Florida Vote

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Caging Inquiry Sought

“U.S. Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.,”

want the Justice Department to probe charges that Republican operatives illegally suppressed voter turnout in African-American voting precincts in Jacksonville in the 2004 presidential election.

Their request targets Tim Griffin, an interim U.S. attorney in Arkansas and a protege of White House political adviser Karl Rove. While working for the Republican National Committee in August of 2004, Griffin wrote two e-mails that the senators said referred to “caging” of about 2,000 black voters in Jacksonville.

“Caging” is the practice of seeking to disqualify voters who fail to sign for registered political mail sent to their homes.

“Dems seek probe of 2004 vote in Jacksonville“.  More at Senator Kennedy’s website.  For background: “BBC TV Reveals: New Florida Vote Scandal Republican ‘Caging List’“.

Paper-Trails

“As if determined to uphold Palm Beach County’s reputation for election controversy, frustrated county commissioners Tuesday raised the possibility of defying Florida’s new ballot ‘paper-trail’ law because they say the state isn’t providing enough money to pay for it.”  “Officials may deviate from new election paper trail“.  See also “Palm Beach County threatens to keep touch screen voting machines“.

Meanwhile over in Broward: “Five years after buying ATM-style voting machines, Broward County began another election changeover Tuesday. County commissioners agreed to buy new voting machines that use paper ballots and to turn over to the state almost all of the county’s 4,500 touch-screen machines.  The switch won’t be cheap. While the state will foot most of the bill through federal aid, almost $10 million in county money is also needed.”  “Broward County to scrap touch-screen voting machines in 2008“.

Finally

“The lowly gopher tortoises finally got a break.  The reptiles use front feet designed like shovels to dig tunnels, which they share with burrowing owls, indigo snakes and mice. For years, Florida has allowed developers to pay fines to bury gopher tortoises alive, filling in their burrows and paving over them. The tortoises die a long, slow death, starving or gasping for breath underground.  No more. Starting July 31, under a new policy the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved last week, developers can’t entomb gopher tortoises but must move them. The policy, except for developers whose license to kill is “grandfathered” for now, is temporary until the commission completes a new permitting process.”  “Florida digs out of a hole“.

“An Orphan in its Own State”

“This is no manufactured crisis. It is simple math. Tuition pays only a fourth of the cost of a university education, and the Legislature has been balancing its budget in recent years by pretending the other three-fourths are free. They are not.”

Crist and legislative leaders want taxpayers to think that lunch is free, but that’s not the way a university can operate. At FSU, the bills have to be paid and next year high school seniors will have 1, 800 fewer chances to gain admission. This is what happens when higher education becomes an orphan in its own state.

“Is anybody listening to universities?“.

“The debate over property taxes unfortunately occluded an important disagreement between lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist on higher education funding. Lawmakers wanted more money from students, but Crist turned them down.  The Legislature was right.”  “College Tuition“.

“A New Snag”

“The state’s bold decision last January to accept some of the hurricane risk for insurance companies, in exchange for lower premiums for consumers, has hit a new snag: Insurance companies don’t trust it.”  “Insurers leery of state fund“.

Mahoney

“Democrat Tim Mahoney s quest for a perfect voting record is over, but he s still one of the most reliable voters in the Congress from Florida.”  “Who has missed the fewest, most votes in Congress?“.

Never Forget …

Last night Charlie “signed a bill into law paving the way for rate-hikes on the state’s toll roads by linking the levies to inflation.  The controversial measure will also make it possible for the state to lease existing toll roads to private companies and to enter into deals allowing companies to build new toll roads altogether.”  “Crist Signs Law Leading to Higher Tolls“.  See also “Highway projects move closer” (”Crist signed legislation Tuesday that could put some toll roads in private hands”).

More:

Crist on Tuesday signed nearly 50 bills into law, including a controversial bill, HB 985,  that will require automatic toll road hikes on toll roads. Crist also signed SB 1822, which will require carbon monoxide detectors in the boiler rooms of hotels. The legislation was pushed in the wake of the death of a tourist at a Key West hotel. Crist also vetoed HB 97 dealing with Medicare supplemental insurance policies.

Crist in a letter said that he was in favor of the comprehensive transportation bill that includes the automatic toll rate hikes because it has “tools” that will help “maximize” the expansion of Florida’s road system, including the utilization of  “public private partnerships.” These tools, however, are what got Democrats to oppose the legislation, saying it would lead to the privatization of Florida’s roads.

“Crist vetoes insurance bill, signs toll hike legislation“.

Never forget that Good Time Charlie is a GOPer through and through: in one swell foop, he managed to open the door (1) to toll road increases (mind you these are “toll” increases, not “tax” increases, and (2) privatization of Florida’s toll road system.  The “People’s Governor” at work.

“Surprise!”

Mark Lane: “Surprise! Across the state, fast-growth counties raised taxes a lot. Slow-growth counties raised taxes a little.”

In the 10 counties with the smallest increase in taxes between 2001-2006, the population between 2000-2005 grew by a tepid average of 7.4 percent a year. Well below the state average of 12.1 percent.

In the 10 counties with the biggest increase in taxes between 2001-2006, the population grew by a mind-blowing average of 23.9 percent a year. Just under twice the state average.

Angry taxpayers often ascribe tax increases to greed, corruption and maladministration. And while there’s certainly enough of that to go around in the Sunshine State, there’s a good argument that runaway growth is a major force driving up city and county budgets all around the state.

Turning rural land into suburban land, and turning the countryside into subdivisions full of people demanding urban services is not a cheap process.

Growth doesn’t pay for itself. And by the time tax reform is finished, it might pay even less than before.

“Is growth pushing tax boosts?“.

Wingnut U

“The University of Mobile [private, Baptist-affiliated school ] scrapped plans for syndicated conservative columnist Cal Thomas to speak at a scholarship banquet when it found out Florida’s former governor was available, the Mobile Press-Register reports.”  “Jeb!” apparently didnpt come cheap, and the  “wouldn’t say how much the school is paying the former governor.”  “Jeb: Still in demand“.

Co-Opting The Media

Charlie is adept at making gestures that the MSM luvs: “Crist on Tuesday created the state’s first Open Government Reform Commission, which will search for ways to make Florida more open to residents.  The nine-member panel will review hundreds of exemptions to public records laws that have multiplied in recent years. It also will examine fees charged to the public and media to inspect and copy records as well as the use of the Internet to improve public access to government information.”  “Crist creates a panel for open government“.  See also “Crist creates open-record commission“, “Governor’s panel to study state’s open-meetings laws” and Governor forms panel to study public access issues“Crist forms Commission on Open Government“.  More: “Crist willing to open up clemency records” (”The past policy of the board has been to only give out the names and basic information about those felons who had their rights restored. Floridians, for example, can’t find out who, or more importantly, who did not, vote in favor of rights restoration or a pardon.”)

The luv is already on its way.  See “A matter of openness“.

“Business Groups are Mobilizing to Crush a Citizen Initiative”

“Florida’s largest business groups are mobilizing to crush a citizen initiative they say would slow development and kill the state’s economy.”  “Florida’s largest business groups are mobilizing to crush a citizen initiative they say would slow development and kill the state’s economy.”.

Steroids

“A law signed Tuesday will subject Florida high school athletes in football, baseball and weightlifting to random steroid tests.Steroid testing is state law“  See also “Governor signs bill for high-school steroid testing” and “Bill signed to begin steroid testing of high school athletes“.

The Primary Thing

“Florida Democrats are pressing forward with their party’s Jan. 29 presidential primary, despite the continued threats of sanctions from Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean.  The state party has begun the 30-day period for public comment on its delegate selection and affirmative action plan, which can be found at the party’s website.”  “Florida Democrats’ primary objective“.

On Hold

“As the Senate struggles to craft a national energy plan, Sen. Mel Martinez has placed a “hold” on any consideration of an amendment to allow oil and gas drilling as close as 45 miles off Florida’s Gulf coast. … Martinez’s hold on the measure, a parliamentary privilege senators have, means the amendment by Sens. Byron Dorgan, a North Dakota Democrat, and Larry Craig, an Idaho Republican, is virtually dead.”  “Martinez Blocks Effort To Drill Off Gulf Coast“.

PSC

“Commission wants more info about power campanies’ storm preparations The state’s power companies appear to be on track with multi-million-dollar storm-hardening plans, but regulators want to know more.”  “PSC to hold hearings on utilities’ storm preparations“.

Whoopee

“President Bush has nominated Nancy Goodman Brinker of Palm Beach, to be the next Chief of Protocol for the United States, the White House announced today.  Brinker, who was U.S. ambassador to Hungary from 2001 to 2003 and founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is also a major Republican Party fundraiser.”  “Floridian Nominated for Chief of Protocol“.  See also “Florida woman named WH hostess with the most-est“.

FCAT Fiasco

“The state Board of Education on Tuesday rejected a plan to suspend a portion of the school-grading formula that puts a bigger spotlight on struggling students.”  “FCAT penalty stays in place“.  See also “For schools, good grades harder to get“.

More: “Inflated scores on Florida’s standardized assessment test will largely be excluded from the calculation of Florida’s A to F grades for schools, the State Board of Education voted Tuesday.”  “2006 third-grade FCAT scores will not count toward school grades, state says“.

“Sudden Die-Off”

“During the past few days, more than 200 of the seabirds have been recovered, either dead or sickly, along the Atlantic coast, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  They’re emaciated and starving, but state officials aren’t sure what is behind the sudden die-off, commission spokeswoman Wendy Quigley said.”  “Open-ocean birds wash up along coast“.

Pre-K

“Florida set a minimum standard for its pre-kindergarten providers Tuesday, which means 556 pre-K providers statewide are now considered ‘low-performing’ and must develop improvement plans.”  “Standard set for pre-K providers“.

“Accurate, But not Necessarily True”

“One local official acknowledged this week that Gov. Charlie Crist’s estimates of a $9 billion reserve pool scattered among local governments statewide is probably ‘accurate, but not necessarily true.’”

