"Up in Smoke"

"Marijuana Bills Going Up in Smoke ... This Year".

Rick Scott is now demanding federal stim dollars

"Scott to Obama: Reimburse Florida for PortMiami dredging project". Related: "Obama highlights Port of Miami tunnel project in urging more infrastructure spending".

Teachers mobilizing

"Florida teachers say they are mobilizing against a proposal in the state Legislature to close the Florida Retirement System to new employees and move them into 401(k)-type plans. The speaker of the House, meanwhile, claims the teachers' argument is untenable."

Echoing Koch Brothers/ALEC talking points, and ignoring the fact that the system is a "solid performer," and according to Florida House of Representatives itself is "one of the top-three funded public plans in the country," 33 year old pension expert

House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, argues Florida’s pension program is broken and costs too much to sustain. He says it’s time to bring government in line with the private sector and use 401(k)-type plans.

Musta been those tax cuts

"Financial picture brighter for Florida universities, but tuition hikes still on table".

"More than six years"

"State workers and teachers are the big winners in budgets advanced Friday by a Legislature eager to spend $4 billion in new money generated by a revived Florida economy."

After four years of cutting spending during tough times, legislators are loosening the state's purse strings again. They want to boost public school spending by at least $1 billion, restore last year's $300 million cut to state universities, set aside at least $500 million to shore up the pension fund and sprinkle millions around the state for popular hometown projects such as a rowing center, an aquarium and museums.

For the first time in more than six years, state employees would get across-the-board pay hikes of $1,400 a year as part of the House proposal. The Senate offers state workers a 3 percent raise. Both options are more generous than Gov. Rick Scott's plan to give one-time cash bonuses to workers.

More on the budget: "More money for teachers, state workers in House, Senate budget plans" and "Senate, House budgets pump cash into education".

Priorities

"Florida legislators plan on keeping the cost of health insurance low for state leaders." "Fla. legislators: Keep health insurance perk".

"Florida teachers make $10,000 less than the national average"

The Palm Beach Post editors: "The best argument for the raises is that Florida teachers make $10,000 less than the national average." "The $2,500 raise is Scott’s attempt to placate teachers". Related: "Policy Note: Higher Education Budget".

'Ya reckon?

"Florida Would Shortchange 1 Million Uninsured without Medicaid Expansion: Prof". Related: "Policy Note: Federal Health Care Reform".

Week in Review

"The Week in Review for March 29". More: "Weekly Roundup".

Under pressure

"Florida U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is getting pressure from the liberal side of his party as the only Democrat in the state’s congressional delegation, and one of the few in the Senate, who opposes gay marriage." "Nelson under pressure on gay marriage".

"Feel free to blame Charlie Crist"

"Crist personally pushed failed Digital Domain deal".

Nancy Smith writes that "Scott and everybody else who wants to should feel free to blame Charlie Crist for the Digital Domain debacle. It happened on his watch and by his hand." "Who Cares What John Textor Thinks?"

Ms. Smith exceeds herself, however, when she calls the Miami Herald, of all things, a "leftstream newspaper". You know, the same newspaper that had the current policy director of The James Madison Institute write its editorials for 16 years.

Murphy disappoints

"House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, a 32-year veteran of Congress, wanted to have a word with 29-year-old freshman Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter. Hoyer was not pleased to hear that Murphy was planning to break with Democratic leadership and join Republicans in voting for an extension of federal borrowing authority that included a 'no budget, no pay' provision." "Youngest U.S. Rep. Murphy sticks with campaign vows, ‘gets on with’ compromise".

"Political 'gotcha'"

The Miami Herald editors on the "classroom misunderstanding that morphed into a political 'gotcha.'" "Misunderstanding over FAU “Jesus stomping” assignment morphs into political gotcha".

"Letting the fox guard the henhouse"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "There is a reason everyone kept quiet about the federal government handing the state the power to grant development permits that could hurt Florida panthers, gopher tortoises and other endangered species. It's letting the fox guard the henhouse, and it's indefensible." "Deck stacked for developers".

GOP sugar daddy rakes in government contract cash, stiffs unemployed

"As Gov. Rick Scott was touting the state’s drop in unemployment last summer, his top jobs agency made a curious prediction: the number of people applying for jobless benefits would increase sharply over the next year. The prediction — which was not made publicly — found its way onto a quietly amended contract with a private company. Though it belied the state’s economic trends, it was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for Worldwide Interactive Networks."

