Laff riot

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Halfway through Tallahassee's special session on the budget, we're sorry to report that the Legislature is meeting our very low expectations." "Get creative in Tallahassee".

Next year's budget could be $4 billion in the red

"The House and Senate on Friday passed competing budget-cutting proposals to deal with the state's $2.4 billion shortfall, setting up a weekend of negotiations to settle differences." "Florida House, Senate set to negotiate state-budget compromise this weekend".

"State legislators are close to striking an agreement on plugging a $2.4 billion budget hole."

Traffic fines are going up and nearly 1,500 open state jobs could disappear now that legislators Friday approved rival plans to plug a $2.4 billion budget hole by slashing spending and raiding special accounts.

The plans from the House and Senate have far more similarities than differences. The House proposal to plug the deficit, however, would leave the state with a surplus of more than $400 million.

The Senate plan cuts about $2.3 billion -- about $100 million shy of what's needed. The reason: The Senate proposal makes far smaller cuts to social services and sweeps less from special accounts called trust funds.

The two chambers cut education, environmental programs, transportation projects and Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies and others who help the disabled.

Not helpful

"Surprising jump in U.S. jobless rate suggests more pain ahead".

'Glades

"With the promise of sugar land in hand, Everglades activists look to the Obama admini- stration for millions in restoration funding." "Obama seen as hope for Glades restoration".

No word on whether Jebbie ...

... brought his suitcase "packed with cash" on his latest trip to Nigeria.

We read that "John Ellis "Jeb" Bush, will join Nigerian governors at an early breakfast session at THISDAY Awards/Festival of Ideas holding next Wednesday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja." "Nigeria: Thisday Awards - Bush Joins Governors at Breakfast Session".

Sound familiar?

Reminds us of when

Jeb Bush was hopscotching through Nigeria in a corporate jet, on his way to meet government officials he hoped would buy $74 million worth of water pumps from his South Florida business partner.

On the jet with Bush was a Nigerian associate in the deal, Al-Haji Mohammed Indimi, who carried several heavy Hartmann suitcases. At least one of the bags, the airplane's pilot says, was packed with cash to bribe the Nigerian officials.

Did Jeb Bush know about the cash in the suitcase? Did he understand what the money was for?

In the year 2020

"At a meeting Friday, commissioners opposed a more lenient rule that would have allowed utilities to get to the 20 percent goal by 2041." "Renewable energy goal could be 2020".

Pathetic

"Like a football coach shrugging off a tough loss, Jim Greer urged Florida Republicans on Friday night to think about what went right in the 2008 elections and start getting in shape for a political rematch in less than 18 months." "Florida GOP gathers to plan for 2010". See also "" and "".

"A scruffy man, lurking outside, darts in behind her"

"A blond girl heads from a playground into a women's restroom."

A scruffy man, lurking outside, darts in behind her. "Your City Commission Made This Legal," the words on the TV screen read.

The dark ad came from opponents of a gender identity provision added last year to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance, which now allows the city's roughly 100 transgender residents to use whichever restroom they're most comfortable using. ...

The city commission approved the restroom provision by a 4-3 vote a year ago. Before the ink could dry, Bible-quoting opponents angrily began working for its repeal.

While Florida burns ...

... Charlie dances ...

Crist has been featured in at least one announcement, however, about an unofficial black-tie dance ball to be thrown by Floridians in Washington on the evening of Jan. 19, the night before the inauguration, at the prestigious Corcoran Gallery of Art.

This sold-out "Sunshine and Stars 2009 Florida Inauguration Ball" is being sponsored with corporate donations such as $50,000 from Blue Cross Blue Shield and $25,000 from Florida Power & Light.

Tickets to the event ranged from $250 to $500, and 600 attendees are expected.

"Look forward to seeing you there," Crist's message concluded.

A separate, unofficial "Friends of Florida" gathering is set after the inauguration, also sponsored by corporate donations, at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall.

The $200-a-ticket event is expected to draw 500 attendees.

In addition, that same night, there is the invitation-only official inauguration ball to be shared by politically well-connected Floridians and those from 10 other states at the D.C. Armory.

Good luck

Talbot ''Sandy'' D'Alemberte and Bob Graham:

Recently, news reports and editorials about the JNCs have caused great public concern that the process, originally designed to secure the selection of the best-qualified judges regardless of their politics, has become partisan. These reports and editorials raise legal issues that must be addressed as soon as possible.

The legal controversy relates to questions about the governor's power to ask that a JNC, once it has submitted finalists, reconsider and add names to the list. Crist recently asked both the Florida Supreme Court JNC and the 5th District Court of Appeal JNC to take that step. The former agreed, and the latter refused. Both decisions have drawn criticism.

What is it with Florida and "redheaded right-wingers"?

"Dr. Jim Glisson laughs now at the irony: The legislator most responsible for establishing a state holiday honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a 'redheaded right-winger' born of the segregated South and hailing from one of Florida's most politically conservative districts."

The state wasn't far removed from [de jur] segregation in 1978. Confederate flags still flew on some government buildings ...

"Days Without Sunshine"

"These days, Mat Staver and John Stemberger -- two Orlando-area men who led the effort in Florida to ban same-sex marriages -- personify the opposition to gay rights in Florida. But in the 1970s, it was Anita Bryant, the former beauty queen and spokeswoman for orange juice 'from the Florida sunshine tree.'" "Exhibit chronicles orange-juice queen Anita Bryant's anti-gay fight".

"As if it were her due"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Unlike Tony Masilotti, another criminal and ex-Palm Beach County commissioner, Mary McCarty is not accused of making millions from any one crooked deal. Hers was a more subversive, deeply entrenched graft. She used her power to enrich herself as if it were her due." "Prosecutors dispel myth of an unaware McCarty". More: "Feds chronicle decade of fraud in McCartys' case". The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "McCarty chages another blow to public trust".

