"The 'textbooks of tomorrow' will remember former House Speaker Dennis Hastert as having made a real difference for the nation, says Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, a close ally of the former House speaker." "Putnam Extols Hastert Following Retirement".

Feeney

"For a textbook example of why legal-defense funds for lawmakers are a bad idea, consider the one three-term U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney of Oviedo set up to pay his legal bills related to his part in the ongoing federal probe of corrupt lobbyist Jack Abramoff." "Digging himself deeper".

"Winner-Take-All"?

"There was one little-noticed part of the state Republican Party’s action on its national conventional delegate selection plan last week: If the state party incurs a penalty because the state primary is too early, then all its national convention delegates will go to a single candidate. That would be a significant change. It would mean, in effect, that second place doesn’t count, and would help the Florida frontrunner—currently, Rudy Giuliani." "GOP Primary May Be Winner-Take-All".

Bucher to Take on Anderson

"State Rep. Susan Bucher, D-West Palm Beach, will challenge incumbent Arthur Anderson next year for the much-scrutinized job of Palm Beach County elections supervisor." "Official plans to challenge Anderson".

Privatization Follies

"Florida leads growth in virtual schooling".

Another Jebacy

"A national news magazine's rankings of the nation's universities dealt Florida schools a gut punch Friday, but that's no reason to worry about the quality of the state's higher-education system."

After all, there are plenty of real reasons to panic about the future of Florida's 11 crowded, underfunded public universities. Legislators' and Gov. Charlie Crist's political sensibilities may be hurt by the perception created by a magazine, but they shouldn't be surprised that negligence over the years is hurting the quality of Florida's public universities. ...

First, the public-relations problem: Take the magazine at face value, and Florida's schools stand as monuments to mediocrity.

UF, the state's flagship university, and FSU, the only other state school to break into the top 126 of the magazine's ranking, each dropped two spots this year. UF is ranked 49th and FSU 112th. ...

In 1989, the state spent $14,039 per university student. This year, when adjusted for inflation, the state spent $10,883. While per-student spending in other states, such as North Carolina, is rising, Florida's is falling.

It's no wonder that Florida universities have the worst ratio of students to full-time professors in the country, that classes are crowded and that it takes Florida students longer to graduate than it does those in other states.

These are real reasons for concern. Florida's universities deserve better.

On Second Thought ...

"Florida's transportation chief agreed late Friday to make bridge inspection reports public. Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, pushed for public release of inspection reports that the Department of Transportation had refused to release before, contending they were secret under anti-terrorism laws." "DOT releases bridge reports".

Nelson

"Nelson supports limited troop pullout".

Wacky

"Sen. Don Gaetz,a Niceville Republican and chairman of the Senate Education Committee, this morning asked a committee of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission to put a constitutional amendment on the 2008 ballot to overturn the state Supreme Court decision that outlawed one of Florida's voucher programs. Gaetz also suggested offering voters a swap: Freeze class size reduction efforts at their current levels to offset the projected loss of money for schools that may occur if voters approve next year's supersized homestead exemption. That exemption goes before voters next Jan. 29. Gaetz also railed against the Board of Governors, which has just recently asserted that it has the power to set university tuition rates." "Senator asks panel to put vouchers, class size and tuition control on ballot".

"Potential to backfire"

"Florida officials have given regulators another way to challenge property-insurance rates - but it has the potential to backfire." "New hurricane model may raise insurance rates".

Obvious

"DCF's newfound respect for the state's open government laws includes seeking the public release of records that might even prove the agency did something wrong." "Problem obvious? Good.".

Whatever

"By appointing school board member Bob Kanjian to a Palm Beach County Commission vacancy, Gov. Charlie Crist picked a stalwart Republican while maintaining his reputation as a GOP maverick. Crist bypassed the anointed candidate of the county GOP leadership, Boynton Beach Mayor Jerry Taylor." "Crist's pick ignores advice of GOP leaders".

"To cut taxes, deal with Save Our Homes"

"For the last several years, the state struggled with runaway increases in property assessments for some while others benefited from Save Our Homes."

Only those who choose to stay in the same permanent residence are rewarded by the cap. If Save Our Homes was approved in 1992 as a means of rewarding home ownership, it's become instead a crimp on mobility within the state's borders for many. It's kept taxes lower for those who don't need to move or don't want to move. But it's also shifted the tax burden to commercial properties, which aren't covered by the cap, to renters, to residents moving into Florida, and to Floridians who change addresses.

The Legislature didn't fix the problem when it "reformed" some of the tax system in its last special session, nor will the system be fixed should voters approve a constitutional amendment on Jan. 29 that would both allow a continuation of the 3 percent cap or enlarge the homestead exemption up to a maximum of $195,000 (on the most expensive homes). If enacted, that proposal would create further disparities, not narrow them, while keeping in place steeper rates for non-homesteaded properties.

The present system isn't working. The proposed amendment won't be a solution. The way to encourage property ownership, mobility and business is to equalize burdens, not overly favor one group over another. Until homesteaded homeowners agree to such a plan, Florida's tax woes will continue in different guises, no matter the reforms.

Efficiencies ... Yaaawn ...

"Some questions and answers with Gov. Charlie Crist, who met with the editorial board of the St. Petersburg Times on Friday." "Efficiencies, not tax hikes".

Florida's Booming Economy

"State's unemployment rises, job growth slows".

Opposition

"In a bustling Teamsters Union hall in Orlando this week, a diverse group of allies took the first step toward an all-out effort to defeat the proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes. Teachers, firefighters, social service advocates and labor unions met privately Thursday to begin discussing the effects of the Jan. 29 ballot proposal, which would take $10-billion to $15-billion from local government over four years. Organizers planned on 50 people being there, but 80 turned up." "Opposition forms for tax battle".

'Ya Think?

"Serious attempts at tax reform haven't gotten very far in Tallahassee in recent years. But while Floridians wait for a broader, fairer system, they should at least be able to count on government to make a genuine effort to collect the taxes businesses are required by law to pay." "Florida's tax collection goes off rails".

How Many Times Did Charlie Fail the Bar?

"Crist wondered Friday whether his new 'Anti-Murder Act' should have kept Hillsborough Sgt. Ronald Harrison's killer behind bars. ... The governor acknowledged, however, that he wasn't sure the statute fit the case." "Did judge obey law?".

Laff Riot

"Speaking in South Portland before a conservative think tank, the former Florida governor sidestepped questions about his political future - even after a suggestion that he consider running for governor, of Maine." "Jeb in Maine: 'I don't have ambition in politics.'".

Jebbie's remarks include this deep thoughts:

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush urged Maine's conservative legislators and decision makers on Thursday to take the initiative and propose bold reforms to advance their causes. ...

The rapid changes in technology, shifting economies and markets, and the "jihadist threat" have created an environment of angst and deep uncertainty across the country, he said.