Also known as WIN, the Tennessee-based firm has a state contract to run the online skills assessment that critics say has acted as a barrier to thousands of people seeking jobless benefits.

The company, a major contributor to Florida politicians, saw its annual contract increase from $2 million to $2.7 million last June, even as the number of people it was serving was plummeting. . . .

WIN has five registered lobbyists in Florida and has contributed more than $170,000 to the Republican Party of Florida in recent years, according to state lobbying and campaign finance records. The company did not return calls seeking comment.

Guns, guns ... guns on the roof

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "The answer to gun violence in schools is not more guns in schools." "More guns in schools isn't the answer". The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "Arming teachers isn't the answer".

Brodeur mixed up in corporate welfare scheme?

"Jamie Grant was two years out of law school and a [Republican] freshman member of the state House when he made a bold claim. His startup company [which included as part of the management team, one Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford] could design a mobile application that would link medical, insurance and legal records for family and first responders. Sales would net $26 million by 2014, Grant said. He just needed $2.5 million in seed money."

"The pitch worked. The Hardee County Industrial Development Authority approved the deal in September 2011 and, by the next month, Grant got his first check. Now, 18 months later, it's not clear what happened to the money. It's all spent, but state auditors say there's no product, few jobs and no economic growth."

The State Attorney's Office in Bartow opened a criminal investigation. It closed it in October concluding there was no evidence of criminal misconduct.

But a second investigation by state auditors raised red flags. According to their report, concerns included:

• The Hardee IDA awarded the money to Grant's company even though it didn't exist at the time of the application, violating state law.

• Although the agreement stated Grant's company would develop a product to be marketed and supported by Hardee personnel, there was no evidence the company delivered.

• There was no oversight of the money. Disbursements weren't supported by detailed invoices or other documentation.

The chair of the state legislative auditing committee said he is alarmed by the audit.

Greer was charged with creating a secret company that contracted with the state Republican Party to raise money while he was chairman. Who knew about that deal? And what really happened during a 2008 trip to the Bahamas that included Greer, then-Gov. Charlie Crist, billionaire and former party finance chairman Harry Sargeant III and dozens of large Republican donors?

Crist can expect more questions about his poor judgment. He says he didn't know Greer created the company to raise money for the party. But he hand-picked Greer as chairman, and there was plenty of evidence that Greer was misbehaving and that the state party was out of control.

Then there is Sargeant, who previously gave money to Greer. If Greer was paid to plead guilty and given money to repay the state party, Sargeant would be a likely benefactor. Sargeant won't talk and has his own issues, including a federal investigation into accusations his shipping business overcharged the Pentagon by more than $200 million.

Good question: "Where did the money come from?"

Greer gets 18 months

"Jim Greer, Florida ex-GOP chairman, gets 18 months in prison". See also "Ex-Florida GOP chief Jim Greer gets 18 months in prison" and "Free-spending ex-Florida GOP chief Greer gets 18 months in prison".

Trial lawyers take it on the chin

"Amid a renewed lobbying fight between business groups and trial lawyers, a House panel Wednesday narrowly approved a bill that could help shield insurers from big-money lawsuits in disputes about settling claims. The House Civil Justice Subcommittee voted 7-6 to approve a measure (HB 813) aimed at reining in what are commonly known as "bad faith" lawsuits. " "Trial Lawyers vs. Business Groups: 'Bad Faith' Changes Take First Step".

Crist pushed $20 million titanic flop

"An internal investigation has turned up evidence that former Gov. Charlie Crist and legislative leaders were personally involved in pushing a failed, $20 million economic-development project that bypassed the normal review process for incentives."

The Port St. Lucie-based Digital Domain project initiated in 2009 was personally pushed by Crist, according to the report by Gov. Rick Scott's chief internal investigator, through leftover incentive dollars that would have otherwise reverted back to general revenues. Instead, they were allocated through a political process known as "proviso language" inserted in the budget.

The report documents how the company's representative, John Textor, originally approached Crist's economic-development director, Dale Brill, and Enterprise Florida with a pitch for $100 million in incentives to create 500 jobs in Martin or Broward counties.

But based on its return-on-investment requirements and Digital's "extremely weak" financial statements, Enterprise Florida offered only $6.1 million in incentives, according to Enterprise Florida's former CEO John Adams, whom Scott replaced after his election.