BTW, aren't Newell, Masilotti and McCarty all RPOFers? Correct me if I'm wrong.

As Florida burns ...

... RPOFers enjoy the good life:

They chartered a Cessna owned by a South Florida lobbyist. But they said they paid their own way, at $431 each, to avoid violating a state law that bars legislators from taking gifts from lobbyists.

"There's no gift involved. It's a 'we pay our own way'-type thing," said Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, a pilot with 31 years of experience who co-piloted the plane from Tallahassee to Opa-locka and back.

Others on the plane, also Republicans, were Reps. Chris Dorworth of Lake Mary, Steve Precourt of Orlando, John Tobia of Satellite Beach and Bryan Nelson of Apopka.

Sansom Hubris Watch

"Even after House Speaker Ray Sansom announced this week that he is quitting a controversial job at a state college, his No. 1 Republican critic fumed with outrage. 'If I were in Ray's position, and I cared about the conservative cause and what was best for the Republican Party, I would step down as speaker,' MSNBC's Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough said in an interview this week." "Scarborough's criticism of Sansom is personal, notable".

"It smells"

Lucy Morgan writes that "Some things never change."

State universities, community colleges and public schools are still hiring legislators.

They have many job titles: vice presidents, part-time instructors, teachers, program directors — you name it.

But the real title should be lobbyist.

It's that simple.

It's hard to blame the colleges and school systems who decide to have an employee run for the Legislature or hire lawmakers after they are elected. But Floridians should hold everyone responsible for it.

It smells.

"Fast one"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board - "The same Florida legislators who refuse to make it easier to collect sales taxes on Internet sales or tax services used by more affluent Floridians have found easier marks:"

speeders. Lawmakers are poised to significantly raise the fines for speeding and other traffic violations just to help keep the courts operating. And they aren't even being honest about it.

In selling the higher fines to their colleagues during floor votes Friday, supporters argued there is an "epidemic of running of red lights and speeding" in Florida. Don't be fooled. The real problem is that Republican lawmakers aren't willing to have an honest discussion about the state's dismal financial picture and are taking the easy but short-sighted route to balancing the budget....

Yet the Legislature refuses to take even the smallest steps toward considering additional revenue for the short or long term. Democrats' calls to review sales tax exemptions or close a corporate tax income loophole went unheeded. Instead, Republicans are insisting on raiding up to $1-billion more from critical state reserves.

"We have the most partisan nonpartisan races"

"After eight years under Republican Mayor Rick Baker, local Democrats are gunning to elect one of their own in the upcoming mayoral race, and Democratic candidates are happily egging on the partisan frenzy." "Partisan fervor flavors St. Petersburg mayoral election".

"Desperate"

"How desperate is Florida for money? So desperate it's changing the design on the official state license plate to save $50,000 a year." "For Florida license plates, the color of money is brown".

The profit motive

"The state officially stopped the Tampa Bay Academy today from providing long-term mental health care to the most troubled children, but the academy's problems aren't unique to its corporate parent in Texas." "State Suspends Tampa Bay Academy's License".

By the time the last domino falls, the region could be looking at a new member of Congress, two new state senators, three new state house members and two new county commissioners to go with the new U.S. senator.

It all hinges on the first domino: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan.

With Bush out, Buchanan of Longboat Key has emerged as one of the leading Republican contenders for the seat being vacated in 2010 by Sen. Mel Martinez.

Budget blues

"The full House and Senate are scheduled Friday to approve their budget cut plans that ... cut virtually every type of program and nearly drain the state's savings account." "A few differences remain in House, Senate state budget cuts".

"At the halfway point of their painful special session on plugging a $2.4 billion hole in Florida's budget, Republican legislative leaders are poised to make serious cuts in already-reduced spending and dig deeply into state trust funds and reserves." "Florida House, Senate gear up to compromise". See also "Road Budget Cuts Hit Speed Bumps In Legislature".

Robbing Peter ...

"Scratching for money to balance the budget, state lawmakers could suspend funding for the Florida Forever land-buying program and divert hundreds of millions of dollars from transportation and affordable-housing programs." "Fla. Forever in danger of cuts". See also "Environmental programs face cuts", "Florida's conservation program could take hit", "Environmental programs could suffer more budget cuts" and "Senate Looks To Suspend Florida Forever".

... I guess it was just a "Temporary Thing" after all ...

The Tampa Trib editors: "State Will Pay High Price If It Drops Florida Forever".

Just the start

"House and Senate approval of budget deficit-elimination plans won't mean work is over for Florida lawmakers. After the two chambers vote Friday, joint conference committees will be formed to hash out differences. Two of the biggest are whether to cut spending for road building and other transportation projects and how much money to borrow from the state's tobacco settlement endowment." "Fla. House, Senate votes set on budget deficit".

Raw political courage

"In order to shore up Florida's budget, lawmakers plan to impose higher fines on motorists for all traffic infractions. And discounts for attending traffic school will be a thing of the past." "Traffic fines are going up in Florida". See also "Legislators want to boost fines to help budget" and "Traffic fines to increase".

"'Please, let's stop this madness'"

"The son of the late Gov. Lawton Chiles and a prominent Tampa lawyer pleaded with Democratic legislators Thursday to prevent Florida's anti-tobacco trust fund from being raided to balance the state budget."

"Please, let's stop this madness," said Bud Chiles, whose father inspired the anti-tobacco lawsuit that won the money for the trust fund.

Chiles and Steve Yerrid, one of the "dream team" of trial lawyers who won the $11 billion settlement in the lawsuit in 1997, appeared to recognize that the Democrats can't stop trust fund money from being used to plug the state budget gap.

