Scott also defended his decision to pay six-figure salaries to at least eight staffers in his office, while also filling lobbyist positions at agencies under his control. During the governor's race, Scott vowed to eliminate agency lobbyists as part of his push to trim state government and close a $3.5 billion budget shortfall.

Other than that ...

"Democrats lost all five statewide seats on the November ballot and lost ground in the House, Senate and in Congress." "Florida Democrats to pick new party chairman". See also "Fla. Dems look to 2012 as Smith becomes chair".

Ricky's brilliant mistake

"Grounding state planes could have six-figure cost".

RPOFers' premature gesticulation

"According to a Pew Hispanic Center report released this week, 'Hispanic voters are nearly three times more prevalent in states that gained congressional seats and Electoral College votes in the 2010 reapportionment than they are in states that lost seats.'" "More Hispanic voters in states that gained congressional seats".

Courtesy of 12 years of RPOFer rule

"Applications for food stamps skyrocket in South Florida".

Glowing victory

"Florida environmentalists win right to an independent review of facility's water use". "Progress Energy's Nuclear Project Gets Closer Look".

Plum assignments

"U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, named members of his party to the various appropriations subcommittees Friday -- and three Florida Republicans won some plum assignments, giving the Sunshine State a large seat at the table when Congress sets federal expenditures." "Florida Republicans Get Coveted Appropriations Assignments".

Ricky's "Axis of Stoopid"

Fred Grimm earlier this week: "The new governor declared war on himself. Or at least on the tax-wasting bureaucrats and disputatious regulators who now call him boss."

Rick Scott spoke of little else in his inaugural speech Tuesday but his disdain for government workers and government regulations and taxes. (Scott tossed in a cameo reference to "predatory lawyers'' as the third element in an "axis of unemployment.'')

Even references to education and healthcare were couched as attacks on meddling state agencies. "Why should we allow bureaucracies to make our decisions for us?'' Government regulators, he said, were Florida's great job-killers.

(Of course, if diligent regulators had intervened back when Wall Street banks and mortgage brokers were peddling subprime mortgages and toxic securities, Florida might have salvaged a few more jobs. But Scott, banished from the hospital chain he founded in 1997 after pesky federal regulators uncovered a massive Medicare fraud scheme, brings a different worldview to Tallahassee.)

other issues previous governors might have addressed: the foreclosure crisis, the Everglades restoration project, immigration, urban street crime (abetted by a proliferation of assault weapons), offshore oil drilling, Cuba policy, Haiti policy, rising sea levels, suburban sprawl, gridlocked highways, disappearing agricultural land, fluctuating revenue streams, overburdened public hospitals, unaffordable catastrophic insurance, depleted fisheries, property-tax inequities, invasive species, boom-bust economic cycles, environmental degradation.

Scott's to keep his air travel a secret

Aaron Deslatte reports that our Governor, the "millionaire former health-care executive owns his own Raytheon Beechjet 400 jet and plans to use it to travel. Scott said Friday he would pay all its costs himself for the full four years of his term. But unlike the public planes, whose trips are public record, Scott said he wouldn't release detailed flight itineraries so the media or public can find out where he's been."

Comments of the Week

"Comments of the Week: Oil spill claims, Gallardo, Scott, Obama and E-Verify".

Union haters drooling at the keyboard

The librul Saint Petersburg Times editorial board, who never have had anything good to say about either public employees or their unions, continue their jeremiad against public employee pensions: "Florida's pension benefits have long been defended by public employee unions as compensation for below-private-sector wages or the high-risk roles of police and firefighters. But they are no longer sustainable or justifiable in an economy where nearly 12 percent of Floridians are unemployed and countless others have suffered wage cuts or lost retirement benefits altogether." "Scott's serious on pensions".

The equally virulent public employee pension haters writing for the Zell corporation politely warn that "[d]ecisions made in redesigning public worker benefits should be nuanced, reflective of ... but of the risks and sacrifices that come with the work.". See the Sun Sentinel editorial board this morning: "Rise in police deaths a key backdrop for pension reform". To which we say, "big of them".

For more, see "The Plan to Blame Unions For Everything". See also Robert Reich's "The Shameful Attack on Public Employees".

Meanwhile, I haven't noticed coverage of this Economic Policy Institute's January 5, 2011 report from our first amendment heroes in the corporate media: "Public-sector workers earn less".

Crist hands Ricky a gift

"Former Gov. Crist leaves office without appointing judge to appellate court".

Weekly Roundup

"Weekly Roundup: Axis-ing the State He Now Leads".

Teabaggers recall the good ole days

"Monday marks the 150th anniversary of Florida leaving the Union, a step in the coming of the Civil War. In early January 1861, leaders from across the state met in convention to debate what the state should do in response to the election of Abraham Lincoln, who wished to limit the expansion of slavery in the territories and backed a higher tariff." "Florida Marks 150th Anniversary of Secession".

From the "somewhat hypocritical files"

Update - from the "somewhat hypocritical files", Mayo posts this: "(UPDATE: Just when I wanted to praise him, along comes Gov. Scott backtracking. At a news conference Friday morning, he reiterated his campaign-trail opposition to expanded gambling and denied the Herald report.)"

Michael Mayo writes that Scott "realizes that if he's going to be Mr. Jobs-Jobs-Jobs, it would be somewhat hypocritical to thwart an industry that would create plenty of work."

All sides will be working the Legislature with an army of lobbyists, including the historically anti-gambling Orlando theme resorts and socially conservative/religious groups.

It should make for a bruising fight. But give credit to Gov. Scott for rolling the dice and exploring all options.

Entrepreneurs in action

"Federal authorities made a very public showing in 2010, documenting a year of reckoning for crooks prosecutors say took part in a wave of mortgage fraud and Ponzi schemes that brought down the American economy." "Florida ground zero for 2010 fraud schemes".

Which option has the most cameras?

"Responding to a Florida Independent report about a motion filed by the ACLU of Florida to join the state in defending Amendment 6, the office of newly inaugurated Attorney General Pam Bondi says it is still reviewing its options in the case, and will make its intentions known when it files a response early next week." "Bondi’s office reviewing options in anti-Amendment 6 lawsuit".

