157,000 Floridians and families to receive $113 Million in rebates due to federal health care overhaul

"Floridians who buy health insurance without the help of an employer can expect estimated rebates of $143 to $949 in August because of the federal health care overhaul. About 157,000 individuals and families qualify. In addition, an estimated $65 million in health insurance rebates are in line to be split among workers covered at 352,000 small businesses, the Sun Sentinel found by analyzing reports filed this month by 15 of the largest insurers in Florida." "Florida health insurers to rebate estimated $113 Million".




Rubio would have "12 hour" shelf life as VP candidate

"Florida Sen. Marco Rubio would not be a wise pick for number two on the GOP ticket this year, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales told CNN Saturday."

Rubio is not ready to be president, Gonzales said, and the vice president "must be ready on day one."

"Rubio's resume does not reflect someone prepared to confront serious and dangerous issues that our country faces as president," Gonzales said.

"Gonzales, who was the nation’s first Latino attorney general in the George W. Bush administration and remains one of the highest-ranking Latinos in U.S. history, questioned the staying power of the Florida senator's popularity with Latino voters."

Rubio might generate interest among Latinos "for the first 12 hours if selected for the number two spot, but that won't last," Gonzales said. ...

It's believed putting Rubio on the ticket could help Romney make up ground among Latinos. A March Suffolk University poll shows Hispanics favor President Barack Obama over Romney 62% to 26%.

"Former AG Gonzales: Rubio not a wise VP pick". See also "" and "".




Not too much to ask

Frank Cerabino: "Florida residents with gun permits shouldn't be encouraged to use their weapons more carelessly than U.S. troops in war zones." "In war zones, shooters must use restraint; In Florida, fire away!".




"Political spotlight will shine brightly on Florida"

"The political spotlight will shine brightly again on Florida, and the Upper Midwest, especially Ohio." "Obama defends typically GOP states in race to 270".




Hillsborough feasts on stimulus money

"More than $1.2 billion in state appropriations will soon start flowing to Hillsborough County, more money than any other Florida county got in the 2013 budget passed by the Legislature in March."

Pushing Hillsborough to the top of the heap was money for three highway projects totaling more than $808 million. They include $295 million for the continued widening of Interstate 275, and $257 million for the connector now under construction between Interstate 4 and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

Most of the money for those two projects consists of federal highway dollars passed through the Florida Department of Transportation. About $105 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as stimulus money, has been spent on the I-4-Lee Roy Selmon Expressway connector.

"Hillsborough comes out on top in state money".




Women crossed party lines to thwart Haridopolos

"A group of women in the Florida Senate joined together in the past session to kill a number of bills, including the expansion of private prisons and anti-abortion measure."

Together, they defeated a massive expansion of private prisons, blocked an omnibus antiabortion bill from debate and prevented unregulated, out-of-state companies from taking over state-sponsored homeowners insurance.

The unexpected force of unofficial leaders and whips had crossed party lines to build moderate coalitions aimed at thwarting priorities of Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and his deputies.

The Senate’s 13 women didn’t always vote together — in fact, a woman sponsored the so-called “parent trigger” education bill. But there was enough camaraderie among them, enough powerful voices to influence nearly every close vote of the session.

In the 40-member Florida Senate, where three men hold the most powerful positions, another group came into their own.

The women of the Senate.

"Florida Senate women flex muscles".




"Doubts about Gov. Scott's sincerity"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board writes that a "veto raises doubts about Gov. Scott's sincerity in curbing prison costs, and ultimately his goals in seeking genuine prison reform." "Veto flubs start of prison reform".




Can car salesman Braman play with Santana Moss?

"A big name in sports was scheduled to hold a fundraiser for Miami-Dade Commissioner Barbara Jordan this weekend: pro football star Santana Moss. Moss, a wide receiver for the Washington Redskins, grew up in Carol City, which is in Jordan’s commission district. Jordan is one of four commissioners up for reelection who are being targeted for defeat by wealthy auto magnate Norman Braman." "Santana Moss to hold fundraiser for Miami-Dade commissioner".