Without the infusion of federal cash, the state Legislature would have had to make some politically unpopular cuts to the current budget, which is about $700 million in the hole.

But with the extra money on hand, a special panel called the Legislative Budget Commission will likely approve all the new spending in a few hours Wednesday. Not only will the money spare legislators from the hassle of agonizing over budget cuts, it will expand programs to help unemployed people seeking new jobs, job training and food stamps.

While Republican Gov. Charlie Crist warmly embraced the Democratic spending plan, some Republican state House members suggested they might refuse some of the money. In the end, the Legislature will likely reject about $440 million in additional [unemployment] compensation benefits that could trigger a higher tax on businesses.

Lawmakers will take the remaining $13 billion.

Southern states have been benefiting from Northern taxes for years. ...

Studies (.pdf) by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation have consistently shown that [Southern low-tax] states receive far more from the Federal government than they pay back in taxes. That's an irony that could lead to some Blue State bitterness: They love to preach about fiscal responsibility and lower taxes, but they keep dipping their beak into the Federal trough.

I believe the applicable Southern phrase is "a handful of gimme and a mouthful of much obliged."

RPOFers runnin' government like a business

"An official with the governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development likely violated state law by arranging $500,000 in state funding for a "space tourism" program at a Panhandle medical clinic that he then went to work for, state investigators have concluded." "Florida official likely broke law over 'space tourism' program, job".

"'He's not respectable'"

Steve Bousquet: "Sen. Al Lawson of Tallahassee, the Democratic caucus leader who's running for Congress, said the idea of cutting lawmakers' pay 'offended' him and tried unsuccessfully to remove the pay cut."

Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, a backer of the pay cut, shot back: "If anyone ran for office because they need a salary, they should never have run. … We're not up here for the salary. We're up here to do good policy."

Fasano's words upset Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, who interpreted him to mean that only well-off people should be in the Legislature.

"We're saying you have to have money and if you don't have it, you don't belong here," Lynn said. "It is practically telling people, if you don't have money, you're not going to make it in this country. … I want everyone to have a fair shot at being a representative or a senator." ...

Lawson blasted Fasano, calling him totally out of touch. He was gaveled out of order and told not to personalize his comments.

"He might bully you all, but he don't bully me," Lawson said. "He's not respectable."

It's probably heresy to argue that legislators are underpaid, but many of them are, and two arguments can be made in favor of a bigger salary.

Higher pay would encourage more people of modest means to run, making the Legislature more diverse.

A higher salary also might reduce the urge by legislators to supplement their income by forming political committees filled with lobbyist money.

Petitioners

Lesley Blackner, president of Florida Hometown Democracy, a nonpartisan citizens' initiative to amend the Florida Constitution: "Since the last decade, Florida Republican leaders have waged an ongoing war against Florida voters and the U.S. Constitution."

They are relentlessly pushing to destroy our most fundamental First Amendment right: free speech. Yes, right here, in what's supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the brave, certain enemies of democracy have worked overtime to rid the state of fellow citizens who stand on street corners and ask you to sign a petition to put an issue on the ballot. A petition like Florida Hometown Democracy, the statewide initiative to give voters a vote on whether their local growth map should be changed.

Amendment 6

"Amendment 6, as it turns out, does not help Biscayne Towing and Salvage or other businesses like it because of the limited definition of working waterfront that voters approved. But as the Legislature drafts the implementing language — the exact wording that goes into law taking effect in 2010 — a little-noticed but persistent lobbying effort is under way to expand its reach." "Amendment 6 is limited in offering property tax relief along waterfront".

Hurry up and wait

"For some Floridians, losing a job is just the beginning of their frustration."

The state agency that handles claims for unemployment benefits can't keep pace with the record demand for help, even after hiring 500 more workers to manage 1,000 phone lines at three locations on weekdays, at nights and on weekends.

As the jobless rate in Florida nears 10 percent, the Agency for Workforce Innovation concedes that people trying to file an initial claim, track down a lost check or resolve other problems get recorded messages, busy signals or cut off entirely. The lucky ones may endure waits of more than 10 minutes.

At the same time, the pool of money to pay unemployment compensation is shrinking rapidly. It was at $619 million last week, down from $680 million the week before.

Some critics say the agency needs still more resources to address the urgency of the worst unemployment crisis in Florida since the mid 1970s.

A new Florida growth industry

"Police fear more 7-Eleven robberies".

'Ya think?

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "Short of a serious emergency, you don't usually see members of county commissions, school boards, city councils or other government bodies interrupting public meetings to take phone calls. It would be disruptive. It also would be questionable on legal grounds. Elected officials' communications during public meetings are meant to be public. That's what 'public' means. The public-meeting law doesn't carve out exceptions." "Sunshine sans the subtext".

Love 4 sale

The RPOF is raking it in:

$3.9-million raised in the first quarter. Major donors include $160,000 from Jeff Atwater's CCE, and nearly $20,000 from Atwater's campaign; $118,000 in-kind from Universal Studios; $100,000 from Broward lawyer Scott Rothstein; $100,000 from the CCE of Ray Sansom, Dean Cannon, and will Weatherford; $105,000 from Blue Cross Blue Shield; $100,000 from AT&T;$100,000 from the Florida Medical Association;$100,00 from the Realtors PAC.

Imagine that?

"The main property insurance legislation gaining momentum this year in Tallahassee is a departure from laws passed in 2007 and 2008 that aimed to lower homeowner insurance premiums and beef up the state's authority to hold insurers accountable. And most of the bills this year are supported by insurance groups." "Florida home insurance legislation mainly favors the insurers".

"A business in transition"

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editor, Earl Maucker "Newspapers' future: We are a business in transition".

Gun ...

... nutz:

St. Petersburg Police chief Chuck Harmon is right when he says that AR-15 semiautomatic rifles "don’t belong on any city street in America." So why are they so easily available?

"But there is a catch"

"A key state senator said Friday he is willing to vote for Central Florida's planned commuter train, conceivably pushing the $1.2 billion SunRail project closer to reality. But there is a catch. In return for his support, Sen. Chris Smith, D-West Palm Beach, wants SunRail proponents to allow a local-option $2-a-day rental-car surcharge." "SunRail's survival may hang on lawmaker's quid pro quo".

Sorry 'bout that

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon has stepped to the plate and offered to do for a former Boynton Beach couple what the Florida Legislature has failed to."

He wants to make good on the state's promise to compensate Debbie and Jorge for neglecting to tell them of the horrific abuse their three adopted children suffered in state care. ...

In 2007, the state agreed to pay the couple $10 million to cover the costs of their sons' mental-health treatment and to compensate the couple for their pain and anguish. The brothers were raped, beaten and caged in a chicken coop while in foster care. Since being adopted in 1998 - all are still under 18 - they have molested classmates and each other, attempted suicide, and terrorized their adoptive parents, threatening at one point to kill their adoptive mother.