'Glades

"A proposed federal refuge north of Lake Okeechobee would be built on a new conservation approach that would leave most of the land in the hands of ranchers." "Wildlife refuge plan aims for balance in the Everglades". See also "Ambitious Everglades plan blends ranching and land preservation" and "Everglades Headwaters national wildlife refuge to be proposed".

For the people (who slip and fall)

"Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist takes job with Morgan & Morgan law firm".

Not so grassy

"Most of the funding for the National Organization for Marriage, a 501(c)(4) "grassroots" group dedicated to opposing same-sex marriage in Florida and elsewhere, comes from a few sources, according to its most recent 2009 IRS 990 form."

[T]he National Organization for Marriage received $7,106,388 in donations in 2009. Three donations of $2.4 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million constituted 68 percent of its total donations. Two additional donations of $400,000 and $150,000 mean that three-quarters of its funding came from just five sources.

That silly constitution thing

"Falling short of a state law that limits the number of students in a classroom could cost Miami-Dade and Broward school districts nearly $10 million." "Failure on class sizes could cost $10 million".

Delightful

"Florida Supreme Court marshal dismissed after sexual harassment accusations".

Public finance lawsuit continues

"A federal judge has refused to end a lawsuit that then-candidate Rick Scott used to block a key part of Florida's public campaign finance system."

Scott last summer won a preliminary injunction from a federal appeals court that said the state could not give GOP rival Bill McCollum a dollar-for-dollar match of taxpayer money if Scott spent more than $24.9 million on his campaign. The ruling was a blow to McCollum's campaign and put him at a financial disadvantage to Scott. Scott won the primary and then went on to spend roughly $73 million to win the governor's race.

After Scott won the primary his lawyers and lawyers for the Department of State asked a Tallahassee federal judge for a permanent injunction against the matching money provision.

But U.S. Judge Robert Hinkle waited until December to shoot down the request and instead put a hold on the lawsuit while the U.S. Supreme Court decides campaign finance cases from other states.

Hinkle noted that then interim Secretary of State Dawn Roberts had changed her position to fit the viewpoint of Scott. (Roberts has since left the post.)

Zell corporation editors love their Rubio

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Marco Rubio is well-positioned to lead".

Chamber hack dumbfounded

"Earlier in the week, Scott was unable to identify one rule that might be a job killer." "Scott's regulation freeze sweeping".

"It is getting uglier by the day"

"It might be the most important election for Florida GOP chairman that Republicans have had in decades, and it is getting uglier by the day."

First, opponents of Hillsborough County Republican chairwoman Deborah Cox-Roush spread the word that the leading candidate for state party chairwoman was arrested for drunken driving six years ago and had financial problems. Now someone is going after another leading candidate, former state Rep. David Bitner of Monticello.

An anonymous packet dropped at the St. Petersburg Times shows that in 1999 Bitner's wife, Wendy, requested a domestic-violence injunction, accusing Bitner of "pushing her around his office'' in Tallahassee and leaving bruises on her arms. The petition, later dismissed at Wendy Bitner's request, says that in 1997 Bitner also pinned her to the floor and choked her "to the point of near unconsciousness.''

"I can tell you those things did not happen. It [the court petition] was done on a heated day and in a heated moment. I was very young, and I was irresponsible,'' Wendy Bitner, who recently celebrated the couple's 20th anniversary, told the Herald/Times on Thursday. "It did not happen. I was upset, and it's a shame that someone is sensationalizing problems somebody had in their marriage.''

By many accounts, Bitner and Cox-Roush are the leading candidates heading into the Jan. 15 election for state party chairman. Also running are Tony DiMatteo, a state committeeman from Pinellas County; Palm Beach County GOP Chairman Sid Dinerstein; and Sarasota County Chairman Joe Gruters, each of whom has his own base of support among the more than 250 party activists and elected officials who are eligible to vote.

Million Air's publicity stunt

"Scott himself won't have to worry about travel: He owns a personal jet. For his first official road trip Thursday, a flight to Miami, he boarded his seven-passenger, twin-engine plane with a tail number ending in his initials, RS, at a private aviation center called Million Air." "Will Scott's move to ditch state planes fly?". See also "Scott plans to use his own jet for business travel".

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Scott puts clamps on high-flying officials". Related: "Will Selling State Aircraft Drive Down Costs?".

Scott flip-flopping on casinos

"Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday he is open to allowing Las Vegas-style casino resorts in Florida, opening the door for promoters to move swiftly ahead with legislation this year that would end the decades-old ban on the high stakes games."

Promoters expect a hearing as early as next week in the Florida Senate on the proposal that could bring "destination casinos'' to Miami Beach, Tampa and as many as three other locations. The term refers to the high-end casinos being built around the globe that feature entertainment, retail malls and convention space in addition to blackjack tables, roulette wheels and slot machines. ...

Scott said Thursday he is open to the proposals even though while running for governor he rejected the expansion of gambling.

Whips

"Though they are both relative newcomers to Capitol Hill, U.S. Reps. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, and Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, have been key positions in the 112th Congress that convened Wednesday." "Whip It: Reps. Rooney (R), Deutch (D) named to party whip teams".

Raw sewage

"2,500 gallons of sewage in Boynton Beach spills into Intracoastal Waterway".

Papers please

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "State Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, says more than 60 people have signed up to speak at his forum tonight in Palm City seeking public comment on the Arizona-style immigration bill he's drafting. He attributed the interest - his and the public's - to the "seismic" nature of the issue. We're glad that he wants to hear criticism, because there's a lot to criticize about the approach his developing bill takes to immigration enforcement." "At a time of budget cuts, do Floridians want local officers doing federal government's work?".

Developer to regulate developers

"Scott picked an executive of one of Florida's largest land development companies to head the agency that oversees growth, a move that angered environmentalists." "Developer to head state agency managing growth". See also "Scott's appointments signal sea change in state government".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "The governor's pick to lead DCA is Billy Buzzett, a developer, whose St. Joe Co. has turned Panhandle forests into residential and commercial developments. Mr. Buzzett's mandate is to approve more development. Mr. Scott is proving that destroying the DCA may not require eliminating it." "Rick Scott's recent hires".

