Many in the audience came out to hear from recently elected US Senator Marco Rubio, who was welcomed with a standing ovation.

U.S. Representative Bill Posey [and nationally celebrated birther*], who spoke before Sen. Rubio, had a similar message for the Tea Party supporters.

“It’s moving,” Sebastian resident Polly Houck said of being a part of the Tea Party Rally. She said that there has been a lot happening in her family - medically, that has caused stress. “We don’t want Obamacare.”

The rally ended with the audience singing along with former American Idol contestant Krista Branch, who led them in “God Bless America.”

“We need God back in our country,” Houck said.

Teacher payback

"Scott signs education bill". See also "Gov. Scott signs Florida teacher pay, tenure bill" and "".

The Saint Pete Times editors note that "the Republican-led Legislature failed to provide any money to carry out the ambitious mission and left significant other flaws that will have to be corrected." "Flawed reform on education".

Budget blues

"The Florida Legislature's budget is taking shape, and the push to make cuts largely on the backs of the poor, sick and public employees is going to take some rhetorical massaging by lawmakers." "Senate schools budget has $678 million less for teachers". Related: "Dean Cannon Changes House Budget Allocations" and "Pension Reforms at Heart of Debate Over Education Funding".

Run on brown paper bags in Tally

"The Florida Legislature voted Thursday to revive so-called 'leadership funds' that will let future legislative leaders dig deep into the pockets of industry groups and lobbyists to spend those dollars more directly on campaigns." "Legislature revives special-interest campaign funds". See also "Lawmakers unleash powerful fundraising tools", "Legislature Overrides Crist, Makes Leadership Funds Bill Law" and "Lawmakers revive political funds that can raise unlimited cash".

Criticism is merited, if exaggerated

The right wing Tampa Trib editors: "Attorney General Pam Bondi and her fellow Cabinet members — all Republicans — have caught a lot of flak for voting to make it harder for felons convicted of nonviolent crimes in state court to have their civil rights restored. The criticism is merited, if exaggerated." "The civil rights of ex-felons".

Former friends

"A one-time co-defendant of former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom is expected to testify against him in his corruption trial. Bob Richburg is the former president of Northwest Florida State College. He is scheduled to testify Friday." "Former co-defendant will testify against Sansom". See also "Sansom trial: State budget director recommended veto of Destin airport project", "Jerry McDaniel testifies in Sansom trial" and "Crist testifies in Sansom trial".

Hole card

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Vegas-style casinos in Florida? First, let's see the hole card".

From the "values" crowd

"Costs of prepaid college plan going up".

Legislative summary

"The Florida Legislature is in session through May 6. The key issues yesterday and what's coming up:" "2011 Legislative summary".

"Rick, what you been smoking?"

Mike Thomas: "Gov. Rick Scott wants to drug-test state employees. After watching him nudge Education Commissioner Eric Smith out the door, I think we should start with the governor. Yo, Rick, what you been smoking?" "By pushing education chief out, Scott sets Florida up to fail".

The Crist era is over

"With the Florida Legislature poised to reject many of his policies and ideas, former Gov. Charlie Crist brushes it off and keeps smiling." "Former Gov. Charlie Crist faces dismantling of legacy with a smile".

"The Florida Legislature voted Thursday to override two more of former Gov. Charlie Crist's vetoes, including a hotly debated bill creating special committees that legislative leaders can use to raise and distribute campaign contributions. ... The Legislature in November overrode eight Crist vetoes during a special session after Republicans won veto-proof majorities in both chambers." "Florida lawmakers override 2 more Crist vetoes".

"Override of Crist veto may also be a warning shot across Gov. Scott’s bow." "Override of Crist veto: GOP displays clout to Scott".

Tax cutting and education gutting

"State legislators in both the House and Senate appear to be close to agreeing on proposed budgets that would cut education spending by more than 6 percent. But, depending on how the numbers are arranged, the budget reductions shrink to between roughly 2 and 4 percent." "Lawmakers factoring pension changes into education cuts".

Fair outa there

"T. Willard Fair, chairman of the state Board of Education, resigned Wednesday over Scott's handling of the resignation of Education Commissioner Eric Smith, who announced Monday that he is stepping down." "Chair's protest resignation jolts Florida education board".

The best the RPOFers can do?

"Rep. Connie Mack Making 'Major Announcement' Tomorrow About Possible Bill Nelson Challenge". See also "Rep. Connie Mack to make announcement on Senate run".

What's Haridopolos' problem with ethics?

"Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos this week pulled an ethics bill that would have cracked down on legislative conflicts of interest." "12 Bills Update: SB 86".

"Guns, courts and book deals"

Scott Maxwell: "Guns, courts and book deals are on readers' minds".

Polluters OK with Ricky

The Tampa Tribune editorial board notes that Ricky Scott "is reluctant to challenge polluters who foul our shores and hurt our economy." "Scott coddles BP".

Privatization disaster

"Florida's largest private child welfare agency under fire after girl's death".

Ros-Lehtinen's embarrassing flip-flop

"Hillary Clinton has been invited to testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Libya next week, and if committee Chair Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's (R-FL) recent statements are to be believed, she'll face some tough questions as to just why America has taken military action. But it's unclear just what Ros-Lehtinen's own position on Libya is, having apparently shifted between support and opposition for military operations over the last month." "Key House Republican Pulls A Newt On Libya?".

Teabaggers in action

"A hard-hitting tea party ad is calling out Republican state Sen. Thad Altman and Rep. John Tobia -- and generating a bit of notoriety itself."

The radio spot produced by Tea Party in Action blasts the two Space Coast lawmakers for supporting the controversial high-speed rail project and for pushing an added fee on Miami-based Dosal Tobacco Co.

Marianne Moran, founder of the West Palm Beach-based Tea Party in Action, said, "The issue advocacy ad speaks for itself -- against ObamaRail and against people saying one thing and doing another."

