House Republicans have said privately they're frustrated with the drumbeat of media attention surrounding the freshman lawmaker. This week, House Speaker John Boehner was confronted with a question about Rivera at a Capitol Hill news conference, while a prominent Republican attorney in Miami called for Rivera to fully explain himself or "step down."

In a letter to the Miami Herald, Thomas Spencer, who is active in Miami-Dade and state Republican politics, said Rivera needs to "fully and completely, without delay or obfuscation, disgorge and fully explain every single relevant fact and document — or he needs to step down."

Yee haw!

"WATCH: 5-Year-Old Brings Loaded Gun To Florida School".

Wingnut flip-flop

"The Legislature's point man on immigration this week retreated substantially from an Arizona-style proposal, raising the possibility that law enforcement officers could only check a person's immigrant status if he or she is being investigated for criminal wrongdoing." "State lawmaker dials down rhetoric on immigration bill". See also "Snyder inching away from imitating Arizona-style immigration law".

Scott slow to get to work

"Gov. Rick Scott late Friday froze four contracts worth $235 million for SunRail, Central Florida's planned commuter train. The contracts cover $39 million to be spent on cab cars, $17 million for diesel locomotives and $168 million owed to Archer Western for design and construction of the rail line slated to link downtown Orlando with Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties."

The contracts are considered "critical" by the state Department of Transportation, which is charged with getting the $1.2 billion project up and running.

SunRail supporters had hoped to begin construction by spring, but that date could be in doubt, depending on the length of Scott's review.

Scott's action surprised advocates of the commuter train.

Heather Allebaugh, a spokesman for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, said city officials did not know of the hold until told by a reporter.

While Ricky sleeps

"Eight global consortiums have expressed interest in building and operating the proposed 84-mile line connecting Tampa and Orlando. One of the leading contenders, Florida Mobility Partners, is headed by Talgo, a Spanish-headquartered train operator that is expanding operations in America." "Talgo in Race for Florida High-Speed Train".

A few dollars more

"State Farm wants to raise property rates by 28 percent".

See you in Havana

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "If lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott are looking for an easy way to make Florida more attractive to academic research and business, they can start by repealing the state's limits on travel to Cuba. In a pique of political pandering to Florida's most extreme anti-Castro elements, the Legislature in 2006 passed a law barring academics at Florida's public colleges and universities from going to the island nation, even if they use private funds." "Time to lift state ban on Cuba travel".

Big of them

"Hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s uproar over Senate Bill 6, legislators sought input from teachers Friday during a workshop meeting of the Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee." "Senators Hear Teacher Worries Over Education Reform".

Bits and Pieces

Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces". See also "Weekly Roundup: Guess Who's (Not) Coming to Dinner?".

Rubio's choice

"A day after announcing his committee assignments, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio named conservative stalwart Cesar Conda, a veteran of Beltway politics and policy, as his chief of staff." "Marco Rubio Names Veteran Conservative Cesar Conda as Chief of Staff".

Tell a lie enough times ...

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Despite reports that indicate Florida's extremely friendly to business, Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders continue to accuse the Department of Community Affairs of making the state inhospitable to those who want to work here." "Beware DCA's demise".

Ricky the "appeaser"

Aaron Deslatte: "Scott and the Republican-controlled Legislature are going to dig deep into the state's diminished revenues to scrape together a way to appease businesses this year."

Whether that takes the form of mitigating skyrocketing unemployment taxes employers pay or cutting the corporate income tax remains to be seen.

It could very well be both.

"A hypocritical one at that"

"A new piece of legislation filed Tuesday by state Rep. Clay Ingram, R-Pensacola, aims to amend current fertilizer management statues in Florida, a move that environmenalists say is yet another effort at environmental deregulation, and a hypocritical one at that." "New state law would halt tough local fertilizer statutes".

He washes that lawsuit right outa his hair

"Senate president won't join House in fight against Fair Districts".

"Rational Floridians know better"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "As the nation still reels from the Tucson shootings and Tampa Bay mourns the deaths of St. Petersburg police officers, now is the moment for sober reflection on the need for serious, reasonable, intellectually honest dialogue about sensible gun control policy."

There are powerful voices across the country calling for that conversation, even as most of Washington remains silent. Yet in Florida, state Sen. Greg Evers has shamelessly seized upon this moment of grief to declare the response to gun violence should be more guns on the street. Rational Floridians know better.

Evers, R-Baker, has proposed ill-conceived bills that would inexplicably ban physicians from asking patients about weapons in the home and allow anyone with a concealed weapons permit to openly display a gun in public, including at such locales as university campuses.

Haley Barbour yawner

"Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour in Naples: GOP focus on policy will win in 2012".

Haridopolos "dumber than a sack of carp"

Daniel Ruth writes that "Within Republican circles, Mike Fasano already was regarded as a cross between the bumptious brother-in-law from hell who burps at the dinner table and the puckered Cotton Mather."

Fasano chairs the Florida Senate's Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations, which earlier this month held a hearing on the new courthouse's extravagances ...

During the hearing Fasano hauled two of the court's judges, Paul Hawkes and Brad Thomas, before the panel, where both jurists indulged in a bit of "Hummana, hummana, hummana" mea culpas as they claimed to be real sorry about their roles in building themselves Tallahassee's Trump Tower of Torts.

It probably doesn't look good to have a big shot Senate president attempting to interfere with a committee investigation into how $48 million in public money was spent to buy lavish digs for a bunch of politically juiced judges.

If Haridopolos thought he could browbeat Fasano into laying off on an issue that has brought him more positive headlines than a Girl Scout cookie drive, well then the Senate president has to be dumber than a sack of carp.

Sensitive to allegations he might be trying to muzzle Fasano, Haridopolos quickly unleashed a flurry of official tut-tuts, harrumphs and for good measure a woeful sigh or two, insisting that any hint he was meddling in the chairman's investigation into the Monticello of Mandamus couldn't be further from the truth.

The Senate president explained he was under the impression Fasano, who can probably look forward to his next pivotal legislative assignment as the chairman of the Select Committee on Buggy Whips, Chamber Pots and Slide Rules, had completed his work on the investigation into the Parthenon of Proffers.

Let them fly to the French Riviera ...

"State budget could temporarily close seven area state parks".

Logrolling in our time

"A plan to privatize certification for people who work with abused and neglected children could save Florida money, but the only private organization eligible to do the work also contributed money to the lawmakers pushing the idea." "Privatization bill sponsors received campaign cash from likely beneficiary".