Right-wing rail "study", Haridopolos flip-flops

"The 24-page report, written by two members of the Libertarian nonprofit think tank Reason Foundation, concluded that Florida should either cancel the $2.7 billion project or write a contract that prohibits the state from contributing any tax dollars to it."

Meanwhile, Haridopolos flip-flops: "State Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, who in 2009 voted to approve the state spending for the train, said Wednesday that he had changed his mind. The state, he said, cannot afford it." "Study: Cost overruns, fewer passengers in Orlando-Tampa high speed train's future". Related: "Report By Scott Adviser Recommends Canceling High-Speed Rail Project".

Fl-oil-duh

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Legitimate questions are being raised by businesses in Tampa Bay and elsewhere that are on the losing end of the BP claims process. Their frustration stems from not being told specifically why their claims were denied and the appearance of inconsistent standards. " "Oil claims need fair hearing".

Charter school follies

"Rick Scott and adviser Michelle Rhee praise Miami charter school". Related: "Billionaire to open private high school at former JCC site".

Wrong target

The Palm Beach Post editors: "As a candidate, Rick Scott accused Alex Sink of mishandling Florida's pension funds. He should have aimed at a different target." "Ask about insider dealing: New trustees have 120 billion reasons to be interested".

Plenty of hires in Scott's inner circle

"There were some surprises in the executive suite. Scott hired Spencer Geissinger, the advance man who worked in the campaign and set up this week's inaugural galas, as his director of external affairs. And Carrie O'Rourke, a fund raiser for former Attorney General Bill McCollum's campaign, will be a deputy chief of staff." "Governor's office names staff members".

Behind the scenes with Bondi

"Behind the scenes, a team of close advisers brought promising prosecutor out of obscurity". "Tampa Trio Charted Bondi's Path to Victory".

Deutch joins DWS in House leadership

"As Democrats get used to being in the minority in the U.S. House, two members from Florida were named to roles in the Democratic leadership." "Two Floridians Will Help Lead Dem Minority in Congress".

Maxwell

Scott Maxwell: "Good for politicians who actually get to work!".

The Nov. 10 sale was completed around the same time that Rivera says he repaid $132,000 in undisclosed loans he received from Millennium Marketing, a company run by Rivera's mother and godmother. The two-bedroom condo at 8897 Fontainebleau Blvd. in West Miami-Dade had an assessed value last year of $89,000, county records show.

Rivera's relationship with Millennium is at the heart of a criminal probe of his personal and campaign finances by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Nobody "less appropriate"

"Gov. Rick Scott has appointed an executive of one of Florida's largest land development companies to oversee the state department charged with managing growth."

"I can't think of anyone who would be less appropriate for that job," said Linda Young, director of the Clean Water Network of Florida, who has sparred with Buzzett and St. Joe for years. "To put it mildly, it's troubling to know that he's in charge of steering the growth and development of the state. He has been at the heart and soul of some of the most destructive developments that the Florida Panhandle has seen."

Another fine Jebacy

"It's a ruling straight out of Kafka: If you lose, you should have known you were going to lose, and therefore your case was frivolous when you filed it, and you will be punished."

As for the court in question?

That would be the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee, much in the news for snookering the taxpayers for its palatial new "Taj Mahal" courthouse.

As for the two judges who made this ruling, they are Paul Hawkes, the controversial driving force behind the courthouse, and Bradford Thomas. Both are onetime legislative staffers and employees of former Gov. Jeb Bush, who put them on the court under the more political selection process that began during his term.

While the rest of us were settling into bed ...

Firefighters were up to their elbows in blood and gore: "Southbound lanes of Interstate 95 are open following an overnight, multi-car accident that killed two motorists and a dog and injured at least four others. Authorities say the accident happened about 9:50 p.m. Wednesday when an Infinity was rear-ended and dragged 760 feet beneath a tractor-trailer in Palm Bay." "2 dead in a multi-car wreck on I-95 near Palm Bay".

Lost

"Acting on his anti-regulatory priority, Gov. Rick Scott's first act in office was to sign a sweeping executive order putting a hold on all pending state government regulations."

But on Day 2 of Scott's administration, no one within his office or outside of it seemed to know how the action would play out in the real world.

Teabaggers dancing in the streets

"Newly elected Republican Marco Rubio was sworn in as a U.S. Senator on Wednesday while Republican Allen West took the oath as a new member of the House of Representatives serving Palm Beach and Broward counties." "Tea party favorites Rubio, West take oaths of office in Washington". See also "New U.S. lawmakers West and Rubio find their footing inside the Beltway" and "Black caucus swears in first GOP member in years".

Heaven help us

Some folks actually believe Rubio is "vice presidential or even presidential material"? "Miami's Marco Rubio becomes new Florida senator". See also "Rubio Begins With Heart Full of Ambition for America".

Statewide public corruption grand jury

Michael Mayo: "For nearly a year, a Fort Lauderdale-based grand jury has looked into statewide public corruption. So far, the only tangible result is a 124-page "interim report" released during the holiday lull. Reading it is a depressing reminder why few arrests might follow, even if Gov. Rick Scott extends the term for another six months beyond February." "Will corruption grand jury bring charges, change or just hot air?". See also "Scott needs to confront corruption".

Nelson vulnerable?

Sabato rates Nelson "vulnerable".

Browning back

"Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Kurt Browning to return as secretary of state." "Browning named secretary of state".

Rhee stays on board

"While Florida continues to adjust to being led by newly inaugurated Gov. Rick Scott, the new exectuive, continues to flesh out his administration. Scott announced that Michelle Rhee, who was on his transition team and served as chancellor of public schools in Washington D.C., will continue as an advisor on education." "Rick Scott Turns to Familiar Faces to Help Lead State".

Ross

"Dennis Ross was sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday, becoming the ninth person to represent Florida’s 12th Congressional District. And looking at the veteran staff he's recruited, he begins with considerable style." "New Congressman Dennis Ross Brings in Experienced Staff".

