Choice politics

"The Florida Senate is set to debate whether women seeking first trimester abortions should be required to have an ultrasound and be given an opportunity to see the picture. The chamber will likely take up the issue Monday." "Senate to debate bill requiring sonogram before early abortion".

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "After much debate this week, the Senate takes up the bill again Monday, and should defeat it. Florida then should try to reduce the number of abortions not by intimidation and harassment of pregnant women but by helping women prevent all those unplanned pregnancies." "Pick right abortion fight".

"I Believe" on hold

"A proposed 'I Believe' license plate that features a large cross atop a stained glass window is in trouble in the Senate but perhaps only temporarily." "Religious license plate stalled in Florida Senate".

Let the lobbyists decide

"St. Pete Beach and other Florida cities wouldn't have the right to require elections to approve changes to land-use plans under a provision introduced on the House floor Friday. Authored by Rep. Dean Cannon, the House plan comes in response to a growing push to require such votes by residents fed up with rampant development." "Bill would ban Florida cities from having land-use elections".

Mandatory creationism

"House alters proposed evolution act". "A bill that would ensure teachers are not punished for challenging evolution in the classroom was debated Friday in the Florida House but amended to include more stringent language that would mandate alternate views to evolution be taught." "Evolution bill would require alternatives".

Bloodthirsty

"Florida is about to rev up its death chamber again. The U.S. Supreme Court has given the go-ahead to states like Florida to continue using a three-drug cocktail for lethal injections, and the state’s attorney general and governor have wasted no time in calling for the resumption of executions. But just because Florida's procedure has been deemed constitutional doesn't mean it is sufficiently humane. The potential for error and an excruciating death remains." "Florida still risks botched executions".

Will he challenge Keller?

"Term limits are pushing Dan Webster out of the Legislature after 28 years. For some of his colleagues, he's not leaving quietly enough. On Monday, Webster begins the last week of a political career that has taken him down a very long road, from obscure back-bencher to House Republican leader. He was the first Republican speaker in more than a century and is now the Senate majority leader." "Webster not leaving Florida Legislature quietly".

"Dragging down the state's economy"

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Besides dragging down the state's economy, the deepening foreclosure problem is inflicting collateral damage that communities are trying to minimize." "Federal, state offerings fall short on foreclosure".

To swap or not?

"Florida voters will decide in November on a ballot measure that cuts property taxes across the board by an average of 25 percent, or $9.5 billion, while directing state legislators to replace the revenue by raising sales and other taxes."

Opponents said the amendment would almost certainly lead to a sales tax on services -- everything from dry cleaning to legal fees -- similar to one that was withdrawn after a huge public outcry more than 20 years ago.

But the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission shrugged off the criticism, voting 18-7 Thursday to stand by the plan commissioners first approved last month to require that school property taxes be cut by $9.5 billion by 2010.

Insurers bristle

"The state Senate has passed a bill mandating that insurers provide coverage. A House bill that could be taken up Monday puts the financial burden on the state's Healthy Kids program. Both bills have attracted critics." "Lawmakers split as insurers balk at covering autistic kids".

And so it goes ...

"The Democratic National Committee's rules and bylaws committee — the same party leaders that last August voted to strip away all of Florida's 211 delegates to the national convention — announced Friday that on May 31 it will consider formal challenges to that decision from Michigan and Florida." "DNC will review delegate disputes". See also "Delegate Plan To Be Heard".

"Hoping for an outcome that would help Hillary Clinton's quest for her party's presidential nomination, Democrats are rallying around the state today, calling on their national party to count the results of Florida's disputed primary." "Democrats across Florida rally for primary votes to count".

Whatever

"Bill's language to move from mandatory to optional increases on expressway tolls". Wouldn't wanna be accused of passing tax increases now would we?

Big of 'em

"Marissa Amora and her adoptive mother, Dawn, were at the Capitol today to watch a Senate panel unanimously approve an $18.2 million judgment against the state, which was blamed for the girl's brain damage." "Marissa charms lawmakers as she waits for $18.2 million".

McBush in Tampa

"Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain will make what his campaign calls a major policy speech on health care at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa on Tuesday." "McCain Coming To Tampa".

Even the money grubbing dopes at the Chamber (and their editorial board retainers) get it

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "'No other group has more to lose than the business community if the state fails to maintain a well-designed talent development system.'"

This is the latest assessment of a destructive and disruptive amendment proposal coming from the Florida Senate that would, essentially, dismantle the just-now-maturing new system of governing Florida's 11 public universities.

That statement, from no less than the Florida Chamber of Commerce [sic], underscores the folly of undoing what the voters put into place little more than five years ago.

Those public employees and their pensions are ruining Florida

The Tampa Tribune editorial board:

Legislation to expand pension benefits certainly would, as police unions claim, encourage officers to stay on the job longer. And while that may be a good thing in some cases, it could also keep many on the job who are going through the motions.

Encouraging officers to delay their retirements also would make it more difficult for motivated young people to join the force. Such a practice also carries the potential for creating complacency, even indifference, at law enforcement agencies.

That is why Senate Bill 706, which would extend the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) for law enforcement officers in the state retirement plan, should itself be dropped.

DROP is meant to encourage the early retirement of highly paid employees in the state retirement system. It allows eligible people who agree to retire in five years to begin collecting their monthly pensions immediately, though the money is placed in a fund with a state-guaranteed high interest rate. The practice gives retirees a large lump sum when they leave, plus their regular monthly benefits.

Now Sen. Carey [Truck Nutz] Baker, a Deland Republican, wants to increase the lump-sum benefit - from five to eight years - for law enforcement and corrections officers.

While we jabber on about Cuba ...

"While Haiti reels from food riots, drownings and hunger, South Florida members of Congress struggle to bring the desperate nation's latest crisis to the attention of Americans preoccupied with the presidential campaign and economic troubles at home." "South Florida U.S. House members lead effort to ease crisis in Haiti".

Off topic

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Clinton-McCain ticket".

Expect Florida to jump on this

Jac Wilder VerSteeg the other day: "Think only gossip mags pay breathless attention to the country's hottest trendsetters?"

In fact, our most hallowed document, the U.S. Constitution, is at the mercy of trendiness, and some of our most conservative Supreme Court justices - Antonin Scalia and Chief Justice John Roberts, to name two - can be set all atwitter by fads.

The fad currently sweeping the country is sentencing to death rapists who victimize children.

Strict constructionism and faddishness might seem to clash. But even conservative justices recognize legal principles that recognize the inevitability of change. In death-penalty cases, the principle is "evolving standards of decency." It means that as society's view of what is acceptable changes, what is acceptable under the law can change.

People who oppose the death penalty - and I'm not one of them - have figured that America's evolving perception of what qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment would lead to abolition of the death penalty. Some polls do suggest a decline in support for capital punishment.