Third degree "embarrassing federal prosecutors"

Daniel Ruth: "Last week, former University of South Florida engineering student Youssef Megahed walked out of a federal courtroom in Tampa a free man after being found not guilty of charges of illegally transporting explosives and possessing a destructive device."

Days after his acquittal, Megahed was snatched off the streets by U.S. Immigration and Customs agents and charged with vague "civil violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act." Like embarrassing federal prosecutors.

And he now sits in jail pending deportation proceedings. Did Megahed break any laws? No.

Indeed, Megahed's only crime appears to have once been a defendant in a criminal case, in which he was found not guilty by a jury. Immigration and Customs Enforcement insists incarcerating this young man does not constitute double jeopardy because the deportation action is a civil matter. But that is complete hooey, or words to that effect.

"Push back"

"They say a blanket ban on hiring retirees is unfair and unwise. Some lawmakers are looking to craft legislation so that badly needed teachers, police and firefighters could return to work for limited hours or entry level pay." "Double dippers push back".

NASA = Jobs

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "NASA badly needs a leader and a plan. The future of the U.S. space program, billions of dollars, and thousands of jobs, hang in the balance." "The future of the U.S. space program hang in the balance".

"$1,000-a-night guest cottages on a private island off of Key West"?

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Taking free or discounted hotel rooms, even those worth thousands, sounds like a minor offense in this era of high-profile political extortion and bribery. But it's an offense against the public, which deserves honest service from politicians, not self-serving favoritism. Kevin McCarty knew about what amounted to felonious behavior but didn't report it. Instead, he benefited from it. For that he deserved a year in prison and a sentencing judge who didn't minimize his crime." "Soft-pedaling McCarty's sins".

DW-S

"A bill in Congress to fight cancer in young women, championed by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, has come under some surprisingly strong criticism." "Weston lawmaker's cancer legislation faces criticism".

Ignition

"State tobacco tax ignites a clash in Tallahassee".

Adam-in-action

"U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, has requested $10.1 million in projects ranging from gang prevention for the Polk County Sheriff's Office to $1 million for the Center for the Development of Information Technology Applications for Manufacturing and Distribution at the University of South Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland." "State Lawmakers Still Seek Earmarks".

Prospects don't look good for a proposal to require ultrasounds for first-trimester abortions. Same goes for a bill to make marriage licenses more expensive for couples who don't take a premarriage education course.

Conservative Republicans' hallmark legislation, some from sessions past, is stagnating this session, victim of the all-consuming state budget deficit and the political realities of a Senate that is Republican, but moderately so.

Laff riot

Politico: "Former Bush adviser Karl Rove was verbally accosted Thursday evening by an ex-chief of staff to former Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.)."

Rove was quietly having dinner at the tony restaurant Charlie Palmer Steak on Capitol Hill when he was aggressively approached by Jason Roe, the former Feeney staffer. Roe, now of Federal Strategy Group, was "loud and boisterous" toward Rove. He was apparently (still) upset over ... comments Rove made on Fox News, the day after the election, in which Feeney — along with many other Republicans — went down in flames.

Shortly thereafter, Roe had to be escorted away from the table. Charlie Palmer Steak management remained typically mum and wouldn't even confirm Rove's appearance to Shenanigans, but when asked if there was a fight, the reply was, "Noooooo, this is a quiet family establishment."

Rove, when contacted, had "no comment."

Roe, when contacted, also had "no comment."

Huh?

"Gov. Bob Butterworth?".

From the "values" crowd

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "In 2007, a report to the Supreme Court found that more than 70,000 Floridians with mental illness were being detained in some type of correctional facility; mentally ill prisoners are the fastest-growing segment of the prison population. As legislators look into every spending crevice in the state budget, funding mental-health services should be considered a savings. Appropriate care of the mentally ill ultimately cuts down on health care and penal service spending." "Care for the sick".

"Open court"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "The state Supreme Court Web site ( www.floridasupremecourt.org ) is virtually a public courtroom. Arguments are webcast live. The site, in association with public television station WFSU, makes archived audio and video recordings of arguments available and easily searchable at a click. Transcripts are also available. Proceedings are universally accessible to Floridians -- or anyone else -- anywhere. It's a fine realization of the principle of open court." "Rule would reverse gains in access to court records".

'Ya reckon?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Central Florida got a couple more sharp reminders recently of just how shaky the pillar of its economy — tourism — can be when recession rattles the nation. We hope state lawmakers were paying attention." "Central Florida's economy must move beyond Mickey Mouse".

Cuba on the front burner

"The debate from Washington to Miami and Havana over President Barack Obama's next steps toward Cuba heated up Thursday, as the momentum to improve relations with the communist country reached levels not seen in nearly three decades." "Debate on Cuba at fever pitch".

Meantime, "[a] federal indictment of Luis Posada Carriles linking the Cuban exile militant to Havana tourist site bombings in 1997 shows the U.S. government is finally acting in the case, the brother of an Italian tourist killed by one of the bombs said Thursday."

Livio Di Celmo was one of several people who spoke at a telephone news conference giving a cautious welcome to the indictment handed up by the grand jury in El Paso Wednesday. People who routinely denounced the U.S. government under the Bush administration for allegedly failing to prosecute Posada forcefully suddenly expressed some satisfaction.

Some even left the impression the indictment was made possible by the change in administrations, a perception shared by some Cuban exiles who support Posada.

The case of Luis Posada Carriles is a prime example of the tentacle-like reach of Miami’s exile community into both the Washington foreign policy establishment and the U.S. judicial system. What is so instructive about the Posada case is how little secrecy actually surrounds it: few details are shrouded, and his dastardly crimes are not only publicly known, but even celebrated in select circles. This apathy and lack of moral rectitude is appalling, even under the Bush administration’s Olympic record for duplicity.

'Glades

"South Florida water managers [Thursday] gave the initial go-ahead to Gov. Charlie Crist's scaled-down, $533 million land deal for Everglades restoration. The South Florida Water Management District now must negotiate the final details with U.S. Sugar Corp. for the purchase of 72,500 acres that would be used to help restore water flows from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades." "$533 million Everglades land deal gets initial go-ahead".

Nelson speaks

"We've hit bottom and the economy has started climbing again. At least, according to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson." "Sen. Nelson optimistic about U.S. economy".

Diaz on fire

George Diaz: "In their bizarro world, legislators slash away at everything, without regard to the consequences. Having been fiscally irresponsible when this state was flush with money during the housing boom a few years ago, they are fiscally irresponsible now that everything's gone bust." "Budget cuts shortchange state's future".

a pbc THING

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Palm Beach County Circuit Judge David Crow has provided another reason to avoid casting an absentee ballot. Even if you mail your ballot on time, it may not count."

In the Palm Beach mayoral election decided in favor of incumbent Jack McDonald by one vote, Judge Crow rejected nine absentee ballots delivered to the supervisor of elections post office box the morning after the election. At issue: Were they in the post office box at 7 p.m. on Election Day?