So instead, former Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Tampa, and Crist's office decided to fund the project outside of Enterprise Florida through budget language. Ambler later got a $20,000 position on Digital Domain's board, and the company hired Ambler's son.

The Palm Beach Post editors point out that "not talking" during the investigation was one "Charlie Crist, who would be wrong to think that he can duck this issue if he runs against Gov. Rick Scott." "Avoid sequel to Digital Domain and the $20 million".

Corporate welfare

"House less stingy than Senate with incentive funds". Background: "Policy Note: Economic Incentives".

Per-student funding

"House panel will propose a $395 per-pupil increase in school spending for next year. The budget proposal will also include a raise for teachers and restore cuts made last year to state universities." "House plans to increase per-student funding".

Is Scott mismanaging $1 billion of federal money?

"State officials fired back Wednesday afternoon at U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson's claims that -- under the stewardship of Gov. Rick Scott -- they are mismanaging about $1 billion of federal money earmarked to help Floridians pay their mortgages." "Scott Administration to Bill Nelson: We're Working on Mortgage Assistance".

"Gun-toting teachers"

"A controversial bill that would allow schools employees to carry weapons on campus won the support of a House education subcommittee on Wednesday." "Gun-toting teachers? House education panel says 'yes'". See also "House panel passes bill to arm Florida teachers".

"Politics were at play"

"Politics were at play as hurricane threatened RNC".

Florida Forever

"House, Senate subcommittees on Wednesday recommended money for Florida Forever. Conservation land-buying is a top priority of environmental groups, but they face skepticism from some legislators who say the state already owns too much land. Bills would require state and local agencies to sell land before they could buy more. Other bills allow landowners to acquire state lands by agreeing not to develop other private property." "Policy Note: State Lands".

Not your mommy's Republican Party

"Three pro-life bills moved through the Florida House committee process Wednesday morning, while a fourth – an outright ban on all abortions except those performed to save the life of the mother – appears to have stalled in the Judiciary Committee." "Three Pro-Life Bills Making Their Way Through Legislature; Abortion Ban Stalled".

Nelson says "no"; maybe

Bill Cotterell: "Bill Nelson said Wednesday he has no intention of running for governor next year."

But -- like every politician who can never know what tomorrow may bring -- he wouldn't totally rule out challenging Gov. Rick Scott for the job Nelson sought unsuccessfully in 1990.

Wednesday in Tally

"Wednesday in Tallahassee". More: "Trooper fired after giving legislator break; more state news" and "Fla. House budget boosts K-12 spending, allows higher ed tuition hikes".

Was that three branches ... or two?

"The League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVF) is warning the public that legislation slugging its way through the House threatens the independence of the state's judicial branch of government."

The measure, HB 7033, would provide that the five members of each court's Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) appointed by the governor serve at his pleasure, whereas under current law they can only be removed before their term expires “for cause” -- i.e., in the case of crime or some serious ethical lapse.

"Legislature’s assault on people who work for a living"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Will the state Legislature’s assault on people who work for a living never end? Once again, lawmakers from the north part of the state not only are trying to pick the pockets of working folks, they want to neutralize Miami-Dade County’s home-rule charter in the process. In addition, they want to prevent other counties or municipalities in the state from trying to do right by their constituents."

This time, lawmakers are going after not just one, but two ordinances in Miami-Dade that protect workers by guaranteeing that their employers pay them, and pay them fairly.

The dreaded "task force"

"The Legislature remains a long way from offering the public real-time access to budget data." "Senate creates task force to review budget transparency".

Scott released his first campaign ad this week, though he put it up only on YouTube, and on Tuesday while talking with reporters laid out what is expected to be the main mantra of his campaign -- that he has been at the helm as the economy has come back.

Wal-Mart goes to court

The Huffington Post had this a few days ago, "Walmart Sues Grocery Workers Union, Others Who Have Protested At Florida Stores".

The Orlando Sentinel catches up today: "Wal-Mart asks court to stop protesters" "Wal-Mart asks court to stop protesters".

Where's Charlie?

"Former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer, who pleaded guilty on the eve of a potentially politically salacious trial that could have aired the laundry of the state GOP and former Gov. Charlie Crist, will find out his prison fate Wednesday.