But while the recent debate focused on whether electrocution or lethal injection "hurt" too much, trendsetter states have changed the debate from how to who. Starting with Louisiana in 1995, six states have allowed prosecutors to seek the death penalty for people who rape children but do not kill them. The others are Texas, Georgia, Montana, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

"Hung up"

"A sweeping energy bill was hung up for hours in the House on Friday by a dispute about utility rates charged to state agencies and universities by municipal utilities." "Florida House energy bill gets tangled in utility debate".

Labeling

"A bill that would require crowns and other dental work to be labeled with the metals they contain and where they are manufactured is at the center of a dispute over whether labeling is necessary or an overreaction." "Legislators dispute bill requiring labels on dental items".

Growth-management bill

"A growth-management bill that has builder support for some provisions and concerns environmentalists is nearing passage." "Florida House bill pushing transportation fee, rural development for developers nears passage".

Passing the buck

"Florida voters will decide in November on a ballot measure that would cut property taxes across the board by an average of 25 percent, or $9.5 billion, while directing state legislators to replace the revenue by raising sales and other taxes." "Florida voters to decide whether to cut property taxes, hike sales tax". See also "Voters will decide yet another school property-tax plan", "Tax reform to be put to vote in Florida", "Sales Tax Increase Will Appear On November Ballot", "Tax-swap plan will be on Florida ballot", "Voters will decide yet another school property-tax plan" and "Voters will get say on tax cut".

Is everyone named 'Crist' an idiot ... "or just these two?"

"Sen. Victor Crist, the Tampa Republican who oversees state spending for courts and criminal justice, is firing back at circuit judges who have complained about the impact of budget cuts and have threatened to close their courtrooms to save money. At a public hearing Thursday, Crist delivered a lengthy speech that accused judges of engaging in 'spin' to protect their own hides." "Sen. Crist fires back at judges".

"Advertising executive" takes on judges

Horse trading "bad ideas"?

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "With barely a week left in the legislative session, one big question is what the two leaders might do with their hole cards."

Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, wants a constitutional amendment that would rewrite education policy. House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, wants a constitutional amendment that would further cut property taxes. Both amendments would go before voters in November. Both are bad ideas. But would both men be willing to trade one for the other?

The education proposal has passed the Senate but hasn't moved in the House. The tax cut, which would limit property tax collections to 1.35 percent of a property's assessed value, passed the House on Wednesday but has passed only one committee in the Senate. The president and speaker can produce a vote on any bill. Every senator and representative understands how the leaders feel about these two bills.

Any deal, though, would be the worst kind of legislating. Though Sen. Pruitt and Rep. Rubio are in the final year of their leadership positions, the best thing that they could do for the state would be to stick these proposals in a drawer. ...

The word is that Sen. Pruitt wants no more discussion about taxes this year. If his resistance kills both amendments, that would be a good deal for Florida.

Corporate welfare

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The state, Pinellas County and the city of Oldsmar paid millions of dollars in incentives to persuade the Nielsen Co. to locate in Oldsmar and create hundreds of new, high-wage jobs. Now that investment is turning sour as Nielsen, a media and marketing research company, outsources many of those jobs to a company in India and lays off its local workers." Say that again?:

Nielsen, a media and marketing research company [that had been paid millions of dollars in public dollars as incentives], outsources many of those jobs to a company in India and lays off its local workers.

I want somma that corporate welfare

"Seeking to halt the state Department of Transportation's practice of giving losing bidders hundreds of thousands of dollars, the Senate on Thursday stripped from its bill permission for the agency to do so. The Palm Beach Post reported Thursday that the department sought the authority it lacked for five years in giving away stipends to losing bidders. An agency official said the $100,000 to $200,000 awards attracted more bidders and ideas." "Senate strips stipends for losing bids".

Choice politics

"A Senate floor vote on a bill requiring ultrasounds before all Florida abortions - and a signature by the woman to pass on viewing the image - was postponed Thursday with a razor-thin tally likely for today." "Ultrasound requirement splits Senate". The chamber will likely take up the issue Monday." "Senate to debate ultrasound bill".

No creds

"The State Board of Administration did not have the proper federal credentials to purchase nearly one of every three securities analyzed in an audit obtained Thursday by The Palm Beach Post." "Botched investments broke federal rules".

"The height of absurdity"

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Florida lawmakers are driving to the height of absurdity in trying to cash in on state roads at taxpayers' expense. Witness the idea that Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, wants to stick in the mammoth transportation bill: Have the state lease Alligator Alley to itself." "Resist 'Cash-Cow Alley'".

"Power Trumps Research"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Byrd acolyte, Sen. Ronda Storms, championed the cause on his behalf. Convinced that USF only wants to get its hands on Byrd center funds, she proposed eliminating all state funding for Alzheimer's research. In dramatic fashion, she questioned whether USF would still want a bride who came with no dowry. But the Senate rejected her amendment, 39 to 1. Yet a week later, after Byrd appealed to Rubio to stop the merger, both houses have fallen in line with her view." "Personal Power Trumps Research At Byrd Alzheimer's Center".

Christian license plate

"The Florida Legislature is considering a specialty plate with a design that includes a Christian cross, a stained-glass window and the words 'I Believe.' ... If the plate is approved, Florida would become the first state to have a license plate featuring a religious symbol that's not part of a college logo. Approval would almost certainly face a court challenge." "Florida lawmakers debate offering a Christian license plate".

CSX may get the cash

"A $650-million plan to run commuter trains in Orlando narrowly survived a fractious Florida House vote Thursday. Lawmakers voted 64-54 against an amendment by Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, that would have stripped language providing immunity from negligence lawsuits for CSX railroad when it uses the commuter line for freight travel." "Orlando commuter train bill survives House vote". See also "Face-off nears on commuter rail".

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Most everyone wants to see Orlando develop a proposed commuter-rail system that would ease congestion in Central Florida. There's just one hitch: Taxpayers want the best possible deal for the hundreds of millions of dollars the state wants to spend." "Webster's Train Deal Plays Loose With Florida's Tax Dollars".

Here's an idea: hire only union journeyman crane operators

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "The choice before lawmakers in Tallahassee, however, is a rather unsatisfying one. Either an imperfect law that at least provides minimum standards that construction crane operators must follow, or have no regulation for crane operators anywhere in Florida except Miami-Dade." "Isn't some protection better than NO protection?".

The Peoples' Republic of Sarasota

"In case anyone confuses Sarasota with San Francisco, House lawmakers are prepared to act. No place in Florida would be able to ban the ubiquitous plastic shopping bag — as San Francisco did last year — until at least February 2010 under a proposal heading for debate today." "Plastic bags could find unlikely pal in Florida recycling proposals".

"Fee" increase

"As part of a massive transportation bill, Florida lawmakers have tucked in a provision that would jack up rates on the turnpike by 25 percent starting July 1. The toll hike would also apply to the Sawgrass Expressway in Broward County. ... The toll hike was proposed by Senate Majority Leader Dan Webster, a Winter Garden Republican who said tolls are a 'user fee.'" "25 percent toll hike sought on turnpike".

