State Rep. Seth McKeel fought to get $15 million in tax dollars for a new University of South Florida campus in Lakeland and, despite a severe budget shortfall, is determined to get $10 million more this year.

''I believe the Polytechnic vision is exactly what is needed in Polk County to help raise the standard of living and ensure the economic diversity of our region,'' McKeel said.

But Polk County isn't the only potential beneficiary.

McKeel, a Lakeland Republican, works for the construction company bidding on the project, formally called USF Polytechnic, and two other family members have a stake in the new school. His sister works for the university, cultivating private donations for the new campus. McKeel's cousin is working with the school on behalf of an architectural firm picked for the design.

The situation presents a fresh example of the political and personal cross-currents running through the state college system and the conflicts, real or perceived, that sometimes confront lawmakers with special concerns.

Circular firing squad

"In a rare rebuke of Florida's senior senator by a fellow Democrat, the president of the Cuban-American Bar Association is criticizing Sen. Bill Nelson for reappointing a top Republican fundraiser to a powerful panel that screens potential federal judges."

Roland Sanchez-Medina said he and other Cuban-American Democrats who tried to contact Nelson's office about the appointments were ignored.

He said these Cuban-Americans had long resisted community pressure to become Republicans and backed Democrat Barack Obama in the 2008 election.

''I was hopeful that some day, those of us who persevered would be rewarded on some level . . . and after this past election, I finally believed that day would come; that we would have a clear and unambiguous voice in the political process,'' he wrote in the March 4 letter sent to Nelson. ...

Since the Democratic Party controls the White House, Nelson made the bulk of the most recent appointments. He did choose three Cuban-Americans attorneys for the panel. Two are Democrats -- Steve Zack and Georgina Angones.

The other, Manny Kadre, served as Florida's finance chairman for Republican presidential nominee John McCain. Kadre has donated tens of thousands of dollars to a number of Republican politicians, but he has also written several checks to Nelson.

Stop the Stealth

"The Florida Legislature is so proud of its transparency that its Web site is called Online Sunshine (leg.state.fl.us). But look closer. It's not as sunny as it looks. When it comes to citizen participation -- your awareness of what lawmakers are up to -- the Legislature's workings can be a dark place." "End shell-bill stealth".

Brain dead

"With the prison population rising and state coffers shrinking, Sen. Victor Crist is proposing a new cost-saver: shipping off Florida prisoners to other states."

Sen. Crist is proposing to stem the rise of the prison population by exporting as many as 2,000 inmates without personal ties to Florida to prisons in other states.

"Either they're illegal aliens, or they're individuals from other states that have committed a serious crime in Florida that ended up getting incarcerated here, but they have no family or relatives here to come to see them in the state of Florida," he said. ...

Rep. Nick Thompson, vice-chairman of the House Criminal & Civil Justice Appropriations Committee, said the proposal was news to him.

"It's certainly worth looking into," said Thompson, R-Fort Myers. "I'd want to know if this is being done in other states."

Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Lutz, who sits with Thompson on a House criminal justice policy panel, wanted more detail as well, but described Crist's idea as "intriguing,"

Unemployment "spiking"

"Florida's unemployment rate jumped a full point in January, to 8.6 percent. But the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area is doing better than other parts of the state." "Jobless rate spikes across Florida".

Some of the headlines: "DBNJ: Area unemployment rates at, near records", "PNJ: Unemployment numbers grim in Pensacola area", "Sentinel: Job outlook worsens for Metro Orlando, Florida, ...", "SW Fla. jobless numbers bad, and experts say they'll get worse" and "Job losses surge, and area feels it".

Visit

"The stimulus package means 'historic' funding for community colleges, which will hasten the U.S. recovery, the new education secretary told Miami Dade College." "Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Jill Biden visit Miami Dade College".

"This one certain class that drives a Mercedes"

Steve Bousquet tells a tale of two warnings. On one hand, the usual Chamber of Commerce/AIF shilldom:

Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, the council chairman, said the review of [sales tax] exemptions will continue next week, but she sounded wary of any repeals.

"You want to be sure you're not poking an industry in the eye to make a political statement," she said.

Recalling a recent town hall meeting in her district, Bogdanoff said, "The citizens of this state for the most part are not interested in higher taxes."

A 35-year-old mother who drove from St. Augustine, she sells real estate and volunteers at her kids' schools. Given a whole three minutes to testify, she spoke about the lights being shut off in school hallways to save money, suspension of middle school sports and a lack of money for the school band.

"Obviously, people have a lot of money to be spending money on these things," she said of charter boat rentals and other beneficiaries of tax exemptions.

Hemmen pleaded with legislators to think beyond the people in the room who benefit financially from tax exemptions.

"Is it really, truly going to help the people of Florida — the people as a whole, not this one certain class that drives a Mercedes, but the people as a whole," Hemmen said. "Are these exemptions truly going to help them?"

As her question lingered in midair, the chairman adjourned the meeting.

Stop the madness

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board:"Sen. Stephen Wise, a Jacksonville Republican who heads an education appropriations committee, introduced a five-year-long 'school choice pilot project' for Orange County."

It would have allowed parents in that county to send their children, homeless or otherwise, to any public, charter, private or virtual school of their choice.

And here's the kicker: The school district would have had to provide transportation to public schools. So if a student in Apopka chose to attend Winter Park High School, the school system would have to make sure the student got there. The bill made no provision for helping Orange County with the costs of this logistical nightmare.

This bone-headed pilot project had lots of other problems, and fortunately, the bill was withdrawn on Thursday.

Monday

"Florida may learn more about billions for schools Monday". See also "Education secretary hints Florida could get waiver it wants on stimulus money".

We'll see how long this conversation lasts

"Two days after Gov. Charlie Crist said there was no need to raise taxes to cover an anticipated $2 billion spending gap, he said he may be willing to do just that so the state can use federal stimulus money for unemployment payments." "Crist says tax hikes for businesses possible".

Prepaid

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Prepaid and the Board of Governors have reached a reasonable compromise. In essence, the agreement means that Prepaid will base its payout to a university on today's costs inflated at 6 percent to 6.5 percent interest a year until that child starts college. This solution gives universities a guaranteed rise in income from each Prepaid contract and still caps the Prepaid fund's rate of payout. And those parents are not affected." "A solution for Florida Prepaid".

That and the fact she's dumb as a sack of hammers

"USF study: Focus on Sarah Palin's looks altered perception of competence".

State Farm

"State Farm Florida on Friday appealed stipulations that Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has put on its plan to withdraw from the state's property insurance market because of the high risk of hurricanes." "State Farm appealing Fla. withdrawal order".

Crist's third State of the State speech seemed so contrived even he didn't believe it. The governor delivered such a lackluster appeal for his policies, a chamber stuffed with Republican faithful could barely applaud. ...

Mostly the governor looked like he'd rather be anywhere but where he was. He didn't want to face the hard facts of an economic free fall that's hurt Florida worse than most states and shows no signs of abating.

In truth, Crist seemed to all but officially announce his run for U.S Sen. Mel Martinez's soon-to-be open seat.