Though tea parties were widely credited for helping to elect Republican candidates in 2010, Moran vows to take on GOP lawmakers she considers backsliders.

Florida seeks to evade the minimum requirements of Medicaid

The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy: "Despite requests for more flexibility in changing Medicaid, the state already has considerable flexibility. What it doesn’t have -- and shouldn’t -- is the authority to evade the minimum requirements of the federal-state Medicaid partnership." "Seeking Flexibility in Medicaid: Already Bends, No Need to Break".

Ricky wonders "whether public hospitals are needed"

"Scott announced a commission to study whether public hospitals are needed or whether it would be better for healthcare tax dollars to go to all hospitals treating the uninsured." "Scott announces board to study public hospitals". See also "Fate of Central Florida hospital taxes will hinge on Gov. Scott's review of public hospitals".

Students protest education cuts

"Students protested education cuts on the steps of the state Capitol as the Legislature figures out how much money to spend on schools next year." "Students urge Florida lawmakers to protect schools from cuts".

Posada

"Conservative ex-diplomat testifies in perjury case".

Checking deregulation madness

"Consumer complaints forced state lawmakers to reduce the number of professions to be deregulated." "Bill scales back deregulation of professions". Related: "Bill would deregulate movers, repair shops, others".

Big of them

"Legislation designed to help ex-convicts get licenses and other government permits they need to hold down jobs won unanimous approval Thursday from the Florida Senate." "Florida Senate passes bill to help felons get jobs".

The decision to stall the bill, which is designed to crackdown on legislative voting conflicts of interest, draws attention to the issue of ethics in a Legislature where lawmakers have run afoul of disclosure laws. Haridopolos, a candidate for U.S. Senate, was recently admonished by his rules chairman for "inadvertently" failing to detail his finances on Constitutionally mandated ethics forms.

But when the legislation sponsored by Sen. Paula Dockery appeared on the proposed Wednesday agenda for the Government Oversight and Operations Committee, Haridopolos’ office ordered it removed with no explanation.

Dockery, a Haridopolos critic from Lakeland, said the decision is bad for taxpayers and raises questions about Haridopolos’ commitment to open government — an issue he has championed for years. ...

Haridopolos’ office declined to comment.

RPOFers out to bust Florida unions

"Public employee unions are one of the last bastions of Democratic money — and power — in a state tightly controlled by Republicans. And this session, GOP lawmakers are seeking to deal those unions a major blow with bills designed to limit their ability to collect and use dues for political purposes." "GOP targets public employee unions".

Dunce cap

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Senate President Mike Haridopolos would have Floridians believe that state government is wallowing in bathtubs filled with cash. " ""Smart cap" a cap with no smarts". More: "Smart cap would not need voters' approval of new taxes".

But it is OK if you plead the fifth 75 times under oath

"Fla. Gov. Scott orders state employee drug testing". See also "Florida Gov. Rick Scott orders random drug testing of state employees".

Related: "Rick Scott's Order for Random Drug Tests Draws ACLU Ire" ("Governor wants tests for state employees and welfare recipients").

Voucher madness

"The House K-20 Innovation Subcommittee met Tuesday and forwarded a school choice measure that increases options and flexibility for parents looking to pull their children out of failing schools under the Opportunity Scholarship Program. The measure, HB 1331, would allow parents to remove their children from failing schools and place them into better public schools anywhere in the state, as opposed to ones within the same district or in neighboring ones." "School Choice Expansion Clears House Committee".

"Crist to testify against Sansom"

Update: "Former Gov. Charlie Crist testified today he would have vetoed a $6 million budget item for a Destin airport project, if he had known former House Speaker Ray Sansom had slipped it into the 2007 spending plan on behalf of Panhandle developer Jay Odom." "Update: Crist testifies in Sansom trial".

"Crist to testify against Sansom in corruption trial". See also "Former governor set to testify against Sansom". More: "Testimony in Ray Sansom trial focuses on airport project funding".

Florida Senate: pictures of cows prohibited, sex with them OK

"The Florida Senate is ready to take a stand: Having sex with animals is wrong[*]."

Since 2008, the Senate has tried to make bestiality illegal. But for some reason the Florida House has decided to allow the practice to continue without the threat of punishment.

The legislation was proposed after a suspect accidentally strangled a goat named Meg during intercourse. When Sen. Nan Rich heard of the “disgusting” case, she tried to ban sex with animals, but always had trouble in the House.

The full Senate debates the bill Wednesday, though little will likely be said.

"Since 2001, there are about a dozen documented cases in Florida of people sexually assaulting animals.

While that may be disgusting, it's not illegal. Florida is one of about 20 states with no specific law prohibiting sex acts with animals." ...

A bill introduced this session (SB 744, HB 1227) would make any contact, for the purpose of sexual gratification, with an animal a felony.

Sen. Nan Rich, Weston Democrat "took up this bill because she believes animal abusers eventually hurt other people ... But Rich has not been [able] to get the bill before a committee. She has asked [Republican] Sen. Paula Dockery, chairwoman of the criminal justice committee, to take it up. Dockery could not be reached for comment." There appears to be "backlash" from a certain part of the State:

Dee Thompson-Poirrier, director of animal control for Okaloosa County, understands the uneasiness. She said there was a lot of backlash in the community when she investigated the goat case last year in nearby Walton County.

When Thompson-Poirrier pushed to have a rape kit done, she said she heard: "It's just a goat lady, get a grip. A lot of people said you're wasting your money. You're wasting the court's time."

"Bestiality bill finds slim support". Perhaps this tender part of Florida believes animal rape is a personal matter that should be handled within the goat's family, without wasteful government intrusion - after all, panhandlers believe there's already too much government regulation already? And ... hey, maybe goat stuff like that is perceived in the panhandle as part of the maturing process (of goats, that is). ...