Not the same old song

"After laundering the lyrics to delete racially offensive terms like 'darkeys,' the Florida Senate voted Thursday to retain the tune familiarly known as Swanee River as the official state song, and also adopted much newer work by a Broward music teacher as the state anthem." "Florida Senate launders lyrics of state song Swanee River". See also "Florida Senate recognizes new state anthem" and "Compromise: Have 2 state songs".

Sowing "confusion and misinformation"

Update: "A bill that would ensure teachers are not punished for challenging evolution in the classroom was debated Friday in the Florida House but amended to include more stringent language that would mandate alternate views to evolution be taught." "House takes up Senate evolution bill"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "With newly passed science standards that require the teaching of evolution, Florida is finally on track to give its young people a solid educational grounding for careers in biology and medical science. Not so fast, says state Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico. Because evolution, the scientific theory that undergirds modern biological science, conflicts with her religious beliefs, Storms is willing to sow confusion and misinformation in science classes around the state." "Don't mix science, religion".

Geller's pet-project

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Another Tallahassee tradition surfaced in the Senate this week with the passage of a bill requiring insurance companies to cover treatment for children with autism."

Senate Minority Leader Steve Geller of Hallandale Beach once said it's customary for the Legislature to give long-time senior lawmakers a pet-project win during their last year in office.

And so it was on Wednesday, when the Senate passed Geller's autism bill, then named the legislation after him.

The term-limited senator deserved the honor, which brought tears to his eyes. He spent nearly a decade convincing his colleagues to pass the legislation, only to be beaten back time and again by the insurance industry, which argued, typically, that the measure would force premiums higher.

"Silver Alerts"

"The recent death of an 86-year-old Largo woman has prompted federal legislation to help states set up "Silver Alert" systems for finding missing senior citizens." "Death prompts 'Silver Alert' bill".

Florida's booming economy: "a hub of human smuggling operations"

"Because Florida has no state statute outlawing human smuggling, Martin County Sheriff's Officials had to release a suspected smuggler early last summer, officials there said. To prevent that from happening again in a state that is a hub of human smuggling operations, state Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, is pushing a bill that would create such a law." "Bill to outlaw human smuggling heads to Florida House".

Those silly tax obligations

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Buddy Johnson has been in public life for years as both a state legislator and Hillsborough's elections supervisor. He knows the ropes. Elected officials are expected to set an example, to behave in a way that does not embarrass themselves or their constituents. When they make mistakes, they need to be candid and quickly make amends. So how is it, then, that Johnson hasn't seen fit to pay his property taxes on time?" "Johnson's Failures Tax Constituents".

Lobbyists get a second chance

"Uber-lobbyist Ron Book said on Thursday he was confident that a strict gift ban lawmakers enacted in 2005 will be overturned after a federal appeals court sent the case back to the Florida Supreme Court. ... The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals punted Wednesday, kicking Book's legal challenge of the gift ban back to the Florida Supreme Court. Book and Brevard County lobbyist Guy Spearman challenged the law, which also requires that lobbyists disclose the money they are paid by their clients, on four grounds."

The Atlanta court ruled that the law is not too vague under the U.S. Constitution, but said the other three challenges should best be decided by the Florida Supreme Court.

"Having reviewed all the arguments and the case law, we conclude that the law in Florida is not sufficiently established for us to determine with confidence whether the act is unconstitutional under the state's constitution," the court wrote.

Dumb answer to ...

... a good question: "How do you justify paying state employees such small salaries and at the same time expect high-quality work from them?" A B.S. answer from Charlie about part-time employees:

Our budget recommendation was to increase salaries for state employees. We're trying to do that and give $1,000 bonuses for some. But, in addition, our health insurance plan would provide coverage for the state's part-time workers, [giving them] a much more economical opportunity to buy health coverage. We've got over 9,000 part-time employees, 171,000 full-time employees. The part-time employees have no coverage through the state. It's important to this individual questioner that they realize part of what we're trying to do in addition to our budget recommendations is this health insurance package that gives them the opportunity to buy health coverage for potentially as low as $100 a month.

A very "small crowd"

"Vice President Dick Cheney says pulling troops out of Iraq too soon will put the United States at even greater risk to terrorism. Cheney spoke to a small crowd near Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle on Friday." "Cheney defends Iraq war at fundraiser in Florida Panhandle".

Water

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Higher water rates a sign of the times, and the future". See also The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Sparse attendance at regional water summit speaks to a larger problem".

Keystone Kops

"Elderly man drives through airport security and onto runway". Meanwhile, "Hollywood has made a comedy that is a 'reaction to post-9/11 paranoia.' The movie hits theaters Friday." "Crude comedy takes on post-9/11 policy".

No word as to whether Alex Acosta will play himself in the film. More: "Another Bushco lapdog".

Florida striving for relevance

Adam C. Smith: "Nearly 1.75-million Democrats voted in Florida's officially meaningless presidential primary, and it remains to be seen whether Florida will send any delegates to the national convention. But in this Twilight Zone of a campaign, a more cosmic question arises: Do the Florida votes actually exist?"

In Barack Obama world the answer is no. Clinton's 295,000-vote victory margin in Florida is basically imaginary. The candidates chose not to campaign in the state, the argument goes, so the votes should be purged from the minds of any uncommitted superdelegate.

On planet Hillary Clinton, those Florida votes are as real as the White House itself. We cannot pretend a record turnout of voters never happened.

This Florida riddle gained importance when Clinton beat Obama on Tuesday in Pennsylvania, another big swing state.

Who knew?

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Yes, there really is history in Broward".

"An outhouse of goobers who make Gomer Pyle look like George Bernard Shaw "

Daniel Ruth: "Never missing an opportunity to demonstrate that it is populated by an outhouse of goobers who make Gomer Pyle look like George Bernard Shaw, the Florida Senate took time out late last week to debate one of the most pressing social issues of our time - faux bull testicles." "Budget? Bull! Pols Go Mad Over Gonads".

"Here is how it works in Florida"

Troxler yesterday: "Here is how it works in Florida:"

If enough citizens sign a petition, they can put a proposed amendment to the state Constitution on the ballot.

The Constitution says so.

Here is the tricky part. The rules do not say that only "good" people get to petition, or only "smart" people, or only people that you or I like.

Nope. In fact, the chances are excellent that sooner or later, an idea that you personally cannot stand will reach the Florida ballot. It happens to me all the time.

But one idea that the Legislature passed last year went too far — and on Wednesday, a state court struck it down.

The Legislature created a new process in which citizens could change their mind and revoke their signatures.

As predicted, that change in the law created a whole new cottage industry. Groups fighting petitions got a second bite at the apple — they could contact petition signers and try to scare or fool them into filling out a revocation form.

You might remember the funniest example, concerning the Hometown Democracy movement, which sought to limit growth. Its opponents sent out a letter warning voters that the amendment would give too much power to a suspicious, mysterious group known as "electors."