"If you're poor, don't get sick"

"Part of the Florida Legislature's prescription for weathering the worst recession in three decades amounts to this: If you're poor, don't get sick." "Medicaid slashed as demand soars". See also "Florida's Medicaid funding faces major cuts".

Arrest somebody

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Finally, someone in Tallahassee is raising questions about whether House Speaker Ray Sansom should be investigated for abusing his public office. Not Gov. Charlie Crist. Not Attorney General Bill McCollum. Not other Republicans in the Legislature. To find this brave soul requires crossing Monroe Street from the state Capitol to the Leon County Courthouse."

State Attorney Willie Meggs will ask a grand jury this month whether it wants to investigate Sansom. It's about time someone did

• Was the unadvertised administrative job that the college gave Sansom on the same day he became speaker a payoff for the millions in construction dollars he steered to the college?

• If Sansom continued to follow through on the college's multiyear plan to so baldly cash in on his legislative leadership, was he to be rewarded with the college presidency when Richburg retires?

• How did it come to pass that Sansom put $6-million in school construction money into the state budget for a Destin Airport building and hangar that would be owned by the college and virtually identical to one once sought by a friend and political contributor?

"It makes no sense"

Bill Cotterell: "If there's one thing that legislators, lobbyists and meddlesome ethics do-gooders can all agree on, it's that old cliche about how you can't legislate morality." "Gift ban's problem is it makes no sense".

We get what we pay for

The St. Petersburg Times "The Florida House and Senate are poised today to pass separate plans to reduce the state’s $2.4-billion deficit. Both lack vision and creativity. The Republican leadership refuses to raise new revenue beyond court fees and traffic fines, and relies too heavily on spending cuts and reducing reserves to dangerously low levels. It is a short-term strategy that inflicts more pain than necessary on schools, social services and health care and leaves the state in a financially precarious position." "Budget plans lack vision, add pain".

Just in from the Geniuses at the Zell Corporation ...

... have this for us today: "Florida's chief executive and its lawmakers appear perfectly willing to impose cuts that could force local governments to get rid of employees, including schoolteachers. Yet they show no inclination to demand more efficiency from Tallahassee."

Businesses across the nation, meanwhile, are reducing work forces in nearly every sector of the economy. Some companies trying to avoid layoffs instead are imposing furloughs, unpaid vacations and reduced work weeks.

Mr. Crist, however, has declared state employees untouchable, telling lawmakers, "Our state employees provide a valuable resource to all Floridians and should be commended for their service."

No one is disputing the value of their service, as few would dispute the value of teachers who have lost their jobs.

What's disputable is the wisdom and fairness of refusing to demand, in the midst of economic turmoil, more efficiency from state government.

From a distance

"The boiling debate over the conflict in the Gaza Strip returned to the streets of Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, but this time both sides hurled insults at each other from a safe distance." "Insults fly during Fort Lauderdale protests over Israel's Gaza invasion".

Welfare for politicians?

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Under public financing,"

candidates who raise a threshold amount of money and agree to spending limits are eligible for public matching funds. Contributions of $250 or less from individuals are matched 1-to-1 with public funds, which are raised by an optional tax "add-on" from taxpayers. If a candidate exceeds the voluntary spending limit, their opponent is eligible to receive additional public funds equal to the amount by which the limit has been exceeded.

This makes elections more competitive and open to a broader array of citizens — though of course not every candidate wants the restrictions. Some critics call it "welfare to politicians," who don't have access to deep pockets. ...

As long as there is no limit to the amount of money that can be given to parties, and then passed around to party favorites; and as long as there is no limit to contributions that can be made to front organizations called 527s — there are limits on individual contributions — candidates can easily become public officials who are beholden to their contributors from Day 1.

The option of public financing is one small way to help tip the balance back in favor of the public.

RPOFer bites the dust

"Mary McCarty, a colorful and combative force in Palm Beach County politics for two decades, on Thursday became the latest and biggest figure to fall in the ongoing federal investigation of corruption in local government." "McCarty resigns, will take plea deal". The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "'Where's mine?' mentality pervades Corruption County" and "The non-apology apology".

On a related subject, Joel Englehardt: "End of 'pay-to-play,' or recess?".

Wait a minute

"The Judicial Qualifications Commission has decided it won't immediately weigh in on whether Palm Beach County judge-elect should be allowed to serve while his law license is suspended." "Judicial panel cancels hearing on Abramson".

"You'd have a better chance of getting lucky with Angelina Jolie"

Daniel Ruth: "A plate of futility with a dash of hope".

A family thing

"The Hillsborough County Republican Party's executive board named Joshua Burgin its party administrator today. Burgin is the brother of recently elected state Rep. Rachel Burgin and was an aide to former state Rep. Johnny Byrd. He ran unsuccessfully to replace his boss in 2004 when Byrd stepped down." "Lawmaker Burgin's Brother Named To County GOP Post".

"A judicial thumb on the scales"

"The Florida Supreme Court formally rebuked Brevard County Circuit Judge George W. Maxwell III Thursday for putting 'a judicial thumb on the scales" to spring the sister of a former law partner from jail without a hearing in a domestic-violence case." "Florida Supreme Court rebukes circuit judge".

Loans

"The House and Senate were expected to vote on the legislation Friday as part of a special session focused mainly on dealing with a budget deficit of at least $2.3 billion." "Fla. business loan bill on track for passage".

CIs

"The parents of a 23-year-old Florida woman killed during a botched police drug operation said Thursday they'll work with state lawmakers on legislation to better protect confidential informants like their daughter." "Family of slain woman wants stricter informant law". See also "Official: 'Rachel's Law' a clarion call for reform".

Hardest hit will be Florida's healthcare system. After weathering back-to-back budget cuts for years, hospitals now face another $137 million reduction. The cuts could jeopardize the state's healthcare system and force the closure of some facilities, according to hospital officials and the senator in charge of negotiating the cuts.