How blue was that ribbon?

"A blue ribbon health care panel on Thursday recommended spending almost $1 billion in Medicaid payments to Florida's hospitals but it also recommended that the state cut-off enhanced funding to primary care programs meant to keep people out of the facilities."

The Low Income Pool Council recommendations -- which are guidelines for the Legislature to consider when allocating Medicaid funds to hospitals -- are due to the Legislature by Feb. 2. Just hours after the hospital-dominated board finalized its recommendations, there was criticism from the Legislature.

The group's recommendations do contain funding for primary care programs -- about $56 million in all. But the recommendations don't include funding for an additional $35 million on top of that which was contained in last year's budget. Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said the additional $35 million the Legislature targeted to enhanced primary care programs in the budget last year was championed by now Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island.

"I would hope all those who are making policy or who are making recommendations would hear the priorities of the Senate president which are shared by the Senate," Gaetz said. "I would encourage the LIP Council to adjust its hearing aid so they can better understand the priorities which the Legislature embraced to provide a greater emphasis on primary care."

You break it ... you bought it

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "The governor won election largely on his pledge to generate 700,000 jobs across the state. It will be on this promise, more than any other issue, that Florida voters suffering through high unemployment and foreclosure rates will judge his tenure in four years. As such, Gov. Scott should have command of the executive branch's economic development efforts." "Governor should have command of executive branch's economic development efforts".

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"Billion-dollar fund will help struggling Florida homeowners". See also "Billion-dollar fund to aid struggling Fla. homeowners".

"After two years of radical cuts"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Florida Forever serves more purposes than providing money for huge tracts of critical watersheds. After two years of radical cuts, it's time to reinvest in Florida to ensure its natural beauty is preserved for future generations. Gov. Rick Scott should make that priority clear to lawmakers when he presents his proposed budget next month." "Florida Forever needs Scott’s backing".

Good work, Ricky

"Enterprise Florida Inc. owes former president John A. Adams Jr. at least $132,000 after he was fired Thursday by Gov. Rick Scott." "Fired Enterprise Florida president owed $132,000 in severance pay".

Some call it "justice"

"The Florida Supreme Court has turned down an appeal from 75 mostly poor African-American property owners of polluted land in Port St. Joe whose fight became linked to the 'Taj Mahal' building scandal."

In 2003, the landowners in the Millview community sued the St. Joe Co., saying its defunct paper mill had dumped toxic waste on their property, and a year later they got a judge to combine their complaints into a single class-action lawsuit. ...

After St. Joe filed its appeal — but not disclosed at the time — the 1st District Court proposed building a new courthouse in a St. Joe development called Southwood, on land acquired from St. Joe, and appeals court Judge Paul Hawkes purchased a half-million-dollar home in Southwood.

A three-judge panel of the court, including Hawkes, heard St. Joe's appeal and overturned the crucial ruling that the trial judge had made in favor of the Millview residents.

The Millview side didn't find out about the court's land dealings with St. Joe until five years later, when the St. Petersburg Times published stories about the opulent new courthouse since dubbed the Taj Mahal. In that time, not a single one of the Millview lawsuits has gone to trial.

"Self-interested politicians should stand aside"

"Rick Scott, who won the governor's office with 49 percent of the vote, is denying the will of the 63 percent of voters who in November passed the Fair Districts constitutional amendments to curtail the incumbent protection program known as gerrymandering."

Mr. Scott should immediately abandon this power play, which brings back stinging memories of when Sen. Mike Haridopolos last year got legislators to endorse their own constitutional amendment designed to circumvent the intent of Fair Districts. ...

A spokesman for the governor says — possibly with a straight face — that withdrawing the state's request for federal clearance of the amendments, which is needed to implement them, is merely part of Mr. Scott's effort to review all new rules and contracts.

But the fate of Amendments 5 and 6 isn't up to the governor. Or Mr. Haridopolos. The people approved them. Self-interested politicians should stand aside.

FCAT follies

Steve Otto: "An FCAT for parents".

Entrepreneurs in action

"A Florida man has been slapped with a 10-year prison sentence for promoting a tax avoidance scheme in which people claim they are sovereigns and immune from taxation." "Fla. man gets 10-year prison sentence in tax scam".

Sea cows

"Survey shows almost 5,000 manatees in Fla.".

Serving as his own campaign treasurer, the Miami Republican didn't report any details for more than a third of the roughly $160,000 in expenses for which he reimbursed himself, other than simply calling them campaign expenses, according to the records.

The AP review also shows his total reimbursements far exceeded those claimed by 12 other top Florida state legislators who served with him. Those lawmakers - both Democrats and Republicans - usually gave at least some explanation of how the money had been spent, as required by Florida law. Rivera denies wrongdoing.

The payments mark the latest questionable financial dealings by Rivera, whose personal and campaign finances are being investigated by state and local authorities.

Shortfall now $5 billion

"The magnitude of Florida's fiscal crisis became clearer Thursday as the Senate's top budget writer called for larger cash reserves to pacify Wall Street bond rating firms." "Budget gap could near $5 billion".

Florida’s tax system "fails"

The Chair of the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, Dr. Nelson Easterling writes that "economists, public administration professionals, and governmental experts agree on several requirements for a sound tax system at any level of government."

These requirements include adequacy, fairness, efficiency, and simplicity. The National Conference on State Legislatures includes the last three of these in their publication entitled "Principles of a High-Quality State Revenue System." They did not include the issue of adequacy. That is a subjective determination and is best left to the political side of governance.

The first three major requirements are more objective and can be analyzed from an apolitical standpoint. When such an analysis is conducted on Florida’s system, it fails in all three areas.

What's next? Restoring Florida's Labor Department?

"Saying the state must streamline or perish, Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday told business leaders he wants to resurrect a Department of Commerce under his control that would coordinate economic development efforts from an office 'two doors down' from his own." "Scott proposes rebirth of commerce department". See also "Scott proposes restoring state's Commerce Department", "Gov. Rick Scott Brings Back Department of Commerce, Will Set It Up Next Door", "Governor proposes Dept. of Commerce" and "Gov. Rick Scott wants control of economic development efforts".

Department of Corrections' $2.4 billion budget

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida's Republican-led Legislature, desperate to find cost savings, is being told that diversion programs, drug treatment and flexible sentencing reforms are the best ways to pare back the Department of Corrections' $2.4 billion budget." "Rehabilitate our criminal justice policy".