Crist ... lacks the desire and the fortitude to help Floridians out of this darkest hour.

Do us a favor, governor. Run for the U.S. Senate.

The race is on!

"Crist Daytona-bound to promote insurance program". See also "Gov. Crist makes local stop today".

Holy Moses!

"Crist says tax hikes for businesses possible".

Session update

"2009 Legislature roundup".

Unemployment up a full percent

"Florida's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.6 percent in January, up from 7.6 percent in December, state officials said."

There were 800,000 Floridians seeking work, and few bright spots in the job market. The state's moribund construction industry shed 100,700 jobs in the past year. Education, health care and government were the only sectors to add workers over the past year, and their growth was modest.

Stoopid

The Miami Herald editorial board: "State Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, didn't know she was stirring up a hornet's nest when she filed a bill to help the state save money."

She saw a chance to save as much as $200 million by shifting court-related services to the judiciary from the clerk's office. Numbers tell the story. By transferring the courts' clerical services in 67 counties to the 20 judicial circuits, the state could save millions by eliminating bureaucracy and duplicate services. This will be a tempting target for lawmakers looking for ways to fill a $5.5 billion budget hole.

Nothing, however, is simple when money and politics are involved -- and this seemingly easy call has plenty of both. The proposal has created a rift between traditional allies -- Florida's judges and clerks. They see the measure, respectively, as a potential stabilizing funding source, or a hostile power grab.

Time to cut teachers' paychecks

"School property taxes are forecast to lose $1 billion next year, casting doubt on the governor's budget proposal." "Property tax gap could cost Florida schools".

Florida's Magician Governor

kicked off a dreary lawmaking session this week by pitching a spending plan that dodged massive cuts or tax increases, miraculously boosting classroom spending in the midst of a global recession.

But the problem is, those high-flying hopes have run smack into Florida's free-falling real-estate market.

State economists have determined real-estate values statewide are likely to fall so fast over 2009, the money local school districts can raise from property taxes is going to plummet more than $1.1billion.

"The insidious intangibles tax is no longer with us, which is great," Bush said. "I think it's dead. . . . The only sad thing is I can't talk about it anymore." ...

Sen. Steve Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, called it the "No Millionaire Left Behind Tax Act" and Robin Hood in reverse. He noted that retirement savings such as 401(k) accounts and money in banks already are exempt from the tax.

"Let's discuss the terrible, terrible burdensome oppressive tax on these millionaires," Geller said. "It is 1/20th of 1 percent of assets."

The tax rate has steadily declined to that level since 1999 while exemptions have increased as part of a step-by-step approach to repeal. As a result, the tax now is paid by only about 180,000 Floridians -- those with more than $370,000 in taxable property for an individual and more than $620,000 for couples.

'Ya reckon?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Mass deportations of Haitians isn't the answer". The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Give Haitians a fair chance".

"Budget gap" worse than expected

"A new estimate shows property values and the taxes they generate are dropping more than previously expected, and that will just widen a potential state budget gap, the Senate's top budget-writer said Thursday." "Property value decline increases Fla. budget woes".

How much?

"Crist's package of proposed tax cuts and fee hikes will get price tags today as lawmakers further scrutinize his spending plans. State economists will estimate the cost to Florida 's coffers with Crist's proposals, which include limiting tax increases on non-homestead property and an extra tax break for first-time home buyers." "How much will governor's tax cuts cost? Legislators to find out today".

Vulnerable Dem Reps?

The Cook Political Report yesterday: "Whether or not you believe President Obama's approval ratings are inextricably tied to the post-stimulus performance of the economy, you can bet voter attitudes concerning the new president will have a strong influence on congressional election fortunes next year. ... if Obama's popularity has diminished significantly by fall 2010, the GOP could have all the ammunition it needs to put these members in their cross hairs."

Junior Democrats in McCain Districts (23)

... FL-24 Suzanne Kosmas ...

Veteran Democrats in McCain Districts (27)

... FL-02 Allen Boyd ...

Good luck

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The wisdom of spending of taxpayer money to prevent things from happening or getting worse tends to become background noise for lawmakers sometimes. When they are looking at budget-cutting as grave as is needed this year, they are attracted to stop-gap solutions to that seem to work quickly and during their terms in office." "Legacy legislation".

Dr. Jill Biden

"The wife of Vice President Joe Biden is in Miami to discuss higher education. Dr. Jill Biden joins U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Friday for a panel discussion at Miami Dade College. They will address the role of community colleges in providing quality education and revitalizing the economy." "VP's wife discusses role of community colleges".

Evanescent exemption?

"Lobbyists say the industry would support removing the exemption on bottled water and imposing the state's 6-cents sales tax on every bottle of water sold. But they are against the governor's plan to impose a 6-cents severance tax on every gallon of water used for bottled water." "Water bottlers warm to sales tax".

Exemptions

"Florida lawmakers have spent decades carving out tax exemptions and subsidies for businesses and favorite causes. ... Lucky enough to attend the Super Bowl in Tampa? You didn't pay a sales tax on the ticket. ... But with Florida facing a budget shortfall that could reach $6 billion next year, lawmakers have started looking at the smorgasbord of exemptions and subsidies to see whether they are justified." "Groups ask to keep tax breaks".

Not so good

"The governor is heaping praise on the Cover Florida health plan that he says costs taxpayers no money, but refuses to switch state workers over." "Gov. Crist touts affordable health insurance plan". See also "Crist touts Cover Florida program" and "Crist touts health plan for uninsured".

Wrong fight

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Stanley G. Tate, founder of the Florida Prepaid College Program, may spend $500,000 fighting legislation that would let every public university in the state increase its tuition by up to 15 percent. Mr. Tate has been a wonderful advocate for higher education, but his money would be better spent on scholarships for the families he's trying to protect." "Pick a better tuition fight".

Spanish company gets contract

"The $1.2 billion project to rebuild Interstate 595 will soon be under way. Gov. Charlie Crist on Thursday announced that the Florida Department of Transportation has signed an agreement with ACS Infrastructure Development Inc., a Spanish construction conglomerate.

The project will be Florida's first public-private road deal." "Florida signs $1.2 billion contract to rebuild Interstate 595".

Palm Beach ... how appropriate

"Democrats are gearing up for a PR war with their political archenemy Rush Limbaugh and have picked Palm Beach County as the place to launch the first salvo at the king of the dittoheads." "Dems to launch PR war against Limbaugh in South Florida".

"Giant snakes"

"The giant snakes have established a breeding population in Everglades National Park. Now they're extending their range -- heading toward the wildlife-rich lands to the north and south of the park." "Burmese pythons expanding reach in South Florida".

... And Charlie's no where to be found

"Vice President Joe Biden is set to promote the federal stimulus bill's funding of law enforcement during a visit to the Miami Police Department." "Vice President Joe Biden in Miami: We're committed to middle class". See also "Vice President Biden To Visit Miami Today".

... The Legislature fiddles

"Lawmakers weigh regulation of exhibits featuring human remains".