Judge Crow ruled that challenger Gerry Goldsmith failed to prove that the ballots were there on time. However, the elections office couldn't prove that they weren't there because workers checked the box at 5 p.m., not 7 p.m.

5th DCA fuss

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Crist deserves accolades for pushing hard for diversity in the state's judiciary. The most just way for Florida's court system to dispense justice is through a judiciary that adequately reflects the citizenry. But by holding up a judicial appointment indefinitely, waiting for a black nominee that may never come, Crist seems to be taking the point a bit too far, hurting the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals more than he's helping the fight for judiciary diversity — and violating the state constitution along the way." "Crist's well-meaning delay in picking minority judge is hurting more than it's helping".

Plain "ugly"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board:

When state lawmakers want to put makeup on ugly legislation, they phony up the name. But calling a bad telephone deregulation bill the "Consumer Choice and Protection Act" cannot cover up its flaws. It is designed to boost the telephone companies' bottom lines, not protect consumers who are looking to expand their choices.

The keys are beautiful

"Man walks away from Keys state prison facility".

"Storms and politics"

"Former state Rep. Don Brown spoke to a group of Big Bend State Farm agents Thursday on how storms and politics have pummeled the insurance industry in Florida." "Former Rep. Brown speaks to State Farm agents, criticizes Gov. Crist".

"Turning the budget into a campaign document"

"A ban on embryonic stem-cell research. A prohibition on Cuba travel. More money for Florida International University."

These hard-to-spot House budget add-ins inserted by Miami Republican Rep. David Rivera have a distinctly hometown flavor that might not survive the legislative session.

But they'll likely live in his campaign for state Senate in a 2010 primary race where the voters tend to be older Catholic Cuban-Americans.

Democrats are bashing Rivera for wasting his time, promoting bad scientific policy and turning the budget into a campaign document. Republicans are crediting Rivera for crafty maneuvering. And his Republican Senate-race rivals, Miami representatives Anitere Flores and Marcelo Llorente, are staying out of the fray.

"Critical habitat"

"Five members of Congress have asked President Obama to protect the Florida panther. Designating a certain area of South Florida as 'critical habitat' for the panther would likely make it harder for developers, farmers and miners to wipe out the swamps and forests where the big cats live." "5 lawmakers ask Obama to protect panthers".

Cat fund

"U.S. Treasury backup for the state hurricane catastrophe fund isn't an immediate option, but there are other possible ways to shore up the plan." "Florida seeks U.S. help to back up hurricane catastrophe fund".

Meek on the move

"About 75 people Thursday evening attended a [Pensacola] rally supporting U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, as he campaigned to be the first U.S. Senate candidate from Florida to qualify by petition." "75 supporters hand Meek a running start".

"Tiny species"

"Federal wildlife managers are planning a major review of 13 rare plants in Florida, including eight mostly tiny species found only in the Everglades and Miami-Dade County." "Wildlife Service to review rare Florida plants".

Another federal handout please

"Crist is asking President Obama for federal aid to help storm ravaged counties in north Florida." "Crist seeks federal aid for 11 flooded counties".

Sun City

"A new city will be powered by solar energy -- and cost the average Florida Power & Light customer about 31 cents a month. " "New city in Florida to run on solar power".

"What truly stinks"

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editors write this morning that

what truly stinks is that [AG Bill] McCollum threw the hefty contracts to his former campaign consultant, who was paid at least $140,000 in fees and $35,000 to produce and edit the 30-second spots — without a bid. While it's true that, because the ads count as artistic content, competitive bids are not required by state law, what is legal is not necessarily what is right.

Rather than bidding the work, or explaining why his former campaign consultant got the job, or why spending another $975,000 to keep the ads up for another five weeks is wise considering the lingering questions, McCollum has brushed off the criticism by insisting that cyber-safety is an important topic — a point that is not being debated.

What is up for debate is how he is choosing to spread the word, and right now, it's an issue that is could become more about the man than the message. And that is never a good thing, in politics or spreading awareness.

Posada

The Obama administration apparently is unafraid to take a bull by the horns: "An anti-Castro Cuban militant [the infamous Bushco crony Luis Posada] was accused Wednesday in a federal indictment of lying about his involvement in a series of 1997 bombings that targeted tourist spots in Cuba." "Cuban militant Posada indicted on new charges". See also "U.S. indicts Cuban exile Luis Posada, links him to bombings". Related: "The Bush dynasty and the Cuban criminals".

'Glades

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Crist has gone from uncaring to arrogant when it comes to the residents of the Glades communities." "Crist still disrespects Glades".

"Half a ['Glades] deal would be better than none"

Joel Engelhardt: "In March, as the $1.34 billion deal to buy U.S. Sugar's land unraveled, two company executives approached South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Carol Wehle in the state Capitol and suggested a new approach. As it turned out, half a deal would be better than none." "Smaller deal, smarter bet".

What would Grover say?

"A new poll finds that Floridians support some new taxes, including a cigarette tax increase and some service taxes." "A new poll finds that Floridians support some new taxes, including a cigarette tax increase and some service taxes." See also "Cigarette tax favored in Florida poll".

"Florida's infant mortality rate ... is higher than the national average"

"There are more than 230,000 births per year in Florida, and the babies of black mothers account for 21 percent of them. Of the 1,700 babies who die before their first birthday, 38 percent are black. Florida's infant mortality rate of 7.5 per 1,000 live births is higher than the national average of 6.8." "Health officials call for more education on infant mortality".

"Kottkamp should stop stonewalling"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editors: "Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp should stop stonewalling questions about his use of state planes." "Kottkamp flights raise turbulence".

More: "Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp has hired former Florida Supreme Court Justice Major Harding and former Attorney General Richard Doran to defend him against an ethics complaint over his use of state planes." "Air Kottkamp lawyers up".

We're so fine ...

"The whole Florida Cabinet is considering a run for governor next year." "If Florida Gov. Crist runs for Senate, expect run on his job".

Drop DROP?

The Palm Beach Post editorial board:

Double-dipping employees collect more in retirement benefits than if they retired for real and took only a pension. That wasn't the intention of DROP. And it's certainly not the desire of taxpayers who support the retirement system. These days especially, when so many Floridians worry about keeping one job, it's an outrage that some public employees essentially can get paid twice. The entire Legislature should follow the Senate committee's lead and start to end this abuse of the system.

"Dismantling badly needed state programs"

The Tallahassee Democrat editors: "'It's not the final budget,' Senate Ways and Means Chairman J.D. Alexander said Tuesday. 'It's a lot of moving parts before you get to the end.'"

For such a serious business as balancing the state budget, during a recession and by session's end on May 1, Mr. Alexander's comment neatly sums up the process: It's a game of power and intrigue, chance and choice, and with only a few key players calling the shots.

