But political experts increasingly see Florida’s Jan. 31 primary as likely a pit stop on a long journey to the nomination rather than the finish line.

That could mean a long, bruising intra-party fight before the GOP turns its focus on President Barack Obama, and it could give a leg up to Mitt Romney. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has surged ahead of Romney in many polls, but Romney at this point has the resources and campaign organization best equipped for a protracted campaign in state after state.

Argenziano lawsuit targets the "disaffiliation" provision of election law

"Former state Sen. Nancy Argenziano filed a lawsuit Friday challenging a new state law that prevents her from running for Congress as a Democrat. Argenziano, 56, switched from the Republican Party to the Independent Party on June 3, but that was supposed to be temporary, she said. In August, she announced plans to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat as a Democrat but within days it became clear the state’s new election law prohibits her from changing parties again."

“I wanted to get the heck out of the 'R’ Party,” she said Friday. “My conscience wouldn’t allow me to stay there.”

Her lawsuit targets the “disaffiliation” provision, which prevents a candidate from changing parties less than a year before the start of the week-long qualifying period. Qualifying for 2012 congressional elections will be from June 4-8, 2012, so the cutoff was June 4 of this year.

Argenziano is asking the court to rule the provision unconstitutional because it bars her from seeking the Democratic nomination for the congressional seat or becoming affiliated with the Florida Democratic Party.

The election law, signed by Gov. Rick Scott on May 19, is the most controversial piece of legislation from the 2011 session.

Medicaid deform, courtesy of the values crowd

"New premiums and copay proposals for Florida Medicaid beneficiaries, including $100 for every non-emergency ER visit, are among the highest in the country and a new study warns it could cause hundreds of thousands to drop out because they can’t afford to pay them, according to a report released Wednesday by Georgetown University."

Florida lawmakers passed sweeping changes to the Medicaid program this past session, placing the care of the state’s most vulnerable residents, mostly children, into the hands of private providers and hospital networks. Lawmakers said the roughly $20 billion a year Medicaid costs are a strain on a tight state budget and the program couldn’t continue without changes.

The bills expand on a controversial five-county pilot program that pays for-profit providers a set fee to cover recipients and allows providers great flexibility in determining patient coverage. Doctors have dropped out of the program, complaining of red tape and that the insurers deny the tests and medicine they prescribe. Patients have complained they struggled to get doctor’s appointments. Supporters of the overhaul say new accountability measures will address those concerns.

But the state needs permission from federal health officials to continue the plan.

Rubio snubs 1Miami locals

"After three days of waiting for a meeting with Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, a delegation that’s been lingering in the Florida senator’s office finally decamped for Miami. They didn’t get their meeting, although they were able to meet with Florida’s other senator, Democrat Bill Nelson."

Had they met with Rubio, the protesters said, they would have asked him to consider President Barack Obama’s jobs bill, to extend the federal payroll-tax break for working Americans and for an extension of the federal emergency unemployment-insurance benefits set to expire at the end of the year.

They also would have asked him to "open his heart," said Ricardo Dormevil, 31, a Haitian who has lived in Miami for three years and is seeking U.S. citizenship. A security guard, he recently had his car repossessed and has been threatened with eviction because he can’t pay the rent.

"We’re not here to ask for money or a job," he said. "We want to ask him to open his heart, understand people and listen to people. As a father, I would like to ask him to see the situation of fathers who are unemployed who can’t help their children. To think about that." ...

For three days, many of the Miami protesters sat on chairs inside the small public antechamber to Rubio’s office on the third floor of the Hart Building, chafing at those in the suits strolling in for appointments. Most stood outside in the hallway; sitting is frowned on by the Capitol Police. The 1 Miami protesters left Thursday afternoon only because they had a 4:30 p.m. meeting with Nelson, and then an 18-hour bus ride home.

They didn’t show up expecting to be accommodated just because they are from Miami, said José Suárez, a spokesman for the 1Miami coalition.

They’ve been trying to meet with Rubio since August, Suárez said, when 1Miami formed. Made up of organized labor, community groups and faith-based organizations, 1Miami began in the spring as part of an effort to shift the national debate to the economy and jobs.

"Our focus is on trying to change the debate, to one that focuses on the hard-working middle class," Suárez said.

"How much of a disconnect with reality is this?"

Daniel Ruth: "When the Legislature allowed folks armed to the teeth to roam about government buildings, its supporters acted as if the O.K. Corral Act of 2011 was as benign as permitting the free and open display of boutonnieres."

After all, why shouldn't someone entering the Capitol be able to bring along their little concealed friends, Smith & Wesson?

It's probably just a coincidence, then, that Senate security now feels it necessary to install panic buttons on the phones of every senator and staff member. What should we call this? The "Crazy as a Loon App"?

There's a perfectly good reason to provide panic buttons. This is Tallahassee. This is state government, which has all the potential to attract folks who are, how to put this as politically correct as possible, nuts.

And those are just the members of the House and Senate.

Gingrich in the lead

"A new poll by Quinnipiac University shows President Barack Obama is looking at a tight re-election race in Florida, while Newt Gingrich has passed Mitt Romney among Republican voters." "Poll: Presidential race a dead heat in Florida; Gingrich leads Romney". More: "Poll: Newt Gingrich surging, up 13 points in Florida". See also "Gingrich comes to debate with front-runner status".

Buchanan investigation continues

"Office of Congressional Ethics continues investigation into Buchanan".

"Massive upheaval"

Jeremy Wallace: "Whether a product of trying to follow new constitutional amendments or employing old school bare-knuckles politics, the initial results of state lawmakers’ efforts to redraw Florida’s political boundaries are the same: massive upheaval." "Redistricting could have domino effect on lawmakers".

"If a goal of the proponents of the Fair Districts amendments was to make legislative seats more competitive and diverse, the House redistricting maps released this week may inch closer to that ideal." "Florida House maps draw near to spirit of Fair District amendments".

"Patently unconstitutional"?

"A school prayer bill introduced by state Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, has caught the attention of national groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The groups are calling foul and warn that the bill is 'patently unconstitutional.' Siplin, however, maintains that his bill is constitutional in a new interview with The Florida Independent." "Sponsor defends school prayer bill against charges that it’s ‘patently unconstitutional’".

"Or maybe not. It's anyone's guess"

"If three destination resort casinos are constructed in Florida as envisioned in a bill before lawmakers, the South Florida economy could reap $206 million in new construction, the state could draw millions of new tourists, and the state's coffers could grow by as much as $455 million over the next four years, the state's chief economist predicts. Or maybe not. It's anyone's guess." "State economists can't give firm estimate of gambling proposal's impact". See also "Solid Casino Figures Elude Florida State Economists".

Meanwhile, "Bondi, Putnam oppose South Florida resort casino plan".

