Grayson faces array of empty suits

"Florida's new 9th Congressional District is designated for 'Latino access,' but so far, the majority of candidates seeking the Central Florida seat are non-Hispanic."

Former Rep. Alan Grayson appears to have the inside track to the Democratic nomination. Having represented more than a third of the current constituency of CD 9 -- until he was ousted by Daniel Webster in 2010 -- Grayson has the name recognition and the war chest to shut down primary competition and wage a general election campaign.

Adding to Grayson's built-in advantage, the district -- which encompasses Osceola and parts of Orange and Polk counties -- leans Democratic.

But Republicans aren't lying down.

"It's a Democratic district, but Republicans hold a majority of legislative seats here," says Jim Cook of the Osceola County GOP.

"This is the best chance to win the district. Because of the power of incumbency, if we don't win now, we've lost this seat for good," Cook said.

With 44 percent of CD 9 made up of Hispanics (versus 40 percent non-Hispanic white), at least two Latino Republicans are ramping up campaigns in the district that includes the cities of St. Cloud, Poinciana, Kissimmee and Celebration.

Julius Melendez, an Osceola County school board member, was the first to file.

John Quinones, an Osceola County commissioner and former state representative, says he expects to jump in once the district lines are finalized.

Businessman Mark Oxner is also running, as is Todd Long, who sought the GOP nomination in Grayson's old 8th Congressional District in 2010.

Republicans kill Florida DREAM act

"When the votes were tallied and the last lawmaker had left the room, the young adults wearing the paper graduation caps wept."

Their longshot hopes of winning in-state tuition for undocumented college students were dashed — at least for this year.

The college-aged students had come from different parts of the state to change the law and faced a less-than-friendly Legislature.

With the law of the land still in place, undocumented students must continue to pay out-of-state tuition, which is nearly three times higher than the rates for Florida residents. Financial aid is rare.

A pair of bills in the Florida Legislature would have made things different. The Senate Higher Education committee defeated the first of the proposals last month. Late Thursday, the second bill died in a 4-3 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"Dems allege GOP bias in district lines"

"Legislative redistricting battle goes to Florida Supremes; Dems allege GOP bias in district lines". See also "Redistricting legal battle begins in briefs filed with state Supreme Court".

Poor little rich brat

"Congressman Connie Mack has made penny-pinching debt-reduction central to his U.S. Senate campaign, but privately he has struggled at times with borrowing and paying his own obligations, court records show."

Mack sometimes appeared to spend more than he earned, had property liens filed against him, overdrew his bank account and didn’t have enough money to pay his federal income taxes after his 2004 congressional election, according to court records from Fort Myers to Jacksonville to Fort Lauderdale.

His finances aside, the records also show that Mack in his youth got into four confrontations — from an arrest at a nightclub to a bar brawl with a pro baseball player. Later, while in Congress, his estranged wife accused him of not living in his Fort Myers district and of using his influence to strong-arm her during their divorce.

Mica embraces Trump plan

"Seeking to stop the hemorrhage at Uncle Sam's real estate holdings, Rep. John Mica says a Washington, D.C., deal with Donald Trump signals a healthy start. Mica, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that Trump would bring a 250-room luxury hotel to the largely abandoned Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue." "Donald Trump's Postal Hotel Gets Stamp of Approval From John Mica".

It "would have been the largest expansion of prison privatization in U.S. history"

Fabiola Santiago: "It’s refreshing to see some responsible government in Tallahassee for a change. Despite pressure from party leaders, nine Republican senators broke ranks and voted with 12 Democrats to defeat a hasty and irresponsible proposal to privatize 27 state prisons in southern Florida."

The state’s $2.4 billion prison system — the nation’s third-largest, with 146 facilities and 27,000 employees – is in need of reform, better management and more transparency and accountability, as investigations by the U.S. Justice Department have repeatedly concluded.

But those needs don’t justify placing such a crucial part of law enforcement, a central part of government, in the hands of who knows who in the private sector.

While government may not be a perfect watchdog, it is ultimately accountable to one boss: the public. The private corporations seeking to run Florida’s prisons are accountable to their investors and their owners. ...

And so it was easy for Republican sponsors to first try to sneak privatization last year into language in the 2011-12 budget, and after that failed, to speed a bill through two committees this session after some political maneuvering to remove an opposing legislator.

When the bill came to the Senate floor, supporters, led by Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, argued that for-profit prisons would save tax dollars and increase efficiency, and they criticized the Department of Corrections’ unwillingness to modernize. They used as a prop $30 million in savings, although they provided neither definitive nor independent proof of how corporations would achieve that feat.

But regardless, savings and efficiency are hardly the kinds of issues that should be driving the conversation about a function of government — incarceration and the delivery of justice — that is crucial to the founding values of this nation.

This drastic move to privatize a sector of our justice system — one that would have been the largest expansion of prison privatization in U.S. history — deserved more thoughtful treatment.

"Time running out for Scott and House leaders"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Time is running out for Gov. Rick Scott and Florida House leaders to prove they will do more than talk about ensuring the safety of elders." "Elder care reforms can't wait".

As if slashing waiters' wages weren't enough ...

... a GOP "would prohibit Florida cities and counties from passing ordinances that crack down on wage theft, the practice of stiffing workers out of money they are owed." "Worker advocates want Senate to kill bill that prohibits local wage theft crackdowns".

Vinsanity!

"Daytona basketball star Vince Carter to host $30,000-a-plate Obama dinner".

Fasano speaks

"VIDEO: Fasano talks prison privatization defeat on Democracy Now!".

'Ya gotta problem wit dat?

"Dosal, a Miami-based tobacco company, reportedly spent around $800,000 last year to lobby the Florida Legislature, the Associated Press reports. According to the Sun Sentinel, the group spent the third most money last year on lobbying state lawmakers." "AP: Tobacco company spent $800K lobbying Legislature".