The average citizen often doesn't have the stomach for this sausage-making spectacle. But it varies this year in that such a remarkably poor economy forces lawmakers to confront various deals with the devil.

Cigs

"A new 'Indian cigarettes' stamp would help cut down on sales of tax-free cigarettes sold on tribal property, one Senate panel says." "Florida may target tribes' cigarette sales".

National embarrassment

"Making national cable news can be a coup for a freshman congressman — unless the show is the satirical Colbert Report and its anchor calls you "part alligator" while mocking one of your bills." "New Rep. Bill Posey gains his footing after rough start".

Chapter 119

The Palm Beach Post editors:

At issue is whether a recording of a trial or hearing is an official court record, and therefore available under the state's public records law. The Commission on Trial Court Performance and Accountability, dominated by judges, wants the high court to rule that such recordings are not official records. The commission argues that because recording equipment can pick up confidential information, such as Social Security numbers and private conversations - particularly between attorneys and their clients - the public should not get unedited copies of those recordings.

"Intrigue"

"The appeals branch of Florida's powerful lawyers association voted this week to step into the legal fray over Gov. Charlie Crist's refusal to fill a vacant appeals court post until he is given minority candidates." "More intrigue in Crist v Fifth DCA".

Gambling

"The House’s pari-mutuel bill – which doesn’t expand the games offered at racetrack and jai alai frontons but does give them a lower tax rate to compete with Seminole resorts – is out. The new plan is tied to the House proposal to curb Seminole gambling by shutting down blackjack tables and limiting tribal gaming to slots." "House releases scaled-back gambling plan".

How conveeenient

"One clinic pays patients $25 for bringing in a new customer to buy narcotic pills. Others lure patients with $25 gasoline cards, two-for-one pill specials and half-price days." "South Florida pain-pill dispensers under investigation".

Good luck

"What got the attention of Orlando homemaker Kim Russell were reports that marijuana could help relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease. She has a relative with the affliction. A doctor mentioned the potential value of marijuana, but her relative will not take it because it is illegal. So Russell wants to make it legal. Months of research led her to the amendment referendum process. She has registered with the state Division of Elections as a one-woman political action committee. And she has started the process of raising 700,000 petition signatures, the number required to get on a statewide ballot." "Medical marijuana? Orlando woman wants question put to a vote".

SunRail hanging on

"The proposed high-speed rail train that would link Orlando with Lakeland and Tampa will never happen if the planned SunRail commuter train through Central Florida is killed in the state Senate, mass-transit supporters said Tuesday." "Tampa high-speed rail, SunRail linked, backers say".

Chinese drywall

"Nelson calls for firing top consumer advocate over Chinese drywall issue".

Tuff times

"A top state police official ran into a tree -- and then a host of problems -- after he drank whiskey and flipped his truck." "DUI charge lands Department of Agriculture's top cop in a heap of trouble".

Tampa

"He lost the last mayoral election and the lawsuit he filed after being forced to resign from his police department job, but Marion Lewis hasn't given up. Lewis, a former Tampa police captain who was soundly defeated by Mayor Pam Iorio in the 2007 election, has filed paperwork to run for mayor in the 2011 election." "Marion Lewis plans another run for Tampa mayor".

Times , they be a changin'

"A public servant fired in Largo for undergoing a sex change has been picked to be Lake Worth's new city manager." "A transgender triumph".

Bronson told The Associated Press indications are getting stronger that Crist will run for the Senate seat that Republican Mel Martinez is leaving after one term. If that happens, he will run for governor.

"I have won two statewide elections fairly handily and I've been on the Florida Cabinet now for eight years, handling all the issues that the governor has to handle," Bronson said. "Should the governor go to the U.S. Senate, then I feel like I've got something to offer the state."

While it's widely speculated that Democratic Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum will also run for governor if Crist runs for Senate, Bronson is the first major politician to say he will seek the seat.

"Three-week cliffhanger"

"With gambling a central debate in the Legislature's budget battle, the Senate steamed ahead with its casino gambling package Tuesday, setting up a three-week cliffhanger on whether Republican legislative leaders can cut a deal on a sensitive political issue." "Senate pitches casino deal".

"House and Senate budget committees on Tuesday approved $65 billion state spending plans that were near in numbers but philosophically far apart as the Florida Legislature took a long holiday weekend break. " "Florida House, Senate ready for budget negotiations".

More:

Florida lawmakers moved forward Tuesday with budget proposals that try to shield public schools from major cuts -- but threaten funding for nursing homes, land conservation and dozens of other programs.

The state's massive budget problems could lead to Floridians getting hit with hundreds of millions of dollars in additional fees next year for necessities such as driver's licenses.

But as House and Senate committees approved initial budget plans Tuesday, major questions remained about whether lawmakers will agree to raise tobacco taxes and expand gambling to bring in more money.

Outa here ...

"Florida legislators are headed home for the holidays. With just over three weeks left in the legislative session, Florida lawmakers left the Capitol late Tuesday for the Easter and Passover break." "Florida legislators head home for holidays". See also "Legislators take break until Monday; a lot of work will be waiting for them".

"The bland leading the blind"

Michael Putney "What in the world are they doing up there in Tallahassee? "

Not much, judging by the list of the Legislature's achievements over the past month. Or the governor's. For the most part, it's the bland leading the blind. Desultory and querulous would correctly describe the legislative session thus far.

And pathetic when it comes to funding education. Take the news conference called by Gov. Charlie Crist in the capitol last Friday. Sporting his best doe-eyed, hang-dog look (not to mix animal metaphors), Crist begged the ''good members of the House and the good members of the Senate'' to put their stamp of approval on his original gaming compact with the Seminoles -- the one the Florida Supreme Court struck down as illegal.

"A disgrace"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "If ever there was an example of legislative indifference to the welfare of the state's most vulnerable children, proposed budget cuts to the Guardian ad Litem program are it."

Florida lawmakers cannot attempt to balance our budget on the backs of children whose last hope for protection is the court system. Though some lawmakers have taken a pledge to not raise taxes — and lawmakers are refusing to revisit sales-tax exemptions this year — to cut the already paltry funding that pays for volunteer training for Guardian ad Litem would be a disgrace.

As the media pounds public employee pension plans ...

Byline Tampa:

Outback Steakhouse's parent company lost more than $700 million last year but it still handed out $2.7 million in performance [sic] bonuses to its five senior executives.

In fact, executives with OSI Restaurant Partners had two chances to earn bonuses last year, one tied to the company's profits and the other to OSI's efforts to save money.

And this year, senior executives will be eligible for yet another bonus – one designed to keep them from jumping ship.

Just go away

Sandy Day ...

That's her, the clown on the right

More wingnut justice

Oh yeah, "Alemán was appointed to the bench by then-Gov. Jeb Bush in 2001." "Florida high court publicly reprimands Broward judge".

Sin tax

"Tobacco tax hike has smokers calling for help". Related: "Florida Senate makes it hard for Gov. Crist to say no to tobacco tax".

