Death penalty "faulty"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board writes that "if the new governor, who encourages "bold" thinking, wanted to be really "bold" on criminal justice, he would recommend that Florida end the death penalty."

# It's faulty. Florida leads the nation in exonerations from Death Row.

# It's costly and time-consuming

# It has lost credibility. ...

The politics of the death penalty might make Mr. Scott hold back, even if he were inclined to be as "bold" as we would like on this issue. But if the new push is to be "smart" on crime in Florida, it's anything but smart to keep the death penalty.

Idiots

"GOPers Remove 'Labor' From House Committee Name".

Big of him

"The addition of two new Florida congressional seats from a higher census count could set off a scramble in Manatee-Sarasota. Florida Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Bennett might be interested in running if one of the new U.S. House seats were to materialize in the Tampa Bay area." "Congressional boost piques local interest".

Voucher madness

"[A] policy analyst for a Washington think tank who has long supported vouchers has issued a memo suggesting the plan recommended by Scott's team couldn't possibly pass muster with the Florida Supreme Court. And, said Andrew Coulson of the Cato Institute, that could end up jeopardizing the future of two existing Florida school voucher programs for children from low-income families and those with disabilities." "Local leaders question governor-elect's school-voucher reform plan".

"A dim future for Floridians"

"T]he team that Gov.-elect Rick Scott asked to advise him on how to reform the state's growth and environmental regulations proposed something bold:"

Merge the state's environmental, growth management and transportation departments into a single agency called the Department of Growth Leadership.

And permitting decisions from any state agency should consider "job creation and economic development" as being just as important as having clean water and air, the regulatory reform committee told Scott this week in a 79-slide report.

Those recommendations spell out a dim future for Floridians who aren't fond of pavement, predicted environmental activist Linda Young of the Clean Water Network.

The gifts keep a comin'

"Oil debris still washing up on Panhandle beaches".

Heaven help us

"A Florida lawmaker doesn't want to hear 'Season's Greetings' or 'Happy Holidays' on Dec. 25 — just 'Merry Christmas.'" "State senator: Make 'Merry Christmas' official greeting". See also "Orlando lawmaker files resolution to make 'Merry Christmas' Florida's official December 25 greeting".

A Christmas story (with lawyers)

"The state is going after more law firms that have been accused of misconduct in their foreclosure proceedings." "State expands foreclosure probe".

Coronation of a crook

"Florida Gov.-elect Scott's inaugural celebrations begin Monday around the state".

Neil Rogers

"In the spring of the bicentennial year (1976, for the history challenged), a radio host from Rochester, N.Y., hit the Miami airwaves on WKAT-AM and not only went on to set the radio dial on fire. More important, he branded South Florida humor and political discourse over the ensuing 30 years. While the myth of Howard Stern was spreading through syndication, Neil Rogers berated, shamed and entertained a brigade of 'Neilies' (as his loyal listeners were known) to become the most significant talk radio icon this town has ever seen." "A voice, a talent, a true Miami original". See also "South Florida radio legend Neil Rogers dies".

On the job

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board are "happy to report that House members who represent folks in our area answered the bell for the lame-duck session votes. Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach; John Mica, R-Winter Park; and Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, all cast votes on a food safety measure and a spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Reps. Brown, Kosmas and Mica." "House members skip lame-duck votes".

Princeton University Prof. Alan Krueger, a former U.S. Treasury Department official, said Thursday the report prepared by Scott's team suggests that laid-off workers "put little effort into finding a job." But the real problem faced by the unemployed today, he said, "is lack of jobs, not overly generous benefits."

Scott "absolutely irresponsible"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Incoming Gov. Rick Scott's disdain for government regulation appears to be absolute — and absolutely irresponsible." "With rules comes protection".

While we're on the topic of silly regulations, "Tallahassee responds to report claiming toxic chromium-6 in city tap water".

Haridopolos hires crook to attack public pensions

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos has hired a consultant connected to a massive federal public corruption investigation in Alabama to advise him on the best ways to squeeze savings out of the Florida Retirement System." "Mike Haridopolos hires consultant tied to Alabama bribes-for-bonds scheme".

"Jeb!"'s Hispanic Republican conference flops

"Politico reports that a number of presumed 2012 GOP hopefuls are not attending an inaugural conference by a new group of Hispanic Republicans that co-chair Jeb Bush termed 'an exciting new opportunity to engage with an important and fast-growing community.'" "2012 GOP hopefuls skip Hispanic Leadership Conference being held in Coral Gables". See also "2012 hopefuls to skip Hispanic forum".

Scott "advisor" Huizenga wants more "corporate tax breaks"

"The economic development team, headed by billionaire H. Wayne Huizenga, provided Scott a host of potential solutions to lure businesses to the state and make it easier for those already here to flourish, including expanding corporate tax breaks, putting a moratorium on impact fees and reducing corporate filing costs."

But the report lacked details about how much the corporate breaks would cost as Scott and lawmakers face a $3.5 billion spending gap in next year's budget.

