"Without $5.3 billion in federal-stimulus money included in state spending for the next year, lawmakers would likely still be at the Capitol trying to work out a budget." "Stimulus money to start rolling out". See also "Stimulus money making its way into Florida, agency officials say".
Another fine Jebacy
"Florida has 114 specialty license plates, but perhaps none has drawn more attention -- or controversy -- through the years than the 'Choose Life' tag affixed to more than 40,000 vehicles statewide. This week marks the 10-year anniversary of former Gov. Jeb Bush creating the plate, which is viewed by supporters as a powerful symbol to promote adoption and by detractors as a state-sanctioned knock at abortion rights." "'Choose Life' license plate celebrates 10th anniversary".
Charlie picks up MD cash on the campaign trail
"Legislation changing a health insurance billing procedure, which drew support from doctors and opposition from consumer advocates and others, became law on today with Gov. Charlie Crist's signature." "Crist signs health insurance bill". See also "Controversial PPO bill signed by Crist".
Q Poll
"Crist has a commanding lead over former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, according to a new poll." "Poll shows Crist shellacking Rubio". For poll details see "June 10, 2009 - Crist Swamps Rubio In Florida GOP Senate Bid, Quinnipiac University Poll* Finds; Democratic Contenders Largely Unknown. See also "Poll shows Crist leading over Rubio in Senate race".
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*"From June 2 - 7, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,245 Florida voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points. The survey includes 486 Republicans and 477 Democrats, each with a margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points."
"Florida dangles wrong keys to cost-saving reform"
The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "With the state's prison population approaching its maximum capacity of 106,000, a law going into effect July 1 allows the Department of Corrections to export inmates to other states. That, too, was a fad in the 1990s. It passed, as states discovered that exporting inmates created more problems than it solved." "Inmates as exports".
"Irresponsible shortcuts"
The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "In Florida, the law forces government leaders to keep public spending in line with revenues. When tax collections fall, this can give leaders fits — see Orlando, for example — or encourage them to make irresponsible shortcuts — see Tallahassee. But it does provide taxpayers with some protection." "Pay for health reform".
Muzzled
"Crist Wednesday banned taxpayer money from being spent to campaign for or against ballot amendments, signing a bill that local leaders complained would muzzle them during campaign season." "Crist bans local government spending on referenda".
"Among worst in nation"
"Florida's HS grad rate among worst in nation".
"The nation is moving in the opposite direction"
"Do any of the 13 members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee who voted to expand drilling Tuesday realize that the nation is moving in the opposite direction and seeking to reduce reliance on fossil fuels with a cleaner energy policy?" "Again, with feeling: No new drilling". See also "Offshore-drilling measure could hurt energy bill's chances".
A Dem appointee in central Florida?!?
"Applicants for federal judgeship, U.S. Attorney announced".
SunRail fun
"Florida lawmakers this spring voted to kill Central Florida's planned commuter-rail system, but state contractors still made almost $44 million on the proposal. That's how much the state Department of Transportation spent on nearly 60 contracts tied to SunRail, according to documents released Wednesday." "Contractors got $44 million in failed SunRail deal".
"Law extending insurance"
"Hundreds of Floridians will be able to get kidney transplants without losing all their assets after Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday signed a law extending insurance eligibility to patients." "New law extends insurance eligibility".
Lorenzo
"Cynthia Lorenzo named director of workforce agency".
"Cutting budget and employees"
"Palm Beach County health district facing $56 million deficit, cutting budget and employees".
Covered their tracks?
"No charges in Orange school bribery probe".
"Bargain"
The Miami Herald editorial board: "Florida families with in-state college students are bracing for a tuition hike of 15 percent. Despite the economic downturn, this increase makes sense." "College tuition still a bargain in Florida".
Thank 'ye Tallahassee
The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The marathon public meeting Tuesday on proposed budget cuts vividly showed Hillsborough County commissioners how those cuts are going to hurt constituents and anger voters." "Commissioners see pain of budget reductions".
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