'Glades

"The ultimate success of the governor's Big Sugar deal, which rides on an option to purchase more land, may not be known for years." "Land-purchase option is key to scaled-down U.S. Sugar deal".

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "The new deal to buy land to help restore the Everglades may not stem controversy, but it should spur state leaders to finally get on with completing one of Florida's more important public works projects." "Now that there's a new deal with U.S. Sugar, can we get on with the Everglades restoration?".

See you in Havana

"As the Obama administration considers a shift in the half-century policy of isolating Cuba, members of the Congressional Black Caucus returned from Havana saying the Castro brothers are eager to see a new day in U.S.-Cuban relations." "Lawmakers meet Castros, urge end to embargo".

Enough already

"Nearly three quarters of Florida voters think the Florida Legislature should not deal with the state's financial crisis by cutting funding for public schools, and they would support a one-penny hike of the state's sales tax for the next three years if the money went exclusively to public education, according to a poll released this morning by the Florida Education Association." "Teachers' union poll says public favors education sales tax".

County kills firefighter

"State investigators say a Volusia County firefighter's death during a training exercise was the result of improper training and an unsafe workplace." "State faults county for firefighter's death".

SunRail

"A Senate panel changed its $65.6 billion budget proposal Tuesday to calm opponents of the state's deal with the CSX Corp. to build commuter rail in Central Florida. Sen. Paula Dockery and other SunRail opponents cried foul Monday upon discovering language about the $1.2 billion project buried deep in the Senate's 376-page budget plan. The two paragraphs authorize the state to 'complete an escrowed closing on the Central Florida Rail Corridor Acquisition.'" "CSX opponents get Senate budget revised". See also "Fight gets hotter over state SunRail project", "SunRail cash proves hard to reroute", "Hunt for SunRail bucks fails in Senate committee" and "Tampa high-speed rail, SunRail linked, backers say".

"Once the aquifer becomes fouled ..."

"The bill, which passed a Senate committee Monday, would create spring-protection zones in areas around large springs. Over the next 15 years, it would gradually require changes in septic tanks, sewage systems and agricultural operations to reduce pollutants in those areas." "Proposal would protect Florida springs".

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "By paying attention to water quality in springs across Florida, people also protect themselves -- springs provide an important monitor for the quality of the water in the Floridan Aquifer, which supplies most of the state's drinking water."

And once the aquifer becomes fouled, it could take generations to recover, forcing people to rely on more expensive water-reclamation tactics such as desalination or reservoirs.

So the choice for the Florida Legislature is this: Take further measures to protect springs now, and find a way to make that decision affordable. Or force Floridians to pay more for water in the future, and risk losing ecological and economic treasures like Blue Spring.

Lawmakers might not see it that way this session. They are cold-shouldering a bill by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, that would put stronger protections in place for the state's large springs, requiring state and local officials to work together to lessen pollution leaching into the groundwater -- and then flowing out through the springs.

Rush Limbaugh winces in pain

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Now that South Florida, and Broward County in particular, has earned the disreputable distinction of being a place where doctors dispense painkiller drugs as if they were Halloween candy, the state Legislature has decided to act."

Lawmakers are reviewing several bills that would boost regulatory oversight of the clinics and give police some of the tools they need to go after unscrupulous operators. It's about time.

... The report describes how Broward has recently become the unofficial national headquarters for a thriving black market in dangerous prescription drugs, especially oxycodone [Limbaugh's drug of choice]. ...

So far, lawmakers have little to show for their time in Tallahassee. They should be happy to pass a law that makes it harder for bogus pain clinics to operate with impunity.

RPOFer madness

The Tampa Trib editors: "State lawmakers who want to eliminate funding for the juvenile assessment centers - JACS - don't seem to know about one of the grimmest periods in the state's history." "Unjust cuts".

The latest from Immokalee

"Advocates had worried the regulations meant to counter identity theft and unpaid bills might block access to water for illegal immigrants and make it difficult for migrant workers to move from trailers into more sanitary apartments." "SW Fla. utility reverses ID rule for water access".

Heaven help us

"UF Jewish frat house vandalized with painted swastika".

Enough with the silly tax holidays

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "The state of Florida, which is slashing billions from important programs and has hat in hand for federal stimulus money, is in no position to hand out sales tax holidays this year." "State can't afford any tax holidays for anybody".

Whatever

Whate"Bill to ban state employees from 'double dipping' clears Senate committee".

No Thanks

"Palm Beach County commissioners won't seek advice from the business community before they start slashing next year's $4 billion spending plan." "Palm Beach County commissioners rebuff Vana's call to seek business groups' budget advice".

"Chinese drywall"

"Wexler tours west Boynton Beach home affected by Chinese drywall".

Stanton gets a job

"The former Largo city manager who was fired after her plans to have a sex change became public has landed a new job as the city manager for Lake Worth." "Transsexual city manager lands new job". See also "Susan Stanton picked as new Lake Worth city manager".

"Capping carbon"

The Tampa Trib editors: "Before capping carbon, open eyes to local costs".

But we like the public teat

"Defense cuts could cost Central Florida even more jobs".

Dead workers

"A federal board investigating an explosion at Jacksonville's T2 Laboratories are trying to determine whether the accident that killed four workers and injured 33 was an extraordinary mishap or a disaster waiting to happen." "Investigators still looking at Jacksonville blast".

two House councils headed by Miami Republicans Marcelo Llorente and David Rivera and the Senate Ways and Means Committee headed by Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Winter Haven. Passage of a state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is the only task that is required of legislators by the Florida.

From The "Values" Crowd

"With billions in new Medicaid money available in federal stimulus dollars, legislative leaders have all but decided to divert about $790 million to other areas of next year's deficit-ridden budget. They also plan to cut some health care services." "A push to divert health money".

"With billions in new Medicaid money available in federal stimulus dollars, this looked like the year that the poor, sick and elderly might get more services."

But before the federal cash has started flowing to state coffers, legislative leaders have all but decided to divert about $790 million to other areas of next year's deficit-ridden budget. They also plan to cut some healthcare services.

The results: 646 nursing homes will face up to 3 percent in rate cuts. About $18 million to help foster kids could go away. And about 18,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities will remain on an ever-growing waiting list for services.

Unemployment money drying up

"Florida's $800 million workers unemployment compensation trust fund could run out of money by fall, if current trends continue, according to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation."

Statewide, 455,000 people are on unemployment compensation in Florida, state officials said. ...

Unemployment compensation currently pays up to $275 a week. At the end of March, recipients will start getting an additional $25 from the federal government's stimulus money, Cunningham said.

SunRail Alive

"Opponents of the state's $1.2 billion plan to build commuter rail in Central Florida fear that language buried in the Senate's budget proposal could move the deal forward even if legislation guiding the project stalls." "Budget includes commuter rail".