Evil earmarks

"Lawmakers argue that they should have some say as to where federal spending occurs in their districts. Florida is no exception, as lawmakers would steer at least a half-billion dollars to the state."

Half this funding, about $250 million, would be aimed at Everglades restoration, according to a database compiled by Taxpayers for Common Sense, a Washington-based watchdog group.

"If you want to call getting the Everglades projects under way 'pork,' that happens to be the kind of bacon that I like," said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. "It's for the people of Florida, and it's for our environment and it's for the ecology of planet Earth."

Thank you, Mrs. Pelosi

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Palm Coast, Deltona and Volusia County owe Nancy Pelosi a big thank-you."

In late July 2007, when early warnings of a housing crisis were beginning to sound and markets to dip (the Dow Jones average lost 500 points in a week), Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson got on television to reassure investors that any problems in the subprime lending market would be "largely contained." Pelosi wasn't so sure. Four days later, House Speaker Pelosi introduced the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2007, which included billions of dollars in aid to local governments experiencing high foreclosure rates.

It took the bill a year to get a vote in the Senate. By then the crisis had exploded, with Florida one of its epicenters: Foreclosure rates ran at about 8 percent in the state, and around 10 percent in places such as Deltona and Palm Coast. The bill passed the Senate overwhelmingly, with both Florida senators in favor. It became law last July 30 -- a year late, but no less beneficial. The bill included $369 million for Florida in assistance to local governments willing to buy foreclosed properties and resell them.

"Two keys"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Washington's now the holder of two keys that can help Florida and much of the nation better manage their response to hurricanes and other disasters." "We think: Fugate, Klein offer relief in the wake of catastrophes".

Poor Jeff

"Florida's lieutenant governor, criticized for use of state planes, attended his latest meetings by car." "Florida's No. 2, under fire for air travel, takes to the road". See also "Facing criticism, Lt. Gov. Kottkamp opts for car to Pensacola".

A GOPer thing

"Judge assails cases doubting Obama's citizenship".

The low-key approach allows Rubio to cultivate donors and activists around the state and assemble a campaign team while tamping down expectations about poll numbers and fundraising. If Gov. Charlie Crist decides to run for the Senate, Rubio is expected to switch gears and run for governor -- most likely making the announcement at a traditional press conference.

Is he running for the U.S. Senate in 2010 or for a second term as governor?

The vast majority of guessers predict, with little evidence to back it up, that Crist will jump to the Senate even as they wonder how he could walk away from the Governor's Mansion. ...

Unless the international economic collapse turns around quickly, being one of 100 senators could be far more appealing than holding what may become among the roughest political jobs in the world. Even Gov. Crist's infectious optimism can't mask the grim picture many Florida leaders see ahead for the state. ...

His decision will depend in large part on what happens over the next 60 days in Tallahassee. Once the session ends, can Crist say with a straight face that Florida is on solid-enough footing for him to move on?

It's no secret the White House remains on Crist's radar, and governors tend to make better presidential candidates than senators.

There's another factor for Crist that many people talk about: Carole Crist, his new wife. If she'd prefer Washington to Tallahassee, as Crist friends and acquaintances speculate, it could be the most important factor of all.

Charlie "sees only an 'opportunity' for him to become a U.S. senator in 2010"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: Crist "inspired so little favorable reaction because he pretended that it's 2005. Cut the budget? No way. Let's increase it. Look at new sources of revenue? No. Improve tax and budget systems? No. Reform the FCAT-based public school system? No. Rely instead on another gimmick."

The governor said that "with every crisis comes opportunity." He's right about that, but he seems intent on squandering the opportunity for Florida to be better in the coming decades, not just the coming months. The governor sees only an "opportunity" for him to become a U.S. senator in 2010 and leave a booby-trapped budget for his successor.

No other motive explains the governor's message Tuesday evening: Facing the worst economic crisis of the past 50 years, Florida can increase spending and cut taxes. To make his happy-days budget work, however, Gov. Crist counts on using billions in one-time money from the federal stimulus package over the next two years for regular state expenses. That fiscally reckless policy could bite the state hard in three years.

Good question

"Legislators will ask: Is Gov. Crist's budget based on fact or fiction?".

What idiot wrote this headline?

In the never ending quest to smear public employees, the Zell Corporation/South Florida Sun Sentinel headline reads:

Davie firefighters to get 7.5% raise

Manna from heaven

"Crist has upped his estimate of federal money coming to Florida through the stimulus package passed last month." "Crist: More stimulus help coming".

More: "Crist: More stimulus help coming", "Florida gets $1 billion more in stimulus money", "New estimate ups Fla. stimulus to $13.4 billion", "State's new stimulus czar has extra money to deal with" and "Crist says feds to increase aid".

Giving "workers the option"

"The AFL-CIO Executive Council meeting and newly appointed Labor Secretary Hilda Solis are both in Miami this week drumming up support for the bill that would give workers the option of unionizing by getting a majority of the workers to sign cards or a petition instead of holding secret ballot elections." "Biden to speak at AFL-CIO meeting in Miami".

Willfully ignorant Chamber shill

"Renewing his campaign to protect secret ballots in union votes, House Republican Leader Adam Hasner of Boca Raton today accused his Democratic counterparts of hypocrisy on the issue." "Hasner questions Dems secret ballot".

Hasner, Chamber shill that he is, willfully ignores the fact that the "Employee Free Choice Act" would "give workers the option of unionizing by getting a majority of the workers to sign cards or a petition instead of holding secret ballot elections."

WTF?

"Guess who showed up at the offices of President Barack Obama's secretary of education today? Jeb Bush." "Jeb Bush at Obama's Education Dep't".

I understand the bipartisanship thing, but giving Uber hack, failed "education governor" access to Obama's cabinet. Heaven help us.

RPOFers making Limbaugh proud

"If the Legislature accepts federal stimulus money, unemployment compensation and food stamps will get a boost."

But Rush Limbaugh's crew is having second thoughts about helping those lazy unemployed people:

The Legislature might balk at expanding unemployment-compensation benefits further because the state might have to spend more to get more -- an underlying principle of the stimulus package. To get the full $444 million to boost benefits, the state might have to increase unemployment spending by $51 million to $226 million.

Crist's budget chief, Jerry McDaniel, acknowledged that fully expanding benefits ''might potentially increase taxes on businesses,'' because they pay into a trust fund for unemployment benefits.

Some Republicans are chafing at the ''strings attached'' to the federal stimulus legislation.

Gambling

"A day after Gov. Charlie Crist urged state lawmakers to quickly approve a gaming compact he negotiated with the Seminole tribe, key lawmakers said they might not seal the deal before their 60-day session ends."

The compact that Crist parlayed in 2007 authorized casino-style slot machines at the Seminoles' casinos and gave them exclusive rights to offer banked card games. In exchange, the state was to receive a hefty cut.

The state Supreme Court voided the compact in the summer, finding that Crist had overstepped his authority. Lawmakers are now contemplating whether to ratify that compact, which Crist is holding up as a reliable source of revenue - at least $2.5 billion over 25 years.