Florida agencies present $287.8M in cuts

"Staffers for seven state agencies presented $287.8 million in budget cuts Thursday to the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations, but some legislators were concerned that the cuts were falling on services rather than administrative costs." "Agencies Offer Cuts, Some Senators Wary".

Corporate Tax to be eliminated

"One of the chief items on Gov. Rick Scott’s economic agenda is the elimination of the corporate income tax -- and it looks like he will be getting help from a key committee in the Florida House. " "House Committee Starts the Process of Scrapping Corporate Income Tax".

RPOFer files bill preempting anti-wage theft ordinances

"Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natacha Seijas, a strong supporter of the Miami-Dade county wage theft ordinance approved in February 2010, proclaimed Nov. 18 as a Day Against Wage Theft. This month, fellow Republican state Rep. Tom Goodson of Titusville filed a bill that would preempt any local wage theft ordinance. The bill says federal and state laws already protect workers and employers against wage theft." "Florida GOP officials differ on Miami-Dade wage theft ordinance".

Everywhere a bill

"The start of the 2011 session of the Florida Legislature is little more than a month away, and the bill hopper is filling up fast." "Among thousands of ideas before the Florida Legislature, here are three to watch".

Fired!

"Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday fired the head of Enterprise Florida, the public-private outfit responsible for economic development efforts shortly after publicly announcing his plan to overhaul how the state attracts new businesses." "Scott fires Enterprise Florida chief ahead of proposed shakeup".

How convenient

"A fertilizer company paid a record $10,000 for a cake at the Polk County Youth Fair Auction baked by the 9-year-old daughter of state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam." "Fertilizer co. pays $10K for ag chief's kid's cake".

"Slackers and malingerers"?

"There are few jobs, competition is fierce and, now, there is a rising sense that if you don't have job, you must be lazy, incompetent or both."

"I think quite a few are content to sit back and take a handout," said Tom Johnson, a plumbing-parts salesman from Orlando. "I'm sure they could find something if they wanted to."

A similar sentiment is drifting through Congress and the Florida Legislature. Federal lawmakers are increasingly resistant to extending unemployment benefits, and Gov. Rick Scott's economic-transition team recently suggested the jobless aren't looking hard enough.

In a legislative-committee meeting this month, state Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, instructed state unemployment officials to more closely scrutinize those applying for benefits.

"We'd like your department," she said, "to, you know, get rid of slackers and malingerers."

The comments sting many unemployed Floridians, who resent the notion that they are sitting at home collecting checks and watching soap operas.

Wingnut central

"[T]he audience was eerily silent after West presented slide after slide showing a coming fiscal apocalypse."

The crowd at the South Florida Bible College, which included Republican Party leaders, the head of the Christian Coalition in Broward, and a large contingent of tea party activists, was largely friendly.

They repeatedly showed their leanings, as when Republican Patrick Castronovo asked West how he felt when he learned the liberal MSNBC commentator Keith Olbermann was out of a job. The audience cheered; West didn't answer.

Just don't call it a federal bailout

"Wednesday's declaration paves the way for farmers and ranchers affected by the extreme weather to apply for financial help through several federal programs." "Marion among counties named disaster areas because of cold".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Three accused of stealing diapers, trying to re-sell them".

Lobbyist heads up Rubio's staff

"Florida Sen. Marco Rubio on Friday named a former aide to Vice President Dick Cheney and adviser to 2008 presidential candidate Mitt Romney as his chief of staff. Cesar Conda was involved in Rubio's campaign and headed his transition into the Senate."

Conda has worked as a lobbyist and analyst for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and founded the Washington office of Navigators, a lobbying/consulting firm where another top Rubio adviser, Todd Harris, also worked.

The firm's clients included GlaxoSmithKline, At&T, Visa and Citigroup, which got $45 billion under the bank bailout. Rubio on the campaign trail was highly critical of bailouts.

Teabaggers scooping up the tix

"Rubio to headline Pinellas GOP Lincoln Day dinner".

Senate Armed Services Committee

"Florida loses Senate Armed Services Committee seat".

Movin' on up

"The former chief of Florida's elections system is Gov. Bob McDonnell's pick to head Virginia's State Board of Elections. The Republican governor chose Donald Palmer to succeed Nancy Rodrigues as secretary of the board." "Va gov appoints ex-Fla elections chief to head SBE".

The Florida Republican, who became a darling of the conservative movement, said he still hasn't decided about joining any caucuses, but plans to meet with tea party caucus members to "get their sense of what they want the caucus to be about.''

He said he's not certain a Senate tea party caucus is a good idea.

Another way to kill

"Lack of lethal-injection drug means Florida must develop new procedure".

Vulnerable RPOFers

Allen West and David Rivera join Larry Sabato's list of Vulnerable House Republicans.

Pretty vacant

Michael Bender says "You can learn a lot about Scott in one day".

"Being sued for the way we voted"

Howard Troxler: "Hey, you and I are being sued for the way we voted in November."

Well, in a sense.

Actually the state is being sued for the way that we voted. But of course that's costing us as taxpayers.

And who is taking us to court?

Our own state Legislature, or at least the House half of it.

The House wants a federal judge to throw out one of the "fair districts" amendments passed by Florida voters. ...

At our expense.

"Scott doesn't want to listen"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board write that it

looks like [Scott's] interfering with the implementation process outlined by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The act requires federal "pre-clearance" of changes in elections laws that could affect minorities.

Scott, like most of the Republican power structure in Florida, opposed the amendments. But 3.1 million Floridians – 63 percent of those voting in November – passed Amendments 5 and 6.

The people spoke, but Scott doesn't want to listen.

News of Scott's actions didn't break until this week, after state House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, once again thumbed his nose at voters by joining the self-interested lawsuit filed by two Florida U.S. House members who claim Amendment 6 will undercut minority representation in Florida's congressional delegation. ...

What do Cannon and other Republican legislators fear? Competitive elections. The changes under Amendments 5 and 6 are radical only because voters would finally see more choices on the ballot in more competitive districts. That is what Florida voters overwhelmingly approved in the same election where they more narrowly elected Scott. It's time for the governor to respect all of the election results, not just the ones he likes.

So much for the GOP "zero tolerance" ethics policy

"House Speaker John Boehner addressed the growing controversy surrounding Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, for the first time Wednesday at a news conference but said he is reserving judgment."

The controversy has caused problems for Rivera in Washington as reporters keep asking the new Republican leadership how it squares with their "zero tolerance" ethics policy.