"This creates an opportunity for conservatives to advance our cause," said Bush. "It is important for conservatives to lead the way and to have a zeal for reform. ... If we lead, people will be drawn to conservative principles beyond reform." ...

Bush said conservatives will make gains by adhering to bedrock principles of limiting government, cutting taxes and urging personal responsibility. Known for his focus on education reform, Bush spent much of his time discussing the highlights of Florida's education reform efforts, from eliminating social promotion to rewarding successful teachers.

"The interesting part of this climate of reform is that reform begets reform," he said, adding that one benefit is that people lose their "fear" of big ideas.

"If we could make the fear of change into the cowardice of 'not' changing, imagine what the world would look like," he said. "It's worth fighting for."

For about three hours at Fulton's, the officials enjoyed a five-course dinner that featured filet mignon, Alaskan king crab and an open bar. ...

The officials were whisked to the third floor of the elegant paddlewheel restaurant by private elevator. As the sun set over Disney's Pleasure Island, attendees mingled, sampled appetizers and chatted. There appeared to be little talk of business -- conversation drifted from the type of cigars one official enjoys to the impending departure of another's daughter to college later this month to the types of drinks they were being served.

Despite being attended by several members of the same public boards, the party was not advertised as a public meeting. Two reporters who tried to attend were asked to leave. ...

At least five other swanky parties like this were scheduled for Thursday night, and another half-dozen or so will take place tonight, including the "Death by Chocolate" reception hosted by sanitation company Waste Management Inc.

It ought to be called "Slow Death By Chocolate," because, bite by sinfully delicious free bite, city officials who partake are killing what's left of the public's confidence in their government.

Mayors and city commissioners will tell you they can't be bought by one or two or 12 slices of lucious chocolate cake. Or by sweet, buttery lobster tail. Or free booze. Or juicy filet mignon.

But the public thinks they can be bought. In fact, a scary percentage think their government has already been bought. A CNN News poll just before last November's elections found that 50 percent of Americans thought their member of Congress is corrupt. Local officials are kidding themselves if they think the cynicism ends at the foot of Capitol Hill.

Its A Secret

"Sen. Don Gaetz wants the state's transportation chief to release bridge inspection reports, even though the department insists they are secret under anti-terrorism laws." "Lawmaker seeks release of bridge-inspection reports". Meanwhile, back at the ranch: "Tallahassee: Committee to study open-government laws".

More 2000 (with a little CD 13)

"In an investigative project for the HDNet television network, Dan Rather contends he has found evidence of faulty paper used in the famous Palm Beach County punchcard ballots in the 2000 election which could have caused many of the undervotes in that race; and evidence that faulty touch screens were used in the iVotronic touchscreen voting machines used in last year’s District 13 congressional race in Sarasota." "Rather Breaks News On 2000 Recount, D 13 Race". See also "Rather tackles touch-screen voting issues".

Whatever

"Ask The Governor: Sales tax exemptions may be next on reform list".

Another Fine Mess

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The Florida Department of Children and Families last week pulled the plug on HomeSafenet - a computerized case-management system that never worked right, despite a decade of development."

The cost of this high-tech debacle: $190 million. ...

The announcement came just two months after the state shelved Project Aspire, a financial computer system that never worked right. For it, taxpayers paid $89 million.

"Problematic"

"Florida regulators grilling The Hartford on its request for a $44 million rate increase questioned its efforts to collect a 15 percent profit for itself as well as similar rewards for its re-insurers. But the bulk of the increase goes for something regulators can't regulate - an increasingly dark view of the hurricane threat to Florida." "Regulators: Insurance situation 'problematic'".

Portability

"A proposal to let homeowners take at least part of their existing tax breaks with them when they move received a frosty reception Thursday from part of a commission studying Florida's tax structure." "Property tax 'portability' gets frosty reception from tax panel".

Lobbying Game

"With a new governor at the helm of the nation's largest swing state, the national green group Environmental Defense decided the time was ripe to make an impression."

So, it helped finance a climate-change summit in Miami last month where Gov. Charlie Crist announced aggressive carbon reduction goals. It paid for a poll to take the temperature of Floridians on the plans. And in perhaps the most telling development, the group has spent at least $172,000 on lobbyists in Tallahassee through the first half of 2007.

The amount they paid during Jeb Bush's last year in office? Zero.

Gambling Man

"Crist has until Tuesday to reach an agreement with the state's Seminole Tribe on the addition of Las Vegas-style games to its casinos - a deal that could allow the state to get millions in tax revenue from the tribe's profits." "Will state, tribe take a gamble?".

Party On Dude

"Described as "anxious but hopeful," former Palm Beach County Commish Tony Masilotti spent his last hours of freedom grilling lobster tails on his gas barbecue and playing volleyball with guests at his Welly home. Even more Tony-esque: He watched Susan Masilotti, the ex-wife whose divorce filing accelerated his fall from grace, mingle with the gal pal he'd been seeing secretly on and off while still married, former water district employee Renee DeSantis." "Masilotti hosts crowded pre-pen cookout".

Feeney Legal Fund Gets Fatter

"The fund that U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney set up to help pay his legal bills has received a $5,000 donation from an Oviedo businessman who is hoping for a NASA contract. And it's the same person, Tyng-Lin Yang, whose relationship with Feeney raised questions when Feeney was Florida House speaker." "Feeney supporter pumps up legal fund".

PIP

"Florida's largest health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, has joined with the state's hospitals and health care providers in an last-ditch effort to keep the state's no-fault insurance alive. The Coalition to Protect Florida's Drivers issued a release today asking Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature to either extend or reform the law that requires motorists to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP is scheduled to sunset on Oct. 1." "Blue Cross and Blue Shield joins effort to keep PIP". The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Don't let PIP RIP".

Egalitarianism, Florida Style

"Nearly $1 out of every $10 spent lobbying the Florida Legislature this year came from cities and counties looking to lessen the blow of property tax cuts and seeking more money for hometown projects. All told, special interests -- including insurance companies, giant telecommunications firms and local governments -- spent between $35 million and $83 million on lobbying just the Florida Legislature, newly filed reports show. Anywhere from $17 million to $52 million also was spent to lobby Gov. Charlie Crist and state agencies." "Localities spent big in tax debate".

"Indefensible"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board:

When word came down from Tallahassee that local governments would have to cut their property tax rates (or be brave enough to override the cuts), many began slashing spending for parks, recreation and other "nonessentials." But they also started cutting two areas that are absolutely essential: affordable housing and medical services for the poor.

Difficult economic times call for maintaining or enhancing services aimed at the very families the Legislature claims it is trying to help with tax cuts.