The New York Times points out that "in the Florida Panhandle, with its stereotype of a Republican bloc-vote of retired military officers, the Christian right and unreconstructed Good Ol' Boys ... there isn't much of a presidential race ... in 2000' Bush won the region with roughly 70 percent of the vote ... The issue's unspoken subtext is whether the region has become a Capital of Dumb and Nasty in the United States." "The Redneck Riviera, where Bush can't lose".]

Palm Beachers like their Giuliani

"Former New York Mayor and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani left the door open for a 2012 run tonight, saying he’d think about launching another White House bid if it looks the GOP might otherwise pick a nominee who is 'too right-wing.'" "In Palm Beach, Giuliani talks about 2012, Obama, Palin, Romney, tea parties".

Choice under attack

Update: "House subcommittee passes bill to require an ultrasound before abortion".

"A slew of bills that would limit abortion rights in Florida are being proposed in the Legislature." "Abortion bills pile up in Florida". see also "Bill requiring ultrasound before all abortions advances in Florida House".

Facebook follies

"Gov. Rick Scott holds a 'town hall' meeting on Facebook". See also Scott Faces Tough Crowd on Facebook"" and "Fla. Gov. Scott holds Facebook 'town hall'".

Florida for sale, cheap

"Proposal would allow corporate advertising on Fla. license plates".

Of all people ...

... to judge another person's fitness to return to society. Rick Scott, the elected official who recently plead the fifth amendment 75 times under oath, and now sits on Florida's clemency board (which recently restored Florida's Jim Crow era laws regarding civil rights restoration), moans that decisions regarding "Clemency [are the] least fun in job as Fla. governor".

Frankel to take on West

"Outgoing West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel said on Monday she'll attempt to oust freshman U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation." "Outgoing West Palm mayor to challenge US Rep. Allen West".

"Tussle for muscle"

"A property insurance bill being pushed by Gov. Rick Scott and the insurance industry took a hit Tuesday as it moved forward in the Senate, but even its opponents suspect the setback will be temporary. Opponents say a key goal of the bill is to make it harder for property owners to get their claims paid, but Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, was able to block that aspect of the bill on a narrow 7-5 vote by the Senate Budget Committee." "Property insurers tussle for muscle in clash over bill". See also "Bills would raise property insurance rates, make claims harder". Related: "Homeowners Can't Sue Insurers? ‘Bad Faith’ Bill Troubles Some Senators" and "Fasano, Kriseman outraged over bills that deregulate Florida insurance industry".

Manchurian candidates

"Some of the area's biggest corporations are backing a new political institute that will groom future candidates for public office." "Firms back institute that will groom candidates".

Big of him

"Gov. Rick Scott approves $14 million transfer to help courts, but not loan request". The Sarasota Herald Tribune editorial board: "Judicial independence in jeopardy".

"Scott’s math skills aren’t convincing Republicans"

"Scott has pitched his 'jobs budget' to lawmakers as an infusion of business savvy into the inefficient world of government spending. But three weeks into the 60-day legislative session, Scott’s math skills aren’t convincing Republican lawmakers, who the governor accused of 'kicking the can' by spending federal stimulus dollars on health care, jobless benefits and classrooms over the past three years." "Lawmakers paying little attention to Gov. Scott’s ‘jobs budget’".

"Florida deportations misguided?"

"Undocumented immigrants in Florida who have no criminal record are more likely to be deported than such individuals in other parts of the country. Half of the 392,000 people deported nationwide in fiscal 2010 were categorized as criminal aliens, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But in Florida, only 5,314 of the 15,345 people deported - 34.6 percent - were labeled criminal aliens. The other 10,031 were noncriminal deportees." "Are Florida deportations misguided? Critics wants a focus on criminals".

Raising tourist tax cap

"A proposal to raise a tourist tax cap to fund renovations at Sun Life Stadium and Miami Beach’s convention center inched forward in the Florida Legislature, but its future remains uncertain." "Bill moves forward to raise tourist tax to renovate S. Fla. venues".

"The driest dry season in 80 years"

"The driest dry season in 80 years prompted water managers today to declare a water shortage throughout South Florida and to impose more stringent watering restrictions. The new restrictions, effective on Saturday, include a two-day-a-week residential watering schedule, rather than the current three-day-a week schedule in Palm Beach County." "Water managers impose more stringent irrigation restrictions in South Florida".

Mayor, manager fight it out at town hall meeting

"Mayor injured during altercation at town meeting".

Consider that legislative candidates already are opening up fundraising accounts unsure what their districts will look like by the summer of 2012.

Or that the Legislature will kick off its 2012 session in January, two months early, and just as Republican presidential candidates are poised to descend on the Sunshine state for what the national GOP considers to be a rogue primary.

And come August 2012, Republican activists in Florida may be juggling a crowded, high-profile U.S. Senate primary and an even higher-profile Republican National Convention in Tampa.

“No question it’s going to be an exciting time in Florida,’’ said Florida Republican Party Chairman David Bitner, who himself is juggling shifting scenarios ranging from the presidential primary date to how and when new political districts will be drawn.

Some Republicans are even talking about putting redistricting rules back on the ballot in January —or making that presidential primary officially meaningless and later holding party-run caucuses to allocate delegates.

Them lawyers shure use big words

"Bar Association wrangles with Legislature over balance of power". "Florida Lawyers, GOP Gird for Judicial Reform Battle".

"Packed agenda"

"Abortion. Guns. Drugs. Vouchers. Supreme Court justices. Gambling. Tuesday's agenda in the Florida House and Senate is packed with legislation that would affect every Floridian." "Today in Tallahassee: Packed agenda in House, Senate".

Mica strides world stage

"U.S. Rep. John L. Mica of Winter Park co-chaired a mission to Afghanistan by a five-member congressional delegation last weekend, according to his Washington office." "Mica visits with Afghan President Karzai".