Republican state rep Precourt a "chump"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board declares Republican state representative Steve Precourt a "chump":

The three-term Republican state representative from Orlando sponsored a bill that would make Florida businsses eligible for a share of $121 million in tax breaks — unless their employees are unionized. This might score political points with organized labor haters, but it would leave businesses out in the cold if their employees exercise their right to organize[*]. Opponents said the anti-labor provision would make the bill unconstitutional. Yet Precourt urged his colleagues to pass the measure now and let a judge sort it out. Legislators take an oath to uphold the Constitution, not ignore it.

Country clubbers like foreign laborers

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "It's hard not to be annoyed, even outraged, by some of Palm Beach County's finest resorts and clubs - The Breakers, the Mar-a-Lago Club - importing foreign laborers instead of hiring local residents, especially when they don't seem to be trying much to recruit locally. Thanks to new federal regulations, they will have to try harder." "Find those local workers".

"Political expediency over principle"

"Broward County Medical Association has written letters to legislative leaders saying it opposes the medical malpractice bill that now includes provisions to allow optometrists to prescribe certain controlled substances. In in a separate letter, the group warns the Florida Medical Association that it is putting 'political expediency over principle.'" "Medical malpractice compromise dividing physicians".

Scott gets "judicial spanking"

Scott Maxwell: "It's been said before that the Florida House is more like "Animal House": a bunch of immature party boys playing games with your rights and money. Last week, a 22-page court ruling helped confirm that comparison — specifically, that freshman state Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, has been trying to do to the U.S. Constitution what John Belushi did all over the frat house's front yard."

District Judge Marcia

Cooke said Florida couldn't enforce the new gun-law gag order — the one that tries to regulate free speech between consenting adults — for the reasons that the sane and sober among us already knew: It's unconstitutional.

But Judge Cooke said more than that.

She essentially told Brodeur, legislators and Gov. Rick Scott that they didn't do their homework, didn't understand the issues and were trying to violate the U.S. Constitution.

Basically, she gave these boys a judicial spanking that would've splintered Delta Tau Chi's wooden paddle.

It's mind-boggling that this fringy law even got this far.

Treasure Coast GOPers could knock West off

"If 2010 election cycle trends hold true, St. Lucie and Martin County Republicans combined would have an edge over Palm Beach GOP voters in ultimately deciding the congressional primary showdown between U.S. Rep. Allen West and Martin County Sheriff Robert Crowder."

The matchup pits a Broward County national tea party headline grabber in West against a near-half-century vet of Treasure Coast law enforcement in Crowder. Both have taken heat for stirring the pot, but on opposite ends of the political spectrum — West for slinging attention-grabbing anti-Democratic rhetoric; Crowder for publicly veering from GOP party-line loyalties.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, a Republican who represented parts of the Treasure Coast, said local voters will be in the middle of a national spotlight race.

The number of residents old enough to vote in the new district's primary would split in favor of the Treasure Coast — about 39 percent in St. Lucie, 21 in Martin and 40 in Palm Beach. But in Florida's primary scene, the party-affiliated need only apply.

Claims bills moving

"Claims bills move through Legislature".

"GOP is boldly marching backwards into the 1960s"

Carl Hiaasen: "In their unflagging efforts to distance themselves from mainstream America, Republican leaders have gleefully seized upon a social issue that’s guaranteed to backfire in November:"

Birth control.

If you’re mystified, you’re not alone. Ignoring years of public-opinion polls, the GOP is boldly marching backwards into the 1960s to question whether contraception is a legitimate health-care benefit.

The target, as always, is President Obama. He issued an executive mandate requiring that free birth control be included in health plans provided to employees of schools, charities and hospitals connected to religiously affiliated institutions.

Although the mandate excludes churches, Roman Catholic bishops are in a huff, saying the contraception provision violates the First Amendment and “freedom of religion.”

Never mind that Obama softened the rule so that the insurance companies, not the employers, will pay for the coverage. Never mind that many employees served by these healthcare plans don’t share the same religion as the institute for whom they work.

Republican strategists see the controversy as another opportunity to bash Obama’s healthcare reforms, and also to rile up white Christian evangelicals who don’t like the president anyway.

As political miscalculations go, this one could be epic. If you’re looking for a sure way to galvanize female voters against your own party, attack birth control.

Whom does the administration’s mandate help? Teachers, secretaries, nurses, lab techs — working women who can’t afford, or don’t choose, to get pregnant.

Yet to hear the yowls of outrage, you’d think these hospitals and schools were being ordered to round up their workers and force-feed them birth-control pills against their will.

The bill (SB 2106), approved by a Senate committee Thursday, would allow restaurants and other employers to pay their staffs the federal tipped minimum wage of $2.13 an hour instead of Florida's minimum of $4.65. To qualify, companies would have to guarantee that employees would make at least $9.98 an hour, when tips are included.

Supporters also point out not all tipped employees would be affected. Less-expensive restaurants would likely keep paying $4.65 an hour, because they couldn't guarantee their employees would make enough in tips.

The National Employment Law Project, an advocate for low-wage workers, says employees need the money, and the restaurant industry is doing just fine. It points to National Restaurant Association projections last year saying Florida and Texas will experience the nation's strongest restaurant-job growth during the next decade.

Tampa-based OSI Restaurant Partners, which owns Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba's, supports the bill.

Rubio shills for polluters

"Rubio introduces bill to force EPA to implement state-drafted water pollution rules".

"The unmitigated gall of engaging in due diligence"

Daniel Ruth: "In the end, a career in public service eventually comes down to a simple proposition. After you leave office, how do you want to be remembered?"

In the case of state Sen. JD Alexander, R-The Snidely Whiplash of Scholarship, the verdict alas is likely to be … well, unkind.

Alexander is in the sunset of his time in the Florida Senate, a term-limited, lame duck, shallow pol who will probably best be recalled as the guy who tried to implode the University of South Florida in a fit of immature personal pique.

By now, Alexander's plot to put the onus of statewide higher education cuts on the backs of USF and its students, faculty and employees because he didn't get his way in winning immediate approval to spin off the school's USF Polytechnic Lakeland campus as an independent institution has become the stuff of legendary Tallahassee thuggery.