Are buses are out of the question?

"As promised, Gov. Rick Scott has ordered the sale of the last two state executive aircraft." "Scott orders state's 2 remaining planes sold".

Meanwhile, make that 700,010 jobs Ricky owes us. See "Gov. Scott puts state planes on auction block" (Scott laid off the 10 employees who keep them flying).

55,000 Haitians with approved visas on hold

The Miami Herald editorial board writes that "only the Obama administration can help Haitians help themselves by allowing the 55,000 Haitians who have approved U.S. visas from before the quake to join their families here. Incredibly, the Department of Homeland Security hasn't bothered to do right by those 55,000 Haitians." "Open the door, Mr. President". The Palm Beach Post editors: "Let Haitian immigrants come earlier, but reverse policy if influx starts to overwhelm Florida".

Florida "the drug supplier for the rest of the country"

"Calling Florida 'the drug supplier for the rest of the country,' former state Sen. Dave Aronberg is leading Attorney General Pam Bondi's fight against "pill mills."" "Bondi, Aronberg Aim to Shut Down 'Pill Mills'".

Sloppy Jebbite

Jebbite Mike Thomas is attempting to make a point in this sloppy column, he just doesn't know what it is: "Rick Scott's stance on vouchers scares teachers".

Buchanan publicity stunt

"Buchanan proposes balanced budget amendment".

Dubya's legacy

"When Florida’s legislators gather in March for the 2011 legislative session, tackling the state’s $3.5 billion deficit will be one of their most difficult tasks." "State Revenues Down More Than $1 Trillion in 2009".

Heavier tax burden for reduced services

The latest from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy: "Florida’s new governor and legislative leaders have indicated that they will rely solely on spending cuts to balance the state budget in the legislative session beginning in March. Once again Florida faces a gap – this one estimated at $3.5 billion – between anticipated revenue and the costs of continuing current state services."

Since 2007, the legislature has taken a series of actions to balance the budget in response to the recession. Included are cuts to services depended upon by Floridians and imposing new fees and taxes that hit middle- and low-income Floridians disproportionately.

The result is that these Florida residents are being asked to pay a heavier tax burden for a reduced level of public services.

E-Verify

"One of Rick Scott’s first acts as governor was to sign an executive order requiring all state agencies (and perhaps more importantly, companies that contract with state agencies) to screen employees using the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, which allows employers to ensure that people they hire are eligible to work in the United States." "Scott orders immigration screening for state employees".

Posey

"Jobs a priority for Congress".

Scott in a rail bind

"The Florida Tampa-to-Orlando high-speed line is still in doubt as Gov. Rick Scott ponders the project's cost and financial impact. His verdict is due in February but, with Florida's budget deficit at $3.5 billion, the governor says all state agencies, including the Department of Transportation and its Florida Rail Enterprise, will have to justify every penny they want to spend." "The Uncertain Future of the High-Speed Rail Program".

"Deep South state whose past is obscured"

"Carroll has become second-in-command in a Deep South state whose past is obscured by its sunny reputation."

Between 1882 and 1930, there were 212 black victims of white lynch mobs in Florida, according to research from the University of Illinois. The 1923 Rosewood massacre, when a rampaging mob murdered residents of a black Levy County community and burned it to the ground, was just one of numerous incidents of racially motivated violence.

In Tallahassee, a Confederate flag went up outside the entrance to the state Capitol in 1978 and stayed there until 2001.

New kids on the block

"In Congress, the new kids from Florida are in town". See also "Adams takes her seat in Congress", "New House members' austerity extends to receptions" and "Eight Freshmen From Florida Enter Congress".

Bald man's deregulation

"Anyone with a pair of scissors and blow dryer may be able to hang a shingle and go to work on customers without training or professional oversight." "Fla. beauticians fear Scott's rule-cutting plans".

For more than a decade, Republicans have had total domination over everything in Florida government and consequently treated business like royalty — often at the expense of rank-and-file residents.

Corporate income taxes are among the lowest in the nation. And Republicans granted tax breaks to everyone from bottled-water companies and high-end yacht-makers to the wealthiest investors.

Meanwhile, your costs to get a drivers license more than doubled.

Rick is right that people need a change from "business as usual" in Florida. But it's not the CEOs and lobbyists who paid $25,000 for the "Commemorative Vineyard Vines tote bag" he gave out for his inauguration.

Never mind the details

The Herald-Tribune editors: "Scott sticks to the script". The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Upon taking office Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott promised to show us an economic miracle in Florida, then left the state wondering precisely how he plans to make it happen." "New governor bold but hazy". See also "Scott's agenda is easy to say, hard to get done".

Scott can't give speech, as he "stumbled repeatedly"

"His delivery of his inaugural speech could prove to be a metaphor: Scott knew exactly what he wanted to say and ordered up a well-crafted speech, but then stumbled repeatedly while trying to give it." "We still don't really know the enigmatic Rick Scott".

One thing we do know is that he's paranoid: "Extreme security marks Rick Scott's inauguration as governor".

"Jeb!" 2016

"Bush, who was attending the inauguration Tuesday of new Gov. Rick Scott, repeated his stance that he's positively not running for president in 2012. When asked about 2016, Bush said he would never say never, but reiterated that 2012 is out." "Former Fla. governor doesn't rule out run in 2016".

The best Florida can do?

"Marco Rubio takes his seat in the U.S. Senate Wednesday".

All RPOF all the time

"Florida Republicans cemented their sweep of state government on Tuesday when three new Cabinet members took office." "GOP cements influence as Cabinet members take office". See also "GOP chief Thrasher congratulates Florida’s ‘all Republican Cabinet’".

Bits and Pieces

Kevin Derby: "Political Bits and Pieces".

Florida, Inc.

"The former health care CEO has said he plans to bring his boardroom experience to bear on state government, which he intends to remake 'from scratch.' But already, there are questions about whether he will adopt all the ideas his advisers have presented, and whether some of them will pass muster under the state constitution or win necessary approval from the federal government." "The future of Florida, Inc.: Gov. Rick Scott’s policy agenda".

