"A lucrative new faucet of campaign contributions"

"For several years now, competing interests have been warring in front of the Florida Legislature over how taxes should be calculated on hotel rooms sold through Internet intermediaries. And lawmakers are expected to take up the debate again in January when they convene for their 2012 legislative session."

That's because the long-running battle — which pits a pair of deep-pocketed rivals against each other — has opened up a lucrative new faucet of campaign contributions for candidates across Florida, as online-only travel companies and hotel chains pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into the political system.

"Businesses spend big to influence hotel-tax fight".




"South Florida Water Management District may be breaking law"

"The South Florida Water Management District may be breaking state law in re-awarding land leases without competitive bids." "Questions Raised Over Land Leases by South Florida Water District".




The right thing?

Nancy Smith: "Finally, EPA Does the Right Thing for Florida".




The Week Ahead

"The Week Ahead includes the beginning of insurance open enrollment for state workers, a LobbyTools training session, university system Board of Governors meetings and a meeting of the Revenue Estimating Impact Conference." "The Week Ahead for Nov. 7 to Nov. 13".




"Heartlessness writ large"

The Gainesville Sun editors argue that "a Florida law that denies in-state tuition rates to Florida-born students whose parents happen to be undocumented migrants is heartlessness writ large."

That law is now under legal challenge by five students who argue that their parents' legal status should have no bearing on their ability to affordably attend the very public colleges and universities that they help support with their taxes. ...

While of late states seem to be striving to outdo each other in passing increasingly draconian “get tough” on illegal immigration laws, Florida's law seems especially onerous and illogical.

What exactly is the public policy benefit of denying in-state tuition to someone who was born in Florida, raised in Florida, attended school in Florida and paid taxes in Florida?

Talk about punishing the child for the sins of the parents. If the courts don't throw it out first, the Florida Legislature should follow [Rick] Perry's example and get rid of this truly “heartless” law.

"Heartless in Florida".




Big of them

"Florida to Accept YouTube, Twitter, Facebook Comments on Redistricting".




Democrats mobilizing Jewish vote

"The votes of Jewish retirees in the vast condominium communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties are hugely important — and could affect the outcome of next year's presidential election. To staunch the potential losses ... Democrats are mobilizing." "Democrats hope to avoid losing Jewish voters in South Florida".




"Monday Morning Reads"

"Monday Morning Reads: Mickey takes on gambling, prison food lawsuit & the continuing ALF scandal".




Judges leaving in droves

"Eight veteran judges serving in the Ninth Judicial Circuit have announced their departures from the local bench during the past 18 months. ... 12 percent of the Orange and Osceola circuit's 65 judicial slots".

But Chief Judge Belvin Perry attributes the departures, at least in part, to increasing caseloads, dwindling court resources, lack of judicial pay raises for several years and statewide policies that have effectively reduced take-home pay for judges.

"Why are so many Ninth Judicial Circuit judges leaving?".




Too many names

"Florida roads go by many names — too many, some say".




Gambling forum Monday in Miami

"With talk of Las Vegas-style gaming the topic of hot debate in South Florida, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce announced it will host a forum Monday bringing together key lawmakers and gaming executives. Those attending the forum will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in a straw poll. Among the speakers: state Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff and state Rep. Erik Fresen, both of whom are sponsoring legislation that would authorize three casino licenses in Miami-Dade and Broward counties."

For more information, or to register in advance, can visit the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce events calendar at www.miamichamber.com/events.

"Miami Chamber of Commerce to host forum on ‘destination gaming’ in South Florida".




"Eckerd College students join thousands of protesters"

"More than 200 Eckerd College students joined thousands of protesters outside the White House on Sunday in a boisterous attempt to pressure the Obama administration against approving a controversial oil pipeline." "More than 200 Eckerd College students join pipeline protest at White House".