"Poorest and sickest Floridians" hit by RPOF cuts

"A budget hobbled by recession-era red ink began taking shape Monday in the state Senate, including proposed cuts to schools, Medicaid and programs used by some of the poorest and sickest Floridians." "Poorest, sickest, oldest poised for brunt of Florida Senate budget cut proposals".

Budget "showdowns between the two chambers"

"Early legislative budget proposals confirm one thing lawmakers have been warning about – cuts virtually across the board -- and portend showdowns between the two chambers over high-profile priorities such as health care and state worker pay." "State Senate, House differ on budget cuts". See also "Senate budget committees may cut billions", "House and Senate far apart in how to handle $3.75 billion budget gap", "Senate draft budget includes money for Miami port but not other items sought by Scott", "Senate schools budget would call for cuts after all" and "Initial Senate draft budget includes money for beaches, petroleum tanks".

"Incentive program for judges"

"Sen. Mike Fasano wants to remove $590,000 from the 1st DCA's budget, but Sen. John Thrasher says it will hurt the service to his constituents. Senators also look to remove an incentive program for judges in the budget proposal." "Fasano wants to send 1st DCA a message".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Prosecutors: Bank executives not easy to charge".

AIF says "Jump!"

"Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature, on a mission this spring to make the state easier on businesses, isn't just targeting regulations in Tallahassee."

Two weeks into the annual 60-day legislative session, multiple bills are advancing that aim to curb local government's authority to regulate businesses, too.

One measure, sought by the state's retailers, would prevent cities or counties from imposing laws to help workers recoup wages that have been wrongfully withheld by employers. Another, pushed by fertilizer manufacturers, aims to invalidate local rules restricting the sale and use of fertilizer. A third, for restaurants, is designed to block ordinances banning fast-food chains such as McDonald's from giving away toys with high-calorie, high-fat children's meals.

Dems "touched by Dorworth’s concern for union members"

"State Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Lake Mary, told the Florida House Appropriations Committee Monday he wants to 'empower' union members."

Labor union members have been contacting his office expressing their support for the “payroll protection” measure, which would end the practice of automatically deducting public-employee union dues from members’ paychecks. The bill analysis from House staff says it will make collecting union dues more difficult.

Under the current system, public employees have a choice, Dorworth said. They can either join a union and watch their dues flow to candidates they don’t support, or they can risk being “kicked out” for refusing to support those candidates.

In public meetings held by two House committees and one Senate committee, no union member has made that argument.

Democrats on the panel asked Dorworth if he could describe the union members who told him they support the measure. He said he did not have that information available.

House Democratic leader Ron Saunders said he was touched by Dorworth’s concern for union members, but also noted that no union members have spoken in favor of it. So what’s the reason for this bill?

Dead turtles

"HB 1311 by Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, would exempt Walton County from having to get permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for sea walls constructed after Hurricane Dennis in 2004. Walton County officials and environmentalists raise concerns about the effects of those sea walls on beaches and sand dunes." "Walton County local bill raises concerns for sea turtles statewide".

Democracy only for the wealthy

"Bills are moving through the Florida Legislature that opponents say would give wealthy special interests more influence but that proponents say would create more transparency in reporting campaign money. Another bill that would make it easier for the Legislature to amend the constitution, but harder for private citizens to do so, also is gaining steam."

On Monday, a state Senate committee approved a bill that would raise campaign contribution limits, now $500 for all campaigns, to $1,000 for municipal or county candidates or judges at all levels, $2,500 for legislative seats, $5,000 for Cabinet seats, and $10,000 for governor. ...

Another bill would tighten rules on citizen petition drives to put constitutional amendments on the ballot, including prohibiting paying petition gatherers based on the number of signatures they obtain, and causing signed petitions to expire after 30 months.

That could make it nearly impossible for a citizen group to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot, said Ellen Freidin, who managed last year's successful Fair Districts amendment drive.

But the bill would make it easier for lawmakers to bypass a court should it rule a ballot summary or title is vague or deceptive.

"If Sisyphus wore flip flops"

Fred Grimm: "The Senate Government Appropriations Committee, doing an end run around the governor Monday afternoon, budgeted $16 million for 12 beach restoration projects 'with Miami-Dade at the top of the list.' Of course, the allocation must now survive other committees, a vote by the full Senate — and a similar measure needs approval in the House. And then it must avoid the governor’s veto." "Governor’s budget makes sand disappear".

"In Tallahassee, we are turning into Libya"

Mike Thomas: "Florida legislators are declaring war on animal-rights groups."

They have been pushing a bill that would make it a first-degree felony to enter a farm and take pictures or videos without permission from the farmer. The maximum punishment would be a few decades in prison.

This is the same Legislature that was planning to imprison pediatricians for talking to parents about gun safety.

Overseas we are bombing Libya, while in Tallahassee, we are turning into Libya.

At the behest of special-interest groups, legislators are using the power of government to criminalize the behavior of opposing groups.

I find this more than a little frightening, as should anyone wary of Big Brother.

RPOFer denies he's a crook

"With his one-time colleagues working in the Capitol across the street, former House Speaker Ray Sansom went on trial Monday for his role in an alleged scheme to build an airplane hangar for a developer, a charge his attorney vehemently denied." "As Ray Sansom case opens, defense vigorously denies charges". See also "Defense, prosecution heard in Sansom trial".

Choice under attack

"House set to debate series of bills designed to restrict abortion".

Credit to the Trib for publishing this

"It was a warm spring Saturday when dozens of immigrant girls and women leapt to their deaths - some with their clothes on fire, some holding hands - as horrified onlookers watched the Triangle Shirtwaist factory burn."

The March 25, 1911, fire that killed 146 workers became a touchstone for the organized labor movement, spurred laws that required fire drills and shed light on the lives of young immigrant workers near the turn of the century.