Of course, "electors" simply means "voters." It was a stupid trick to fool people.

Dispatchers

"The state Senate on Thursday passed a law encouraging certification of emergency dispatchers after being moved by the story of Denise Amber Lee, who was kidnapped and killed in Charlotte County four months ago." "Emergency dispatcher certification approved".

Yesterday's news and punditry

- The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "It is not exactly earth-shattering reform in Tallahassee that is taking place with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test." "FCAT changes are a start, at least.".

- "House OKs $18 million for brain-damaged girl".

- "As Marco Rubio's time as House speaker dwindles, he finds himself double-teamed by the Senate and Gov. Charlie Crist. Last weekend, he decided to vent." "Rubio lashes out as stressful term winds down".

- "Three months after Gov. Charlie Crist suggested using reserves to stave off health care cuts, lawmakers agreed Wednesday to spend $300-million to preserve two programs serving more than 40,000 sick and disabled people." "Lawmakers agree to tap Florida reserves". See also "Lawmakers hit reserves to salvage 2 health programs for the critically ill and elderly from budget cuts".

- "Consumers could better compare prices for 150 different hospital procedures under a bill likely to be heard Thursday by the Florida Senate." "Bill seeks to clarify medical services pricing".

- "A Tampa Bay Republican's controversial evolution bill squeaked out of the Florida Senate Wednesday, overcoming the defection of five Republicans who say Sen. Ronda Storms' proposal ushers religion into public classrooms." "Legislative roundup: Sen. Storms evolution bill moves on".

- Mike Thomas: "Guns at work won't mean office rampages".

- "Dunedin mayor says he'll challenge Rep. Young".

- "The former producer of the popular Gangstas-N-Thugs series says new anti-gang legislation could unfairly target videos that are not connected with gangs." "Ex-producer of 'Gangstas' calls anti-gang bill unfair".

- No nutz: "Senate approves bill fining truck displays".

- "A Senate floor vote on a bill requiring ultrasounds before all Florida abortions - and a signature by the woman to pass on viewing the image - was postponed Thursday with a razor-thin tally likely for today. But some senators said they still held out hope that the bill could be tweaked so there could be more of a consensus on a measure that is teetering between passing and failing." "Ultrasound requirement splits Senate".

- "Guidelines for compensating those who have been wrongfully imprisoned gained full Senate approval Wednesday, although some members described it as a starting point they hope to improve later." "Senators approve repaying innocents".

- "Republican House leaders said their action Wednesday reflected the will of the people. Democrats called it something else: political pandering. The House plans, approved on party-line votes, would cap state and local government revenues and limit property taxes to 1.35 percent of assessed values -- cuts that would amount to billions of dollars. But they stand next to no chance in the Senate." "House lobs property-tax cuts at unwilling Senate".

The tax swap has taken a particularly nasty turn since commissioners voted last month, 21-4, to put it on the November ballot. At the time, the majority rebuked business lobbyists who called it a tax increase. The plan would eliminate the state-required portion of school property taxes, reducing most property tax bills by roughly 25 percent. Those school property taxes would be replaced by an extra penny of sales tax and the removal of unspecified sales tax exemptions.

The swap is far from perfect. A sales tax rate increase tends to disadvantage poor people, and the swap leaves some critical details to a Legislature that has been wholly uncooperative. But that's not why business lobbyists have gone to war. They are afraid the swap might end some of their clients' coveted tax exemptions, including some that exempt professional services. To the extent that's true, the removal of those exemptions is actually the best part of the deal.

As the commission prepares for its final meetings on Thursday and Friday, one commissioner already has announced he is switching his vote and the elbows are flying.

The second potential flip-flop comes on an issue that doesn't even belong in front of the commission. Patricia Levesque, who runs the education foundation dedicated to preserving the education legacy of Gov. Jeb Bush, has used her commission position to try to put school vouchers on the November ballot.

The commission voted to put one voucher question on the ballot, but rejected the other. Then, in an odd move at its last meeting, commissioner and Florida Retail Federation executive Randy Miller asked to reconsider the failed voucher vote. After his request, the commission passed his Internet sales tax amendment by one vote. His changed vote on vouchers represents the swing vote.

The proposed constitutional amendment, sponsored by former Florida Senate President John McKay, started as a backdoor approach to closing sales tax loopholes, a cause that Mr. McKay has championed for seven years. To win support from those who consider his idea a tax increase, Mr. McKay attached it to a proposal that would eliminate 25 percent of the local property tax - the share charged by the state to pay for public schools.

That change would cost $8 billion in revenue statewide. An increase of 1 cent in the base 6-cent sales tax would make up for about half of the lost revenue. The rest, in Mr. McKay's view, would come from broadening the sales-tax base while continuing to exempt such essentials as groceries and medicine.

From the "values" crowd

Jebbie eliminates the intangibles tax, and now we get this: "An expansion of free breakfasts to children attending poor schools was the latest victim of state budget cuts." "Breakfasts in schools being cut".

Connect the dots.

Still more from the "values" crowd

"Some of the most experienced teachers in Seminole County schools are being pushed out the door because of budget cuts, but school-district officials say they have no choice."

"It's a slap in the face," said Susan Behel, 68, a longtime science teacher at Lake Brantley High who was told she won't be coming back. "I have contributed a lot to this school."

Just last week, Behel was in Cambridge, Mass., where the Harvard University Graduate School of Education recognized her as one of four teachers nationwide to receive the Singer Prize for Excellence in Secondary Education. It's the latest in a slew of honors she has received through the years.

Behel rushed back to Florida after the awards ceremony to take 37 Seminole students to the state science fair in Lakeland, where 32 -- including some whose research projects she directed -- brought home prizes.

RPOFers "vote for a sound bite or bumper sticker"

"House Republicans today plan to push through heavy property tax cuts and strict government revenue caps, setting up another showdown with Senate leaders who have shown little interest in repeating the bitter tax debates of last year."

But hesitation from Senate leaders hasn't slowed House Republicans, who on Tuesday fended off several Democratic amendments from their proposals. But they have also done little to open lines of communications between the chambers on the issue.

"You have a fatal attraction to sound bites that is killing real property relief," House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber told Republicans on the House floor. "If you want to vote for a sound bite or bumper sticker, go ahead. If you want to do something serious, come back and let us know."

House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, acknowledged that the bills were meant, at least in part, to maintain credibility among voters.

"If we don't pass something, how can we continue to say that we believe in property tax reform?" Rubio said.

Evildoers

"Tax collectors are apologizing to more than 1,200 Broward County residents who were told they would lose their home for not paying their tax bills on time." "Tax Collectors Apologize To Broward Residents After Glitch".

Reserve dipping

"The state's largest teachers' union Tuesday joined the rising clamor of advocates urging lawmakers to dip into reserves to avoid deep budget cuts." "Teachers union urges legislators to tap reserve fund".

RPOFers hiding under their beds ...