Scott looks to dumb down the electorate

It is of course no surprise that Ricky would be very interested in reducing free access to reading material is no surprise: "Scott's advisers also suggested reevaluating the amount of state money spent on historic, cultural and library grants and reconsider how relevant libraries are in 'modern Florida.'"

This spring, lawmakers at the last minute reinstated more than $21.2 million in state aid to libraries, allowing the mainly county-run facilities to drawn down millions more in federal grants.

Scott's team recommends maintaining the state funding to draw down the federal aid but also "evaluate the role of libraries in modern Florida."

Librarians contend that library use has skyrocketed since Florida's economy hit the skids more than two years ago. Patrons are using library computers to search for jobs and apply for benefits because so many government services are accessible online, said Florida Library Association executive director Faye Roberts.

A recent report found that every dollar spent on libraries returns $8.32 to communities, Roberts said. She said evaluating libraries would be a good thing.

Ricky's "real goal here is to neuter" Environmental Protection

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Florida. Gov.-elect Rick Scott's Regulatory Reform Transition Team last week proposed a merger of the departments of Transportation, Community Affairs and Environmental Protection. It was far from the only idea in the group's 79-page report, but it was one of the worst."

The, um, thinking behind the idea is that roads, planning and clean water all are part of good communities. So why not get all the departments together and "reshape regulatory policy"? The report refers to the state as "the company" and proclaims that "the very structure of state government must be reevaluated."

We suspect, though, that the real goal here is to neuter two departments - Community Affairs and Environmental Protection - that have annoyed the powerful industries.

"Hypocrites of the highest order"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida's legislators want voters to judge them on how they manage to create jobs. But if legislators also hand voters a proposal to broadly limit revenue growth, they'll deservedly be judged hypocrites of the highest order."

Thanks to people like Senate President Mike Haridopolis and Senate Finance and Tax Council chair Ellyn Bogdanoff, who couldn't leave bad enough alone.The bill, which Ms. Bogdanoff is drafting, is expected to do what bills championed by Mr. Haridopolos in 2008 and 2009 tried to do: set a cap that ties revenue growth to population and inflation, and require a referendum for any new tax, fee or assessment.

Tried to do, but failed. The Legislature wisely didn't send the bills to the electorate, which would have had to pass them as amendments to the state constitution.

But make no mistake: This push to supposedly make government more efficient and productive by limiting its revenue, but which would hamper its ability to provide necessary services, is Mr. Haridopolos' handiwork. He cutely dubs the spending limit a "smart cap."

Haridopolos' "steaming pile of …"

Scott Maxwell points out that "guys like Senate President Mike Haridopolos want to place restrictions and caps on how local governments are allowed to spend their money".

[I]f Haridopolos is so concerned about what local government is doing, maybe he should've run for a seat on the Melbourne City Council.

But hey, this is Christmas Eve! And I'm cheery Scott! So I'll just take another swig of cocoa and listen to what they have to say.

Except one of the things I hear is former Sen. Carey Baker complaining about "unacceptable government spending." Now I can't help but think about how Baker — who was term-limited out of office just last month — got his buddy Haridopolos to give him a $90,000 "consulting" contract to keep him on the public payroll.

And how Haridopolos raised eyebrows for scoring a $75,000 gig as a "guest lecturer" at University of Florida … and another $150,000 from Brevard Community College to write a book.

And these are the guys lecturing others about the need to turn off the spending spigot?

Well, ain't that just one big steaming pile of …

"Florida Republicans in an awkward position"

"If the Census hadn't counted noncitizens, Florida would have gained only one new congressional seat, not two. ... The methodology has politicians in states that lost seats angry and also puts some Florida Republicans in an awkward position, given tough talk recently over illegal immigration." "2nd new seat due to noncitizens".

Jebbie's dead hand

"Gov.-elect Rick Scott's education team laid out reform ideas that would give parents state money to pick schools for their children and authority to remove them from a subpar teacher's class." "Scott's schools vision: Power to the parents". See also "Scott Reopens Door to School Vouchers" and "Education Reform Could Dominate 2011 Season".

Stephen Goldstein: "Our I-can't-believe-he-was elected governor, Rick Scott, has gotten a bum steer. He's letting himself be manipulated on education policy by Jeb Bush. During Jeb's eight years in office, he instituted reforms that failed significantly to improve Florida schools."

During Charlie Crist's four years, Jeb plotted to remake education in his image through a number of failed draconian measures. He still thinks he's governor.

On Jeb's advice, even before Scott's been sworn into office, he's turning into "Governor-giveaway." He wants to raid the state treasury of public education funds and completely privatize public education. According to accounts in the St. Petersburg Times, Scott recently publicly touted his plan to give potentially all primary and secondary students taxpayer money from public school budgets so they can go to any school they want. But his vouchers-for-everybody plan has actually been concocted by Jeb's Foundation for Florida's Future.

Entrepreneurs in action

"The credibility of the investigation into the Gulf oil spill is being undermined because representatives of companies that made or maintained a key piece of evidence - the blowout preventer - have had too much access to it as it is being analyzed, a federal board says." "Fed board: Keep companies from oil spill evidence".

JJ changes

"Scott drew some support Wednesday for what is shaping up as a plan to reduce spending in the state’s Juvenile Justice Department by keeping kids out of costly residential lockups." "Scott Gets Backing for Juvenile Justice Changes".