The 100th anniversary comes as public workers in Wisconsin, Ohio and elsewhere protest efforts to limit collective bargaining rights in response to state budget woes. Labor leaders and others say one need only look to the Triangle fire to see why unions are crucial.

"Courts declare financial emergency"

"Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles T. Canady, in letters to Gov. Rick Scott and legislative budget leaders, has asked to borrow $72.3 million from other state funds to keep courts operating through the current budget year that ends June 30." "State courts declare financial emergency, seek help". See also "Fla. courts, clerks may get emergency $90 million to keep them going this year".

"Weakening consumer protections to benefit industries"

"With only one in five Floridians still tethered to a traditional telephone, a Senate committee gave fast-track approval Monday to legislation that would completely deregulate land lines against the wishes of AARP and consumer advocates." "In rush to deregulate, Senate tackles basic phone service".

State law limiting rate hikes on the way out

"The Senate's utilities committee unanimously approved a bill Monday that would allow land line telephone companies to raise rates by as much as they want and strip regulators of their authority to help consumers with bill complaints. The bill, SB 1524 by Sen. David Simmons, R-Maitland, would repeal a state law limiting rate hikes and revoke most of the Public Service Commission's remaining power over the telecommunications sector, which has been scaled back over the years." "Bill allowing phone rate hikes clears Senate panel". Related: "Land Line Deregulation Moves Ahead in Senate".

Ricky's Education Secretary outa there

"Florida education secretary said he’ll step down this year".

NRA says "Jump!"

"A bill backed by the National Rifle Association that strengthens financial penalties against cities and counties for enacting tougher gun laws than the state requires gained momentum on Monday. ... The financial penalty was reduced from the originally proposed $5 million through an amendment to both chambers' version of the bill. " "Gun law pre-emption fine bills advance".

"Pre-K program getting results"

"Pre-K program getting results, despite budget woes".

"A warning to Florida"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The weeks of national furor last year didn't matter much to Arizona, which passed a heavy-handed anti-immigration law anyway. Now that the price tag is becoming clear - tens of millions of dollars in lost tourism business - Arizona is starting to see things differently. That state's reassessment should be a warning to Florida."

Florida lawmakers are contemplating their own new anti-immigration laws even as Florida's tourism-driven economy sputters. Florida needs tourists far more than it needs a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

The chief proposal moving through Florida's House of Representatives is less harsh than the law Arizona passed last year. The bill, pushed by Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, merely would allow police to check someone's immigration status if they already are the subject of a criminal investigation, and also requires all employers to use a federal database that confirms new hires are eligible to work.

Although Rep. Snyder has tempered the bill in the face of concerns from industry leaders, it is still wrongheaded - and the worries about the impact on tourism are just one reason why.

Lineup standards

"A divided Florida Innocence Commission voted Monday to endorse a controversial bill that would set minimum standards for police lineups." "Divided commission endorses bill on police lineups". See also "Battle over wrongful convictions pits GOP legislators versus law-enforcement".

"2003 all over again"

Michael Mayo: "Oliphant's $75K salary a slap to teachers".

Yaaawwwnnn

"Adam Putnam on Renewable Energy, Libya, Immigration Reform, More".

Sink

"Former state CFO Alex Sink, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate who lost to Rick Scott in November, will be speaking at a Catholic university later this month. The invitation comes despite taking a number of positions against Church teachings on core issues, including abortion and allowing same-sex couples to adopt children." "Abortion Supporter Alex Sink to Speak at Catholic University".

Medicaid deform

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editorial board: "Containing the costs of Florida's $20 billion Medicaid program while ensuring an acceptable quality of health care for the state's poor residents are two of the most pressing — and difficult — challenges facing the Legislature." "Medicaid reform that might work".

Hasner laff riot

"Hasner exploring Senate run in race defined by Rubio".

"Home sales rise"

"South Florida home sales rise in February".

"Lynn 'obviously doesn't know what she's talking about'"

"State Sen. Evelyn Lynn thinks the Legislature should consider suspending the popular prepaid college tuition program that has served hundreds of thousands of Floridians — mostly because, Lynn said, she's worried taxpayers would be vulnerable if the program ran into financial trouble."

But Stanley G. Tate, one of the foremost experts on the prepaid plan, says Lynn "obviously doesn't know what she's talking about."

"Deeper property tax cuts"

"A move to give all Florida property owners a deeper property tax cut continued to gather steam in the Florida House Monday as a committee voted to put the measure on the ballot as early as 2012. The bill, approved by the House Community & Military Affairs Subcommittee [Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Lake Mary, is the bill’s sponsor in the House], would give commercial property owners and those with investment homes in Florida, a tax break that would match the one residential property owners now have under the Save Our Homes provisions of the state constitution."

If approved by voters, the maximum increase in the assessed value of commercial and non-homestead property would go from 10 to 3 percent. First-time home buyers would get a one-time $200,000 tax credit and all other homeowners would not see their taxes rise unless their property values increased.

The proposal, in effect, would give voters the option of enacting the deep property tax cuts sought by Gov. Rick Scott, who this year called for a $1.4 billion reduction in property taxes. Legislators have said they are unlikely to agree to it because it would require deeper cuts than they are prepared to make in the face of a $3.8 billion budget deficit.

But if voters approve the measure, economists predict the change will result in $231 million in revenue losses to cities and counties in the first year and as much as $1.2 billion in three years.

Billionaire car dealer pulls strings in Miami-Dade

"Three of the leading candidates for Miami-Dade County mayor threw their support Monday behind an eight-point reform plan proposed by billionaire businessman Norman Braman, who led the successful recall of former mayor Carlos Alvarez, as the race for a new mayor picked up steam and county commissioners tried to regain their footing after last week’s stunning recall vote." "Mayor candidates back Braman reform push".

The tuxedo crowd

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The 2010 list of tax-free items had some problems. Diapers were included but staplers were not. Umbrellas were also taxed, but tuxedos were not. We would remind legislators that parents and college students need such taxable items as paper, computers and staplers." "Sales-tax holiday benefits parents, economy".