Under pressure

"State Attorney Willie Meggs said Wednesday he will ask a grand jury to look into House Speaker Ray Sansom's dealings with Northwest Florida State College late this month." "Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom faces grand jury probe". See also "Grand jury may investigate House Speaker Sansom" and "Florida House Speaker Sansom May Face Grand Jury".

"Political experts say Florida's race is a toss-up"

"It's likely Jeb Bush could have tapped his reputation as governor and an extensive fundraising network to keep a key U.S. Senate seat - and possibly a filibuster-proof majority - out of Democratic hands in 2010."

But the president's younger brother said he won't run for Republican Mel Martinez' Senate seat, and political experts say Florida's race is a toss-up. Neither party has come up with a name as big as Bush, the only Republican elected to two terms as the state's governor.

It could prove a challenge for the once-dominant GOP in the wake of President-elect Barack Obama's victory in Florida, as Democrats widened their grassroots operation and stepped up their fundraising efforts.

"Pixie dust"

"In 2001, Dick Cheney met with the dark lords of fossil fuel to concoct an energy policy. In 2006, Charlie Crist met the enlightened greenies of global warming to concoct an energy policy. I don't know which is worse. One relies on dirty dead dinosaurs and the other on magic pixie dust." "Crist's energy policy for Florida is made of pixie dust".

Neverending story

"Florida's presidential primary scheduling fiasco has been settled for months, but upset state Democratic party activists still want a federal court to rebuke the national party for stripping the state of its delegates. Activist Victor DiMaio asked the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta Thursday to rule that the Democratic National Committee disenfranchised Florida's Democratic voters by taking away the state's delegates when it defied the party by scheduling its primary before Feb. 5." "Fla. activist targets DNC over primary mess". See also "Appeals Court To Hear Florida Democrat Delegate Case".

"Gall"

"Mr. Stearns, an Ocala Republican, had the gall to ask Speaker Nancy Pelosi to reschedule House business so he could go to tonight's college football championship game between the University of Florida and the University of Oklahoma. In a letter to the speaker, he requested that House votes set for the next two days be accelerated to conclude by this morning. Ms. Pelosi refused, showing the responsibility and common sense that Mr. Stearns clearly lacked." "We think: Stearns' choice of the Gators over governing is outrageous".

"Welfare for politicians"?

"Saying the state can't afford "welfare for politicians," a powerful Senate leader has filed legislation to end public financing of statewide election campaigns." "Florida Senator Haridopolos files legislation to end election public financing".

Wide open

"In Florida, the decision immediately threw the race for the seat being vacated by Orlando Republican Mel Martinez up for grabs." "Without Bush, field wide open for Senate".

"Former Gov. Jeb Bush is taking a pass on Florida's up-for-grabs U.S. Senate seat in 2010, dashing the hopes of Republicans thirsting for a heavyweight champion and setting the stage for fiercely competitive primaries in both parties."

Potential Republican candidates include Attorney General Bill McCollum, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, former House Speaker Allan Bense and U.S. Rep. Connie Mack. McCollum is the only one on the Republican short list who has run statewide.

Another statewide officeholder, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, is considered the most formidable Democrat. Other possible contenders are state Sen. Dan Gelber and U.S. Reps. Kendrick Meek, Ron Klein and Allen Boyd.

Martinez has said he will serve the rest of his term, but rumors persist that he may resign before 2010, allowing Republican Gov. Charlie Crist to appoint a successor who would have a leg up in the election.

Lawsyuit?

"Palm Beach County judge-elect William Abramson said Tuesday that he is weighing whether he should sue Gov. Charlie Crist to force him to release paperwork that allows him to assume the circuit court bench." "Palm Beach County judge-elect weighs suit against Crist". The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Resolve Abramson's status to settle key judicial issue".

Budget blues

"Republican leaders in the House and Senate were moving quickly to close a deal, largely agreed upon, to impose steep cuts, raid trust funds and rely on borrowing to meet a constitutional requirement to balance the $66.3 billion budget."

"For the 79,000 Floridians confined to nursing homes, life is going to get worse, according to advocates who warned Tuesday that the Legislature is going too far" "Florida's social services could face steep cuts".

"As budget cuts move forward in the Legislature, the pinch is being felt in classrooms, nursing homes and even identity-theft investigations. " "Cuts strain schools, services". See also "Legislators embrace cuts, avoid tax hikes", "Schools bear brunt of fiscal pain", "Florida Budget Cuts May Hit The Elderly Hard" and "Myriam Marquez: Legislature takes aim at children".

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board writes that

the plan's no-new-taxes, cut-to-the-bone approach is well-worn rhetoric. It is party-line ideology cast in stone, and it is bewildering even to the governor — he, too, a Republican, as is legislative leadership.

The plan is too rigid. Even Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday said leadership is proposing deeper spending cuts than are wise when it could, instead, dip more deeply into emergency reserves or borrow from trust funds.

Currently, though, the plan means cutting child-protection teams, cutting from a law-enforcement fraud unit that saves millions, holding back money that reimburses nursing homes, cutting state troopers' jobs and slicing money out of public schools.

"Officials deny the meeting was damage control"

"A year and half after slipping $6 million into the state budget for an emergency facility at his hometown airport, House Speaker Ray Sansom led a hastily arranged meeting with local officials to explain how they might use it. The meeting, held on Dec. 10, came four days after the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau pointed out that the airport building was originally proposed by Sansom's friend, Jay Odom, a developer who wanted to park his jets in a taxpayer-funded hangar." "Florida House speaker aided pal's proposal". See also "Sansom tried to explain facility".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Ray Sansom had little choice but to resign his college job"

Go figure

Education week gives Florida schools a "C", yet the headline says "National report card gives Florida a B-minus".

