Despite a 10.7 percent unemployment rate that is higher than the national average, Scott and GOP legislative leaders have criticized Obama's plan. ... Florida could stand to receive more than $7.5 billion for schools, roads and other projects.

Fair Districts wins round one in federal court

"Two members of Congress from Florida vowed Friday to take their redistricting case to the U.S. Supreme Court after a Miami judge squashed their challenge to a state constitutional amendment limiting how districts are drawn for congressional elections." "Judge dismisses redistricting suit". See also "Judge upholds Florida redistricting reforms", "U.S. judge upholds Florida "Fair District" law voters approved in November" and "Judge throws out anti-Fair Districts lawsuit (Updated)".

Hasner cuts deal with Commission on Ethics

"Hasner is currently a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. No penalty was recommended because the ethics commission has no jurisdiction over legislators, who write Florida’s ethics laws. Only the House can impose a penalty, but that may be impossible because Hasner is no longer in the Legislature. The former House majority leader was termed out in 2010.

A spokeswoman for House Speaker Dean Cannon, Katherine Betta, said Cannon would review the ethics panel’s finding but could not comment beyond that as to whether the House would take action."

Hasner, who previously had filed his annual financial disclosure statements in a timely fashion, is the third current or former lawmaker in recent months who has run afoul of the disclosure law. The others: Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and Rep. John Tobia, R-Melbourne.

White House opens meeting with Latino leaders in Orlando

"White House opens summit meeting with Latino leaders in Orlando on Friday to discuss the economy and other key issues as a new poll showed that President Barack Obama's approval rating among Hispanics had reached a new low." "White House staffers open Hispanic summit in Orlando to gather ideas".

"Saying 'no' to salary increases"

"The average salary for teachers in most Central Florida school districts has declined steadily since 2008's economic downturn, and there is little prospect that pay will improve anytime soon. Some school boards are saying 'no' to salary increases even before teachers ask." "Teachers want raise -- districts want cash". Related: "Scott Maxwell: Public schools, teachers: Worth fighting for".

The "values crowd" in action

"Faced with the loss of more than $2 million used to help some of Palm Beach County's neediest children and families, the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County will tap into its reserve funds and cut administrative costs to keep key social service programs running." "Facing loss of $2 million, Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County cuts five jobs".

The Chamber says "jump!"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board publishes yet another Chamber of Commerce press release: "An employer's prerogative".

GOP blames Nelson for Florida's unemployment rate

"With President Barack Obama calling for almost $450 billion in new federal spending as part of his jobs speech on Thursday night, Republicans in Florida and at the national level are looking to make it an issue in their effort to defeat incumbent Democrat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012."

The National Republican Senate Committee is aiming to link Nelson, who is running for a third term in 2012, to the president and big government. Even before Obama’s speech on Thursday, the NRSC was firing away at the Democrat, noting that Florida's unemployment rate is still higher than the national average.

Businessman Craig Miller, the former CEO of Ruth's Chris, also weighed in on the speech on Thursday night. ... Former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner released a statement on Friday morning.

Florida businesses second only to New York in 9/11 cash

Florida's entrepreneurs never stop working those federal handouts: "An ice cream shop in Miami Beach, more than 1,200 miles from the attacks on the World Trade Center, received a 9/11 disaster loan from the federal government."

So did a discount furniture store in Fort Lauderdale, a boat dealer in Dania Beach and a beauty supply company in Boca Raton.

In all, Florida businesses received $140 million in low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration following the terrorist attacks a decade ago. That put Florida second only to New York, where the SBA handed out $533 million, federal records show.

Will Florida GOPers "go wild" over Rick Perry's executions?

"Rick Perry Heads to Presidency 5 Straw Poll With Experienced Florida Team".

Welcome to the modern Republican Party: "Reagan Library Debate Audience Ghoulishly Cheers for Rick Perry's Record Executions". See also "Reagan Library Crowd Goes Wild For Perry's 234 Executions".

Week in Review

"The Week in Review for Sept. 6-Sept. 9". See also "Weekly Roundup: A Sinking Feeling About Insurance".

The Koch brothers grade Florida legislators

"This week, Americans for Prosperity[*]-Florida (AFP-FL), the state chapter of the national conservative organization that calls for restraining the scope of government in the economy, released its 2011 report card for members of the Florida Legislature."

All of the Democrats in the House received “F” grades from AFP-FL with the exception of Rep. Leonard Bembry of Madison.

While every Democrat in the Senate received “F” grades from AFP-FL -- with the exception of Sen. Larcenia Bullard of Miami, who missed much of the session due to poor health and therefore was not graded -- Republicans in the upper chamber earned mixed marks.

Six Republicans in the Senate -- President Mike Haridopolos of Merritt Island, incoming President Don Gaetz of Niceville, Majority Leader Andy Gardiner of Orlando, J.D. Alexander of Lake Wales, Joe Negron of Palm City and John Thrasher of Jacksonville -- received “A+” grades from AFP-FL.

Twelve Republicans in the Senate -- President Pro Tempore Mike Bennett of Bradenton, Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla of Miami, Greg Evers of Crestview, Anitere Flores of Miami, Rene Garcia of Hialeah, Alan Hays of Umatilla, Jack Latvala of St. Petersburg, Jim Norman of Tampa, Garrett Richter of Naples, David Simmons of Altamonte Springs and Stephen Wise of Jacksonville -- received “A” grades.

Eight Republicans in the Senate received “B” marks. They were Thad Altman of Melbourne, Lizbeth Benaquisto of Wellington, Charlie Dean of Iverness, Nancy Detert of Venice, Dennis Jones of Seminole, Evelyn Lynn of Daytona Beach, Steve Oelrich of Gainesville and Ronda Storms of Brandon. Two Senate Republicans -- Paula Dockery of Lakeland and Mike Fasano of New Port Richey -- garnered “C” grades from AFP-FL.

AFP-FL also named their “Legislators of the Year” on Wednesday. Negron, who represents all of Martin County and parts of Indian River, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties, received the Senate version of the award. Besides garnering an “A+" grade from AFP-FL, Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, who represents parts of Orange and Seminole counties, won the award in the House.

The Sarasota connection

"The former U.S. senator responsible for investigating 9/11 called Friday for a renewed inquiry into links between Saudi Arabia and the hijackers in light of revelations this week that a Saudi family living in Sarasota was meeting with the terrorists."

Citing a similar case in California, former Florida Sen. Bob Graham said the previously undisclosed Sarasota case may be part of a pattern of families who were close to terrorists and fled the country before Sept. 11.

Graham called on President Obama to conduct a full accounting of the "Saudi involvement" in supporting 9/11 hijackers and an explanation of why the U.S. government withheld information on the Sarasota family and others with ties to the hijackers from Congressional investigators.

"I think it's a total outrage," said Graham, who chaired the joint Congressional inquiry into 9/11.