"Guns, campaign cash and abortion"

"Today in Tallahassee: Guns, campaign cash, abortion and more".

Sansom goes on trial today

Update: Opening statements under way in Sansom trial"".

"Former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom goes on trial Monday, charged with improperly directing state money to benefit a campaign contributor." "Nearly 2 years later, Sansom gets his court time".

Winuts run wild in Ricky's house

"The Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank ... along with the similarly aligned Reason Foundation and conservative Heritage Foundation, have helped shape Gov. Rick Scott's policies on everything from education to health care to transportation."

Want to better understand the governor? Take a look at these think tanks.

Much of Scott's thinking on school vouchers and the economic benefits of free trade with Colombia and Panama comes from Cato Institute policy papers.

"That's what we do," said David Boaz, executive vice president of the Cato Institute. "We try to influence public policy."

The governor cited reports from Reason and Heritage that deemed high-speed rail a waste of taxpayer money when he decided to stop construction of a bullet train between Tampa and Orlando.

He has tapped members of the organizations for leadership roles in his transition to governor and in his administration. One of his top policy advisers is Mary Anne Carter, who worked for the Heritage Foundation.

Another teabagger in the wings

"Adam Hasner may try to follow Marco Rubio's path to U.S. Senate".

Charge it

"Small claims courts in Broward and Palm Beach counties are reporting a spike in the number of cases against debtors, who typically owe between $2,000 to $4,000. Some judges say they are handling more than 25 such cases a week, compared to just a handful a few years ago." "Companies filing more lawsuits over credit card debt in South Florida".

"A bright shining lie"

From Daily Kos: "NYT taking Koch Bros. dictation on Florida High Speed Rail".

Healthcare workers have had enough

"Health Unions Small But Gaining Ground".

"Numbers state lawmakers should keep in mind"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Construction workers who lost their jobs in recent years are losing hope. From January to January, Florida's construction industry lost 24,000 jobs. Nationwide, the unemployment rate in the industry is 21.8 percent."

Those are numbers state lawmakers should keep in mind as they try to balance this year's budget. With no new federal stimulus spending on the way and homebuilding stagnant, the Legislature should resist efforts to raid the state's Transportation Trust Fund to fill budget holes elsewhere.

The AIF and Chamber say "Jump!"

"Businesses Back Move To Weaken Florida Judges".

"Hurricane Rick"

"Gov. Rick Scott is unleashing a Category 5 hurricane on the benefits of Florida's public-sector workers, says Claudie Pouncey, president of the Space Coast AFL-CIO." "Speakers blast governor's policies".

Good to know

"Wealthy Americans start shopping again".

This guy's a "centrist"?

"No longer able to help set state government's agenda, the former senator from Altamonte Springs — one of Florida's last centrist Republican legislators — now worries about Tallahassee's rightward turn." "Front & Center: Lee Constantine on Tallahassee's rightward turn".

Public employees at work

"Police in Ocoee have evacuated an apartment building this morning after discovering an alleged meth lab in one of the units. Fire rescue crews ..." "Ocoee apartments evacuated after alleged meth lab discovered".

"Get on board"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Law enforcement, the medical community, pharmaceutical companies, Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Florida Senate stand firmly behind a comprehensive policy, from creating a database to stiffer regulation of pain specialists. The governor and the House should get on board." "Blocking effective antidrug steps". The Sarasota Herald Tribune editorial board: "A new, improved pill mill bill".

Pension attacks keep-a-comin'

"Experts say Florida overstates future pension returns".

Fl-oil-duh

"Is state still trying to collect from BP?"

"Speech isn't so free"

Bill Cotterell: "If we had more guys like David Wussler in state government, we'd have fewer guys like David Wussler in state government." "Speech isn't so free for an auditor".

"Tuesday’s historic recall won’t mean much unless ..."

"Even the most fervent supporters of tossing out Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez and longtime Commissioner Natacha Seijas say last Tuesday’s historic recall won’t mean much unless there is widespread reform at County Hall. Yet changing the county charter — the rulebook that politicians and bureaucrats play by — may prove even harder than the ouster of two of the county’s most powerful leaders." "Will voter revolt bring real change at Miami-Dade County Hall?" See also "Spanish-language radio had key role in recall". Myriam Marquez: "With recall done, time to fix charter".

Florida is a mega-Wisconsin: We're such a big electoral prize that Rick Scott and the almost-all Republican Legislature have launched a four-pronged strategy to make sure they live up to their commitment to the coup — with a vengeance. ...

Prong 1: Union-busting. Three bills are making their way through the Florida Legislature aimed at seriously undercutting financial support for Democrats by gutting the state's public unions — like prohibiting them from using payroll deductions to collect dues and restricting collective bargaining.

"Thunderous impacts on the Sunshine State"

This just in, from the right wing Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "To see what the Legislature ends up doing to Rick Scott's slash and burn budget proposal, you'll have to tune in toward the end of its 60-day session. But just two weeks in, lawmakers already have sent to the governor a bill changing how the state evaluates and pays its teachers. And lawmakers are speeding or crafting other bits of business that, should they become law, will have thunderous impacts on the Sunshine State." "Legislative session: Good, bad, in between".

Obama Goes After Scott

"Obama Goes After Florida Governor For Rejecting High-Speed Rail Funds".

Fl-oil-duh

"The Legislature's comprehensive oil spill recovery proposal shot out of the Senate on Wednesday with unanimous approval for $10 million in economic aid, relaxed standards for business-friendly incentive programs and a promise to focus on the eight hardest-hit counties on the Gulf Coast." "Oil spill recovery proposal wins Senate approval".

"Playing 52-card pickup with the judicial branch"

Howard Troxler asks "Why do we need three branches of government, anyway? What an old-fashioned idea, that they should serve as a check and balance on each other!"

