Florida Vote

If you haven’t already, you really ought to visit Smashed Frog.  Now, our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry.

FCAT Fiasco

“Florida House Democrats are calling for an overhaul of the state’s education accountability system by next year, after problems with last year’s third-grade reading FCAT were discovered this month.”

In a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday, the House Democratic Caucus said confidence in the state’s accountability system has been shaken by the flaw, which is requiring the rescoring of 204,000 tests.

The group, which represents 42 House Democrats, wants a complete audit of all FCAT results since 2000, not just a rescoring of last year’s third-grade test.

They also want to know how far-reaching the effects of third-grade blunder are and an analysis of what other mistakes the FCAT is subject to. Another group, the Florida Coalition for Assessment Reform, also made similar requests of the Governor this week.

“Democrats want a recount — on all FCATs“.  See also “Lawmakers ask Crist to investigate FCAT flub“.

Debates

“Televised debates between the major contenders for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations are planned for Florida on Jan. 23 and 24, less than a week before the state’s primaries, organizers said Wednesday.  Leadership Florida, in partnership with the Florida Press Association and the Florida Public Broadcasting Service, will produce the two hourlong live debates, which may get added national exposure on C-SPAN, officials said.”  “Florida to host key debates in presidential race“.  See also “Organizers: Major presidential candidates to debate in January“, “Presidential debates planned for January” and “State to host pair of presidential debates“.

“Charlie of Arabia”  Strides the World Stage

Howard Troxler: “The guy has been governor for just shy of five months, and he’s knocking around the Middle East? Who is he, Charlie of Arabia?”  “Maybe the Knesset can fix our tax mess“.

“On the second day of a trade mission to the country, Crist also visited Jewish holy sites and met with top Israeli officials, raising his own international profile.”  “Crist visits holy places, meets leaders in Israel“. 

Scott Maxwell writes this morning that:

pundits are busy speculating that Crist is also hoping to make himself more attractive as a national candidate by bolstering his foreign-policy credentials. Still, Crist may have his eyes on an even loftier office — if you believe the papers over there, anyway. After all, the St. Petersburg Times, which is traveling with the governor, cited a slightly misspelled headline about Charlie in Wednesday’s Jerusalem Post that read: “Christ visits Jerusalem.”

Oops.

Nobody’s Perfect

From The Orlando Sentinel editorial board:

Since Mr. Bush put the FCAT in place 10 years ago …

“Overdue change“.  There are two (2) mistakes in those eleven words; can you figure out what they are?  The answers tomorrow.

Not Enough

“Agency officials said there will still be some cuts to services, but those cuts won’t be as bad as was feared during the Legislative session.”  “State budget to include $116M extra for disabled“.

Going Out on a Limb

“Kottkamp urges preparedness in face of hurricanes“.

“A Matter of Numbers”

“It is becoming a matter of numbers - delegate numbers, to be exact.  With 113, Florida has more than the 110 combined of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.”  “With primary moved ahead, GOP’s top 3 focus on Fla.“.

“To that ‘F’ grade, add the ‘Incomplete’”

“Florida families are paying higher insurance, property tax and gas costs, Gov. Crist observed last week. ‘I don’t think it’s right to make them pay higher tuition, too.’ Yet his veto of the state budget’s 5 percent tuition increase just made Florida’s 11 universities and 28 community colleges less accessible.”

In a university system that is expecting 7,000 new students, Gov. Crist has excised $19 million in needed financing. That’s roughly the equivalent of 300 new faculty, or about the number at Florida Gulf Coast University, said state university system spokesman Bill Edmonds. For the community colleges, the loss is a similar $19 million.

To that “F” grade, add the “Incomplete” the governor earned for omitting the tuition-proviso language from the $922 million university financing authorization. Whether he can reduce rather than eliminate a budget line item is the current legal limbo that the university system’s Board of Governors should challenge. Not the least because the veto also eliminated language that spelled out how much students will be charged per credit hour.

“Challenge Crist’s veto of 5% tuition increase“.

I Am Shocked

“Don’t act shocked at where tax dollars from South Florida slot machines are going. You were warned.  According to a recent South Florida Sun-Sentinel report, Las Vegas-style slots in Broward County will raise more than $223 million for education projects in Florida. More than half of it will go toward higher education, not to public schools, as slots proponents vowed.  Doesn’t sound right, does it?”  “Gambling Taxes“.

Our Editors at Work

This really is beneath even the Sun-Sentinel editorial board - they write that Cindy Sheehan “became so shrill and strident that she lost effectiveness, and she helped turn the level of debate on both sides nasty rather than thoughtful and productive.”  “A Divider“.

It would be nice to see such shrill rhetoric directed at the self proclaimed “uniter not a divider” and the other Iraq war fools.

Discovery

“Lower water levels yield discovery of ancient site“.

Charlie’s “Political Favoritism”

“The amount Gov. Crist vetoed from the Legislature’s proposed state budget - $459 million - was unprecedented, but not his message of political favoritism.”  “Some turkeys more equal“.

Good Luck

“Up in Florida’s Panhandle, a test awaits Gov. Crist’s Department of Environmental Protection.  Will Secretary Michael Sole uphold a ruling that, finally, makes a paper mill stop polluting once-pristine Perdido Bay? This month, an administrative law judge denied the world’s largest paper company, International Paper, a permit to build a discharge pipe to the bay and told the DEP to make the firm obey clean-water rules.”  “Clean-water win, if the state agrees“.

“Tax Worries”

“Broward sees another double-digit jump in property values, fueling tax worries“.

They Can Probably Handle It

The Sun-Sentinel editors think Florida pols have been mean to insurance companies; they complain that “some state officials have been hurling boulders at insurance companies. Doing so earns them political points, because insurers have been highly unpopular across the Sunshine State ever since they jacked up premiums on people following the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.”  “Storm Season“.

A Bushco Thing

“The United Arab Emirates’ prime minister wants President Bush to help win dismissal of a federal lawsuit filed in Miami that accuses the country of forcing thousands of children to work as camel jockeys.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, also the ruler of Dubai, said in a letter to Bush that the lawsuit filed in Miami federal court ‘’is causing an unnecessary interference with the good and mutually valuable relations'’ between the two countries.

The lawsuit, filed in September, seeks unspecified monetary damages for about 10,000 boys and thousands of their relatives. The case was brought under a 218-year-old U.S. law known as the Alien Tort Statute, which gives federal courts jurisdiction over certain civil cases involving foreigners.

The Emirates say the suit should be thrown out because U.S. courts have no jurisdiction and its rulers are entitled to sovereign immunity.

The lawsuit contends Miami is a proper venue because Emirates family members own horse farms in Ocala and because no other court in the world would adequately deal with the claims.

“Sheikh seeks Bush’s help to quash lawsuit“.  See also “UAE leader tells Bush jockey lawsuit threatens relations“.

Probably A Good Thing.

“It’s not often the Florida Legislature gets international attention.“

Not Too Late for Thompson?

Adam Smith believes that “it’s not too late for the actor to make a splash in the state’s wait-and-see GOP fundraising pool.”  “Thompson’s timing could suit Florida“.

“Veto It”

“The latest legislation aimed at stifling citizen initiatives is headed to Gov. Charlie Crist’s desk. The bill (SB 900) is flawed, unnecessary and potentially expensive. Crist should veto it.”

If he doesn’t, anyone gathering signatures to put a proposed amendment on the ballot would be required to hand those signatures in within 30 days of collecting them. Meeting the 30-day deadline might be difficult for grassroots groups working to collect signatures statewide, and it’s not necessary — there’s already a statutory cutoff that gives election supervisors enough time to verify that signatures are valid. This bill punishes both the groups collecting signatures and the voters who, in good faith, signed the petitions.

It gets worse. This bill includes a provision giving voters 120 days to retract their signatures, opening the door for what the League of Women Voters describes as a “cottage industry” harassing petition-signers.

The retraction language assumes voters are too stupid to read the plain language of the petition they’re signing, which is required to be printed at the top of every signature form. It would be disruptive and costly if elections supervisors have to scramble to match up names of petition signers with names on petition-revocation forms.