After all, they are black

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The Bush administration continued its policy of cruelty and bias to Haitians with the recent rejection of President René Préval's request that undocumented Haitians be allowed to remain in the United States until their country recovers from last summer's devastating storms." "Haitians snubbed again in bid for TPS".

Take that

"Judge Michael E. Allen stood at attention, arms at his side, and took the public reprimand meted out Tuesday by the Florida Supreme Court for judicial misconduct." "Judge Allen reprimanded by Supreme Court".

Raw political courage

"Crist enlisted business backing Tuesday for a $10 million plan to make low-interest state loans to small and medium-sized Florida companies that show good financial potential but have trouble prying growth capital out of market-wary banks." "Crist proposes loans to businesses". See also "Florida proposes $10-million loan program to help small businesses".

The free market in action

"All have pleaded guilty to a charge of defrauding Kendall Regional Medical Center out of more than $5 million." "Prison looms in $5M fraud".

Citizens

"Task force passes Citizens rate hike".

Let the knuckle-dragging begin

"State Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, has filed two bills that would permit gay couples to adopt children. Rich said state law already permits them to be foster parents and a Miami circuit judge's decision striking down the adoption ban is on appeal." "Florida senator pushes to allow gay couples to adopt".

Another fine Jebacy

"South Florida foreclosures top 100,000 in 2008".

Futures reform

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Reform, not suspend, Florida's Bright Futures scholarships".

Tax

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "" "Collect Internet sales tax".

Whatever

"When it comes down to it, big money still talks a lot louder than the stubborn, soft-spoken laws of probability." "Powerball fever grips Florida".

Picking judges

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida should return to a less political way of selecting judges".

Busansky

"Phyllis Busansky is facing a $2 million deficit and voting machines that misfired on Election Day." "New Elections Supervisor Has Work Cut Out For Her". The Tampa Trib editors: "Johnson's Secretive Ways Leave Financial Mess Behind".

Democratic Sen. Nan Rich of Weston said virtually every type of social service could get gutted — from transition homes for foster children to drug-treatment programs. Rich said the Legislature is precariously close to making Florida a place with little quality of life.

"This isn't a sky-is-falling prediction," Rich said. "There are people who could be put out on the street or lose their jobs or lose their health care, and for what? We have to ask ourselves what kind of a state do we want people to live in?"

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Florida state lawmakers are in special session.

The session that began Monday and goes until Jan. 16 is the legislature's latest slash-and-burn, take-no-prisoners attempt to balance the state budget, which is being sucked into a $2.3 billion black hole from which not even "empty chair" Gov. Charlie Crist can escape.

His brilliant contribution in leadership so far is to call for "smart" cuts, whatever that's supposed to mean.

This from the governor wunderkind who promised to make property taxes "drop like a rock." We're still waiting for the rock to land.

The Republican-dominated legislature seems determined to ride the same old horse, cutting aid to schools and other critical programs, doing everything it deems politically expedient while doing its best to avoid the "T" word — taxes.

Swept under the rug?

"Sansom on Monday announced he'd leave his $110,000-a-year job at Northwest Florida State College in an attempt to douse a fire of controversy." "Sansom resigns controversial position at Panhandle college".

"Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom announced Monday he will give up the $110,000 Northwest Florida State College job he took the day he was sworn in as speaker. ... Sansom defended himself even as he stepped down from the college job." "Florida House speaker to leave college job". See also "House speaker resigns college job", "Speaker resigns college position" and "House Speaker Ray Sansom resigns job at Northwest Florida State College".

Geoff Oldfather: in the "'House Speaker Ray Sansom asinine remarks'" category:

Sansom, R-Destin, in a moment of oratory brilliance last week, said "tough times require tough decisions."

Wow. This from a man who cowered behind closed doors after it was learned he'd taken a $110,000 a year job as a part-time vice president at Northwest Florida State College, a school he diverted more than $30 million to while budget chairman from 2006-2008.

The fact he resigned from the college Monday doesn't change a thing. The only reason he did was because it got too hot in the kitchen and that doesn't negate the fact he never would have acknowledged the impropriety in the first place if he hadn't been found out.

Now, the extent of that abuse for personal gain makes him the wrong person to lead the House during a period in which so many will be asked to sacrifice. He is scheduled to be speaker for this and next year. If revenue estimates are even close to accurate, Florida faces more cuts to education and health care. What will he tell poor transplant patients who worry that they won't get drugs to keep them alive?

The issue of higher education will be less emotional but just as awkward for Rep. Sansom. What will he say when the presidents of the University of Florida and Florida State University come before the House for money to retain professors and avoid enrollment caps? How can Rep. Sansom tell them no with a straight face after steering so much money to a backwater institution that has fewer students than either Palm Beach Community College or Indian River State College?

On Monday Rep. Sansom still insisted that his critics had it wrong. "Unfortunately," he told his colleagues, "some have disagreed with my decision to work at the college. While I do not question their motives, I strongly object to their conclusions. In all my years in public service, I have sought to act in a manner worthy of the trust that the people have placed in me."

After his announcement, Rep. Sansom received an ovation. Belatedly stepping down from a job you never should have taken deserves an ovation? The Legislature's timing is off. Applaud when Rep. Sansom steps aside as speaker.

Run!, "Jeb!", Run!

Adam C. Smith: "Bush, 55, has been discussing a potential bid with fundraisers, friends and political activists since Republican incumbent Mel Martinez announced Dec. 2 that he would not seek a second term in 2010. But even close friends say Bush has given little hint about his leanings." "Senate bid by Jeb Bush iffy, friends say".

Maitland Housewife at it again

"Vouchers can revive budget, but make private schools pass test".