Nope. If you get elected governor of Florida, or if you have the most votes in the Legislature, you should be able to do whatever you want. To the victor, you know.

And so not surprisingly, for its next trick, the Legislature this year intends to play 52-card pickup with the judicial branch of Florida's government....

Two state Supreme Courts, newly packed with the governor's buddies. A totally political nominating system with no check on the governor's choices. Appeals judges subject to being removed on the spot if the Legislature doesn't like a ruling. The Legislature controlling the rules of evidence, of procedure, and operation of the judicial branch.

It is revolution. It is constitutional usurpation. It is practically a whole new form of government.

But I'll tell you what it ain't. It ain't "conservative."

Republican pension mendacity

Mary Ellen Klas writes that "time after time the audience erupted in applause Thursday as a dozen speakers pleaded with a House committee to reject a pension-reform bill opponents believe punishes all 655,000 employees in the Florida Retirement System for the excesses of a few."

More than half of workers in the Florida Retirement System earn less than $40,000. The average annual benefit for retirees is $17,465. At least 297 executive branch workers earn salaries low enough to qualify them for Medicaid.

“It seems to me that public-sector employees are now the easy target to close the budget deficit,’’ said Jean Pilgrim, a school district auditor from Escambia County who took a week’s vacation with her husband to come to Tallahassee to protest the pension changes.

She cited Congressional Quarterly, which ranked Florida 45th in the nation for total teacher salary and benefits, and warned that the “additional 5 percent tax” would force thousands of school employees across the state to choose between paying groceries or making church offerings.

Absent from the web site is data that puts the list of high earners into context. For example, the Florida Department of Management Services calculates that the average FRS employee earns a salary of $34,651, retires with 21 years of service, and collects an average annual benefit of $11.642, or $970 a month. Of the 304,337 beneficiaries in the state retirement system, fewer than two in 1,000 – .17 percent – draw more than $100,000 a year.

“We need to get things more in line with what the private sector is doing and taxpayers can’t afford the rich benefits that state employees have,’’ said Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach.

Templin of the AFL-CIO countered, saying state workers are already at a disadvantage when pay and benefits are combined. “The average public sector worker makes $2,000 less than the public sector counterparts,” he said, and for teachers and other employees with a college degree, the salary gap “balloons to $22,000.’’

The sponsor of the House bill, Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, said there’s no turning back from requiring employees to pay a portion of their salary into their retirement.

“We are elected by the people and people want public pensions to mirror the private sector,’’ he said. “The argument that you took this job because of the great pension does not work today..’’

Rick Watson of the Florida Education Association disagreed. He told the House committee that the average annual retirement benefit for a teacher who has worked 30 years is $22,419, and the average ending salary is $46,708 – just slightly higher than the $45.631 median salary in Florida.

Frank Fabrizio, a captain with the Orange County Sheriff’s office, urged legislators to be careful with their reforms and to consider two deputies in his department who died in the last month because of their public service – one after contracting a viral infection from mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on an infant ...

While we were sleeping ...

"Two people were killed and a third wounded early Sunday after police responded to reports of shots fired". "2 die, 1 wounded in West Palm shooting".

Medicaid deform

"Florida lawmakers are considering a massive overhaul of the federal/state program that provides health care to low-income and disabled persons that would shuttle a majority of the state's 2.9 million Medicaid clients to HMO-style plans. But there are key differences between a House plan, approved this week, and a proposal pending in the Senate. Among them: who would be put into managed care, how to hold providers accountable and when the plans would take effect." "House and Senate Medicaid reform plans differ".

Waitin' on the jobs

"While Gov. Rick Scott and lawmakers work on proposals to streamline and improve state efforts to attract jobs, other bills focus on giving local government greater flexibility as well." "Bills would give local governments greater flexibility".

"The NRA has wandered off the gun range"

Scott Maxwell: "It's a bad time to be a sensible gun owner in Florida. Because the NRA has wandered off the gun range."

So extreme and dangerous are the National Rifle Association's latest positions that it's picking fights with everyone from pediatricians to sheriffs.

That's right, sheriffs. The sworn men and women of law enforcement — those who literally live and die by their firearms — are among the NRA's latest targets.

"A teacher morale buster"

The Sarasota-Herald Tribune editorial board: "Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith opined last week that Senate Bill 736 elevates 'the teaching profession to the esteemed level it deserves.'"

We don't buy that argument.

The measure would basically end job security for incoming teachers and weld their pay schedule to student learning metrics that are notoriously hard to define.

We're all for accountability, but this measure is a teacher morale buster. The last thing teaching — a difficult job that is not a high-paying one — needs is further disincentives.

Education majors who read this bill may decide to give up on the classroom and seek other careers.

If so, we wouldn't blame them.

Rubio lies down with dogs

"Marco Rubio gave his first post-election national media interviews to reliable safe audiences: two conservative radio talk-show hosts. The debut got the radio set buzzing, with host Mark Levin asking Rubio if he’s considered running for president. And then there’s Rush Limbaugh. ... presidential prognosticator Larry Sabato was including Rubio as No. 10 in a second tier of potential presidential challengers." "Rubio Steps into National Spotlight".

"Moneyless merit pay"

Fred Grimm 'splains it all: "It’s a novel concept: moneyless merit pay."

The momentous education bill passed this week by the Legislature strips tenure protection from Florida public-school teachers. In return, if their students score well on standardized tests, if they wow their principals, teachers will be lavished with merit raises.

Except the legislators didn’t bother with the nettlesome matter of funding their great reform.

No money to pay for the tests. ...

All newly hired teachers, beginning in July, can be signed only to one-year contracts. If their students ace their standardized tests, and the teachers receive favorable evaluations from their principals, they’ll be eligible for those illusionary merit raises. If they don’t do well on either count, of course, they’ll be zapped.