Rivera's close friend, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, reacted similarly to Boehner: "I'm aware of the issue that's out there but when something like that is happening, it's always appropriate not to just comment on it and let it play itself through."

RPOFers push "divisive social issues"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "It's not as if the state of Florida is lacking for real issues."

Unemployment, foreclosures and education reform alone ought to be able to keep our legislators busy for quite a while on substantive items.

Instead, apparently thinking the November elections were a mandate to attack divisive social issues, the Republican-dominated Legislature seems ready to embark on a campaign to restrict abortion. They would be well-advised to put their energies where they are more needed.

Armed pre-schoolers

"N. Fla. pre-schooler had loaded gun in school".

FRS fine

"State investments supporting the Florida Retirement System have bounced back to within about $1 billion of their pre-market collapse level, the state's top money manager told state legislators Wednesday." "State official: FRS is bouncing back".

"Stick a feather in its cap and call it Arizona"

Bill Cotterell thanks that, "to save face, the Legislature will probably stick a feather in its cap and call it Arizona. Immigration attorneys will then challenge it in court, which the bill sponsors will welcome as proof of their toughness." "'Arizona' law, Florida's politics just don't mix". See also "Snyder to move forward with Ariz.-style immigration bill after Thursday review".

Immigration raids

"A Florida official's report that claimed state authorities are not using immigration enforcement powers available to them prompted critics to conclude that there is no need to pass more laws to control illegal aliens." "McCollum Shut Down Immigration Raids".

Deep thinkers

"Vern Buchanan and Tom Rooney introduce bills so captured terrorists face tribunals instead of criminal charges". "Florida Republicans Back Military Trials for Terrorists".

Run Newt! Run!

"Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who's mulling a run for president, is in Florida." "Gingrich, eyeing possible 2012 run, visits Fla.".

Haridopolos and Fasano fuss over RPOF 'Taj Mahal'

"Did one lawmaker tell another to stop looking into the controversial $50 million state courthouse in Tallahassee some have dubbed the 'Taj Mahal'? Depends on whom you ask."

Sen. Mike Fasano says Senate President Mike Haridopolos ordered him earlier this month to drop further scrutiny of the lavish new courthouse critics call the "Taj Mahal.''

Haridopolos says he did no such thing.

The point-counterpoint developed after Fasano told the St. Petersburg Times that Haridopolos "made it clear he didn't want me to deal with this issue anymore. I was told to leave this issue alone.''

At a midday press availability Wednesday, Haridopolos was asked whether he ordered Fasano to end the investigation.

"I think the point has been made,'' Haridopolos told reporters. "I've asked Senator Fasano for recommendations based on his work.''

A reporter relayed those comments to Fasano, who said he was stunned.

Florida asks for, gets Federal help

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreed to requests Wednesday made by former Gov. Charlie Crist, current Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Florida congressional delegation to have more than half of the counties across the Sunshine State declared disaster areas due to the severe cold that gripped the state during November and December." "USDA Declares Florida Counties Disaster Areas Due to Cold Weather".

RPOFers don't get that separation of powers thing

"Republican lawmakers, still stung by the Florida Supreme Court’s rebuke of three constitutional amendments, continued on Wednesday a long running accusation that the court crafts state policy, usurping the Legislature’s policy making role." "Lawmakers Lash Out at Florida Supreme Court".

Gaetz drops out

"Matt Gaetz drops out of speaker's race".

"Quit hiding the truth"

Mike Thomas suggests we "Draw up local ordinances for people living near bears. No leaving out food, not even for pets. No leaving out garbage. Make the fines painful. And if people still break the rules, quit moving the problem bears or whisking them away for their injection. Publicly execute them in the middle of the subdivision and leave their carcasses for all to see. Quit hiding the truth of what we are doing to them." "Hunting bears wouldn't do much good — it's a people problem".

Yaaawwwnnn

"Sen. Rubio's first day on the job".

"Not going to be like last time"

"Crafting a teacher merit-pay bill for Florida this spring is 'not going to be like last time,' a key state lawmaker promised".

State Sen. Steve Wise, whose education committee will devise a bill to be considered by the Florida Legislature, said he does not want a repeat of last year's fierce fight.

"We are going to have input, and we're going to have serious discussion, and it's not going to be like last time," said the Jacksonville Republican today at a Senate education committee meeting.

Wise, who is the committee chairman, said that in tackling what was one of the most divisive issues of the legislature's 2010 session, his committee will devise a "thoughtful" bill that aims to boost teacher quality by changing how teachers are evaluated and paid.

Leaky septic tanks

"The Senate has started to work on undoing a septic-tank inspection mandate passed last year to deal with thousands of leaky septic tanks potentially fouling Florida lakes and streams." "Septic-tank inspection repeal could allow local option".

Brown-bagging it

"State Sen. Mike Fasano is introducing legislation to prohibit regional workforce boards from using tax money to feed employees and staff." "Fasano: Legislation would limit workforce agency spending".

The move to withdraw Florida’s request for federal "pre-clearance" to enforce the new mandates came with no public notice. Amendments 5 and 6 were designed to thwart gerrymandering when lawmakers re-draw their political maps every decade. But Florida needs to get "pre-clearance" to make changes to its elections law that affect minority-rights under the federal Voting Rights Act.

Outgoing Gov. Charlie Crist had filed the paperwork with the federal Department of Justice on Dec. 10. But Scott’s Jan. 7 letter withdrawing that request makes no mention of why he was changing course.

And electioneering groups that supported the measures blasted the move Tuesday as the latest attempt by Republican politicians to keep their grip on power.

On Monday, the Florida House of Representatives signed on to [a federal lawsuit challenging the amendments]. The Florida Democratic Party plans to intervene on behalf of Fair Districts Now.

[Kurt] Browning, a former Pasco County elections supervisor, resigned as Crist's secretary of state in April 2010. Scott re-hired him after he was sworn in Jan. 4.

While out of office, Browning served as the unpaid chairman of Protect Your Vote, a political action committee that raised nearly $4 million, more than half of it from the Republican Party of Florida, in an attempt to defeat Amendments 5 and 6. Realtors, sugar growers, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, TECO Energy and other GOP-aligned groups also donated generously to the PAC.

Cutting courts

"Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady made his case for not cutting the court system budget Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee." "Chief Justice Charles Canady Argues Against Cuts to Courts".