That assessment gets to the heart of the hue and cry coming from city and county governments, as well as from agencies operating under them, about how Mr. Crist’s number doesn’t really apply. To them.

Whether it’s fuzzy math, as some argue, or a sweeping generalization meant to keep everyone’s eye on cutting property taxes - and logically the 2008 elections - the reality is that government budgets are almost impossible for the average or even above-average citizen to fathom.

This makes a local government vulnerable to easy generalizations, overstatements or old-fashioned knee-jerk reactions from citizens - as well as elected officials who may not know exactly what they’re talking about either, but should.

“Calculating“.

It’s finally happened: there’s a two-state solution in Palestine. The only problem is that the two states are both Palestinian, run by terrorist Hamas in Gaza and corrupt Fatah in the West Bank. Actually, that’s not the only problem; both groups are violent, welfare-dependent, and dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Find out who’s to blame and what the future holds in this week’s podcast.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Caging Inquiry Sought

“U.S. Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.,”

want the Justice Department to probe charges that Republican operatives illegally suppressed voter turnout in African-American voting precincts in Jacksonville in the 2004 presidential election.

Their request targets Tim Griffin, an interim U.S. attorney in Arkansas and a protege of White House political adviser Karl Rove. While working for the Republican National Committee in August of 2004, Griffin wrote two e-mails that the senators said referred to “caging” of about 2,000 black voters in Jacksonville.

“Caging” is the practice of seeking to disqualify voters who fail to sign for registered political mail sent to their homes.

“Dems seek probe of 2004 vote in Jacksonville“.  More at Senator Kennedy’s website.  For background: “BBC TV Reveals: New Florida Vote Scandal Republican ‘Caging List’“.

Paper-Trails

“As if determined to uphold Palm Beach County’s reputation for election controversy, frustrated county commissioners Tuesday raised the possibility of defying Florida’s new ballot ‘paper-trail’ law because they say the state isn’t providing enough money to pay for it.”  “Officials may deviate from new election paper trail“.  See also “Palm Beach County threatens to keep touch screen voting machines“.

Meanwhile over in Broward: “Five years after buying ATM-style voting machines, Broward County began another election changeover Tuesday. County commissioners agreed to buy new voting machines that use paper ballots and to turn over to the state almost all of the county’s 4,500 touch-screen machines.  The switch won’t be cheap. While the state will foot most of the bill through federal aid, almost $10 million in county money is also needed.”  “Broward County to scrap touch-screen voting machines in 2008“.

Finally

“The lowly gopher tortoises finally got a break.  The reptiles use front feet designed like shovels to dig tunnels, which they share with burrowing owls, indigo snakes and mice. For years, Florida has allowed developers to pay fines to bury gopher tortoises alive, filling in their burrows and paving over them. The tortoises die a long, slow death, starving or gasping for breath underground.  No more. Starting July 31, under a new policy the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved last week, developers can’t entomb gopher tortoises but must move them. The policy, except for developers whose license to kill is “grandfathered” for now, is temporary until the commission completes a new permitting process.”  “Florida digs out of a hole“.

“An Orphan in its Own State”

“This is no manufactured crisis. It is simple math. Tuition pays only a fourth of the cost of a university education, and the Legislature has been balancing its budget in recent years by pretending the other three-fourths are free. They are not.”

Crist and legislative leaders want taxpayers to think that lunch is free, but that’s not the way a university can operate. At FSU, the bills have to be paid and next year high school seniors will have 1, 800 fewer chances to gain admission. This is what happens when higher education becomes an orphan in its own state.

“Is anybody listening to universities?“.

“The debate over property taxes unfortunately occluded an important disagreement between lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist on higher education funding. Lawmakers wanted more money from students, but Crist turned them down.  The Legislature was right.”  “College Tuition“.

“A New Snag”

“The state’s bold decision last January to accept some of the hurricane risk for insurance companies, in exchange for lower premiums for consumers, has hit a new snag: Insurance companies don’t trust it.”  “Insurers leery of state fund“.

Mahoney

“Democrat Tim Mahoney s quest for a perfect voting record is over, but he s still one of the most reliable voters in the Congress from Florida.”  “Who has missed the fewest, most votes in Congress?“.

Never Forget …

Last night Charlie “signed a bill into law paving the way for rate-hikes on the state’s toll roads by linking the levies to inflation.  The controversial measure will also make it possible for the state to lease existing toll roads to private companies and to enter into deals allowing companies to build new toll roads altogether.”  “Crist Signs Law Leading to Higher Tolls“.  See also “Highway projects move closer” (”Crist signed legislation Tuesday that could put some toll roads in private hands”).

More:

Crist on Tuesday signed nearly 50 bills into law, including a controversial bill, HB 985,  that will require automatic toll road hikes on toll roads. Crist also signed SB 1822, which will require carbon monoxide detectors in the boiler rooms of hotels. The legislation was pushed in the wake of the death of a tourist at a Key West hotel. Crist also vetoed HB 97 dealing with Medicare supplemental insurance policies.

Crist in a letter said that he was in favor of the comprehensive transportation bill that includes the automatic toll rate hikes because it has “tools” that will help “maximize” the expansion of Florida’s road system, including the utilization of  “public private partnerships.” These tools, however, are what got Democrats to oppose the legislation, saying it would lead to the privatization of Florida’s roads.

“Crist vetoes insurance bill, signs toll hike legislation“.

Never forget that Good Time Charlie is a GOPer through and through: in one swell foop, he managed to open the door (1) to toll road increases (mind you these are “toll” increases, not “tax” increases, and (2) privatization of Florida’s toll road system.  The “People’s Governor” at work.

“Surprise!”

Mark Lane: “Surprise! Across the state, fast-growth counties raised taxes a lot. Slow-growth counties raised taxes a little.”

In the 10 counties with the smallest increase in taxes between 2001-2006, the population between 2000-2005 grew by a tepid average of 7.4 percent a year. Well below the state average of 12.1 percent.

In the 10 counties with the biggest increase in taxes between 2001-2006, the population grew by a mind-blowing average of 23.9 percent a year. Just under twice the state average.

Angry taxpayers often ascribe tax increases to greed, corruption and maladministration. And while there’s certainly enough of that to go around in the Sunshine State, there’s a good argument that runaway growth is a major force driving up city and county budgets all around the state.

Turning rural land into suburban land, and turning the countryside into subdivisions full of people demanding urban services is not a cheap process.

Growth doesn’t pay for itself. And by the time tax reform is finished, it might pay even less than before.

“Is growth pushing tax boosts?“.

Wingnut U

“The University of Mobile [private, Baptist-affiliated school ] scrapped plans for syndicated conservative columnist Cal Thomas to speak at a scholarship banquet when it found out Florida’s former governor was available, the Mobile Press-Register reports.”  “Jeb!” apparently didnpt come cheap, and the  “wouldn’t say how much the school is paying the former governor.”  “Jeb: Still in demand“.

Co-Opting The Media

Charlie is adept at making gestures that the MSM luvs: “Crist on Tuesday created the state’s first Open Government Reform Commission, which will search for ways to make Florida more open to residents.  The nine-member panel will review hundreds of exemptions to public records laws that have multiplied in recent years. It also will examine fees charged to the public and media to inspect and copy records as well as the use of the Internet to improve public access to government information.”  “Crist creates a panel for open government“.  See also “Crist creates open-record commission“, “Governor’s panel to study state’s open-meetings laws” and Governor forms panel to study public access issues“Crist forms Commission on Open Government“.  More: “Crist willing to open up clemency records” (”The past policy of the board has been to only give out the names and basic information about those felons who had their rights restored. Floridians, for example, can’t find out who, or more importantly, who did not, vote in favor of rights restoration or a pardon.”)

The luv is already on its way.  See “A matter of openness“.

“Business Groups are Mobilizing to Crush a Citizen Initiative”

“Florida’s largest business groups are mobilizing to crush a citizen initiative they say would slow development and kill the state’s economy.”  “Florida’s largest business groups are mobilizing to crush a citizen initiative they say would slow development and kill the state’s economy.”.

Steroids

“A law signed Tuesday will subject Florida high school athletes in football, baseball and weightlifting to random steroid tests.Steroid testing is state law“  See also “Governor signs bill for high-school steroid testing” and “Bill signed to begin steroid testing of high school athletes“.

The Primary Thing

“Florida Democrats are pressing forward with their party’s Jan. 29 presidential primary, despite the continued threats of sanctions from Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean.  The state party has begun the 30-day period for public comment on its delegate selection and affirmative action plan, which can be found at the party’s website.”  “Florida Democrats’ primary objective“.

On Hold

“As the Senate struggles to craft a national energy plan, Sen. Mel Martinez has placed a “hold” on any consideration of an amendment to allow oil and gas drilling as close as 45 miles off Florida’s Gulf coast. … Martinez’s hold on the measure, a parliamentary privilege senators have, means the amendment by Sens. Byron Dorgan, a North Dakota Democrat, and Larry Craig, an Idaho Republican, is virtually dead.”  “Martinez Blocks Effort To Drill Off Gulf Coast“.

PSC

“Commission wants more info about power campanies’ storm preparations The state’s power companies appear to be on track with multi-million-dollar storm-hardening plans, but regulators want to know more.”  “PSC to hold hearings on utilities’ storm preparations“.

Whoopee

“President Bush has nominated Nancy Goodman Brinker of Palm Beach, to be the next Chief of Protocol for the United States, the White House announced today.  Brinker, who was U.S. ambassador to Hungary from 2001 to 2003 and founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is also a major Republican Party fundraiser.”  “Floridian Nominated for Chief of Protocol“.  See also “Florida woman named WH hostess with the most-est“.

FCAT Fiasco

“The state Board of Education on Tuesday rejected a plan to suspend a portion of the school-grading formula that puts a bigger spotlight on struggling students.”  “FCAT penalty stays in place“.  See also “For schools, good grades harder to get“.