The Sarasota family, Abdulazzi and Anoud al-Hiijjii, abruptly left Sarasota to return to Saudi Arabia shortly before Sept. 11, but Congressional leaders were never told of the incident. They also were not told of the family's connection to the hijackers, who visited the al-Hiijjii home several times, according to security gate records compiled in a previously undisclosed FBI investigation that was leaked to browardbulldog.org this week.

Ballard hits the bricks

"Bob Ballard, brother of Tallahassee lobbyist Brian Ballard, resigned following months of questions and controversy involving state lands. DEP faced controversy earlier this summer when the department proposed putting RV campgrounds at four state parks, and Gov. Rick Scott vetoed funding for the Florida Forever land-buying program housed at the department." "Top DEP official Bob Ballard abruptly resigns".

Wingnuts in a dither

"A few months ago, reports surfaced that the Florida Legislature was rejecting grants from the Affordable Care Act — some of which provided money for child abuse and neglect prevention."

Initially, child advocates were upset over a missed opportunity to reconcile budget shortfalls in programs run by Healthy Families Florida and Healthy Start Coalitions. Both organizations carry out home visiting programs for at-risk families. In the past two years, both groups had suffered immense budget cuts. Representatives of the organizations said the $3.4 million from the federal Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting grant would have been a big help.

Members of the state Legislature wouldn’t budge, citing a legal fight with the federal government over the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act — and a host of other reasons — as reason to reject the grants.

But the U.S. Department of Education decided to tie the very grants the Legislature was dismissing to millions of dollars in federal Race to the Top early learning dollars. One of the eligibility requirements for the competitive education grants is participation in Affordable Care Act’s home visiting programs. Up to $100 million was at stake if the Legislature did not accept the home visiting grant.

That convinced Gov. Rick Scott — normally opposed to federal spending — to fight for the grant money. ...

State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, said multiple times that the home visiting programs provide no “tangible services.” He also said that these home visiting programs were “amorphous assistance.” ...

State Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, told her colleagues she is completely against the Affordable Care Act, saying it is an example of the government taking a role that is meant for churches. ...

“The feds want to shove this down our throat,” Grimsley said.

Negron and Gaetz maintained that they would vote no.

When the decision was brought to a voice vote, the measure passed.

"Don't tug on Superman's cape"

"Michele Bachmann, the Republican presidential candidate, flew into South Florida last week to campaign and quickly stepped into swampy water. In Sarasota, in response to a reporter's question, Bachmann said she would be open to drilling for oil in the Everglades if it could be done responsibly. Bachmann made sure to hedge her position by stressing she did not support irresponsible drilling in the 'River of Grass,' but it was too late. The remarks set off a small media firestorm."

Even the Daytona Beach News-Journal editors get it: "Jim Croce, the late musician, once sang that you don't tug on Superman's cape. In Florida, there is another rule: You don't call for more drilling in the Everglades." "Romney's plan leaves out specifics on Medicare".

"Commission on the Status of [Some] Women"

"The Florida Commission on the Status of Women describes itself as a 'nonpartisan board.' The governor, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the president of Senate and the attorney general appoint four members; the Chief Financial Officer and commissioner of agriculture appoint three each. According to the Commission’s website, the organization’s 'mandate is to study and make recommendations to the Governor, Cabinet and Legislature on issues affecting women. These recommendations are presented in the form of an annual report that is distributed in the first quarter of each year.'" "Commission on the Status of Women adds anti-abortion bills to report".

"Florida ranks 44th in the U.S. for long-term care"

"According to a new report, Florida ranks 44th in the U.S. for long-term care."

The AARP, the Commonwealth Fund and The SCAN Foundation have released a report titled, “A State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Adults, People with Physical Disabilities, and Family Caregivers.”

According to the report (.pdf), the study is a “a multidimensional approach to measure state-level performance of long-term services and supports (LTSS) systems that provide assistance to older people and adults with disabilities.”

The study examines state performance in four areas: (1) affordability and access; (2) choice of setting and provider; (3) quality of life and quality of care; and (4) support for family caregivers.

Florida was ranked in the bottom quartile overall. According to the study, many of the “lagging states [that] scored in the bottom half of states on most dimensions … are in the South, and have among the lowest median incomes and highest rates of both poverty and disability in the nation.”

Scott hires "fewer black, Hispanic and Asian workers"

"Gov. Rick Scott’s lieutenant governor is the first African-American to hold that job in Florida, but records show Scott has hired fewer black, Hispanic and Asian workers than his predecessor or fellow statewide elected officials."

“I’m not going to appoint people that don’t believe what I believe in,” Scott said.

State Sen. Tony Hill, a member of the legislative black caucus, bristled at Scott’s position.

“There is not a talent deficit in the minority communities, there is an opportunity deficit,” said Hill, D-Jacksonville. “If diversity is not a priority at the top of his office, it’s not going to happen.”

Carroll [to making] phone calls to leaders in the minority community in search of potential hires.

"Seniors may see a decrease in access to health care"

"With hopes dimming that a congressional 'super committee' can devise a plan to fix the federal deficit, Florida officials already are bracing for $1.2 trillion in budget cuts that automatically would go into effect if policymakers can't reach an agreement by year's end."

What gets cut, and who is affected, is largely undecided. But there is growing concern that the cuts could lead to lost jobs in the defense industry, further contractions at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and delays or worse for projects such as beach restoration and Everglades preservation.

because of a likely 2 percent across-the-board reduction in payments to providers, such as doctors and hospitals. Nationally, that could cost hospitals an estimated $45 billion during nine years, with a significant chunk — likely more than $1 billion — coming from Florida.

Friday’s hearing will feature the first oral arguments in the case brought by Reps. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, and Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, against Amendment 6, which 63 percent of Florida voters approved last year. Amendment 6 is one of the two so-called “Fair Districts” measures that supporters say will limit the Florida Legislature’s ability to draw district lines that favor incumbents and ensure one-party control.

According to attorney Stephen Cody, who is representing Brown and Diaz-Balart, the U.S. Constitution grants the state Legislature the authority to draw districts however it likes. “The U.S. Constitution delegates to the state Legislature the power,” Cody says, “and what the state constitution did was to come in and say, in effect, ‘The U.S. Constitution gives the Legislature complete discretion. We’re going to take away some of that discretion.’”

In an April filing asking U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro to invalidate Amendment 6, Cody and lawyers representing the Florida House of Representatives (which is spending taxpayer dollars to fight Amendment 6) argued that the U.S. Constitution says that “election measures” are valid “only when passed ‘as part of the legislative process.’”

Race to the bottom

"Traditional schools across state push for same freedoms as charter schools".