Bilirakis

"Eight months into GOP Rep. Gus Bilirakis' congressional career, two area Democrats are eyeing runs for his U.S. House seat in 2008. Former Plant City Mayor John Dicks traveled to the nation's capital two weeks ago to meet with national party officials about his potential bid. He said Thursday in an interview that he will make his decision by about Labor Day. Bilirakis already has one Democratic opponent, William D. "Bill" Mitchell, a Tampa employment lawyer and Navy veteran. He also filed to run for the seat in 2006 but withdrew in deference to Phyllis Busansky, defeated by Bilirakis in November." "Bilirakis Already In Cross Hairs".

McInvale Arrested

"A sealed indictment made public charged McInvale and her former legislative aide, Robert Franklin Stuart Jr., with several official-misconduct charges, along with grand theft, cheating and falsifying records. They are accused of using state funds to pay a "private debt" in 2005 and 2006 while McInvale was still in the Legislature." "McInvale, ex-aide face felony charges". See also "Former lawmaker Sheri McInvale, ex-aide charged with theft".

After Leaving Florida In A Mess ...

... Jebbie is cashing in: "Former Gov. Jeb Bush is taking a low profile in Florida politics since leaving office—for instance, he hasn’t publicly taken sides in the presidential primary, nor has he had much to say about the performance in office of his successor, Gov. Charlie Crist. But that doesn’t mean he’s hiding his light under a bushel. Bush is maintaining a schedule of speaking appearances, often before conservative or religious groups, and is represented by a big-name speaker’s agency, Washington Speaker’s Bureau." "Jeb Not Hiding His Light".

Trimming the "Fat"?

Aren't tax cuts nice: "The Tampa Parks and Recreation Department shouldered the heaviest burden when it came to budget cuts. In all, the department cut about $4.5 million from its $38 million budget. Roughly 100 full-time and part-time positions were eliminated, along with another 100 seasonal jobs." "Parks Budget Plan Cuts Millions".

Giuliani

"Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani appears to be living up to his promise to make Florida an important part of his campaign—he’ll make a second appearance in St. Petersburn Sept. 7 at a fundraising dinner for the Pinellas County Republican Party." "Giuliani To Return To St. Pete".

"Jose Padilla verdict masks a gross travesty"

The Daytona Beach - News Journal editorial board: "A jury in Miami took less than two days to find Jose Padilla guilty of conspiracy to fund and support Islamic terrorism abroad. It's not quite the end of the story, if rights and due process are to matter at all in America."

The Padilla verdict on Thursday, coming as it did at the end of a five-year odyssey of exaggerated accusations and stunning abuses of power against an American citizen, speaks more of the Bush administration's manipulation of fears, facts and prejudices to deceptive ends than of justice done. Why should this case matter to you? Because the abuses it entailed along the way have yet to be rectified either by Congress or the Supreme Court. Until then, what happened to Padilla can happen to anyone.

"Another unfavorable prognosis"

"Florida's university system just got another unfavorable prognosis: Florida International University and the University of Central Florida are tens of millions of dollars short on what it will take to complete their medical schools that, combined, were supposed to cost $500 million." "New state med schools can finance their bailout".

A "Death by Chocolate" extravaganza. Lobster tail and an open bar at Fulton's Crab House. Filet mignon at Morton's Steakhouse. Dinner and drinks at Disney's exclusive California Grill.

These events, paid for by lobbyists and special-interest groups, are among the ways ... Florida's elected officials will spend their time this weekend during a taxpayer-funded conference in Orlando.

Though these private after-hours parties are rarely advertised, they are a longstanding part of the Florida League of Cities' annual conference, a three-day seminar that kicks off today at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

"The most misunderstood guy on Earth"

Bill Cotterell: " House Speaker Marco Rubio removed Rep. Bob Allen as chairman of an energy panel Wednesday and said he can't be an effective legislator after his arrest on charges of soliciting for prostitution."

Allen said public ridicule and presumption of guilt has been difficult for him and his family, comparing his treatment to the system in totalitarian regimes like Cuba. But he emphasized that he was not comparing Rubio to Fidel Castro, the dictator whom the speaker's family fled decades ago.

''There's supposed to be a difference between totalitarian regimes and our country, but that's the way they do it in Cuba - just bundle somebody off without a trial or any chance to defend themselves,'' said Allen. ''I'm not trying to compare the speaker, though. I should have used North Korea or some other example.''

Allen's comments Wednesday come after an uproar caused by transcripts and recordings of statements he made following his arrest. To police, he denied going to the park for sex and said he felt threatened by the presence of black men - including the arresting officer - in the area.

Allen said he was notified of his removal from the Energy Committee chair by a voice message left by the speaker prior to the announcement. He said he was not surprised, but ''I certainly disagree'' about not being able to effectively represent Brevard and Orange Counties in the House.

''That printed statement was tougher than our verbal communication we've had with each other,'' Allen said. ''The speaker has always assured me that the House would do nothing to damage our defense.''

Allen also said that ''there's a lot of political pressure at work here,'' with blogs and editorial comments calling for his resignation, even late night TV comics making lurid jokes. Some civil-rights activists in Central Florida last week called for his resignation because of his reference to black men.

"Never was I trying to ever say Marco is the new Fidel. That's the most insulting thing you can tell anyone in Miami," Allen said. "I would have used North Korea if I thought more."

An official in Rubio's Tallahassee office said the speaker wasn't available for comment.

The political faux pas comes shortly after he riled residents and activists with what he told Titusville police. He told them he played along when the officer suggested sex in a park restroom because the "stocky black guy" intimidated him.

Good Luck

"Florida could shut down juvenile detention centers, shrink prevention programs and slash other services for troubled youths to trim its budget." "Hands off my budget, Juvenile Justice chief pleads".

Big Spenders

"With a new governor at the helm of the nation’s largest swing state, the Washington-based green group Environmental Defense decided the time was ripe to make an impression." "Environmental defense groups spend big in Fla".

Clint Curtis Announces

"Clint Curtis, the Titusville Democrat who ran unsuccessfully against Republican Tom Feeney for the U.S. House District 24 seat last year, has decided to try again in 2008." "Curtis plans another run for Congress in Feeney district".

"Double-whammy"

"Community colleges are facing a 'double-whammy' from impending spending cuts because their enrollment is soaring although their budgets are based on last year's attendance, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp acknowledged Wednesday." "Community colleges face 'double-whammy' from budget cuts".

Are Dems Commies or Fascists?

"Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney raced through Central Florida on Wednesday, saying his business experience and commitment to conservative principles make him the Republicans' best hope at retaining the White House in 2008." One has to wonder if remarks like those quoted below truly motivate Florida Republicans; on second thought they probably do:

Speaking to a crowd of about 300 people, Romney said that if Democrats win the presidency, it will be "out with Adam Smith and in with Karl Marx." But he also criticized Republicans -- if indirectly.

if Republicans win the presidency, it will be "out with Adam Smith and in with Adolf Hitler."

- "One significant fascist belief was that prosperity would naturally follow once the nation has achieved a cultural and spiritual re-awakening."

- "Fascism also operated from a Social Darwinist view of human relations. Their aim was to promote 'superior' individuals and weed out the weak."