The effort to saddle USF with a 58 percent budget cut clearly was the handiwork of Alexander, R-Mr. Dithers, who as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee asserts a Caligula-like thumbs up/thumbs down on virtually every appropriation request.

And merely because He Who Must be Obeyed was confronted with the inanity of trying to free up USF Poly before it could be properly accredited, the mother ship back in Tampa had to pay for the unmitigated irresponsible gall of engaging in due diligence.

If this power play had been the result of just another slack-jawed Tallahassee political troll, the whole thing might simply be written off as another example of scruples rotting under the rotunda.

But in Alexander's case there is much more historical irony abounding here.

Republican leadership in Tally

"Florida has one-fourth of nation’s foreclosures". Related: "A year after robo-signing revelations, Florida foreclosures on the rise again".

Privatization freak

"Scott has his office working to determine what he can do to keep up the effort to bid out the services of up to 26 Central and South Florida correctional institutions this session." "Scott Moves to Keep Prison Privatization Alive".

"Sneaky attempt by brazen lawmakers to bend the law"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Call it the Thursday afternoon surprise. Out of nowhere, the Florida House Judiciary Committee produced legislation that would grant state legislators and their staffs absolute protection from being required to testify or produce documents in civil court cases."

The committee approved it along generally partisan lines, and now this dangerous four-page bill appears headed straight to the House floor with just three weeks left in the legislative session and no public scrutiny. There is no need for this blanket protection, and its supporters' motives are suspect at best. ...

A suddenly appearing, proposed committee bill with no legislator's name attached to it. One quick committee hearing. A straight shot to the full House as the session nears its usual frantic end. This is another sneaky attempt by brazen lawmakers to bend the law to benefit themselves, and it is an affront to Floridians who demand fairly drawn legislative districts and open government.

Redistricting moves to the courts

"The action will now move to the courts, with the Florida Democratic Party and voting-rights groups claiming the new district lines favor Republicans and incumbents." "Gov. Rick Scott signs off on new congressional districts". See also "Scott Signs Off on New Congressional Districts". More: "Gov. Scott approves congressional districts, triggering new lawsuit".

Like flies ...

"Republicans Flock to Fill Connie Mack's Congressional Seat".

"Jeb!" anti-public school bill rammed through without debate

"Legislation moving quickly in the Republican-controlled Legislature would let parents 'trigger' turnaround plans for failing public schools that could include management by for-profit companies."

The measure (HB 1191) has drawn opposition from Democrats and parent groups, but House Education Committee Chairman Bill Proctor, a St. Augustine Republican, rammed it through his panel without allowing debate today because time was running out on the meeting.

Supporters include StudentsFirst, an organization founded by former Washington public schools chancellor Michelle Rhee, who has advised Gov. Rick Scott. It's also supported by former Gov. Jeb Bush's Foundation for Florida's Future and California-based Parent Revolution, which successfully lobbied for a trigger law in that state.

The Florida PTA and Fund Education Now, a group that's suing the state over what it contends is insufficient school funding, are among the opponents.

Mica hints at Precourt and Adams collusion

"Three weeks ago, state lawmakers sat down for what could be best described as a cleanup session: a chance to make final changes to a new map that would set the lines of congressional seats for the next decade."

Left unsaid, however, was the ripple effect that has helped steer two incumbent Republicans on to a potentially cantankerous collision course. One of the shifts in the lines added the Orlando-area home of freshman U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams into the Seminole County-centered district — designated CD 7 — that she considers her natural political home and much of which she now represents.

Three days later, Adams declared for that seat — a move that ultimately became the first salvo in a turf war with fellow Republican U.S. Rep. John Mica of Winter Park, a 10-term lawmaker who also can lay claim to Seminole County.

Now Mica and his supporters are raising concerns over the last-minute change, hinting that the amendment Precourt pushed might have been done to accommodate the needs of Adams, an old friend from their days together in the Florida Legislature.

"Go back and check it. Precourt on Friday the 27th. And the [Adams] announcement on Monday," Mica said recently.

Adams and Precourt both adamantly deny communicating about the change, especially because any proven collusion would violate new constitutional rules that prohibit the Legislature from helping incumbents when drawing political borders.

"I can tell you unequivocally that the congresswoman did not call members or staff or consultants about the maps," said Charlie Keller, her chief of staff. "And I didn't either or anyone on staff."

No-Fault insurance revamp

"Scott on Thursday came out in favor of how the House of Representatives is trying to revamp the state’s no-fault insurance program. After watching the Florida Highway Patrol demonstrate how accidents are staged in order to illegally collect insurance payments, Scott said there are elements of the separate personal injury protection reform bills still making their ways through each legislative chamber." "Scott Encourages House Effort to Reform No-Fault Insurance to Fight Fraud".

Ricky, "Don't trash tenure"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "It's hard to see what benefit is to be gained by eliminating university and college faculty tenure, other than scoring political points. Yet some observers think the idea is still alive in the halls of the Florida Legislature, although no bills have been filed this session."

The Legislature eliminated tenure for new K-12 teachers last year, and proposed ending it for community college professors. Gov. Rick Scott, enamored by education reforms in Texas, also has questioned whether university professors need it.

The answer is simple: yes. And not just for the benefit of the professors, but for the benefit of students, and the entire higher education system in Florida.

Another greedy public employee

"Narcotics detective killed in gunfight near Jacksonville".

Goin' after public-safety pensions

"A Senate panel decided to delay its decision on a pension measure on Thursday, allowing time for various labor organizations to work out their different concerns."

The bill would do something all the unions say they support. It would roll back an increase in the retirement age for special-risk employees, such as police and firefighters, that lawmakers passed last session.

However, state law requires changes to public employee retirement benefits to be actuarially sound, and provisions intended to offset the cost of that change have proved contentious for organizations that represent other employees, including some firefighters.

The cost-saving portions of the bill would increase the vesting period for the defined-benefit retirement plan from eight years to 10, and make the defined-contribution investment plan the default retirement option for new hires. Although neither change would affect current employees, the unions worried that SB 1334 would essentially require other classes of employees to subsidize the rollback of the retirement age.