Similar language was buried in the massive elections bill signed into law earlier this month by Crist, but the governor really had no choice in that case — that bill also set out a requirement for paper ballots, a top priority for elections integrity.

SB 900 presents no such dilemma — it’s a bad idea from start to finish. Crist should have no problem rejecting it.

“Crist veto can stop hijack of citizen initiative“.

“Jeb!” Watch

“Jeb!” and fellow deep thinker Ken Mehlman share their wisdom on the Wall Street Journal editorial page:

Immigration reform is very tough. It’s an issue that divides both political parties and, on the right, has led many close personal and ideological friends — people we respect and whose criticism we take seriously — to oppose new rules governing how people enter this country and how we handle those who are here illegally. But we hope our friends reconsider.

We support the immigration reform compromise worked out in the Senate for a few simple reasons. It strengthens our national defense. It makes our economy more competitive and flexible. It enhances the rule of law and promotes national unity.

“A Good Immigration Bill“.  See also “Jeb likes immigration bill“.

The Fine Print

“When Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed 5 percent college tuition increases last week, he said he was looking out for students and families burdened by property insurance and taxes.  But not everyone was spared. The governor failed to veto 5 percent increases for community college work force development programs.  That means thousands of the poorest students could pay more for the skills to become a welder, nurse or dental hygienist.”  “Crist veto pen skipped a line on tuition hikes“.

Waiting for (the Right) Wingnut

“Underscoring how Jeb Bush’s departure from Tallahassee has changed Florida’s political scene, an overwhelming majority of President Bush’s top political fundraisers in Florida are sitting on the sidelines so far in the 2008 presidential race.”  “FL Bush bundlers on sidelines“.

Delightful

“Illegal immigrants who worked long shifts scrubbing theme restaurants for an indicted janitorial firm have signed their names to a lawsuit seeking unpaid wages.  Some were rounded up in federal workplace raids in February and deported, they say, before receiving their final paychecks. Others worked 80- or 100-hour weeks for years without earning overtime pay or even the prevailing minimum wage, the suit charges.”

The 14 plaintiffs - most from Mexico - worked for Rosenbaum-Cunningham International Inc., a Palm Beach, Fla.-based janitorial firm.

“Illegal immigrants sue indicted janitorial firm for back wages“.

Nukes?

Mile Thomas thinks Florida should go nuclear: “Decades lost — we must get energy-smart“.

Whatever

“Huckabee Makes Tampa Appearance“.

Thompson Locks Up Florida

“U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, is officially uncommitted, but sure sounded like a Fred Thompson guy”.  “Putnam digs Thompson“.

“Cosmopolitan”?

“Steve Stanton was fired as city manager in Largo two months ago after announcing his plans to become Susan Stanton. On Wednesday, Stanton, wearing a white skirt, pumps and makeup, was turned down for the top job in this more cosmopolitan tourist town.  Sarasota commissioners picked another of the five finalists. Stanton was their third choice.”  “City turns down transsexual“.

“Delusional Hubris”

Daniel Ruth doesn’t think much of Dennis Kucinich: “The Kucinich Juggernaut Hits Town“.

Property Tax Cut

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: “Crist’s cuts leave the state flush with $7 billion in reserves, and lawmakers looking for a quick way to cut property taxes will be tempted to dip into that money. It is particularly convenient since lawmakers actually voted to increase property taxes to pay for schools while they were marching lockstep in the crusade to cut the property taxes that fuel city and county budgets.  The problem is that most of the money held in reserve is the result of a one-time windfall and can’t be counted on year after year. So if Mr. Crist and lawmakers dump that money into schools this year, what will they use to fill the void next year?”  “Don’t be reckless“.

The Tampa Trib editorial board agrees, and argues that

lawmakers would begin to balance their tax-cutting rhetoric with their planned increase in the one local tax they control. Since 2000 lawmakers have moved $4.1 billion onto the backs of property owners through this school tax, called the “required local effort.”

Tallahassee leaders should no longer pretend they’re not contributing to the crippling tax bills facing Floridians. School taxes account for 30 percent of property taxes, and it’s impossible to talk about tax reform without acknowledging that state lawmakers have pushed an ever-greater share of that burden onto property owners.

“School Taxes, Raised This Year, Should Be Debated With The Rest“.

If you haven’t already, you really ought to visit Smashed Frog.  Now, our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry.

FCAT Fiasco

“Florida House Democrats are calling for an overhaul of the state’s education accountability system by next year, after problems with last year’s third-grade reading FCAT were discovered this month.”

In a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday, the House Democratic Caucus said confidence in the state’s accountability system has been shaken by the flaw, which is requiring the rescoring of 204,000 tests.

The group, which represents 42 House Democrats, wants a complete audit of all FCAT results since 2000, not just a rescoring of last year’s third-grade test.

They also want to know how far-reaching the effects of third-grade blunder are and an analysis of what other mistakes the FCAT is subject to. Another group, the Florida Coalition for Assessment Reform, also made similar requests of the Governor this week.

“Democrats want a recount — on all FCATs“.  See also “Lawmakers ask Crist to investigate FCAT flub“.

Debates

“Televised debates between the major contenders for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations are planned for Florida on Jan. 23 and 24, less than a week before the state’s primaries, organizers said Wednesday.  Leadership Florida, in partnership with the Florida Press Association and the Florida Public Broadcasting Service, will produce the two hourlong live debates, which may get added national exposure on C-SPAN, officials said.”  “Florida to host key debates in presidential race“.  See also “Organizers: Major presidential candidates to debate in January“, “Presidential debates planned for January” and “State to host pair of presidential debates“.

“Charlie of Arabia”  Strides the World Stage

Howard Troxler: “The guy has been governor for just shy of five months, and he’s knocking around the Middle East? Who is he, Charlie of Arabia?”  “Maybe the Knesset can fix our tax mess“.

“On the second day of a trade mission to the country, Crist also visited Jewish holy sites and met with top Israeli officials, raising his own international profile.”  “Crist visits holy places, meets leaders in Israel“. 

Scott Maxwell writes this morning that:

pundits are busy speculating that Crist is also hoping to make himself more attractive as a national candidate by bolstering his foreign-policy credentials. Still, Crist may have his eyes on an even loftier office — if you believe the papers over there, anyway. After all, the St. Petersburg Times, which is traveling with the governor, cited a slightly misspelled headline about Charlie in Wednesday’s Jerusalem Post that read: “Christ visits Jerusalem.”

Oops.

Nobody’s Perfect

From The Orlando Sentinel editorial board:

Since Mr. Bush put the FCAT in place 10 years ago …

“Overdue change“.  There are two (2) mistakes in those eleven words; can you figure out what they are?  The answers tomorrow.

Not Enough

“Agency officials said there will still be some cuts to services, but those cuts won’t be as bad as was feared during the Legislative session.”  “State budget to include $116M extra for disabled“.

Going Out on a Limb

“Kottkamp urges preparedness in face of hurricanes“.

“A Matter of Numbers”

“It is becoming a matter of numbers - delegate numbers, to be exact.  With 113, Florida has more than the 110 combined of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.”  “With primary moved ahead, GOP’s top 3 focus on Fla.“.

“To that ‘F’ grade, add the ‘Incomplete’”

“Florida families are paying higher insurance, property tax and gas costs, Gov. Crist observed last week. ‘I don’t think it’s right to make them pay higher tuition, too.’ Yet his veto of the state budget’s 5 percent tuition increase just made Florida’s 11 universities and 28 community colleges less accessible.”

In a university system that is expecting 7,000 new students, Gov. Crist has excised $19 million in needed financing. That’s roughly the equivalent of 300 new faculty, or about the number at Florida Gulf Coast University, said state university system spokesman Bill Edmonds. For the community colleges, the loss is a similar $19 million.

To that “F” grade, add the “Incomplete” the governor earned for omitting the tuition-proviso language from the $922 million university financing authorization. Whether he can reduce rather than eliminate a budget line item is the current legal limbo that the university system’s Board of Governors should challenge. Not the least because the veto also eliminated language that spelled out how much students will be charged per credit hour.

“Challenge Crist’s veto of 5% tuition increase“.