More entrepreneurs in action

"Inhaler drug: South Florida Medicare fraud cost taxpayers nearly $30 million, investigators say".

Just friends

"A Public Service Commission employee conversed with a utility attorney to make social plans a few months ago, according to public records the agency released Thursday after pressure from a regulator and open government advocates." "PSC employee talked to utility attorney, according to state phone records".

"Florida's unemployed draw little sympathy"

"[W]hile Florida's unemployed draw little sympathy, the transition team in its 109-page report lavishes help on employers who could possibly create jobs - but so far have not in a lousy economy."

Scott during his campaign promised to cut electric costs borne by businesses by $3.2 billion - with residential customers now appearing to be in line to shoulder a larger share. Scott advisers say FPL and other utilities should be free from regulatory limits to significantly generate more power from renewable energy.

They cite an industry report that claims 700 megawatts of additional renewable power could yield $8.1 billion in economic activity and 40,000 new jobs.

Homeowners, though, likely would pay more for this increase.

"No hope of passing"

Bill Cotterell: "With no hope of passing, ERA returns to Legislature".

So here's a benchmark: 1.71 million new jobs.

That would increase the state's workforce by 24 percent, more than enough to employ every out-of-work Floridian.

It would also fulfill the pledge Scott made this summer when he released details of his ambitious "7-7-7'' plan -- seven steps over seven years to create 700,000 jobs.

"Find me 700,000 jobs and I'll do pretty much anything,'' he joked during a recent meeting with state lawmakers.

But another look at Scott's job plan shows he's on the hook for much more. Start by adding 1.05 million jobs to Scott's goal.

That's how many jobs state economists expect to trickle into Florida over the next seven years without any help from the new governor. Scott's economic advisor, Donna Arduin, said these jobs are in addition to what Scott is supposed to create by cutting taxes, reducing spending and eliminating some business regulation.

Early shot at the trough

"Tallahassee expected to reap inaugural bonanza".

Mad Men

"Scott’s transition team: Scott should rebrand and restructure 'the company'".

As Ricky plans his coronation ...

... "Report shows gangs on the rise in Florida".

Never mind the Sunshine

"Gov.-elect Rick Scott gets government advice out of the spotlight".

And a rifle in every closet ...

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Scott's transition team is proposing radical changes to state government and seems to think any efficiency or cut will be an improvement." "Scott risks too much, too fast".

"Private school vouchers for all children and a merger of Florida's environmental, community planning and transportation agencies were among the suggestions of Gov-elect Rick Scott's transition teams that were already stirring debate [yesterday]." "Scott transition team proposals stirring debate". See also "Scott’s transition team calls for school choice, merit pay, online education and ‘rebranding’". Related: "Scott Education Team Gives New Twist to Old Ideas" ("Compromises afoot on performance pay and tenure").

"Governor-elect Rick Scott's economic development transition team has recommended cutting off unemployment compensation for jobless Floridians who don't spend enough time looking for work." "Panel proposes cutting Fla. unemployment costs".

Welfare RPOFers can live with

"Harris gets $19 million patient health-care records contract".

Ricky ain't inspiring confidence

"Existing home sales fell 15 percent in November compared to a year ago, and prices dipped along with them, according to a report released Wednesday by the Florida Association of Realtors." "Florida Home Sales and Prices Slide in November".

Yaaawwwnnn

"Rick Scott's Tourism Team: Double State Marketing Money".

"Watching redistricting like hungry hawks"

The Miami Herald editorial board points out that "while the governor's mansion and the Legislature are firmly in the hands of Republicans, the redistricting process this time will be governed by much stricter rules than in the past, when the party in power gerrymandered districts to its own advantage. "

In November, voters overwhelmingly approved Amendments 5 and 6, which require legislative and congressional districts to be fairly drawn, to not favor either political party or any incumbent and to protect minority voters. Districts must be compact, contiguous and based on existing political and geographical boundaries.

A tall order, yet legislators have no choice but to abide by the new rules -- the majority of voters have spoken, and they will be watching the redistricting process like hungry hawks.

He "would not have worked for Scott a single day"

"Gone are the secretaries for the Department of Juvenile Justice (Frank Peterman), the Department of the Lottery (Leo DiBenigno), Department of Community Affairs (Tom Pelham), Department of Health (Ana Viamonte Ros), Department of Management Services (Linda South) and Department of State (Dawn Roberts)."

Pelham said in an e-mail to the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau that he submitted his resignation Nov. 8 and "would not have worked for Scott a single day, even if I had been asked to stay."

FCAT follies

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "School grading system still flawed, but improvement possible".

Sing along with Troxler

Howard Troxler's annual Christmas carols include

Rick Scott, the Long-shot Candidate

Rick Scott, the long-shot candidate, had a lot of dough to spend, but when he started running, no one ever thought he'd win.

All of the other Republicans used to laugh and call him names; they wanted Bill McCollum to play the standard Tally game.

Then one shiny 'lection night, the voters came to say:

"Though you could have been indicted, McCollum leaves us unexcited."