More: “Inflated scores on Florida’s standardized assessment test will largely be excluded from the calculation of Florida’s A to F grades for schools, the State Board of Education voted Tuesday.”  “2006 third-grade FCAT scores will not count toward school grades, state says“.

“Sudden Die-Off”

“During the past few days, more than 200 of the seabirds have been recovered, either dead or sickly, along the Atlantic coast, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  They’re emaciated and starving, but state officials aren’t sure what is behind the sudden die-off, commission spokeswoman Wendy Quigley said.”  “Open-ocean birds wash up along coast“.

Pre-K

“Florida set a minimum standard for its pre-kindergarten providers Tuesday, which means 556 pre-K providers statewide are now considered ‘low-performing’ and must develop improvement plans.”  “Standard set for pre-K providers“.

“Accurate, But not Necessarily True”

“One local official acknowledged this week that Gov. Charlie Crist’s estimates of a $9 billion reserve pool scattered among local governments statewide is probably ‘accurate, but not necessarily true.’”

That assessment gets to the heart of the hue and cry coming from city and county governments, as well as from agencies operating under them, about how Mr. Crist’s number doesn’t really apply. To them.

Whether it’s fuzzy math, as some argue, or a sweeping generalization meant to keep everyone’s eye on cutting property taxes - and logically the 2008 elections - the reality is that government budgets are almost impossible for the average or even above-average citizen to fathom.

This makes a local government vulnerable to easy generalizations, overstatements or old-fashioned knee-jerk reactions from citizens - as well as elected officials who may not know exactly what they’re talking about either, but should.

“Calculating“.

Join the discussion over at the Florida Progressive Coalition about “What s Wrong With the Florida Conservative Blogosphere“.  Today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

Charlie’s “Fuzzy Math”?

“City and county government officials are accusing Gov. Charlie Crist of deliberately putting out false information in an effort to win property-tax cuts.”

They’re reacting to Crist’s assertion that local governments are fighting property-tax cuts even as they sit atop $9 billion in reserves. Local officials say the governor’s “reserves” are grossly inflated, lumping general-fund reserves from unspent property taxes with other pools of money, including debt reserves and money for construction projects.

“Fuzzy math in new tax plan?“.

Chamber Hacks

If you can stomach the it, you may want to take a look at the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s legislator rankings here (warning, this is a .pdf document).  See also “Chamber Report Cards Are In” and “Keeping Score“.

All in the Family

“Florida lawmakers”

were among 96 U.S. House members found to have financial connections with relatives, according to a private group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. The group reviewed expenditure records of the House leadership, along with those of the chairmen and ranking members of every House committee and subcommittee.

In its 151-page report [summarized here], the group found members had used campaign money to pay relatives or their relatives’ employers an estimated $5.8 million since 2001.

“Lawmakers pay campaign cash to kin, watchdog says“.

Wonder Why?

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for an ambitious lawyer: A chance to be one of the country’s 93 U.S. attorneys and the top federal law enforcement official in Central Florida.  Yet the search for the new U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida needed a month’s extension to draw more than one contender, and the field looks to be smaller than other times the job has been open.”  “Small field applies to be U.S. attorney“.  See also “Dozen or more vie to be Middle District’s prosecutor” (”Lawyers also worry about the ramifications of the controversies in Washington regarding the dismissal of U.S. attorneys in other parts of the country.”)

Hastings Primary Challenge

“Belle Glade City Commissioner Ray Torres Sanchez says he’ll challenge eight-term U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, in next year’s Democratic primary.”

‘’I think it’s basically time for a change . . . There’s a lot of cities in the district that need help,'’ Sanchez said Monday. He said he’ll lay out more specifics when he makes a formal announcement in a few weeks.

Sanchez, 50, runs a funeral home and was first elected to the Belle Glade commission in 2005.

Republican Marion Thorpe, who announced a candidacy for Hastings’ seat in 2004 but ended up not running, is another potential candidate.

“Hastings gets Democratic challenger“.  See also “Challengers hope to end Hastings’ longtime reign“.

Veto

“The new Tampa Bay regional transportation authority suffered a major setback Thursday when Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed $1-million in startup money.”  “Veto cuts transit money“.

Source Code Secret

“Court denies her effort to get access to the source code for voting machines that her attorneys deem critical to her legal challenge of Republican Vern Buchanan’s victory in the 13th Congressional District election.”  “Jennings loses court appeal“.

Tax Cuts

The Miami Herald editors:

State lawmakers ended their nine-day special session in a speedy three days last week — and the results were mostly good. Lawmakers passed three bills that deliver property-tax relief, limit future growth of property taxes and, if voters agree, could over time replace the unfair Save Our Homes amendment.

The bills that passed aren’t perfect, and residents should push lawmakers to make necessary adjustments as flaws become apparent. For example, the bill allowing voters to decide on a constitutional amendment for super exemptions is tied to school funding. Bad idea. Lawmakers say that they will protect school funding — but that promise could sour, especially considering state lawmakers’ terrible history of shifting school funding responsibilities.

Nevertheless, the overall reforms that the bills attempt to make are needed.

“Promising start on property-tax reform“.

Testing

“Crist to Sign Steroid-Testing Bill“.

Change of Heart

Mike Thomas: “Last week, state legislators tried to clandestinely abolish Save Our Homes under the guise of cutting property taxes.  They got caught and were appropriately boiled in oil. And so they amended their amendment.  So I’ll amend last week’s column skewering them. Their new plan makes more sense than, well, doing nothing.”  “The secret’s out: Latest tax idea beats last one“.

Brain Trust

“Schwarzenegger and Crist join forces in fight against global warming“.

“Tax-Funded Summit on Disabilities and ‘Inclusion’ Excludes Dissenters”

“A taxpayer-funded, invitation-only conference on caring for people with developmental disabilities opened amid controversy Monday at an elegant Orlando hotel. … The summit comes at a time when families of the developmentally disabled are reeling from steep state cuts in services, implemented by the Legislature to close an agency budget deficit.”  “Either agree or stay home“.

HIV/AIDS Help

“For a second straight year, local HIV budget planners said they are struggling to stretch declining grants from the federal Ryan White Program”  “Federal budget cuts mean S. Florida HIV/AIDS patients to lose services“.

Cuts

“City and county leaders, responding to the state Legislature’s property tax cuts, foresee far less revenue available for things like parks, fire stations, libraries and bus service.  And that’s just the initial property tax rollback. If voters approve a referendum in January creating a new ’super homestead exemption,’ then stay tuned for another round of deeper cuts next year.”  “Tax cuts to hurt all over“.

Romney

Mitt “Romney was in this Florida Panhandle city [Panama City] to attend a reception that drew about 250 people to the home of former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense.  Romney said he was unsure whether Florida’s decision to move its primary up to Jan. 29 to make it one of the nation’s earliest would help or hurt him.  ‘I must admit I like the idea of being able to have some primaries on a serial basis, meaning one after another as opposed to all on the same day,’ he said.”  “Romney accepts Brownback apology over religious e-mail“.  See also “Romney names county chiefs” and “GOP presidential hopeful Romney drums up support in North Florida“.

Spoils

“The Department of Veterans Affairs is about to give private HMOs and other health networks access to a multibillion-dollar market for veterans’ care that the companies hope, and veterans fear, could open a new era of outsourcing. … ‘The VA is being heralded as the very best care in this country,’ said Jim Dudley, director of medical services at Paralyzed Veterans of America, ‘and we’re saying, why would you want to contract that out?’”  “Veterans up in arms over VA’s contracting“.

“Passport Probe”

“U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said Monday he will launch a congressional probe today into the nation’s backlog of 2 million passport applications and demand that the State Department disclose a plan to ensure the problem does not happen again.”  “Nelson orders passport probe“.

Sad Irony

“9 firefighters die as blaze engulfs South Carolina warehouse“.  With this (yet another) reminder of the risks firefighters take every single day, it is sadly ironic that in the last week alone we have seen garbage like this in the Florida MSM:

- “The most generous pensions are going to first-responders, mostly paramedics, police and firefighters.”  “Lavish Pensions Decreed By State Add Galling Irony To Tax Breaks“.

- “Whether local governments can afford these lucrative retirement plans for deputies and police and firefighters at a time when private companies are shedding pension plans is a reasonable public policy question.”  “High cost of pensions straps cities“.  (Note: is one to suppose that the St Pete Times editorial board thinks public employers should also be “shedding pension plans” for firefighters?)

- “Wondering where all those skyrocketing property taxes have gone?  One major drain: the tony retirement pensions of the state’s police and firefighters.”  “Pensions take toll on tax coffers“.

Unfunded Mandate

“Palm Beach County taxpayers would have to shell out an unexpected $5.9 million to cover the upfront costs of switching from touch-screen voting machines to paper ballots next year under a plan outlined Monday by Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson.”  “Paper trail packs a high price, warns Palm Beach County elections chief“.

FCAT Fiasco

“If consistency is the hallmark of any valid grading system, Florida’s FCAT-based school rankings flunk, and so do federal scores assigned under No Child Left Behind.”

The 2007 state school grades, which will be calculated and released soon, are a case in point. There will be no way accurately to compare a school’s 2007 grade with its 2006 grade. The reasons for the inconsistency provide insight into how fragile the grading scheme is.

First, the 2006 FCAT was flawed. …

The confusion then extends nationwide. A recent study by the Center for Education Policy concluded that scores on state tests had increased since No Child Left Behind went into effect five years ago. But the study specifically declined to conclude that scores increased because of the federal law.

One problem was that since each state gets to set its own tests and standards, there is no way to get a valid, nationwide picture of progress under No Child Left Behind. None of that, of course, stopped U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings from claiming that the whole mess validated the federal law, which is up for renewal.

Confusion results when tests that are supposed to grade individuals are used instead to grade entire schools. Florida, at least, is reviewing how the state awards school grades. An even better question is whether the state should award school grades at all.