"There should be a trial"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Florida has "a paramount duty" to provide students a 'high quality' public education. In 1998, voters amended the state constitution to say precisely that. Parents and education activists have sued the state for failure to make education 'paramount.' But can courts enforce that duty, for example by ordering the state to spend more on education?"

It's more likely that voters themselves will have to do it, legislator by legislator, governor by governor. But the courts could step in. Gov. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Education Commissioner Eric Smith tried to get the lawsuit dismissed. They argued that the state constitution gives power over spending to the legislative and executive branches. Asking courts to judge whether Florida has met its "paramount duty" on education, they said, violates separation of powers and asks courts to make political decisions.

But Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford refused to dismiss the case. State officials might win at trial, but there should be a trial. In a very rare move, all 15 members of the 1st District Court of Appeal heard the appeal from Judge Fulford's decision that courts have jurisdiction. In late November, the appeals court ruled 8-7 that Judge Fulford was right not to dismiss the case.

FCAT follies

"Fla. school superintendents oppose FCAT proposal".

Scott pitting schools against health

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "While it's good that Gov. Rick Scott is showing a newfound appreciation for K-12 education in his proposed state budget, state lawmakers need to ensure that it doesn't cripple Florida's health care system, particularly hospitals such as Tampa General Hospital that treat a high number of desperately ill patients." "Scott targets hospitals".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Budget shouldn't pit schools vs. health".

"Heaping helping of interest-group squabbling"

Aaron Deslatte: "We couldn't set the holiday table for an early Florida legislative session without a heaping helping of interest-group squabbling. And one of the most cash-fueled battles to christen the New Year will be over your auto insurance." "Special interests collide in battle to overhaul Florida's no-fault auto insurance".

'Glades got "short shrift in 2011"

The Miami Herald editorial board writes that the "health of the Everglades, Biscayne Bay got short shrift in 2011" "Florida’s environmental treasures".

"Critics remain unconvinced"

"Rick Scott’s proposed 2012-2013 education budget signaled a turnaround by the GOP governor, according to news and education analysts, but critics remain unconvinced." "Scott’s proposed education budget indicates a shift, but critics still aren’t happy".

Barrel racing

"Florida barrel racing hearing pushed to February".

"J.D. Alexander isn't backing down"

"Contention has gripped Florida’s university system since state Sen. J.D. Alexander and other Polk County leaders began pushing for the independence of USF’s Lakeland campus. Now Alexander seems to be getting more involved." "J.D. Alexander pursues major inquiry into university system".

In a $66.4 billion budget that he says makes "tough choices," Scott proposes to cut 4,500 state jobs, raise monthly medical premiums for highly paid state employees and legislators, increase bonus money to high performing schools, continue privatization of the prison system — despite legal obstacles — and close up to six state prisons and work camps because of a shrinking inmate population.

Q Poll: Gingrich beats Romney in Florida primary; Obama beats either of them

"[A] new poll by Quinnipiac University shows that President Barack Obama is looking at a tight re-election race next November whether the Republican nominee is Newt Gingrich or Mitt Romney. In either case, the candidates are in a statistical tie in Quinnipiac's survey of registered voters taken between Nov. 28 and Dec. 5. The poll shows Gingrich passing Romney among Republican voters in Florida." "Poll: Presidential race a dead heat in Florida; Gingrich leads Romney".

More from the Q poll: "Gingrich is top dog in the Republican pack in Florida, with 35 percent, followed by Romney with 22 percent and no other candidate above 8 percent." "December 8, 2011 - Gingrich Has Big GOP Lead In Florida" ("Romney with 45 percent to Obama's 42 percent; Obama at 46 percent to Gingrich's 44 percent.")

Yesterday's Time/CNN poll: "Newt Gingrich has pulled far ahead of the pack in Florida, per a new Time/CNN poll out [Yesterday] afternoon, garnering an impressive 48 percent of the vote." "Gingrich at 48 percent in Florida".

Scott refuses to "pee in a cup"

"Gov. Rick Scott and his drug-testing policy became the unwitting target of Jon Stewart’s Daily Show on Wednesday as a reporter for the show broke into budget news conference and asked the governor to 'pee in a cup.'"

“You’ve benefited from hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars over the years, so would you be willing to pee into this cup to prove to Florida taxpayers that you’re not on drugs?’’ Comedy Central reporter Aasif Mandvi asked. It was a reference to the governor’s drug-testing requirement imposed on all state employees and welfare recipients.

Scott didn’t miss a beat and said: "I’ve done it plenty of times."

Mandvi, a former Tampa resident and University of South Florida student, then attempted to hand the sealed, official-looking collection cup to the governor. "We could all turn around, that’s fine," he said. Scott ignored him.

Mandvi persuaded a reporter to hand the cup to the front row: "I hate to keep harping on this, would you pee in a cup?"

Scott shot back: "You don’t get to run this."

TeaBaggers whine

"A day after state Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, complained about the latest congressional redistricting maps, a tea party leader told Democrats to put up or shut up." "Tea Party Leahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifder Rips Democrats' Passive-Aggressive Behavior on Redistricting".

"Large Florida Corporations Among 'Tax Dodgers'"

The Orlando Sentinel's Sandra Pedicini: "Three Central Florida companies were named in a national report released Wednesday that contends many corporations pay too little in state income tax."

Darden Restaurants, Publix and Harris Corp. are "paying substantially less than what the tax rate would suggest they should be paying," said Matthew Gardner, executive director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonprofit research group. It co-authored the report with Citizens for Tax Justice, an advocacy group backed by unions[*].

Casino bill to be changed significantly

"The Senate sponsor of a bill to bring destination resort casinos to South Florida faced a hostile first committee Wednesday even as economists came up with a new projection that shows the project will bring the state a windfall of between $327 million and $455 million in new revenue."

A majority of the members of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, traditionally a welcome place for casino expansion legislation, told Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff they’d like to see significant changes to the bill before they agree to support it.

Bogdanoff, for the first time, outlined the changes she is willing to make to strengthen support for the measure that would allow for three $2 billion resort casinos in Miami Dade and Broward. And legislative economist Amy Baker detailed the first independent economic analysis she has done of the proposed bill. ...

Among the changes Bogdanoff said she will introduce before the bill comes up for a vote the first week of the legislative session in January are:

- Give the South Florida pari-mutuels the same full-casino games but tax them, at the same rate as the resort casinos only after they increase the investment. For example, the pari-mutuels would be given a tax rate of 35 percent slot machines and 45 percent for all other casino games but that rate could be lowered based on the dollar value of new investment, she said.

- Increase the application fee from $25 million to $125 million, in an attempt to back stop the drop in revenue from the Indian gaming compact and buy out existing pari-mutuel permits for facilities willing to close down.

- Transfer control of the Department of the Lottery to the proposed Gaming Control Commission – a move that was greeted by significant opposition by members of the committee.