Then how the lobbyists loved him, and gladly shouted one and all,

"Rick Scott, the long-shot candidate, here's $2 million for your ball!"

. . .

Voucher Wonderland

Take the cash from public schools, hand it out with brand-new rules,

It's a logical step to pay for Country Club Prep, with the dough that comes from Voucher Wonderland!

In the springtime we'll again kill tenure, and stick the public teachers with more tests,

If they squawk we'll tell them, "Well, so then you're

"A dinosaur, 'cause private schools are best!"

Very soon, we'll bust the union, send K-through-12 to ruin,

While the tax money goes to everybody who knows that it's time to rip off Voucher Wonderland.

"'Tough' to 'right'"

"Scott transition: Move from 'tough' to 'right' on crime".

Funding gerrymandering

"Financial records for two Florida congresspeople indicate that legal expense funds associated with their offices were created in order to defray legal costs that arise 'in connection with [their] official duties and position in Congress' — so why is that money being used to sue to block a Florida constitutional amendment that will handicap politicians’ ability to gerrymander districts?" "According to docs, blocking Amendment 6 one of Brown, Diaz-Balart’s 'official duties'".

A**hole search

"Florida wildlife officers seek killer of 320-pound bear".

Pill Mills get their money's worth

"Scott's removal of four full-time staff members from the Office of Drug Control raises questions about the state's strategy to fight Florida's prescription-pill epidemic. ... With no state funding for prescription monitoring, Fasano wonders how the program will keep operating without the Office of Drug Control to raise money for it." "Scott moves to cut drug office".

Scott also announced four other appointments to his leadership team, saying they mark "the end of business as usual in Florida's Capitol.''

But he selected two former lobbyists as his legislative directors.

Scott tapped Hayden Dempsey as special counsel to the governor to oversee his legislative agenda.

Dempsey, a lawyer and lobbyist at Greenberg Traurig [Black Jack Abramoff's employer, before he headed off to prison], represented 13 clients before the legislature last year, including many healthcare interests. He formerly worked as deputy counsel to Gov. Jeb. Bush.

Jon Costello, a lobbyist from the law firm of Rutledge, Ecenia & Purnell, P.A., will direct Scott's legislative affairs. Costello represented 18 clients last year before the legislature, including HCA, several healthcare companies and the city of Miami Beach. Gary Rutledge, head of the firm, is a longtime friend of Scott and was one of HCA's lobbyists when Scott headed the hospital chain.

Brian Burgess, who worked on Scott's healthcare initiative and served on Scott's political campaign, will be his communications director.

And Scott chose Mary Anne Carter to fill the newly-created role of chief advisor to the governor. Carter, who currently serves as executive director of the Scott transition team, previously headed the nonprofit Conservatives for Patients' Rights.

Damn Government Regulations

"Study finds Tallahassee, Miami tap water contains cancer-causing chromium-6".

Jebbites in a dither

"Poll: Jeb Bush Leads Bill Nelson In Hypothetical FL-SEN Race". Related: "New Poll Finds Bill Nelson Leading in 2012 Over Pack of Unknown Republicans" ("Nelson is ahead of most of his potential opponents, but remains vulnerable: He could not muster more than 50 percent against a pack of mostly unknown Republicans.")

Expensive RPOF plan to subsidize malpractice

"Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has released a study showing a proposal to shield Medicaid doctors from malpractice claims would cost Florida $69 million annually. ... Lawmakers are considering a proposal to extend the state's limited immunity from lawsuits to Medicaid providers." "Sink: Medicaid proposal would cost Fla. millions".

Wingnuts run wild

"Governor-elect Rick Scott should arrive in the state capital with a wrecking ball to tear down a dozen state agencies and merge them together to save money and streamline services, advisors to the new governor say in a series of transition reports delivered to him this week."

Scott, who has promised to cut 6,000 state jobs on his way to creating 700,000 private-sector positions, could be the consolidation king if he adopts the proposals offered to him by his transition committees.

Over at the Department of Education, his transition team suggests no mergers, just a massive restructuring of education that would provide vouchers for all, eliminate teacher job protection and tie school salaries to student performance.

Runin' gub'ment like a bidness

"The reform team's 79-page PowerPoint presentation highlights changing Florida's "brand" and frequently refers to the state as a corporation." "Gov.-elect Rick Scott's advisers suggest cutbacks".

The Rich are Different

"The e-mail messages went out Friday evening, advising 483 of the employees of their fate in Gov.-elect Rick Scott's administration." "Gov.-elect Scott gives state workers pink slips for Christmas".

"Lust For Labels"

Nancy Smith: "How did Charlie Crist get accepted into the national "No Labels" movement? He lost a high-profile election, that's how. " "Charlie's Lust For Labels".

Let the gerrymandering begin

"Florida legislators got the official go-ahead Tuesday to start a two-year argument over redrawing the state's congressional and legislative districts." "Battle over Florida redistricting begins".

"Florida has gained two congressional seats, according to U.S. Census data released Tuesday, giving the Sunshine State even more influence in presidential elections and in Congress." "Growth gives Florida more say in House".