“‘07 school grades flawed; grading is more flawed“.

Castro

“Recuperating Fidel Castro vowed the United States “will never have Cuba,” saying in an essay published Monday that nearly a year after emergency surgery left him ‘between life and death’ the island’s communist system is strong and will stay that way.”  “Castro: U.S. ‘will never have Cuba,’ island ready for invasion“.

Green

“The Legislature didn’t want to spend $37 million to protect the state from a human plague that might come [bird flu vaccine]. Perhaps the Legislature will want to spend $37 million, or whatever it takes, to protect the state from the worst of an agricultural plague that has arrived.  Two weeks ago, The Post’s Susan Salibsury laid out the latest threat to the Florida citrus industry. Unfortunately, this one also is the most dangerous. It is called citrus greening, not to be confused with citrus canker. While canker blemishes fruit and cuts tree yields, greening is deadly. According to a French professor of microbiology, greening ‘is like fire.’ It can clean out a grove.”  “State looks too ‘green’“.

Fun With Limbaugh

Joel Engelhardt: “Not every Floridian, though, has an accountant. And not every Floridian knows how to create complicated spreadsheets … to determine which property-tax scenario would be better for their pocketbook.”

Unless you’re Rush Limbaugh.

It’s easy to pick on Mr. Limbaugh for his belligerence and his hypocrisy; he ranted on the air about tough penalties for drug addicts, then entered rehab for painkiller addiction and pleaded guilty to a felony. But he’s a big supporter of public education. Without so much as an “ouch,” as far as I know, Mr. Limbaugh gave $118,000 to the Palm Beach County School District last year, through his property-tax bill.

Mr. Limbaugh is one of those fortunate people who can afford to pay $430,000 a year in property taxes. His Palm Beach compound has a market value of $35 million. However, he’s not taxed on that amount. Thanks to Save Our Homes, he’s taxed on a value of $23 million. If the amendment passes, Mr. Limbaugh would be foolish - or more beneficent than he seems on the radio - to give up his Save Our Homes cap. He would suffer if he moved into a similarly priced compound, because the Save Our Homes protection would be gone.

Under the “super” exemption, Mr. Limbaugh would get a $195,000 exemption that’s not so super on $35 million worth of property. In 10 years, assuming a 6 percent annual rise in values, Mr. Limbaugh’s property would be worth $63 million, but under Save Our Homes he’d be taxed at $31 million. That’s the difference between a $1.2 million tax bill and a $600,000 tax bill.

“Check the spread, Floridians“.

Raw Political Courage

“Charlie Crist, the governor known for his sunny disposition, touts government in the sunshine today.”  “Crist lauds open government today“.

Join the discussion over at the Florida Progressive Coalition about “What s Wrong With the Florida Conservative Blogosphere“.  Today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

Charlie’s “Fuzzy Math”?

“City and county government officials are accusing Gov. Charlie Crist of deliberately putting out false information in an effort to win property-tax cuts.”

They’re reacting to Crist’s assertion that local governments are fighting property-tax cuts even as they sit atop $9 billion in reserves. Local officials say the governor’s “reserves” are grossly inflated, lumping general-fund reserves from unspent property taxes with other pools of money, including debt reserves and money for construction projects.

“Fuzzy math in new tax plan?“.

Chamber Hacks

If you can stomach the it, you may want to take a look at the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s legislator rankings here (warning, this is a .pdf document).  See also “Chamber Report Cards Are In” and “Keeping Score“.

All in the Family

“Florida lawmakers”

were among 96 U.S. House members found to have financial connections with relatives, according to a private group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. The group reviewed expenditure records of the House leadership, along with those of the chairmen and ranking members of every House committee and subcommittee.

In its 151-page report [summarized here], the group found members had used campaign money to pay relatives or their relatives’ employers an estimated $5.8 million since 2001.

“Lawmakers pay campaign cash to kin, watchdog says“.

Wonder Why?

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for an ambitious lawyer: A chance to be one of the country’s 93 U.S. attorneys and the top federal law enforcement official in Central Florida.  Yet the search for the new U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida needed a month’s extension to draw more than one contender, and the field looks to be smaller than other times the job has been open.”  “Small field applies to be U.S. attorney“.  See also “Dozen or more vie to be Middle District’s prosecutor” (”Lawyers also worry about the ramifications of the controversies in Washington regarding the dismissal of U.S. attorneys in other parts of the country.”)

Hastings Primary Challenge

“Belle Glade City Commissioner Ray Torres Sanchez says he’ll challenge eight-term U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, in next year’s Democratic primary.”

‘’I think it’s basically time for a change . . . There’s a lot of cities in the district that need help,'’ Sanchez said Monday. He said he’ll lay out more specifics when he makes a formal announcement in a few weeks.

Sanchez, 50, runs a funeral home and was first elected to the Belle Glade commission in 2005.

Republican Marion Thorpe, who announced a candidacy for Hastings’ seat in 2004 but ended up not running, is another potential candidate.

“Hastings gets Democratic challenger“.  See also “Challengers hope to end Hastings’ longtime reign“.

Veto

“The new Tampa Bay regional transportation authority suffered a major setback Thursday when Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed $1-million in startup money.”  “Veto cuts transit money“.

Source Code Secret

“Court denies her effort to get access to the source code for voting machines that her attorneys deem critical to her legal challenge of Republican Vern Buchanan’s victory in the 13th Congressional District election.”  “Jennings loses court appeal“.

Tax Cuts

The Miami Herald editors:

State lawmakers ended their nine-day special session in a speedy three days last week — and the results were mostly good. Lawmakers passed three bills that deliver property-tax relief, limit future growth of property taxes and, if voters agree, could over time replace the unfair Save Our Homes amendment.

The bills that passed aren’t perfect, and residents should push lawmakers to make necessary adjustments as flaws become apparent. For example, the bill allowing voters to decide on a constitutional amendment for super exemptions is tied to school funding. Bad idea. Lawmakers say that they will protect school funding — but that promise could sour, especially considering state lawmakers’ terrible history of shifting school funding responsibilities.

Nevertheless, the overall reforms that the bills attempt to make are needed.

“Promising start on property-tax reform“.

Testing

“Crist to Sign Steroid-Testing Bill“.

Change of Heart

Mike Thomas: “Last week, state legislators tried to clandestinely abolish Save Our Homes under the guise of cutting property taxes.  They got caught and were appropriately boiled in oil. And so they amended their amendment.  So I’ll amend last week’s column skewering them. Their new plan makes more sense than, well, doing nothing.”  “The secret’s out: Latest tax idea beats last one“.

Brain Trust

“Schwarzenegger and Crist join forces in fight against global warming“.

“Tax-Funded Summit on Disabilities and ‘Inclusion’ Excludes Dissenters”

“A taxpayer-funded, invitation-only conference on caring for people with developmental disabilities opened amid controversy Monday at an elegant Orlando hotel. … The summit comes at a time when families of the developmentally disabled are reeling from steep state cuts in services, implemented by the Legislature to close an agency budget deficit.”  “Either agree or stay home“.

HIV/AIDS Help

“For a second straight year, local HIV budget planners said they are struggling to stretch declining grants from the federal Ryan White Program”  “Federal budget cuts mean S. Florida HIV/AIDS patients to lose services“.

Cuts

“City and county leaders, responding to the state Legislature’s property tax cuts, foresee far less revenue available for things like parks, fire stations, libraries and bus service.  And that’s just the initial property tax rollback. If voters approve a referendum in January creating a new ’super homestead exemption,’ then stay tuned for another round of deeper cuts next year.”  “Tax cuts to hurt all over“.

Romney

Mitt “Romney was in this Florida Panhandle city [Panama City] to attend a reception that drew about 250 people to the home of former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense.  Romney said he was unsure whether Florida’s decision to move its primary up to Jan. 29 to make it one of the nation’s earliest would help or hurt him.  ‘I must admit I like the idea of being able to have some primaries on a serial basis, meaning one after another as opposed to all on the same day,’ he said.”  “Romney accepts Brownback apology over religious e-mail“.  See also “Romney names county chiefs” and “GOP presidential hopeful Romney drums up support in North Florida“.

Spoils

“The Department of Veterans Affairs is about to give private HMOs and other health networks access to a multibillion-dollar market for veterans’ care that the companies hope, and veterans fear, could open a new era of outsourcing. … ‘The VA is being heralded as the very best care in this country,’ said Jim Dudley, director of medical services at Paralyzed Veterans of America, ‘and we’re saying, why would you want to contract that out?’”  “Veterans up in arms over VA’s contracting“.

“Passport Probe”

“U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said Monday he will launch a congressional probe today into the nation’s backlog of 2 million passport applications and demand that the State Department disclose a plan to ensure the problem does not happen again.”  “Nelson orders passport probe“.

Sad Irony

“9 firefighters die as blaze engulfs South Carolina warehouse“.  With this (yet another) reminder of the risks firefighters take every single day, it is sadly ironic that in the last week alone we have seen garbage like this in the Florida MSM:

- “The most generous pensions are going to first-responders, mostly paramedics, police and firefighters.”  “Lavish Pensions Decreed By State Add Galling Irony To Tax Breaks“.

- “Whether local governments can afford these lucrative retirement plans for deputies and police and firefighters at a time when private companies are shedding pension plans is a reasonable public policy question.”  “High cost of pensions straps cities“.  (Note: is one to suppose that the St Pete Times editorial board thinks public employers should also be “shedding pension plans” for firefighters?)

- “Wondering where all those skyrocketing property taxes have gone?  One major drain: the tony retirement pensions of the state’s police and firefighters.”  “Pensions take toll on tax coffers“.

Unfunded Mandate

“Palm Beach County taxpayers would have to shell out an unexpected $5.9 million to cover the upfront costs of switching from touch-screen voting machines to paper ballots next year under a plan outlined Monday by Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson.”  “Paper trail packs a high price, warns Palm Beach County elections chief“.