Closing a tobacco company tax loophole

"The Consumer Federation of the Southeast, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, released a statement yesterday asking Florida lawmakers to close a tax loophole for a Florida-based tobacco company." "Consumer advocacy group asks legislators to close tax loophole for tobacco company".

Litigation limits

"Compromise in Senate bill could lead to litigation limits".

"An aftertaste of Tallahassee politics"

"This week in the Legislature, a USF student body president Matthew Diaz met the tart tongue of Sen. Evelyn Lynn. She publicly scolded Diaz. One day life will be sweet. Right now, he has an aftertaste of Tallahassee politics." "A dose of Tallahassee politics".

"Trying to fix one of Florida’s systemic problems"

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "An influential state Senate committee looked past a short-term crisis Thursday to try to fix one of Florida’s systemic problems. The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee embraced a plan that would require most Internet vendors selling to Floridians to collect and remit sales taxes." "Sales tax fix gains traction".

Florida House: tax break for nonunion employers only

"The Florida House Wednesday passed a $121-million tax-cut package for businesses and manufacturers that backers say will be a special boost to small businesses, even as Democrats argued an anti-union provision in the bill makes it unconstitutional." Republicans had included an "amendment limiting the tax break to businesses that do not employ union workers." "Tax-cut package for business passes Florida House".

Meanwhile, "Rick Scott Declares 'Huge Victory' as House Passes Corporate Tax Exemption".

Unions sue to block privatizing prison health care

"Two labor unions have filed suit against the state Department of Corrections in an effort to prevent privatizing health care for all 100,000 inmates in the Florida prison system."

It's the latest controversy in the outsourcing of inmate health that began as a campaign pledge by Gov. Rick Scott. Protests by health vendors objecting to the original bid specifications have delayed the plan by months and contributed to ousting Scott's former prison chief.

The lawsuit was filed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Federation of Physicians and Dentists/Alliance of Healthcare and Professional Employees.

Oil drilling in the Panhandle

"Fairways Exploration and Production LLC wants an agreement to explore and produce oil and gas at Blackwater River State Forest, where drilling is allowed in the state management plan. The bill was amended Wednesday by a House panel to address concerns among some senators that drilling could be encouraged in the Everglades, along beaches or in other natural areas." "Bill to encourage oil drilling on state lands amended to apply only to areas west of Tallahassee".

University games

"Senate budget writers relented slightly Wednesday and unfroze $25 million of the University of South Florida's proposed budget for next year."

It's a step in the right direction, as one lawmaker put it, and USF officials expressed gratitude, but the school is still not satisfied. The money was not among the total budget cuts USF considered unfair. Rather, it was money the Senate wanted to sequester pending USF's cooperation in splitting off its Lakeland branch campus into the state's 12th university.

USF will still be expected to sever its ties with the campus, which would become Florida Polytechnic University under the Senate's budget plan. The only difference is, they won't have an extra financial hammer being held over their heads.

JD Alexander, the senate budget chairman pushing hardest to bring Florida Polytechnic to life, said he hopes USF can carry out that mission without that financial threat.

Right-wing groups want purge

"A right-wing group has announced it will 'pressure states and localities' through lawsuits, if necessary, 'to clean up voter registration rolls pursuant to Section 8 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).' The group claims that several states, including Florida, have voters on their registration rolls that are ineligible to vote." "Right-wing groups to ‘pressure states and localities’ to purge voter rolls".

Random drug testing state employees hits a snag

"The latest attempt to randomly drug test state employees in Florida hit a snag in a House appropriations committee today. The bill was voted down during the meeting, but was later reconsidered and then temporarily postponed — effectively squandering its chances of passing this session." "Latest attempt to drug test state employees stalled". See also "Lawmakers just say no to state worker drug tests".

Modernizing Florida's tax system

"Overcoming the obstacles to collecting unpaid sales tax on Internet purchases and raising additional revenue makes sense, particularly as part of a comprehensive plan to modernize the state's tax system to make it fairer to average Floridians and local small business owners." "Collecting Sales Tax on Internet Purchases Makes Sense As Part of Tax Modernization (.pdf)".

West lackey calls Republican Sheriff Bob Crowder "delusional"

"Just as Republican Sheriff Bob Crowder abandoned Rick Scott in the 2010 gubernatorial campaign, GOP officials are distancing themselves from Crowder's primary run against U.S. Rep. Allen West."

"He's delusional," Martin County Executive Committee member Chuck Winn said of Crowder.

Winn said he expects GOP organizations in the 18th Congressional District to endorse West in the primary -- if Crowder even gets that far.

"I'd be surprised if he manages to make it beyond the May filing deadline. I don't see where he gets his support," said Winn.

The two men have a history of political disagreements going back to at least 2006, when Crowder declined to support now-state Sen. Joe Negron's unsuccessful bid to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley in the 16th Congressional District. In the 2008 sheriff's race, Winn filed to run against Crowder as an independent, mainly to ensure a closed primary and force Crowder to face two more conservative Republicans before only Republican voters in a largely conservative county.

Crowder, in an interview with Sunshine State News, played up his long roots in Martin and St. Lucie counties, which comprise the bulk of CD 18.

Florida’s Medicaid deforms violate federal law

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Two parts of Florida’s Medicaid reforms were jettisoned by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services because they would have violated federal law and been excessively burdensome." "Saving the Medicaid safety net".

"Irresponsible"?

"An abrupt about-face by the Florida Medical Association is helping to keep malpractice reform legislation alive, but at least one group of physicians is calling the move 'irresponsible.'" "FMA Deals In Optometrists to Keep Med-Mal Bill Alive, But at What Cost?".

"Giving to the system with one hand and taking with the other"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "If Gov. Scott and the Legislature truly want a top-ranked higher-education system that graduates students who can compete in the emerging knowledge economy, they will stop giving to the system with one hand and taking with the other. They also will stop treating the universities as fiefdoms." "Higher ed, lower politics: More time spent on personal agendas than on helping state".