Gambling

"The state's top economists concluded Monday that a House plan to allow the Seminole Tribe the exclusive right to operate slot machines outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties would yield about $257 million in the first year -- much more than the $100 million previously projected under the proposal."

A Senate plan to give the tribe full casino games -- including blackjack, slot machines, roulette, and craps -- would yield no more than about $400 million a year in annual revenue sharing, since the tribe would likely face increased competition from expanded gambling across the state.

Those were the predictions of the state's Revenue Estimating Conference to determine how much money the two very different gambling bills will produce. Both bills have won approval from initial committees and are moving targets in both chambers.

RPOFer rift

Bill Cotterell: "As Florida legislators deal with an unprecedented multibillion-dollar budget gap, a rift over funding of health and welfare issues has developed in the usually monolithic House Republican leadership."

Rep. Juan Zapata, R-Miami, met privately with Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, Monday to tell him why he could not present the Human Services Appropriations Committee portion of the budget today, when the full House budget panel considers amendments. Zapata's committee had disapproved a provision for privatization of Northeast Florida State Hospital in Macclenny last week, but Cretul reinserted it.

Zapata also sought to shift $200,000 from an AIDS program at Miami's huge Jackson Memorial Hospital to an anti-cancer program in Miami. Cretul disapproved, calling the move a member project — the kind of budget earmark leadership has sworn off, at least for this year.

Tobacco "sleight of hand"

"Senators in both parties are accusing leaders in their chamber of performing sleight of hand with revenue from a proposed increase in the tobacco tax instead of using the money to shore up spending on health care." "Senators decry tobacco tax switch".

Pants on fire!

"Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp says he flew his family on a state plane for a weekend trip to historic St. Augustine in April 2007 so he could attend a federal Small Business Administration event. ... but records obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel show he had nothing scheduled that weekend. And SBA officials said they had no events during Kottkamp's visit." "Records don't back Lt. Gov. Kottkamp on flight". Related: "The plane truth: Trips home costly for Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp" and "Lt. Gov. Kottkamp's calendar was clear on 60 weekdays, record reveal".

"Lawmakers aren't thinking"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board:

With land prices crashing, buyers scarce and sellers often begging, it's an ideal time to rev up Florida Forever and take advantage of uniquely favorable circumstances to add to the program's inventory much less expensively, relative to recent years. Instead, the Legislature wants to cut off funding. Lawmakers aren't thinking.

Sly fellow

"Charlie Crist's Senate run hint: 'See you in Washington.'".

Meek on the move

"U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek brought his U.S. Senate campaign to the capital Monday and promised a "long-term relationship" with grass-roots supporters he meets in a marathon effort to become the first statewide candidate to get on the ballot by persuading voters to sign petitions. " "Meek begins petition drive in run for Florida Senate seat".

"Petroleum products threaten drinking-water supplies"

"Engineers and environmentalists warned Monday about proposed budget cuts to a $151.7 million program that pays for some 5,000 active cleanup projects where plumes of gasoline and other petroleum products threaten drinking-water supplies." "Proposed cuts to petroleum cleanup raise civic concerns".

"Idiotic? You bet"

The Tampa Trib editors: "Here's what passes for fiscal stewardship in the Legislature: Waste a $100 million investment, eliminate 125 biotech jobs and kill research that attracts private companies, federal grants and helps society deal with a crippling and costly disease. Idiotic? You bet." "State wrong to abandon Alzheimer's research".

Citizens

"A Florida Senate panel passed an insurance bill minus a provision that would have allowed home insurers to pass through automatic rate increases. However, the bill would let the state-run insurer raise its rates." "Florida Senate panel votes for Citizens Property Insurance rate hike".

'Glades

"The new deal to buy land to help restore the Everglades may not stem controversy, but it should spur state leaders to finally get on with completing one of Florida's more important public works projects." "Now that there's a new deal with U.S. Sugar, can we get on with the Everglades restoration?".

"Like a bully ..."

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The Legislature is saying it will hold schools harmless by giving them the same per-student allocation next year that they had this year."

Given the cuts schools suffered this year, that's like a bully who just beat up a victim saying he isn't about to hit the kid again.

The Astronauts probably have defined benefit pension plans

Mike Thomas: "NASA delivers a little bit for a whole lot of money".

Privatization madness

"Rep. Janet Adkins filed a host of amendments to block or soften the effect of the GEO Group-backed effort to privatize the Northeast Florida State Hospital in her district. But her most effective advocacy might have been the sniffles and near tears she shed over the issue." "Rep. Adkins weeps in privatization war".

Labarga

"Jorge Labarga becomes second Cuban-American justice on Florida Supreme Court".

Yaaawwwnnn

"In December, Jason Brodeur, 33, became chairman of the Seminole County Republican Executive Committee, taking over for Jim Stelling, a longtimer in Seminole politics who held the seat for 12 years. Sentinel reporter Rachael Jackson sat down with Brodeur in Sanford." "New Seminole County GOP leader wants to strengthen party ties".

Wingnut Wevolution?

"Florida Republican Party circles are hearing increasing talk of conservative dissatisfaction with Gov. Charlie Crist and a possible primary challenge if he runs for the U.S. Senate next year. ... Some conservatives, never happy with Crist's emphasis on racial diversity, environmental regulation and populist willingness to take on big business, are now saying it openly." "Crist Facing Conservative Uprising".

"Critical Vote"

"A plan asking voters to loosen class-size standards faces a critical vote in the House today." "Florida's class-size standards face critical vote today".

Tallahassee Miracle?

"Florida's corporate tax policies, most of which were written in the 1970s, reward businesses for moving their investments and housing their headquarters outside Florida."

"Corporate giants would lose big tax breaks under a Senate proposal to close loopholes and update Florida's corporate income tax code." Under a Florida Senate tax proposal, companies like

Toys R Us could be forced to stop shielding its Florida income from taxes. American Airlines could pay taxes based on the number of flights that land in Florida. And Bank of America's international banking division could lose a big tax break.

Those are just some of the effects of a sweeping Senate plan to close loopholes and update Florida's corporate income tax code to bring in more money to fill the state's $3 billion budget hole.

The measure won unanimous approval last week in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee and is on the fast track to the Senate's budget committee. Legislative analysts will calculate Monday how much money it could generate but to the bill's chief sponsor, Sen. Thad Altman, that's not the point.

Tallahassee Update

The The Tallahassee Democrat's update via Twitter.

- "A Florida Senate committee is [today] taking another look at a proposal to cut down on the state's property insurance risk by reducing its catastrophic insurance exposure." "Fla. Senate debates wind insurance measure".

The "'underemployment' rate"

"As Florida stumbles toward a double-digit jobless rate, an equally grim but less familiar measure of the labor market cracked 10 percent long ago and shows little sign of slowing."

The so-called "underemployment" rate in Florida averaged almost 12 percent in 2008 and, given national trends, most likely exceeds 15 percent now. Looking forward, the underemployment rate could top out at 18 percent or 20 percent before the economy turns around.