Her changes are designed to win over reluctant lawmakers, such Democrats Nan Rich of Weston and Maria Sachs from Delray Beach and Republican Charlie Dean of Inverness, who each said they wanted to see stronger protections for the existing pari-mutuels.

Citizens

"A proposal to allow surplus lines insurers to take policies out of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. passed its first committee Tuesday, but not before lengthy and pointed exchanges between supporters and vocal industry critic Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey." "Bill to Reduce Citizens Customer Base Clears Committee".

Wage theft? Ya gotta problem wit dat?

"Construction workers fight for unpaid wages as bill to block anti-wage theft ordinances moves on".

"Victory for the insurance industry"

Nancy Smith: "Despite a majority contingent of speakers testifying on behalf of dispensing physicians, HB 511 -- a bill limiting how much dispensing physicians can charge for their repackaged drugs -- sailed through the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee on Wednesday. ... It was a first-round victory for the insurance industry and its business community support group, in particular the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida." "Bill to Limit Dispensing Physicians' Profits in Workers' Comp Cases Is Victorious in Subcommittee".

Scott lawyers vet County Court applicants

"Gov. Scott team interviews for county judge appointment".

"This is a panic of their own making"

Fred Grimm: "Don’t think of the electronic alerts installed in the state Capitol as panic buttons. Think of them as metaphors."

These are the devices that replaced common sense in Tallahassee. Instead of retaining security measures that had long kept prevented pistol-packing desperadoes from roaming Capitol hallways and offices, the state Senate has installed panic buttons. The House of Representatives is considering similar alarms for their own haunts.

This is a panic of their own making. Our legislators are taking steps to protect themselves against their own legislation.

Florida House subcommittee votes to block local anti-wage theft ordinances

"As a Florida House subcommittee voted to pass state Rep. Tom Goodson’s bill that would block local anti-wage theft ordinances today, 35 construction workers in Miami Lakes began fighting to receive wages they are owed for several weeks of work."

Goodson, R-Titusville, filed House Bill 609 for the upcoming legislative session; the measure preempts all local laws, ordinances or rules that address wage theft, the practice of stiffing workers out of money they are owed. State Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, filed the Senate version of the bill.

Rich Templin of the Florida AFL-CIO said during today’s House hearing that the Department of Labor “documented 9,000 cases of wage theft totaling $28 million in Florida for a two-year period ending Jan. 1 of this year.” ...

Dwight Mattingly of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1577 said, “We oppose this bill because it does not fix the probem, but continues to allow unscrupulous employers who are failing to pay workers to get away with that, without penalty. There is mention of provisions in federal law — that takes forever if Department of Labor gets to those.”

Mattingly added that supporters of Goodson’s bill have suggested that wage theft complaints should go through the courts, but he said that would “clog” the judicial system. ...

The Florida Associated Builders and Contractors supported the “Wage Protection” bill filed by Goodson during the 2011 legislative session; it did not pass then.

Scott plays blame game

"Scott continues to blame Medicaid for state budget shortfalls".

Scott's monumental flip-flop

"Marking a clear shift in priorities, Gov. Rick Scott proposed a $66 billion budget that includes a large increase in education funding." "Scott calls for more education spending, less on Medicaid". See also "Scott wants more money for public schools" and "Rick Scott eyes big education boost in proposed 2012 budget". More: "Scott's education boost comes by gutting Medicaid hospitals".

"Avoiding raising tax revenues to pay the state's bills"

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "With the Legislature again facing a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall, Florida's affordable-housing trust funds will once more be at risk."

As we've seen in the past, the term "trust fund" offers no protection from legislative raiders willing to go to any lengths to avoid raising tax revenues to pay the state's bills.

SEIU reaches agreement covering 10,000 health care workers

"Nearly 10,000 health care workers at 19 Florida facilities of the Hospital Corporation of America — including Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, Blake Medical Center in Bradenton and Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte — voted this week to accept a collective bargaining agreement with their employers. The primary achievements listed by their union, SEIU, echo the objectives of recently unionized nurses at those same hospitals: a process to address staffing levels, scheduling and training and more dialogue with management about patient safety and workplace concerns." "Health care workers at HCA facilities reach new union accord".

Rooney gets a bill

"The bill reflects a Republican determination to block rules – such as clean-water requirements -- that they think stifle business growth and cost a lot for local communities to implement. Democrats say it would jeopardize such things as clean air and water, product safety and access to health care." "House passes Rooney bill to curb regulations".

Heaven help us

"West and Rooney to help decide defense spending".

Federal Judge certifies class action ACLU case to stop state drug testing of welfare recipients

"Federal Judge Mary Scriven has certified a class in an ACLU case to stop state drug testing of welfare recipients. Scriven had previously ordered that the state halt its drug testing program of welfare recipients, but held off on certifying a class for the case. Lawyers for the state refused to agree to certification." "TANF lawsuit now has certified class".

"Volunteer watchdog predicted he’d be fired"

"Volunteer watchdog Bill Hearne predicted he’d be fired when he told a roomful of colleagues that their program was being deliberately dismantled by Tallahassee bosses who had become too cozy with the nursing home and assisted living facility industries they oversee."

Within six weeks, he was proved right.

Hearne has been jettisoned as part of what activists are calling a purge of inspectors who are serious about ferreting out abuse, neglect and filthy conditions.

The exodus comes in the wake of a series of stories in The Miami Herald, “Neglected to Death,’’ that documented the state’s failure to police the state’s 2,850 assisted living facilities, where residents suffered deadly bedsores, were strapped to their beds and ignored, locked in a closet, overmedicated, and in one case, eaten by an alligator after wandering away.

House's proposed maps make mockery of Fair Districts Amendment

The Sun Sentinel editors: "The Florida House of Representatives has unveiled its draft changes for political district maps. The good news is that lawmakers will get another crack at redoing the lines, particularly for the suggested House seat boundaries in Broward County that make a mockery of the voter-approved Fair Districts Amendment and that rob the county of representation in Tallahassee."

Legislators have fallen far short of the goals of the Fair District amendment. Redrawing legislative districts admittedly is a tough task and passing constitutional muster is by no means guaranteed.

Still, that's no excuse to discard the ideals of the anti-gerrymandering amendment, or whittle away the representation of Florida's second most populous county. Sixty-two percent of Florida voters approved Amendment 5, which requires state lawmakers to redraw legislative districts in a manner that downplays partisanship and links like communities. To date, that hasn't happened.

In fact, the likelihood is that the final maps will be determined by the courts and not the Florida Legislature. Judging by the first draft, that might be the best option.

The voters expect adherence to Fair District amendment requirements will end drawing lines to help incumbents or boost political parties. The jury unfortunately is still out on the Florida House, whose members may be sworn to uphold the Constitution, but to date still seem hard-pressed to produce reasonable political districts.

'Glades

"Appeals court rules against Rinker Materials' bid to mine rock in Glades".