Media Day

"Help The Florida Independent by donating on Support Your Media Day".

Carpenters' political director rejects charges

"In a new interview with The Florida Independent, Miguel Fuentes, the political director of the Florida Carpenters Regional Council, rejects charges by opponents of a proposed South Florida immigration detention center that he is a 'lobbyist,' saying he supports the project because it will 'create jobs that are sorely needed.'" "Carpenters union denies charges by South Florida immigration detention center opponents".

"Tolls on freeways all over Florida"?

"A federal highway bill that likely would lead to tolls on Interstate 4 and freeways all over Florida is being denounced by environmentalists and mass-transit and bike enthusiasts. The prospect of tolls doesn't upset them, however. They contend the bill is an attempt to build nothing but car lanes across America — at the expense of bus and train riders, bicyclists and even pedestrians." "Groups line up against Mica's road-building plan".

Suggestions for Obama on Cuba

Andres Oppenheimer: "Obama should take the offensive on Cuba".

Rubio dissembles

Florida U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio spoke to his fellow Republican brethren at the Conservative Political Action Conference that "a U.S. Supreme Court justice [Ruth Bader Ginsburg] suggested that some U.S. cases will be decided based on South African law."

Mr. Rubio was dissembling: "

There is nothing in [Justice] Ginsburg’s interview in which she suggested that any legal matter in the U.S. should be decided based on anything from South African law. Ginsburg was giving advice to another country on how to draft a constitution, and she suggested examples written more recently than the U.S. Constitution. She didn’t dis the U.S. Constitution -- she explained that it was written at a time when slavery was legal and women didn’t have equal rights. In fact, Ginsburg also heaped lots of praise on the U.S. Constitution. We rate this claim False.

Nine Republican state senators — in a welcome break from their bullying leaders — teamed with the Senate's 12 Democrats to deliver a bipartisan defeat of an idea that was driven more by special interest politics than thoughtful policy. Such a sweeping change of questionable benefit that affects a core government mission and so many state workers never should have been so rashly considered.

private prison companies' overtures to run more prisons have been embraced by Senate leadership, which claimed the deal would save the state at least 7 percent, the contractual obligation at seven existing private prisons. Never mind that the Legislature's own analysts cast doubt on those savings, saying private prisons housed healthier and less violent inmates than the general prison population, making comparisons impossible.

Alexander worked with other leaders to game the system. First, they snuck the language into the 2011-12 state budget. A judge threw out the provision because it did not follow laws written under former Gov. Jeb Bush on vetting whether privatization made sense.

This year, Senate President Mike Haridopolos circumvented standard procedures and rammed the issue through two friendly committees. He stripped Fasano from his subcommittee chairmanship overseeing the state prison budget for opposing the plan.

Never did supporters adequately address the moral hazard of a scheme where a major portion of Florida's public safety obligation was entrusted to an entity whose financial interest was in full prison beds, not rehabilitating inmates.

Ultimately, even strong-arm tactics could not sell this bad idea.

Corporation looking to buy

"[T]he Huffington Post reported that a private prison company had approached 48 states — of which Florida is one — to trade cash in exchange for contracts to run state prisons." "Corrections Corporation of America looking to buy Florida prisons".

No sunshine?

"Environmental law firm Earthjustice yesterday announced that it has filed suit against the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, alleging that the agency 'illegally held closed-door meetings to craft a plan which would cut off the public’s boating access to part of Fisheating Creek in Glades County' and therefore violated state open meeting requirements." "Earthjustice says Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission violated open meeting laws".

Never mind the ethics

"Complaining about the media and ban on gifts from lobbyists, a Senate panel Tuesday shot down a bill that would have prohibited future lawmakers from also holding jobs or contracts with state colleges and universities. The legislation, SB 1560, made a range of changes to Florida's ethics laws prompted by a scathing 2010 grand jury report on public corruption. But the most contentious change was a ban on university or college employment." "Florida lawmakers' ethics bill fails amid complaints it was media-driven".

Tax breaks only if company has no union employees

"Majority Republicans have added an anti-union provision to a bill giving Florida businesses tax breaks totaling $121.1 million a year."

In each case, Republicans substituted a provision allowing companies to get the tax break only if they have no union employees.

"Winners and losers, so far"

"2012 Legislature: Winners and losers, so far".

Agreement

"A bill that would allow K-12 students to pray during all school events is currently being opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the Liberty Counsel. Both groups warn that such legislation would cost the state money in litigation." "ACLU, Christian group both oppose school prayer bill".

Did campaign cash pave the way?

"The National Institute for Money in State Politics takes a look at the numbers. Prison firms and firms focused on prison health care gave nearly $1 million to Florida politicians in 2010—the most the industry has given over the last decade. Some four fifths of that came from the GEO Group and its health care subsidiary." "Did campaign cash help pave the way for prison privatization?".

Jax signs contract, but refuses to ratify

"Jacksonville’s City Council rejected union contracts Tuesday that would have given most JEA employees pay raises of 1.5 percent to 3 percent."

JEA’s chief executive said he would go back to the unions to renegotiate.

“I’m very disappointed” said CEO Jim Dickenson. “We cut [payroll costs] ... and they seemed to just not recognize that.” ...

He said JEA had eliminated performance incentives starting in 2008, effectively lowering typical workers pay 5 percent well before police and fire unions accepted concessions. He said other utilities have raised pay, and he is losing employees who can get better wages elsewhere.

But council members were in no mood for Dickenson’s arguments, with only five out of 18 supporting the contracts.

That's a relief

"You can now carry your gun at Florida State Fair".

Glowing mistakes

"Nuclear plant errors reported at Turkey Point".

Corporate tax cut

"Lawmakers moved closer to approving a tax plan that would double the corporate income tax exemption, from $25,000 to $50,000, meaning 3,770 companies would be exempt from paying any income taxes."

"Democrats offered 15 amendments to the corporate tax cut, attempting to deny the benefit to companies that ship jobs offshore, deny health insurance for domestic partners, deny coverage for contraceptives, work with countries that sponsor terrorism, or discriminate against veterans."