"The state's 17.6 percent population growth over the last decade, from almost 16 million in the 2000 Census to 18.8 million as of April, means it will be divided into 27 congressional districts instead of the current 25." "Florida will gain political clout with 2 more in Congress". See also "New census numbers award Florida 2 more seats in Congress".

Jeremy Wallace: "New clout means new tasks ahead".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The initial speculation is that the two new U.S. House districts will be carved out in the Orlando area and South Florida. But the redistricting constitutional amendment changes the rules, banning state legislators from drawing districts to favor incumbents or political parties and requiring the districts to be compact. If the Legislature follows the intent of the amendments, Floridians will benefit from both additional House districts and a congressional delegation that better reflects the swing state." "Florida puts on political muscle".

Usual suspects

"Incoming Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam named key members of the administration on Tuesday as he prepares to leave Congress to assume his new responsibilities in January -- keeping many staffers who served under current Commissioner Charles Bronson." "Adam Putnam Unveils Familiar Faces for Agriculture Team".

Western Hemisphere and Livestock runnin' for cover

"As they both think of taking on Bill Nelson, Florida Republicans wield the gavel on Western Hemisphere and Livestock committees". "Connie Mack, Tom Rooney Will Lead Congressional Subcommittees".

"Developers want tax breaks"

Scott Maxwell:

Taxpayers are about to get stiffed.

Why? Because developers want tax breaks.

And what developers want, Florida politicians usually give.

The problem for you is that, unlike Santa, politicians don't have a bottomless bag.

If they let a developer get away with not paying for a road that their new business needs, then someone else has to pay for that road. And that someone may be you.

Never mind the constitution

"On their big class-size test, many of Florida's school districts got failing marks this week and now owe some $38 million in potential fines — money that would be painful to hand over in another bleak budget year."

But key Florida lawmakers already are looking at ways to inject some flexibility into the class-size rules this spring. Those efforts include finding ways to minimize fines that districts face if they fail to shrink all their classes, said state Sen. David Simmons, R- Longwood.

Limbaugh breathes a sigh of relief

"Rx for Danger: Prescription-abuse tracker on hold in Florida".

Pining for the Batista days

"Diaz-Balart, a passionate crusader for a democratic Cuba during his nearly two decades in Congress, was honored at the annual luncheon of the influential U.S. Cuba Democracy political action committee, the leading lobby in support of the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba." "Diaz-Balart praised as he retires". See also "Congressman who tightened U.S.-Cuba embargo is retiring".

"Jeb!" appointments pondering their RSVPs

"Sen. Mike Fasano, chairman of the Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee, sent invitations late Tuesday to Judges Paul M. Hawkes and Brad Thomas ... Hawkes and Thomas, both former legislative staffers who also worked on Gov. Jeb Bush's budget staff, led a lobbying campaign over several years to raise money for the $48.8 million project." "'Taj Mahal' judges, officials invited to testify before Senate committee".

Another fine Jebacy

The Miami Herald editorial board remind us that, notwithstanding Florida's school grades all being well above average, "key indicators still show Florida students are behind their peers nationally. While the achievement gap among white, black and Hispanic students has narrowed, it's still large, and the 2009 results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress show Florida high school seniors performed below the national average for reading and math." "After FCAT hype -- true test for success".

In some places, that sounds like "boss.'' Not in David Rivera's Miami.

During his successful congressional campaign last fall, Rivera insisted that he had only helped out with the gambling referendum. As if his contribution was as modest as a volunteer stamp licker, envelope stuffer, phone bank caller. Just another unpaid helper.

The money, instead, was paid to an entity called Millennium Marketing. An attorney for Flagler (known lately, in all its slotty glory, as Magic City Casino) told Hiaasen and Mazzei that it was Rivera who insisted on running the money through Millennium.

Perhaps it is only one of the coincidences peculiar to life in the Magic City that Millennium happens to be run by Rivera's 70-year-old mother and his godmother. ...

Hiaasen and Mazzei stumbled across another confounding oddity in the Rivera-Millennium contract: The track-turned-casino still owes Millennium and Momma's little helper an additional half-million dollars for a "success fee.'' The would-be recipients have never bothered to collect -- another mysterious aspect of the ever-enigmatic Rivera. ...

The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, however, has developed a keen interest in the puzzling employment history of David Rivera, along with his obtuse disclosures and meandering explanations.

The best we can do?

"Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi says she wants to help restore balance between the federal government and the states. Today she announced her support of the Repeal Amendment, an amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would allow two-thirds of the states to repeal any law or regulation of Congress." "Florida's Pam Bondi Joins 11 Other States to Support 'Repeal Amendment'".

Poor Ricky getting few takers

"Scott, who ran on a platform of shaking up state government, has yet to announce a single appointment." "Scott keeping on high-level state staff temporarily". See also "Scott asks 400 state staffers to rescind resignations for now". See also "Scott asks more than 400 top-level state officials to stay on the job".

The Palm Beach Post editors write that Rick Scott seems to have "failed his first assignment."

This is the same Rick Scott who said seven weeks ago as he named a transition team: "We're rolling." ...