State to subsidize anti-choice group?

"New legislation proposed by state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, could drastically affect oversight of how money collected through sales of Florida’s 'Choose Life' license plate is distributed — gutting rules that ensure that a majority of the revenue be used to assist the physical needs of pregnant women."

Under current state laws, 70 percent of those funds must be distributed to organizations that help the physical needs of pregnant women: diapers, food and other items for women who plan on putting their babies up for adoption, for example. The other 30 percent of the funds can go toward counseling, training or advertising.

The Fasano-sponsored legislation — Senate Bill 196 (.pdf) — would essentially do away with the 70-30 split, putting all of the funds in the hands of Choose Life, Inc., the Ocala-based nonprofit that sponsors the plates. This would mean that Florida counties would see none of the funds, and the decision to give particular organizations a piece of the “Choose Life” pie would face less oversight. ...

Stephanie Kunkel, the executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, says Fasano’s legislation would “open the floodgates” to organizations that advertise themselves as “crisis pregnancy centers,” but do little more than distribute literature on the perils of abortion: “This would allow [those organizations] to advertise on billboards and in the Yellow Pages, but not require that the information they give pregnant women be medically or factually acturate.”

"Business groups cheer"

"Gov. Rick Scott froze all new state regulations, trying to beat back Tallahassee's tide of fine print. Business groups cheered but said the immediate impact will be modest." "Rules freeze might cause confusion". See also "Scott Freezes Regulations, Requires E-Verify", "Inauguration update: Scott wastes no time, signs 4 executive orders" and "Scott freezes state rule-making, contracts".

Even the pill mills are happy: "Scott action may delay pill mill rules again".

Wingnuts waste no time

"Rick Scott won Florida's governorship as an outsider who took on the state's political establishment. As he takes the oath of office Tuesday, the former health-care executive will have the opportunity to extend his attack to Washington, D.C." "Will Scott Take Aim at 'Real Outsider,' Uncle Sam?".

Right to defecate

"Lawmakers send Scott measure that delays septic tank mandate." "Gov. Scott gets his first bill to act on".

Payback

"Scott hasn't named a new head for the Agency for Health Care Administration secretary yet he has filled two positions in the agency legislative affairs office with men who worked on his campaign." "Health care agency gets new legislative affairs department".

Tally bound

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Local talent heading to Tallahassee".

Charlie gets a job

"Crist may become part-time lecturer at Stetson law school".

Recall lawsuit

"Citing flaws in petitions gathered to seek her ouster, Miami-Dade Commissioner Natacha Seijas sued to block a recall election." "Seijas sues to stop recall vote".

Scott a "no-show" on 'Glades

"Unlike previous governors, Florida's new chief executive declined to attend a conference of environmentalists dedicated to preserving the Everglades." "Scott a no-show at Glades meeting in Weston".

But Question No. 1 is how much his platform of creating jobs and cutting "red tape" will conflict with Florida's environmental and growth laws. At best, he will balance the two; at worst, he will be willing to sacrifice the second for the first — with a Legislature eager to help.

As soon as he gets started, Scott has to figure out how he would close a gap in next year's state budget that is growing toward $4 billion. It will be interesting to see his "business" approach.

Frankly, history is against him — the outsider-reformer usually disappoints. Look at Arnold Schwarzenegger in California, a state that proved to be ungovernable. (On the other hand, Arnold never built and ran a multibillion-dollar corporation. So maybe we do have something brand new.)

Let's hope Scott, the chief executive, does not fulfill Harry Truman's prediction about his successor Dwight Eisenhower: "He'll sit here and he'll say, 'Do this! Do that!' And nothing will happen. Poor Ike! It won't be a bit like the Army. He'll find it very frustrating."

Here come Teabaggery

"The debate over the adoption of an Arizona-type immigration law for Florida is going on front burners statewide, and Palm Beach County will be one of the hot spots for that discussion." "Florida state legislator crafting Arizona-style immigration law".

"What do they get in return?"

"Gov.-elect Rick Scott says he bought independence from special interests when he spent a record $73 million of his own money to get elected,"

but the $3 million inaugural bash he is throwing this week is being paid for by the same Tallahassee interest groups that have the most at stake in his administration.

Companies that want to influence the debate on Medicaid reform — from drug companies to HMO chains — were the largest donors, giving more than $800,000, according to initial estimates.

Real estate developers and investors, eager for fewer regulations and no growth management hurdles, contributed more than $275,000.

Gambling interests — from the Seminole Tribe of Florida to the Las Vegas Sands, who are at opposite ends of a debate over expanding casino gambling in Florida — ponied up a total of $150,000.

Sixty eight companies and seven individuals wrote checks for $25,000, the maximum.

At least two contributors, Gary Morse, the chairman of The Villages retirement community in Central Florida, and Wayne Huizenga, the Broward waste management mogul, put in personal contributions along with $25,000 checks from their companies.

And Florida Crystals, the sugar giant and agribusiness concern that wants to have a piece of the state's alternative energy pie, had four of its affiliates donate a total of $100,000 to the inaugural cause.

What do they get in return?

Something rotten in Rivera-world

"Incoming Congressman David Rivera has admitted receiving $137,000 in undisclosed loans from a company co-owned by his mother -- a company now under criminal investigation over secret payments from the Flagler Dog Track during its campaign to bring slot machines to Miami-Dade pari-mutuels." "David Rivera discloses $137,000 in loans for slots campaign".

"State prosecutors are investigating Rivera's finances, according to three people with direct knowledge of the matter." "New congressman tries to clear financial questions".

West a "learned nothing"

"In his continuing effort to become irrelevant even before taking office, Congressman-elect Allen West said Sunday that he had 'learned nothing' by having to back down from his choice of a demagogic talk-show host to be his chief of staff. Predictably, he called the controversy 'an attack from the left.'"