Current teachers, now muddling along with $5,000 a year less pay than the national average, will face a Hobson’s Choice in 2014. They can retain their tenure protection, but doing so means no raises. (Most districts haven’t given teachers a raise in two or three years as it is.)

Or they can forgo tenure, suck up to their principals and hope their students grasp just how much rides on the outcome of those despised tests, which will be expanded from core subjects to all curriculum.

Florida's economy not bouncing back as quickly as expected

"Florida's economy isn't bouncing back from recession as quickly as previously expected and events in Japan and the Middle East are having some effect."

The earthquake in Japan has disrupted the supply of automobiles and parts to the United States and tourism from that country is down.

Another negative factor is rising fuel prices due to political turmoil in oil-producing countries of the Middle East and north Africa.

The economists know corporate tax revenues have come in below estimate but aren't yet sure why because data to help explain the trend won't be available for another couple months.

"What we tried to do was hedge our bets," Baker said, so the corporate tax forecast is on the conservative side.

The estimate also does not include potential revenue losses due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico for which the state would seek reimbursement from BP, the well's owner.

"Florida No. 1 in the nation"

"Here's another distinction Florida can do without — No. 1 in the nation for fraudulent tax returns filed from prison." "Florida No.1 for fraudulent tax returns filed from prison".

"Challenges that can't be glossed over by overheated growth"

the Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Despite its considerable challenges, the Sunshine State remains a beacon for many seeking a new life and new opportunities."

Behind the numbers is a more sobering assessment from the Brookings Institute's Metro Monitor analysis: Florida, with its 11.9 unemployment rate, still has five of the 20 worst performing metropolitan regions in the country: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Cape Coral, Miami, North Port and Palm Bay. Of the 100 metro areas studied by Brookings, the Tampa metro area ranks 86th in employment, 90th in unemployment, 83rd in gross metropolitan product and 85th in foreclosed real estate owned by lenders. So there are challenges here that can no longer be glossed over by overheated growth.

"Already funded far below the national average"

The Miami Herald editors: "The new head of the Department of Children & Families is right: His agency and its partners were complicit in the tragic death of 10-year-Nubia Barahona. Secretary David Wilkins has pinned the blame not just on mistakes made by select employees, but on a systematic failure of Florida’s child welfare system."

Florida’s child-welfare system already is funded far below the national average and has child victimization rates far above national averages.

"Potential powder keg with lawmakers"

Aaron Deslatte writes that "Scott's office is keeping $235 million in SunRail contracts on hold until this summer — a move that allows him to hold the train over [House Speaker Dean] Cannon until well after the session, and even a potential special budget-writing session if the governor vetoes lawmakers' budget."

"If anyone expects SunRail to serve as 'leverage' with the House, he or she will be sorely disappointed," Cannon said in a statement after Scott's announcement he was stalling the project. "While I support the project, I will not abandon responsible, conservative public policy for any infrastructure project."

Scott said the delay would give him more time to listen to people's concerns over the project.

But it has the potential to be a powder keg with lawmakers already sore that Scott scuttled a $2.7 billion high-speed-rail line that would have drawn $2.4 billion in federal money.

When two lawmakers sued Scott, the Florida Supreme Court declined to order him to spend federal money that hadn't been appropriated. But the justices signaled during oral arguments that they might look differently on a case where the governor was refusing to spend already-appropriated state dollars.

In Alice in Wonderland fashion, that means a deal that will cost Florida taxpayers more than high-speed rail is more defensible for precisely that reason.

"If a budget is adopted and passed, he has a constitutional responsibility to faithfully follow that," said Senate Budget Chairman J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales.

"At some point in time, [a freeze] becomes an embargo and not a reasonable look at what's happening."

GOP lawmakers have stressed they didn't want to pick fights with a new governor from their own party who is still settling in. But if Scott does decide to deep-six SunRail, look for another court fight — and some bigger guns.

Dunce cap

The Tampa Tribune editors: "Called "Smart Cap," the proposed constitutional amendment, when fully phased in, would allow government's taxes and fees to grow no faster than population plus inflation. Without super-majority approval, revenue per person would remain flat, even if the economy begins to boom. The cap is a bad idea. It is proposed because of politics, not fiscal necessity." "Tax cap: austerity evermore".

Florida "drying out interconnected lakes and springs"

"Central Florida finds itself again in murky and contentious waters. Earlier this month, government regulators roiled the region's utilities by warning that, despite the declines in water consumption, the continued pumping of hundreds of millions of gallons a day from the underground Floridan Aquifer is damaging the environment by draining or drying out interconnected lakes and springs." "Florida water worries clash with cost concerns".

Miami-Dade recall

"A 17 percent voter turnout does not a mandate make, but the 88-22 percent landslide vote last Tuesday to 'kick the rascals out' of Miami-Dade County Hall was indeed the tsunami of discontent that recall architect Norman Braman predicted a month ago." "With recall done, time to fix charter".

"A somewhat surprising turn of events"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "While the budget ax is swinging in Tallahassee, addiction services could escape the worst of the cuts. That's a somewhat surprising -- and encouraging -- turn of events." "Scott recognizes value of addiction services".

Posada

"Ann Louise Bardach, a reporter for the Daily Beast and a Cuba expert for CBS news, was a contract writer with the New York Times in 1998 when she interviewed Luis Posada Carriles in Aruba, where he was hiding. Based on that interview, she co-wrote a series of articles for the Times saying Posada masterminded bombings between April and September 1997 in hotels and a tourist restaurant in Havana and a resort in Varadero beach that killed an Italian tourist and wounded about a dozen other people."

During a heated cross-examination of Bardach, defense attorney Arturo Hernandez insisted, "In your interviews with Mr. Posada, he never explicitly admitted to the bombing campaign."

"Yes he did!" Bardach exclaimed. "In a hundred ways he admits to the bombing campaign. He was proud of this."