Predictably, Mr. Scott's transition chairwoman - the lawyer he hired when his hospital company faced fraud charges - dismisses the delay. ...

Candidate Rick Scott said he would bring that CEO-efficiency mind-set to running the state. So to run the transition he names a person with a strong connection to him but a faint connection to Florida?

The "Coronation"

"Folks inside Team Scott are starting to refer to Jan. 4 as the 'coronation' instead of the inauguration, which is expected to exceed $3 million in costs." "Rick Scott inaugural haul climbs to $2.5 million".

Yee haw!

"Scott's inaugural parade-participant list announced".

"A flashy finish"

"With his tenure in the U.S. Senate coming to a close, less than a year and a half after Gov. Charlie Crist appointed him to the seat vacated by Mel Martinez, Republican U.S. Sen. George LeMieux attempted to walk away from Washington with a flashy finish and hope for a curtain call -- increasing speculation that he intends to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012." "George LeMieux Exits Stage Right".

"Government is not a business"

Bill Cotterell points out that "Government is not a business, no matter how many politicians promise to run it like one." "Scott gets a primer on customer service".

Census data today

"The U.S. Census Bureau is scheduled to announce its statistics from the 2010 Census Tuesday, and as a result, Florida is slated to get at least one -- and possibly two -- extra seats in the House of Representatives." "U.S. Census Data to be Released Tuesday".

Small man, big decisions

"[J]ust as Scott is lining up such major repositories of cash as the Florida Retirement System and state worker health insurance for changes to extract savings, prison health care services are a big-ticket item that could rain dollars if revamped just right. Still, done badly, the initiative could also backfire on the incoming governor." "Roadmap Emerging for Rick Scott's $1 Billion Prisons Cut".

Car salesman blues

"In a case filed Friday in Florida’s Middle District, the Federal Election Commission alleges a pattern of questionable contributions made to the 2006 and 2008 campaigns of Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota. Though Buchanan himself isn’t named as a defendant in the lawsuit, a company he owned and a business partner are being accused of offering reimbursements for money donated to his campaign, and of violating excessive contribution laws." "Federal Election Commission files suit over Buchanan campaign contributions". See also "Buchanan's former partner named in election lawsuit".

"Monument to self-entitlement"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Public records show asphalt wasn't good enough for the scheming appellate judges who orchestrated the conspiracy to build themselves a palatial $48 million courthouse in Tallahassee. Their drive into a parking garage at the new 1st District Court of Appeal required concrete — even though all other parking lots could be asphalt. Their private bathrooms would need soundproofing; their spacious chambers, individual thermostats; and the courthouse's rotunda columns, a treatment to look like marble."

But then-Chief Judge Paul Hawkes wanted to be sure everyone kept in mind the big picture in early 2009 after he drove by the "Taj Mahal" construction site. He wrote an e-mail to his colleagues evoking President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg: "Our efforts will not be long remembered, but they are of great note."

Instead, the ostentatious courthouse that opened Monday is a monument to self-entitlement, insider dealing and the abuse of power — all at taxpayer expense.

Teabaggers pushing RPOFers around

"The Sunshine State is leading a lawsuit that hopes to strike down two of its main provisions, penalties for those who choose not to buy insurance and requirements that states accept more Medicaid recipients. State legislators are also trying to get a constitutional amendment placed on the 2012 ballot that would allow Floridians to opt out of the requirement to obtain health insurance. Tea party groups across the state, however, also want the Florida Legislature to pass a substantive law similar to one enacted by Virginia, that prohibits the 'individual mandate' penalizing those who do not obtain health insurance." "Tea Party Groups Want State Health-Care Opt-Out Law".

Bilirakis slams ACORN

"U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will chair the Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response Subcommittee of the Homeland Security Committee -- giving the Florida Republican leadership the job of overseeing FEMA and emergency responses."

From his new perch, Bilirakis will also have a large role in preparedness funds -- a familiar topic for the Florida Republican and bad news for the controversial group Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). Bilirakis has asked more than a few pointed questions about ACORN receiving federal funds through FEMA.

Earlier in the month, Bilirakis launched his latest salvo at ACORN when he announced that he had sent a letter last week to W. Craig Fugate of FEMA demanding to know why the group was sending money to ACORN through a grant program.

Bilirakis pointed to a report from the Department of Homeland Security office of inspector general that showed ACORN was awarded more than $450,000 through a fire prevention and safety grant by FEMA back in FY 2007. Bilirakis maintained that ACORN had no such expertise.

"ACORN has demonstrated it is not worthy of the public’s trust and as I have repeatedly stated, the Department of Homeland Security should not have provided funding to this corrupt enterprise," said Bilirakis. "Scarce Homeland Security resources should only be provided to reputable organizations that will strengthen our nation’s preparedness, not wasted on those that won’t."

Wingnuts running wild in Tally

"Governor-elect Rick Scott was urged on Monday to make a startling overhaul of state government, as he was called on to merge state agencies, change the type of health care services the poor receive, and revamp the way the state keeps tab on its growth."

A total of seven state agencies which control more than half of Florida’s budget were being recommended to be shrunk into just two agencies. One would be a merger of all health and human service agencies into one new agency, while another agency would bring together the Department of Transportation with the agencies responsible for environmental regulations and reviewing growth rules.