- "In terms of economic practice, this meant promoting the interests of successful businessmen while destroying trade unions and other organizations of the working class."

- "Historian Gaetano Salvemini argued in 1936 that fascism makes taxpayers responsible to private enterprise, because 'the State pays for the blunders of private enterprise... Profit is private and individual. Loss is public and social.'"

- "Finally, fascism was highly militaristic. As such, fascists often increased military spending significantly, and their main reason for economic development was the wish to have a strong economy backing a strong military."

Dealers

"Tougher laws and stricter enforcement cost nearly 200,000 U.S. gun dealers their licenses since the mid-1990s, a new study shows. The study says the number of federally licensed firearms dealers fell 79 percent nationwide since 1994. In that year, Congress adopted new gun-control measures that still spark fiery debate." "Gun dealers dwindle since tougher '90s laws".

Whoopee!

"Jeff Sadosky, who has been Republican Party of Florida press spokesman for more than a year, is leaving that job to become Florida spokesman for the Fred Thompson presidential campaign." "Sadosky To Be Thompson Florida Spokesman". See also "Talking head’s with Fred" ("GOP political heavyweight Randy Enwright, a Sunshine State native, is overseeing the entire 'Friends of Fred Thompson' testing the waters campaign.")

Rejects

"State insurance regulators said they plan to reject the rate reductions of three homeowners' insurance companies because they are too small." "Florida regulators plan to reject insurers' rates".

Pricey

"Move To Punch Out Touch Voting Is Pricey".

"Green crusade"

"Crist continues his green crusade today, traveling to Clearwater to tout a state program that encourages marina owners to protect waterways." "Concern as 'no-fault' nears end".

Those With The Gold ...

... can even avoid traffic jams. "Now it is official: Express toll lanes are coming to Interstate 95. On Tuesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced that South Florida was one of five urban areas to get federal grants to fund novel traffic-easing projects. South Florida gets $62.9 million to expand the I-95 HOV lane to two lanes between Fort Lauderdale and Miami for buses and carpoolers. Individual drivers willing to pay a variable electronic toll will also have access to the lanes." "Express toll lanes for I-95? Yes, but . . .". The Sun-Sentinel editors: ""Lexus lanes" may sound bad but worth a try".

Lagoon

"A $1.4 billion plan to restore the Indian River Lagoon is expected to win the final approval of the U.S. Senate next month as part of a larger water resources bill, U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez told local officials Wednesday." "Martinez vows fight to keep money for lagoon".

"Untouchable"

"As higher education staffers began to scrutinize the 2008-09 budget, searching for funds to help students in need, they saw $400 million that could not be touched. The money in question comes from the Lottery-sponsored Bright Futures Scholarships." "Lottery-sponsored Bright Futures funds untouchable".

"Death By A Thousand Cuts"

"It's hard to say which is worse, shrinking the boundaries of a public-land preservation program or forcing taxpayers to help fund development in risky coastal areas." "Florida's Coastal Lands Facing Death By A Thousand Cuts".

What "Economic Boom"?

"Saying there's 'gold in green,' Gov. Charlie Crist predicts his sweeping efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and ratchet up use of alternative energy in the state also will provide an economic boom." "Crist: Economic boom may have green roots".

"Safe Haven"

"The father who dropped his hours-old baby boy at a Palm Beach County hospital earlier this week did the right thing. The child is safe, and that's what matters most. In Florida, the baby was the 79th surrendered to authorities since state legislators passed Florida's Safe Haven law in 2000. The drop-off occurred a week after a mother relinquished her baby girl to authorities in Davie a few hours after delivery." "Safe Haven law saving babies".

You Reckon?

"If Jeb had taken more vacation days when he was governor, maybe Florida would be in better financial and operational condition today." "Zing!".

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

"Seven local applicants to replace former Palm Beach County Commissioner Warren Newell met Wednesday with Gov. Charlie Crist." "Hopefuls for Newell seat meet Crist".

"Outrageous"?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "It's outrageous more cities and counties aren't trimming their budgets."

Despite demands for property-tax cuts from businesses and homeowners, an edict from the Legislature to cut spending and the looming specter that voters will demand even deeper cuts in a January referendum, cities and counties around the state are refusing to shrink their budgets.

Open-government laws committee

"A committee set up by Gov. Charlie Crist to evaluate Florida's open-government laws will meet next week in Tallahassee." "Committee to study open-government laws in Florida".

Giuliani

"Rudy Giuliani's national campaign manager, Mike DuHaime, joined Bill McCollum today in formally opening Rudy's Florida campaign headquarters in Winter Park. Just a few minutes away, Mitt Romney was doing one of his "Ask Mitt Anything" gigs. Given the odds against both campaigns holding events in the same town at almost the same time, we can't help but wonder who was trying to step on whom. Hmmm. Giuliani now has more campaign workers in Florida - 14 - than any other state ..." "Giuliani showing Fla. the love".

"There's little reason to trust the Legislature"


The Palm beach Post editors:

Republicans have promised that if Florida voters approve a property tax-cutting amendment in January, education will not suffer. Next month's special session to deal with a $1.1 billion deficit in this year's state budget is a test of that promise, and the first signs aren't good. School districts have been told that about $500 million of the budget cuts could come from education.

The proposed amendment does not exempt public schools. In June, when Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, and House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, were seeking support for the amendment, they said that "we intend to hold schools harmless." They didn't provide details on how they would make up the estimated $7.1''billion the property-tax cut would take from schools over the first five years. Instead, legislative leaders have adopted the approach articulated by Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden: "Every year, we ask the people to trust us when we come up here."

Given the Legislature's chronic failure to adequately pay for education at all levels - pre-K, K-12 community colleges and universities - there's little reason to trust the Legislature. There will be even less reason if legislators cut school budgets next month.

This year, only the District of Columbia (18.7), Mississippi (18.9) and South Carolina (19.6) have lower scores.

said Florida's scores fell because its ACT participation increased, particularly among black and Hispanic students.

"Like the 2000 Recount—On Steroids"

William March writes that "Mitchell Berger, a long-time, high-level financial backer for Democratic candidates, is worried about this year’s presidential primaries. Berger, who was one of the leader’s of the Al Gore legal team during the Florida 2000 presidential recount, fears the primary race could descend into 'chaos' and maybe litigation because of the game of leapfrog initiated by Florida’s move of its primary date to Jan. 29. Here’s the scenario that worries Berger". "Primary Chaos? 'Like the 2000 Recount—On Steroids'".

Whoopee

"As early property tax notices start hitting mailboxes across South Florida this week, most taxpayers are due a slight drop in their bills." "Tax cut effect muted; savings slight".