"Former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer’s pretrial guilty plea in February allowed him to avert the possibility of up to 75 years in prison for fraud, money laundering and theft." "Ex-RPOF chairman Jim Greer faces sentencing hearing". "He raised funds for gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist in 2006 and worked his way into Crist's inner circle." "Former Florida GOP chairman to be sentenced today".

"The latest fight"

"The latest fight over the state’s congressional redistricting map came before a Tallahassee appeals court Tuesday as lawyers for the state argued that legislators and their political consultants should not have to testify about how they made their decisions."

Last month, Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis ruled that the legislature’s leaders must turn over their emails from political consultants and testify under oath as part of the lawsuit.

Before that could happen, however, lawyers for the House and Senate filed an appeal.

Lawyers for the voters groups, representing the seven citizens as well as the Florida League of Women Voters and the National Council of La Raza, argued that if they can’t depose legislators to determine whether they purposely drew maps that favored Republicans, the court would “render meaningless” the constitutional amendments.

"To Raise or Not to Raise Tuition?"

"To Raise or Not to Raise Tuition: Now That's a Question".

1.7 million Floridians eligible for health care coverage subsidies

"Having trouble finding affordable health insurance? You may be one of 1.7 million low- to middle-income Floridians eligible for tax-credit subsidies worth thousands of dollars a year to help you pay for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, starting in 2014." "You may be eligible for health-care tax credits".

It musta been those education cuts

"Home prices rise 8.1%, most since June 2008".

"Firearms lobby pushes for guns on campuses"

Beth Kassab: "As UCF students were still grappling with how close they might have come to mass murder, a gun-rights group was in a Jacksonville courtroom arguing that Florida universities have no right to ban guns from campus." "As UCF reels, firearms lobby pushes for guns on campuses".

Weatherford to "exchange one money pipeline for another"

Regarding the "the state’s loophole-ridden campaign finance laws", the Miami Herald editors write that, "if the ultimate goal of this effort is to reduce the influence of money in politics — as it should be — lawmakers seem to be heading in the wrong direction."

Instead of reducing the allowable amount of contributions to political campaigns, legislators are increasing the limits. In some cases, the rule would be no limit at all — just back the dump truck full of money up to the door and let the pols have it.

Florida has some dandy campaign finance laws. A candidate may not accept more than $500 from any single contributor. Another law, approved in 2005, bans gifts from lobbyists.

But never mind all that. Florida law also establishes what is known as a Committee of Continuous Existence, a fancy name for a legal slush fund that can receive virtually unlimited amounts of cash. The money can be used for a variety of questionable purposes that may or may not be related to actual campaigning.

House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, has made elimination of the CCEs a priority, but the bill he shepherded to passage in the House last week is fatally flawed.

In exchange for eliminating CCEs, the measure raises the cap on contributions to candidates’ political committees from $500 to unlimited amounts, though it requires that all expenses be related to the campaign.

Under the bill, contributions for statewide candidates (as opposed to campaign committees) would increase from $500 per election to $5,000 for statewide candidates and $3,000 for everyone else. Candidates would also be able to carry over up to $10,000 in excess campaign contributions to their next campaign.

Charter madness

"Scott’s pitch to lift enrollment limits on charter schools is drawing lukewarm support from fellow Republicans in the Florida Legislature, with many saying they are cautious about giving a green light to expansion. " "Latest proposals let only best Florida charter schools set own enrollment numbers".

"Proponents and opponents of the policy that would allow parents to demand conversion of a failing public school into a charter school ratchet up their language as a parent-trigger bill advances to the House floor." "Debate intensifies in parent-trigger debate". See also "Hope for charter school 'trigger' bill", "Policy Note: Parent Empowerment Act" and "Pinellas officials fighting charter school legislation".

"Legislative ping-pong"

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "In the past, Florida required absentee voters to include a witness' signature and address on the envelope. But the requirement -- which made it harder to vote but did little to prevent fraud -- was eliminated in 2004."

Now, a measure moving through state Senate committees (CS SB 600) would reinstate the witness-signature requirement.

The proposed change smacks of legislative ping-pong, confusing voters and likely increasing the number of invalid ballots.

Elections supervisors aren't in favor of the witness requirement, a spokesman said at a recent meeting of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee. Presumably, supervisors' staff would be the ones checking the witness signatures and addresses -- a workload issue during busy election seasons.