J.D. Alexander sued for firing American citizens, hiring guest workers instead

"In the waning days of the 2011 legislative session, Sen. J.D. Alexander, one of the state's most powerful lawmakers, delivered an impassioned floor speech against a measure that would have required employers to check the immigration status of new hires."

Now Alexander, who owns a farm in Polk County, is facing a lawsuit from two farmworkers who say he violated federal law by firing American citizens and green card holders and replacing them with guest workers.

Alexander, the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, declined to comment for this story.

Sink stays in the game

"Alex Sink launches foundation, mum on possible 2014 run".

"Ploy to suppress participation of Democratic voters"

"Testifying in a congressional hearing Thursday, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson sharply condemned Florida's new election law as a ploy to suppress participation of Democratic voters."

Invoking the 2000 presidential election debacle, the Democrat said: "It was a painful experience and because of that, the state Legislature set about on a series of reforms. They made it easier to vote, they made it easier to register to vote. And they made it easier that someone would have the confidence that their vote was going to be counted as they intended. That has suddenly been reversed in the state of Florida."

The new law, pushed by the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature and signed in May by Gov. Rick Scott, reduces early voting from 14 days to eight; eliminates early voting on the Sunday before the election; and imposes new registration requirements and shorter filing deadlines on third-party groups that register voters.

It also requires voters who move from one county to another to file a provisional ballot if they wait to update their voting address until Election Day.

Redistricting update

"Round-up of media coverage of redistricting for 9/8".

West huffs and puffs

"After threatening to quit the Congressional Black Caucus over controversial remarks from colleagues about the tea party, Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) says he’s staying aboard after all." "West to stay in Black Caucus".

Just let the boys down at the club decide ...

Kingsley Guy whines that "if ever there was a crowning example of the dangers of government by referendum, Florida's class-size amendment is it." "Education constitutional amendments a waste of money".

Scott shill defends "radically altered growth management law"

"The state's radically altered growth management law stood front and center Thursday as hundreds of planners attending a conference heard from the governor who signed it 25 years ago and the development lawyer hired by the current governor to overhaul it." "Florida Community Affairs chief defends growth law changes as Bob Graham assails them".

"We're talking about Chris Dorworth"

Scott Maxwell wonders "what kind of so-called 'public servant' would have the audacity to run for office while stiffing the very taxpayers he wants to represent? Well, how about a future speaker of the Florida House?"

Yes, the tale of one Central Florida politician — one who broke the rules, incurred a fine, refused to pay, ignored threats about docked pay and ultimately forced the state to turn to a collection agency — highlights a much bigger problem.

We're talking about Chris Dorworth.

That may not surprise you. The Lake Mary Republican, after all, has had more financial pitfalls and personal bumbling than the Everglades has gators — everything from missed mortgage payments and unpaid tolls to multimillion-dollar judgments and a suspended drivers license. (A 2010 disclosure that showed Dorworth had monthly mortgage payments of $9,700 — and a monthly income of only $2,700 — told most people all they needed to know.)

But this isn't about Dorworth. Not just him, anyway.

Obama's proposal "particularly helpful in Florida"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Obama recommended extending and broadening the payroll tax cut for workers as part of a package costing $447 billion, more than half the size of the original stimulus package and likely too large for Republicans to stomach. He also would extend unemployment benefits that are scheduled to expire at the end of the year. With consumer confidence at historic lows, those efforts would help put a bit more money into Americans' pockets and increase their purchasing power. But they would not directly put more people back to work."

More encouraging is the president's proposal to spend money to repair 35,000 schools and build transportation projects. That would be particularly helpful in Florida, where the Legislature failed to provide any money this year for public school maintenance. Even Republican Gov. Rick Scott has seen the wisdom of advancing road projects to create jobs and take advantage of lower costs. But at $140 billion, this portion is too small even though Republicans, who inaccurately label the first stimulus as a failure, can be expected to reflexively reject it.

"Massive bonus to managed care plans, out-of-state executives and investors"

The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy reports that "The Medicaid legislation passed during the 2011 session aims to expand Florida's experimental managed care plan. One of the most controversial issues debated was the question of what standards should be used to regulate HMO profits."

The choice selected by the legislature—called “achieved savings rebate”—delivers a massive bonus to managed care plans and their frequently out-of-state executives and investors, at the expense of the most vulnerable patients and Florida taxpayers.

The option not selected—“medical loss ratio”—would have reduced HMO profits and provided more accountability that has been lacking for Medicaid managed care in Florida.

See you in Havana

"Expanded Cuba travel begins from Tampa".

Scott putting conservative agenda ahead of residents' needs

"Gov. Rick Scott and the Republican-led Legislature have rejected or declined to pursue more than $106 million in federal grant money and returned another $4.5 million for programs linked to federal health care initiatives, including cancer prevention, leading critics to say he is putting his conservative agenda ahead of residents' needs."

Scott ordered state agencies to reject any money tied to President Barack Obama's health care plan, which Florida is challenging in court, but Scott kept more than $13 million for a four-year abstinence education grant and for another program coordinating background checks for long-term care workers.

The figures, which are totals of funds that could have been obtained over five years, were provided by the governor's office.

Friday Reads

"Friday Morning Reads".

"Turf wars between universities"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida's 11 public universities have suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding cuts in recent years, and they've been raising their tuitions by 15 percent a year to make up the difference. They shouldn't be wasting any money duplicating each other's efforts." "Control turf wars between universities".

Teabagger carnies on way to Florida

"Texas Gov. Rick Perry's description of Social Security as a 'Ponzi scheme' and "monstrous lie" for younger workers drew more fire from Republican presidential rival Mitt Romney on Thursday as the field of GOP hopefuls prepares to visit senior-heavy Florida for two more nationally televised debates." "More Perry-Romney Social Security fireworks expected at Florida GOP debates".

Bitner passes

"Republican Party of Florida chairman David Bitner dies".

PSC hires ethically challenged executive director

"Braulio Baez, who served on the PSC from 2000 to 2006, agreed in 2007 to a public censure and to pay a $1,169 fine for accepting a dinner from a utility representative. PSC Chairman Art Graham cited the ethics violation in voting against Baez but other commissioners said he had dealt with the issue during an interview." "Split Public Service Commission hires Baez as new executive director".

"New plans for Everglades restoration"

"U.S. Fish & Wildlife announces new plans for Everglades restoration".

Nan Rich swings, Andy Gardiner whines

"With buzz growing that she is considering challenging Gov. Rick Scott in 2014, state Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich of Weston came out swinging this week at the redistricting process -- leading her Republican counterpart in the Florida Senate, Andy Gardiner of Orlando, to fire back." "Senate Leaders Andy Gardiner and Nan Rich Spar Over Redistricting". More: "Sen. Gardiner to Nan Rich: ‘You can’t rewrite history’".

"Scott vs. teachers unions"

Bill Cotterell: "Scott vs. teachers unions: Round 2".