Congress Won't Bail Out Florida

"Tropical Storm Dean is the first real threat of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, and a reminder that Congress has been unable to agree on creating a national fund to help lower home insurance costs tied to hurricanes and other natural disasters. It now appears unlikely that any such bill will make landfall on the president's desk this year or even by the end of 2008, when the current Congress expires." "National Hurricane Fund Unlikely".

These Dopes Count Our Ballots?

"The much-maligned touchscreen-voting machines look like they're going to be maligned again at 8 p.m. EST tonight on HDNet's "Dan Rather Reports." The touting of the show by Susan Pynchon, of Florida Fair Elections Coalition, riled some elections chiefs, according to some emails." Here's an example:

Pat Hollarn of Okaloosa County said activists need to "get a life" and noted that Rather "lost his job" over his "false reporting" concerning President George W. Bush's military record.

Elian II

"Do siblings have a basic right to be raised together in the same family? That thorny question, now confronting a Miami judge who will decide whether to return a 4-year-old girl to her father in Cuba, may determine whether an already tense, complex and emotional court battle will become even more complicated." "Lawyer says half brother has right to be with sister".

Now we know why Judges' home addresses are kept confidential.

Yecke Still In The Hunt

"The chancellor who oversees Florida's elementary and secondary schools and her predecessor are among seven semifinalists in the State Board of Education's nationwide search for a new education commissioner."

The board unanimously voted to winnow a list of 29 applicants Tuesday. The semifinalists, including K-12 Chancellor Cheri Pierson Yecke, will be invited for interviews during the next meeting Sept. 17-18 in Tampa before the board selects a set of finalists. ...

Yecke, a Republican who was briefly employed by a conservative think tank, dropped a campaign for Congress in Minnesota to take her present job in 2005.

Before that she had served 16 months as Minnesota's education commissioner until the Democratic controlled state Senate fired her. Her tenure there included rewriting academic standards and launching a school grading system similar to the one implemented in Florida by former Gov. Jeb Bush in 1999.

Some Minnesota lawmakers disliked her hard-charging style and complained her conservative agenda was turning education into a political battleground. Yecke also has served as Virginia's education secretary.

Her support for such ideas as school grading and vouchers, which let children attend private schools at public expense, was a good fit, though, with Bush and then-Education Commissioner John Winn.

A Start

"State preserves 1,400 acres for wildlife habitat".

Public-Private Partnerships

"Scamming Miami-Dade County is getting a little too easy these days. Even after the county has quit doing business with nonperforming businesses, it seems that they can still get a check out of County Hall." "Deal was severed, but spending continued".

"Joust"

"Records opened Tuesday in the case of the Loxahatchee home where a malnourished woman was found lying in filth show intense conflict between a road patrol deputy and a Department of Children and Families investigator who thought the deputy was not moving quickly enough to make an arrest." "DCF worker, deputy jousted on abuse at home, records show".

Workin' on that Tan

"Crist has taken 18 work days off from the job in the first seven months of his administration." "Crist takes a bit more vacation than Bush".

One Too Many?

"High Costs Show Florida Plans One Medical School Too Many".

Building on "Florida's most vulnerable coastal barriers"

"When property owners decided to build homes on some of Florida's most vulnerable coastal barriers, they did so knowing their land was too threatened to qualify for federal flood insurance and other government subsidies." "As coastal areas grow, worries about risk arise".

Brilliant

The Sun-Sentinel editors: "State law now requires young teens convicted of sex crimes to register as offenders. A 14-year-old experimenting with sex does not have either the culpability or the awareness of his actions that a 30-year-old convicted of rape does. And yet, thanks to lawmakers' misguided efforts, both would now find themselves condemned to the same fate: their name inscribed for perpetuity on the state's public registry of sex offenders." "Offender list requirement not fair for young teens".

The Palm Peach Post editorial board: "Florida has spent nearly 40 years trying to get no-fault auto insurance right. Now, Florida is very close to getting it wrong." "It will be Florida's fault if no-fault disappears". See also "Who pays when the law changes?"

You Go Mel

"Sen. Mel Martinez, the head of the Republican National Committee, took a swipe Tuesday at the leading Republican presidential candidates for not offering solid solutions to America's immigration crisis." "Martinez chides GOP candidates".

I Feel Safer

"Bilirakis finds mixed bag in Iraq".

Allen Update

"State Rep. Bob Allen is reaching out to local NAACP groups to explain remarks he made about blacks after he was arrested last month on sex charges." "Allen explains remark". Meanwhile, "Lawmaker's image worries Florida GOP leaders".

For more than a decade, Rove has been the principal political architect behind the George W. Bush era in politics, an era that is now ending.

Crist is one of a group of newer faces on the Republican scene seeking to change the direction of the party, in Florida and nationwide. ...

Since his campaign for governor, Crist has none-too-subtly declared his independence from the Bush White House. Thinly veiled criticism of White House environmental policy, delivered during the Climate Change Summit that Crist held along with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, was only the latest example.

In his campaign, he routinely proclaimed Bush's brother Jeb, then governor of Florida, "the greatest governor in America." Since taking over the office, however, Crist has made it clear he owes no allegiance to many of Jeb Bush's policies, even while he continues to praise Bush.

It Depends on How You Define "What's Best"

"Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer says that State Rep. Bob Allen, the Merritt Island Republican arrested for solicitation last month, ought to do 'what is in the best interest of the Republican Party.' ... Greer would not call on Allen to resign, but his remarks show that party leaders appear fearful that Allen could be damaging to a party that had to endure the Mark Foley scandal last year." "Party chief says arrested lawmaker should do what's best for GOP".

What is it with these people? "Glenn Murphy Jr ... the chairman of the Clark County Republican Party — who last month was elected president of the Young Republican National Federation — has resigned both posts, apparently in the wake of a criminal investigation. ... the Clark County Sheriff’s Department on Friday began investigating Murphy for alleged criminal deviate conduct — potentially a class B felony — after speaking with a 22-year-old man who claimed that on July 31, Murphy performed an unwanted sex act on him while the man slept in a relative’s Jeffersonville home." "Murphy resigns political posts; cooperating with police in apparent criminal investigation".

"Governor Dither"

"Florida’s no-fault insurance law, which includes personal injury protection, or PIP, will likely expire before lawmakers come to an agreement on how to revamp it or replace it, according to Gov. Charlie Crist, who also said he prefers to keep the law on the books." "No-fault survival chances bleak". See also "Sink: Get ready for life without No-Fault".

Troxler on the on-fault thing:

If you put a bunch of wilted, 3-week-old lettuce in one pile ...

And Florida's governor, state chief financial officer and Legislature in another pile ...

The two piles would be just about equal in the leadership they are providing on this big change in car insurance that is happening on Oct. 1.

The governor, Charlie Crist, is darned worried about it. But he respects the Legislature, you know, and doesn't want to seem too bossy. Good grief! Where is Jeb Bush when you need him?

Our state's chief financial officer, Alex Sink, is fretting over this car insurance thing too. She even wrote a letter to the Legislature that said, in no uncertain terms, uh, this bears careful consideration.