That would translate into more than 1.6 millions Floridians who would be unemployed, forced into a part-time job, working in a job below their skill level or so discouraged they had quit looking altogether.

Meek

"It's more expensive and way more time consuming, but U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek plans to qualify for the U.S. Senate race by petition. Meek began the effort over the weekend, traveling the I-4 corridor from Orlando to Tampa to rally volunteers." "Meek begins petition drive in Fla. Senate race".

Running Florida Like A Business

"Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp says he used a state plane to travel for official business, but records show he may have used the plane for personal trips."

Kottkamp reimbursed the state more than $10,000 for flights his wife and son took aboard state planes after The Sun Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale investigated their travel. But records show he claimed he used the plane to fly to St. Augustine in 2007 for a federal Small Business Administration event even though officials at the governor's office and the federal agency said they didn't know of any event then.

Governor's office officials said the day before the trip, Kottkamp's scheduler distributed an internal e-mail listing his agenda for that weekend as all clear, marked as "personal days" in neighboring Ponte Vedra.

SBA officials said they had no events during Kottkamp's visit.

Empty Suit

"Connie Mack IV, R-Fort Myers, won't try to follow in his father's footsteps — at least not yet. In a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist, Mack said he will not run for the Senate in 2010. Instead, he'll seek re-election to the U.S. House and support Crist if he decides to run for Senate. Or anything." "Rep. Connie Mack backs Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, whatever he runs for".

Florida, Ecuador and the Death Penalty

"Ecuador's government is asking for the return of a man on Florida's death row. ... Ecuador has no death penalty and will not extradite fugitives who face the punishment in other countries." "Ecuador seeks return of man facing dealth penalty".

Laff Riot

"Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., said there's nothing to the pervasive Tallahassee rumors that he is being tapped to serve as chancellor of the state's university system or president of Florida State University." "Debunking Tallahassee rumors".

Double Dipping

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Words come to mind to describe this maneuver, such as calculated, cunning, even unscrupulous. But definitely not judicial." "It's legal, but it fails smell test".

Sumthin's Rotten in DenmarkChipola

"Chipola faculty representatives say there's "an ol' boy network" that pays handsome salaries to an influential current state legislator and another former lawmaker who serve as roving ambassadors for the college president."

State Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, and former legislator Rob Trammell, who 20 years ago represented the same House district, are high-level aides to Chipola President Gene Prough. They help him do what every college president spends a lot of time on — raising money — and Prough said he's pleased with their performance.

The job description for Trammell's $57,787-a-year post sounds like lobbying, and he is a registered lobbyist for four commercial clients — but not the college, since colleges aren't supposed to hire outside lobbyists.

Coley, who got a pay bump from $45,000 to $60,000 last July as Prough's special assistant for business and community affairs, does not have lobbying in her job description but — as vice-chair of the House education policy council and education-economic development committee — she is uniquely situated to advocate for the college.

"I would look out for Chipola whether I was an employee or not," she said Friday. "Chipola has such a far-reaching economic impact not only on Jackson County but all the surrounding counties. It would be irresponsible of me not to advocate for them."

Coley is the widow of Rep. David Coley, who died shortly after his 2004 election to the House. She won a special election for the seat in early 2005 and, since she won't be term-limited until 2014, has a leadership future in the House GOP inner circle.

See You In Havana

Mauricio Claver-Carone, a director of the U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC in Washington, D.C., is unhappy: "Bail out Cuba? No way!".

"Tallahassee isn't a lost cause yet"

The Tampa Trib editors: "It's understandable if Floridians have lost all faith in their state Legislature."

The endless stream of lousy bills this session would strain anyone's confidence in this branch of government.

Among other foolish efforts, some lawmakers are working feverishly to undo meaningful growth controls on both the state and local levels, including Hillsborough County's highly effective wetlands protection program.

But if you look hard enough, you also can find some measures that provide reason to believe Tallahassee isn't a lost cause yet.

"An irresponsible game of semantics"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Republican lawmakers in Tallahassee are playing an irresponsible game of semantics."

To avoid being seen as raising taxes to cope with the state's $3 billion shortfall, they are planning to hike fees for even essential public services. But a dollar is a dollar whether raised by taxing dry cleaning, which lawmakers won't do, or by hiking drivers' license fees, which they're considering. Lawmakers should be ashamed. They're playing word games and in some cases embracing regressive taxation rather than tackling desperately needed tax reform that might solve some of the state's tax inequities and long-term funding needs.

Let Them Eat Cake

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board apparently "thinks" unemployment benefits are perfectly fine the way they are: "When Congress passed its $787 billion economic-stimulus package in February, lawmakers included almost $2.6 billion for Florida to expand benefits for unemployed workers. Yet Republican leaders in the state House don't want to take all of the money."

Have they lost their minds? Not quite.

House GOP leaders are happy for Florida to accept nearly $2.2 billion from Washington to cover the temporary cost of boosting weekly jobless benefits by $25 and adding as many as 20 weeks to the normal 26 weeks workers can collect them.

But they're justifiably balking at taking another $443 million — about two months worth of payments from Florida's unemployment-compensation trust fund — in return for permanently changing the way the state calculates benefits and permanently expanding eligibility.

Charlie Seeks Federal Assistance

Once again, Florida asks the rest of the nation to subsidize us: "Gov. Charlie Crist says he'll seek federal aid to test China drywall safety".

"'Peasant jobs'"

"Unemployment is soaring. Yet advocates and Congressional leaders want a guest worker program that would legalize tens of thousands of undocumented agriculture workers."

Proponents say they want a legal work force to pick the nation's tomatoes, peppers and lettuce. Opponents call it amnesty for illegal workers at a time Americans are losing their jobs.

"If you can't use legal workers and pay American wages and provide American working conditions, then you shouldn't be in America," said Roy Beck, executive director of NumbersUSA, a Washington, D.C.-based group that advocates for reduced immigration. "America shouldn't have peasant jobs."

Medical MJ

"Florida residents with debilitating illnesses may have the option of treating their pain and symptoms with marijuana if Florida becomes the next state to allow its use for medicinal purposes. A petition is circulating now for signatures to potentially place a constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot posing the issue of allowing the seriously ill to use marijuana for medical treatment." "Political action committee pushes for medical marijuana use in Florida".

In The Mail

"Top Florida teachers who have been waiting months for promised bonuses wonder whether the state is going to stiff them, although officials who have been putting them off say the check will be in the mail soon." "State to teachers: Bonus check's in the mail".

Free Riders

"Many residents in Okaloosa and Walton counties may be surly over their taxes, but they'll be partying April 15. As part of a movement among tax-code malcontents, TEA - Taxed Enough Already - parties are being organized across the country, including the Emerald Coast." "Parties planned for April 15 to protest taxes and government spending".