FCAT Fiasco

“If consistency is the hallmark of any valid grading system, Florida’s FCAT-based school rankings flunk, and so do federal scores assigned under No Child Left Behind.”

The 2007 state school grades, which will be calculated and released soon, are a case in point. There will be no way accurately to compare a school’s 2007 grade with its 2006 grade. The reasons for the inconsistency provide insight into how fragile the grading scheme is.

First, the 2006 FCAT was flawed. …

The confusion then extends nationwide. A recent study by the Center for Education Policy concluded that scores on state tests had increased since No Child Left Behind went into effect five years ago. But the study specifically declined to conclude that scores increased because of the federal law.

One problem was that since each state gets to set its own tests and standards, there is no way to get a valid, nationwide picture of progress under No Child Left Behind. None of that, of course, stopped U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings from claiming that the whole mess validated the federal law, which is up for renewal.

Confusion results when tests that are supposed to grade individuals are used instead to grade entire schools. Florida, at least, is reviewing how the state awards school grades. An even better question is whether the state should award school grades at all.

“‘07 school grades flawed; grading is more flawed“.

Castro

“Recuperating Fidel Castro vowed the United States “will never have Cuba,” saying in an essay published Monday that nearly a year after emergency surgery left him ‘between life and death’ the island’s communist system is strong and will stay that way.”  “Castro: U.S. ‘will never have Cuba,’ island ready for invasion“.

Green

“The Legislature didn’t want to spend $37 million to protect the state from a human plague that might come [bird flu vaccine]. Perhaps the Legislature will want to spend $37 million, or whatever it takes, to protect the state from the worst of an agricultural plague that has arrived.  Two weeks ago, The Post’s Susan Salibsury laid out the latest threat to the Florida citrus industry. Unfortunately, this one also is the most dangerous. It is called citrus greening, not to be confused with citrus canker. While canker blemishes fruit and cuts tree yields, greening is deadly. According to a French professor of microbiology, greening ‘is like fire.’ It can clean out a grove.”  “State looks too ‘green’“.

Fun With Limbaugh

Joel Engelhardt: “Not every Floridian, though, has an accountant. And not every Floridian knows how to create complicated spreadsheets … to determine which property-tax scenario would be better for their pocketbook.”

Unless you’re Rush Limbaugh.

It’s easy to pick on Mr. Limbaugh for his belligerence and his hypocrisy; he ranted on the air about tough penalties for drug addicts, then entered rehab for painkiller addiction and pleaded guilty to a felony. But he’s a big supporter of public education. Without so much as an “ouch,” as far as I know, Mr. Limbaugh gave $118,000 to the Palm Beach County School District last year, through his property-tax bill.

Mr. Limbaugh is one of those fortunate people who can afford to pay $430,000 a year in property taxes. His Palm Beach compound has a market value of $35 million. However, he’s not taxed on that amount. Thanks to Save Our Homes, he’s taxed on a value of $23 million. If the amendment passes, Mr. Limbaugh would be foolish - or more beneficent than he seems on the radio - to give up his Save Our Homes cap. He would suffer if he moved into a similarly priced compound, because the Save Our Homes protection would be gone.

Under the “super” exemption, Mr. Limbaugh would get a $195,000 exemption that’s not so super on $35 million worth of property. In 10 years, assuming a 6 percent annual rise in values, Mr. Limbaugh’s property would be worth $63 million, but under Save Our Homes he’d be taxed at $31 million. That’s the difference between a $1.2 million tax bill and a $600,000 tax bill.

“Check the spread, Floridians“.

Raw Political Courage

“Charlie Crist, the governor known for his sunny disposition, touts government in the sunshine today.”  “Crist lauds open government today“.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Charlie’s Endless Honeymoon

A question for politicians and analysts in both parties:

How long does [Charlie’s honeymoon] last? Republicans and Democrats are certain Crist won’t be able to maintain such lofty ratings.

“He’s getting to that stage where a very successful honeymoon is over and the challenge is, can he sustain that popularity when he has to make tough decisions?” [Nicol Rae, a professor of political science at Florida International University] said.

Also unknown is whether Crist’s centrist approach alienates the more conservative elements of his party. Rae said the governor needs to “keep the support of his Republican base while at the same time continue his up-till-now successful efforts to reach out to the center — and it’s not easy.”

When the 2010 election gets closer, Geller said, the Democrats could benefit if Crist is forced to move to the right to placate the Republican base. “It’s easy for us as Democrats to attack these partisan, right-wing Republicans who try to govern through the politics of divisiveness,” he said.

“Crist honeymoon isn’t over“.

Franks ‘Agin Dean

See “Democrat Franks faces optimistic despite challenging, uphill battle” and “Republican Dean touts experience as teacher, Citrus Co. sheriff“.

“A Drop in the Bucket”

“The Florida National Guard is beginning to get $86 million in replacement equipment for vehicles and supplies left in Iraq and Afghanistan, but a Florida senator said the resupply effort is “a drop in the bucket.”  Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said the $1 billion Congress recently approved to restore Guard equipment around the nation is a “drop in the bucket, but it’s step in the right direction.”  Nationally, the Guard needs $38 to $50 billion for equipment. Florida needs about $340 million.”  “Nelson: Fla. Guard replacement equipment ‘a drop in the bucket’“.

“The Legislature’s Sense of Duty”

“Republican leaders in the Legislature have promised both the largest tax cut in Florida’s history and to not harm schools.”

For insight into the Legislature’s sense of duty, consider that the Palm Beach County School District already is looking at a $281 million capital shortfall over the next five years. The Legislature’s refusal to pay fully for the class-size amendment, which requires a huge increase in classroom space, is the biggest reason for the shortfall. …

Expect complaints that the “best” schools will suffer. In fact, the focus, as voters intended, will be on lowering class size at all schools. The Legislature could mitigate the bad news by doing its duty on class size. But when deciding whether to cut taxes or help schools, Tallahassee’s priorities long have been clear.

“Priority: Class size“.

Pay Gap

Bill Cotterell: “Pay gap leaves troopers frustrated with politicos“.

Members of “The Club”

“The new South Florida Water Management District board chairman hopes the district can ‘regain public trust.’ He will need more than hope to make that happen.”

Eric Buermann seems to be giving it a shot. He asked for an investigation of “the ethical and legal implications” of Executive Director Carol Wehle’s chummy living arrangement with an employee and her husband’s purchase of vacation homes with the employee and a former board member’s son.

But who investigated the water district club? A member of the Miami lawyers club. Mr. Buermann and the board’s vice chairman are in that club. The board’s Miami law firm, Tew Cardenas, includes ex-Florida GOP Chairman Al Cardenas. Mr. Buermann, also active in Republican politics, considers Tew Cardenas “highly skilled and competent.” The firm found “no credible evidence of corruption.” Mr. Buermann said Ms. Wehle is now “sensitized” about appearances.

The board chairman also asked whether the district’s hiring of consultants is creating a “shadow management culture.” Excellent question. Ms. Wehle admitted that hiring consultants for jobs district employees once did hurts morale and costs more. Now, Mr. Buermann said, management is alerted and can keep a close eye on consultants “so they don’t make management decisions.” Trust should soar. …

What the board and the district need to earn the public’s trust: A few key people who aren’t members of the club - any club.

“Clubs thicker than water“.

The Connie Connection

“An unexpected $10 million congressional earmark might seem like money from heaven for a fast-growing county needing billions for transportation improvements, but that’s not the case with Coconut Road.  No local public officials asked for the earmark, which specifically calls for a study on connecting Coconut Road to Interstate 75 in southwest Florida’s Lee County. The congressman who represents the area says he didn’t ask for it, either. But U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, sent the money anyway and made it clear it could only be used on Coconut Road.”  “$10M for state road has ties to Alaska lawmaker“.

For some reason, this AP article (or the version of it published in The Orlando Sentinel) overlooks this key part of the story:

In June 2005, [Rep. Connie] Mack reported about $6,600 in the form of in-kind contributions by members of the Aronoff family, including Daniel Aronoff, who owns about 4,000 acres east of the proposed interchange.  More than just a check, in-kind contributions, which could include catering, retails or a trip, suggest at least a close working relationship with the congressman s staff, said Keith Ashdown, chief investigator for the Taxpayers for Common Sense.”

“A Mack daddy of a controversy; Congressman linked to developer east of I-75“.

“First Step” on Felons

“Thanks largely to the personal advocacy of Gov. Charlie Crist, whose position on restoring ex-felons’ voting rights changed during his gubernatorial campaign, he and the Cabinet, acting as the state clemency board, changed the rules.”

Despite Attorney General Bill McCollum’s opposition, ex-felons (with the exception of convicted murderers and sex offenders) who completed their sentences after the rule change went into effect two months ago have had their voting rights automatically reinstated without a hearing.

Since the new rule took effect April 5, more than 15,500 ex-felons can now register to vote, serve on a jury and even run for office - more than the entire number in the previous 12 months who had those rights restored without a hearing.

That’s an excellent first step, but it shouldn’t be the final one.

“Opened door“.  See also “Ex-felons get help on civil rights” (”A campaign to inform ex-felons about restoring their civil rights is underway through the end of the month.”)

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Charlie’s Endless Honeymoon

A question for politicians and analysts in both parties:

How long does [Charlie’s honeymoon] last? Republicans and Democrats are certain Crist won’t be able to maintain such lofty ratings.

“He’s getting to that stage where a very successful honeymoon is over and the challenge is, can he sustain that popularity when he has to make tough decisions?” [Nicol Rae, a professor of political science at Florida International University] said.

Also unknown is whether Crist’s centrist approach alienates the more conservative elements of his party. Rae said the governor needs to “keep the support of his Republican base while at the same time continue his up-till-now successful efforts to reach out to the center — and it’s not easy.”

When the 2010 election gets closer, Geller said, the Democrats could benefit if Crist is forced to move to the right to placate the Republican base. “It’s easy for us as Democrats to attack these partisan, right-wing Republicans who try to govern through the politics of divisiveness,” he said.