Scott was urged to make wholesale changes to how the state regulates growth, eliminating what were called duplicate state rules for environmental permitting, eliminating state oversight of comprehensive planning and getting rid of the requirement that roads must be able to handle growth at the time a development is built.

Scott urged to create giant bureaucracy

"Gov. Rick Scott should reverse the work of Gov. Lawton Chiles 20 years ago, when he pushed for the separation of the state's social service agencies, and get back to a large Department of Health and Human Services, Scott's health care advisory team told him in a 68-page report on Monday." "Scott urged to merge health agencies".

Cox-Roush will face at least four other candidates from around the state, including Pinellas County party official Tony DiMatteo, in an election Jan. 15.

If Cox-Roush wins, it will be an indication of the increasing importance of Hillsborough County in state GOP politics. Cox-Roush has led the local party for two years.

Regardless of the outcome, the election represents a departure from the common practice by which a new governor selects a party chairman.

Gov.-elect Rick Scott hasn't openly expressed a preference or promoted a candidate of his own. But he asked at least one person, state Sen. John Thrasher, outgoing chairman, to run for re-election.

Thrasher said he declined. GOP fundraiser John Rood of Jacksonville also considered running but decided against it.

Scott, through a spokesman, declined to say whether he asked any candidate besides Thrasher to run.

Florida to gain at least one House seat

"Early projections from the U.S. Census bureau suggest Florida will gain at least one seat, possibly two, in the U.S. House of Representatives." "Florida likely to gain clout in House".

"The 2010 census report coming out Tuesday will include a boatload of good political news for Republicans and grim data for Democrats hoping to re-elect President Barack Obama and rebound from last month's devastating elections."

The population continues to shift from Democratic-leaning Rust Belt states to Republican-leaning Sun Belt states, a trend the Census Bureau will detail in its once-a-decade report to the president. Political clout shifts, too, because the nation must reapportion the 435 House districts to make them roughly equal in population, based on the latest census figures.

The biggest gainer will be Texas, a GOP-dominated state expected to gain up to four new House seats, for a total of 36. The chief losers — New York and Ohio, each projected by nongovernment analysts to lose two seats — were carried by Obama in 2008 and are typical of states in the Northeast and Midwest that are declining in political influence.

Democrats' problems don't end there.

November's elections put Republicans in control of dozens of state legislatures and governorships, just as states prepare to redraw their congressional and legislative district maps. It's often a brutally partisan process, and Republicans' control in those states will enable them to create new districts to their liking.

Broward rapidly becoming more Hispanic and African-American

"New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau confirm that Broward County's population is rapidly becoming more Hispanic and African-American." "Broward looking more like Dade". See also "Census data a mixed bag for both counties" ("People in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are better educated than they were in 2000, but that doesn't necessarily translate into making more money.")

Brevard conservatives will miss feds

"End of shuttle program affects city residents from all walks of life".

Yawning economic divides

"After decades of roiling demographic change, Miami-Dade County's tri-ethnic population has settled into a rough equilibrium, but remains riven by yawning economic and educational divides, new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows."

And disparities in educational attainment and income among Miami-Dade's main ethnic and racial groups remain startlingly large, with African Americans -- a quarter of whom live in poverty -- ensconced at the bottom of the scale, the numbers show.

Meanwhile, the county's non-Hispanic whites, while a somewhat thinner proportion of the overall population, have become in many respects an elite group, with educational credentials and incomes that on average far exceed the national norm.

Those imbalances in income and educational attainment are closely linked, said Miami Dade College president Eduardo Padrón. And they are likely to persist unless state and federal leaders get serious about boosting graduation rates and improving access to higher education among blacks and Hispanics, he said.

Right wing quote machine

The Saint Petersburg Times's redoubtable Aaron Sharockman, who once courageously railed against "the tony retirement pensions of the state's police and firefighters", wants you to know that statistics showing that "Florida in 2009 had the lowest ratio among the 50 states of full- and part-time state employees to overall population, and the second-lowest ratio of full-time equivalent employees to population" and "also had the lowest payroll expenditures per resident — $38 — in the country" aren't all they are cracked up to be.

A word of caution about both figures: Florida, because of its large population, has a comparative advantage using these types of calculation when compared with states with smaller populations. Those states still have to provide most or all of the public services that Florida does, but just for fewer people. Delaware and North Dakota, for instance, both have nearly three times as many state employees per resident when compared with Florida, and spend three times more on payroll per resident.

RPOFer committee assignments

"With a new Congress convening in January, committee assignments are starting to come in for the six new Republican members of the Florida delegation. The freshmen from the Sunshine State will be sitting on a number of important committees as the Republicans take control from the Democrats." "Florida's New Republicans in Congress Get Committee Assignments".

"Economic-development hype."

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "The Great Recession's clouds still haven't cleared from the Sunshine State. Florida's jobless rate is still in double digits, still higher than the nation's. Taxes are still coming in short of projections."

And the solution is? Why, it is what the editors themselves acknowledge sounds like more "economic-development hype." However, when the Chamber speaks, the editors jump: "Bolster trade in Florida".

