Scott runs up against "bipartisan buzz saw"

"Gov. Rick Scott's plan to eliminate 14 trust funds ran into a bipartisan buzz saw at the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Tuesday. Seeking more budget flexibility, the governor proposes to redirect hundreds of millions of trust-fund dollars into the state's general revenue pot." "Lawmakers Leap to Defense of Trust Funds".




"Scott alienates some black lawmakers"

"Scott welcomed black legislators to lunch Tuesday at the Governor’s Mansion, but his choice of words left some feeling more alienated than ever. In discussing his own humble origins, Scott implied that all black lawmakers grew up poor."

For an hour over lunch, the lawmakers voiced opposition to Scott’s plans to end state support for two historically black colleges, to abolish a state office that helps minority-owned businesses get state contracts and to lower unemployment benefits and health care funding for the poor. They also expressed concern that Scott so far has not appointed any black agency heads and asked him to stop using the term "Obamacare."

"Scott unsettles some black lawmakers". See also "Black Caucus shares concerns with Scott".




Entrepreneurs in action

"Fred Grimm: "Sinkholes a new frontier of fraud".




See you in Havana

"Supporters of permitting charter flights between Tampa International Airport and Cuba said Tuesday they are dismayed by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's attempts to deny them and say they will continue to push to make the flights happen." "Rubio's attempt to restrict Cuba flights angers some". Related: "Rubio bill would dash TIA hopes for Cuba flights".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio echoes the outdated thinking of Miami hard-liners opposed to closer relations with Cuba." "Outdated on Cuba".




Medicaid deform

"Major Medicaid reforms coming, senator says". See also "Negron previews Medicaid reform bill, pledges to not abandon ‘our most vulnerable citizens’".




Class size tinkering

"Spurned by voters who didn't want to ease class-size requirements for Florida's schools, state legislators are mulling changes to the law that would give districts more flexibility in counting students and also apply the limits to fewer classes." "Lawmakers tinkering with class size restrictions".




Scott's claim "false"

"Rick Scott says health care law is biggest tax increase in U.S. history".




'Ya reckon

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Wrongly-convicted deserve compensation".




Choice attacks

"State Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami has filed a bill based on disputed science that would limit abortion access if the age of the fetus is 20 weeks or more." "Proposed state law that would limit abortion access relies on disputed science".




Growth-management enforcers on chopping block

"Scott spoke to Department of Community Affairs employees, many of whom could be out of work if the governor carries out his proposal to place the agency's functions under the Department of Environmental Protection. He said he would do whatever he could to help them find jobs elsewhere in government. But he also said the agency, which enforces the state's growth-management laws, is part of the problem when it comes to attracting businesses to Florida." "Scott to state workers: Focus is creating private jobs". Related: "Gov. Scott gets cool reception at DCA" and "At Rally for the Rivers, advocates for environment to focus on fighting Scott's budget cuts".




Mack's "Top 10 Signs that You Are a Liberal' list"

"Mack, R-Fort Myers, chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, took aim at the Obama administration’s handling of Latin American affairs Tuesday in his opening remarks to the subcommittee. ... Mack took steps Tuesday that indicate he is getting closer to launching a Senate bid. His campaign released a 'Top 10 Signs that You Are a Liberal' list, all of which pointed to votes Nelson has cast in the Senate. Mack also hired Anne Ekern, an experienced fund-raiser who worked for the National Republican Senate Committee as well as McCollum in 2000 and Mel Martinez’s 2004 Senate campaign. " "Connie Mack Hammers Obama on Latin American Affairs".




'Glades

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Obama keeps restoration promise." "Glades money intact".




28% rate increase

"At a public hearing in Tallahassee, State Farm officials defended a 28 percent rate increase for homeowner’s insurance." "State Farm defends proposed homeowners’ insurance rate increase". See also "State Farm Customers May See 28 Percent Homeowners Insurance Increase".




Business demands the right to choke Florida's water with algae blooms

"Opposition to federal water pollution rules proposed for Florida has gone national. Seventy-six companies and organizations representing national and state business and agriculture interests outside Florida on Tuesday sent a letter to members of Congress." "Opposition to Fla. water rules goes national". Related: "Federal takeover? Legislators aren't told about Florida's role in water standards battle" and "Rep. Rooney introduces amendment to bar EPA from enforcing Florida water-quality standards".




Pawlenty in Tally

"Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a potential 2012 presidential candidate, will address Republican lawmakers at the old Capitol. Pawlenty will also take questions from lawmakers when he visits Wednesday evening. Senate President Mike Haridopolos has invited all prospective presidential candidates to meet with Florida lawmakers." "Former Minn. Gov. Pawlenty visits Fla. lawmakers".