“Crist honeymoon isn’t over“.

Franks ‘Agin Dean

See “Democrat Franks faces optimistic despite challenging, uphill battle” and “Republican Dean touts experience as teacher, Citrus Co. sheriff“.

“A Drop in the Bucket”

“The Florida National Guard is beginning to get $86 million in replacement equipment for vehicles and supplies left in Iraq and Afghanistan, but a Florida senator said the resupply effort is “a drop in the bucket.”  Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said the $1 billion Congress recently approved to restore Guard equipment around the nation is a “drop in the bucket, but it’s step in the right direction.”  Nationally, the Guard needs $38 to $50 billion for equipment. Florida needs about $340 million.”  “Nelson: Fla. Guard replacement equipment ‘a drop in the bucket’“.

“The Legislature’s Sense of Duty”

“Republican leaders in the Legislature have promised both the largest tax cut in Florida’s history and to not harm schools.”

For insight into the Legislature’s sense of duty, consider that the Palm Beach County School District already is looking at a $281 million capital shortfall over the next five years. The Legislature’s refusal to pay fully for the class-size amendment, which requires a huge increase in classroom space, is the biggest reason for the shortfall. …

Expect complaints that the “best” schools will suffer. In fact, the focus, as voters intended, will be on lowering class size at all schools. The Legislature could mitigate the bad news by doing its duty on class size. But when deciding whether to cut taxes or help schools, Tallahassee’s priorities long have been clear.

“Priority: Class size“.

Pay Gap

Bill Cotterell: “Pay gap leaves troopers frustrated with politicos“.

Members of “The Club”

“The new South Florida Water Management District board chairman hopes the district can ‘regain public trust.’ He will need more than hope to make that happen.”

Eric Buermann seems to be giving it a shot. He asked for an investigation of “the ethical and legal implications” of Executive Director Carol Wehle’s chummy living arrangement with an employee and her husband’s purchase of vacation homes with the employee and a former board member’s son.

But who investigated the water district club? A member of the Miami lawyers club. Mr. Buermann and the board’s vice chairman are in that club. The board’s Miami law firm, Tew Cardenas, includes ex-Florida GOP Chairman Al Cardenas. Mr. Buermann, also active in Republican politics, considers Tew Cardenas “highly skilled and competent.” The firm found “no credible evidence of corruption.” Mr. Buermann said Ms. Wehle is now “sensitized” about appearances.

The board chairman also asked whether the district’s hiring of consultants is creating a “shadow management culture.” Excellent question. Ms. Wehle admitted that hiring consultants for jobs district employees once did hurts morale and costs more. Now, Mr. Buermann said, management is alerted and can keep a close eye on consultants “so they don’t make management decisions.” Trust should soar. …

What the board and the district need to earn the public’s trust: A few key people who aren’t members of the club - any club.

“Clubs thicker than water“.

The Connie Connection

“An unexpected $10 million congressional earmark might seem like money from heaven for a fast-growing county needing billions for transportation improvements, but that’s not the case with Coconut Road.  No local public officials asked for the earmark, which specifically calls for a study on connecting Coconut Road to Interstate 75 in southwest Florida’s Lee County. The congressman who represents the area says he didn’t ask for it, either. But U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, sent the money anyway and made it clear it could only be used on Coconut Road.”  “$10M for state road has ties to Alaska lawmaker“.

For some reason, this AP article (or the version of it published in The Orlando Sentinel) overlooks this key part of the story:

In June 2005, [Rep. Connie] Mack reported about $6,600 in the form of in-kind contributions by members of the Aronoff family, including Daniel Aronoff, who owns about 4,000 acres east of the proposed interchange.  More than just a check, in-kind contributions, which could include catering, retails or a trip, suggest at least a close working relationship with the congressman s staff, said Keith Ashdown, chief investigator for the Taxpayers for Common Sense.”

“A Mack daddy of a controversy; Congressman linked to developer east of I-75“.

“First Step” on Felons

“Thanks largely to the personal advocacy of Gov. Charlie Crist, whose position on restoring ex-felons’ voting rights changed during his gubernatorial campaign, he and the Cabinet, acting as the state clemency board, changed the rules.”

Despite Attorney General Bill McCollum’s opposition, ex-felons (with the exception of convicted murderers and sex offenders) who completed their sentences after the rule change went into effect two months ago have had their voting rights automatically reinstated without a hearing.

Since the new rule took effect April 5, more than 15,500 ex-felons can now register to vote, serve on a jury and even run for office - more than the entire number in the previous 12 months who had those rights restored without a hearing.

That’s an excellent first step, but it shouldn’t be the final one.

“Opened door“.  See also “Ex-felons get help on civil rights” (”A campaign to inform ex-felons about restoring their civil rights is underway through the end of the month.”)

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Our “Intellectual Lightweight” as VP?

“In office for just six months, Gov. Charlie Crist is being touted as a vice presidential prospect.”

On the strength of approval ratings that surpass those of even his popular predecessor, Jeb Bush, and his out-front positions on issues ranging from property insurance to global warming, Crist is being sized up as a possible running mate next year and, according to one prominent Republican consultant, as a presidential candidate in 2012.

Academics, political consultants and magazines such as Time say Crist is gaining national attention, despite lingering questions over whether he has much understanding of big policy issues [’some dismiss Crist as an intellectual lightweight’] and whether the nation is ready for a bachelor on the ticket.

“Crist’s name popping up for No. 2 slot“.

Finger in the Wind?

Does Good Time Charlie have his finger in the wind?

there’s been little real noise from Crist over the past few weeks, with the governor choosing to stay in the background as lawmakers worked toward resolving the tax-cut deadlock.

Why? It may be that the complexity of the issue and rising chorus of critics are convincing Crist that the plan to create a super-size homestead exemption will never win the needed approval of more than 60 percent of voters.

“I think he wants to go slowly on this to see how public opinion forms before he comes out for it — or doesn’t if it looks like it’s going to lose,” said Fort Lauderdale pollster Jim Kane.

“Crist takes low profile on tax cuts“.  See also “Crist, Rubio among winners of tax-cut plan“.

Union Muscle

“Police and firefighter unions have a lot of political muscle. But tax cuts will test them.”  “A tough cut for budget ax“.

Kumbaya

“After months of bipartisan harmony, a divide opened up in the Florida Senate during last week’s special session between ruling Republicans and minority Democrats.”

But an even uglier Senate wound appears to have closed.

A little over a year ago, Senate Republicans split into warring factions, when conservative senators united to overthrow the expected Senate president-designee, moderate Sen. Alex Villalobos of Miami, and replace him with Sen. Jeff Atwater of North Palm Beach.

The bad blood between the two sides endured, occasionally flaring up in committee and floor fights that derailed difficult legislation.

Then came last week’s property tax session.

“GOP harmony again“.

“Rock-Bottom World of Higher Education”

“Vastly different leadership styles exist in Florida’s rock-bottom world of higher education.  The Board of Governors, dignified and installed by the state constitution, meets and meditates over its authority and options, but it never takes the bull by the horns.”  “Universities ready to stop squeezing, start cutting“.

Parroting Pap

The Tampa Trib editors continue the trend of parroting League of Cities talking point pap:

The same state lawmakers who accuse cities and counties of overspending are quietly forcing local governments to pay ever-higher retirement benefits for public employees.

The required payment for the state pension fund increased about 10 percent for cities and counties this year, par for the course. Over the past six years, the amount local taxpayers owe the Florida Retirement System has increased 63 percent.

The most generous pensions are going to first-responders, mostly paramedics, police and firefighters. Almost every year, their unions convince Tallahassee politicians to make it easier to qualify for disability pensions. If they get high blood pressure, for example, it’s now assumed they were disabled in the line of duty.

Unbelievable.

Their solution?  Talk about “unbelievable”:

It is unfair that taxpayers, most of whom have no pensions and little savings, are required to buy public employees an ever-increasing lifetime income.

Remember that public pensions began as a perk to compensate for the low pay of most government jobs. But in recent years, public salaries have caught up and in some cases, zoomed past pay in the private sector.

Indeed, government jobs are beginning to look like the best jobs in our economy because they pay well, it’s hard to get fired and they offer health and pension benefits unlike those in the private sector.

If the Florida Legislature really wants to save money for taxpayers, they should focus on reforming a retirement system that’s gotten out of control

Members should start by eliminating free pensions for newly hired government workers. Instead, they should offer a 401(k) retirement program similar to those offered in the private sector.

If 401(k)s are good enough for taxpayers, they’re good enough for public servants, too.

“Lavish Pensions Decreed By State Add Galling Irony To Tax Breaks“.

What garbage: do the editors really believe that “public salaries have caught up and in some cases, zoomed past pay in the private sector.”  To be sure, the salaries for working people in this low wage, service industry state are low to begin with and have stagnated in recent years; but public sector salaries haven’t “zoomed” anywhere.

Here’s their brilliant solution (in reality tired League of Cities/Chamber talking points): “offer a 401(k) retirement program similar to those offered in the private sector.”  You know, a program where the employer may or may not contribute a few pennies (and can reduce or cease their contributions), and workers have zero guarantee as to what their retirement income will be (like the Enron retirees).

What They Did

“Florida lawmakers passed two major pieces of legislation Thursday to cut property-tax rates. Here’s a look at each:” “Prescription for Tax Relief“.

“The constitutional amendment goes to the polls on Jan. 29. If it passes, homeowners then have a decision to make. Take the new exemption? Stick with Save Our Homes?”  “Save Our Homes: Keep It? Drop It?“.

“Legislators have put a tough choice in voters’ hands: Cut taxes to save money, but risk cutting too much and possibly degrading local-government services.”  “Tax-fix plan offers pains, gains“.

“As Floridians consider drastically revamping their tax system over the next seven months, they will hear plenty of advice to just say ‘no.’”  “Plan for tax relief reform has many enemies, but who will be for it?“.