Current rules do require that an absentee ballot certificate bear the valid signature of the voter (not a witness). Unfortunately, a substantial number of absentee voters forget to sign before sending in their ballot -- automatically invalidating it. Some voters also fail to update their on-file signatures, leading to more invalidated absentee votes.

The voters would then be allowed to go to the elections office, correct the error and ultimately have their vote count once everything is in order.

The House change makes sense, and the Senate would be wise to adopt it.

Court upholds praying before Lakeland City Commission meetings

"A federal appeals court Tuesday upheld the constitutionality of prayers before meetings of the Lakeland City Commission, rejecting atheists’ arguments that the practice promotes Christianity." "Court upholds prayers at Lakeland meetings".

Fracking

"Rep. Ray Rodrigues says his concerns about hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking,' led him to propose legislation creating a registry for fracking chemicals." "Policy Note: Oil and Gas Production".

"A controversial question"

"A controversial question has spurred an emotional debate in Tallahassee: Who should have the final say over a special needs child’s education?" "Lawmakers grapple with future of special needs students".

Streamlined-permitting bill

"The HB 999 permitting bill by Rep. Jimmy Patronis is on the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee agenda for March 27. HB 357/SB 582 reduce from 90 to 60 days the time allowed for reviewing a completed application. HB 7019 is a committee bill that requires a disclaimer for permits to address concerns raised by the Federal Emergency Management Agency about the 2012 streamlined-permitting bill HB 503." "Policy Note: Environmental Regulation & Permitting".

Legislature briefs

"Florida Legislature briefs". See also "Policy Note: Correctional Re-entry Treatment Facilities", "Policy Note: Wind Mitigation Inspections" and "Policy Note: Workers' Comp Insurance/Drug Repackaging".

PIP repeal?

"Senate to pitch repeal of PIP coverage".

In a Tribune interview, Sink acknowledged that she suffered a setback in her consideration of the race, the death of her husband Bill McBride, but that doesn't mean she's through.

And she said recent news stories dismissing her as a possible candidate were wrong.

Luckee

"Florida's Luckiest Economic Engine Alive and Well".

Koch Brothers/ALEC fueled scheme to shutter pension system runs hits opposition

The Florida House's Koch Brothers/ALEC fueled scheme "to shutter the state's pension system and send all new employees to a 401(k)-style option . . . is running into stiff opposition from a more-moderate Senate and union groups who say that the proposal would be a raw deal for public employees." "House, Senate at odds over potential pension reform".

Friend of Vern

"For 20 years, Tampa home builder Timothy Mobley and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan have been friends. They vacation together, bicycle together and at times have done business together. Now that friendship has exacted a heavy toll, though not as heavy as federal prosecutors wanted." "Friend of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan evades prison time for illegal fundraising". See also "Judge fines Buchanan contributor".

"Few states have a higher percentage of uninsured children than Florida"

"With a third of the annual regular legislative session already gone, a bill that would close gaps in access to health care coverage for Florida children has passed just one committee and appears in danger of not passing."

Few states have a higher percentage of uninsured children than Florida. In 2011, about 579,000 children statewide were uninsured, including 358,000 low-income children who were eligible for KidCare.

"It's a bad return on investment for taxpayers, Governor"

Nancy Smith: "No matter how you cut it, it's a bad return on investment for taxpayers, Governor." "Memo to Rick Scott: Cut Your Losses on Drug-Testing Welfare Recipients".

Chamber losing even the Trib editors on this one

When the Chamber loses the Trib editors, you know they're in trouble. The Tampa Trib editors write this morning: "The Florida Chamber of Commerce says the state is one of the worst in the nation for lawsuits and needs to curtail litigation. Reforms may well be needed, but caution is required when lawmakers consider curtailing citizens' rights."

Such is the case with a proposal to overhaul the "bad faith" insurance law, which business interests are once again pushing. A measure failed last session, but legal reform is a priority for Senate President Don Gaetz so look for another try.

Business organizations say the legislation simply prevents lawyers from gaming the system and driving up costs. Perhaps some reforms are needed, but we fear this approach would put citizens and small businesses at a disadvantage in conflicts with insurance companies.

The law now requires insurance companies to act in good faith when settling claims for their policyholders.

"Lost amid all the back-slapping"

"Attorney General Pam Bondi praised Florida House Republicans last week after they unveiled a plan to spend $200 million from a national mortgage settlement on a variety of affordable housing needs for those hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis."