... as the phrase "tax increases" is mentioned: "$2-a-day car rental tax would help pay for Tri-Rail improvements".

'Ya think?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "A bill that pushes women to see sonogram before abortion invades privacy".

"A host of reasons to reject" Charlie McSame's silly idea

The Miami Herald editorial board: "There are a host of reasons to reject the gas-tax holiday being proposed by Gov. Charlie Crist. Start with this one: Why lower the price of gas temporarily when it doesn't do anything to address the real problem: the increasingly high cost of foreign oil." "Save, and pollute less". See also "Summer Holiday For Fuel Taxes A Faulty Idea From McCain, Crist".

"Commuter trains by 2010"? Good luck

"The rail deal that would have Central Floridians commuting to work by train survived a key vote in the state Senate on Tuesday, but it's still in danger of jumping the tracks in the next 10 days. With critics threatening to derail the plan to begin running commuter trains by 2010, Senate Majority Leader Dan Webster is trying to salvage the project during the final days of the legislative session." "Orlando-area commuter-rail deal gets sidetracked". See also "Orlando commuter rail plan returns with tweaks".

And the decision is ...

"Federal prosecutors in Miami are set to announce whether there will be a third trial for six men accused of plotting to blow up Chicago's Sears Tower and bomb FBI offices." "U.S. to announce decision on third trial in Sears Tower plot".

Automatic renewal

"A proposal in the Legislature would require companies to let consumers know in writing that their service contracts will be renewed automatically if they don't cancel first." "Bill regulates contract shifts".

Fun with RPOFers

"Bob Solari is mad as hell, and he doesn’t want the Indian River County Republican Party to take it anymore."

Via a resolution submitted this month, the County Commission candidate warned fellow members of the party’s executive committee to beware of what he now calls “socialists” in their midst. Who might those pinkos be? Card-carrying members of the Indian River Neighborhood Association.

Consider his crusade quixotic or McCarthy-esque, but Solari describes himself as a “true conservative” standing up for Grand Old Party principles. He’s convinced that the local franchise is being trampled by a herd of IRNA Rinos — Republicans in Name Only. ...

Solari offers no specific strategies to eradicate fifth-column Democrats. That’s wise, since blood oaths and show trials evoke grim images of Soviet Politburo purges. But it’s ironic that the liberty-loving Solari — who mentions the IRNA in the same breath as Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro — would obsess over political correctitude.

'Ya reckon?

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Florida Legislature should not undermine university system Board of Governors".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Both ideas -- to create an elected education commissioner and to strip the university system's Board of Governors of its power -- have been combined into one horrible ballot initiative the state Senate has approved. Now this resolution comes to the House and threatens the very legacy of education reform Mr. Rubio has worked so hard to build." "House Speaker Rubio should reject efforts to politicize education".

Why do the Sentinel editors attribute the following platitude to Rubio, an empty suit who even makes Charlie look substantive: "Among Mr. Rubio's top priorities is to establish new 'World Class Education Standards' for math, social science and science."

More: "As the Legislature gets closer to taking control of the state's university system, higher education leaders say lawmakers also are meddling in the process of awarding research money to schools." "Colleges Fight State For Money". The Legislature "meddling in the process of awarding research money", now that's dumberest than dumb and dumberer.

It's a Ronda and Johnnie thing

"In a year when many state-funded programs are being shortchanged because of a sour economy, the Johnnie Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Institute in Tampa stands to lose every dime of government money — and it's not complaining. The reason: The institute is willing to trade state money for independence. Lawmakers, desperate for every health-care dollar, have jumped at the opportunity." "Alzheimer's center wins bid to be cut from state budget". See also "Legislators: No State Funds For Byrd Alzheimer's Center".

Maybe one day they'll grow up ...

... and not have to pay an intangibles tax. "The idea [dropout intervention] is to match at-risk minority youth with successful black men in school-based programs. The goal is to reduce the number of African-American youths who drop out of school and enter prison. Because of budget cutbacks, the plan would get no state funding this year, which raises some doubts about the pace of the program's expansion." "Funding plan seeks to boost mentoring of at-risk youth".

What's the problem? ... my Lexus never breaks down

"State budget may lop Road Rangers".

"Denigrat[ing] each other's patient-unfriendly health plans"

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Last week, Gov. Crist and House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, attempted to denigrate each other's patient-unfriendly health plans. Instead, they should have teamed to urge the Bush administration to do something meaningful for children who have no health insurance. Gov. Crist's Cover Florida plan would offer so little in coverage that many people would be better off saving the $150-per-month fee and using the money for a doctor visit. Rep. Rubio wants to give employers a way out of providing the best quality health insurance." "Let states insure children".

Kudos for this sweet turn of a phrase: "Crist and House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, attempted to denigrate each other's patient-unfriendly health plans".

Them crazy judges

"An irate judge wiped the books Tuesday of several thousand citations handed out to drivers accused of skipping tolls because their dashboard transponders malfunctioned."

Circuit Judge John Galluzzo accused the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and Florida Turnpike Authority of making traffic offenders out of innocent E-Pass and SunPass customers whose tolls fail to record as they pass through the electronic plazas.

"Stooges of Big Labor"?

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board is, after all, part of the business community - hence editorials like this: "Mr. Bush also knows that the Colombia agreement has many Democratic supporters, and pressing for it drives a wedge between them and Democrats he can portray as stooges of Big Labor. Those "stooges" would include Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The Democratic presidential contenders, however, believe that they can portray themselves as champions of labor and benefit politically." "Hold Colombia trade vote".

Broward Days are here again

"It may be a little late in the legislative game to make a profound impact, but Broward Days — the annual chance for Broward political and business leaders to mingle and connect with Tallahassee lawmakers and lobbyists — kicked off Tuesday in an upbeat and optimistic mood." "Broward County groups push their causes in Tallahassee".

But them biotechers server great wine at their parties

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Florida has invested more than $1 billion to attract research institutes here, and taxpayers deserve more than a promise of prosperity."

WHEREAS, we don't like gangs, we shall therefore outlaw them

"Bipartisan anti-gang legislation is cruising through the legislature with virtually no opposition, even from civil liberties groups." "Anti-gangs bill may yet draw ACLU action".

Exception that proves the rule

"A new program to increase insurance availability and other services for children with autism and other developmental disabilities passed through its first House committee Tuesday amid warnings that a high price tag could mean more cuts elsewhere." "Bill would increase insurance availability, services for autistic and developmentally disabled children".

Heads I win, tails you lose

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Maybe next time, the Broward County Commission can just try rock, paper, scissors. That makes as much sense as how they picked a search firm to help select a county administrator — they flipped a coin. Incredibly, after going through a very convoluted process, the selection committee made up of five county commissioners ended up deadlocked over search firm choices. The commissioners broke their stalemate by flipping a coin — the other option, we are serious, was drawing straws — before awarding the $40,000 deal to CPS Human Resources Services over Ralph Andersen & Associates to conduct the national search. Getting a deadlock with five people on the committee tells you how convoluted the process is." "You'll flip over Broward County Commission's decision-making process".