Scott, Rubio in over their heads

"Republicans Rick Scott and Marco Rubio bash Obama while Rod Smith and Alcee Hastings defend the administration". "Florida Pols See SOTU".

Scott fails to get work done on time

"Gov. Rick 'Let's Get to Work' Scott won't roll out his first budget on time. Scott asked lawmakers for a one-day delay to hand over his budget proposal, due Friday, Feb. 4. House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, and Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, signed off on Scott's request" "Scott gets an extra weekend to work on budget".

"Gun-toting isn't so good for business"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "In a poorly timed effort to further liberalize the state's gun laws, the Florida Legislature has proposed legislation that may make gun enthusiasts happy, but could potentially undermine Florida's efforts to produce jobs and revive its economy."

Simply put, a gun-toting reputation isn't so good for business, a reality lawmakers must consider as they weigh bills that would allow people to carry licensed concealed weapons openly, and penalize physicians for supposedly infringing upon constitutional rights by asking their patients if they own firearms. Another bill prohibits local governments from adopting ordinances establishing waiting periods between the purchase and delivery of a handgun.

Increased funding for AIDS drugs sought

"Nelson sends letters to Scott, Obama calling for increased funding for AIDS drugs".

Cutting public schools

"Teacher layoffs. Few if any electives. School supplies that last a school only a few months. Those are all scenarios that lawmakers are trying to avoid as they craft a budget for the state’s public schools while Florida faces a $3.6 billion shortfall and the possibility that state programs, already cut to the bone, will be cut even further." "Lawmakers Hone in on School Cuts".

Gambling

"Extravagant casino resorts and hotels could be coming to Florida within the next five years, if resort builders get legislative approval." "Casino Resort Builders Woo Senators".

"Florida’s proposed 'fetal personhood' amendment."

"Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., introduced a bill yesterday that aims to undo abortion rights by extending constitutional rights to the unborn — a legislative move that is similar to Florida’s proposed 'fetal personhood' amendment." "Mississippi senator introduces federal anti-abortion bill with parallels to Florida ‘personhood’ amendment".

Teabaggers dancing in the streets

"Regardless of the health of the FRS investments, committee chairman Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, said 'reform is coming' in employee pensions. The FRS is completely paid for by employers now, but some employee contribution is sure to be required in the 2001 legislative session. There will also be bills to reduce benefits in other ways, such as raising retirement ages, increasing the six-year vesting period to eight or 10 years and reducing the accrual rate for management, judicial and law enforcement employees. " "Public pensions under scrutiny in hearings".

Big insurance legislation

"This year's big insurance legislation slogged through a Senate committee hearing Tuesday without a vote as members debated changes to sinkhole coverage." "Senate committee debates sinkholes, insurance coverage".

"Tampa's Taj Ma-more-money"

Daniel Ruth: "Taking in the news that the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse has become the federal government's version of an $85 million fixer-upper, the thought occurred that the litany of boondoggles, foulups and cost overruns associated with Tampa's Taj Ma-more-money is something I might have done." "Courthouse our own Poseidon Adventure".

Several committee members, including Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, and Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, asked if such measures prompt criticism of being soft on crime. And Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, said Florida lawmakers have considered some of Madden's suggestions in the past, but "it's politically difficult to do.''

Public employees at work

"When two law officers were shot down Monday helping to serve a warrant on Florida's Gulf Coast, it stunned a state already mourning police deaths in Miami". "Fla. police deaths are latest in deadly span". See also "St. Pete police officers devastated by loss of 2 colleagues" and "Fla. police deaths are latest in deadly span".

Fred Grimm writes about the mourning in Miami: "Three children walked on stage to speak of their slain father, their Papi, they called him. As they stood together, arms interlocked, overwhelmed by grief, the violence and gunplay afflicting a community's forsaken reaches were distilled to a tearful essence. The memorial service for Miami-Dade police officers Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth unfolded with the sadly familiar trappings of a police funeral. A long motor procession of patrol cars and roaring motorcycles. Blue lights against a dreary sky. An American flag suspended from a firetruck ladder. So many police officers from so many departments, badges banded with black tape." "3 fatherless boys express what words could not". More: "Massive funeral procession, funeral honors slain Miami-Dade officers".

Even The Tampa Tribune ("The tragedies are all painful reminders of the enormous risks law enforcement officers take to protect the public. Their service, heroism and sacrifice should never be taken for granted") and The Saint Petersburg Times editors ("Their deaths shocked a city unaccustomed to such violence, and they remind us all of the danger police officers face every day") take a moment away from attacking overpaid public employees and their pensions.

Not to worry, they'll soon be back to slamming those greedy public employees.

Teabaggers betrayed, if only for a day

The haters ain't gonna like this: "Embracing the latest call for civility in Congress came easy for some in Florida's congressional delegation." "Florida GOP, Democratic lawmakers to sit together at speech". See also "Florida members of Congress choose comity over partisanship".

Florida's "slave-labor" wage statute not enforced

"Illegal immigration either costs or saves Floridians billions of dollars. It's inspired by racism. Or it's a fight to stop slave-labor wages. The polarizing views and stats clashed Monday at the Florida Senate's second fact-finding committee meeting over immigration. But one number wasn't disputed. Zero."

That's the number of employers who have been charged with breaking an 11-year-old Florida law that prohibits anyone from knowingly hiring a person "who is not duly authorized to work by the immigration laws or the Attorney General of the United States.''

"From what I can find, from our statistics, the statute has never been enforced,'' said Michael Ramage, general counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Florida's anti-choice zealots emboldened

"Emboldened by the November elections, Florida lawmakers and their cohorts around the nation are pushing forward with measures to restrict abortions nearly four decades after the U.S. Supreme Court's monumental Roe vs. Wade decision made them legal."

Republican lawmakers in Florida have filed bills that would bar private insurance companies from covering the procedure and make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions after 20 weeks except in cases where the mother's life is in jeopardy.

Lawmakers also have promised to revive a bill Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed last year that would force women to view an ultrasound of the fetus before having an abortion. Gov. Rick Scott has said he would sign a similar bill into law.

While Republican candidates largely made economic issues their focus last fall, they are now interpreting their successes at the polls as a mandate to make abortions more difficult to get, advocates on both sides say. ...

In Florida, Republicans increased their majorities in the House and Senate and took back the Governor's Mansion after Crist switched from the GOP to become an independent last year.

Since then, state Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, has filed a bill (H.B. 321) that would ban private insurers from paying for abortions.