Biden in Miami

"Vice President Joe Biden will be in Miami Thursday and Friday for a series of events that include a speech to labor union officials and a visit to a transit hub under construction near Miami International Airport, where he will likely highlight President Obama's stimulus aid for transportation projects." "Vice President Joe Biden to visit Miami, push transit funds".

Out of control

Florida's "agencies spent at least $17 million annually on more than 41,000 cell phones, air cards and PDAs, including Blackberries."

Actually,

the report may only capture a fraction of the devices used by state employees because Florida doesn't currently have a way to track all the devices and their cost.

"Laundering more than $25,000 in political donations"

"Two owners of a Florida business that operates airport concessions were charged Wednesday with laundering more than $25,000 in political donations to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 2005 campaign." "2 accused of laundering LA mayoral contributions".

Mel the Earmarker

"One government watch group, Taxpayers for Common Sense, has determined from the more than 1,000 pages of budget bill language that Florida GOP Sen. Mel Martinez is the 35th-biggest Senate recipient of earmarked dollars for a state in the bill. The state's other senator, Democrat Bill Nelson, was ranked 37th." "Earmarks Not Evaluated Properly, Critics Say".

SunRail

"State Sen. Paula Dockery failed Wednesday to limit the state's legal liability in a deal to buy CSX Transportation rail corridors for publicly financed commuter rail projects. Dockery, R-Lakeland, has been leading the opposition to the state deal with CSX because it would shift freight-train traffic from Orlando through downtown Lakeland. Last year, she successfully used the liability issue to defeat the measure." "Amendments To CSX Liability Bill Voted Down". See also "Revised Orlando commuter rail bill still drawing legislative critics" and "Commuter rail on track with key vote".

Cuba

"A $410 billion catchall government-spending bill could be derailed by a combination of sticker shock and objections to a provision that would relax trade and travel restrictions with Cuba." "Easing up on Cuba could sink $410B bill".

Big time

"Craig Fugate, who guided Florida's disaster response through vicious back-to-back hurricane seasons, has been tapped to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency." "Florida emergency chief Craig Fugate to lead FEMA".

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Strong choice to lead FEMA". See also "Obama taps Florida's disaster-tested emergency director to head FEMA" and "Obama nominates Florida's Craig Fugate to lead FEMA".

"An unnecessary legislative battle"

The Tampa Trib editors: "An unnecessary legislative battle is brewing between two groups that should be natural allies - Florida's judges and popularly elected clerks of the circuit courts." "Court Clerks Offices Serve Essential Public Function".

"The first woman to hold the post"

"State Sen. Nan Rich, a Democrat from Weston in Broward County, was selected Wednesday as the Senate Democratic leader beginning after the 2010 elections, becoming the first woman to hold the post." "State Sen. Nan Rich selected as Senate Democratic leader, beginning in 2010". See also "Sen. Rich to take state reins as Senate Minority Leader".

"Unnecessary"

The Miami Herald editors: "Jeff Kottkamp, Florida's lieutenant governor, needs to learn how to travel lighter and cheaper. His travel expenses are way out of line for his job title: $400,000 for the two years he has been in office. Does the state's No. 2 really need a Florida Highway Patrol trooper to protect him around the clock? No." "Unnecessary security".

"Community Renewal Act"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Growth and development have been essential elements of Florida's economy for decades."

But developers are often caught in a bureaucratic nightmare as they seek permitting, while development itself, without smart planning, can chew up our natural landscape, spawn urban sprawl and create transportation headaches.

On top of that, Florida's concurrency requirements — those rules that say developers must help pay for additional infrastructure their projects generate — have not worked as well as intended. ...

One effort to mitigate some of these conflicting issues is Senate Bill 360, the Community Renewal Act, which would "streamline" permitting by eliminating transportation concurrency and developments of regional impact in "dense urban land areas." ...

Lawmakers should take the time to closely examine the density definition of SB 360, to make sure we protect coastal areas and water supplies, to ensure that the scope and size of the bill fit what is needed, and to set a date to review whether the bill is working.

The latest from them Libruls ...

... on The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Sensible limits on lawyers' fees".

"Corruption workshop"

Joel Engelhardt: "No one knew what to expect Friday at Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon's corruption workshop. She lined up two prosecutors, a former prosecutor and a lawyer to speak. She invited elected officials from across the county to listen. Or did she? Could the whole thing have been a giant sting operation, designed to lure them into a single room for a headline-grabbing bust, like those suspects lured to assemble by the promise of lottery riches?" "Big turnout for Corruption 101".

"Rachel's Law"

"A last-minute deal with the state's most powerful law-enforcement agencies may rescue a bill known as 'Rachel's Law' that sought to tighten oversight of confidential informants." "'Rachel's Law,' named for confidential informant Rachel Hoffman, gets second look".

Alex

"Sink: Fla. not doing enough to get federal grants".

"As lawmakers scour the budget"

"As lawmakers scour the budget for every dollar of savings, senators are looking at private physicians who are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by the state's health department treating low-income residents for dental work and care of pregnant women." "Senator questions state pay to private doctors".

Buckle up

"The lure of federal money may make the difference for a seat belt enforcement bill in the Florida Legislature after years of frustration. ... Supporters say it would save hundreds of lives by allowing police to ticket motorists for failing to buckle up as a primary offense." "PNJ: Lawmakers choose seat belts over budget cuts".

Gay-Straight Alliance club

"Two Yulee High School students will be in federal court seeking a preliminary injunction which will allow them to start a Gay-Straight Alliance club ... The students were denied permission to start the school club designed to promote tolerance." "2 Yulee students challenging Nassau County Schools".

Solar

Armando Olivera, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company, and Debbie Harrison, director of the South Florida Program for the World Wildlife Fund, write in the The Daytona Beach News Journal today that "FPL's DeSoto project key step toward solar".

Space

"The Kennedy Space Center's chief of staff and an Apollo astronaut told state legislators Wednesday that Florida's best days in space exploration are still to come, despite tough economic times." "Space Center: Florida's best days still to come".

Big of 'em

"A proposal to punish human smugglers who ply Florida's waters sailed through a Senate committee Wednesday." "Human smuggling bill moves forward".

Deltona follies

"A legal advocate's group filed a complaint with the state Ethics Commission on Monday, claiming Mayor Dennis Mulder violated ethics rules when he voted to use taxpayer money to defend his government and employees from critics." "Deltona mayor comes under fire".

"Return to wild"

"The marine park says the endangered amphibian, named Axel, was the victim of a boat strike and washed ashore with a severe wound to the head. He's now ready to return home." "Green sea turtle in Florida to return to wild".

But even as he vowed to work with Democrats and protect the Floridians suffering the greatest need, Crist's speech contained subtle but contradictory overtones. He promised to use "more than $12 billion" in federal stimulus money over three years to immediately shore up public schools, healthcare and businesses.

Florida could actually receive as much as $14 billion, however -- the governor is already planning on turning some of the federal money away, most notably in the area of health care for children in low-income families. And Crist glossed over his plans to use budget money to fill existing potholes in the budget, a strategy which Atwater correctly noted would put the state in worse shape when the stimulus payments dry up in 2011.