Lost amid all the back-slapping, however, is that House Republicans are planning to strip an equal amount for housing aid — $200 million — from a separate trust fund so that it could be spent on other priorities, such as teacher raises and health care. In effect, they are swapping out what the state already had set aside for affordable housing while claiming they are spending more on it.

"Squeaky wheel"

"Democrat Corrine Brown plays 'squeaky wheel'".

Greer Faces Sentencing

"Former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer, who pled guilty on the eve of a potentially politically salacious trial that could have aired the laundry of the state GOP and former Gov. Charlie Crist, will find out his prison fate Wednesday." "Ex-RPOF Chair Jim Greer Faces Sentencing This Week".

Try harder

"Florida's next lieutenant governor needs to try harder". Meanwhile, "Gov. Rick Scott shuts down lieutenant governor's office to save money".

Never mind

Eric Giunta complains that the "Governor's Former Top Attorney Withdraws Judgeship Application After Liberal Smear Campaign".

"Legislators undermining Florida's public school system"

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "Once again legislators are looking for ways to undermine Florida's public school system by giving more taxpayer dollars and freebies to charter schools, including those run by for-profit management companies."

At a time when school district budgets remain squeezed for cash, two House bills would give charter schools more opportunities while undercutting traditional public schools where most Florida students attend. Public schools are bought with public money, and they should not be given away to schools operated by private interests.

From the "values" crowd

"'Backlash' bill against LEED green-building certification program moving in House".

More from the "values" crowd

"Florida House seeks 6 percent tuition hike".

The political landscape has shifted in Florida

"Opponents of same-sex marriage will march en masse outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday as justices hear arguments on two cases. Even if traditional marriage activists win the court battles, though, it looks more and more like they have already lost the war."

Look no further than Florida to see how remarkably the political landscape has shifted.

Barely four years ago, nearly 62 percent of Florida voters approved a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions. Last week, a poll released by the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling found just 23 percent of Florida voters oppose legal recognition of both gay marriages and civil unions, and 75 percent support either gay marriage or civil unions. Among Republicans, 53 percent support civil unions, and 21 percent support legal same-sex marriage.

Another poll released last Thursday by the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute found that 54 percent of Florida voters favor allowing same-sex couples to marry legally and 41 percent oppose it.

Most troubling for Republicans eager to broaden the party’s appeal after President Barack Obama’s comfortable re-election victory are generational attitudes. A national Washington Post-ABC News poll released last week found that more than 8 in 10 voters under 30 favor legalizing same-sex marriage.

It’s a staggering number that doesn’t surprise Matt Hoopfer, president of the College Republicans of Florida State University.

The best he can do?

Jeremy Wallace: "Florida Gov. Rick Scott has said he will wait until after the current legislature session to appoint a replacement for recently resigned Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll."

But that has not stopped Tallahassee speculation that state Rep. Doug Holder is on a possible short list for the position. Holder's dinner with the governor last week only heightened the speculation in newspapers and blogs that Scott is getting to know the four-term state legislator for a reason.

Email plan all but defunct

"A plan to consolidate the email platforms of all state agencies into one system is all but defunct - despite state law calling for such a project - but now some lawmakers want to consolidate all agencies' information technology duties." "Policy Note: State Technology/Email Consolidation".

Cuts without conscience

"The elimination of a $141 million tax on manufacturing equipment and machinery is one of Gov. Rick Scott's top legislative priorities. Senate budget chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has stated he doesn't like the manufacturing tax cut idea and would prefer to cut drivers' license and vehicle fees instead. He announced a plan last week to cut a $220 million annual tax break for insurance companies to pay for the fee cuts." "Policy Note: Manufacturing Taxes".

Scott's K-12 Education Funding

"Gov. Rick Scott surprised many when he recommended what may be the biggest increase in public education funding in Florida history. His recommendation included $10.7 billion in state spending for public schools. The package includes a teacher pay raise. Sen. Bill Galvano, Appropriations Education Subcommittee chair, has told members he hopes to finalize the plan at a meeting this week." "Policy Note: K-12 Education Funding".

But roots of the controversial reform effort are deep and stretch far from Florida’s Capitol.

Critics trace the campaign back three years — to New Orleans, where dozens of Florida lawmakers gathered for a conference hosted by a controversial advocacy group that helps corporations and conservative interest groups write bills for legislatures across the country.