Pleez, no Dress Greys

"There will be 10 officially sanctioned inaugural balls. Florida will be part of the Southern Inaugural Ball." "Herald: Florida invited to join Obama party".

We'll let our people freeze, thank you very much ...

"Venezuela's state oil company is suspending a much-promoted program that provided free heating oil to hundreds of thousands of poor people throughout the United States, the company announced Monday."

Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, a Washington-based group, said Congress doubled the money available under the low-income heating oil program for 2008-09 but many people still will be cold. ''Citgo has been the only major oil company that has been willing to provide supplemental energy assistance,'' Wolfe said. ``We're sorry they won't be able to do it this year.''

Brain trust

"U.S. congressmen-elect Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, and Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, are stepping into a job this week that requires their immediate attention on a deepening global financial crisis." "Freshmen congressmen settling in ahead of swearing-in Tuesday".

Huh?

"Florida House shows support for Israel".

That's why unions negotiate death benefits

"Fire-rescue worker killed in collision with truck on Sawgrass Expressway" ("Falzarano had been a fire-rescue employee for nine years, most recently as a rescue truck supervisor, said Palm Beach County fire-rescue spokesman Capt. Don DeLucia.").

Another vacancy

"The governor has asked the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission to recommend six nominees - the maximum number - to replace retiring Justice Charles T. Wells. The nominees must come from Central Florida's fifth appellate district [east-central Florida] since Wells was appointed from the region. ... This comes on the heal of the back-and-forth between the governor and a separate nominating commission charged with recommending a replacement for the Daytona-Beach based court of appeal's position left open by retiring 5th District Court of Appeal Judge Robert Pleus Jr." "Sentinel: Gov. Crist asks for 6 nominees to find replacement for departing judge".

Ahem ...

... this doesn't sound like in "impasse", but rather a simple breach of contract:

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The United Teachers of Dade and the Miami-Dade School Board are at an impasse over a contract the board signed off on last year. It would give teachers a raise in each of the next three years. When the budget shortfall hit hard last summer, then-Superintendent Rudy Crew deferred teachers' raises. A board majority agreed. Further negotiations between the district and the union have proved fruitless. But this impasse isn't doing anyone -- neither teachers nor the administration -- any good. Both sides should go back to the negotiating table with the understanding that they each must give up something." "Miami-Dade teachers, district should compromise".

Fly in the ointment

"A proposed 7,000-acre rock mine remains a hulking obstacle to the state's proposed $1.34 billion purchase of nearly all of U.S. Sugar Corp.'s farmland." "Mining firm denies U.S. Sugar lease is void".

Elementary, my dear Watson ...

"County auditors aren't sure what former Hills­borough Elections Supervisor Buddy Johnson did with as much as $1.7-million earmarked for new voting machines. They see no proof it went to Premier Election Solutions, the company that supplied the machines." "Audit on Buddy Johnson's spending uncovers mysteries".

Budget blues

"FSU to lay off about 200 workers because of budget woes".

Among the options they plan to use: raiding state reserves, boosting fees for court-related services and cutting spending by roughly $1 billion.

That's about double the amount that Gov. Charlie Crist had proposed trimming. The cuts now expected may trigger layoffs and will likely cut into health, public safety and education.

Crist proposes to cut ed funding by $100 million

"It's a part of the outline Crist put out to make up a $2.3 billion gap in state revenues."

Crist proposes reducing nearly $100 million from budgeted education spending, half from state universities and half from K-12, workforce training and community colleges. Workforce education programs would take an $8.4 million cut, according to the governor's plan.

"Too kind"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "A report recommending how to make Florida's power companies more 'green' is too kind to nuclear power." "Nuclear power has benefits; being truly 'clean' isn't one".

We don' need no stinkin' single payor commie stuff ....

"The pair have admitted in court that their company, The Pharmed Group, used former employees at Kendall Regional Medical Center to place millions of dollars in fake medical supply orders. The brothers have asked that their prison terms be limited to four years or less, because they took a plea deal and because of their charitable and civic contributions." "Brothers in Miami fraud case to be sentenced".

No way to run a state

"Eight Florida school districts -- including Miami-Dade -- are being monitored by the state Department of Education because their reserves are dangerously low. All the districts have less than 2.5 percent of their operating budgets set aside in rainy-day accounts. And one of the counties, the tiny Taylor school district in northwest Florida, is actually working in the red, despite laying off employees and enacting other cost-saving measures. " "Miami-Dade schools' finances draw state scrutiny".

Sansom hubris watch

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board calls the kettle black, beginning an editorial today with this: "Who doesn't like a lapdog?"

They then join the Sansom fray (better late than never): "It was bad enough that someone in Mr. Sansom's position got such a job, an increasingly common perk for legislators whose votes provide the lifeblood to Florida's public colleges and universities. Conveniently for the speaker, his new employer didn't open the job to other candidates."

Then, the editors stick their heads thoroughly into the sand, writing that they find the Sansom "revelations echoing the kind of political sleaze you'd expect from Illinois." "We think: Legislative leaders can't ignore the new speaker's troubles".

Diaz days dwindling

"It's a new year, with a new president, but there's probably not going to be a new title for Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. Diaz, who has been mentioned for weeks as a possible appointment in the incoming Barack Obama administration, now seems unlikely to head to Washington. ... Diaz, meanwhile, has stayed relatively mum on the topic lately, saying last week that he is focused on his current job as mayor. He still has just under a year left in his second term but will not be able to seek reelection because of term limits." "Miami Mayor Manny Diaz a long short for Obama job".

Laff riot

"Former President George H.W. Bush said on Sunday he'd like to see his second son, Jeb, become President of the United States some day." "Jeb Bush should be president one day, dad tells FoxNews".