"West keeps sounding like the sort of free agent who juices talk-show ratings but gets nothing done. Those who voted for Mr. West might want to remind him that if he becomes irrelevant, so will they." "Attacks against West coming from GOP: Concerned more about himself than District 22". See also "Rep. West defends Joyce Kaufman on Fox News Sunday , says she helped pick replacement". More West: "Allen West defiant on debt limit".

Scott taps business lobbyist as top environmental regulator

"Scott on Monday selected a Jacksonville shipbuilding executive and sometime lobbyist as his top environmental regulator."

Vinyard's selection won a rave from Barney Bishop of the pro-business Associated Industries of Florida, and a shrug from Neil Armingeon of the St. Johns Riverkeeper, an environmental organization.

RPOF recognizes women

"Bondi and Lt. Gov.-elect Jennifer Carroll, who will be the first African-American to hold the job, were the guests of honor at a Salute to Women in Leadership breakfast kicking off two days of inaugural events for Gov.-elect Rick Scott." "Update: AG-elect Pam Bondi speaks at inaugural kickoff event". See also "Florida's First Lady All About Family and Friends".

"A new version of Mr. Inside"

"Is Scott truly Mr. Outside? Or is he, as some of his critics charge, simply a new version of Mr. Inside beholden to the same old corporate interests? Here's a sampling of comments and prognostications about the new administration ..." "Will Scott Take Aim at 'Real Outsider,' Uncle Sam?".

Greer says he's the victim of right-wingers

"Jim Greer has a pretrial hearing scheduled Tuesday at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando. ... Greer has pleaded not guilty and says he is the victim of right-wing conservatives who turned against Gov. Charlie Crist." "Former Fla. GOP leader in court".

ACLU intervenes in Fair Districts case

"The ACLU of Florida has filed a motion 'to intervene as defendants' in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Amendment 6 — one of two so-called 'Fair Districts' amendments that limit the Florida legislature’s ability to draw district lines to protect incumbents and guarantee one-party dominance." "ACLU moves ‘to intervene’ to defend Amendment 6".

Fl-oil-duh

"Thousands of Floridians opting for ‘quick pay’ oil spill claims".

Never mind

"DNA Shows Texas Man Innocent After 30 Years In Prison".

"Unless he wants to be a one-term governor"

"Rick Scott wisely tasked teams with expertise in several policy areas to provide him with ideas he might tap as the state's chief executive. He asked for bold ideas, and got boatloads. But if Mr. Scott wants to do right by voters, he won't swallow the ideas whole. Some have merit. Many could help him deliver on his pledges to cut costs and create jobs. But others could compromise vital services and protections that Floridians count on, while still others need vetting. A lot of it. " "Rick Scott, which way forward?".

Pelham's "parting shot"

"Florida's planning chief says it'll take decades to use up development capacity approved over the last four years. Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham took that parting shot Monday at Republican Governor-elect Rick Scott and other critics who say the agency has been a job killer by blocking development." "Fla. has decades worth of development capacity".

He usually did right the thing

The Tampa Tribune editors: "Crist usually did right thing".

Pill Mill

"Tampa ‘pill mill’ bust uncovers how millions of pain pills were dispensed".

"How's that term limits thing working out for you?"

Daniel Ruth: "Perhaps one of the perverse upsides to throwing out all the bums every eight years is the body politic gets to have a whole new cabal of bums to blame."

Speaker Dean Cannon isn't just presiding over the Florida House. He is mother hen, Sherpa guide and legislative midwife to the new breed of elected newbies still trying to figure out where their — figuratively speaking — political keisters are.

The problem, of course, is that all term limits has accomplished is the creation of an amateur political class. More cynically, the imposition of term limits has transformed the Florida Legislature into little more than a finishing school on how to become one of the silk-stocking lobbyists — who prey upon the guppies who succeed them in elected office.

In this era of tea party fulmination and frothing drive-by radio bloviators, the notion of legislating has come to be regarded with all the appreciation as something caught between a satanic cult and starring in The Jersey Shore. The craft of governance is left in the hands of people who have even less of an idea of what they are doing than Brett Favre contemplating the send video function on his cell phone.

"Something you don't see every day"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Here's something you don't see every day in Tallahassee. State Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, might like to run for Congress next year. Fasano just happened to be a member of the Senate redistricting committee, which will draw the lines for the new districts that will be in place for the 2012 elections. Yet Fasano resigned from the redistricting committee on Monday to avoid the perception that he would help draw a new district to his liking." "Politician says no to self-serve option".

RPOF race

"With the race to become Republican Party of Florida chair coming down to the wire, candidates are scrambling to make a name for themselves — and at least one of the leaders in the race is saying that those voting should look to candidates’ 'past experience' when deciding who will be the best person to run the party after former chair Jim Greer was forced out of the job amidst scandal." "DiMatteo on his state GOP rivals: ‘Past experience is the best indicator of future performance’".

"Public should be concerned"

"Former Florida Public Service Commissioner Nathan Skop said Monday that the public should be concerned about the agency's ability to be fair and impartial now that he and other reform-minded commissioners have been ousted." "Outgoing PSC Commissioner doubts agency will be fair to consumers".

Simmons in the thick of it

"When the Florida Legislature meets in March and April, Sen. David Simmons is expected to be in the thick of education reforms proposed by new Gov. Rick Scott. " "Simmons to be in thick of education debate".

Before he cuts corporate taxes, guts regulations or privatizes ...

The Miami Herald editors: "Rick Scott will be sworn in as governor Tuesday with a mission to create jobs. Yet before Florida cuts corporate taxes, guts regulations or privatizes more state government jobs -- all part of Mr. Scott's agenda -- the No. 1 job the governor must do is gain the public's trust. That starts with ethics reform -- from Tallahassee to the Florida Keys." "Ethics reform from Tallahassee to the Keys". The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Clean up government".

It's a Wal-Mart world

"The Florida Citrus Commission will study the impacts of China's growing citrus industry. The three-year, $174,941 study looks at how China will affect the world's orange juice and fresh citrus markets." "Citrus Commission to study China competition".

The Legislature, for example, is flush with like-minded Republicans – but many will have their own political aspirations, and Scott's delicate allegiance with the Republican Party he regularly bashed throughout the campaign is still untested.