"Brightest economic forecast since the recession"

"Florida lawmakers Wednesday received their brightest economic forecast since the recession hit, with projected tax collections and spending in harmony and no budget shortfalls seen through 2015." "Florida economic forecast the best in five years, but still dark".

Redistricting update

"Round-up of media coverage of redistricting for 9/8".

"Sunniland, the unlikeliest oil patch in the South"

"GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann startled some people last week when she said she'd be in favor of drilling for oil in the Everglades. Most oil-drilling discussions in Florida concern whether it will sully the beaches, not whether it would ruin the River of Grass."

But then, this week, Gov. Rick Scott appeared to back Bachmann up, then backed down, and now other politicians and activists are weighing in.

As Scott pointed out, drilling for oil in the Everglades is not some wild-eyed scheme that Bachmann made up. Oil has been pumping out of wells from what's known as the Sunniland Trend in the western Everglades since 1943.

So here's a quick 10-point tutorial on Sunniland, the unlikeliest oil patch in the South — and so far one of the safest, since according to state records there has never been a major oil spill there.

"Scott had a hard time this week getting his story straight"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Rick Scott had a hard time this week getting his story straight on whether he is open to expanding oil drilling in the Everglades. He could have saved himself a lot of trouble if he would have delivered the correct one-word answer: no." "No hedging: No Glades drilling". Fred Grimm: "Oil and water don’t mix in the Everglades".

Even the Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board gets it: "Glades oil drilling would be too much risk for too little".

The oil shills - starting with Congressman Mica's brother - want none of that: "The head of Florida’s oil lobby applauded Gov. Rick Scott’s statement that further oil drilling around the Florida Everglades should be done with extreme caution. However, David Mica of the Florida Petroleum Council said Wednesday he wished Scott had called for more drilling to lessen the country’s dependence on foreign oil." "Oil Industry Lobbyist Applauds Rick Scott Stance on Drilling".

"Suite Tea"

"Florida's tea partiers will have a place to mingle at the Presidency 5 summit in Orlando. A hospitality suite -- the so-called "Suite Tea" -- will open Sept. 22 at the Peabody Hotel, across from the Orange County Convention Center."

Sponsors of the suite -- in the Challenger 38 and 39 breakout rooms -- include the Latino American Tea Party, East Side Tea Party, Eastern Tea Party, Gainesville Tea Party, The Martin Tea Party Committee, Miami 9/12 Project, Tampa Tea Party, Titusville Patriots, Volusia 9/12, West Orlando Tea Party, AFP-FL, Campaign for Liberty, American Conservative Union, CPAC-FL, National School Choice Week and Apryl Marie Fogel.

Second amendment stoopid

"Would-be boat buyer pulls gun during test cruise".

Mica would leave water quality regulation to the states

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Bashing the Environmental Protection Agency has been a GOP theme since the party took control of the House this year. In July, the House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, that would leave regulation of water quality to the states. Republican members of the Florida delegation, along with most state politicians, oppose the EPA's proposed standards for the state's rivers, lakes and streams - even though the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed essentially the same standards in 2009."

Given the rhetoric, it's hard to believe that protecting the environment once was a strongly bipartisan issue. President Richard Nixon, a Republican, signed the Clean Air Act of 1970 - Rep. Paul Rogers, a Democrat, did much of the legwork in Congress, and the Senate passed it 73-0 - and the Clean Water Act of 1972. Mr. Nixon approved creation of the EPA in 1970. President George H.W. Bush, also a Republican, signed the 1990 upgrade of the Clean Air Act. The first Florida governor to champion environmental protection was Republican Claude Kirk, in the late 1960s.

To counteract this misinformation campaign, which gets backing from polluting industries, we will remind those who may have forgotten or weren't around yet what prompted Congress to act. Before the Clean Air and Clean Water acts, industry pumped waste directly into lakes and rivers.

"Arbitrary death-penalty decisions"

Mike Thomas: "When will state stop arbitrary death-penalty decisions?"

"There is a breaking point"

The Miami Herald editorial board:

Rick Scott has made no secret that he supports taxpayer-backed vouchers for private schools, though he has pulled back — for now — from forcing the issue because Florida’s Constitution prohibits public money for private schools. Yet most Floridians want their public school system to be top-notch.

Tough times call for sacrifice, to be sure. But there is a breaking point, and it seems ever closer.

State funding for public education has plummeted — and that began before the Great Recession. In fact, the state’s current base student allocation is at the same level it was a decade ago, and maintaining school facilities has been crippled by a bad economy and poor tax revenues. Teachers, who in most districts have not had a raise in several years, have had to dip into their salaries to cover a larger portion of their pension costs.

LeMieux desperate

"While former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner has garnered several endorsements of Florida legislators for his bid to take on Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux announced on Wednesday that five Republicans in the Legislature were backing his bid." "Five Florida Legislators Back George LeMieux for Senate".

Friends of Florida's First Coast (?) filling mailboxes

"A group calling itself Friends of Florida's First Coast filled mailboxes Wednesday across the area with mail attacking state Senate candidate Terry Fields. The mailers are based on a Times-Union story reporting Fields has a property tax break at odds with state law. He is one of four Democrats running in a special election Sept. 20 to fill the District 1 seat vacated by Tony Hill." "Special election to replace Tony Hill gets nasty".

A Rick Scott miscalculation?

"Gov. Rick Scott, who began his political career by criticizing the federal health care overhaul, has constantly said he opposes President Barack Obama's plan because it is a 'job killer' and would limit consumers' health care choices."

The Scott administration, however, now finds itself fending off legal challenges over its health care plan for state workers. This summer the Department of Management Services signed off on new state contracts that would restrict state workers to one health maintenance organization for each county starting next January.

Scott touted the contract in July, saying it would help the state save $400 million over the next two years. Florida is expected this year alone to spend $2 billion on state worker health insurance.

But three of the HMOs that didn't like the new contracts have asked an administrative judge in Tallahassee to throw them out. And one of the arguments is that the state messed up in how it calculated potential savings.

UnitedHealthcare of Florida contends in legal filings that the state's decision will actually cost the state nearly $500 million more because the HMO — which serves more than 2.5 million Floridians — has better discounts with doctors and clinics.

PSC

"PSC interviews three finalists for executive director".

The Sarasota connection

"FBI found ties between hijackers and Saudis in Sarasota but never revealed the findings". "Link to 9/11 hijackers found in Sarasota".

Scott in court again

"A state law that requires poor Floridians to pass a drug test before receiving cash welfare assistance — a key tenet of Gov. Rick Scott's campaign — is now being challenged in federal court by a Navy veteran and the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida." "Suit filed over welfare drug tests".