A "question of whether taxpayers are getting their money's worth"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "The Colt Manufacturing Co. announced it would bring 63 jobs, along with a new regional headquarters and manufacturing center to Kissimmee. In return for this $2.5million investment and positions projected to pay about $45,000 on average, the company will qualify for $1.6 million in state incentives — roughly $25,000 per job. Colt's take would be small compared to much-larger tax windfalls that other companies have reaped to come to Florida, but it raises anew the question of whether taxpayers are getting their money's worth." "To add jobs, improve Florida's quality of life".

Environmentalists' protest rejected by state regulators

"Florida Power & Light Co. and Progress Energy Florida will continue their energy conservation programs, state regulators have decided, despite a protest by environmentalists who wanted the programs upgraded." "State upholds FPL's conservation effort".

Scott’s 'attempt to subpoena ACLU records rejected

"The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida announced that a judge has denied Gov. Rick Scott’s 'attempt to subpoena records from the ACLU of Florida and subject ACLU officials to depositions in the ongoing legal challenge to Scott’s order requiring illegal, suspicionless drug testing of state employees.'" "Judge denies Scott’s requests for ACLU records in drug testing challenge (Corrected)". See also "Court shoots down Scott attempt to subpoena ACLU".

Funny how that works

"Scott, who was criticized for pushing school funding cuts a few months ago, is asking for a billion dollars more for education to come during an election year." "Scott calls for $1 billion boost in education spending in proposed budget".

George, Craig, who?

"While most voters continue to remain focused on the presidential race, two of the Republicans looking to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012 are taking different paths to gain some attention this week." "GOP Hopefuls George LeMieux and Craig Miller Plug Away in Senate Race".

House's maps would force many incumbents to run against each other

"The Florida House's first attempt at redrawing its districts would force dozens of incumbents to run against each other in Tampa Bay and South Florida next fall. "

Such a scenario could end the careers of many lawmakers. For that reason, even Democrats dismissed the maps as a theatrical first step in a reapportionment fight they say is destined to be decided by the courts.

But Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, chairman of the House Reapportionment Committee, says the maps show the House's commitment to create compactly drawn districts and maintain the rights of minority voters to elect candidates of their choice without protecting parties or incumbents, as two voter-approved redistricting amendments require. ...

Of five map versions released Tuesday by the House, the one with the most potential incumbent showdowns has 24 such races, including 10 between Republicans, eight between Democrats and six between incumbents of both parties, affecting more than a third of the House membership. The maps are online at myfloridahouse.gov.

The Senate redistricting panel on Tuesday moved a step closer to passing its plans for state Senate and congressional districts, with lawmakers having until Jan. 11 to offer amendments and a final floor vote set for Jan. 17.

The debate exposed intra-party struggles as Senate Democratic leader Nan Rich, D-Weston, could persuade only three of the eight Democrats on the Senate redistricting panel to vote against maps she said were unconstitutional.

If the House can match the Senate timetable, lawmakers hope to complete maps in the first month of the 60-day session and send them to the Florida Supreme Court for review, giving legislators ample time to rework them if the court rejects them.

All five of the draft districts for the 120-member House would create a Hispanic-majority district in the Kissimmee area and another centered around the Palm Beach County city of Palm Springs. And four of the five plans would draw a district at least 40-percent black around the city of Eatonville.

Unlike the Senate – which Tuesday advanced single congressional and Senate-district maps unveiled last week -- the House opted to float essentially a buffet menu of options. And while a quick analysis indicated they would make some Republican-leaning seats safer, they'd also likely elect a few more Democrats.

"Everglades horror story"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Obama administration should enact anti-commerce rule for pythons". "End the Everglades horror story".

Hospital taxing districts

"A preliminary draft report from a state commission studying public hospitals indicates the panel found problems with the hospitals and taxing districts but feels further study is necessary because the issues and districts are so diverse." "State commission says hospital taxing issue needs further study".

"Panic buttons" in Florida Senate offices

"[T]wo months after a new law[*] made it easier to bring concealed guns into the Capitol, the Senate security force has installed special alert buttons on the phone of every senator and staffer. At the touch of a button, an unseen officer in the Senate Sergeant at Arms Office can instantly monitor a conversation in Senate offices and respond if needed." "With Florida Capitol no longer asking gun owners to secure firearms, Senate installs panic buttons". Meanwhile, "Palm Beach commissioners sue over state gun law" and "Palm Beach County fires back at governor and attorney general over gun laws".

- - - - - - - - - -
* Now, "guns are prohibited only in the House and Senate chambers and committee rooms. So Capitol Police no longer ask gun owners to secure their firearms. And they're not alerting the House and Senate sergeants, who are civilian political appointees."

Koch crazy train comes to Florida

"Tarren Bragdon, the president of a new Naples-based right-wing policy group, touted the state’s controversial Medicaid reform plans and Florida’s welfare drug testing law during an event held last week by the American Legislative Exchange Council (known as ALEC)."

Bragdon’s “free market” think tank, the Foundation for Government Accountability, has so far declined to disclose the source of its funding. Bragdon has previously said that ”initial donors who were interested in having [him] here” in Florida were responsible for his move to the state. Bragdon had worked in Maine, where he found significant political power running a similar right-wing think tank.

In the few months that the Foundation has been in Naples, one of the group’s pamphlets was included in the state’s defense of a controversial law requiring temporary cash assistance applicants to undergo a drug test before receiving benefits. The law was recently stopped from being implemented; the Foundation’s pamphlet was deemed “not competent expert opinion” by Judge Mary Scriven.

The Foundation has also set its sights on influencing Florida’s 2012 legislative session.

ALEC is a conservative nonprofit made up of state legislators and business leaders that writes model bills and resolutions to help businesses and weaken government programs. The group meets somewhat clandestinely, but much of its legislation has crept into state legislatures all over the country. Florida’s GOP-led Legislature has had a significant presence at the group’s events and has followed through on some ALEC-endorsed strategies to stop implementation of the Affordable Care Act in the state.

ALEC is also known for having deep ties to the Koch brothers — billionaires who have spent millions funding groups that promote free market policies. ALEC has been one of their biggest projects.

Dockery keeps Gub'ner option open

"Knocking down a rumor that she will run for Congress next year, state Sen. Paula Dockery says she has no future aspirations to serve in a legislative branch. But in an interview with Sunshine State News, she didn't rule out another campaign for governor." "Paula Dockery Shuts Congress Door, Keeps 'Executive' Option Open".

"New Florida ProLife Personhood Amendment"

"A group that wants Florida to define life as beginning at the moment of conception has officially launched its “personhood petition.” According to a blog post on the group’s website, the new Florida ProLife Personhood Amendment is based on language by the Family Research Council and American Family Association." "Personhood Florida officially launches new petition".

Jebbites continue to hope

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Republicans are wondering if there are any surprises coming from popular Republicans who aren't in the race, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint and House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan." "GOP's road to Tampa is a proving ground". See also "".