Lost little RPOFers

"The Republican Party of Florida paid $1,300 for 40 sextants that Senate President Jeff Atwater gave out Tuesday morning to help his members navigate troubled economic waters." "Senators receive sextants to find way in tough times".

"The Republican governor called for propping up Florida's budget with $12.2 billion in federal stimulus money, casting it as a moral duty even though the massive spending plan veers from his party's core belief in limited government."

The ideological tension within the controlling party in Tallahassee reflects the GOP's broader struggle as it tries to find a compelling voice on the outskirts of power in Washington.

Will it come from rock-ribbed conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, who said he wanted President Barack Obama's economic agenda to fail to prove the folly of big government? Or does the party's comeback rest on moderates like Crist, who are eager to accept a helping hand from a popular Democratic president, even if it means expanding the federal government's reach?

In a state where so many people have lost their jobs, homes and life savings, the GOP's traditional message of personal responsibility may be a tougher sell.

Charlie's vision thing

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "With Florida staggered by a still-deepening economic recession, an unusually somber Gov. Charlie Crist delivered a State of the State address Tuesday night that acknowledged the financial crisis but offered little vision for addressing it." "Strong in tone, weak in substance".

Session update

- "Today at the Florida Capitol".

- "Live updates from Tallahassee: 2009 Legislative session".

- "2009 Legislature roundup".

- "The Florida Legislature opens its 2009 session Tuesday with the usual pomp and circumstance and an unusual task for conservative Republican lawmakers -- spending billions in federal economic stimulus dollars without violating their oft-stated principle of supporting smaller, leaner government." "Florida Legislature opens session".

- "Facing a grinding recession and the worst budget crisis in nearly a decade, session convened on a somber note." "Atwater warns spending will be put under a microscope".

- "First up: Legislators to look at gambling and sales tax exemptions".

- Charlie's magic trick: "Crist: No tax hikes or budget cutbacks".

- "Florida Legislature kicks off session under cloud of economic worry".

- "Legislature 2009: Lawmakers must piece together the state's next spending plan".

- "Florida Legislature convenes today, faces budget battle".

- "Florida nurses fight for prescription authority".

- "SunRail pulls into Florida Senate once again".

- "Lawmakers begin difficult mission with annual AIF reception".

- "Reagan accepts the whip as Fla. Legislature opens session".

12 CD

"Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards announced Tuesday she will run for the 12th Congressional District seat as a Democrat in 2010." "Lori Edwards Declares For Congress".

"A competitive race with well-known candidates and possible primaries on both sides is developing for the U.S. House seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow."

The district, which crosses from Polk County into Hillsborough, has long been a Republican bastion, but it's one Democrats think they can win.

They got some encouragement Tuesday when Lori Edwards of Winter Haven, the county elections supervisor, announced she'll run.

Some Democrats have been hoping she would take on Republican former state House member Dennis Ross of Lakeland, who announced last week.

But both may have primary competitors.

State Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, is considering and will decide after the state legislative session ends May 1.

And Democrat Doug Tudor of Riverview, who ran against Putnam in 2008, said Tuesday he'll run again.

Edwards appears to be the Democrat Republicans are most worried about.

See you in Havana

"A bill that would ease restrictions on travel to Cuba has opened a rift between President Barack Obama and the Senate's only Cuban American Democrat." "Cuba bill opens Obama-Menendez rift".

State of the State

"State of the State: Crist offers 18 minutes of optimism, realism". See also "Crist tells legislators, people and their needs come first" and "Gov. Charlie Crist's State of the State address — full text".

Stop the madness

The Miami Herald editorial board: "It's a stretch, but some Florida lawmakers are blaming the state's growth-management and environmental laws for the recession. Their logic? If we had just made it easier for builders to drain wetlands, increase density, expand subdivisions well beyond established residential areas and ignore environmental-protection laws, our economy would be in clover. ... some legislators propose changes that read like a laundry list of developers' pet peeves."

"One measure would allow counties to opt out of having the state Department of Community Affairs review their growth-plan amendments and developments of regional impact." "What caused the recession? Wetlands".

A lawyer for "$8 an hour"?

Surprising words from The Tampa Trib editors:

No one wants to see the return of the day when Florida businesses were bombarded by crippling workers' compensation claims. But reforms adopted by the Legislature in 2003, as the state Supreme Court found, went too far.

If lawmakers try to undo the court's measured ruling, as some aim to do, they could strip injured workers of their constitutional right to legal representation.

Saunders by a nose

"In an unusually close vote, Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Key West, was selected as the next House Democratic leader." "Key West Democrat to be House leader".

SunRail

"The proposed Central Florida commuter train rolls into its first Senate hearing Wednesday with a full contingent of supporters and likely passage onto the next stop." "SunRail faces first hearing in Senate Wednesday".

"Rainier days"

Mike Thomas: "Use stimulus cash for state's even rainier days".

At the trough

"Monday was a lucrative day for legislators as they received a steady stream of $500 checks from lobbyists." "Cut-off day for campaign checks brings bounty to Florida legislators".

RPOFer "pork"

"Republican House leaders have called on Obama, who campaigned on a no-earmarks pledge, to veto what they call a 'pork-laden' bill -- though Democrats point out that some 40 percent of the requests were made by Republicans."

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami, secured $6 million for renovations at Naval Air Station Key West, but voted against the spending bill when it cleared the House last week, calling it a ''huge bill that goes way beyond its original intent.'' The bill boosts spending for many federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation.

Ros-Lehtinen said last week she believes it's important to secure funding for local projects like cleaning up the Miami River, but added, ``it would not be wise to vote in favor of a huge bill that goes way beyond its original intent even though the funding for these local projects are included.'' ...

Miami Republican Reps. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Mario Diaz-Balart also voted against the bill but secured funding -- from $600,000 for Hialeah's police department to upgrade equipment to $6 million for the University of Miami's William Lehman Injury Research Center.

"Florida cannot miss this bet"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "A deal struck last year between the Seminole Tribe and Gov. Charlie Crist to expand gambling in the Seminole Nation casinos is, however, an invigorating boon for the state of Florida. It's a deal that the Florida Legislature should hasten to endorse so it can move on to governing decisions that are far less obvious and beneficial to the state." "Ratify the compact".

No tolls

Scott Maxwell: "No new toll roads? Fine by me".

Running government like a business

"Looks like former House Speaker Marco Rubio was half-right, half-wrong about who would win the mega-contract to control the overhaul and concession contract along the Florida Turnpike." "Look who won the Turnpike contract".

Try seceding ... there's always 'Bama

"Pensacola shouts. Will Tallahassee hear?".

Small government types need not apply

"The planned rebuilding of Interstate 595 is giving renewed hope to unemployed South Floridians who covet the thousands of jobs the $1.79 billion project is expected to generate." "I-595 project to create jobs".

Please, no Blago jokes

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Palm Beach County Commissioner Addie Greene can resign, but she doesn't get to anoint her successor. That power rests with the governor, and he should not let her dictate the choice."