In an attempt to call the Republicans’ bluff on immigration, Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, offered an amendment that would provide the corporate tax cut only to companies that used an E-Verify system to prevent the hiring of undocumented immigrants. Several Republicans, including Gov. Rick Scott, campaigned on the issue, but have generally avoided the politically-dangerous topic this year.

Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, countered each of the amendments with an amendment of his own, stating that companies that hire unionized labor would not be eligible for a tax cut.

Each time, state Representatives voted to change the Democrat-led amendments into the anti-union amendment, effectively blocking a vote on the Democrat’s issues.

“There’s nothing in the rules that says that I can’t do this,” Lopez-Cantera told protesting Democrats. “I’m just doing what the rules afford me the right to do in this Chamber.”

The tax package faces a full vote in the House on Wednesday. The House also moved forward on other tax measures, including this year’s back-to-school sales tax holiday and a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans and first responders killed in the line of duty.

Nelson saves $43,000 in property taxes

"U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson has been many things over the years. State legislator. Congressman. Astronaut. Insurance commissioner. In Brevard County, he is a gentleman farmer. And that saved him $43,000 in property taxes last year." "Greenbelt's giveaway".

Rubio doles out the cash

"In October, supporters of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio invited allies to attend a different type of fundraiser — not to benefit Rubio but to collect cash that the first-term Florida Republican could dole out to his friends and GOP candidates across the country. By every measure, it was a success. Rubio raised tens of thousands of dollars, part of the $563,000 collected by his so-called 'leadership' political-action committee in the final three months of 2011." "Rubio raising big bucks to give other candidates".

"Meeting is sure to be filled with fireworks"

"The meeting is sure to be filled with fireworks, coming a day after USF supporters across the state bombarded lawmakers' voicemail and email with pleas to spare USF from disproportionate cuts. The reductions are making the biggest splash, but on the back burner is another controversy: a bill slipped into the budget that would immediately split USF Polytechnic off into the state's 12th university. It's a move Alexander has crusaded for months." "USF Polytechnic drama heats up as USF students protest budget cuts in Tallahassee".

The best they could do

"Faced with a credibility problem in the eyes of some of the state’s top lawmakers, one of Florida's oldest and most influential business advocacy organizations reached for a big gun -- a top-tier veteran who ran the House when many of those same lawmakers were still learning to navigate the maze of the Capitol hallways." "Feeney Working Capitol Halls to Polish AIF Image".

Not enough

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Homeowners in Florida and California will reap about half of the $26 billion, reflecting the dire state of the housing market in these two states. But restoring the housing market and the credibility of the mortgage industry will require much more." "Mortgage deal falls short".

"Florida as the Dogpatch of the nation"

Daniel Ruth: "It is axiomatic that not much happens in Tallahassee until toward the end of the legislative session when the final deals are cooked, the last minute conspiracies are hatched and, of course, the annual rite of back-stabbing begins in earnest."

This isn't democracy in action. It's a good old boy junta, taking names, settling scores and extracting revenge. Think of this as the reign of the Borgias, only without the sense of whimsy.

So it's a fair question: Why even bother with the charade of legislating? Why not dispense with filing bills, holding committee hearings and voting on stuff and put Senate Budget Committee Chairman JD Alexander in charge of everything, since it certainly appears the Big Daddy of Lake Wales is firmly in charge of establishing Florida as the Dogpatch of the nation?

"Latvala is sticking to Florida's turkey"

Nancy Smith: "Seems odd to me why a Florida senator would want to continue a system that exposes thousands of Floridians to identity theft. But Jack Latvala is sticking to Florida's turkey of a law like a cheap suit in the rain." "Obviously, Jack Latvala Never Had His Identity Stolen".

"Helpless funding vehicles for lawmakers' pet projects"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The Legislature is trying to transform the state's five water management districts into helpless funding vehicles for lawmakers' pet projects. The move will compromise the districts' critical water-protection mission and gut accountability and local control." "Politics flood water districts".

State needs a better plan

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Federal regulators' rejection last week of two provisions in Florida's statewide Medicaid reform proposal is evidence that the state needs a better plan for controlling health care costs." "Do surgery on Medicaid".

Hastings harassment lawsuit dismissed

"Judge releases Hastings from harassment lawsuit". See also "Judge dismisses sex harassment claim against U.S. Rep. Hastings".

Both chambers have agreed to maps that redraw the state's congressional and legislative districts and have sent them to Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Supreme Court for review — and for legal challenges by Democrats and voting-rights groups who say they're illegally gerrymandered. Still, lawmakers are done for now with one of the two bills they must pass this session.

The House has passed a $69.2 billion spending plan that increases dollars for classrooms but cuts funds for hospitals, universities and most other functions of state government. The Senate is on track to pass its version next week, setting the stage for a conference committee to work out differences.

"5 things to watch today"

"Capitol Buzz: 5 things to watch today in Tallahassee".

Spats-and-ascot set like Mr. West

Kingsley Guy: "Because of redistricting, U.S. Rep. Allen West from District 22 will be heading northward to run in a more Republican-friendly District 18. I, for one, will be sorry to see him go."

Unlike a lot of politicians, West doesn't equivocate or dance around issues. His sharp, conservative views make him an icon of the right. But he's a demon to the left, which castigates him for being a tea party lackey.

Florida soaks up Affordable Care Act cash

"While Gov. Rick Scott has made news by rejecting several grants funded by the federal health care reform act, a study by an independent nonprofit group finds that Florida organizations have quietly received $119.6 million in reform act funds over the past two years."

Using federal data, the National Conference of State Legislatures has compiled a report that shows Florida state agencies, universities, hospitals, public clinics — even faith-based private groups such as Tallahassee-based Live the Life Ministries — received funds from the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and 2011 for everything from clinic expansion to abstinence lectures.