Union haters run wild

"Broward Audit Reveals Teachers Union Boss Out of Control". See also "SPECIAL REPORT: Unions protect problem officers".

Rubio's "lucrative book deal"

"Even some of his most enthusiastic supporters in 2010 quietly wondered how Marco Rubio would be able to get by on his $174,000 Senate salary — a big cut from the $437,000 he reported to have earned in 2009 — while dividing living expenses between Washington and Miami. It's easy: lucrative book deal." "Book deal pads Rubio income".

Republican National Convention venues walk-through

"On Tuesday, the city got a taste of the media scrutiny expected during next year's Republican National Convention, as news representatives from across the state, country and world landed in town for a walk-through of the event's two main venues." "Tampa gets taste of media scrutiny for RNC convention".

All in the family

"Rebecca Negron, wife of state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has filed paperwork to run for the District 3 seat on the Martin County School Board. The only question is when she'll run. The District 3 seat isn't open until 2014; however, Laurie Gaylord, who currently holds the seat, has announced she is running for district superintendent of schools against incumbent Nancy Kline in 2012." "Negron, wife of state senator, to seek Martin County School Board seat".

Florida metropolitan area unemployment higher than the national average

"Unemployment rates in all 20 Florida metropolitan areas decreased during the month of October, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released [Tuesday]."

The Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment report (.pdf) adds that the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall metropolitan division, with a drop of 2.4 percentage points, “shows the largest rate decline from a year earlier.”

The Bureau reported Friday that the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 8.6 percent, with 120,000 new jobs added in November, while the “the number of unemployed persons, at 13.3 million, was down by 594,000 in November.”

Bureau data released [yesterday] shows that unemployment rates for Florida metropolitan areas were higher than the national average. This includes the four largest employment centers in Florida. ...

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s latest jobs report shows that the state’s unemployment rate fell to 10.3 percent during the month of October. The state’s hospitality industry, which has a strong presence in metropolitan areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Kissimmee, has shown high job growth through 2011.

Jay Mehta, a community organizer for UNITE/HERE Local 355 in South Florida, tells The Florida Independent that “there is job growth, we definitely see that, but we get calls from people who see such a stark difference in union wages from non-union wages.”

Whooppee!

"For the first time in 20 years, the state has seen a reduction in its debt, Ben Watkins, head of the state Division of Bond Finance, told members of the Florida Cabinet." "Florida's Debt Drops for First Time in Decades".

Clean Water Act violators

"EPA penalizes Clean Water Act violators, including three in Florida".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "For clean water in Florida, depend on judge, not state".

"AIF touts gambling"

"Associated Industries of Florida, flagged by building and construction companies, promoted legislation to bring three destination casinos to the state, but would not comment on whether Genting New World Resorts had asked them to advocate on their behalf." "AIF touts gambling bill". Meanwhile, "Scott says may be "difficult" to get gambling interests on same page".

If Greer ain't guilty, "pay the guy"

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos said Tuesday that if ousted Florida Republican Chairman Jim Greer is found not guilty of money laundering and fraud, he should get the $124,000 in severance party leaders negotiated before he stepping down last year. ... In his deposition last month, Haridopolos stated that he was not telling 'the whole story' in 2010 when he told a Miami Herald reporter 'there were no agreements.'" "Senate prez: If ousted GOP chairman is not guilty, pay the guy".

"Dishonest speed-bumps slowing expedited restoration"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "In March, Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet turned back the clock on ex-cons."

Gone is the speedy restoration of felons' rights under former Gov. Charlie Crist. In its place, an unnecessarily punitive — and risky — mandatory five-to-seven-year waiting period.

In June, Scott threw ex-felons a bone —signing a bill that let them seek occupational licenses and permits so they could work while they wait. But the unwarranted and dishonest speed-bumps slowing expedited restoration of their civil rights remained a bone of contention.

The state's new hard-line lumped Florida with Kentucky, Virginia and Iowa as the only states that've scrapped simple, automatic paths to restoring felons' rights.

Last month, however, Scott suggested he's willing to revisit the move. His shift came after he met with the state Legislative Black Caucus, during which Rep. Perry Thurston questioned Florida's long waiting period and complex reinstatement process. ...

That's good. And Scott won't have to strain himself. He need only slightly crane his neck to look back to the speedy restoration process under Crist.

As it stands now, a decade may lapse before ex-offenders can cast a ballot, serve on a jury, or seek public office. That is, if felons — daunted by the time-gnawing process — even bother to try.

"End run around Wall Street reforms"

"Some Florida lawmakers want to tweak a rarely used fast-track foreclosure law to shrink the state's court backlog and as an end run around Wall Street reforms that may bar nonjudicial foreclosures." "Plan would speed foreclosures".

SSG twofer: AIF and the Chamber

"The Florida Chamber of Commerce has hired Southern Strategy Group to join its stable of lobbyists. Southern Strategy had been working for Associated Industries Florida." "Chamber ramps up lobbying".

"Schism between reality and the supporters of corporate power"

Dr. Nelson Easterling, Chair of the Florida Center on Fiscal and Economic Policy, and a former senior staff member for the Florida Senate: "The role corporations play in American economics and politics is changing. Unfortunately, the changes are negative and pose serious threats to our society, our security, and our overall standard of living":

"There is clearly a growing schism between reality and the supporters of corporate power. Proponents of corporate power seem to think that the market and corporations are somehow better than real people.

"Every corporation is the creation of a government. Every corporation exists only because the people have authorized their representatives to define and delimit their existence. Corporations are, therefore, created to be the servants of the sovereign people, not their masters."

Florida has largest increase in poverty in the nation

"Since the recession began in 2007, Florida has seen the largest increase in poverty in the nation. Three million Floridians, roughly 1 in 6 people, were living below poverty levels in 2010. In 2010, close to 1 in 4 children in the state were living in poverty." "Poverty increases for third straight year in 2010".

How Young became chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

"In 1989, Newt Gingrich was a tough-talking congressman from Georgia eager for power. But he wasn't popular enough to run away with the race for minority whip. In a contest with Ed Madigan of Illinois, Gingrich turned to Rep. C.W. Bill Young. ... Young got him the votes. ... On election night in 1994, the future speaker called Young and thanked him. 'He said, 'We're going to win this thing tonight.' The next day, he said, 'What job do you want?' I said, 'Newt, what I'd really want to do is defense.'" "Past ties of Gingrich, Young".

It sounds like an obvious agreement — each chamber knows its own territory better than the other — but, in practice, it means that House and Senate leaders both have a better chance of making incumbents happy.

The first proposal for Senate boundaries is a good example. It's modeled after a redistricting map submitted by the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, packs Democrats into districts to strengthen neighboring Republicans seats and gives incumbents on both sides of the aisle a good shot at re-election, a Times/Herald analysis shows.