And the state's budget deficit means there will be no avoiding hard decisions. Florida's constitution requires a balanced budget, and particularly if Scott follows through on campaign rhetoric on cutting taxes, that would mean slashing billions in expenses and dealing with the fallout.

Scott will have to face those battles without the political alliances typically enjoyed by new governors after he spent more than $70 million of his own money to best the preferred candidates of both major parties, said Lance deHaven-Smith, political science professor at Florida State University.

Scott is proposing to cut the state workforce by 5 percent, overhaul the pension system for government workers and shrink spending further by privatizing more of the state's corrections and Medicaid systems. But his advisers are also pushing him to increase the state's investment in its ports, tourism marketing and economic incentives to grow businesses and jobs.

At the same time, Scott remains bullish on cutting taxes - in particular, property taxes and the corporate income tax. He wants, he says, to phase out the latter source of revenue altogether.

"I would be surprised if he can achieve those tax cuts politically, even though, I realize, the Legislature is controlled by his own party," deHaven-Smith said. "The economy is so bad, the state government is already so lean, it's unclear to me where you'd be able to reduce our commitments."

"Stars from the Sunshine State quickly fizzle"

Kevin Derby writes that "rising political stars from the Sunshine State quickly fizzle." "History Offers Marco Rubio Lessons, as Florida's Rising Stars Fade Quickly".

Scott to go after firefighters and cops

"Days before taking office as Florida's governor, Rick Scott said he is worried that the state's public pension fund, which posted a $16.7 billion shortfall last year, is in even worse shape than the public has been told."

Scott's forecast of a deeper pension funding hole contradicts the position of the State Board of Administration, which invests $148 billion for more than 1 million current and future retirees and hundreds of state and local government agencies. The SBA's outgoing trustees -- Gov. Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink -- said the pension fund was recovering from steep losses it suffered during the recession. ...

Scott, 58, a political novice who campaigned as a Tallahassee outsider, took several positions at odds with the way business has been run at the SBA. He signaled he would be much more involved than his predecessors in overseeing the fund and that he would be cautious about taking on higher risks in the chase for higher returns. ...

To restore the pension plan to full funding, Scott is considering everything from closing the defined benefit plan to new hires to raising the retirement age to making employees contribute to the plan. He knows such changes will not be popular.

"Florida delegation headed for a sharp right turn"

"After a bruising campaign marked by attack ads and charges of extremism, Sen.-elect Marco Rubio and seven new House members will be sworn into office Wednesday to join a Florida delegation headed for a sharp right turn."

The new delegation chairman, Rep. Cliff Stearns, R- Ocala, wants to rally Florida members behind Republican proposals to expand offshore oil drilling, scale back the new health-care law, cut taxes and whack spending. ...

After wresting four seats from Democrats, Republicans will dominate the delegation in the House 19 to 6. Republican Rubio, a darling of conservatives who replaces George LeMieux, will join Nelson in the Senate.

"Scott's ideas are unworkable, counterproductive and poorly thought out"

"Local educators, who would have to carry out any changes, are much less enthusiastic. 'It's a great idea if you want to do away with public schools,' said Judy Conte, a member of the Volusia County School Board. They say many of Scott's ideas are unworkable, counterproductive and poorly thought out." "Gov.-elect Rick Scott eyes 'game-changing' education overhaul". See also "Teachers, parents set stage for education war" and "Scott's vouchers-for-all plan still has accountability gap".

Dear Charlie

Nancy Smith: "Letter to Charlie Crist".

Right wingers head north

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "The 112th Congress takes office this week. When it does, Florida, and South Florida, will count one of the most diverse and conservative — and influential — delegations in its history." "South Florida GOP leaders must not waste unprecedented opportunity in 112th Congress".

Ricky's coronation

"Rick Scott's inauguration festivities begin", "Inaugural Events Mark Dawning of Rick Scott Era" and "Gov.-elect Rick Scott's inaugural kickoff will honor women".

Wannabes

"Republicans are wasting no time lining up to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. The race will command a national spotlight because President Barack Obama is expected to campaign heavily in Florida for re-election. Among those considering a run:"

- Republican U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV of Fort Myers, namesake of a former senator.

- State Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has crisscrossed the state in recent years to elect the largest number of fellow Republican state senators since Reconstruction.

- Departing Republican Sen. George LeMieux also is mulling a run. Gov. Charlie Crist appointed LeMieux, his former chief of staff, to serve the final 16 months of former GOP Sen. Mel Martinez's term after Martinez retired.

Who sets tuition?

"A Leon County judge upheld the Legislature’s ability to set tuition for the state’s 11 public universities, knocking down a challenge from former Gov. Bob Graham who thought the Board of Governors should control university costs." "Judge Upholds Legislature Tuition Authority".

Over GOP objections ...

"Obama signs Sept. 11 first responders bill".

The ambitious agenda contrasts with the narrowness of Scott's victory, by just a percentage point over Democrat Alex Sink. Polls before the election showed 54 percent of voters had a negative view of Scott, an astonishing number for any elected leader, let alone a newcomer.

"Indictment of Florida's political system"

Aaron Deslatte: "Last week, a statewide grand jury produced an indictment of Florida's political system when it released a 127-page interim report recommending a host of changes to the state's weak ethics laws."

Foremost among them, the panel recommended re-defining "public servant" to cover actions by private vendors tasked with performing public duties – in response to the privatization push that has exploded in recent decades – as well as criminalizing the penalties for using public office for personal gain.

Scott short on specifics

"Former health-care executive Rick Scott still uses the parlance of the business world to talk about the job he spent $73 million of his family's wealth to win."

If not for his spectacular ouster amid the nation's largest Medicare fraud investigation, Scott's rise from public housing to CEO of the nation's largest hospital chain would have made him a quintessential modern American success story. In 1997, Scott was forced out of the Columbia/HCA hospital chain he built, because of federal investigations that ultimately resulted in the company paying more than $2 billion in fines.