Allen West spreading the hate

"U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., no stranger to controversy for his remarks about Muslim-Americans, on Wednesday renewed the debate over the Islamic center near Ground Zero in New York City, just days before the country marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. ... The film, "SACRIFICED SURVIVORS: The Untold Story of the Ground Zero Mega Mosque," was produced by Martin Mayer of the Christian Action Network, and shown in a conference room in the Rayburn House Office Building across from the Capitol." "West promotes film about controversial Ground Zero mosque".

Mother Jones filed a report today about the "unprecedented recordings" that "provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the Koch brothers and their comrades talk when they gather." The Koch brothers are notorious for raising large amounts of cash for their right-wing agenda.

Among those gathered at the brothers’ shadowy June retreat was Gov. Rick Scott.

According to Mother Jones, the event included "a pair of keynote speeches and remarks by brothers Charles and David Koch, who spell out their political aims and name some of the 'great partners' who have contributed millions of dollars to their causes."

The list of almost 30 "great partners" were John Moran from Palm Springs, Fla., and Rich and Helen DeVos, owners of the Orlando Magic.

Big of him

"Scott promises to look at transaction fee charged by state's web-based vending system".

Scott "appeasing the assisted living facility industry"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Gov. Rick Scott is violating the spirit of the law by meddling in a volunteer advocacy program designed to protect the elderly and disabled."

A federal probe by the U.S. Administration on Aging into Florida's Long-term Care Ombudsman Program found it awash in political interference by the Governor's Office and riddled with conflicts of interest. ...

Political interference in the ombudsman program is illegal. ...

The federal report directs the state to change its policies to allow the ombudsman more independence from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and Governor's Office in dealings with the media and Legislature. The federal Administration on Aging also says the way the Scott administration used its appointment and removal power to interfere with the ombudsman's work raises "troubling concerns" over the ability of the ombudsman to "independently and effectively advocate on behalf of residents." It is now up to Scott to respond to this withering appraisal by changing course. He needs to demonstrate that the state's most vulnerable residents take precedence over appeasing the assisted living facility industry.

Hubris times ten

After being spanked for being unable to restrain himself viz. his political contributors, Scott has the temerity to say "Obama Jobs Speech Should Give States More Autonomy".

Scott: Never mind what I said about drilling in the 'Glades

"Scott clarifies his position on oil drilling in the Everglades". See also: "Scott seems to back Everglades drilling – but quickly backs off". Background: "Rick Scott says he could support Everglades oil drilling".

Trib editors say some Rickster hypocrisy is OK

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Gov. Rick Scott is usually quick to reject federal funds from President Barack Obama's programs, so it may seem a contradiction for Scott to support seeking "Race to the Top" education funds for Florida."

But the governor's stand is appropriate and consistent. Race to the Top promotes the reforms the governor and the Legislature have favored — school accountability, the concept of pay for performance, and tough standards. The goal is to help all schools, whether in poor neighborhoods or exclusive subdivisions, offer students a first-rate education.

Unless lawmakers play political games, Florida should be well positioned to win as much as $100 million in federal funds in the latest competition for Race to the Top grants.

But to apply for it, as the AP reports, lawmakers must approve a budget amendment accepting $3.4 million in federal funding for a home-visiting program that helps at-risk families. Lawmakers failed to approve the funding last session, but officials say they didn't realize it was tied to Race to the Top eligibility.

"Such thinking is as short-sighted as it is simple-minded"

Scott Maxwell risks his job by pointing out the obvious: "Teachers in Florida have never been paid what they're worth. They've always made less than their peers in other parts of the country. And in the past few years, salaries have dropped even lower."

The News Service of Florida reported last week that the average Florida teacher's salary has dropped by about $1,200 over the past four years — down to $45,723.

Even before that drop, Florida trailed states like Alabama, Texas and South Carolina.

Last year, Florida teachers made a whopping $7,000 less than those in Georgia — which raises an interesting point about competition.

Whenever Florida trails neighboring states when it comes to things like corporate taxes and incentives, lawmakers scream: "We must be competitive! We must be competitive!"

And then they break out their (your) checkbook.

Yet, when education suffers, the politicians respond with a collective shrug.

Such thinking is as short-sighted as it is simple-minded.

Unfunded mandates

"The state Constitution requires a two-thirds vote by the Legislature for mandates with some exceptions, including laws which have an 'insignificant fiscal impact.' A circuit judge in Tallahassee last year struck down 2009 growth law changes, ruling that the cost for cities and counties was not insignificant."

The Legislature has interpreted insignificant fiscal impact as being 10 cents per person within a defined jurisdiction. A year ago, a circuit judge in Tallahassee struck down the SB 360 growth law changes in 2009 after he determined that the amount spend by local governments to comply with the law would not be insignificant.

The lower court ruling was overturned earlier this year by the 1st District Court of Appeal. And the Legislature went on to rewrite the law and make other significant growth law changes.

Still, the ruling created a need to clarify state law, according to the Senate Committee on Community Affairs staff. The interim report issued last week says the Legislature should write the 10 cents per person interpretation into statute.

ERC

"Report says Environmental Regulation Commission should be kept despite limited role".

"Old goal, new knife"

Bill Cotterell: "Budget cutters have old goal, new knife".

Jebbites sniffing around Perry

"[G]iven the number of Florida fundraisers still on the sidelines, it's a bit surprising not to see more top-tier presidential bundlers on the list. Of the 41 names on the list, for instance, we could find only four Bush-Cheney Pioneers or Rangers from Florida who raised at least $100,000 in 2000 and/or 2004".

People may attribute that to the supposed ill will between the George W. Bush and Perry camps, but there's little evidence that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush harbors any animosity to Perry. Some of Bush's most loyal supporters, in fact, have visited with Perry in Texas in recent weeks. The more likely explanation is that Perry has yet to close the sale with some of Florida's most elite money men and women.

"General Half-track" can't handle the question

"McCalister flubs VA question".

"The ghost district phenomenon"

"Call it the ghost district phenomenon: The once-a-decade drawing of new congressional maps has thrust some candidates into an awkward limbo, with at least a dozen running for seats that don’t yet exist but that will be crafted in the months to come."

“I’m running in the in-limbo district,” laughed Tammy Hall, a Florida Republican who is seeking one of the state’s two yet-to-be-drawn seats. “It is kind of hard to articulate to folks.”

“People running for districts that don’t exist? That’s me,” said Paige Kreegel, a Florida state representative who has launched a campaign for what he expects to be a new House seat in the southern part of the state. “There is a question on everyone’s mind: Where is your district?” ...

For Hall, who’s worked with GOP Rep. Connie Mack on southwest Florida-centered issues ranging from Everglades restoration to water improvement, waging a primary against her own congressional representative simply isn’t an option.

“I have no desire to run against Rep. Mack,” said Hall, a Lee County commissioner. “I’d have to have fundamental disagreements with Rep. Mack and [believe] that replacing him would be the best option. I don’t believe that.”