• Republican Sen. Joe Negron's Stuart-based district would stretch along the coast east of Interstate 95, slicing through Martin and St. Lucie counties, while a Polk County-based seat, District 17, would reach over to pick up the western edges of those counties.

• Polk County and the city of Lakeland are chopped apart to include a winding district that includes the home territory of former state Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, who is hoping to replace Sen. Mike Bennett, a clear disadvantage to Galvano's expected opponent, former state Sen. Pat Neal. The map consumes the current district held by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, and pushes him into a district being vacated by Senate President Mike Haridopolos.

• Most of Altman's former district would become the new District 24, which would wind from southern Orange County through Osceola and Polk counties and include a 50.5 percent Hispanic population. It is being eyed by state Rep. Darren Soto, an Orlando Democrat.

• To make room for a proposed District 24, proposed District 19 must divide the city of Orlando to take in the home territory of Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando.

• In Jacksonville, the map appears to boost the candidacy of former state Rep. Aaron Bean, who is seeking to replace Republican Sen. Steve Wise in the Senate.

• State Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, would be the beneficiary of the new District 17.

Fla-baggers, Jebbites in a dither

"A new political race has begun: the Herman Cain primary. The implosion of the one-time Republican presidential frontrunner leaves his voters — and his political organization — up for grabs."

Right now, national and Florida polls show that Newt Gingrich is benefiting most. He's also trying to pick up some of Cain's campaign team.

But nothing's certain in a race in which there have already been five frontrunners. ...

Kathleen Shanahan, a former chief of staff for Jeb Bush and a top Cain supporter in Florida, said she will focus on helping with the Republican National Convention rather than jumping aboard another campaign. ...

Patricia Sullivan, a Lake County tea party organizer who was part of Cain's campaign, said the candidate left a legacy that spoke to the power of the grass roots.

"What I'm doing is I'm taking a step back and I'm reassessing what I want from a candidate," she said. "Because what I wanted I can't have. I wanted a champion for the people."

When asked who was definitely off her list, Sullivan listed Romney, Paul, Jon Huntsman and Michele Bachmann. That leaves Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Gingrich.

Local redistricting

"Miami-Dade to redraw boundaries for 13 county commission districts".

"Remarkable turnaround from earlier this year"

"Heading into a crucial election year, Florida Gov. Rick Scott won't be pushing any further changes to the state's massive $100 billion plus pension plan."

Scott is releasing his budget proposal for 2012 later this week and the governor will ask for a small amount of tax cuts, enough money to avoid potential cuts to schools and higher health insurance premiums for state workers. While he has not said much about it so far, Scott has said it will be a "tight budget" given a nearly $2 billion shortfall. ...

But emails obtained by The Associated Press show that while Scott wants more changes to the state pension plan, he and his staff agreed to wait until 2013 before pursuing them.

That's a remarkable turnaround from earlier this year when Scott pushed for extensive changes to the Florida Retirement System that covers roughly 900,000 current or retired firefighters, teachers and other public employees. ...

Brian Burgess, a spokesman for Scott, said Monday that governor remains committed to making the pension plan "fiscally sound" and looking for a "path forward on pension reform."

The main pension plan, worth $114 billion at the end of September, does not right now have enough money to cover all current and future benefits for public employees. It is about 13 percent underfunded though still considered healthy by many financial experts. ...

But additional emails show that Jon Costello, the governor's legislative affairs director, asked other top officials in the governor's office to think twice before sending out the letter to legislators. Costello noted that Scott was "hot about pensions the other day and I am not sure he considered what this may signal when he sends it."

In another email Costello wrote: "Since we don't plan on tackling this in 2012 we are telegraphing a fight that we don't even want to have, furthermore (budget director) Jerry (McDaniel) has indicated that in our budget we likely can fund no more than normal cost, meaning we won't be showing any leadership in our budget on closing the funding gap. I think this is something we tee up post session and then push for further reforms in 2013."

Costello on the same day sent another email: "Spoke with gov. He agrees it probably isn't the right time to send the letter out."

Scott singing a different tune

"This governor, who sought a 10 percent cut in school spending a year ago, appears to have learned an important lesson: No matter how bad the economy gets, cutting money for schools never seems popular."

Once elected, Scott called for that 10 percent cut, after promising to keep state education funding whole. The Republican Legislature passed and Scott signed a budget that cut school spending nearly 8 percent or $542 per student. At the same time, polls showed Scott's disapproval rating steadily rising.

Coincidence?

As Scott prepares to unveil his next budget proposal, he's singing a markedly different tune when it comes to schools.

Classic David and Goliath struggle

Nancy Smith: "All of a sudden a classic David and Goliath struggle is emerging in the Legislature, with the Florida insurance industry muscling up against the minority of physicians in the state who don't send workers' compensation patients to pharmacies but dispense repackaged drugs to injured workers at the point of care -- in their own offices."

The insurance industry claims that physicians overprice for this service. It claims that if the price of physicians' drugs were capped, it would save the state some $62 million in workers' comp rates.

A fine idea at the time

"While the Republican National Convention is still months away, representatives of Tampa's civic and homeowners' associations are raising concerns about the impact of the weeklong event on residents who live downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods. The concerns range from traffic congestion, road closures and property damage from street protests to residential buildings being locked down for security reasons." "Residents near RNC convention site concerned about event's impact".

"Where do judges come from? From Marybeth Feiss, of course"

"Where do judges come from?"

From Marybeth Feiss, of course.

Feiss, according to federal investigators, ran the fraudulent political contribution scheme that enabled her bombastic, absurdly grandiose, insanely ostentatious Ponzi thief of a boss, among other outrages, to buy himself a seat on the state judicial nominating committee.

Feiss, 42, was charged last week with bundling hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign contributions from 2006 through 2009 at the behest of the infamous scammer Scott Rothstein. Some $3 million was funneled to local, state and federal candidates and political parties, much of it illegally, through lawyers and employees (and their spouses) of his now-defunct Las Olas Boulevard law firm, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler.

The criminal complaint, filed Thursday (exactly two years after the feds arrested Rothstein), states: “It was the object of the conspiracy that Rothstein and his co-conspirators, including Feiss, aimed to dramatically increase the political influence and power of RRA and become one of the most powerful law firms in the country by utilizing some of the attorneys and administrative personnel of RRA and other persons associated with RRA to unlawfully make prohibited political contributions.” Rothstein reimbursed his minions for the contributions, much of it in the guise of bonuses.

John Gillies, the head of the FBI office in South Florida, put it a bit more succinctly. With Feiss, his administrative assistant, doing what assistants do, Gillies said, “Rothstein tried to buy political influence with the money he stole from the Ponzi scheme to contribute millions of dollars to political campaigns.”

But Rothstein didn’t just try to buy political influence. He outright bought it.