And freshman state Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, has filed a bill (H.B. 97) similar to a Nebraska law passed last year that would bar abortions after 20 weeks based on the theory that a fetus at that stage of development has the capacity to feel pain. Trujillo's "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" also would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions after 20 weeks unless they can prove that the mother's life is in danger.

So much for the bad economy

"The net profit for FPL, the state's largest utility, rose 14 percent to $945 million, up from $831 million in 2009. That's higher than the 5 percent increase it reported from 2008 to 2009."

Meanwhile, "the state's Public Service Commission rejected a proposal by its staff to monitor FPL's profits in case the company earns more than what's allowed and customers are owed a refund." "FPL's profit was $945M last year, up 14 percent".

It's all about union busting

"House Speaker Dean Cannon says state pension reform is 'on the agenda.' But the subject promises to be contentious, as public-sector labor unions have already ramped up their defenses." "Unions vs. GOP in Pension Battle".

Never mind

"Scott and Florida lawmakers are struggling to find dollars to close a $3.6 billion budget shortfall, but a state agency is considering walking away from more than $300,000 in fines owed by almost 300 former public officials." "Ethics Commission May Walk Away From $300,000 Owed in Fines".

"Rep. Allen West, R-Fort Lauderdale, appeared recently on the South Florida-based program The Shalom Show and said that Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim member of Congress, represents the 'antithesis of the principles upon which this country was established.'" "Rep. West: Muslim congressman represents the ‘antithesis of the principles upon which this country was established’".

And how much do State Troopers make?

"As a candidate, Scott called it wasteful for the state to employ dozens of lobbyists. On MSNBC in August, Scott said: 'That's not what state governments ought to be doing.' But as governor, he's using those positions to reward political supporters."

• Jason Evans, 27, Department of Health, at a salary of $60,000. A Marine Corps veteran, Evans briefly ran Scott's northwest Florida field office before doing site advance at campaign events.

• Christopher Chaney, 28, Agency for Health Care Administration, $60,000. The state Republican Party paid Chaney, a former Bill McCollum staffer, $9,000 for voter turnout efforts during the campaign.

• Curt Siegmeister, 22, Agency for Workforce Innovation, $58,122. A recent University of Florida graduate, Siegmeister made $13,000 for contract work for the Republican Party last fall, and coordinated inaugural invitations and payments.

• Michael Manley, 30, Department of Lottery, $60,000. Manley earned $7,900 for leading campaign field operations for Scott.

• Anthony Bonna, 23, Department of State, $48,000. A recent Georgetown University graduate, Bonna banked $3,200 from the Republican Party for mining opposition research on Scott's gubernatorial run.

• Allen Mortham Jr., the 37-year-old son of former Secretary of State Sandy Mortham, will earn a $75,000 salary at the Department of Corrections. Mortham, a registered lobbyist, has represented the Public Service Commission, Department of Business and Professional Regulation and other clients over the last decade. He was a corrections officer from 1995 to 1997.

• Darrick McGhee, 33, will earn $85,000 at the Department of Education. McGhee previously held that position at the departments of Business and Professional Regulation and Elder Affairs. He was also internships director for former Gov. Jeb Bush.

• William Booher, 29, moves from the Department of Emergency Management's external affairs office to the agency's legislative affairs position with an $85,000 salary. He has worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency in New Orleans.

Mack In

"Rep. Mack fundraising for Senate run?".

Scott's "effective PR stunt"

"Less than a week after his 'Twitter town hall,' Rick Scott is getting critiqued by a fellow politician who many describe as a social media guru." "New Jersey mayor gives Scott advice on social media".

Arizona-style

"Republican state legislators’ proposed Arizona-style immigration enforcement bills have stirred up a statewide discussion on the issue, including among law enforcement officials." "Sarasota sheriff: With an Arizona-type immigration law, where would you put detainees?". Related: "Senators hear from all sides in touchy immigration hearing" and "More doubts cast on an Arizona-style immigration law in Florida".

Congresswoman Adams on Judiciary Committee

"U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams announced Monday she will serve on two committees in the U.S. House of Representatives: Science, Space and Technology; and Judiciary." "U.S. Rep. Adams to serve on space, judiciary committees".

Perhaps Browner will return to Florida?

"President Barack Obama's top adviser on energy and climate matters is stepping down, two White House officials confirmed Monday." "Browner leaving as Obama adviser".

Property insurance "reform"

"Florida lawmakers are going back to work on a property insurance reform measure they believe will help state pay claims after a major hurricane or series of storms." "Lawmakers renew efforts on property insurance bill".

Fair Districts challenge

"Florida Democrats are sharply criticizing Republican state House leaders after a report by The Florida Independent [yesterday] revealed that the House is moving to assist in a lawsuit seeking the removal of one of the state’s two popular anti-gerrymandering amendments." "Democrats blast GOP leaders for intervention in suit targeting 'Fair Districts'".

"The federal court filing in Miami drew criticism Monday from Democrats. They accused Republican House leaders of trying to thwart voters who approved the Fair Districts amendment by more than 60 percent in November." "Fla. House challenges redistricting amendment".

The meeting -- at least for now -- is not on Sen. Marco Rubio's schedule, said spokesman Alex Burgos, who pointed out that the freshman senator had yet to make up his mind about joining any caucus. ...

"He's proud of his relationship with the tea party movement,'' Burgos said. ...Burgos said Rubio's office stays in contact with a number of tea party groups and he's not heard any grumbling.

Scott's "faced a grim reality"

"Without the Legislature in session until March, it has been difficult for Scott to deliver on most of his promises. Similarly, it has been hard for him to break a promise. But Scott has advanced several major pledges — to sell the state airplane, to not take a salary and to try to crack down on illegal immigration."

Scott promised to freeze all regulations, but upon taking office, he's faced a grim reality: He can't direct the practices of the entire state government. ...

Scott has made progress on two immigration-related promises — though their ultimate fate is very much in question.

He promised to bring an Arizona-style immigration law to Florida that would require local law enforcement officials, once they stop a person, to verify the immigration status of anyone they reasonably suspect of being in the country illegally.

A bill has been filed in the Senate, and one is coming in the House ...

Public Employee Pensions: "Facts are Stubborn Things"

Bill Cotterell: "There's an old joke in newsrooms — at least, I hope it's said jokingly — about not letting the facts get in the way of a good story."

Elected leaders do that, too, but they're not joking. Ronald Reagan once said "facts are stupid things." Maybe he meant "stubborn things," but he was right either way — truth just is what it is, unyielding and unresponsive to what we'd like.