This has happened while Florida has been a leading state in a lawsuit alleging that the Obama administration act is unconstitutional. What's more, NCSL reports Florida is one of three states planning to ask voters next fall to consider a constitutional amendment to declare illegal key provisions of the reform act — a stance that could lead to a state-federal court battle if the amendment were to win approval.

the Obama administration has called the reform act a success in Florida, pointing out that the act saved the state's seniors $141.9 million last year because it decreased the size of the "doughnut hole" for Medicare drug costs. The administration also says the act helped 3,300 uninsured Floridians with serious medical conditions obtain insurance coverage through a high-risk pool called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.

In one category, Florida has ranked near the top of reform funds: abstinence counseling to reduce teen pregnancy. Florida has received $2.6 million for the counseling, behind only Texas and New York, according to the NCSL.

The Department of Health received the abstinence funds, according to a federal website. Other Florida groups received another $8.8 million in other teen pregnancy counseling, with $891,000 of that going to Live the Life Ministries, with a mission of "strengthening marriages and families."

Grimsley is walking a tightrope

"All of a sudden Denise Grimsley finds herself smack in the middle of a tug-of-war between House and Senate -- maneuvering the budget -- the thing that morphs into the annual showdown to decide which is the stronger chamber. The head of the House budget talks is walking a tightrope. She has a job to do now, but she wants to be accepted as one of the gang and by her potential boss in the Senate next year." "Denise Grimsley's Balancing Act".

School repair fund is facing a crisis

"The state fund for school repairs is facing a crisis – and some lawmakers are reluctant to address it." "Fewer dollars flowing into statewide school repairs fund" "Fewer dollars flowing into statewide school repairs fund".

"When state lawmakers twist themselves into pretzels"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "When state lawmakers twist themselves into pretzels writing legislation, it often indicates they are trying to circumvent constitutional protections. That is what is happening with SB 98, which is entitled an education bill but that teaches only one thing: how to evade rules that bar prayer in school."

The legislation that has passed the Senate gives local school boards the discretion to allow student-led "inspirational messages" at student assemblies. But its true purpose is to encourage prayer that reflects the majority's faith at public schools. Beyond appealing to religious conservatives, there is no reason to adopt a measure like this, which undermines religious pluralism and inclusion and violates church-state separation.

Federal health reject "controversial piece of Florida's Medicaid overhaul"

"Taking aim at a controversial piece of Florida's Medicaid overhaul, federal health officials this week rejected hitting beneficiaries with $10 monthly premiums and charges for some emergency-room visits."

Democratic lawmakers and advocates for Medicaid beneficiaries, such as the group Florida CHAIN, blasted the proposals last year when the Republican-controlled Legislature included them in a massive plan to revamp Medicaid.

Florida CHAIN released a statement Saturday describing the proposals as "too extreme and too dangerous to be given serious consideration.''

"Congress already allows states to require Medicaid recipients to contribute to their care, but there are limits on what states can charge the poorest because they can afford so little,'' the advocacy group said. "Legislative leaders knew that but were unconcerned, repeatedly insisting that they had provided 'a hundred different reasons' for the federal government to approve their request.''

While controversial, the proposed charges were a relatively small part of Florida's move to overhaul Medicaid. The key part of the overhaul would eventually shift almost all beneficiaries into managed-care plans --- an idea that remains under federal review.

PolitiFact is confused

"PolitiFact Florida: Private prisons would chase escaped inmates, but local authorities would take lead".

Small world

"If Democrat Lois Frankel and Republican Adam Hasner end up facing each other in the race for a Palm Beach-Broward congressional seat, Hasner can count on the support of Frankel's first campaign manager. Judy Hasner, Adam's mom, ran Frankel's first state House campaign in 1986, then went to work for Frankel as her legislative aide. Adam Hasner was a teenage Republican at the time. " "Frankel's first campaign manager is potential opponent's mother".

"state food police"

Nancy Smith asks: "Does the Florida Legislature really want to set itself up as the state food police?" "Food-Ban Bills Take a Bite out of Reason".

"A political survivor"

"State Sen. Gary Siplin is a Democrat who cuts deals with Republicans and brings home dollars for his inner-city Orlando district. He’s a political survivor — and has never lost an election." "State Sen. Gary Siplin: political survivor in state capitol".

Scott's halting delivery seemed to confound audience members, who at times appeared unsure about when to applaud or respond. Still, his frequent mentions of freedom and opportunity drew an unmistakably friendly reaction.

"Prettier, but not significantly fairer"

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "They look prettier, but they are not significantly fairer."

They look prettier, but they are not significantly fairer. That is the bottom line on the new congressional and legislative districts approved by the Florida Legislature. Now it will be up to the courts to adjust the lines to ensure the districts meet the intent of the new redistricting rules approved by voters. While the Legislature took a significant step in the right direction, it did not go far enough in drawing districts that better reflect the state's political balance and comply with the state Constitution.

In theory, the new redistricting requirements should have resulted in maps that would produce a congressional delegation and Legislature that better reflect Florida's political balance. After all, Democrats hold an edge in voter registration, and the last three presidential elections have produced an effective tie in 2000, a Republican win and a Democratic win. Yet Republicans now hold 19 of 25 congressional seats, 28 of 40 state Senate seats and 81 of 120 state House seats because of the way the current districts are drawn to protect incumbents and ensure Republican control.

The new districts appear only marginally more competitive. A Tampa Bay Times analysis based on previous election results suggests Democrats could pick up three congressional seats, with two other districts competitive. If the new congressional maps meet the constitutional requirements, why would President Barack Obama have won only 10 of the 27 new districts even though he carried Florida in 2008?

"Political interference and endless tinkering"

"[A] years-long struggle over the direction and dollars behind one of the nation's largest university systems, one critics say is plagued by political interference and endless tinkering." "It’s Gov. Rick Scott vs. state officials in effort to raise tuition rates".

"South Florida’s crumbling schools"

"South Florida’s crumbling schools and how they got that way".

<Rubio got his

"Marco Rubio grew up in South Florida surrounded by a family of Cuban immigrants and working-class neighbors who knew firsthand the suffering and striving of the immigrant experience."