A fine pair of jellyfish they are. If they washed up on the beach they would dry right up, Charlie and Alex in the sand. I can just hear the cry of a passer-by: "Eww! I just stepped on a Florida CFO!"

Stupid Is ...

... as stupid does:

Last year, Florida returned $20 million in 2005 federal matching dollars because it did not enroll enough children.

The federal grant matches 71 cents for every 29 cents the state spends, said Tara Klimek, a spokeswoman for state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. Since 1998 the state has returned $140 million, she said.

At issue are policies that make it difficult to enroll children and keep them in the program once they are signed up.

Three programs under the KidCare umbrella cover more than 200,000 children, but an estimated 614,000 Florida children remain uninsured.

Florida ranks 43rd in the country when it comes to children's health-insurance coverage, said Dr. Edward Zissman, chief executive officer of Altamonte Pediatric Associates.

He read a letter from the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics calling on Crist to include the issue in the special session, which begins Sept. 18.

Another Fine Corporate Citizen

"Accounting firm ordered to pay millions in compensation".

More Texas Shorewash

"Karl Rove will likely be spending more time in Florida, now that the man who has been President Bush’s chief political strategist is leaving the White House." "Rove May Spend Time In Florida".

Sleepy's Daddy Gets a Pass

Remember "back in 2004, President Bush came to Orange County and wound up overshadowed - and all over late night TV - by 13-year-old Tyler Crotty, who could be seen behind the president yawning, squirming, and apparently bored out of his mind. Back in Orlando Thursday, Bush reminded Orange County Chairman Rich Crotty of the incident." "Crotty's kid and W".

Well, sleepy's daddy, reliable Bushie and Orange County Chair Richard Crotty - who can put just about anyone to sleep - just got an ethics pass: "Crotty says ethics ruling to favor him".

Bright Futures?

Mike Thomas: "Without change, Bright Futures looks pretty dim". More: "Campaign to change Bright Futures advances".

Charlie's "Action Team"

"Crist took another step Monday in his fight against global warming, naming 21 members of an ''action team'' to recommend sweeping changes in state policy." "Crist builds 'action team'". See also "Crist Appoints St. Pete’s Baker To Be Vice-Chair Climate Change Team", "Crist selects a green team" and "Crist names climate panel".

"Church-run day-care facilities get little oversight"

"Church-run day-care facilities get little oversight from the state -- a reality that hasn't changed since 2-year-old Zaniyah Hinson perished in an overheated van owned by a Daytona Beach church." "Kids in day care deserve security".

Dems Go After Young, Buchanan and Feeney

"Drive-time radio ads running this week and paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee are targeting Republican congress members C.W. Bill Young, Vern Buchanan and Tom Feeney for defeat. The spots accuse the three Republicans of opposing increased benefits in Medicare and disregarding the needs of their senior citizen constituents by voting against the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act early this month. That bill included the reauthorization of expansion of a national health program for children, known as S-CHIP." "Dems Target Young, Buchanan, Feeney". See also "Dems target three Florida Republicans".

"The costs of modern campaigning"

"Even if you don’t care about next year’s state House District 78 Democratic primary, candidate Frank Barbieri’s dropout is an interesting illustration of the costs of modern campaigning." "Saying No to marathon campaigns". See also "Barbieri likes home better than House".

Good Question

The Post's Joel Engelhardt asks: "Is Newell the only guilty one?"

Duel

"Property insurance rate hearings in Tallahassee usually have all the drama of a calculus lecture. But one such hearing is shaping up as a Dodge City showdown: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty vs. State Farm Florida, the state's largest private insurance company." "State Farm preps for duel in Tallahassee".

You Reckon?

"The war in Iraq is costing American cities dearly, not just in the lost lives of its hometown soldiers, but in federal dollars that could be spent close to home." "Frankel's right: Cities hurting from federal negligence".

Dead Ender

"GOP Rep. C.W. Bill Young says he’ll miss Karl Rove at the White House, but understands his decision to leave the Bush administration at the end of August. ... Young suggested that if former Gov. Jeb Bush or George P. Bush decide to continue in politics, Rove could be involved in those campaigns. Asked about his own plans – whether he’ll run for another term in 2008 or retire after 38 years in Congress – Young said he still has no announcement." "Bill Young Says He’ll Miss Rove".

Oops!

"Democrat Barack Obama's presidential campaign is trying to drum up support for a Miami Beach fundraiser by telling supporters he may not be a frequent visitor to Florida for the rest of the year. ... The campaign quickly clarified that the e-mail was a case of trying to get people to attend the event, and not a revelation of strategy. Obama will put a priority on Florida, said spokeswoman Jen Psaki." "AP: Obama will focus on Florida despite fundraising e-mail's message". More Obama: "Obama to join Clinton for Univision 'forum'".

From the "Values" Crowd

"A study showed the state 12th from the bottom in getting food stamps to the eligible poor, and Broward and Palm Beach rated low among counties." "Florida lags on food stamps for poor".

Huh?

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board writes today:

Congress' repeated failure to overhaul the nation's immigration laws may now cost Florida's economy.

The Bush administration last week announced measures to round up "illegal" immigrants. Hardliners can feel free to cheer. They are getting what they've wanted all along.

The rest of us may get what we feared all along. Key state industries, like agriculture and tourism, stand to lose workers, and that will cost us all. ...

Unfortunately, the round up of undocumented workers won't be limited to gangsters and hardened criminals. Who else may get caught in this dragnet? Why, relatives of U.S. servicemen now in harm's way. And you can bet plenty of hardworking people in Florida farms and hotels will, too.

And now, Florida is one state with plenty to lose in this half-way approach to shoring porous borders. Here's the good news: Now all those hardliners who want nothing less than the mass deportation of 12 million people will be able to line up for all those jobs they've coveted in cleaning motel rooms, mowing lawns and picking winter vegetables.

Yet More From the "Values" Crowd

"The Department of Children and Families should have done more to protect the mentally ill and disabled people living in an unlicensed group home in Loxahatchee, according to an internal review released Monday." "DCF did too little to protect ill, review says".

She Said It

In he course of reading this piece we ran across this delightful quote:

"The rest of the nation looks to Florida as a leader in education reform," Yecke said in her cover letter. "This is what drew me to my current position."

Poor Thing

"At Palm Beach County Commission meetings he once chaired, [Republican] Tony Masilotti preferred tailored suits, usually banker's gray, set off by a telegenic red tie. On Monday, the fallen commissioner pulled on the green prison garb of the Miami Federal Correctional Institution's Satellite Work Camp." "Masilotti dons drab uniform of work camp".

The state of Florida's population has increased markedly since 2004, yet its voter rolls have shrunk. One reason appears to be a 2005 change in state law that has made it harder for voters who move within the state to maintain an active voter registration. Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark calls the change "insane."