Brain trust

"Florida state lawmakers on Wednesday will review a new three-year financial outlook for the state." "Fla. lawmakers to go over state's finances".

Chickenhawks of a feather ...

"During Sept. 11 attacks, then-Rep. Adam Putnam was with President George W. Bush".

Haridopolos video attacking Obama "promoted and defended with taxpayer resources"

"Politifact recently was tasked with either affirming or debunking the claim that Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos used taxpayer funds to create and distribute a video attacking President Obama and praising Florida GOPers for moving Florida 'in the right direction.'"

"Via Politifact:"

The last point is what gives Kriseman’s statement some credence — when he says the video is being distributed by the Florida Senate using your tax dollars. That said, the video itself was produced and made using private resources and on private time. (As an aside, we wonder if Haridopolos got the rights to use the image of Obama and other images in the ad?)

We considered rating Kriseman’s statement — "This campaign video is being distributed by the Florida Senate using your tax dollars" — on the Truth-O-Meter. But we decided to hold off, thinking it might actually make things murkier. In short, the video was made without taxpayer dollars but is being promoted and defended with taxpayer resources.

Scott couldn't find someone who sent their kids to public school?

"Scott on Tuesday announced the appointment of former Jeb Bush chief of staff and political strategist Sally Bradshaw to the Florida State Board of Education. Bradshaw, 46, of Havana, Fla., served on the board from 2003 to 2004. ... Bradshaw previously chaired the board of trustees at Holy Comforter Episcopal School and was a board member of Faith Presbyterian preschool." "Scott appoints old Bush hand".

Some Central Florida Republicans are charging that the summit is really a campaign event for Obama.

Angel De la Portilla, a local Republican strategist, called the summit "a ploy" and said it's taking place in a battleground state where the Hispanic population has grown rapidly.

Will Mica make another mess?

"With Congress returning to work after Labor Day, a conflict is brewing between the Obama administration and Republicans in Congress -- and a Florida congressman [U.S. Rep. John Mica] should be playing a vital role."

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called on Congress to extend transportation program funding, including for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The White House insists that a million jobs are at risk by not continuing the funding.

Turning the academy into Walmart

"After ending teacher tenure and launching performance-based pay programs at Florida's K-12 schools, Gov. Rick Scott is setting his sights on higher education. The challenge to entrenched powers at the ivory tower could make the 2011 Legislature reform fight look like a a dustup in the kindergarten sandbox." "Tenure Battle Looms at Florida Universities, Colleges".

Universal ID card?

"Issue Floridians a single ID card that would hold several kinds of vital information: your driver's license, car insurance, health insurance and voter registration. Good idea?"

Secretary of State Kurt Browning, Florida's chief elections official, is concerned.

First of all, not everybody who drives a car is registered to vote, Browning notes, and not everyone who votes has a driver's license.

Second, because motorists' driving histories are legally available to certain private firms (but not for marketing purposes), there will be a debate over making more of that information easier to get.

Third, if a voter who doesn't drive is forced to pay for an ID card, that's certain to raise constitutional issues of a poll tax in disguise.

"If Highway Safety is going to be the one issuing this ID, there's going to be a fee associated with producing the ID. You can't be penalizing folks that don't have the resources to pay for this ID and thus won't be able to vote," Browning says.

Simply put, voting is free.

"It's a great idea in some regards, but I'm not sure it's practical in the area of voting," Browning says.

State law does not mandate that a voter produce a driver's license. Several types of photo ID are allowed.

Still, Browning is cool to the idea of using a driver's license as the universal form of ID.

"Like a washed-up starlet"

"Like a washed-up starlet, Florida's writing FCAT keeps going under the knife. In the past seven years, the all-important exam has had five major makeovers." "Many makeovers later, FCAT progress hard to measure".

"A much less trying budget-writing experience next year"

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editors: "Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers performed the thankless task of putting the state's fiscal house in order by making major cuts in the budget. The cuts drew howls of outrage from across the state, but in pressing on against powerful resistance from state employees and education officials, the Legislature set itself up for a much less trying budget-writing experience next year." "Hard decisions put state's finances in order". Background: "State may avoid budget shortfall next year".

"Tax cuts for corporations"

Lloyd Dunkelberger: "All indications are that Scott, working with an equally conservative Legislature, will pursue tax cuts for corporations while limiting, if not cutting, more state spending. Pursuit of that agenda will play out in the coming months as Scott and lawmakers develop a new budget for 2012-13." "Scott still looking for tax, spending cuts".

"Giv[ing] banks quicker access to repossession"

"For the third consecutive year, Florida lawmakers will attempt to fix the state's foreclosure court mire with legislation that streamlines the process and, in some cases, gives banks quicker access to repossession." "Florida legislature trying to bust foreclosure backlog - again".

OMG ... is it a "tax increase"?

The Tampa Trib editorial board: "So far, lawmakers have been terrified of anything that might be labeled a tax increase. But collecting the sales tax [on internet sales] does not represent an increase in taxes. It simply treats all businesses the same — the reason state business and civic leaders have formed Main Street Florida to push for collection of taxes owed on remote sales." "Handicapping state merchants".

"Tuesday Morning Reads"

"Tuesday Morning Reads: Labor Day weekend edition".

Ricky wants to repeal 1000 rules "in one shot"

"Scott is on a crusade to repeal more than 1,000 state rules that target everything from dwarf tossing to gambling and real estate licenses."

The rules — which are crafted by state agencies to implement laws passed by the Legislature — typically are repealed by the agency that wrote them.

But the governor's office now says it will ask lawmakers to repeal all of the rules in one shot next year. ...

Democrats don't object to the idea, but they want Scott to follow the typical process, which includes public notices and sometimes public hearings.

"We should always be looking at the rules, but we should maintain the process we've set forward," said Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando.

Scott has made rule-making one of the key points of his first year in office. In January, he signed an executive order requiring his newly created Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform to formally sign off on all proposed rules. The Supreme Court ruled last month that the order violated the state Constitution.

But the court order doesn't stop Scott from reviewing rules and recommending changes.

While we're at it ... let's gut her pension

"Fla. police officer still critical, shooter jailed".

There's former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, who recommended Greer for the post and earned $150,000 consulting for the party while Greer was chairman. Now a candidate for U.S. Senate, LeMieux is trying to distance himself from his part in the Charlie Crist-Jim Greer political team, while Greer says LeMieux knew about most everything Greer did that led to his indictment.

Current and former legislators, including U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, could see their freewheeling spending of state party money put back on display.

And there's Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, Senate President Mike Haridopolos and former state party chairman and current state Sen. John Thrasher. They signed a secret $124,000 severance package with Greer, so he would resign and keep his mouth shut.

"They just destroyed my life for no reason," a tearful Greer said of the legislative leaders last week on WTSP-Ch. 10.