Never mind

"At the end of an odd turn of events Monday the status quo held and Allstate agents were still selling insurance Tuesday, but it remains to be seen whether the mistaken release of a court order was a preview of what's to come next week." "Appeals court Allstate ruling an 'error'".

NRA springs to child's defense

"Father finds cache of weapons, ammunition in girl's treehouse".

We don't need no stinkin' regulation of entrepreneurship ...

"Despite three South Florida construction crane accidents this year, it looks like efforts to set statewide standards for their operators won't make it through the Legislature. Two people died in those accidents and seven were injured. For the second year in a row, some state legislators have tried to pass a law regulating the use of the contraptions that tower above South Florida's skyline." "State legislators' campaign for crane standards falters again".

Off Topic

"One of President Nixon's daughters, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, apparently supports a Democrat in this year's presidential contest -- Barack Obama. Eisenhower has contributed the maximum amount allowed during the primary season to Obama's campaign: $2,300. Federal Election Commission records show she gave Obama's campaign $1,000 on Feb. 4, another $1,000 on Feb. 18 and $300 on March 5." "Nixon's daughter gives to Obama".

The fact remains, though, that Clinton at this point looks stronger in the states that make the biggest difference in who wins and loses the White House: Ohio, whose primary she won by 10 points; Pennsylvania, where the average of recent polls shows her leading by about 6 points; and Florida, whose officially meaningless primary she won by 17 percentage points.

Florida is a trickier question, as neither candidate campaigned in the state. But show me a candidate struggling to win over Hispanic voters and Jewish voters, as Obama has, and I see someone with dubious prospects in the Sunshine State.

Hostage

"Florida House Republicans held three Democratic bills hostage Monday, hoping to guarantee a smooth return to business today, the first time lawmakers will return to the chamber since a political standoff Friday forced them to work into the Passover weekend."

Republicans originally pulled the three [unremarkable] Democratic bills Friday as retaliation for a slowdown imposed by the minority party.

On Monday morning, Democratic Leader Dan Gelber of Miami Beach shared a plane ride to Tallahassee with House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, and said the two had a productive talk.

"It is my hope we can put the rawness and bitterness of the weekend in the rear-view mirror," Gelber said. "But that said, we'll have to see how events unfold."

At a House committee meeting Monday to set the chamber's agenda for today, Republicans held on to three noncontroversial Democratic bills to make sure the minority party held to its word.

Watching Pennsylvania

"Democrats in Florida and across the country will be watching the Pennsylvania primary results tonight to see whether Hillary Clinton gains a clear victory and remains a viable candidate in the presidential race." "Florida Democrats focused on crucial Pennsylvania primary".

Deportation

"As many as 5,000 illegal immigrants locked up in Florida prisons could get out early and be deported under a measure a Senate committee approved Monday." "Panel considers early release for jailed illegal immigrants".

RPOF tax fee increases

"Despite the lack of money, legislators refuse to raise taxes. But raising fees is another story.It will soon cost more than ever for drivers to pay traffic violations, for suspended drivers to get their licenses back and for landlords to evict tenants in Florida." "Cost of being bad driver, going to court to rise". See also "" and "".

"Fed up with the brushoff"

"A Florida Democratic National Committee member trying to give Florida a voice in the Democratic presidential nomination is fed up with the brushoff he says he's getting from the party." "Democratic Party stalling on Florida, DNC member says".

Whatever

"A fluffier version of an attempt to fine red-light runners caught on camera is floating around in the state House and the Senate." "Measure for red-light cameras shouldn't be compromised".

CSX

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida's Senate gets the chance today to support mass transit when its transportation committee takes up the insurance portion of the deal that would bring commuter rail to Central Florida." This is an important clarification, glossed over by opponents:

CSX would pay for damages that its freight cars caused. The state would pay for damages caused by passenger trains. If freight and commuter cars crashed, causing injuries on the street, both parties would pay.

Outrageous? It's the same deal that South Florida's Tri Rail gets. And other states' commuter-rail systems typically offer rail companies more generous liability terms.

Rubio's deep thinking

"A special panel of economic advisors calculated Monday that a plan backed by House Speaker Marco Rubio for limiting property taxes would cost cities, counties and other taxing districts about $6.3 billion." "Rubio plan cuts property taxes for Florida cities, counties by $6.3 billion".

Lazy, greedy public employees

"Mail Carrier Saves Baby Falling From Window".

RPOFer "grandstanding"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Florida legislators have found some solid ground on which to build grandstanding bills this session."

House Bill 257, adopted and under consideration now by the full Senate as SB 2400, require women in first-trimester pregnancies who are seeking an abortion to view an ultrasound of their pregnancies or to sign a waiver declining to view the procedure and have it explained. (Women with second- and third-trimester pregnancies seeking an abortion are already required by Florida law to undergo an ultrasound.)

Republican lawmakers are touting the bill's requirements with wide-eyed innocence, saying it will provide women with the best medical care. Supporters included Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, who appeared rather disingenuous saying "I can't imagine any man having a surgical procedure without having all the tests," when she was criticized for standing against women's rights with her vote.

The 70-45 vote in the House provided sound-bite goodness for Mr. Traviesa, but it's a double blow for women's rights — for women, period — in Florida. The Senate should let this one fade with next week's sine die.

Slashers

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Chances are there's not a single legislator in Tallahassee who didn't campaign on a promise to improve public education in Florida. Yet these same lawmakers are preparing to slash support for a national-certification program widely credited with encouraging and rewarding the state's best teachers." "Florida Will Lose Quality Teachers If It Slashes Certification Program".

Just say no

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The future of Florida's higher-education system hangs in the balance in the wanning days of the 2008 legislative session. The Senate has passed a bill that could radically restructure the university system and lead to more turmoil instead of more learning. Speaker Marco Rubio should say No to the House version of the bill and avoid a harmful reshuffling of the system." "Universities need stability to improve".

"Secret group of citizens"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Like a majority of lawmakers, Gov. Charlie Crist places gun rights above all others. By signing a bill that allows people to keep guns in their cars at work, he ignored the private property rights of business owners, who must pay the price for any gun-related incidents on their land. The guns-at-work law also allows a secret group of citizens [("in a previous bow to the NRA, the Florida Legislature made secret the names of people who obtain concealed-weapons permits.")] to buy constitutional protection by obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon." "Gun Rights Trample All Others".

Back at the ranch, "Business groups sue to block new Florida guns-at-work law".

Try honoring them with decent wages instead of mere "artwork"

"When Florida legislators arrive for next year's session, they will find a moving new artwork in the Capitol courtyard, honoring police officers slain in the line of duty." "Statue will honor fallen officers in Florida Capitol courtyard".