Commissioner Greene, who supposedly wants to meet in Tallahassee this week with the governor, says that she is contemplating retirement because of health issues, although she said that she has not had a recurrence of breast cancer. She wants state Rep. Priscilla Taylor, D-West Palm Beach, to fill her term until a special election in November 2010. Commissioner Greene could argue that because she won her District 7 seat in November by an overwhelming margin the seat is hers to assign. She could say that if the seat doesn't go to Rep. Taylor, she won't resign.

Space

"Space Day in the Florida Legislature couldn't come at a more difficult time, with lawmakers facing a budget crisis and leaders in both chambers critical of the state's efforts to retain and attract the industry." "Space Florida under fire at Capitol".

Last rites

"The University of Florida doesn't advertise it, but a few times a year people call about having their ashes spread on the school's football field." "Gators ask legislature for gravesite permission".

Jenne

"Not a penny for Jenne: Disgraced Broward sheriff denied pension".

"I think it's fantastic. Are you kidding me? We don't have to raise taxes," Crist said of his budget. "We might be able to cut property taxes some more. ... We can spend more money on our roads and infrastructure. We can provide health care for our people. I mean, it's remarkable."

Day One

"When the 83rd Legislature gathers today, it faces a historic economic downturn that is straining Florida's ability to provide basic services, public education and health care for the poor, to name a few. The cash crunch is so severe that most of the more than 1,300 bills filed by legislators won't go far." "Florida Legislature convenes today, faces budget battle".

Session blather

- "The Florida Legislature is in session through May 1. The key issues yesterday and what's coming up:" "2009 Legislature roundup".

- "Legislators battle recession".

- "5 to watch: key players and issues"

- "Larry Cretul, House speaker".

- "Jeff Atwater, Senate President".

- "Florida Senate, House leaders discuss issues facing Legislature"

- Here's a brilliant idea from The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "first commit yourself to making government far more efficient." "A letter to Gov. Charlie Crist".*

- - - - - - - - - -
* One wonders what these geniuses mean by buzz words like "making government far more efficient"? After all, "in terms of per-capita size and cost, the state work force is both smallest and cheapest in the nation."

"Contradictions in ideology"

"When it comes to taxes, fees and fines, the message from Tallahassee in the run-up to today's opening of the Legislature's spring session appears to be more -- and less."

With the money available from traditional sources expected to plummet by as much as $6 billion, traditionally tax-wary Republicans who control the Legislature have signaled that they're open -- at least somewhat open -- to discussing new sources of dollars.

But, even as they talk about such things as increasing fees and fines, raising the state tobacco tax and repealing sales tax exemptions, lawmakers also are proposing state constitutional amendments that would limit or potentially cut property-tax money for cities and counties.

"This whole thing, it does create contradictions in ideology," said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida.

"Fantastic or fantasy"

"'It's fantastic. Are you kidding me?'"

Florida’s ever-optimistic Gov. Charlie Crist said 10 days ago when he unveiled his $66.5 billion spending plan that relies heavily on federal and Indian gaming revenue to make it work.

Fantastic or fantasy, the next two months will decide. What transpires over the next two months also could be key in deciding Crist’s future as he flirts with the idea of running for the U.S. Senate. Historically, a behind-the-scenes promoter of his issues, Crist is expected to be more active in promoting his political agenda this session, one lawmaker said.

“He has said his job is to be the people’s governor,” said Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples. “But I’m assuming somewhere in the back of his mind he may want to be one of 100 senators.”

The governor said he’ll wait until after the Legislative session to decide, but some observers say his non-stop, statewide travel schedule strongly hints that if he has not made up his mind yet, he is certainly hedging his bets.

One thing a potential statewide candidate doesn’t need is to be caught up in what will likely be a painful budget debate fraught with reduced services for any and maybe even include a fee (read tax) increase or two.

So while Crist’s popularity would give Legislative leaders valuable political cover to make tough choices, some have concluded that Crist’s political background, personal style and possible aspirations for higher office may preclude him from taking a leadership role on the budget.

“I just don’t think he is going to want to drive the train on that,” Richter said.

Big talkers

Will the big talking RPOFers walk the walk, and reject the stimulus cash? Of course not.

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Republican leaders in the state Legislature have correctly concluded that Gov. Charlie Crist's proposed 2009-10 budget, fattened up with $12.2 billion of President Obama's stimulus money, is no cure-all for what ails Florida. Majority leaders in the Senate and House are so concerned about the consequences of accepting a Democratic president's stimulus money that they are considering rejecting it." "Take the money, forget the ideology". See also "Stimulus stirs the pot as hard budget choices await Florida lawmakers".

Stimulus projects

"The $410 billion federal spending bill, which pays for federal government operations until October, includes millions of dollars for cleaning up the Everglades and dredging the Intracoastal Waterway from Jacksonville to Miami. Both of Florida's senators and nearly every House member nabbed millions." "South Florida wish lists could face test in Congress".

"A small nonprofit health clinic serving the poor and uninsured in Hollywood and Pompano Beach will get about $1 million from the federal economic stimulus plan, the White House said Monday. ... The clinic was one of eight in Florida to share $10.1 million in stimulus money." "Broward County: Health clinic to get $1 million stimulus".

Absentee ballots and the "mailbox rule"

"Challenger Gerry Goldsmith will contest his recent one-vote loss to Mayor Jack McDonald, his attorney said, alleging that the Palm Beach County elections office improperly disallowed nine absentee ballots and wrongfully rejected one provisional ballot from a Goldsmith supporter."

Goldsmith contends that nine Palm Beach voters mailed absentee ballots that were delivered to an elections office P.O. box at the U.S. post office on Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach before the polls closed at 7 p.m. Feb. 17.

State law says a voter must mail or deliver a ballot so it "reaches" the supervisor of elections by 7 p.m. on the day of the election.

Elections Supervisor Susan Bucher said the statute means that a ballot must be in her office by 7 p.m. on election day to be counted. But Goldsmith attorney Gerald Richman said a ballot that reaches the post office box in time should be considered in compliance with the law.

Solis in Miami

"Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said on Monday that she will step up enforcement in her department and her challenge will be to put life back into the agency."

Solis made her first public speaking engagement in her new position in Miami at a town hall meeting just before the three-day AFL-CIO Executive Council meeting, which begins Tuesday.

Pigs at the trough

"Cut-off day for gifts brings bounty". See also "A last-minute fundraising frenzy" and "On eve of the legislative session, a flurry of fundraisers" ("$500 checks were being passed out like holiday presents.")

Brave souls

"Lawmakers returning to Tallahassee for the session gathered Monday to party at the annual Associated Industries of Florida legislative reception." "Lawmakers begin difficult mission with annual AIF reception". See also "Guests brave cool weather at Associated Industries party".

Never mind that silly constitution thing

The Palm Beach Post editorial board says that "Florida's class-size amendment needs a short-term fix and a long-term fix. Here's why:"

Starting in the 2010-11 school year, public school classes in prekindergarten through third grade can have no more than 18 students. If a 19th student shows up, the school will need a new teacher and a new classroom. That's expensive and doesn't allow enough flexibility.