But government will be an entirely new experience for a former corporate chieftain accustomed to giving orders and having them obeyed. Florida's constitution creates a relatively weak chief executive, and the state's broad Sunshine Law often flummoxes private-sector types used to operating out of the public eye. ...

But while Scott has toned down on some of his campaign rhetoric — about imposing Arizona-style immigration reform, for example, and scrapping high-speed rail — he continues to pledge deep changes in how government is run. So far, though, he's been short on specifics.

"We've down this road — with disastrous results"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Gov. Rick Scott's 'Regulatory Reform Transition Team' has proudly unveiled an ambitious plan to make the state business-friendly."

The group apparently believes gutting environmental protections and any regulation that slows a development's process will be good for business.

Floridians have been down this road — with disastrous results.

The perspective of the developer-dominated advisory team was evident in a PowerPoint presentation, where a slide claimed the state Department of Environmental Protection had gone from a mission of "protection" in the 1970s to one of "suppression" in the 2000s.

Anyone who views the 1970s as the "good old days" either was not living here then or has conveniently forgotten about how indifference to the environment made a mess of the state.

The rich are different

"Concerns raised over possible conflicts between Florida's best interests, Scott's financial interests". "Do millionaires and government mix?".

Bought and paid for

"Special interests put up almost $3 million to celebrate Rick Scott as new governor". See also "Scott raises $2.8 million for inaugural events".

See you in Havana

Kingsley Guy slams "the draconian U.S. embargo of Cuba, strongly supported by self-styled conservatives in Florida's congressional delegation. These conservatives claim to abhor an overbearing government that interferes in people's lives and limits their freedom, but that's precisely what the embargo does." "Cuban embargo : Time for outrage against affront to liberty".

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"Starting On New Year's Day, Insurance Companies Will Have To Spend 80% Of Revenues From Premiums On Health Care".

After all, he did plead the 5th amendment 75 times in one day

"PolitiFact Florida unveils its Scott-O-Meter today to keep track. The Scott-O-Meter will analyze each promise -- so far we've found 56 -- and rate whether it was kept, broken or altered as part of a compromise. Those ratings will be tallied on our website, PolitiFact.com/Florida, creating an up-to-the-minute and evolving report card on Scott's administration."

Along with cuts to spending, Scott committed to slashing taxes. He promised to phase out the state corporate income tax, which generated $1.8 billion last year, and reduce property taxes directed to K-12 school funding by about $1.4 billion. He says he will make up the education funding with spending cuts. The cuts to spending and taxes are part of the recipe for Scott's biggest and most repeated promise -- to create 700,000 new private-sector jobs in seven years.

Scott's jobs promise might be easy to measure, but economists say it will be difficult to determine whether Scott deserves credit. National and world economic factors might play a bigger role than Scott's economic policies, said Sean Snaith, an economist at the University of Central Florida. ...

[Look for Scott to take credit on the jobs front for simply "being there"]

He pledged to fight the federal healthcare law, calling it "the biggest job killer ever in the history of this country.'' He also positioned himself to the right on immigration issues, saying he supports an Arizona-style immigration law in Florida and that he opposes measures that reward illegal immigrants with citizenship.

Scott also promised to refuse temporary federal funds that create permanent state spending. One litmus test may be the high-speed rail line linking Orlando and Tampa. The federal government offered to cover $2.39 billion of the $2.6 billion cost, and the state agreed to pay $280 million in matching money, which would make up the difference. ...

"Coming from the corporate world, you can do a lot of things by just declaring it so,'' said state Rep. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, who will chair the House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee in 2011. "In government, that's a little tougher.''

Fifty-six promises? Hooper asked. "That's one of his items every day we're in session,'' he said. "That's a tough lift -- I don't care who you are. But he's going to try. He told us that he was elected campaigning on these issues and that he's going to try and accomplish every one.''

We reached out to Scott's office several times to see if they had any concerns about our list of promises, or if they wanted to share promises to be considered for the Scott-O-Meter. We did not hear back.

Voucher madness

"Should Florida offer to pay for any public school student to attend a private one instead?" "Incoming governor has sights set squarely on education reform".

Another blue collar day

"Fla. mechanic dies when tractor-trailer falls".

Zell corporation approves Scott's Wal-Mart choice

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Scott's first picks promising".

Public employees under attack

"Opponents of pension reform -- including state and local government employees -- point out that the Florida retirement system is one of the country's most stable (Florida was one of only four state pension funds to be fully funded before the recession) and question the motives of the reformers." "State to tackle pension reform".

Meanwhile, "Florida again among top five states for law enforcement fatalities" and Aaron Deslatte points out that Florida's state employees are already underpaid and overworked: "State workforce is lean - but who cares" ("Last year, on average, state governments had 216 workers for every 10,000 people. Florida had 117 workers. And the national payroll cost of $72-a-year per-resident was nearly double the $38 per-resident Florida paid. The next-closest was $45-per-resident in Arizona, not a state known for big-government mommy-ism.")

"One thing privately and another publicly"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Doing one thing privately then saying another thing publicly is no way to build trust in a government agency with an already tarnished image. But that is exactly what Ash Williams, who oversees investments in Florida's pension fund, has been caught doing. The decision now for Williams' new bosses — who campaigned on reforming the State Board of Administration — is whether they have the same confidence in Williams as the outgoing governor, chief financial officer and attorney general." "A matter of trust at SBA".

Lay down with dogs ...

"Tea Party Activists Angry at G.O.P. Leaders".

Pelham says Scott "misleads" Floridians

Tom Pelham is secretary of the Florida Department of Community Affairs: "The Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Florida’s land-planning agency, is frequently blamed for the state’s economic woes."

For example, during the recent election season, Gov.-elect Rick Scott accused DCA of "killing jobs all over the state." Numerous Republican legislative candidates blamed DCA for "onerous" growth management regulations and called for the abolishment or dismantling of the agency. Based on the campaign rhetoric, one would think DCA is responsible for the state, national and global economic collapse. With all due respect to the critics, these accusations are contrary to the facts, do a disservice to DCA and mislead the public.

'Ya reckon

"For former GOP chief Greer, 2010 was a lousy year".