Despite a series of bookkeeping gaffes in recent weeks and less than impressive performance by predecessor agencies, DEO is seeking 250 percent more money in 2012-13 to woo businesses to Florida or to help those already here to expand. Last month, members of the Senate budget subcommittee that oversees the agency's spending said all the right things, but the proof will come in the action. If Republicans are true to their mantra of making government operate more like a business, they won't even consider doubling down until they have a full accounting of the money the agency and its predecessors have already spent.

DEO recently provided a bare-bones accounting of business incentives over the past 15 years showing that most deals, negotiated in secret, never panned out as expected.

See you in Havana

"Since the first charter flights from Tampa to Cuba in nearly 50 years began, business leaders have been reaching out to the island nation and even invited Cuban diplomats to visit." "Tampa business leaders hope to strengthen ties with Cuba".

"This is unfortunate news"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "On Thursday, college students in the Sunshine State were put on notice they may have to pay more for school as the Legislature grapples with the revenue shortfall. "

State Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, told the Tampa Tribune that the primary targets will be health and human services and higher education.

This is unfortunate news. College tuition at Florida's 11 state universities may be cheaper than in other states but it's still no easy purchase. While no part of the budget should be sacrosanct during budget hearings, lawmakers should be careful how they apply cuts to college funding.

Many students go into long-term debt to pay tuition and fees. Students often use loans to help pay for room and board. Student debt puts a drag on the economy and the students' post-college efforts to achieve financial independence.

"Miami is Digging"

"Port of Miami is Digging for Growth".

Blaming Charlie

Nancy Smith: "Apparently if you're an environmentalist in Florida, Charlie Crist is like a polar bear in a blizzard. You don't see him. That's the only explanation I can figure for former Gov. Bob Graham and a new conservation coalition blaming the 2011 Legislature for weakening the state's green programs -- yet not a word of admonition for Crist, Gov. Rick Scott's self-serving predecessor." "Somehow, Conservation Coalition Manages to Give Charlie Crist Another Pass".

Florida Health Choices program

"Hatched in 2008 when Marco Rubio held power in the state Capitol, the Florida Health Choices program expects to start offering health-insurance plans to small businesses in July 2012. Chairman Aaron Bean on Friday acknowledged frustrations with the pace of Florida Health Choices, which supporters have long touted as a new type of 'marketplace' for buying health coverage. But he also said officials want to make sure it is developed correctly." "Florida Health Choices to Offer Small-Business Health Plans by Summer 2012".

"Lawmakers could find themselves out of a home"

Mark K. Matthews and Aaron Deslatte: "Several Florida lawmakers could find themselves out of a home next year — at least politically — if the state Senate gets its way in drawing new congressional boundaries for the 2012 elections." "For some lawmakers, new districts may not include their homes".

"Bahamas oil may imperil Florida"

"Bahamas oil wells may imperil Florida".

Bono and Rubio

"During an international conference about fighting the global AIDS epidemic, U2 lead singer Bono started a hearty round of applause to salute the Florida senator for affirming his commitment to using American foreign aid dollars to combat AIDS in Africa." "Wallace: Sen. Rubio shares limelight with rock star Bono".

"Many thanks from Gov. Scott"

"The governor's office sent an automated 'Thank you for contacting governor Rick Scott' reply. And it replied again. And again. And again. All together, 12,658 times between 5:16 p.m Thursday and 8:49 a.m. Friday." "Thanks, that's many, many thanks from Gov. Scott".

"Dark cloud shrouding the Sunshine State"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board:

In 1981, William Dillon was sentenced to life for a Brevard County murder.

Three years later, Anthony Caravella also got life for a rape and murder in Miramar.

And in 1996, Chad Heins was sentenced to life for the murder and attempted rape of his sister-in-law in her Mayport home.

Such troubling foul-ups gave birth to the Florida Innocence Commission. It wisely reviews wrongful conviction cases and gives counsel to avoid similar blunders. Yet, despite the dark cloud shrouding the Sunshine State — a U.S.-high 23 innocent people on Florida's death row have been exonerated since executions resumed in 1979 — the state inexplicably resists applying similar scrutiny to death penalty cases.

First domestic-partnership registry in Central Florida

"Orlando is poised to establish an official registry where couples can record their relationships, a measure that will bypass legal roadblocks that often prevent gays from participating in a partner's medical, funeral and other decisions. If approved by the City Council at public hearings Monday and next week, Orlando would have the first domestic-partnership registry in Central Florida." "Orlando set to OK couples' registry".

Out here in the fields

"Florida farmers, worried that lawmakers could strip them of their largely undocumented workforce, are warning of an impending crisis in their fields." "Florida farmers warn of impending crisis if undocumented workers taken away".

Scott's "modest approach" to 2012 budget

"A more politically seasoned Scott is expected to roll out his second-year budget proposal Wednesday at the Capitol, flanked by agency heads and executive staff, not the army of grass-roots activists he had hoped, in vain, would intimidate lawmakers into fully accepting his earlier plan." "Gov. Scott likely to have more modest approach to 2012 state budget".

The full saga, including obscene consulting contracts and the spending of party funds by top Republican leaders, makes almost nobody look good in the state GOP leadership, and the trial is scheduled to conclude just two weeks before the national convention kicks off.

That would invite another side story: how several of Romney's presidential campaign staffers, notably senior adviser Stuart Stevens, worked for Charlie Crist in 2009 and 2010, and did all they could to trash Rubio as he challenged Crist for the GOP Senate nomination.

"A daunting task"

"Gray Swoope faces a daunting task: Attract more business to Florida while keeping existing employers from leaving. His history may give a clue what to expect." "Can Rick Scott’s jobs czar bring business to Florida?".

"In some cases, profit is the worst possible motive"

Randy Schultz writes that Scott's "business fixation" is "Scott's biggest weakness. A dozen times during his recent one-hour meeting with The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board, the governor compared being CEO of a state to being CEO of a company. From issue to issue, Gov. Scott said, "It's no different than what you do in business" or "It's exactly what business has to do" or "We see the exact same thing in business."

In other words, government is like a business. Right? No."

dozen times during his recent one-hour meeting with The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board, the governor compared being CEO of a state to being CEO of a company. From issue to issue, Gov. Scott said, "It's no different than what you do in business" or "It's exactly what business has to do" or "We see the exact same thing in business."

In other words, government is like a business. Right? No.

Business exists to make a profit. Government exists to provide services. Government should deliver those services as effectively and efficiently as possible, and phase out those that aren't working, but profit isn't the motive. Does anyone expect the Pentagon to turn a profit? In some cases, profit is the worst possible motive when it comes to public policy.

"All in 50 words or fewer"

Scott Maxwell: "Rick Scott, universities and more: All in 50 words or fewer".

Lost sales taxes

Thomas Tryon: "[S]tate and local sales taxes were not collected on a large but difficult to quantify number of the purchases made from online-only sellers — such as industry giant Amazon. In most cases, buyers in states such as Florida are supposed to eventually pay the taxes themselves but credible studies suggest few do so."