When a voter moves and the U.S. Postal Service or another change-of-address service notifies elections officials, the new law bars supervisors from sending an address confirmation card to the voter's new address. They must send all correspondence to the old registration address, and it may not be forwarded. This is a change that creates unnecessary obstacles to voting.

In the past, elections officials would automatically update the voters' registration and send notice of the change to the new address. Now voters who move are virtually guaranteed not to be told they need to update their voter registration records. It is as though the Legislature was hoping that voters who often move, including renters and low-income people, would have a tougher time exercising their right to vote. ...

The change in the law may have been nothing more than an inadvertent error, or it may have been a sly attempt to quietly disenfranchise certain kinds of voters.

One Can Hope

"Collier Democratic Party Chairman Chuck Mohlke said members of his party don’t need to dream. He believes Democrats have a good chance of winning House District 101 in the 2008 election. That House district, which spans eastern Collier and part of western Broward County, is held by Rep. Mike Davis, R-Naples. Davis has announced he won’t seek re-election. While praising the job Davis has done, Mohlke argues the breakdown of registered voters gives Democrats a chance when there is no incumbent running." "Democrats believe they have a chance at another Collier victory".

"Get over it"

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editors:

Both the Democratic and Republican national parties have issued stern threats to candidates who plan to campaign in Florida before February, and both national organizations say they plan to strip the state of at least some of its delegates if the Legislature holds to its plan of a Jan. 29 primary.

To which we say: Get over it.

Debate

"It looks as if the Republican presidential candidates, at least most of them, will be participating in a YouTube debate after all. The forum is now set for Nov. 28 in St. Petersburg." "Republican YouTube Event Moved To Late November".

Whatever

"Politics can get ugly, but these folks are `beautiful'".

FCAT Follies

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "FCAT doesn't make sense in high school grading".

Puerto Rico

"A bill filed this month by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez takes a step toward resolving Puerto Rico's ambiguous political status by mandating a referendum in which one of the choices would be a little-known form of independence called 'free association.' Under the free-association form of government, Puerto Rico would be an independent nation that would relinquish some sovereign powers to the U.S. in exchange for benefits. The specifics of that arrangement would be bilaterally negotiated. Voters also could choose the current commonwealth status, statehood or complete independence." "Senator's bill may chart new path for Puerto Rico".

Hiassen

"From its title, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sounds like an agency dedicated to, well, the conservation of fish and wildlife. Names, however, can be deceiving." "Crist blows it on his FWC appointments".

Cash Cow

"Newly filed lobbyist compensation reports show that State Farm has spent at least $60,000 since May to hire the Fowler White Boggs Banker firm to lobby on its behalf. Fowler White _ whose legislative lobbying corps consists of J.M. "Mac" Stipanovich, Jim Magill and Kim Diagiacomo _ was hired to lobby for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company on May 16. Since the amount listed is the same for both executive and legislative branch reports, it is possible that the amount covers lobbying for both branches of government. The $60,000 figure, however, only covers the second quarter, which ended June 30." "State Farm upped its spending on lobbyists".

Padilla

"Attorneys for Jose Padilla, who is accused of being an al-Qaida operative, rested their case Tuesday in Miami without putting on a defense, saying prosecutors had failed to prove their case. Closing arguments are expected to begin today, and the jury could begin deciding the fate of the former 'enemy combatant' and two co-defendants. Here's a quick look at the trial, which began May 14." "Jury to hear final arguments".

KidCare

"While buying paper and pencils for the new school year, parents should also remember to check the status of their student's health insurance coverage and consider enrolling in KidCare. Florida KidCare is the state health insurance program for uninsured youth under age 19. Most families pay only $15 to $20 each month, and children with Medicaid are covered for free. Even a child with both parents working may still be eligible for coverage." "Add health insurance to back-to-school lists".

"The 'L' word is back"

Pamela Hasterok:

The "L" word is back.

You heard me. Almost half of Democrats are reclaiming that once reviled label -- liberal.

Other strange indicators are popping up, too. Most of the Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Kos convention in Chicago last week, a gathering of the country's primarily liberal bloggers.

Meanwhile, the likes of Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama skipped out on the once vaunted meeting of the moderate Democratic Leadership Council, a group founded by former President Clinton.

Not just Democrats are embracing traditional Democratic issues like preserving Social Security, providing a safety net for the poor and civil rights for homosexuals. Many independent voters hold the same values, according to the Pew Research Center.

What's going on?

For more than a generation, being tagged a liberal was the fastest way to send a politician's campaign to the trash heap of history. Think of Buddy McKay's loss to Jeb Bush in 1998. Ugly. Think of any local congressional or legislative race in the past 15 years. Very ugly.

Stop the Presses

"Florida's top environmental regulator has upheld a ruling that makes International Paper stop polluting Perdido Bay near Pensacola. Maybe under Gov. Crist, the Department of Environmental Protection actually will protect the environment." "State stops a polluter".

"Children's Cabinet"

"It was an unusual act of government to create a 'children's cabinet' to address the health, education and development of our young people in a state known more for its retirees. The vision of Rep. Loranne Ausley, D-Tallahassee, this 15-member board will be meeting around Florida six times a year. It can move in a lot of directions, streamlining services and screening state laws and policies to advise governors and legislators how they affect Florida's youngest citizens." "Children's Cabinet".

Bright Futures

"From the first lottery dollar spent on college tuition, lawmakers and university presidents have done everything politically possible to tweak the state's popular Bright Futures scholarship." "Campaign to change Bright Futures advances".

"Court tosses out SOH lawsuit"

"A victory in court offers a sense of relief, but it's critical Floridians continue to press for equity and fairness in the property tax system. Earlier last week, a Tallahassee circuit court dismissed a legal challenge to Florida's Save Our Homes constitutional amendment. The victory for the popular provision doesn't end the legal fight, since the attorney for three Alabama residents challenging SOH's constitutionality says they will appeal their case all the way to the Supreme Court." "Property Taxes".

Bill Cotterell

"State employees have seen budget cuts before, so they know what to expect as Gov. Charlie Crist and the Legislature set to work carving $1 billion-plus out of this year's spending."

The question on a lot of minds, understandably, is: "Will there be layoffs?"

The answer is unsatisfying: Nobody knows.

"Help helpless"

"The Florida Legislature set aside $3.8 million during the 2007 session for community programs aimed at keeping people with substance-abuse and mental-health problems out of jail. The goal is to make treatment programs more effective and more accessible." "Florida pledges to help helpless".

FCAT Follies

The Tallahassee Democrat Editorial Board: "To the detriment of students and schools in our state, political ideology has held too much influence in weighting the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test for the past several years."

Always intended as a diagnostic and accountability tool, the FCAT came to life when Lawton Chiles was governor but took on a life of its own under Gov. Jeb Bush.