Jonathan Williams, a policy director for the American Legislative Exchange Council, told The Palm Beach Post that the organization’s three days of meetings in August 2011 helped affirm the need among many legislators to take a hard look at public employee benefits. . . .

ALEC has advocated changes in environmental and labor laws, voter ID measures and pro-gun laws such as the “stand your ground” legislation, which came into focus following Travon Martin’s shooting death last year in Central Florida.

Almost 50 Florida lawmakers – all Republicans – registered for ALEC’s 2011 conference, including Weatherford and Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, sponsor of the House’s proposed change and a member of an ALEC task force that examined public pensions.

Background: "Hundreds of ALEC’s model bills and resolutions bear traces of Koch DNA: raw ideas that were once at the fringes but that have been carved into 'mainstream' policy through the wealth and will of Charles and David Koch. Of all the Kochs’ investments in right-wing organizations, ALEC provides some of the best returns: it gives the Kochs a way to make their brand of free-market fundamentalism legally binding." "ALEC Exposed: The Koch Connection".

Negron gets a taste of FlaGOP wingnuttery

The Palm Beach Post editors: "One week after a Senate committee rejected an Affordable Care Act provision to extend Medicaid to 1 million uninsured Floridians, Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart offered an alternative to provide those individuals with private insurance using the same pot of federal money. Nearly three weeks after a House committee rejected Medicaid expansion, that chamber has offered nothing but criticism of Sen. Negron’s proposal for using federal money." "Editorial: Adopt Florida Senate’s plan to cover the state’s uninsured".

The great brown hope ain't so great

"Sorry, Washington superstar, Time magazine coverboy and hip-hop maven, she’s never heard of you."

“Marco Rubio?” said 28-year-old Memorie Annese, taking her daughters to a public library in this city tucked amid soaring mountains and the Rio Grande.

But the Mexican-American, school bus-driving union member who voted for President Barack Obama didn’t hesitate when asked if she would consider a Republican candidate with immigrant roots.

“Heck yeah — if he’s good,” Annese said. “There’s a connection.”

Obama won New Mexico for the second time in 2012 and left it looking less like the tossup of past elections, including 2004 when George W. Bush won 40 percent of the Hispanic vote. Republicans will be playing catch-up there in 2016.

In Texas, the GOP will be trying not to lose more ground. The classic Republican “red” state is slowly turning into a battleground, though Hispanic participation in elections still lags. By the 2016 election there will be about 905,000 new Hispanic voters versus fewer than 200,000 new white voters, according to a study by the Center for American Progress. . . .

A Quinnipiac poll last week added fuel. A hypothetical 2016 matchup between Rubio and Hillary Clinton showed her winning handily in Florida and capturing 57 percent of the Hispanic vote to Rubio’s 35 percent.

He even opposed the Dream Act, which would help immigrants brought to the United States as children achieve citizenship.

Now Rubio is pushing comprehensive reform that would provide a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented residents, and a faster pace for so-called Dreamers.

“The shift [read "flip-flop"] is crucial for Rubio to have any ability to attract votes. There’s no question it was a political consideration,” said Matt Barreto, director of Latino Decisions, an independent polling firm. “He would have had a huge problem if he had not come on board. He would have been attacked as someone who doesn’t support the community.”

House cowers in the face of "documented atrocities"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial Board: "The Florida House's proposed solution for ensuring children are not abused in religious group homes and fly-by-night boarding schools is not as ambitious as it could have been given the documented atrocities." "A better eye on children's safety".

"Medical marijuana push"

"Medical marijuana push: South Florida takes center stage".

"Profiting from what amounts to legal usury"

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "Payday loans are short-term loans with triple-digit interest rates made to cash-strapped borrowers regardless of their ability to repay. It's a debt trap now practiced by a handful of big banks, including Wells Fargo Bank, U.S. Bank, Regions Bank, Bank of Oklahoma, Guaranty Bank and Fifth Third Bank. These institutions have decided that profits from what amounts to legal usury is worth the cost to their reputation. But federal regulators don't have to agree. Both they and Florida lawmakers need to step in to rein in all the state's payday lenders."

Churning loans is considered the crux of the business model. In Florida, over 60 percent of payday revenue is generated from borrowers who take out 12 or more loans per year, according to a 2010 report prepared for the state Office of Financial Regulation.