Today, while scaling the heights of political power, he sees immigrants stream into his U.S. Senate offices pleading for help. ...

Rubio is walking a fine line, mixing compassion with respect for the law while trying not to offend a party base infuriated by the illegal population, including an estimated 825,000 in Florida. When asked to reconcile these positions, he says he does not claim to have a "magic answer" but hopes to build on principles of fairness and border security supported, he says, by the vast majority of Americans. ...

Rubio [is] long on rhetoric but short on specific proposals.

Libertarian blowout in Orlando

"'More freedom, less government': Libertarian candidates for president debate in Orlando".

"Enough already" with the Chamber

Scott Maxwell: "Enough already. It's time to turn off the government spigot. After revelations that groups associated with the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce devoured an additional $250,000 — some of it for questionable purposes — it is time to cut the chamber off." "End gravy train of tax dollars to chamber".

"Medicaid privatization dealt a blow"

"Republican lawmakers' quest to expand a Medicaid privatization program statewide was dealt a blow this week after federal health officials said the state could not impose $10 monthly premiums on Medicaid beneficiaries."

The privatization program builds on a controversial five-county pilot program that started in 2006. Patients said they struggled to get doctor's appointments and doctors dropped out of the program complaining the health plans denied the treatments they prescribed. Several health care providers also dropped out of the program, saying they couldn't turn a profit, leaving patients to be deal with gaps in services as they were bounced between plans.

There has also been little data evaluating the program. The state has not tracked what services were denied and it's unclear whether the small amount of savings was because patients got less care or because it was delivered more efficiently.

Several outspoken Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Elaine Schwartz, have hammered the importance of such data, worrying the for-profit health providers will line their pockets with administrative costs unless closely monitored. Federal health officials have insisted the state require private health plans to spend 85 percent of funds on patient care.

"Popular with constituents, unpopular with fellow Republicans"

Adam Smith is "hard-pressed to name any Tampa Bay politician more popular with his constituents and less popular with leaders of his own party than state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey." "Fasano popular with constituents, but not with fellow Republicans".

More cuts for state employees

"Last year, Gov. Rick Scott proposed capping health coverage for state employees at $5,000 annually per plan participant — leaving employees responsible for additional costs. While that plan failed to pass, lawmakers again are considering an approach that would provide a set contribution rather than a set of benefits." "State's health insurance may soon get less attractive".

Call center careers ... the best Scott can do?

"Tampa has burnished its image as a hub for call center operations with the recent announcements of more than 1,000 new jobs. Is that a good thing, given the relatively low status of such employment?" "Recent influx of call center jobs to Tampa brings promise of bigger things".

Tampa to clamp down on protestors

"With the six-month countdown almost here, local government, police and court officials are busily making plans to deal with an expected throng of 10,000 or more protesters who will demonstrate against war, for social justice, against corporate greed and for political reform." "Police, judges, jails juggling schedules, staff for RNC".

Charter madness

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "In 1996, Florida began a grand experiment in education reform. Charter schools were placed in a statewide Petri dish. Critics warned that the public/private hybrids would siphon off funding and spell the end of traditional public schools."

And now, some state lawmakers foolishly plan to hand charter schools the hose. The Senate Education Committee has endorsed a bill requiring local school districts to share with charter schools a portion of the $1.9 billion in construction and maintenance money collected through local taxes. Money that charter schools could use to defray leases or to buy buildings that — rather than reverting to the public — private operators get to keep if the school is not renewed or goes belly up.

This from "a lawmaker who has gained little notice despite having served in the House for more than two decades"

U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns R-Ocala has "used his powerful committee perch in Congress to begin an investigation into whether Planned Parenthood uses taxpayer money for abortions."

"For the second time in a year, Stearns was thrust into the national spotlight, a remarkable feat for a lawmaker who has gained little notice despite having served in the House for more than two decades."

Stearns seems both surprised and pleased by the uproar, which came coincidentally as controversy grew over a White House mandate that faith-based health care providers make contraception available, a decision that President Barack Obama relented on somewhat Friday.

And it came fortuitously for social conservatives who lost voice amid the intense focus on economic issues over the past two years. At once, the culture wars have returned.

Haridopolos plays catch with charter school lobbyist

"The Florida Senate has been moving more slowly and more clumsily than the Florida House this year, but Senate President Haridopolos looks like he doesn't have a care in the world. The Merritt Island Republican has been ducking out of his Capitol office some afternoons to toss a football on the lawn outside the Senate Office Building. Last week, the Senate president's catching partner was Chris Moya, who lobbies for charter schools, the Seminole Tribe and other clients. More recently, the Senate president was been spotted doing it again." "Senate leader's spirals".

"Prospects bleak for state's disadvantaged residents"

"While Florida's economy has shown signs of improvement in recent months, the prospects remain bleak for many of the state's most disadvantaged residents. And there is concern that things may only get worse."

The Republican-led Legislature passed a series of sweeping changes last year and is considering additional changes in 2012 that lawmakers say protect taxpayer dollars, wean residents off government assistance and position businesses to reignite Florida's dormant economy.

said Karen Woodall, interim director of the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, a group that focuses on policies that impact low-income families. Case in point, she says: a plan to privatize portions of Medicaid, the state-managed health care system for low-income individuals and families.

Health care advocates, armed with data and horror stories from a controversial five-year pilot plan, say private insurance companies have systematically denied care to the state's poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

Yet the plan is proceeding.

The state is scheduled to start shifting Medicaid beneficiaries — elderly people first — into privatized managed-care programs by January 2013.

New proposals would deepen cuts. Scott wants to cut Medicaid spending by nearly 10 percent this year to free up funds for education, and both the House and Senate propose sharp reductions in Medicaid contributions to area hospitals.

Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich, D-Weston, introduced a bill this year to close loopholes in the corporate income tax and another that would ban businesses from discriminating against the unemployed.

Both proposals have been ignored by the Republican majorities.

"I believe that's what happens when you have a Legislature where there's not a balance as far as the members of both parties," she said.