Collateral Damage

"The saying goes that when America catches a cold, the black community catches pneumonia. And when the economy goes into a recession, in minority neighborhoods it feels like a depression." "Downturn saps prosperity of Orlando-area blacks".

No Sympathy Here

"Madoff's home in Florida lost almost $2M in value".

palpable anxiety in Tallahassee, where the Republican majority is about to reverse position on a founding principle against higher taxes.

But the pain is most acute for those Republicans who put it in writing. ...

Politicians nationwide have long committed their anti-tax rhetoric to paper by signing Grover Norquist's pledge: ``I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.''

A campaign gimmick, perhaps, but the Taxpayer Protection Pledge is sacred among those who take it and a link to the legacy of President Ronald Reagan, who encouraged Norquist to form Americans for Tax Reform.

In Florida, the Norquist pledge has been a nonissue until now because Republicans have ruled in mostly robust economic times. The boom has become a bust and now the pledge looms in the background, a tiger in hiding.

Tallahassee Update

The Tallahassee Democrat's "Legislature Roundup": "The Florida Legislature is in session through May 1. Here are the key issues in the fifth week of session and what's coming up."

Laff Riot

"The Republican Party will rebound nationally in the 2010 elections, Florida Attorney Gen. Bill McCollum said Saturday. And under certain circumstances he could be in that election, running for governor rather than his current post. McCollum addressed an audience of 175 Polk Republicans on Saturday evening at their Lincoln Day Dinner held at the Lone Palm Golf Club." "McCollum: GOP Will Rebound Next Year".

A Very Light Breeze, That Is

"Until two months ago, state Rep. Larry Cretul might have blown through Florida's history with the force of a late spring breeze off Orange Lake." "'Accidental speaker' now man of House".

Gambling

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The challenge is to tailor a deal with the Seminoles that is narrow enough to satisfy federal law but assures Florida compensation. So far only one plan, the governor's, does both." "Governor's compact good bet for Florida".

"The woman is dead serious, folks"

Carl Hiaasen: "Ellyn Bogdanoff, the Fort Lauderdale Republican who chairs the Finance and Tax Committee in the House",

strongly opposes a cigarette tax because fewer smokers would be bad for business.

The woman is dead serious, folks.

In particular, Bogdanoff worries about the impact that a cigarette tax would have on convenience stores -- not exactly the bedrock of our economy, but these are the establishments where most young smokers buy their Marlboros and Camels.

''Twenty-two percent of all sales in convenience stores are cigarettes,'' Bogdanoff said. ``We need to look at everything. If they don't go in to buy cigarettes, they don't buy the Coke. They don't buy the chips.''

And if they don't buy the chips, then they don't buy the beef jerky! God help us!

The citizens of Broward County should feel proud to have a representative who bravely stands up for capitalism at all costs and says to hell with the public's health.

"Tight-budget lawmaking"

Aaron Deslatte: "Fewer bills are passing than in past years, a reflection of the lack of cash to pay for new programs or services. And that is making it harder for legislative leaders to keep the rank and file in line with their chamber's priorities." "Kill Bill? It's tight-budget lawmaking". Related: "Florida legislators wrestle with taxes, spending cuts".

SunRail Sinking

The Tampa Trib editors: "Central Florida's commuter rail project, SunRail, is in big trouble in Tallahassee. The questionable $1.2 billion deal between the state Department of Transportation and CSX Transportation to buy 61 miles of track near Orlando and divert freight traffic through the center of the state to a new hub in Winter Haven is running out of time. It may not even get a hearing in the Senate." "Central Florida Commuter Rail Fast Running Out Of Steam".

"Tea Party politics"

"On April 15, the deadline for filing federal income tax, "tea parties" will be held in Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as throughout the nation. The participants, mainly Republicans ... ." "Tea Party politics?: GOP needs a more positive agenda".

"Words that once redeemed America"

The Daytona Beach News Journal's Pierre Tristam today:

Homeless camps now sprawl instead of developments. Unemployment numbers are spilling off front pages into our lives. Employers are turning workers into modern-day sharecroppers (every man his own contractor). And next week, as if on cue, marks the 70th anniversary of the publication of "The Grapes of Wrath," John Steinbeck's novel of foreclosure and dispossession in the 1930s. How timely.

"Wherever they's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there. Wherever they's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there . . ." Steinbeck took the lines from Eugene Debs, the social democrat and union founder who said, "While there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal class, I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free." Speak these words today -- words that once redeemed America -- and you're more than likely branded a scumbag, a socialist, a loser, or worse.

Whiners

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "It's hard to believe Florida's legislators only just passed the halfway mark in their session because their complaining seems to have gone on forever. 'We don't have a lot of choices,' cried a representative last week. 'It's painful, it's difficult and it's not over,' whined a senator." "State needs fair budget".

"Little more than a follower"?

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Florida, which has so much potential to be a leader in renewable energy, may have to settle for being little more than a follower." "Support energy compromise".

Privatization Games

Yesterday, "Miami State Rep. Juan Zapata sent this out to fellow House members:"

As you may have heard, I have expressed my discontent with both the nature and process of changes made to the budget recommendations that came out of the Human Services Appropriations Committee. This committee deals with the most needy and vulnerable in our state. ...

Another issue that was reinstated and that I cannot support is the privatizing of the Northeast Florida Hospital. This issue was injected into our recommendation on our Tuesday meeting. I had not heard of this issue before Monday evening, and after hearing the public testimony and appeal of Representative Adkins, it became obvious to every member in the committee that this was not the right thing to do at this time.

"Tuff Baby"*

"A hectic workload. A young family. And seven cancer surgeries. But Wasserman Schultz keeps going." "Debbie Wasserman Schultz shows steely resolve in grueling cancer battle".

- - - - - - - - - -
*Courtesy of Iggy Pop.

Another Fine Idea

"Employees in the public defender and state attorney offices are facing unpaid furloughs — a move that could delay criminal cases in upcoming months." "State attorneys may face furloughs".

"So many politicians stuffed in their pockets ..."

Scott Maxwell "wonder[s] if tourism execs in this town [Orlando] have to use fanny packs to carry their car keys."

Because they have so many politicians stuffed in their pockets, they couldn't possibly have room for much else.

The latest examples have local pols bowing to the whims of Big Tourism when it comes to keeping secrets about how tax dollars are spent — and preventing hotel taxes from being spent on things that residents truly crave, such as police protection.

Politicians in other parts of the state are actually finally standing up to the tourism interests.

This makes sense — and is precisely the kind of thing residents have said they want here as well.

But in Orange County, commissioners happily parrot the tourism talking points. And that means supporting the current laws that prohibit hotel taxes from being spent on much of anything other than convention centers, sports arenas and tourism promotion.

We literally have schools about to close and a body count in the streets — but golly gee, we've got one of the biggest convention centers in America!

Other states are way ahead of us in terms of thinking of the people who live there. In Las Vegas, hotel taxes are spent on schools. Other places spend them on roads and police.