"Scott takes credit for economic boost"

"Florida Gov. Rick Scott told Pinellas County Republicans at a fundraising dinner Saturday his administration has improved the state's economy."

However, the public employee haters in the crowd

seemed to grumble when he spoke about the teacher pay raise, which also has generated objections in the Legislature.

"The 'Things Used To Be Worse' platform"

Randy Schultz: "Gov. Rick Scott crowed last week that Florida’s unemployment rate is below the national average. Like Barack Obama, he will run for reelection on the Things Used To Be Worse platform. States compete for jobs. Gov. Scott says he has made Florida more competitive. Part of his strategy is financial incentives. In fact, giving companies money might be the least effective strategy." "Is money the best way for Florida to attract jobs?".

Sharp exchange between Scott and Weatherford

Zac Anderson: "Political arguments over money usually stem from an absence of it, especially in a state Capitol that has struggled through deep budget cuts in recent years. So a sharp exchange last week between Gov. Rick Scott and House Speaker Will Weatherford was notable. Enjoying a budget surplus for the first time since the Great Recession started, Scott and Weatherford have the luxury of arguing over how much to spend on teacher raises." "Brighter budget picture changes tone of Tallahassee money battles".

Cuts will affect "Florida’s most vulnerable residents"

"Although state lawmakers have more cash for the state budget this year, some programs could still come up short in the annual scrimmage over funding. And the outcome may make a difference in the lives of some of Florida’s most vulnerable residents." "Scott budget proposes cuts to epilepsy services".

Florida cancer patients treated with pills

The Tampa Trib editors: "Under current law, Florida cancer patients who are treated with pills instead of intravenous chemotherapy are likely to get hit with a hefty out-of-pocket bill. The situation is discriminatory and hampers effective treatment." "Fix loophole in cancer coverage".

"Stop talking and build"

Daniel Ruth: "Tampa Bay remains the last major metropolitan area in the United States without a public transportation system making use of bus and rail lines." "Stop talking and build a rail line".

"The bitter taste of the sugar subsidy"

Carl Hiaasen reminds us that "not everyone who depends on the federal government is suffering in these austere times."

According to the Wall Street Journal, the USDA is on the verge of purchasing 400,000 tons of sugar in a massive bailout of domestic sugar processors. The move would cost taxpayers about $80 million.

It’s the sweetest of deals for the big companies that grow cane and beets. For years the government has guaranteed an artificially high price for American sugar, undercutting foreign competitors and inflating consumer prices for everything from soft drinks to breakfast cereal. . . .

The major beneficiaries of this bailout would be cane growers in Florida and beet operations in Minnesota, Michigan and North Dakota. Big Sugar has outsized political clout in Washington, as evidenced by the silence of so-called fiscal conservatives.

Heavy campaign contributions are spread among Democrats and Republicans alike. Barack Obama took money from the sugar industry, as did Mitt Romney. Hefty donations went to both of Florida’s senators, Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio.

Every time somebody in Congress tries to kill the sugar subsidy, the measure gets voted down — by some of the same lawmakers who love to rail against public spending on welfare benefits, health care and education.

In Florida, the bitter taste of the sugar subsidy goes back decades. The program helped to make multimillionaires out of people who prolifically polluted the Everglades, and who for years fought all efforts to make them clean up their waste water. . . .

Remember all the feigned outrage on conservative talk radio when the government bailed out the auto industry? At least we taxpayers weren’t forced to buy up all those acres of unsold Hummers.

Incidentally, American car makers don’t have the advantage of being shielded from foreign manufacturers like Toyota or Honda.

If you’re in the sugar business in this country, you can depend on politicians to restrict imports and guarantee a set price for your crop — the antithesis of free-market competition.

It’s not a one-time shot, either. It’s an ongoing gush of entitlement.

While we’re cutting scholarships for the children of dead war heroes.

Medicaid "big business for insurance companies"

"When they voted to kill the Medicaid expansion this month, Republican lawmakers knocked the government-run insurance program as flawed, costly and out-of-control."

But that very program is about to become big business for insurance companies competing to serve low-income Floridians.

Even without expanding Medicaid, 3 million residents still remain on the rolls. About half of them get their benefits through privately run managed care. Starting next year, nearly everyone will have to use HMOs and other forms of managed care, thanks to federal approval of a Republican plan in the works for years.

The prospect has insurers gearing up, and industry analysts talking profit potential.