"Clerical error"

"Allstate's 1,100 insurance agents in Florida are still in business, thanks to a mistake Monday by a Florida appeals court. Less than an hour after issuing an order denying Allstate's appeal of a state-ordered suspension, the 1st District Court of Appeal withdrew it. In a terse statement withdrawing the original order, the court said 'it was issued due to clerical error.' No further explanation was given." "Court mistake keeps Allstate in business". See also "Court rejects (maybe) appeal of Allstate suspension".

Earth day

"Today is Earth Day, a great opportunity to stop and think about the importance of protecting the environment. But let's face it: Given the environmental challenges the world faces, there ought to be an Earth Year or Earth Decade. OK, relax. No one's trying to turn you into one of Al Gore's true believers." "All the world's environmental challenges deserve attention every day".

"OK, relax. No one's trying to turn you into one of Al Gore's true believers" To which one might say, why not?

After all, the Sentinel editors seem to spend half their time "trying to turn readers into one of Jeb Bush's, Milton Friedman's and/or Ayn Rand's true believers". The list could go on.

Which leads one to ask, how many Florida traditional media editors think Dagny Taggart was cool?

Fun with RPOFers ...

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Here's conclusive proof that the Legislature should be barred from micromanaging education in Florida: Lawmakers have now declared that books are not school supplies."

According to the usual GOP logic, restricting and eliminating sales-tax holidays this year in Florida also should count as raising taxes. Last year, the back-to-school tax holiday was 10 days. This year, it will last only a week. So, Republicans are raising taxes.

At least there will be a back-to-school break. To save $12 million, the Legislature has killed plans for a tax holiday on hurricane supplies. Why isn't that a tax increase? ...

So, Republicans might say that they won't ever raise taxes, but in terms of tax increases, this year's tax-holiday retreat could be one for the books.

Another fine GOPer ideer

Tom Blackburn: "McCain's feel-good suggestion [which good time Charlie has echoed] of suspending the federal gasoline tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day might be helpful if we hadn't been bipartisanly stupid about gas taxes for so long. As things stand, it would be counterproductive and insubstantial." "Big Oil would suck up a gas-tax cut".

Those reliable "affluent sections of Palm Beach County"

"Affluent sections of Palm Beach County -- area codes beginning with 334 -- have given $5.6 million. South Florida zip-code areas beginning with 333 and 330 have each given nearly $2 million." "Florida raises cash for McCain".

Privatization follies

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board writes that "privatization [of toll roads] sounds good, but the long-term price could prove excessive." "Transportation"

Excuse me? When does the privatization of government assets ever "sound good"?

Stewards of the earth

"Florida's beaches lost a substantial amount of loggerhead sea turtle nests in 2007, giving the state its lowest nest count in 17 years, wildlife officials reported." On top of that, "Loggerhead sea turtle deaths in Florida have more than doubled during the past decade, statistics show." "Loggerhead turtle nests in Florida at lowest level in 17 years".

"A shadow banking industry"

"Check-cashing stores provide valuable services to largely low-income consumers and recent immigrants who can have trouble opening a traditional bank account. Increasingly, though, drug traffickers, dirty contractors and Medicare con artists have found they also offer a valuable off-the-menu convenience -- money laundering."

A statewide grand jury report released last month found weak laws and lax oversight of check-cashing stores has led to a shadow banking industry used to conceal the source of hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit gains.

The Legislature has responded with a sweeping bill clamping down on so-called money-services businesses, or MSBs, which include check cashers and also currency-exchange firms, money-transfer companies -- like Western Union -- and pay-day lenders.

I want more of the McSame of this

"South Florida gas climbing toward $4 a gallon".

Your Legislature at work

"Lawmakers are again targeting motorists who are not going fast enough in the fast lane." "Bill that would fine fast-lane slowpokes bumps way to Senate".

Lifting up those "large corporate landowners and developers"

"House Republicans want to make it easier for property owners to challenge their assessments, reviving an idea they considered and dropped a year ago."

Here's the reality: appraisers claim "the change would primarily benefit large corporate landowners and developers, who today file the bulk of the challenges that go to court." "Assessment challengers may win more".

"Tallahassee primates continue their assault on evolution"

"As if to provide comic relief between budgetary sessions of brutalizing poor kids and the elderly, our Tallahassee primates continue their assault on evolution."

What makes this latest return to the 19th century interesting is that the Senate and House have swapped their traditional roles.

Usually it is the House that goes on crusades to create a Theocratic State of Florida, while the more moderate Senate tends to drag its heels and whine about the Constitution.

But on the issue of evolution, it is the Senate going out on a limb, or at least refusing to concede that our ancestors once did.

"The jobs and careers that our children are going to aspire to fill haven't even been invented yet," he says. "Their competition is not Mississippi or Alabama; it's China and India and emerging markets."

Why, then, are legislators considering laws that would teach science at a Mississippi and Alabama level?

Because in China, India and every advanced country looking to pass us by, they teach evolution.

On the "cutting room floor"

"A successful incentive program offering cash rebates to film and entertainment companies that bring their production business to Florida is likely to hit the cutting room floor this year as lawmakers, facing revenue shortfalls, take an ax to the state budget." "State budget crunch hits incentives for filmmakers".

Nutz

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "This idea that state Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, wants to ban dangling truck ornaments that are replicas of male genitalia — he can't be serious. ... Sure, the ornaments are tasteless and sophomoric, but it's just as humorless to have somebody in our own Legislature who thinks dangling truck ornaments are something lawmakers should be wasting precious time with." "Nuts to this idea".

Big of 'em

"Marissa Amora, a former Lake Worth girl who suffered brain damage because of a neglectful state agency, would receive $18.2 million from the state during the next 11 years under a bill approved Monday by a powerful state budget panel." "Panel OKs $18.2 million for abused girl".

Deal 'em

"Poker-playing in Florida card rooms would be allowed around the clock on the weekend and 18 hours a day during the week under a measure that has made its way through the state Senate but is at a standstill in the House." "Senate OKs longer poker hours".

The $1.4billion that lawmakers seek to slash from schools and health and human-services programs is certain to be turned into campaign ads against state Republicans seeking to maintain their 12-year grip on power in this fall's elections.

Legislation allowing Floridians with concealed-weapons permits to bring their guns to work has already sharply divided the Republican base.

And a looming vote to overhaul Florida's abortion law threatens to splinter GOP senators as the Legislature enters its final scheduled two weeks.

Florida's usually Republican-friendly business community fiercely fought it. Democrats think this could soften GOP support by groups such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Federation.

What do you get when you drag a dollar bill through a whorehouse? ...

... the members of the Florida Building Commission (with apologies to the working girls of the world, who by contrast earn an honest living).

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Florida, once a national leader on pool safety, has jettisoned rules that would help prevent youngsters from being trapped by pool drains. Drowning deaths are a certainty if lawmakers don't intervene."

"Last year, the Florida Building Commission - at the behest of the pool and spa building industry - quietly dropped requirements that residential pools be built with automatic anti-entrapment devices that are triggered when a swimmer becomes trapped on a powerful drain."