“What about us? That’s the reaction from business groups hoping for the same kind of tax relief lawmakers offered homeowners this week in Tallahassee.”  “Businesses: Boost tax cuts“.

Delightful

“Richard Lerner gets $1.2-million-plus as CEO of Scripps Research Institute, which Florida taxpayers have backed in a big way. His ties to the corporate world make him even richer.”  “Scientist tycoon“.  See also “Lerner’s early ties to tobacco proved lucrative“.

39%

“Overall, 39 percent of the Florida women surveyed picked Clinton over her seven male opponents, contributing to her 20-point lead. She was the top fundraiser in Florida during the first three months of the year, and three of her top corporate contributors were businesses run by women.  Clinton will try to widen the gender gap even further when she comes to Miami for a June 30th ‘women’s breakfast’ hosted by prominent female politicians and Democratic donors.”  “Clinton sets sights on women voters“.

State Funded Religious School?

“Charter schools are publicly funded and privately run with limited oversight by school districts. They have more freedom over curriculum than traditional public schools, yet must not teach a religion.  The debate caused one Broward School Board member to demand stricter scrutiny of Ben Gamla [Charter School]. … It will operate on about $360,000 of taxpayer money.  Critics say the school, especially when marketed to Jewish and Israeli communities, signifies one thing: a free religious school.”  “Critics: Hallandale charter school oversteps church-state line“.

Could It Be The Immigration Thing?

“Apparently Florida Republican politicians understand better than the GOP presidential candidates the importance of courting Hispanic voters. Gov. Charlie Crist, Sen. Mel Martinez, and state House Speaker Marco Rubio plan to address the National Association of Latino Elected Officials convention at Disney World, June 28-30, but every Republican presidential candidate declined the organization’s invitation.”  “Courting Hispanics“.

FCAT Fiasco

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board complains that “It’s disappointing that the state Department of Education’s staff so quickly caved in to pressure from schools that want to gut Florida’s school-accountability standards.  After all, Gov. Jeb Bush has been out of office only six months …”.  “Stick with winner“.

The editorial board is apparently being led by the nose by “Jeb!” lapdog Mike Thomas who writes today that

since Jeb left office, we have witnessed the de-Bushing of Florida.

And now I wonder if his most sacrosanct legacy — education reform — is heading for the chopping block.

A lot of local school officials would like to see it. Jeb ruled over them with a sword, demanding they raise student test scores and punishing those who failed.

He constantly increased standards, keeping the creaking education bureaucracy on the precipice.

It was like throwing premium gas in an old Studebaker and cranking it up to 120 mph. Smoke came pouring out of the engine, the wheels wobbled and the people inside began screaming to slow down. …

But with Bush gone, a movement has begun to relax the standards and loosen the pressure.

“Students doing better, but don’t get complacent“.

Hiaasen

“Every divorced guy would love an ex-wife like Barbara Gomez. As the chief of Miami’s public housing agency, she helped funnel more than $1 million in city contracts to companies employing one of her former husbands.”  “We should all have an ex like this one“.

“More Speculative Than Sure-Fire”

The Tallahassee Democrat editors observe that in “the afterglow of last week’s special session on the property-tax crisis, the relief may begin to seem more speculative than sure-fire.”  They review the two prongs to the property tax “reform”: taxpayers “can choose whether to stay in the shelter of their 3-percent cap or be tempted out of it by what will almost surely be a lower tax option in the first years- but one that may not hold up as the best bargain in years to come when inflation and growth naturally occur.”

The second prong of the reform - which lawmakers unilaterally put into effect for the 2007-08 fiscal year - includes a rollback and cuts that local governments must implement - except for “financially distressed” cities and counties. On a statewide average, the break should be $174 for homesteads, $944 for commercial property and $199 on nonhomesteaded residences.

These reductions will feel good to property owners while the bloom is still on the rose, but local governments were also given authority to override them by two-thirds’ or unanimous votes and, chances are, most local bodies pass their budgets almost unanimously most years anyway. This bow to local government was a responsible one, but it’s not the safeguard desired by voters who absolutely, positively want local-government tax reductions - and are comfortable to risk reduced local services.

Whether there is a long-lasting effect of this “largest tax cut in Florida’s history,” remains to be seen. It may just last until lawmakers supporting it are safely re-elected, and then they can face the consequences of this complex package of instant-gratification legislation.

“Tax tales“.  See also “Super-sized savings? Property tax cut may not mean big bucks for everyone“. 

“While Florida lawmakers think they passed revolutionary property tax reform, what they might have done is put a property tax revolt into high gear.”  “Revolt in the air over tax reform“.

Save Our Homes Survives

“In the midst of last week’s property tax debate, Sen. Daniel Webster said what few others dared to say.”

Save Our Homes, the wildly popular law that keeps tax assessments on homes from rising too fast, “is a failed experiment, ” he proclaimed. “It has hurt our economy and it’s going to hurt our future.”

But a few hours later, in a chilly budget office on the second floor of the state Capitol, Webster set out to save Save Our Homes.

Promising to give Save Our Homes a future was the only way to get approval for the homestead exemption program Webster and others in the GOP hope will replace it.

Lawmakers rewrote Florida’s homestead exemption law Thursday, but because of that final compromise, nobody in Florida has to use it. Anyone who wants to keep Save Our Homes will be free to do so, even if their tax bills would be lower with the new plan.

In the end, Save Our Homes proved more powerful than the Florida Legislature.

“Plan’s survival turns on Save Our Homes“.

“Puh-lease”

“As Florida Democrats try to escape punishment from the national party for busting the established primary schedule, a sob story is emerging:”

How can the mean ol’ Democratic National Committee punish beleaguered Florida Democrats for the Republican-controlled legislature and governor deciding to move the presidential primary so early in violation of committee rules?

Puh-lease.

“Dems say ‘not us’, but Dean knows better“.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Our “Intellectual Lightweight” as VP?

“In office for just six months, Gov. Charlie Crist is being touted as a vice presidential prospect.”

On the strength of approval ratings that surpass those of even his popular predecessor, Jeb Bush, and his out-front positions on issues ranging from property insurance to global warming, Crist is being sized up as a possible running mate next year and, according to one prominent Republican consultant, as a presidential candidate in 2012.

Academics, political consultants and magazines such as Time say Crist is gaining national attention, despite lingering questions over whether he has much understanding of big policy issues [’some dismiss Crist as an intellectual lightweight’] and whether the nation is ready for a bachelor on the ticket.

“Crist’s name popping up for No. 2 slot“.

Finger in the Wind?

Does Good Time Charlie have his finger in the wind?

there’s been little real noise from Crist over the past few weeks, with the governor choosing to stay in the background as lawmakers worked toward resolving the tax-cut deadlock.

Why? It may be that the complexity of the issue and rising chorus of critics are convincing Crist that the plan to create a super-size homestead exemption will never win the needed approval of more than 60 percent of voters.

“I think he wants to go slowly on this to see how public opinion forms before he comes out for it — or doesn’t if it looks like it’s going to lose,” said Fort Lauderdale pollster Jim Kane.

“Crist takes low profile on tax cuts“.  See also “Crist, Rubio among winners of tax-cut plan“.

Union Muscle

“Police and firefighter unions have a lot of political muscle. But tax cuts will test them.”  “A tough cut for budget ax“.

Kumbaya

“After months of bipartisan harmony, a divide opened up in the Florida Senate during last week’s special session between ruling Republicans and minority Democrats.”

But an even uglier Senate wound appears to have closed.

A little over a year ago, Senate Republicans split into warring factions, when conservative senators united to overthrow the expected Senate president-designee, moderate Sen. Alex Villalobos of Miami, and replace him with Sen. Jeff Atwater of North Palm Beach.

The bad blood between the two sides endured, occasionally flaring up in committee and floor fights that derailed difficult legislation.

Then came last week’s property tax session.

“GOP harmony again“.

“Rock-Bottom World of Higher Education”

“Vastly different leadership styles exist in Florida’s rock-bottom world of higher education.  The Board of Governors, dignified and installed by the state constitution, meets and meditates over its authority and options, but it never takes the bull by the horns.”  “Universities ready to stop squeezing, start cutting“.

Parroting Pap

The Tampa Trib editors continue the trend of parroting League of Cities talking point pap:

The same state lawmakers who accuse cities and counties of overspending are quietly forcing local governments to pay ever-higher retirement benefits for public employees.

The required payment for the state pension fund increased about 10 percent for cities and counties this year, par for the course. Over the past six years, the amount local taxpayers owe the Florida Retirement System has increased 63 percent.

The most generous pensions are going to first-responders, mostly paramedics, police and firefighters. Almost every year, their unions convince Tallahassee politicians to make it easier to qualify for disability pensions. If they get high blood pressure, for example, it’s now assumed they were disabled in the line of duty.

Unbelievable.

Their solution?  Talk about “unbelievable”:

It is unfair that taxpayers, most of whom have no pensions and little savings, are required to buy public employees an ever-increasing lifetime income.

Remember that public pensions began as a perk to compensate for the low pay of most government jobs. But in recent years, public salaries have caught up and in some cases, zoomed past pay in the private sector.

Indeed, government jobs are beginning to look like the best jobs in our economy because they pay well, it’s hard to get fired and they offer health and pension benefits unlike those in the private sector.

If the Florida Legislature really wants to save money for taxpayers, they should focus on reforming a retirement system that’s gotten out of control

Members should start by eliminating free pensions for newly hired government workers. Instead, they should offer a 401(k) retirement program similar to those offered in the private sector.

If 401(k)s are good enough for taxpayers, they’re good enough for public servants, too.

“Lavish Pensions Decreed By State Add Galling Irony To Tax Breaks“.

What garbage: do the editors really believe that “public salaries have caught up and in some cases, zoomed past pay in the private sector.”  To be sure, the salaries for working people in this low wage, service industry state are low to begin with and have stagnated in recent years; but public sector salaries haven’t “zoomed” anywhere.