"Florida forgoes an estimated $450 million in state sales taxes because of the lack of collections and payments. That amount could rise to nearly $1 billion annually by 2020; based on the growth in holiday sales figures, huge increases seem certain." "Level the sales-tax playing field".

Sorry Rick, but that government stuff is hard

According to the Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board, Rick Scott says "the state is gaining about $1 billion in revenues over the last year."

The bad news is that 100 percent of that increase will be eaten up by new Medicaid expenses.

So even with the new $1 billion in tax revenues, the state still faces a budget shortfall for fiscal year 2013, which some estimates put at $2 billion.

Meeting this latest budget shortfall will be a difficult process for the governor, the Legislature and the citizens.

"Hays' performance was sickening"

Lauren Ritchie says Republican state senator, Alan Hays of Umatilla "surrendered any thin pretense of representing Lake taxpayers during a meeting last week at the Mount Dora Community Building. His public display of ignorance about health care for the indigent and his enthusiasm to sell out his constituents was especially disturbing in contrast to the steady, classy statesmanship displayed by state Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha."

During the meeting last week, Hays tried to sabotage Metz's very reasonable compromise with an amendment that would have rendered it meaningless and essentially kept the current system — but added a little cream to sweeten the deal for the hospitals. Hey, they've had to fight all these pesky taxpayers for months now. They deserve a smooch, don't they?

Hays had help from state Rep. Stephen Precourt, R-Orlando, who doesn't represent a single soul paying that tax. Shame on Precourt.

But the real disgrace goes to Hays, R-Umatilla, who shamelessly acted as if he were on the hospital payroll. The senator proposed continuing to give tax money to the hospitals for at least another decade. He went so far as to add a provision to make those private companies eligible for even more money, apparently in case they couldn't prove that they were spending it all on indigent people without insurance of any kind. He specifically said the money shouldn't go to any provider but the hospitals.

Hays' performance was sickening. Several times he accused Metz of creating more bureaucracy in his bill, and he demanded an explanation of specific portions. Metz calmly replied each time that the requirements Hays questioned were part of the law governing the current taxing district — he hadn't added them. Clearly, the senator hadn't bothered to learn even the basics of the issue.

"Term limits loom"

"For Sarasota County leaders, term limits loom". Related: "Voters will decide in March whether West Palm Beach commissioners should have term limits".

"The governor's less than stalwart study habits"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board is concerned about "the governor's less than stalwart study habits. When it comes to talking up higher education reforms, we don't think the governor has sufficiently done his homework." "Hit the books, governor".

"Big reforms haven't yet produced big results"

"After two years of hammering away on a K-12 education agenda designed by conservative think tanks, legislators have checked off a number of goals: merit pay, heightened graduation standards and an expanded voucher program."

But even as they wait for these changes to take full effect, lawmakers are confronted by student standardized-test scores that seem to have hit a wall after a decade of improvement[*] and yet another budget shortfall of close to $2 billion next year. Critics say the schools won't get better without more money — and are pressing a court case that would require higher funding for education.

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.

Palm Beach County's new government watchdog agency

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The latest battle over Palm Beach County's new government watchdog agency comes down to this: the residents of every city want their municipalities to support the county's inspector general, but many city governments don't. Upon this fault line, 15 cities are building their shaky case that compelling them to pay for the agency's services is illegal." "Why the cities will lose".

Fasano agin' Nugent?

"Two new political maps released last week by the Florida Senate increase the likelihood that Pasco could have a pair of marquee political races next fall."

The maps would open the door for a Pasco challenger to incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard Nugent, R-Brooksville, and also pit two well-funded candidates against each other in an open state Senate contest. ...

Consider Florida's 5th Congressional District.

The sprawling seat that stretched from central and east Pasco to the Villages to Levy County was the most overpopulated in the state and had to shed 233,000 people. The Senate's proposed district is much more compact, covering all of Hernando and Pasco counties, plus a small corner of Polk.

Most important, the map adds highly populated west Pasco, now in another district. If such a district becomes law, about two-thirds of its voters would live in Pasco. ...

U.S. Rep. Richard Nugent, R-Brooksville, who was Hernando's sheriff for 10 years, qualified to run for the seat last year in a "unique maneuver" with former U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville. Last year, the Republican congresswoman announced her retirement only minutes after the candidate qualifying deadline passed. Many observers said that effectively prevented other credible challengers from running. ...

Hernando GOP chairman Blaise Ingoglia acknowledged that the proposed district puts Nugent at a disadvantage because it favors a Pasco County candidate. But, he said, "the bottom line is Rich Nugent is going to be very tough to beat because he's done a very good job."

What has been a reliably Republican seat since 2002 might also be slightly less so. The current district voted for John McCain in 2008 by 13 points; in the area encompassed by the proposed district, McCain would have enjoyed just a 4-point margin. Still, had the proposed district been in place in last fall's race for governor, Rick Scott would have garnered 51 percent of the vote over Alex Sink's 42 percent.

And although the GOP would lose some of its voter registration advantage, the proposed district still gives Republicans a nearly 10,000-voter edge.

So far, only Nugent and two candidates without party affiliation have filed for the seat. But if you ask local politicos who might run, speculation quickly centers on one name: state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey. The 18-year lawmaker will retire from the Florida Senate next year because of term limits. ...

Fasano has been more than willing to buck his party on issues like property insurance and could find favor with Democrats and independent voters.

"I think he's been a lot more independent and a lot more populist," said Hernando Democratic Party chairman Steve Zeledon. "Nugent's just been a cog in the machinery."

Feds investigating Miami ballpark deal

"Federal authorities have opened a wide-ranging investigation into the Miami Marlins' controversial ballpark deal with Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami, demanding financial information underpinning nearly $500 million in bond sales as well as records of campaign contributions from the Marlins to local and state elected leaders." "Feds open probe into Miami Marlins stadium deal".

"Violation of the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law"?

"In July, then-[Manatee] School Board Chairman Bob Gause wanted legal advice on how, and what it would cost, to fire the board's attorney, John Bowen."

But Gause did not want that discussion to take place in public.

So he instructed Superintendent Tim McGonegal to hire a private attorney. And one by one, Gause and other board members secretly contacted the attorney.

Experts say those meetings and phone discussions could be a violation of the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law that requires board members conduct district business in public meetings.

Invoices obtained by the Herald-Tribune show that board members in July individually met or talked by phone with Bradenton attorney Cliff Walters about Bowen's future and contract.

Two board members even negotiated directly with Bowen to buy him out of his contract worth $250,000 per year. Bowen was allowed to stay on after board members learned he would not accept less than the $450,000 severance his contract guarantees.

But none of that happened in the open.

Although the board did not meet collectively with Walters — which would have been clearly illegal — Florida courts have previously ruled that board members meeting individually with a third party in quick succession on a single issue can be construed as a "de facto meeting" that should be held in public.