I Am Shocked

“Don’t act shocked at where tax dollars from South Florida slot machines are going. You were warned.  According to a recent South Florida Sun-Sentinel report, Las Vegas-style slots in Broward County will raise more than $223 million for education projects in Florida. More than half of it will go toward higher education, not to public schools, as slots proponents vowed.  Doesn’t sound right, does it?”  “Gambling Taxes“.

Our Editors at Work

This really is beneath even the Sun-Sentinel editorial board - they write that Cindy Sheehan “became so shrill and strident that she lost effectiveness, and she helped turn the level of debate on both sides nasty rather than thoughtful and productive.”  “A Divider“.

It would be nice to see such shrill rhetoric directed at the self proclaimed “uniter not a divider” and the other Iraq war fools.

Discovery

“Lower water levels yield discovery of ancient site“.

Charlie’s “Political Favoritism”

“The amount Gov. Crist vetoed from the Legislature’s proposed state budget - $459 million - was unprecedented, but not his message of political favoritism.”  “Some turkeys more equal“.

Good Luck

“Up in Florida’s Panhandle, a test awaits Gov. Crist’s Department of Environmental Protection.  Will Secretary Michael Sole uphold a ruling that, finally, makes a paper mill stop polluting once-pristine Perdido Bay? This month, an administrative law judge denied the world’s largest paper company, International Paper, a permit to build a discharge pipe to the bay and told the DEP to make the firm obey clean-water rules.”  “Clean-water win, if the state agrees“.

“Tax Worries”

“Broward sees another double-digit jump in property values, fueling tax worries“.

They Can Probably Handle It

The Sun-Sentinel editors think Florida pols have been mean to insurance companies; they complain that “some state officials have been hurling boulders at insurance companies. Doing so earns them political points, because insurers have been highly unpopular across the Sunshine State ever since they jacked up premiums on people following the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.”  “Storm Season“.

A Bushco Thing

“The United Arab Emirates’ prime minister wants President Bush to help win dismissal of a federal lawsuit filed in Miami that accuses the country of forcing thousands of children to work as camel jockeys.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, also the ruler of Dubai, said in a letter to Bush that the lawsuit filed in Miami federal court ‘’is causing an unnecessary interference with the good and mutually valuable relations'’ between the two countries.

The lawsuit, filed in September, seeks unspecified monetary damages for about 10,000 boys and thousands of their relatives. The case was brought under a 218-year-old U.S. law known as the Alien Tort Statute, which gives federal courts jurisdiction over certain civil cases involving foreigners.

The Emirates say the suit should be thrown out because U.S. courts have no jurisdiction and its rulers are entitled to sovereign immunity.

The lawsuit contends Miami is a proper venue because Emirates family members own horse farms in Ocala and because no other court in the world would adequately deal with the claims.

“Sheikh seeks Bush’s help to quash lawsuit“.  See also “UAE leader tells Bush jockey lawsuit threatens relations“.

Probably A Good Thing.

“It’s not often the Florida Legislature gets international attention.“

Not Too Late for Thompson?

Adam Smith believes that “it’s not too late for the actor to make a splash in the state’s wait-and-see GOP fundraising pool.”  “Thompson’s timing could suit Florida“.

“Veto It”

“The latest legislation aimed at stifling citizen initiatives is headed to Gov. Charlie Crist’s desk. The bill (SB 900) is flawed, unnecessary and potentially expensive. Crist should veto it.”

If he doesn’t, anyone gathering signatures to put a proposed amendment on the ballot would be required to hand those signatures in within 30 days of collecting them. Meeting the 30-day deadline might be difficult for grassroots groups working to collect signatures statewide, and it’s not necessary — there’s already a statutory cutoff that gives election supervisors enough time to verify that signatures are valid. This bill punishes both the groups collecting signatures and the voters who, in good faith, signed the petitions.

It gets worse. This bill includes a provision giving voters 120 days to retract their signatures, opening the door for what the League of Women Voters describes as a “cottage industry” harassing petition-signers.

The retraction language assumes voters are too stupid to read the plain language of the petition they’re signing, which is required to be printed at the top of every signature form. It would be disruptive and costly if elections supervisors have to scramble to match up names of petition signers with names on petition-revocation forms.

Similar language was buried in the massive elections bill signed into law earlier this month by Crist, but the governor really had no choice in that case — that bill also set out a requirement for paper ballots, a top priority for elections integrity.

SB 900 presents no such dilemma — it’s a bad idea from start to finish. Crist should have no problem rejecting it.

“Crist veto can stop hijack of citizen initiative“.

“Jeb!” Watch

“Jeb!” and fellow deep thinker Ken Mehlman share their wisdom on the Wall Street Journal editorial page:

Immigration reform is very tough. It’s an issue that divides both political parties and, on the right, has led many close personal and ideological friends — people we respect and whose criticism we take seriously — to oppose new rules governing how people enter this country and how we handle those who are here illegally. But we hope our friends reconsider.

We support the immigration reform compromise worked out in the Senate for a few simple reasons. It strengthens our national defense. It makes our economy more competitive and flexible. It enhances the rule of law and promotes national unity.

“A Good Immigration Bill“.  See also “Jeb likes immigration bill“.

The Fine Print

“When Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed 5 percent college tuition increases last week, he said he was looking out for students and families burdened by property insurance and taxes.  But not everyone was spared. The governor failed to veto 5 percent increases for community college work force development programs.  That means thousands of the poorest students could pay more for the skills to become a welder, nurse or dental hygienist.”  “Crist veto pen skipped a line on tuition hikes“.

Waiting for (the Right) Wingnut

“Underscoring how Jeb Bush’s departure from Tallahassee has changed Florida’s political scene, an overwhelming majority of President Bush’s top political fundraisers in Florida are sitting on the sidelines so far in the 2008 presidential race.”  “FL Bush bundlers on sidelines“.

Delightful

“Illegal immigrants who worked long shifts scrubbing theme restaurants for an indicted janitorial firm have signed their names to a lawsuit seeking unpaid wages.  Some were rounded up in federal workplace raids in February and deported, they say, before receiving their final paychecks. Others worked 80- or 100-hour weeks for years without earning overtime pay or even the prevailing minimum wage, the suit charges.”

The 14 plaintiffs - most from Mexico - worked for Rosenbaum-Cunningham International Inc., a Palm Beach, Fla.-based janitorial firm.

“Illegal immigrants sue indicted janitorial firm for back wages“.

Nukes?

Mile Thomas thinks Florida should go nuclear: “Decades lost — we must get energy-smart“.

Whatever

“Huckabee Makes Tampa Appearance“.

Thompson Locks Up Florida

“U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, is officially uncommitted, but sure sounded like a Fred Thompson guy”.  “Putnam digs Thompson“.

“Cosmopolitan”?

“Steve Stanton was fired as city manager in Largo two months ago after announcing his plans to become Susan Stanton. On Wednesday, Stanton, wearing a white skirt, pumps and makeup, was turned down for the top job in this more cosmopolitan tourist town.  Sarasota commissioners picked another of the five finalists. Stanton was their third choice.”  “City turns down transsexual“.

“Delusional Hubris”

Daniel Ruth doesn’t think much of Dennis Kucinich: “The Kucinich Juggernaut Hits Town“.

Property Tax Cut

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: “Crist’s cuts leave the state flush with $7 billion in reserves, and lawmakers looking for a quick way to cut property taxes will be tempted to dip into that money. It is particularly convenient since lawmakers actually voted to increase property taxes to pay for schools while they were marching lockstep in the crusade to cut the property taxes that fuel city and county budgets.  The problem is that most of the money held in reserve is the result of a one-time windfall and can’t be counted on year after year. So if Mr. Crist and lawmakers dump that money into schools this year, what will they use to fill the void next year?”  “Don’t be reckless“.

The Tampa Trib editorial board agrees, and argues that

lawmakers would begin to balance their tax-cutting rhetoric with their planned increase in the one local tax they control. Since 2000 lawmakers have moved $4.1 billion onto the backs of property owners through this school tax, called the “required local effort.”