Rich and Cannon

Nan "Rich to take the helm in Senate Democratic Caucus", and "Central Florida lawmaker likely to lead House".

Dontcha just hate that democracy thing

From the pages of The Miami Herald this morning: "This is the first time in Latin America that a communist organization will reach the presidency through democratic elections. True, its candidate is an independent politician, journalist Mauricio Funes, an able and eloquent man."

But it is also true that he is escorted by a vice president, Salvador Sánchez Cerén, and a parliamentary delegation who answer wholeheartedly to the FMLN. ...

the FMLN is interested in governing so it may join the ''21st-century socialism'' bandwagon led by Hugo Chávez.

... it is not true that voters elect their representatives carefully and wisely. History is full of examples that confirm this melancholy statement.

Here's an idea ... cancel Arbor Day to save bucks

"Republican lawmakers want to jettison entire agencies to deal with a potentially $5 billion budget shortfall, but environmentalists have a different idea — creating Florida's first ocean czar." "Coalition asks Crist to name 'ocean czar'".

The end is near

The cheerful folks at the Florida Family Association are distributing an e-mail "filled with dark warnings:"

"The fate of Two Major Nominations will be determined this week.

"First, the final hearing on President Obama’s appointment of pro-porn attorney David Ogden for the Deputy Attorney General position will occur on February 26th.

"David Ogden has represented a child porn defendant, Playboy, hardcore porn distributors and homosexuals in the military ...

"Second, Florida Governor Charlie Crist will conduct his final interviews for his fourth and last appointment to the Florida Supreme Court.

"Appointment of the wrong candidate would result in a left leaning court."

'Glades

"Voters remain split on the virtue of spending $1.34 billion of taxpayer money for farmland targeted for Everglades restoration, according to a poll commissioned by Glades [community] leaders opposing the deal." "Voters split on state's U.S. Sugar deal to help Everglades". See also "Residents split nearly evenly on sugar deal, poll says".

Cuba

"New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez took to the Senate floor tonight to deliver a withering denounciation of proposed changes to U.S.-Cuba policy, all but pleading with President Barack Obama to reject the changes -- which have been tucked into a massive spending bill being debated this week in the Senate." "Cuba policy smack down".

Meantime, "Raul Castro Ousts Fidel Loyalists".

Profit motive

"In era of school choice, competition".

Brilliant mistake

"Strapped for cash and looking for a quick way out of a grinding recession, Florida lawmakers are about to loosen growth-management laws in the name of economic development." "Legislature to loosen laws to encourage growth".

What a bargain!

"In a rural North Florida town where the water tower bears the motto 'Tiny but Proud,' residents have a big secret: They give the cold, clear spring water that bubbles up from the aquifer below their soil to the nation's largest bottled-water company -- for free."

Every day, Nestlé Waters of North America sucks up an estimated 500,000 gallons from Madison Blue Springs, a limestone basin one mile north of town. It pipes the 70-degree water a mile to its massive bottling plant and distribution center, fills 102,000 plastic containers an hour, pastes on Deer Park or Zephyrhills labels, boxes it up and ships half of it out of state.

The cost to the company for the water: a one-time, $150 local water permit.

Bullard

"Sen. Bullard to be honored at Recognition Dinner Saturday night".

PBC

"Addie Greene says health worries may prompt her to resign from Palm Beach County Commission". See also "Friends, ex-wife praise Palm Beach County commission finalists".

Maybe we'll stay after all ...

"A Hollywood-based insurer, which stopped writing new policies last week, has an acquisition bid from United Insurance Holding." "Hollywood-based insurance company gets acquisition offer".

Session eve

"Florida lawmakers rake in cash before session starts".

Session guide

The The St. Petersburg Times's "quick guide to the session".

More from the The South Florida Sun Sentinel: "Tough decisions".

"Dire ... financial times in Florida"

"Federal stimulus money poses a dilemma for the GOP as lawmakers prepare to make tough economic choices for Florida." "Legislature faces hard budget choices".

"Adding sin taxes, or closing sales-tax exemptions are possibilities in mind when Florida's Legislature session opens Tuesday." "Florida lawmakers look to fill $5 billion money pit". See also "Sin taxes, closed exemptions: Florida lawmakers look for money", "With $6 billion hole, nothing seen sacred", "Sin taxes, closed exemptions: Florida lawmakers look for money" and "Fat? Cuts go right into bone"

"Gender equity in insurance premiums"

"A state consumer advocate contemplates legislation to ban health insurers from charging women more than men for their coverage." "Bill seeks gender equity in insurance premiums".

Credit scores

"Credit scores and credit reports should not be used to set car and home insurance rates, some Florida lawmakers say. State Rep. Priscilla Taylor, a West Palm Beach Democrat, said especially now, credit history shouldn't affect the price of Floridians' insurance premiums." "Ban urged on insurers' use of credit scores".

Hurricane insurance

"Having the state cover the hurricane portion of homeowner policies will get a more serious review during the upcoming legislative session." "Florida plan would shift hurricane insurance coverage to state".

"Desperate to get the lost dollars back"

"Even before the fall financial crisis, Florida had slashed its film subsidies from $25 million to $5 million. Desperate to get the lost dollars back, industry backers have a proposal to subsidize productions now while letting Florida pay for the giveaways later. " "Filmmakers push Florida for tax credits".

$8 and hour? Shameless

"A debate over workers' compensation insurance will pit attorneys and workers' rights advocates against business and insurers. The argument is the result of a Florida Supreme Court decision in October relating to the amount of fees lawyers can earn on workers' comp cases. The ruling found that a lawyer representing an injured employee has a right to earn a 'reasonable' rate for his work."

In the case that went to the state's highest court, lawyer Brian Sutter was paid about $8 an hour for the 80 hours he spent working on the case of an injured nurse under the 2003 law's formula. The attorney for her employer was paid $150 an hour.

Sutter argued the fee disparity left workers with an unconstitutional disadvantage. The Supreme Court ruled that the law was unclear since it referred to ''reasonable'' fees while also laying out a fee structure.

A bill introduced by Rep. Anitere Flores, R-Miami-Dade, would strike the word ''reasonable'' from the law while retaining the same fee schedule for attorneys. A companion bill has been filed by Sen. Garrett S. Richter, a Republican from Naples who chairs the Senate Banking and Insurance committee.

Caps for contract lawyers

"Attorney General Bill McCollum adopted the contingency-fee cap after taking office in 2006, though he noted he has yet to hire outside counsel." "Attorney general wants to cap what state pays lawyers".

Duh

"The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce has a simple idea for how the Florida Legislature could bring more jobs to the state: Stop cutting funding for schools." "Business groups seek job creation".

"Tourist taxes"

"Amid a budget crisis, the hotel lobby will spend this session fending off lawmakers' attempts to plug fiscal holes with tourist taxes. That's no surprise: every session brings an attempt to allow local governments to lift restrictions on hotel taxes that mostly reserve the dollars for tourism promotion and entertainment venues." "Hotel groups oppose raiding bed tax".