"Florida has a deficit of nearly 981,000 jobs"

"Two years after the official end of the recession, Florida still has a jobs deficit of nearly 981,000 jobs, and some groups of workers are faring far worse than others in the economy, according to the annual State of Working Florida report to be released on Sunday by the Research Institute on Social and Economic Policy at Florida International University."

In 2010 almost 20% of the labor force was underemployed, with younger, less educated, male, and African American or Hispanic workers more likely to fall into this group. Unemployment continued to increase for nearly all groups in 2010, with the exception of workers with a Bachelor’s degree who actually experienced a slight decrease in unemployment.

Higher ed slidin' into the sewer

"USF's Board of Trustees approved a plan Friday to set "market-based" tuition for five professional graduate degrees – electrical engineering, entrepreneurship[*], information systems, nurse anesthesia and public administration." "USF seeks big price hike for professional degrees".

- - - - - - - - - -
*A degree in "Entrepreneurship"? Heaven help us.

OMG!!! Teabaggers outraged!

"Obama to spend Labor Day at union rally".

The annual labor day insult (Part One)

Ed. Note: A more thorough post, covering the Florida newspaper media's traditional union-bashing on Labor Day, will be posted this evening.

The Tampa Tribune editorial board - writing from Florida's historic bastion of union hate - is to be commended for publishing words this writer has not seen in more than a decade of reviewing Florida's traditional newspaper editorials:

Labor Day is time to remember why historic union achievements should command respect.

It is also a good time to remember why excessive union ambitions demand restraint.

Another dead panther

"Florida Panther found dead in southwest Florida". Related: "Rarely seen Florida panther caught on video near Everglades National Park".

Saving Florida from itself

"Between Central and South Florida are landscapes that, while not unpopulated or unexplored, have largely remained remote or lost to most Floridians who aren't cowboys. This week, federal officials will unveil a strategy and a wish list for protecting those lands — which lie mostly within vast cattle ranches — along with their waters and wildlife." "Feds step up push to preserve Everglades headwaters in Central Florida".

Ricky gets an $80 grand office makeover

"A little more than halfway through Scott's first year in office, the state has spent $79,805.69 to expand his chief of staff's office, paint walls, and replace carpet elsewhere in the first-floor executive suites." "Tidying up, ripping up office costly" ("Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putman's office this year received $108,604 in renovations, including $85,973 in new carpet. Offices for the Republican-controlled Legislature received $200,000 in new carpet.")

Big hair wigs and heavy hairspray all the rage

"Strippers prepare for GOP convention".

Is Ricky's endorsement a campaign's death knell?

"Scott said he intends to stay on the sidelines indefinitely in the presidential race, but it's pretty obvious where his heart resides. ... the governor is forever talking about the terrific job Rick Perry has been doing in Texas, and how he wants to emulate and surpass him to make Florida the No. 1 state for job growth. He may not endorse a candidate, but clearly Rick Scott is a Rick Perry guy." "Gov. Rick Scott sounds like Rick Perry fan".

On education, Bush is wonkish, bipartisan and driven by testing data.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the Foundation for Excellence in Education have embarked on a well-funded campaign to spread selected Florida education reforms to other states. These reforms include assigning letter grades to schools, high-stakes testing, promotion and graduation requirements, bonus pay, a wide variety of alternative teacher credentialing policies, and various types of school choice mechanisms. This policy potpourri was recently presented by Gov. Bush in Michigan, and the documents used allow for a concrete consideration and review.

Regrettably, Bush’s Michigan speech relies on a selective misrepresentation of test score data. Further, he offers no evidence that the purported test score gains were caused by the recommended reforms. Other viable explanations, such as a major investment in class-size reduction and a statewide reading program, receive no or little attention.

Moreover, the presentation ignores less favorable findings, while evidence showing limited or negative effects of the proposed strategies is omitted. Considering the overwhelming evidence that retention is ineffective (if not harmful), it is troubling to see Mr. Bush endorse such an approach. Finally, Florida’s real problems of inequitable and inadequate education remain unaddressed.

Obama's Florida smile

When all the chatter is about the crucial Hispanic vote in 2012, it no doubt makes Obama smile to read that, "with Rick Perry proving to be a serious threat to Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, the former Massachusetts governor swung through Tampa on Friday to exploit what some Republicans see as Perry’s Achilles’ heel: immigration."

“We must stop providing the incentives that promote illegal immigration,’’ Romney told more than 100 people attending a Republican Hispanic conference. “As governor, I vetoed legislation that would have provided in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants and I strengthened the authority our state troopers had to enforce existing immigration laws.”

Romney, 64, never mentioned by name the Texas governor, who leads Romney in most national polls as well as in early primary and caucus states. But immigration is a new issue of focus for Romney this election cycle, and his campaign knows Perry, 61, is already facing criticism from conservatives for not taking a hard-enough line.

For instance, in 2001 Perry signed a version of the DREAM Act that made Texas the first state to allow in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants — much like the bill Romney boasted of killing in Massachusetts.

Last year, Perry said he had no interest in passing a tough Arizona-style immigration law for his border state. He also has questioned the effectiveness of building a massive border fence, something Romney said Friday should be a priority.

Illegal immigration remains a hot-button issue among Republican activists, but leaders in Texas — where 38 percent of the population is Hispanic — have tended to take a more moderate approach to the issue.

Jennifer who?

"Jennifer Carroll: Rick Scott Still Favors Tolled Jax Beltway".

"Like the back of the hand"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board writes: "When candidate Rick Scott parked his campaign bus plastered with 'Let's Get to Work' slogans at Tampa Steel & Supply in Ybor City last year, he brought the promise of job creation. But rather than a helping hand for Tampa Steel, Scott's policies as governor have been more like the back of the hand."

There have been no new jobs at Tampa Steel since Scott made that appearance in July 2010 with legions of TV cameras and reporters in tow, as WUSF's Bobbie O'Brien reported last week. In fact, the small, recession-battered metal supply business has lost an additional employee to layoffs — it's now down to 10 workers from a high of 14.

The company's co-owner, Bruce Goldman, says that he was happy to host the Scott campaign event and hear what the candidate had to say. But Goldman soured on Scott after the governor rejected high-speed rail between Tampa and Orlando and the $2.4 billion in federal money it would have brought to Florida. ...

As to Scott's idea that one of the keys to job creation is eliminating regulation? Don't tell that to Tampa Steel's general manager, who told WUSF categorically that there are "no regulations that limit our growth." Rather, the problem is the lack of big construction projects such as high-speed rail that create spending and help grow small businesses.

Tampa Steel's experience is mirrored in the abysmal numbers. Florida is down 23,000 construction jobs from a year ago, a 6.5 percent decrease. Since 2006, the state has lost 52 percent of its construction jobs, hurting small businesses all along the supply chain. Slogans on campaign buses might make good photo-ops, but they don't get people hired. For that, the state sure could have used high-speed rail.