Tallahassee leaders should no longer pretend they’re not contributing to the crippling tax bills facing Floridians. School taxes account for 30 percent of property taxes, and it’s impossible to talk about tax reform without acknowledging that state lawmakers have pushed an ever-greater share of that burden onto property owners.

“School Taxes, Raised This Year, Should Be Debated With The Rest“.

Check out the daily “5 to Read“.  And here’s a promising new site: Grassroots Brevard.  On to today’s Florida political news and punditry.

“Crashing Toward Massive Property Tax Cut”

“Florida’s political barometer is crashing toward massive property tax cuts — possibly up to $30 billion over the next five years. The Legislature convenes in a special session in mid-June to decide what to offer voters. Chances are high for a tax cut rivaling or possibly exceeding California’s Proposition 13, which capped taxes at a maximum of 1 percent of a property’s value and slashed tax rates an average of 57 percent statewide.”  “The cost of tax cuts“.

That’s A Relief

“Crist, a Republican, said he had no plans to meet with Palestinian officials during his trip.”  “Florida governor begins 5-day tour of Israel“.

As Charlie Burnishes His Foreign Relations Bona Fides …

“Lake Okeechobee’s low water levels threaten South Florida water supply“.

Promises, Promises

“South Florida residents questioned House Speaker Marco Rubio on proposed property tax reforms. He told them that local governments are highly unlikely to cut essential services.”  “House Speaker Rubio: Essentials won’t be cut“.  See also “Property tax talk heats up“.

Covering His Bases

“The host committee for freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein s Wednesday fund-raiser in Fort Lauderdale includes auto magnate Michael Maroone, who last year opened his home to President Bush for an event that raised more than $800,000 for former Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw.”  “Former Shaw moneyman helps Klein“.

Delightful

“Tacked onto the elections bill on a voice vote in the hectic, waning days of the legislative session, the section altered what’s called the ‘resign-to-run’ law.  State, city and county elected officials now may run for federal offices, including Congress, without having to resign from their current positions. State elections officials say the change also means officeholders could run for two offices at once, as long as one is a federal office.”  “Law Opens Door To State Politicians“.

Whoopee

“The overhaul of Florida’s welfare system, which allows most food stamp and Medicaid recipients to apply for aid and check their benefits online, is among 18 finalists for a prestigious national award [i.e., the Innovations in American Government Awards, bestowed annually by Ash Institute for Democratic Governance at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government] that recognizes government innovations.”  “Medicaid overhaul in running for prize“.

No Takers

“Wanted: Veteran attorney to oversee important cases in 35 Florida counties. Job expected to last 18 months or so. Salary: $145,400.  Sounds enticing, but so far there have been almost no takers.”

In the past, lawyers clamored to be U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida — one of the most powerful federal-prosecutor jobs in the country.

“Attorney post has few takers“.

Debates

“PBS Plans Florida Presidential Primary Debates“.

FCAT Fiasco

“A mistake that erroneously boosted the scores of more than 200,000 third-graders on the FCAT last year has given new ammunition to critics of the test that not only assesses student performance but is also used to hold schools accountable.”  “Overdue change“.

“The casual manner in which Florida education officials acknowledged last week a massive miscalculation of reading test scores is as alarming as the errors themselves.”  “FCAT mistakes go beyond score“.

Carbon

“Florida Power & Light is urging state utility regulators to let it build a proposed coal-fueled power plant in Glades County to help it meet demand and move away from its reliance on natural gas.”  “FPL pushing hard for Glades coal plant“.

‘Ya Think

“Crist should veto legislation written to make it more difficult for citizens to gather petitions to change the state constitution.”  “Crist Should Veto Petition Bill“.

Laff Riot

“Crist takes turn at diplomat today“.

“Implications”

“Florida remains No. 1 in the nation as a retirement destination, but its lead is no longer quite so comfortable. In a recent study by the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, which tracks national migration trends, Florida’s share of the retiree market dropped from 19.1 percent in 2000 to 16.6 percent in 2005. Texas, which had been number four nationally, vaulted to second place.  The implications run deeper than a billboard battle on state roads and interstate highways.”  more on those “implications” here: “Golden geese“.

“No Welcome Mat”

“Florida’s wild creatures are beleaguered enough without the additional threat posed by an influx of coyotes into the state. Too many exotic species already compete with native wildlife, sometimes even threatening to crowd out Florida’s indigenous species.  Meanwhile, constant development adds to the pressure on native animals’ habitat, including that of endangered species like the Florida panther. Now comes the coyote, more familiar to the terrain of Western states, which — like so many two-legged and four-legged transplants — is making itself right at home in Florida.”  “No welcome mat for the wily coyote“.

Raw Political Courage

“Crist, Rubio agree that Floridians are taxed out“.

Odd

“Democrat Tim Mahoney touted his business savvy in winning the Republican-leaning U.S. House District 16 seat last year, but he will need to demonstrate more political savvy to get reelected in 2008.”  “Mahoney’s odd tantrum“.

“Web of Fraud and Foreclosure”

“Unwary tenants find themselves caught in a widening web of fraud and foreclosure.”  “Renters, too, face mortgage fallout“.

Baxley

“The National Rifle Association has launched a radio advertising campaign on behalf of Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who’s vying with Rep. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, and a handful of others in a tight Senate race.”  “NRA Launches Baxley Radio Ads“.

Check out the daily “5 to Read“.  And here’s a promising new site: Grassroots Brevard.  On to today’s Florida political news and punditry.

“Crashing Toward Massive Property Tax Cut”

“Florida’s political barometer is crashing toward massive property tax cuts — possibly up to $30 billion over the next five years. The Legislature convenes in a special session in mid-June to decide what to offer voters. Chances are high for a tax cut rivaling or possibly exceeding California’s Proposition 13, which capped taxes at a maximum of 1 percent of a property’s value and slashed tax rates an average of 57 percent statewide.”  “The cost of tax cuts“.

That’s A Relief

“Crist, a Republican, said he had no plans to meet with Palestinian officials during his trip.”  “Florida governor begins 5-day tour of Israel“.

As Charlie Burnishes His Foreign Relations Bona Fides …

“Lake Okeechobee’s low water levels threaten South Florida water supply“.

Promises, Promises

“South Florida residents questioned House Speaker Marco Rubio on proposed property tax reforms. He told them that local governments are highly unlikely to cut essential services.”  “House Speaker Rubio: Essentials won’t be cut“.  See also “Property tax talk heats up“.

Covering His Bases

“The host committee for freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein s Wednesday fund-raiser in Fort Lauderdale includes auto magnate Michael Maroone, who last year opened his home to President Bush for an event that raised more than $800,000 for former Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw.”  “Former Shaw moneyman helps Klein“.

Delightful

“Tacked onto the elections bill on a voice vote in the hectic, waning days of the legislative session, the section altered what’s called the ‘resign-to-run’ law.  State, city and county elected officials now may run for federal offices, including Congress, without having to resign from their current positions. State elections officials say the change also means officeholders could run for two offices at once, as long as one is a federal office.”  “Law Opens Door To State Politicians“.

Whoopee

“The overhaul of Florida’s welfare system, which allows most food stamp and Medicaid recipients to apply for aid and check their benefits online, is among 18 finalists for a prestigious national award [i.e., the Innovations in American Government Awards, bestowed annually by Ash Institute for Democratic Governance at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government] that recognizes government innovations.”  “Medicaid overhaul in running for prize“.

No Takers

“Wanted: Veteran attorney to oversee important cases in 35 Florida counties. Job expected to last 18 months or so. Salary: $145,400.  Sounds enticing, but so far there have been almost no takers.”

In the past, lawyers clamored to be U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida — one of the most powerful federal-prosecutor jobs in the country.

“Attorney post has few takers“.

Debates

“PBS Plans Florida Presidential Primary Debates“.

FCAT Fiasco

“A mistake that erroneously boosted the scores of more than 200,000 third-graders on the FCAT last year has given new ammunition to critics of the test that not only assesses student performance but is also used to hold schools accountable.”  “Overdue change“.

“The casual manner in which Florida education officials acknowledged last week a massive miscalculation of reading test scores is as alarming as the errors themselves.”  “FCAT mistakes go beyond score“.