These are horrific accidents that occur when broken drain covers allow children to get limbs or their bodies trapped and are held down by suction forces so strong they can't be pulled off, even by adults. In some cases, children have been disemboweled when they sat on malfunctioning drains.

"You'd be wrong"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "In a year when lawmakers are hacking away at health-care programs for the poor, you'd think they'd jump at the chance to provide help for Florida's 3.8 million uninsured residents without spending a single penny of tax dollars."

You'd be wrong.

Crist has proposed a measured, reasonable plan to offer a basic health-insurance policy for about $150 a month, making coverage affordable to millions of Floridians.

The Senate unanimously approved Mr. Crist's idea, but the House is pushing its own plan that seems more concerned about the health of the insurance industry than Floridians. It's bad enough the House plan is overly complex and woefully lacking in consumer protections, but it would also cost taxpayers $1 million to create a new public-private bureaucracy.

Whatever

"Lawmakers did the right thing Thursday when they canceled the annual state 'sales-tax holiday' for hurricane supplies." "A state sales-tax break for hurricane supplies isn't justified".

"Everything is going according to plan"

It is always a treat to read an (unrestrained) S. V. Date: "With just two weeks of the legislative session left, it seems almost certain that public schools and public health programs will get whacked by billions of dollars."

In other words, everything is going according to plan.

Not the plan of most Floridians, who will be shocked when the new budget year starts this summer and they find that services that they, their elderly relatives or their neighbors rely upon will be reduced or gone.

No, this is the plan of the anti-government wing of the Republican Party, which has held considerable sway in Tallahassee over the past decade.

"Erratic and vindictive"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Linking the Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Center to the University of South Florida is so supremely logical it is difficult to see how anyone could be opposed."

But there is no accounting for state Sen. Ronda Storms of Hillsborough.

Last week the erratic and vindictive Storms tried to sabotage the merger. Fortunately, her antics were ignored. ...

The merger represents a good fit in every way.

But Storms, characteristically, was more interested in political flame-throwing than serving the institute's best interests.

A political ally of Byrd, who wants to retain control of the center, Storms pulled out all stops to kill the proposal sponsored by Hillsborough Sens. Arthenia Joyner and Victor Crist.

"Reason to celebrate"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board:"Neither lawmakers nor citizens have much to cheer about in the 2008 legislative session. Money is extraordinarily tight, making it difficult to fund visionary popular programs along with the bare essentials. ... That's why there's even more reason to celebrate the news last week that lawmakers now seem intent on adding $300 million to the upcoming state budget and sustaining Florida Forever beyond 2010." "Forever needed: Conservation is right even in tough times".

"Florida's higher-education system hangs in the balance"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The future of Florida's higher-education system hangs in the balance in the wanning days of the 2008 legislative session. The Senate has passed a bill that could radically restructure the university system and lead to more turmoil instead of more learning. Speaker Marco Rubio should say No to the House version of the bill and avoid a harmful reshuffling of the system." "Universities need stability to improve".

'Ya reckon?

"The Tampa Bay area's five members of Congress already have raised nearly $3 million for their re-election bids, while hopefuls seeking to unseat them this fall have raised less than one-tenth of that." "Political Donations Favor The Winners".

Old politics

"GOP critics say powerful Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel is helping Joe Garcia in his South Florida congressional race because of Cuba. Rangel says it's because they're Democrats." "Rangel's support a sore subject".

"The measure, as written, is dangerously flawed"

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Today, 300 million gallons of treated wastewater are dumped into the ocean daily from outfall pipes of six utilities in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Last week, the Florida Senate approved legislation (SB 1302) that over time would end the dumping. If the House goes along and Gov. Crist agrees, the utilities will have to cut harmful pollutants in those discharges by 80 to 90 percent in 10 years. In 17 years, utilities will have to end ocean dumping and reuse 60''percent of their wastewater. Starting in July, no new outfall permits will be granted." "End of reef madness finally may be coming".

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board points to the fly in the ointment. "South Florida has treated the ocean like a toilet long enough. That's the welcome signal beaming from a measure racing through the state Legislature that mandates that six outfall pipes dumping 300 million gallons of treated sewage a day into the Atlantic Ocean, about two miles offshore of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, be shut down by 2025."

Unfortunately, "the measure, as written, is dangerously flawed. And it has nothing to do with the high cost the change in philosophy and approach will mean for many South Florida wastewater customers. Preserving and protecting our natural resources are worth the price."

The problem is its implementation, and the lack of forethought taken in mandating what South Florida utilities will have to do with the sewage once the pipes are shut down. In fact, Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs makes a convincing argument that the measure could actually lead to more pollution, not less, at least off her county's shores.

Broward is traversed by 1,800 linear miles of canals, all of which feed into the ocean or the Everglades. So the recycled matter that is no longer allowed to be dumped two miles offshore will seep into the waters from land, much closer to the reefs, or into the already-struggling River of Grass. The county also sits directly over the Biscayne Aquifer, so pouring recycled wastewater into the ground increases the likelihood it will make its way into the drinking supply.

"Frivolous? Not anymore"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Is this the end of Florida's Road Rangers? The House and Senate this week approved cuts that would eliminate the beloved Road Rangers. When the program began in 2000, it looked like a frivolous amenity. Nice, but not necessary. In time, though, the Rangers carved a niche for themselves. They save lives. They arrive quickly, clear traffic, protect people -- ultimately saving you lots of money. ... Frivolous? Not anymore. Rangers are essential now. State lawmakers may not know that. It's your job to tell them." "Straight to the point".

More from the "values" crowd

"Under the spending plans released so far, advocates warn that for thousands of Floridians with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism and other crippling conditions are in danger. Many of them depend on Medicaid and the Florida ICF/DD Community Residential Program, and 'intermediate care facilities,' for survival." "Advocate for 'most vulnerable' citizens warns budget cuts could be lethal".

Gelber

"The man who brought the Florida House to a near standstill, in a standoff that lasted past 2 a.m. Saturday, said today he hopes Democrats and Republicans can patch things up and play nicer in the high-pressure final days of the 2008 legislative session. But House Minority Leader Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said he has no regrets about invoking a constitutional provision requiring every bill to be read in full." "Florida House minority leader hopes legislators can get past 'difficulties'".

"Property-insurance companies as the villain"?

"Some Florida lawmakers cast property-insurance companies as the villain. Others portray them as the hope. But as lawmakers get ready to consider changes in the hurricane-addled insurance system during the next two weeks, they face a fundamental choice: Should the state tighten regulations against insurers?" "Senator pushing bill that gets tough on insurers".

Same old song

"Despite 'racist' lyrics, Swanee River remains state song".

Start walkin'

"The U.S. Forest Service is adding 45 miles of trails for off-highway vehicles at Ocala National Forest in central Florida. Officials say the trail is expected to be completed by July 1. It has been named 'Centennial Trail' for the forest's 100th anniversary Nov. 24." "Ocala forest to receive 45 more miles of trails".