Charters push innovation "to da limmit"

Fred Grimm takes on the recent Charters run wild scandal, and who can blame him:

Strip away the bureaucratic constraints suffered by conventional public schools.

Strip away most of the clothes.

And then, as they say down at the Balere Language Academy charter school, “push it to da limmit.”

Balere has certainly pushed the notion of charter schools beyond the usual limits. It requires no more than a cursory examination of material promoting Labor Day doings at the Cutler Ridge kindergarten-through-middle charter to realize no conventional public school would dare attempt this novel, after hours approach to education.

But a brave innovator associated with Balere, with help from those noted educational think tanks Hygh Lyfe Entertainment and Snake Eye Promotions, has created a kind of night school, reaching out to a segment of the community long ignored by traditional educators. “All hustlers, ballers and divas roll out.” (College students get in for half-price. Women are admitted free “B4 12.”)

Earlier, this year Rick Scott adviser and charter school champion Michelle Rhee had said, “We have to be putting policies and laws in place that don’t hamstring charters.” At Balere, policy has become less about hamstring and more about g-strings.

Officials at the Miami-Dade Schools, never much enthused about district money going to barely regulated charters, fired off a predictable disapproving letter to Balere complaining about ads depicting the “promotion of alcoholic beverages in addition to inappropriate images for school-age children.” ...

After the school district sent its letter and the Miami-Herald’s Kathleen McGrory inquired about Balere’s nighttime activities (McGrory reported that parents at the school have complained about empty beer bottles littering the school and the smell of cigarette smoke in the hallways), party promoters suddenly found a new venue for “Push It To Da Limmit. Flossin Edition.” (Flossin, according the Urban Dictionary, is defined as “showing off.” Such as, “Look at homeboy flossin his ice wanksta.” After all, Balere is a language academy.) Balere officials, apparently developing amnesia about the previous gathering at 10875 Quail Roost Dr., claimed that it had all been a case of a wrong address. ...

This is exactly what Foundation for Florida’s Future meant when it stated that charters, unlike conventional schools, can “foster innovation” in education. The Balere charter not only fostered innovation, it pushed it to da limmit.

"Florida's growth law"

"Florida's growth law: What changed?".

"Nickel-and-dime budget cuts"

"Central Florida's smaller cities look for nickel-and-dime budget cuts".

"Florida isn't meeting this country's basic standards ..."

Scott Maxwell: "Cases of neglect, abuse — even death — are on the rise. And Florida politicians are making things even worse, muzzling the watchdogs who report abuse and making it easier for profit-making facilities to skimp on care."

Many of you have expressed outrage.

Well, now the feds are getting involved.

Last week, the U.S. Administration on Aging released an investigative report that determined Florida was "non-compliant" in several elements of Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.

In layman's terms, that means Florida isn't meeting this country's basic standards for protecting and caring for elderly residents.

That's disgraceful.

Elderly care and neglect isn't a partisan issue. It's a moral one.

No patient should miss medication, dine among roaches or go unwashed. Yet we've seen all of that.

The troubles that prompted federal officials to investigate started shortly after Rick Scott was sworn in as governor — and he ousted the state's elder-care ombudsman, Brian Lee. ...

The problem for Lee was that the industries he regulated didn't care for him. He and his staff were too nosy and vigilant.

Scott's administration ousted him.

Red tape

"At a Miami-Dade assisted living facility, a caretaker left a sick, 72-year-old stroke victim alone without air conditioning, locking the doors in the scorching heat so the man couldn’t escape the tiny home." "State clamps down on 17 ALFs". Related: "Neglected to Death: A Miami Herald investigation".

A pizza on every table

"Hoping to ride a tea-party groundswell to the top of the Republican presidential field, Herman Cain told Central Florida conservatives on Saturday what he believes sets his candidacy apart. ... 'I'm the only nonpolitician," said Cain, a former Pillsbury Co. executive and Godfather's Pizza CEO running on his business experience. "I'm proud of that.' ... he had plenty to say about Obama, whose administration he says has shown an inability to lead, particularly on economic issues. 'I'm a business person,' Cain said. 'I'm a job creator.'" "GOP's Cain tells Central Floridians: I'm no politician".

"Partisanship may sink recovery"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Signs of job growth in South Florida are emerging but partisanship may sink a true recovery".

Deficit reduction, as crucial as it is to this nation’s long-term economic health, has become a battle cry for tea party Republicans. But their solution does not allow for targeted, strategic investments in education, transportation and energy-saving technology to spur growth. They want ever more tax cuts, even for the richest Americans and even when there’s plenty of evidence that those tax breaks for the top 2 percent of earners during the Bush years did not result in job growth.

Some union leaders, meanwhile, have staked their claim to few or no concessions in salaries and benefits, even if it means dwindling their ranks by forcing state and local governments to lay off ever more teachers, police and others. They point to Wall Street bailouts as the villain.

"Jobs. Jobs. Jobs."

"Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. Hundreds of South Floridians turned out to confront their congressional representatives at town hall meetings last week, and one theme reigned supreme: jobs." "South Florida members of Congress hear constituent concerns about jobs during town hall meetings".

Credit checks

"Most people know that bad credit can stop you from buying a car or a home. It can also stop you from getting a job. ... State Sen. Gary Siplin re-filed legislation this week that would prohibit such screenings in most cases." "Lawmaker: Credit checks stymie unemployed job seekers".

"Florida's unprecedented starring role"

Jeremy Wallace: "When Florida will vote in the 2012 GOP presidential primary remains anyone’s guess, but the state is already having a dramatic and early impact in determining who will challenge President Barack Obama. For most of the next four weeks, Florida will have an unprecedented starring role in the run-up to the primary, hosting two national debates within 10 days and attracting all the candidates to a pair of influential conferences in Orlando." "Florida having an early impact on GOP presidential race".

"An Everglades Pandora's box"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Whether her presidential bid succeeds or not, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has opened up an Everglades Pandora's box. Allow us to help put the lid back on that one, ASAP."

The Minnesota Republican, who is seeking the GOP presidential nomination, last week called for America to, essentially, grasp for straws in searching for oil. She said, "Whether that is in the Everglades or whether that is in the eastern Gulf region or whether that's in North Dakota, we need to go where the energy is."

Rep. Bachmann threw in the obligatory qualifier that such drilling had to be done "responsibly." And she even gave herself an exit, perhaps for when her campaign eventually faces critics in Florida, by saying that if the industry "can't responsibly access energy in the Everglades, then we shouldn't do it."

The problem, of course, is that the whole point of Everglades restoration and preservation is to keep these lands as pristine as possible. Oil derricks, not to mention the roads, pipes and infrastructure to support them, would pretty much ruin the place no matter how "responsibly" the drilling were done.