Carbon

“Florida Power & Light is urging state utility regulators to let it build a proposed coal-fueled power plant in Glades County to help it meet demand and move away from its reliance on natural gas.”  “FPL pushing hard for Glades coal plant“.

‘Ya Think

“Crist should veto legislation written to make it more difficult for citizens to gather petitions to change the state constitution.”  “Crist Should Veto Petition Bill“.

Laff Riot

“Crist takes turn at diplomat today“.

“Implications”

“Florida remains No. 1 in the nation as a retirement destination, but its lead is no longer quite so comfortable. In a recent study by the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, which tracks national migration trends, Florida’s share of the retiree market dropped from 19.1 percent in 2000 to 16.6 percent in 2005. Texas, which had been number four nationally, vaulted to second place.  The implications run deeper than a billboard battle on state roads and interstate highways.”  more on those “implications” here: “Golden geese“.

“No Welcome Mat”

“Florida’s wild creatures are beleaguered enough without the additional threat posed by an influx of coyotes into the state. Too many exotic species already compete with native wildlife, sometimes even threatening to crowd out Florida’s indigenous species.  Meanwhile, constant development adds to the pressure on native animals’ habitat, including that of endangered species like the Florida panther. Now comes the coyote, more familiar to the terrain of Western states, which — like so many two-legged and four-legged transplants — is making itself right at home in Florida.”  “No welcome mat for the wily coyote“.

Raw Political Courage

“Crist, Rubio agree that Floridians are taxed out“.

Odd

“Democrat Tim Mahoney touted his business savvy in winning the Republican-leaning U.S. House District 16 seat last year, but he will need to demonstrate more political savvy to get reelected in 2008.”  “Mahoney’s odd tantrum“.

“Web of Fraud and Foreclosure”

“Unwary tenants find themselves caught in a widening web of fraud and foreclosure.”  “Renters, too, face mortgage fallout“.

Baxley

“The National Rifle Association has launched a radio advertising campaign on behalf of Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who’s vying with Rep. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, and a handful of others in a tight Senate race.”  “NRA Launches Baxley Radio Ads“.

Yesterday’s “5 to Read“.  Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

“Massive Political Do-Over”

“Florida lawmakers are getting ready for one massive political do-over.”

After deadlocking earlier this month over lowering property taxes, lawmakers could return to work June 12 staring across a similar divide.

Gov. Charlie Crist and House Speaker Marco Rubio, the twin poles in the debate, have both been clear about the need to pacify taxed-out Floridians.

They’ve also been just as elusive about the details.

“Crist, Rubio agree that Floridians are taxed out“.  For where the key GOPers stand see “Profile: Charlie Crist“, “Profile: Marco Rubio” and “Profile: Ken Pruitt“.  More: “Legislators not exempt from homesteading talks” (”Where the proposals stand”).

“Big forces are at odds as Florida lawmakers wrestle with the state’s property-tax laws, seeking to pin down a populist solution that also pleases the business community that started the fight a year ago.  Actual lobbying expenses in the statewide debate won’t be available for months - presumably after the dust has settled - but financial reports show just how huge the players are.”  “Taxes lure big-time lobbyists“.

Meanwhile, “Property tax cuts could cripple tool used to redevelop declining neighborhoods“.

Dem Confusion

“Florida’s decision to move up its presidential primary to January is adding new levels of confusion for state and national Democrats and their candidates.”  “Democrats stuck in primary prison“.  See also “Democrats’ primary may not count. So what, some say“.

Hold Your Noses

“The Florida Legislature, with support and prodding from Gov. Charlie Crist, did the citizenry some good with its new elections law, namely by moving up the presidential primary to January and making the state a power player in the high-stakes contest.  But many Floridians ought to hold their noses, because the benefits come at a price. At the last minute, a number of anti-voter provisions were snuck into the ultimately bloated, 80-page bill.”  “Legislature“.

Consequences

“Ask anyone you know if they want a tax cut and they’ll almost certainly say yes, and make it big.”

Legislators heading into a special session on how to cut local taxes understand the public mood. What they don’t seem to understand is the flip side of the issue, where passions also run high.

If taxes are cut, services must be cut too. Counties experiencing rapid growth are far behind in providing needed services such as new roads and transit, a drought-proof water supply, smaller classrooms, adequate jails and enough deputies.

Major budget cuts will put them farther behind, and sharply lower taxes on new homes will remind everyone that newcomers won’t soon pay enough for all the services they demand today.

“Falling In Love With Tax Cuts Could Make State Hate Growth“.

“Conspiracy Theory”

“It’s a conspiracy theory made for Florida’s most avid government geeks: The Legislature guts local property-tax structures then forces cities and counties to turn to legalized gambling as a way to keep police on the street and school buses running.”  “Rolling the dice“.

SFWMD

“Crist’s appointment of Shannon Estenoz to the board of the South Florida Water Management District sent a jolt of excitement through Florida’s environmental community.”  “Environmentalists Laud Picks“.

Money Man

Thirty-three year old “Adam Putnam remains the wealthiest member of the Tampa Bay area congressional delegation, with his stake in his family’s citrus and cattle business making him a millionaire several times over.”

Putnam, the third-ranking Republican member of the U.S. House and scion of a prominent family in Polk County agriculture, reports that his assets by the end of 2006 were between $3.2 million and $13.2 million.

Putnam’s overall net worth - tabulated by subtracting his reported liabilities from his assets - is between $3 million and $13 million. That would place him among the wealthiest members in the 435-seat House.

And how did this “achiever” make his millions?  Why, he did it the old fashioned way, he “unearned” it:

the largest of Putnam’s assets listed was his ownership share of Putnam Groves, worth between $1 million and $5 million. He also reported having $1 million to $5 million in Citrus and Chemical Bank accounts.

Most of Putnam’s “unearned income” from assets - $1 million to $5 million - was listed as “S” corporation income from Putnam Groves.

And then there’s Mel:

The House and Senate don’t officially release these reports for public review until June.  But this month, Nelson and area members of the House agreed to provide theirs to The Tampa Tribune upon request.  Republican Sen. Mel Martinez declined.

“Putnam Is Area’s Richest Lawmaker“.

Mandatory Insurance

“It took longer than she had hoped, but Florida State this fall will be the state’s first public university to require health insurance, starting with freshmen and other new students.”  “Better have health insurance before enrolling at Florida State“.

Lake O

“Lake Okeechobee nears lowest level ever“.

Kucinich

“Second-time presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich made three Tampa Bay stops in his first Florida campaign visit Saturday, bringing along his newest campaign asset, a striking British bride.”  “Kucinich’s Words, Wife Are Turning Heads“.  See also “Kucinich Will Campaign In Florida Despite Party Boycott“.

FCAT Fiasco

The Miami Herald editorial board:

Newly discovered errors in tallying last year’s FCAT scores heighten long-held concerns about high-stakes testing. Yes, Florida’s teachers, schools and school districts must be held accountable for teaching children to read, write, count and think. Yet the errors call attention to the FCAT’s critical role as the single most-defining measurement of success or failure for students, schools and entire schools districts. Is that right? We think not.

“Test should inform, not drive education“.

Yesterday’s “5 to Read“.  Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

“Massive Political Do-Over”

“Florida lawmakers are getting ready for one massive political do-over.”

After deadlocking earlier this month over lowering property taxes, lawmakers could return to work June 12 staring across a similar divide.

Gov. Charlie Crist and House Speaker Marco Rubio, the twin poles in the debate, have both been clear about the need to pacify taxed-out Floridians.

They’ve also been just as elusive about the details.

“Crist, Rubio agree that Floridians are taxed out“.  For where the key GOPers stand see “Profile: Charlie Crist“, “Profile: Marco Rubio” and “Profile: Ken Pruitt“.  More: “Legislators not exempt from homesteading talks” (”Where the proposals stand”).

“Big forces are at odds as Florida lawmakers wrestle with the state’s property-tax laws, seeking to pin down a populist solution that also pleases the business community that started the fight a year ago.  Actual lobbying expenses in the statewide debate won’t be available for months - presumably after the dust has settled - but financial reports show just how huge the players are.”  “Taxes lure big-time lobbyists“.