This, on the other hand, is not a joke

Florida Sen. Ronda Storms represents district 10, which includes eastern Hillsborough and parts of Pasco and Polk counties defends her proposal "for abandoning the Dewey Decimal System (DDS)". "Library Savings Small Part Of Sen. Storms' Agenda".

Good luck

The Daytona Beach News Journal editors argue that Legislators ought to consider rolling back Jebbie's "foolish giveaways" and plug sales tax loopholes:

When times were flush, former Gov. Jeb Bush insisted on a series of taxpayer-funded boons to wealthy investors and companies in the form of a reduction to the state's intangibles tax. It's time to take back that lavish present. At one point, the intangibles tax cut siphoned more than $1 billion from the annual budget; a repeal could still contribute several hundred million dollars to the state's bottom line. ...

The state sales tax is riddled with exemptions, many of which never made much sense -- what's the point of sparing owners of luxury sports-arena skyboxes sales tax, when those buying ordinary seats are required to pay?

Rookies

"The Legislature's special session convenes today with critical budget shortfalls to resolve — even as it provides the first on-the-job training and dry run for freshmen members who are just barely settling into their offices." "Our Opinion: Citizens welcome as legislators start to work".

Yaaaawwwnnn

Scott Maxwell: "Sen. Jeb as GOP's Bush 4.0? Wake up and smell reality".

Now ... there's a thought

"The excitement is building for football fans in Florida. On Thursday, the college championship is on the line in the BCS title game as Oklahoma takes on the Gainesville branch of Northwest Florida State College."

What? You thought Oklahoma will be playing the University of Florida Gators? That's technically true. But today the Legislature convenes a special session to deal with a $2.3 billion budget gap. So there is time - as well as an incentive - to rechristen Florida's flagship research university as a satellite campus of Northwest Florida State College, which is in Niceville.

From the "free to choose" crew

The Tampa Trib editors think they can purchase ethics: "The present salary of $31,932 needs to be substantially increased. Even if it were $100,000, which we think is more than necessary, the raise would bump the costs of base pay from about $5.1 million to $16 million a year for the 160 lawmakers. Considering how many millions are directed to questionable projects and special interests, even generous pay would be a good public investment if it reduced ill-advised spending."

The editors write that, under the current model,

the main loyalty of many lawmakers appears to be to some other employer.

Even as the Legislature convenes in special session Monday to realign spending with falling revenues, the spotlight has been on the controversy over House Speaker Ray Sansom, who is a good example of what's going wrong. Sansom secured millions of extra dollars for Northwest Florida State College, then took an unadvertised job at the same college that pays him $110,000 a year. Now he's using his influence in Tallahassee to try to get millions more for the school.

Under state law, the situation could be just fine. Only if he had a clear understanding that the job was a direct payoff for certain votes in the Legislature would he be in ethical hot water.

In Florida, being employed by someone whose business or agency is affected by laws you might pass is not prohibited. It's not even considered an official conflict of interest. The low pay actually encourages outside employment.

Good luck with that

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board writes that "During the special session, leaders should ask a neutral body such as the state Revenue Estimating Conference to prepare figures on a variety of budgetary decisions -- including ways to draw more revenue into state coffers -- and then agree to hold open budget hearings around the state. Given the facts, Floridians should have a chance to offer their input on budget decisions, including specific program cuts or innovative ways to save money." "Give public a direct voice in budget cuts".

Here's "hoping the DOE chooses education over politics"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "When the 2008 Florida Legislature failed to pass a compromise bill requiring special training for teachers of students learning English, the job of determining the appropriate standard was shifted to the Department of Education. The DOE might seem just the right place to finally decide the matter, but the issue is highly contentious and easily swings between the realms of politics and education. We're hoping the DOE chooses education over politics." "DOE in position to decide ESOL rule".

Middle East ... West

"The conflict in the Middle East made its way to South Florida over the weekend, as competing protests became heated and a dozen people were arrested for disorderly conduct." "Miami hosts dueling protests over Mideast conflict".

See 'ya

"Outgoing Palm Beach County Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson seemed upbeat last week as he packed up his office to make way for Susan Bucher, who takes over as elections chief on Tuesday." "Outgoing voting chief Anderson seems healthier, happier".

"A case in point"

The Tampa Trib editors: "one thing state and local governments have gotten spectacularly right is environmental land acquisition. The Southwest Florida Water Management District's conservation program is a case in point." "Conservation Effort Sweetens Florida Living".

Many Floridians, and certainly state employees, face painful cuts in a session called specifically to deal with lower than expected revenues. Florida law requires the state live within its means and lawmakers are required to have a balanced budget.

As they negotiate a fiscal 2009-10 budget, lawmakers could face a budget hole of roughly $4 billion to $6 billion.

Also, the economic troubles could hit next year's budget in ways that go beyond general revenues.

For instance, local property taxes make up part of the state's complex formula for funding schools. But with property values declining, the state could see a hole of about $450 million next year if a key property tax rate remains the same.

Also, the state has reduced projections for fuel taxes, lottery collections and utility-related taxes. Those sources of money are used for specific purposes, such as road construction, Bright Futures scholarships and college building projects.

The conservative Republicans* in charge are sticking to their no-new-taxes pledge, but a growing number of critics [as opposed to RPOFers of any stripe], some from surprising corners, are arguing that cutting alone will no longer do.

Times uncovers source of all evil

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Lawmakers should look everywhere for cost savings — including curbing their own pension largesse. They should be too ashamed to keep feathering their own nest. " "Stop double-dippers".

Outa here

"William Frey, a demographer with the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., said the numbers may foreshadow what the 2010 Census will find, particularly because evidence already shows Florida has lost population to the rest of the United States. 'When you see Florida having a net out-migration to the rest of the country, you know something's wrong,' he said. 'I would go with the bleaker numbers.'" "Exodus from South Florida increasing".