The 2011 legislative session is going to make major changes in the Florida Retirement System. A lot of the new rules will be based on cold, hard fact — namely, money — but much impetus for these changes will come from feel-good political motives.

There's a perception that public pensions are far too generous and that the FRS is in great financial peril. But the fund is sound, despite some investment losses in the great market collapse of 2008-09. And if you look closely at the greed stories about some 48-year-old cop retiring with a six-figure pension, or retiree health-care costs gobbling up city and county tax revenues, you'll notice that they occur in other states.

When you get past the anecdotal eye-openers, the numbers don't show a big, rich public trough for public retirees. While it's true that some retire with generous benefits — especially in the "special risk" class of firefighters, police and prison officers — they earn it.

It's also true that a lot of the local governments now unable to afford their obligations got in trouble by bargaining away future health and pension benefits. It may have been done by previous administrations but, many times, the cities avoided giving big pay raises today by promising big benefits in retirement — and their successors now see the bill coming due.

Heroes and Zeroes

Nancy Smith: "Cool-Head Dean Cannon, Hero; Not-So-Cool, Bill-Happy Legislators, Zeroes".

"Slaves" at "posh country clubs across South Florida"

"For up to 16 hours daily, they worked at posh country clubs across South Florida, then returned to deceptively quiet houses in Boca Raton where they were captives -- and in the most dreadful cases, fed rotten chicken and vegetables, forced to drink muriatic acid and repeatedly denied medical help." "Modern-day slaves' story repeats daily in plain sight".

Musta been those defined benefit pensions

"Gunman shoots 4 officers inside Detroit precinct".

The "pull" of Teabaggers slowing rail

"Florida's high-speed rail system may offer trains capable of running at 168 mph, but the project has yet to prove it can outrun the pull of state politics. ... [S]kepticism -- from newly elected Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, a Republican who has declared his intention to challenge rail-supporter and Democrat Bill Nelson for his U.S. Senate seat, and the politically influential Tea Party movement -- is slowing the project again." "Will GOP end high-speed rail's momentum?" See also "Politics may stop fast rail efforts".

"Tempting to think Barney Fife"

"When it comes to Florida's newest prison boss, it's tempting to think Barney Fife. Don't be fooled, say colleagues and national experts on prison reform who have worked with him." "Union warms to new chief of corrections".

Bits and Pieces

Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

"The People’s Republic of Florida"?

Jim Stratton: "One of the recurring themes is last year’s state elections was that Florida needed to do more to attract and accommodate businesses. That the state had become too heavily regulated and generally unfriendly to business."

Gov. Rick Scott relied on that narrative throughout his campaign as did Sen. President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon. All three are Republicans.

Given the state’s miserable unemployment rate — about 12 percent — and the prevailing view of all things government, the message resonated with lots of voters who embraced Scott’s "Let’s get to work" mantra.

But the storyline ignored an inconvenient fact: Republicans have controlled the state legislature and the governor’s office for more than a decade. For eight of those years, Jeb Bush ran the state — and Bush was one of the most conservative, pro-business leaders ever to hold the office.

So the idea that we’ve become the People’s Republic of Florida is a little hard to swallow.

"Hot-button issues"

"Get ready for bruising battles this year over such hot-button education issues as merit pay, vouchers and charter schools. Under Gov. Rick Scott and a Republican-dominated legislature, big changes are all but assured. And so is controversy."

Before the political rhetoric gets too heated, state Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, on Wednesday will hold an education summit for policy-makers and the public at Lynn University Bachelor's, master's & online degrees in Boca Raton. It will focus on these contentious topics: high-stakes testing and curriculum, school funding and President Barack Obama's Race to the Top, and charter schools and voucher programs.

"Returning fire"

"A Northeast Florida lawmaker is trying to shield Floridians from estate taxes on property they inherit in other states by returning fire." "Jacksonville Rep. proposes retaliatory estate tax on non-residents".

Perhaps the Growers should Increase Wages?

"Driving away undocumented farm laborers would create an employment hole that no one else would fill, Putnam predicted." "Top Republican Putnam warns against copying Arizona immigration law".

More Job-Killin' Gub'ment Reger'lations

"New catch limits for certain types of fish are among items being discussed during public hearings in the Southeast during the next two weeks. ... Among the items on the agenda are proposed annual catch limits for species of fish not currently listed as overfished." "Fishery hearings set in 4 Southeastern states".

Apparently, Hawkes has no fear about spinning a version of events that is at odds with the facts. Indeed, 1st District voters returned him to the bench for at least another six years in November, even after St. Petersburg Times senior correspondent Lucy Morgan reported how he and other judges pursued the new building and demanded such amenities as private kitchens and soundproof bathrooms. But Hawkes and his colleagues didn't act alone. They had help from legislators — including new U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and new Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist — and the state Department of Management Services, which acquiesced to many of their demands.

Bush's hands are not clean, either. It was during his tenure in 2001 that the Legislature, where Hawkes was then working for the House Policy Committee, made the selection of judges a de facto patronage arrangement and abandoned a nonpartisan nomination process. Now the governor completely controls the nominating committees and thus the list of nominations from which he appoints judges. The result is too often predictable: Political insiders like Hawkes who are not the best qualified are named to the bench.

"Our new Twitter-deep guv."

Frank Cerabino: "Now that he's in office, [Scott] needed a cheaper way to give the illusion of access while avoiding all those pesky specifics that come with giving long-form answers to knowledgeable skeptics capable of asking follow-up questions."

And when you're governor, you can't rely on the route of pleading the Fifth Amendment to questions you don't like, as Scott famously did 75 times during one sworn deposition in his previous life of service for the greater personal good.

Less wordy than TV ads

And so he has discovered Twitter, holding his first-ever Twitter town hall Thursday night, devoting an entire 38 minutes to tackle questions that were asked and answered in 140 characters or less.

And yes, the spaces between words count as characters on Twitter.

If you thought those 30-second campaign ads were the epitome of sparse bouquets of Palinesque nothingness, think again.

Those TV ads were practically War and Peace length when compared to our new Twitter-deep guv.

Scott's "vouchers-for-all" program DOA?

In Florida, "critics have decried a 'voucher-for-all' program as an attack on public education and an improper way to funnel public money to private schools."

The teachers union attorney who led the fight against Florida's first voucher program called the idea "dead on arrival" and predicted it would not survive a likely court challenge.