Meanwhile, “Property tax cuts could cripple tool used to redevelop declining neighborhoods“.

Dem Confusion

“Florida’s decision to move up its presidential primary to January is adding new levels of confusion for state and national Democrats and their candidates.”  “Democrats stuck in primary prison“.  See also “Democrats’ primary may not count. So what, some say“.

Hold Your Noses

“The Florida Legislature, with support and prodding from Gov. Charlie Crist, did the citizenry some good with its new elections law, namely by moving up the presidential primary to January and making the state a power player in the high-stakes contest.  But many Floridians ought to hold their noses, because the benefits come at a price. At the last minute, a number of anti-voter provisions were snuck into the ultimately bloated, 80-page bill.”  “Legislature“.

Consequences

“Ask anyone you know if they want a tax cut and they’ll almost certainly say yes, and make it big.”

Legislators heading into a special session on how to cut local taxes understand the public mood. What they don’t seem to understand is the flip side of the issue, where passions also run high.

If taxes are cut, services must be cut too. Counties experiencing rapid growth are far behind in providing needed services such as new roads and transit, a drought-proof water supply, smaller classrooms, adequate jails and enough deputies.

Major budget cuts will put them farther behind, and sharply lower taxes on new homes will remind everyone that newcomers won’t soon pay enough for all the services they demand today.

“Falling In Love With Tax Cuts Could Make State Hate Growth“.

“Conspiracy Theory”

“It’s a conspiracy theory made for Florida’s most avid government geeks: The Legislature guts local property-tax structures then forces cities and counties to turn to legalized gambling as a way to keep police on the street and school buses running.”  “Rolling the dice“.

SFWMD

“Crist’s appointment of Shannon Estenoz to the board of the South Florida Water Management District sent a jolt of excitement through Florida’s environmental community.”  “Environmentalists Laud Picks“.

Money Man

Thirty-three year old “Adam Putnam remains the wealthiest member of the Tampa Bay area congressional delegation, with his stake in his family’s citrus and cattle business making him a millionaire several times over.”

Putnam, the third-ranking Republican member of the U.S. House and scion of a prominent family in Polk County agriculture, reports that his assets by the end of 2006 were between $3.2 million and $13.2 million.

Putnam’s overall net worth - tabulated by subtracting his reported liabilities from his assets - is between $3 million and $13 million. That would place him among the wealthiest members in the 435-seat House.

And how did this “achiever” make his millions?  Why, he did it the old fashioned way, he “unearned” it:

the largest of Putnam’s assets listed was his ownership share of Putnam Groves, worth between $1 million and $5 million. He also reported having $1 million to $5 million in Citrus and Chemical Bank accounts.

Most of Putnam’s “unearned income” from assets - $1 million to $5 million - was listed as “S” corporation income from Putnam Groves.

And then there’s Mel:

The House and Senate don’t officially release these reports for public review until June.  But this month, Nelson and area members of the House agreed to provide theirs to The Tampa Tribune upon request.  Republican Sen. Mel Martinez declined.

“Putnam Is Area’s Richest Lawmaker“.

Mandatory Insurance

“It took longer than she had hoped, but Florida State this fall will be the state’s first public university to require health insurance, starting with freshmen and other new students.”  “Better have health insurance before enrolling at Florida State“.

Lake O

“Lake Okeechobee nears lowest level ever“.

Kucinich

“Second-time presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich made three Tampa Bay stops in his first Florida campaign visit Saturday, bringing along his newest campaign asset, a striking British bride.”  “Kucinich’s Words, Wife Are Turning Heads“.  See also “Kucinich Will Campaign In Florida Despite Party Boycott“.

FCAT Fiasco

The Miami Herald editorial board:

Newly discovered errors in tallying last year’s FCAT scores heighten long-held concerns about high-stakes testing. Yes, Florida’s teachers, schools and school districts must be held accountable for teaching children to read, write, count and think. Yet the errors call attention to the FCAT’s critical role as the single most-defining measurement of success or failure for students, schools and entire schools districts. Is that right? We think not.

“Test should inform, not drive education“.

Our review of Florida political news and punditry will resume on Tuesday, May 29.

Our review of Florida political news and punditry will resume on Tuesday, May 29.

Check out “5 to Read“.  Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

“An Elaborate Game of Political Positioning”

Bill March: “State House Speaker Marco Rubio, who proclaims himself a leading opponent of high property taxes, says Gov. Charlie Crist’s vetoes of state budget ‘turkeys’ won’t provide the ability for the Legislature to cut the property taxes it requires the counties to collect.”

The argument, between Republican Rubio and legislative Democrats, is an elaborate game of political positioning being played in advance of a special session on property taxes to be held in June.

The underlying fact is that Crist vetoed $459 million worth of legislator’s pet projects, sometimes called “turkeys,” when he signed the state budget bill this week.

Some legislators couldn’t help but notice that amount was close to the amount by which the Legislature in the regular session forced counties to increase the property taxes they collect for schools-the so-called “Required Local Effort.” Did that mean Crist was laying the groundwork to demand a tax “cut” of the same amount? Crist said it was just a coincidence.

But Friday, Democratic House leaders seized on the vetoes as an opportunity to suggest an easy tax cut. They sent a letter to Crist and GOP legislative leaders suggesting that since Crist had cut the budget $459 million, they could eliminate the increase in property taxes they forced on the counties by the same amount.

Rubio responded within hours in a letter of his own, saying no way.

“Rubio: Nix On Cutting State-Required Property Taxes“.  See also “Plan ties budget vetos, tax cuts“, “House Democrats want vetoed spending used to cut taxes“, “Rubio shoots back at Democrats tax relief plan“, “Rubio to Gelber: Sorry (pen) pal” and  Aaron Deslatte’s “Rubio, Man of Letters” (”Jefferson and Adams, it ain’t.  But House Speaker Marco Rubio and Democratic counterpoint Dan Gelber are suddenly trading letters like a Blackberry revolt.”)

Laff Riot

It is a bit of a guilty pleasure to see “Karl Rove’s Florida Frankenstein” complaining about his party’s wingnuts: “‘It’s understandable when you have a bipartisan solution there are going to be extremists’ on both sides of the issue.”  “Martinez takes flak on immigration“.  See also “Martinez: Man in the Middle” and “Sen. Martinez at heart of immigration debate“.

SD 3

“Charlie Dean picked up the endorsement of the Associated Industries of Florida Service Corporation on Friday, while Dennis Baxley blasted Dean for conspiring with the trial lawyers on a ’smear’ attack.”  “An endorsement and an attack in SD3“.

No “Last-Minute Gifts”

“Millions of dollars that HMOs plowed into lobbying and political contributions over the past year may have won them a series of last-minute gifts from the Legislature, but not from Gov. Charlie Crist.  On Thursday night, Crist axed legislation that would have boosted state payments to Medicaid health-maintenance organizations and ripped out existing protections for mentally ill patients.”  “Crist Veto Pulls Plug On HMO Proposals“.  See also “Crist vetoes Medicaid changes“.

More: “Gov. Crist Mostly On Target In Wide-Ranging Turkey Hunt“, “Crist vetoes measure for extra tenant fees“, “Crist missed chance to jump-start region“, “Crist vetoes baffle, raise hackles” and “Turkey list’s fat targets“.

And then there’s this: “While Florida’s public universities groan over the governor’s move to kill a tuition increase, private colleges continue to enjoy millions in state support.  On Thursday, Gov. Charlie Crist signed off on nearly $140 million in money for Florida’s 28 independent colleges and universities, including”.  “State’s Millions Still Go To Private Colleges“.

FCAT Fiasco

“Former state Education Commissioner John Winn told The St. Petersburg Times on Thursday that last year’s spike concerned him. In 2006, the percentage of students performing at grade level or better went from 67 percent to 75 percent. Winn said he ordered reviews by three groups, but none found anything amiss.  Reached Friday by The Miami Herald, he said his comments were accurate, but he declined to answer any further questions.”  “Senate seeks to probe FCAT“.  See also “FCAT mistake fuels critics, upsets parents” (”Critics are lining up to blast the Florida Department of Education for the error that artificially boosted last year’s FCAT reading test for third-graders. “)

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “When FCAT testing looms, students of one well-regarded middle school English teacher in Palm Beach County take this letter home to their parents:”

“If there is something of greater import, it is beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. I am now 13 years old, and my future hangs in the balance. If I do not perform well, worlds will collide, nations will crumble and Miss America will lose her dream of world peace.”