"Going under"

"After 20 years, the Share Florida Food Network is going under, a victim of stiff competition and tough economic times." "Economy dooms food program for needy".

LeMieux helps bust DREAM

"Sixty votes were needed to overcome Republican efforts to prevent action on the legislation, known as the DREAM Act. Proponents could muster only 55 -- with 44 senators voting no."

Florida's senators voted with the their respective parties. Democrat Bill Nelson voted in favor of the bill, while his Republican counterpart, George LeMieux, voted against.

The bill would create a path to citizenship for undocumented students who came illegally to the United States before they were 16 and who have lived here for at least five years. It would apply only to university students and those who commit to serving at least two years in the military.

The House of Representatives approved the measure earlier this month, 216 to 198, and President Barack Obama supported it.

"The perspective of millionaires lounging around in Tally"

Fred Grimm: "The rich are different from you and me. Well, me anyway. And they're damn well positioned to keep it that way."

Florida not only got itself a fabulously wealthy governor (after he spent $73 million of his own money to get elected, maybe it's more accurate to suggest Rick Scott got himself a state) but a Legislature laden with millionaires.

In 1967, the middle 60 percent of households received over 52 percent of all income. In 1998, it was down to 47 percent. The poor also watched their meager share fall. All while the top 20 percent saw their share go up.

Over the last 25 years, more than 90 percent of the total growth in income in the U.S. went to the top 10 percent earners. With help from their golfing buddies in elected office. The remaining 9 percent of income growth, the leftovers, were divvied up among the lower 90 percent.

In 1973, the average U.S. CEO was paid $27 for every dollar paid to a typical worker. Three years ago, the ratio had ballooned to $275 to $1.

From down in the working dregs of society, such stats look like a social and economic crisis coming. From the perspective of the millionaires lounging around capitol buildings in Tallahassee and Washington . . . the way they see things . . . well, they're different from you and me.

Voucher madness

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Florida Gov.- elect Rick Scott shocked educators the other day when he signaled his support for giving vouchers to all students."

Even the otherwise pro-voucher Trib editors warn that the "idea"

could waste tax dollars and harm schoolchildren.

Greedy public employees at work

While the rest of us were lounging around, "more than two-dozen special needs residents [were] evacuated from a Fort Lauderdale group home after a fire broke out." "Fire investigated at Fla. group home for seniors".

Tampa RPOFers in a dither ...

... After All, He Is Black. "Will controversy over RNC chairmanship affect Tampa convention? Some answers".

"Are we deluding ourselves with feel-good grades?"

Thomas Tryon: "A new grading formula has caused the Lake Wobegon effect to migrate from the mythical Minnesota town down to Florida -- and its high schools. In Lake Wobegon, we know from radio host and Minnesotan Garrison Keillor, 'all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.' Well, in Florida, almost all of the public high schools are above average -- at least, according to grades issued by the state Department of Education." "Tryon: Tracking 'above average,' far from Lake Wobegon".

Michael Mayo doesn't "know whether to cheer or jeer the latest grades. After all, what good is an A school if most sophomores can't read at grade level and most graduates are ill-prepared for college? Are we just deluding ourselves with these feel-good grades, sort of like giving every kid a medal at a pre-school T-ball game?" "Do improving high school FCAT grades have any meaning?".

Feds attack entrepreneurship

"Levee that protects South Florida from Everglades flooding fails to meet federal standards".

Another fine Jebacy

"Census figures show Gainesville's median income down 20 percent since 2000".

"Kingsley" ... "oh Kingsley"

Fresh from dinner at the country club, a fine fellow named "Kingsley Guy" writes the following laffer:

Florida must meet a budget shortfall in the upcoming year of perhaps $3 billion, but Gov.-elect Scott and legislative leaders aren't backing off their pledges not to raise taxes. Scott has promised a top-to-bottom look at state finances with the intention of slashing spending[*]. Expect public-employee pension and benefit reform and privatization of certain government services to be high on the GOP agenda. Sweeping education reform also will take place that will include merit pay for teachers and changes in the tenure system.

Yaaawwwnnn

"West receives House committee assignments".

Never mind Florida's 3.8 million uninsured

"Proponents of the health care overhaul despair over Gov.-elect Rick Scott's stated determination to roll back 'ObamaCare.' They worry that Scott will direct Florida's policy with business interests in mind rather than the well-being of the state's 3.8 million uninsured." "Scott's health care ties worry supporters of overhaul".

Revisionist history

Why do I doubt this book will have much to say about Batista's crimes, Emilio Estefan's drooling union hatred, or what one might call "the rest of the story". "New book preserves stories of Cuban exodus" ("Famous Miami hitmaker Emilio Estefan turns his focus on preserving the history of the local Cuban exile community with his latest project: a book telling the story of Miami's Cuban exiles.") See also Emilio's self-serving "Innocence lost for freedom".

Time to move on

"The measure was approved earlier by the House of Representatives with the support of some South Florida Republicans, including Miami Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Lincoln Diaz-Balart." "South Florida activists cheer vote to rescind `don't ask, don't tell'".