Mr. Bush made it the centerpiece of his education reform efforts. He and his lieutenants dismissed criticism from educators and others who supported having a test, but opposed Florida's system of rewards and other aspects of the FCAT.

Now a genuine dialogue is under way instead of a one-way conversation from on high. Finally.

Another Fine Corporate Citizen

"Railroad titan [CSX] denies it is dodging property taxes in Florida."

For at least a decade, railroad giant CSX Corp. has avoided paying taxes on several Florida properties because of mistakes by state and local governments.

In 2006 alone, the unpaid tax bill could be as much as $1.9-million.

State officials are trying to shut down what they now call an elaborate tax-avoidance scheme.

CSX, a Fortune 500 firm based in Jacksonville, vehemently denies ducking its tax obligations and says the state Department of Revenue is misinterpreting the law.

Thanks Bob

"Last time Democrats almost won Florida's electoral votes, then-Attorney General Bob Butterworth was in the thick of things, leading Al Gore's Florida campaign in 2000. Today? Butterworth has little enthusiasm for any of his fellow Democrats running for president." "Butterworth left cold by Democratic field".

Straw Polls

"In an election cycle packed with artificial campaign events, the Iowa straw poll, which consumed the nation's pundits this weekend and was won as expected by Romney, may be the most overhyped. But given the tens of thousands of Republicans and hundreds of journalists gathered in Ames on Saturday, it was hard not to question why Florida party leaders opted against having their own pseudo-election." "Did Florida blow it on straw polls?"

GOPer Convention

"The state Republican Party's executive committee voted Saturday to send its full delegation to the 2008 national convention despite threats from the national party that it could be sanctioned for moving up the Florida presidential primary." "State Republicans ignore RNC's threat to penalize Florida". See also "State Republicans ignore RNC's threat to penalize Florida". See also "GOP to send full delegation".

"Support may be cracking"

"For years, teachers and others who opposed private school vouchers in Florida could count on black lawmakers to stand with them. But there are signs that support may be cracking." "Black leaders rethink vouchers".

Troxler on Allen

"Good news! Of the 120 members of the Florida House of Representatives, there are 119 who are not currently accused of offering somebody $20 in a men's room for, uh, personal services."

That means that 99.2 percent of the Florida House remains men's-room-accusation free, and able to continue with its fine work of fixing our state's insurance, tax and budget problems.

The other 0.8 percent of the House consists of Rep. Bob Allen, a Republican from Merritt Island on the east coast. Unfortunately for Allen, he is not men's-room-accusation-free, not since his arrest on July 11 in a Titusville park.

The initial reports are not running entirely in his favor. A surveillance tape showed Allen entering the park restroom three times. An undercover police officer in the restroom reported that Allen offered him the $20.

"Being a Republican isn't cool"

"The good-looking hipster with the slicked back, slightly mussed hair looks out from his dark shades. 'He's a Republican,' reads the billboard spotted around South Florida in recent weeks. 'But you don't see that.' A Sunglass Hut official denied that the company's ad is a political statement, but its message is clear: Being a Republican isn't cool (unless you have fabulous hair and expensive sunglasses)." "Be a Republican, look cool".

Florida Who?

"Florida Democrats are seeing and hearing less from their presidential candidates than Republicans, partly because of the uncertainty over Florida's Jan. 29 presidential primary." "Dems Making Few Fla. Visits".

Those Silly Subpoenas

"State officials postponed an upcoming public hearing over State Farm Insurance's plans to drop about 50,000 homeowners policies to give the insurer more time to submit required documents. ... Documents provided Wednesday to the insurance office did not meet the requirements of the subpoenas, but Kees said Friday that State Farm is still expected to produce the information and just needs more time." "State Farm Insurance hearing postponed over subpoenaed documents".

Jennings

"Democrat Christine Jennings didn’t plan to talk about her payroll taxes on Saturday. Heading into the speech before the Democratic Club of Sarasota, Jennings said she didn’t expect to talk about why her campaign has had to pay $85,000 in back taxes and penalties to the IRS for failing to pay federal payroll taxes for more than 3 years. Instead the retired banker said would focus on all the big issues for the 2008 campaign. Iraq, health care and stem cell research, were among them." "Jennings avoids tax issue -- almost".

"Florida Hometown Democracy"

Mike Thomas likes "Florida Hometown Democracy"

A group called Florida Hometown Democracy wants to put a referendum on the 2008 ballot that would require voter approval of growth plans.

If Orlando wanted to put a Wal-Mart where it doesn't belong, the people of Orlando would have to agree.

Your signature on the above petition is required to accomplish that.

This is a bombshell in the good-old-boy system by which Florida is being paved. The notion that developers and political leaders would have to justify their dealings to the public has panicked the entire Growth Industrial Complex in Florida.

Their business model is based on growth plans that are drawn in invisible ink. And so the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the home builders and the sugar growers are all lined up to nip this in the bud.

Knowing they can't win on the merits of their past actions, they have resorted to their bag of dirty tricks.

Smoke and Mirrors

Alva James-Johnson: "Crist may have good intentions as he travels the state touting a tax relief plan that initially puts less than $200 back in the average homeowner's pocket."

But from where I sit, it seems like the whole 'drop like a rock' tax cut initiative is shaping up as a major letdown for taxpayers who will have to sacrifice their quality of life for a pittance.

An analysis of tax data by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel shows 31,000 fewer property owners would benefit than the 221,000 that the Legislature estimated. That means four out of 10 homeowners stand to gain rather than the slight majority that the state projected.

Even then, the savings for many is small.

CAT Fund

"As U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Palm Beach Gardens, says, anyone who ran for any office in Florida last year - himself included - supported a national catastrophic disaster fund as a way to lower property insurance costs. But now, he and Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, have drafted legislation to create such a fund, and no one is saying no." "National disaster fund: The forecast is improving".

Newell

"Ex-Palm Beach County Commissioner Warren Newell could not have received $500,000 in improper payments without the help of SFRN, the engineering firm where he worked for decades. Basically, the firm acted as Newell's bag man." "Fire Newell's bag man".

Tough Challenge

"The problem-plagued agency could be Bob Butterworth's toughest challenge yet." "DCF's chief known as fixer".

We're Relevant!

Randy Schultz begs to

interrupt the continuing report on the irrelevance of "traditional media" to bring you this bulletin:

"Traditional media" remain relevant. If you want proof:

Ask Tony Masilotti.

Ask Jim Exline.

Ask Bill Boose.

Ask Warren Newell.

All these gentlemen are, or soon will be, guests of the federal government for several years. They are going to prison because they committed crimes by misusing their office - in the cases of Masilotti, Exline and Newell - or their profession - in the case of Boose - and were caught by The Palm Beach Post. ...

Here's a real scoop: Talk radio and many Web sites couldn't function without "traditional media," which supply talk radio and the bloggers much of their basic information. And without "traditional media," what would provide ammunition for the conspiracy theories that drive radio ratings and Web clicks?