Obviously, the note is tongue-in-cheek, but the FCAT has so warped Florida education policy that it isn’t that much of an exaggeration. The overemphasis on FCAT scores was a mistake even before Wednesday’s revelation of serious errors in the 2006 test. Now that the state belatedly has admitted that the test is - gasp - fallible, Gov. Crist should lead the effort to restore the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test to its original, diagnostic purpose.

Gov. Crist’s reaction when he learned of the flaw - “Well, it doesn’t raise my confidence” - is in itself a welcome change from the Jeb Bush regime, which wouldn’t concede that anything could be wrong with the FCAT or the school grades concocted from the results.

“FCAT credibility gone as make-or-break test“.

Housing Market

“The spring home-selling season is proving to be a misnomer. Although real estate agents tout low-interest rates and a slew of bargains, many buyers are holding off. They’re waiting for prices to keep falling, experts say, and for lawmakers to fix the property tax mess during a special legislative session in June.”  “Buyers waiting for tax solution, more bargains“.

Pensacola Beach

“Souvenir shops that line this sugary white Panhandle beach display Confederate flag beach towels, window decals and T-shirts.  Hooters and other bars fly POW-MIA, Marine and Navy flags and cater to the sailors and Marines from the nearby base.  Vacationing Southern families usually fill the hotels and condominiums in this slice of paradise long nicknamed “The Redneck Riviera.” But every Memorial Day they mostly stay away as this Florida Panhandle town becomes more like trendy Miami Beach - 700 miles and a world away.  Starting in the mid-1980s, gay men from New Orleans and other nearby cities began gathering here for a three-day party that has grown into one of the South’s largest gay gatherings, attracting more than 60,000 people in 2004 before hurricanes Ivan and Dennis destroyed many beach roads and buildings.  Following two years of rebuilding, organizers anticipate 50,000 this weekend - and the resulting culture clash.”  “‘Redneck Riviera’ home to large gay Memorial Day bash“.

New Poll

“A May 14-18 Datamar poll shows Hillary Clinton and John Edwards in a dead heat among likely Florida primary voters and Fred Thompson nipping at Rudy Giuliani’s heels”.  “Edwards winning in Florida?“  More at this FLA Politics post: “New Poll Shows Competitive Primary in Florida“.

“Merit in Second Chances”

“For a Republican Congress that spent more than a decade cutting its teeth on cutting rehabilitation programs in the name of law and order, last year’s Second Chance Act was uncharacteristic for its charity and humaneness. It would offer states $86 million to underwrite prisons’ efforts to ease inmates’ re-entry into society. The money could pay for drug treatment, (needed by up to two-thirds of inmates in Florida), education, job training — anything to keep inmates from committing crimes again, as a third of them do within three years in Florida.”  “Nation, Florida rediscover merit in second chances“.

Another Delightful Jebacy

“Few regular folks have heard of the Florida Transportation Commission. The nine volunteers on its board aren’t elected. They don’t keep minutes of key meetings.”

It’s an anonymity that conceals their power to shape how the state spends billions in tax dollars on roads, rail, airports and seaports.

For more than a year, a Transportation Commission board [all of whom were] appointed by Jeb Bush when he was governor has been a key sponsor of a controversial plan to lace the state with a series of massive toll roads.

And earlier this year, the board violated Florida’s open meetings law when it led a search for the person who could help decide the fate of those toll roads, the secretary of the state Department of Transportation.

The commission is required by law to nominate three finalists for transportation secretary. The governor has no choice but to pick one of its nominations.

“Leftover board uses clout“.

When You “Elect” A Car Salesman …

… you get a car salesman: “It wasn’t until the question and answer period that Buchanan ventured into the topic [of Iraq] when pushed by a question from the audience.  ‘It’s a bad business deal,’ Buchanan responded.”  “Buchanan: U.S. is nation building in Iraq“.

Gallagher Gets A Pass

“Under the joint stipulation that will go before the full [Florida elections] commission at its June 8th meeting, it states that ‘the public interest would not be served by proceeding further.’ The commission found that in July 2006 that enough evidence existed to say that former insurance commissioner Gallagher had broken state ethics laws when he purchased stock in two companies whose subsidiaries were regulated by the Department of Insurance.”  “Gallagher ethics charges will likely be dropped“.

Whatever

“In a conference call [Friday evening], John McCain challenged his Republican presidential primary opponents to propose their own immigration reform plan or else support his, and said he’s going to make a speech on the issue in Miami June 4.”  “McCain To Opponents: Put Up Or Shut Up On Immigration“.

Whoopee

“Crist to ballyhoo Florida in Israel“.

537

“Kurt Browning seemed to have the ideal resume to preside over Florida’s unpredictable voting system - a job that includes frequent clashes with fiercely independent local election supervisors.”

It’s Browning’s fate to repair the strained relationship between election supervisors and the Secretary of State’s Office at a time when a new voting system is coming.

Seven short years removed from the chaotic day of punch cards and hanging chad, Florida is again replacing its voting machines. This time, the state is junking touch screen machines for optical scanners that provide a paper trail, which Crist sees as a tonic for the Sarasota-inspired lack of confidence in old-fashioned vote counting.

Touch screens must be gone by July 1, 2008, to make way for the first statewide paper trail primary on Aug. 26, 2008. A few will remain for voters with disabilities.

That’s not all supervisors face. Random audits of precinct totals. An earlier presidential primary that puts a bigger focus on Florida. More election-day data demanded by the state and less time to compile it all. A still-untested “ballot on demand” system for early voting that offers more convenience for voters and more work for poll workers.

All of it was tucked inside the elections bill Crist signed amid great fanfare Monday.

The bill is House Bill 537.

Yes, 537, the exact number of votes by which George W. Bush defeated Al Gore in Florida in 2000.

“Kurt Browning’s tough road“.

Check out “5 to Read“.  Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

“An Elaborate Game of Political Positioning”

Bill March: “State House Speaker Marco Rubio, who proclaims himself a leading opponent of high property taxes, says Gov. Charlie Crist’s vetoes of state budget ‘turkeys’ won’t provide the ability for the Legislature to cut the property taxes it requires the counties to collect.”

The argument, between Republican Rubio and legislative Democrats, is an elaborate game of political positioning being played in advance of a special session on property taxes to be held in June.

The underlying fact is that Crist vetoed $459 million worth of legislator’s pet projects, sometimes called “turkeys,” when he signed the state budget bill this week.

Some legislators couldn’t help but notice that amount was close to the amount by which the Legislature in the regular session forced counties to increase the property taxes they collect for schools-the so-called “Required Local Effort.” Did that mean Crist was laying the groundwork to demand a tax “cut” of the same amount? Crist said it was just a coincidence.

But Friday, Democratic House leaders seized on the vetoes as an opportunity to suggest an easy tax cut. They sent a letter to Crist and GOP legislative leaders suggesting that since Crist had cut the budget $459 million, they could eliminate the increase in property taxes they forced on the counties by the same amount.

Rubio responded within hours in a letter of his own, saying no way.

“Rubio: Nix On Cutting State-Required Property Taxes“.  See also “Plan ties budget vetos, tax cuts“, “House Democrats want vetoed spending used to cut taxes“, “Rubio shoots back at Democrats tax relief plan“, “Rubio to Gelber: Sorry (pen) pal” and  Aaron Deslatte’s “Rubio, Man of Letters” (”Jefferson and Adams, it ain’t.  But House Speaker Marco Rubio and Democratic counterpoint Dan Gelber are suddenly trading letters like a Blackberry revolt.”)

Laff Riot

It is a bit of a guilty pleasure to see “Karl Rove’s Florida Frankenstein” complaining about his party’s wingnuts: “‘It’s understandable when you have a bipartisan solution there are going to be extremists’ on both sides of the issue.”  “Martinez takes flak on immigration“.  See also “Martinez: Man in the Middle” and “Sen. Martinez at heart of immigration debate“.