Whoopee!

"Starting today, people in the Sunshine State will be eligible to play Powerball, a multi-state lottery with enormous jackpots." "Powerball comes to Florida".

Just another Tax-and- spend governor

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The district has a realistic option to raise more money so it can keep up with its core needs and buy the land. It's called a tax increase. But Gov. Crist, who has engineered the land deal, doesn't want to be tagged as a tax-and-spend governor. Still, the district's current tax rate, at 62 cents per $1,000 of taxable value, has room to rise. An increase to just 80 cents, which the district can do without legislative approval, would add $36 to the tax bill on a $200,000 home and raise about $150 million." "Many risks still could sour deal to purchase U.S. Sugar".

Charlie receives Nobel Prize for Courage ...

from The St. Petersburg Times editorial board for his supposed "willingness to stand up to pressure from within his own party and independently reach his own conclusions." "

Others are a bit less sanguine: "Crist partially has redeemed himself by choosing Jorge Labarga for the Florida Supreme Court, indicating that politics alone will not determine the state's highest jurists." "Justice Labarga, finally".

Brilliant

"Under the proposed legislation, local governments would have the option to waive the fees for affordable housing. If they choose to waive them, the governments would not be forced to build the roads immediately." "End fees for affordable homes, Palm Beach County group urges".

Wouldn't want to anything bad about Saint "Jeb!" ...

... now would we. Florida's newpaper media - cowering in fear of losing their jobs in the next layoff, and never wanting to offend a national political figure and potential candidate - is hard at work preserving Jebbie's reputation these days.

Credit Aaron Deslatte for even mentioning that there are some out there who think Jebbie was something other than superman, writes this morning that "Bush could be blitzed for encouraging Florida's flurry of home overconstruction earlier this decade while he was governor and eroding the state's revenue base with $19 billion in tax cuts that mostly benefited the wealthy. Too much blind faith in the profit-driven motives of free markets, the Dems will say."

Of course, Florida's traditional media (with few exceptions) gave Jebbie a pass for 8 solid years, repeating garbage like this:

Bush used to relish refuting the policy arguments Democrats hurled his way. Which might be why Florida's ruling Republicans need him so badly now.

Bush used to relish refuting the policy arguments Democrats hurled his way.

Your Majesty ...

... please do not be upset with me and bar me from asking you or your flacks further questions, and please don't get mad and call my bosses and get me disciplined, and when you run for President (which I dearly want you to do since it will help get me get a job with a newspaper somewhere else) please don't kick me outa the real reporter press bus, and finally, you know, please don't subject poor, pitiful me to the legendary retaliation of Jebco for perceived disloyalty from media retainers ...

... but may I crawl up on your lap and ask you this teensy little thingy ...

... if, you know, Florida eliminates the intangibles tax, and because Florida's economy is largely based on sales taxes and revenues from tourism and agriculture, which is not enough to sustain the state in hard times, how will we pay for basic services provided by state government during hard times?

... sorry for asking ... can I clean your pool now ... or would you rather I spent my time not covering that police report*, and how your son mysteriously avoided arrest for ... well you know?

Two security officers had come upon the scene — the action was occurring at 10:00 pm — and they called in the police.

The issue was not that George W. Bush’s nephew was engaged in truly a youthful indiscretion. But according to Artie Brown, one of the two security guards, Jebby spoke to his father-the-governor and then said, "My dad will fix it." And maybe Jeb Bush did. Jebby was never charged. There was a police report filed that noted that the cops had investigated a possible crime of "sexual misconduct." But Sergeant Oscar Brannon, who filed the report, said charges were not pursued because the lustful couple had not been in public view. Brown, though, contradicted that assessment. And in his report, Brannon did note that shortly after he arrived at the parking lot, "I became aware of the political ties" of the male suspect.

The important question is, did Governor Jeb Bush use his clout to protect a son caught not acting in accordance with Republican family values? This is not an insignificant query, for had Big Jeb intervened in any manner it would be an abuse of office.

The police report was leaked to the major newspapers of Florida. None went with the story. So on the final weekend of the campaign — when George W. was working the Sunshine State hard — the only mention of this potential trouble appeared across the Atlantic.

Mystery shoes

"The Florida Highway Patrol said thousands of work boots, bath slippers, tennis sneakers, beach sandals, even pairs of inline skates, inexplicably materialized shortly before 8 a.m. Friday on the busy roadway. Traffic was disrupted for hours."

So, "Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based charity, is sending representatives to Miami to collect the shoes. The group will distribute the shoes to people in Haiti, according to a news release." "Charity sends mysterious shoes to Haiti".

An example of the problem with Florida's traditional media

The normally sober Mary Ann Lindley writes that "Jim Smith",

Now head of FSU's board of trustees, he remains a calm, reasoned, honorable thinker and lobbyist — amazingly modest despite having the clout to win, hold and succeed in two statewide Cabinet offices.

In 1986 he ran for the Democratic nomination for governor of Florida. In the primary election Pajcic slightly led the second-place finisher, state Attorney General Jim Smith; but, as neither had received 50%, per Florida law, a runoff primary was held. During the brief campaign before the run-off, Smith's rhetoric was seen by many as unprecedented in its vitriol for an intraparty contest.

in a televised debate, the candidates were asked if, should they fail to win the nomination, would they endorse their runoff opponent in the general election against the Republican nominee. Both Smith and Pajcic answered in the affirmative. However, when Pajcic emerged victorious, Smith evaded the issue of an endorsement for several days [something about riding his tractor around his panhandle farm].

Pssst ... maybe they're illegals ...

"Police in the Tampa Bay area say that Hispanic immigrants are increasingly the targets of robberies." "Officials: Hispanic immigrants robbery targets".