A savings-plan law, however, would offer such broad choices to parents that it could not be accused of sending money solely to private schools nor of creating a parallel school system in violation of Florida's constitutional requirement for "uniform" public schools, said Clint Bolick, the institute's litigation director.

Bolick was one of the attorneys who successfully argued for school vouchers — taxpayer-financed tuition payments — before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2002, the nation's top court said it was constitutional for public money to pay for children to attend private schools, even religious ones.

But state courts in Arizona and Florida later struck down voucher programs, declaring them illegal under their stricter state constitutions. So in both places, advocates of programs that would spend public-school money outside public schools must tailor any new efforts to meet their state-court requirements.

"But, by gosh, they didn't 'raise taxes'"

Howard Troxler: "Two years ago, the "conservative" Republicans who ran Tallahassee jacked up a bunch of fees on Floridians to balance their state budget, $2.2 billion worth. But, by gosh, they didn't 'raise taxes.'"

Last year, those same Republicans sucked up as many billions of dollars as they could from the feds to balance their budget — all the time griping about how liberal the Democrats were for giving it to them!

This brings us to this year, and the big news:

There's a new crop of Republicans in town, and they say They Really Mean It.

"Expect plenty of bumps"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "If Central Florida ever gets its high-speed train route from Orlando to Tampa, riders will enjoy smooth trips reaching a thrilling 168-miles-an-hour. Until then, expect plenty of bumps." "Another bump for rail".

Governor Scott in the Conservatory with an empty Syringe

"The decision by an Illinois drug company to stop producing a drug used in Florida executions could lead to delays." "Drug shortage could delay executions in Florida".

"Something of a mystery, even to lawmakers"

"Larry Metz is new to the Florida Legislature, but the state representative from Eustis was quick Friday to pinpoint the main challenge confronting lawmakers this spring."

First, the state is facing a $3.6 billion budget shortfall. Then there's Gov. Rick Scott's promise to cut property and corporate taxes, which could add another $2 billion to the budget gap.

"That's a lot of money to cut," Metz told members of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast meeting to preview the legislative session that begins March 8. "It's not going to be easy, and it's not going to be pretty, but we're going to have to do it."

Metz, a former Lake County School Board member whose district includes DeBary and part of Deltona, was one of four representatives to speak to the group at the meeting at Gene's Steakhouse in Daytona Beach. Budget concerns were also a part of presentations from Fred Costello, R-Ormond Beach, Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, and Dwayne Taylor, D-Daytona Beach.

"It's going to be very challenging. It's not going to be an easy session," Taylor said.

It's still something of a mystery, even to lawmakers, how the Legislature will reconcile a $70 billion budget. The recession continues to dampen state revenues, and the rise of unemployment and poverty has increased demand for many services.

Wishful thinking

Scott Maxwell hopes Dan Webster is somehow different than the rest of the RPOF. "'No' should not be last word on health-care reform".

Senseless

Myriam Marquez is "Trying to make sense from the senseless".

The RPOF's criminal justice record

The Palm Beach Post editorial board points out the results of more than a decade of RPOFer control in Tallahassee:

# In 2000-01, 38 percent of new prison inmates had been convicted of crimes less serious than a third-degree felony, which comes with a maximum 5-year sentence. It is the least serious felony. Anything less is a misdemeanor. In 2008-09, 47 percent of new inmates had been convicted of those less serious crimes, many of them non-violent.

# Most incarcerated juveniles are guilty of nonviolent or property crimes. Forty percent of juveniles are in custody for probation violations.

# Half of Florida's prison inmates read at a sixth-grade level or lower. The number of mentally ill inmates has tripled in the past 15 years.

# Roughly one-third of inmates who are released return to prison within three years. That rate has varied little over the past decade. But only 1 percent of the Department of Corrections budget is spent on programs to reduce what is called recidivism.

Damn gub'ment reger'lations

"The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the collapse." "Authorities identify man killed in crane collapse".

Killing the Florida Black Bear

"Come June, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is to decide whether to take the bear off the state's threatened-species list, which shields it from hunting and, to a lesser degree, land development." "Hunting black bears may be best way to ensure their future |".

Some call them wingnuts

"They say Florida's social studies textbooks are biased in favor of Islam. They say it's part of a deliberate effort to brainwash American children. They want them fixed or dumped." "Critics Say Florida's Social Studies Textbooks Favor Islam".

While the rest of us were watchin' the game ...

"Two Broward sheriff's deputies carried an unconscious 80-year-old man from his burning home in Oakland Park on Saturday morning. Paramedics revived him before rushing him to Holy Cross Hospital, according to Oakland Park Fire Rescue." "Deputies rescue man, 80, from Oakland Park fire".

Entrepreneurs don' need no stinkin' reger'lations

"Some Florida foreclosure rescue companies and law firms that offer loan modifications continue to charge upfront fees and do little to help struggling homeowners, according to thousands of complaints filed with state regulators." "Florida regulators receiving new complaints about mortgage modifications".

"McCarty sees the light"

"McCarty, 56, was a hard-charging, tough-talking force on the county commission and in local Republican circles for 18 years before resigning in 2009 and pleading guilty to a federal felony count of honest services fraud." "Mary McCarty sees the light from federal prison".

"The most outrageous thing I've ever seen"

Fred Grimm: "Under HB 155, sponsored by (among others) Miami's own Rep. Frank Artiles, Dr. Nemeroff's life-saving act becomes a felony. Artiles appeared on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 Tuesday, ostensibly to defend his bill though he seemed painfully unaware of its contents. It was as if Artiles had pasted up an NRA template without bothering to read it." "Muzzle law would meddle in doctors' work".

"I wish you luck in your re-election"

"Florida needs "stability, certainty and predictability" before its businesses can begin putting people back to work -- and the state Legislature is looking to provide that foundation, Senate President Mike Haridopolos said Saturday night. 'We need to bring confidence back,' the Merritt Island Republican told members of the Halifax Area Civic League at the group's annual dinner at Oceanside Country Club in Ormond Beach. 'I believe our best days are still ahead of us if we keep the path that brought us all this prosperity.' Haridopolos, 40, will be leading the first veto-proof, Republican-controlled Legislature since Reconstruction when the new legislative session begins March 8."

"While speaking of pension reform, Haridopolos singled out in the crowd former Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello, who was elected to the House in November and plans to file a pension reform bill."

"Fred, bravo for taking on this issue as a freshman (lawmaker)," Haridopolos told him before adding, "I wish you luck in your re-election."