SD 3

“Charlie Dean picked up the endorsement of the Associated Industries of Florida Service Corporation on Friday, while Dennis Baxley blasted Dean for conspiring with the trial lawyers on a ’smear’ attack.”  “An endorsement and an attack in SD3“.

No “Last-Minute Gifts”

“Millions of dollars that HMOs plowed into lobbying and political contributions over the past year may have won them a series of last-minute gifts from the Legislature, but not from Gov. Charlie Crist.  On Thursday night, Crist axed legislation that would have boosted state payments to Medicaid health-maintenance organizations and ripped out existing protections for mentally ill patients.”  “Crist Veto Pulls Plug On HMO Proposals“.  See also “Crist vetoes Medicaid changes“.

More: “Gov. Crist Mostly On Target In Wide-Ranging Turkey Hunt“, “Crist vetoes measure for extra tenant fees“, “Crist missed chance to jump-start region“, “Crist vetoes baffle, raise hackles” and “Turkey list’s fat targets“.

And then there’s this: “While Florida’s public universities groan over the governor’s move to kill a tuition increase, private colleges continue to enjoy millions in state support.  On Thursday, Gov. Charlie Crist signed off on nearly $140 million in money for Florida’s 28 independent colleges and universities, including”.  “State’s Millions Still Go To Private Colleges“.

FCAT Fiasco

“Former state Education Commissioner John Winn told The St. Petersburg Times on Thursday that last year’s spike concerned him. In 2006, the percentage of students performing at grade level or better went from 67 percent to 75 percent. Winn said he ordered reviews by three groups, but none found anything amiss.  Reached Friday by The Miami Herald, he said his comments were accurate, but he declined to answer any further questions.”  “Senate seeks to probe FCAT“.  See also “FCAT mistake fuels critics, upsets parents” (”Critics are lining up to blast the Florida Department of Education for the error that artificially boosted last year’s FCAT reading test for third-graders. “)

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “When FCAT testing looms, students of one well-regarded middle school English teacher in Palm Beach County take this letter home to their parents:”

“If there is something of greater import, it is beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. I am now 13 years old, and my future hangs in the balance. If I do not perform well, worlds will collide, nations will crumble and Miss America will lose her dream of world peace.”

Obviously, the note is tongue-in-cheek, but the FCAT has so warped Florida education policy that it isn’t that much of an exaggeration. The overemphasis on FCAT scores was a mistake even before Wednesday’s revelation of serious errors in the 2006 test. Now that the state belatedly has admitted that the test is - gasp - fallible, Gov. Crist should lead the effort to restore the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test to its original, diagnostic purpose.

Gov. Crist’s reaction when he learned of the flaw - “Well, it doesn’t raise my confidence” - is in itself a welcome change from the Jeb Bush regime, which wouldn’t concede that anything could be wrong with the FCAT or the school grades concocted from the results.

“FCAT credibility gone as make-or-break test“.

Housing Market

“The spring home-selling season is proving to be a misnomer. Although real estate agents tout low-interest rates and a slew of bargains, many buyers are holding off. They’re waiting for prices to keep falling, experts say, and for lawmakers to fix the property tax mess during a special legislative session in June.”  “Buyers waiting for tax solution, more bargains“.

Pensacola Beach

“Souvenir shops that line this sugary white Panhandle beach display Confederate flag beach towels, window decals and T-shirts.  Hooters and other bars fly POW-MIA, Marine and Navy flags and cater to the sailors and Marines from the nearby base.  Vacationing Southern families usually fill the hotels and condominiums in this slice of paradise long nicknamed “The Redneck Riviera.” But every Memorial Day they mostly stay away as this Florida Panhandle town becomes more like trendy Miami Beach - 700 miles and a world away.  Starting in the mid-1980s, gay men from New Orleans and other nearby cities began gathering here for a three-day party that has grown into one of the South’s largest gay gatherings, attracting more than 60,000 people in 2004 before hurricanes Ivan and Dennis destroyed many beach roads and buildings.  Following two years of rebuilding, organizers anticipate 50,000 this weekend - and the resulting culture clash.”  “‘Redneck Riviera’ home to large gay Memorial Day bash“.

New Poll

“A May 14-18 Datamar poll shows Hillary Clinton and John Edwards in a dead heat among likely Florida primary voters and Fred Thompson nipping at Rudy Giuliani’s heels”.  “Edwards winning in Florida?“  More at this FLA Politics post: “New Poll Shows Competitive Primary in Florida“.

“Merit in Second Chances”

“For a Republican Congress that spent more than a decade cutting its teeth on cutting rehabilitation programs in the name of law and order, last year’s Second Chance Act was uncharacteristic for its charity and humaneness. It would offer states $86 million to underwrite prisons’ efforts to ease inmates’ re-entry into society. The money could pay for drug treatment, (needed by up to two-thirds of inmates in Florida), education, job training — anything to keep inmates from committing crimes again, as a third of them do within three years in Florida.”  “Nation, Florida rediscover merit in second chances“.

Another Delightful Jebacy

“Few regular folks have heard of the Florida Transportation Commission. The nine volunteers on its board aren’t elected. They don’t keep minutes of key meetings.”

It’s an anonymity that conceals their power to shape how the state spends billions in tax dollars on roads, rail, airports and seaports.

For more than a year, a Transportation Commission board [all of whom were] appointed by Jeb Bush when he was governor has been a key sponsor of a controversial plan to lace the state with a series of massive toll roads.

And earlier this year, the board violated Florida’s open meetings law when it led a search for the person who could help decide the fate of those toll roads, the secretary of the state Department of Transportation.

The commission is required by law to nominate three finalists for transportation secretary. The governor has no choice but to pick one of its nominations.

“Leftover board uses clout“.

When You “Elect” A Car Salesman …

… you get a car salesman: “It wasn’t until the question and answer period that Buchanan ventured into the topic [of Iraq] when pushed by a question from the audience.  ‘It’s a bad business deal,’ Buchanan responded.”  “Buchanan: U.S. is nation building in Iraq“.

Gallagher Gets A Pass

“Under the joint stipulation that will go before the full [Florida elections] commission at its June 8th meeting, it states that ‘the public interest would not be served by proceeding further.’ The commission found that in July 2006 that enough evidence existed to say that former insurance commissioner Gallagher had broken state ethics laws when he purchased stock in two companies whose subsidiaries were regulated by the Department of Insurance.”  “Gallagher ethics charges will likely be dropped“.

Whatever

“In a conference call [Friday evening], John McCain challenged his Republican presidential primary opponents to propose their own immigration reform plan or else support his, and said he’s going to make a speech on the issue in Miami June 4.”  “McCain To Opponents: Put Up Or Shut Up On Immigration“.

Whoopee

“Crist to ballyhoo Florida in Israel“.

537

“Kurt Browning seemed to have the ideal resume to preside over Florida’s unpredictable voting system - a job that includes frequent clashes with fiercely independent local election supervisors.”

It’s Browning’s fate to repair the strained relationship between election supervisors and the Secretary of State’s Office at a time when a new voting system is coming.

Seven short years removed from the chaotic day of punch cards and hanging chad, Florida is again replacing its voting machines. This time, the state is junking touch screen machines for optical scanners that provide a paper trail, which Crist sees as a tonic for the Sarasota-inspired lack of confidence in old-fashioned vote counting.

Touch screens must be gone by July 1, 2008, to make way for the first statewide paper trail primary on Aug. 26, 2008. A few will remain for voters with disabilities.

That’s not all supervisors face. Random audits of precinct totals. An earlier presidential primary that puts a bigger focus on Florida. More election-day data demanded by the state and less time to compile it all. A still-untested “ballot on demand” system for early voting that offers more convenience for voters and more work for poll workers.

All of it was tucked inside the elections bill Crist signed amid great fanfare Monday.

The bill is House Bill 537.

Yes, 537, the exact number of votes by which George W. Bush defeated Al Gore in Florida in 2000.

“Kurt Browning’s tough road“.