Medicaid mess

"As the recession goes on, Florida's healthcare industry's primary focus for the upcoming legislative session is to block cuts to Medicaid funding while proposing some tax increases to make up for the growing number of uninsured patients." "Hospitals present their prescription to Legislature".

"Annual battle"

"In an almost annual battle that once again is likely to be heated and protracted, the state's doctors seek faster, more consistent pay from health insurers -- and the insurers say the proposals are absurd, will hurt patients, or both." "Doctors want new rules for insurers to play by".

ID cards

"South Florida's ports and the Florida Ports Council are all keeping an eye on key legislative issues this session, including funding for infrastructure and language that would rescind the requirement for a separate state security identification card." "Infrastructure, ID cards are concerns for ports".

Broward plays defense

"As an overwhelmingly Democratic delegation in a GOP-controlled state capitol, Broward legislators generally spend most of their time in Tallahassee playing odd-man out. But this year, as the Legislature tackles an ever-widening budget gap, Broward lawmakers will be playing the same game as everyone else: defense." "Broward legislative delegation faces budget battle".

Good luck

"Dade lawmakers say the times demand that they look beyond rivalries and focus on protecting county schools, colleges and hospitals." "Dade lawmakers aim at unity".

Condos

"Lawmakers look for ways to aid condo associations".

"Woe be it for Florida to take any bold steps ..."

David Colburn, director of the Reubin Askew Institute at the University of Florida: "Just when it looked like the sky was falling, President Barack Obama and the federal government came to Florida's rescue with a $12.2 billion stimulus gift. No state needed it more."

With mortgage foreclosure rates among the highest in the nation, a $7 billion debt and 7.3 percent of the population out of work (up from 4.4 percent as recently as November), Florida has become Paradise Lost in the eyes of many. A recent essay in the New Yorker magazine portrayed Florida as "the Ponzi State." But The New York Times may have summarized it best with the headline, Tending the Boulevards of Broken Dreams.

For the first time since the Great Depression, it appears that more people left Florida in 2008 than moved into the state, taking their families and dreams elsewhere. This in a state that grew by an average of 300,000 people a year for 35 straight years, from 1970 to 2005.

The political leadership of Florida appears as paralyzed as its residents about how to cope with this crisis. Gov. Charlie Crist hitched his wagon to Obama's stimulus package, even accompanying the president on his recent visit to Fort Myers. But the governor also opposes new state taxes to offset Florida's budget woes, and when lawmakers attempted to balance a difficult budget in special session, Crist reversed more than $360 million of the budget cuts that lawmakers approved. Political observers have rightly muttered that the right hand does not seem to know what the left hand is doing. ...

Our leaders seem to have this fantasy view of the world that we can compete in a global economy on the cheap.

Rather than raise revenue from these sources, lawmakers have seriously debated shortening the public school year to balance the budget in a state that ranks near the bottom nationally. Experts generally agree that lengthening the school year is a critical component if we ever hope to correct the educational problems facing Florida. By comparison, Japanese and German children, who far surpass Florida students on standardized tests, attend school for 240 days and 220 days respectively, while our children attend for 180 days. Guess how globally competitive Florida's kids are?

Associated Industries President Barney Bishop was recently quoted as saying, "Policymakers must look at reductions in regulatory red tape as a way to stimulate business activity." The regulatory red tape is the least of Florida's problems. ...

The developments of the past year suggest Florida better get serious about the developments that led to this economic debacle or we are doomed to repeat them as we have throughout the 20th century. And we better get serious about the state's economic future or Florida won't have one.

Letter to the editor

A citizen shares his wisdom on the pages of the The Palm Beach Post: "Limbaugh better-versed in our laws than Obama".

"Legislators driven by special interests and jealousy"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "When Gov. Crist found a way to buy U.S. Sugar without approval from the Legislature, many legislators didn't like it. Rival landowners didn't like it, either. The result is a braying of objections from legislators driven by special interests and jealousy." "Wrong U.S. Sugar response".

Embarrassing

"Leaders of a conservative legal foundation asked the state Supreme Court Friday to stop the Florida Bar from arguing in favor of gay adoption."

A Miami judge threw out the state law forbidding homosexual couples to adopt children late last year and the case is on appeal in the Third District Court. Whichever side loses is sure to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Bar board of governors recently approved filing a "friend of the court" brief in support of the circuit court ruling, striking down the ban.

Imagine that

"Florida seeks per-gallon water fee from bottlers".

On the cheap

"With nearly 175,000 people on the job, state government is Florida's largest employer."

But, in terms of per-capita size and cost, the state work force is both smallest and cheapest in the nation. And it's likely to shrink in the next two months.

Never mind the mandate

"Florida's class-size amendment is sure to be a budget-cutting target this session for legislators attempting to lessen costs. The voter-approved mandate is scheduled for full implementation in the 2010-11 school year, which will cost the state another $1 billion, by some estimates." "Senator's bill loosens ceiling on class size".

Claims bill

"A claims bill for the family of Devaughn Darling will again be before the Florida Legislature this session, eight years after the Florida State University linebacker died during off-season drills." "Devaughn Darling's parents again seek claim".

Stoopid

"For want of a cheap bicycle, a reputation and perhaps a career have been lost." "Wheels come off high-paid career".

Gerrymandering, Florida style

A nice front page story at dKos observing how, in the wake of the 2000 census, no state "saw a more partisan, less democratic gerrymander, both at the Congressional level and the state legislative level, than the state of Florida."

Florida has become famous for being a toss-up at the presidential level (most famously in 2000), and generally competitive in statewide races as well. Democrats actually outnumber Republicans in terms of registration within the state.

Yet the Republican legislature created a Congressional map after the 2000 census which included 18 Republicans against only seven Democrats.

The situation is even worse at the legislative level, where Democrats are in a virtually hopeless minority in both houses. Republicans control the state House with a 76-44 majority, and control the Senate with 26 seats to the Democrats' 14.

In a state essentially split down the middle between Republicans and Democrats, this kind of single-party dominance is as absurd as it seems on its face.

The huge infusions of special-interest cash used to buy access and favor, drowning out the voices of ordinary people like you.

And the ability of the party in power to use U.S. Census data every 10 years to redraw legislative and congressional districts in ways that make no geographic sense to keep them safe and lock out voters like you from having a real choice in candidates.

The process is known as gerrymandering, and most recently occurred in 2002, when Republican leaders drew the lines using sophisticated computer models to further entrench their power.

Now there's a chance to end this disparity and help ensure a healthy two-party system.

This month, the Florida Supreme Court ruled ballot initiatives to amend the state Constitution and end the practice could go before voters in 2010 if the amendment's sponsor, FairDistrictsFlorida.org, can collect the 676,811 signatures needed to get them on the ballot.

We strongly urge everyone to sign the petitions by going to the group's Web site at www.fairdistrictsflorida.org.

Just askin'

"The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is asking Collier County jail officials to turn over information about its policies for pregnant inmates. ... The request follows the death of one inmate's baby and the release of two pregnant inmates due to complications." "ACLU probes jail policies on pregnant inmates".