Here’s their brilliant solution (in reality tired League of Cities/Chamber talking points): “offer a 401(k) retirement program similar to those offered in the private sector.”  You know, a program where the employer may or may not contribute a few pennies (and can reduce or cease their contributions), and workers have zero guarantee as to what their retirement income will be (like the Enron retirees).

What They Did

“Florida lawmakers passed two major pieces of legislation Thursday to cut property-tax rates. Here’s a look at each:” “Prescription for Tax Relief“.

“The constitutional amendment goes to the polls on Jan. 29. If it passes, homeowners then have a decision to make. Take the new exemption? Stick with Save Our Homes?”  “Save Our Homes: Keep It? Drop It?“.

“Legislators have put a tough choice in voters’ hands: Cut taxes to save money, but risk cutting too much and possibly degrading local-government services.”  “Tax-fix plan offers pains, gains“.

“As Floridians consider drastically revamping their tax system over the next seven months, they will hear plenty of advice to just say ‘no.’”  “Plan for tax relief reform has many enemies, but who will be for it?“.

“What about us? That’s the reaction from business groups hoping for the same kind of tax relief lawmakers offered homeowners this week in Tallahassee.”  “Businesses: Boost tax cuts“.

Delightful

“Richard Lerner gets $1.2-million-plus as CEO of Scripps Research Institute, which Florida taxpayers have backed in a big way. His ties to the corporate world make him even richer.”  “Scientist tycoon“.  See also “Lerner’s early ties to tobacco proved lucrative“.

39%

“Overall, 39 percent of the Florida women surveyed picked Clinton over her seven male opponents, contributing to her 20-point lead. She was the top fundraiser in Florida during the first three months of the year, and three of her top corporate contributors were businesses run by women.  Clinton will try to widen the gender gap even further when she comes to Miami for a June 30th ‘women’s breakfast’ hosted by prominent female politicians and Democratic donors.”  “Clinton sets sights on women voters“.

State Funded Religious School?

“Charter schools are publicly funded and privately run with limited oversight by school districts. They have more freedom over curriculum than traditional public schools, yet must not teach a religion.  The debate caused one Broward School Board member to demand stricter scrutiny of Ben Gamla [Charter School]. … It will operate on about $360,000 of taxpayer money.  Critics say the school, especially when marketed to Jewish and Israeli communities, signifies one thing: a free religious school.”  “Critics: Hallandale charter school oversteps church-state line“.

Could It Be The Immigration Thing?

“Apparently Florida Republican politicians understand better than the GOP presidential candidates the importance of courting Hispanic voters. Gov. Charlie Crist, Sen. Mel Martinez, and state House Speaker Marco Rubio plan to address the National Association of Latino Elected Officials convention at Disney World, June 28-30, but every Republican presidential candidate declined the organization’s invitation.”  “Courting Hispanics“.

FCAT Fiasco

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board complains that “It’s disappointing that the state Department of Education’s staff so quickly caved in to pressure from schools that want to gut Florida’s school-accountability standards.  After all, Gov. Jeb Bush has been out of office only six months …”.  “Stick with winner“.

The editorial board is apparently being led by the nose by “Jeb!” lapdog Mike Thomas who writes today that

since Jeb left office, we have witnessed the de-Bushing of Florida.

And now I wonder if his most sacrosanct legacy — education reform — is heading for the chopping block.

A lot of local school officials would like to see it. Jeb ruled over them with a sword, demanding they raise student test scores and punishing those who failed.

He constantly increased standards, keeping the creaking education bureaucracy on the precipice.

It was like throwing premium gas in an old Studebaker and cranking it up to 120 mph. Smoke came pouring out of the engine, the wheels wobbled and the people inside began screaming to slow down. …

But with Bush gone, a movement has begun to relax the standards and loosen the pressure.

“Students doing better, but don’t get complacent“.

Hiaasen

“Every divorced guy would love an ex-wife like Barbara Gomez. As the chief of Miami’s public housing agency, she helped funnel more than $1 million in city contracts to companies employing one of her former husbands.”  “We should all have an ex like this one“.

“More Speculative Than Sure-Fire”

The Tallahassee Democrat editors observe that in “the afterglow of last week’s special session on the property-tax crisis, the relief may begin to seem more speculative than sure-fire.”  They review the two prongs to the property tax “reform”: taxpayers “can choose whether to stay in the shelter of their 3-percent cap or be tempted out of it by what will almost surely be a lower tax option in the first years- but one that may not hold up as the best bargain in years to come when inflation and growth naturally occur.”

The second prong of the reform - which lawmakers unilaterally put into effect for the 2007-08 fiscal year - includes a rollback and cuts that local governments must implement - except for “financially distressed” cities and counties. On a statewide average, the break should be $174 for homesteads, $944 for commercial property and $199 on nonhomesteaded residences.

These reductions will feel good to property owners while the bloom is still on the rose, but local governments were also given authority to override them by two-thirds’ or unanimous votes and, chances are, most local bodies pass their budgets almost unanimously most years anyway. This bow to local government was a responsible one, but it’s not the safeguard desired by voters who absolutely, positively want local-government tax reductions - and are comfortable to risk reduced local services.

Whether there is a long-lasting effect of this “largest tax cut in Florida’s history,” remains to be seen. It may just last until lawmakers supporting it are safely re-elected, and then they can face the consequences of this complex package of instant-gratification legislation.

“Tax tales“.  See also “Super-sized savings? Property tax cut may not mean big bucks for everyone“. 

“While Florida lawmakers think they passed revolutionary property tax reform, what they might have done is put a property tax revolt into high gear.”  “Revolt in the air over tax reform“.

Save Our Homes Survives

“In the midst of last week’s property tax debate, Sen. Daniel Webster said what few others dared to say.”

Save Our Homes, the wildly popular law that keeps tax assessments on homes from rising too fast, “is a failed experiment, ” he proclaimed. “It has hurt our economy and it’s going to hurt our future.”

But a few hours later, in a chilly budget office on the second floor of the state Capitol, Webster set out to save Save Our Homes.

Promising to give Save Our Homes a future was the only way to get approval for the homestead exemption program Webster and others in the GOP hope will replace it.

Lawmakers rewrote Florida’s homestead exemption law Thursday, but because of that final compromise, nobody in Florida has to use it. Anyone who wants to keep Save Our Homes will be free to do so, even if their tax bills would be lower with the new plan.

In the end, Save Our Homes proved more powerful than the Florida Legislature.

“Plan’s survival turns on Save Our Homes“.

“Puh-lease”

“As Florida Democrats try to escape punishment from the national party for busting the established primary schedule, a sob story is emerging:”

How can the mean ol’ Democratic National Committee punish beleaguered Florida Democrats for the Republican-controlled legislature and governor deciding to move the presidential primary so early in violation of committee rules?

Puh-lease.

“Dems say ‘not us’, but Dean knows better“.

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

Race to the Bottom

A retired economics teacher does the numbers:

Only 12 states bear a state-local tax burden lower than Florida, according to the 2007 Bureau of Economic Analysis (Department of Commerce). Those 12 states are Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. There appears to be no exodus of residents from Florida to any of those states in order to save money through lower state and local taxes.

The states carrying the highest state-local tax burden were (in order): Vermont, Maine, New York, Rhode Island and Ohio. This same study went back to the year 1970. The findings for Florida show that in a 37-year period, Florida’s average ranking is 41. (This data is available at: www.taxfoundation.org). …

[A CNN/Money] study focused on the percentage of per capita income that is paid into state/local taxes. Florida ranked 44th. The states with lower taxation in that study, they were: South Dakota, Alabama, Tennessee, Delaware, New Hampshire and Alaska. The highest ranking states were: Maine, New York, Hawaii, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

According to CNN/Money, the percentage of per capita income paid for state-local taxes for a Floridian was 8.8 percent. The U.S. average was 10.1 percent. What does that translate to in dollars and cents? Our per capita tax burden is $559.56 below the United States average.

“State nearer bottom on taxes“.  With the recent property tax cuts (an more on the way), Florida just might win the race to the bottom.

The Editors Speak

The Tallahassee Democrat: “In the afterglow of last week’s special session on the property-tax crisis, the relief may begin to seem more speculative than sure-fire.  The Legislature’s two-pronged approach will no doubt please some of the people, some of the time - providing that voters make the right choice for themselves on two occasions.”  “Sunday’s Editorial: Tax tales“.

The Palm Beach Post: “Florida’s tax reform, which includes changing the constitution, fails on its two most critical objectives. It doesn’t eliminate unfairness in property taxes. Homeowners with homesteads still will be treated much better than businesses, landlords and snowbirds. And it doesn’t allow portability. Those homesteaders who fear that their taxes will rise sharply if they move will find little comfort in a January referendum that legislators say will ease the burden. … [And] Sen. Webster and chief House negotiator Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, refused to explain how the state would make up $7.1 billion in cuts over five years to public education.

“If Republicans want the plan to pass in January, they’ll have to show in detail how they would make education whole.  Republicans claim that the plan’s most immediate step - to force local governments to roll back property taxes to last year’s levels and beyond, and to cap future increases - will overcome the system’s unfairness. That hastily prepared, unsupported argument cloaks their failure to deliver the state’s most pressing needs. That would have taken more thought and compromise than a slam-bang three-day special session.”  “Lawmakers’ shortcuts made tax cuts suspect“.

The Orlando Sentinel editors think “local leaders ought to take a deep breath and consider what might happen if this cut fails to quench the public’s thirst for lower taxes. What makes them think the debate over cutting taxes will end in January if voters reject the constitutional amendment? A loss at the polls would just as likely spark a tax revolt that would lead to deeper cuts. … This plan isn’t perfect, but it provides badly needed relief to taxpayers. Local leaders should be realistic and make this work. They could wind up with something much worse.”  “Credibility gap“.

The Tampa Trib: “The Legislature this week pulled the trigger on a double-barreled blast of tax cuts for local governments.  The first, a rollback in taxes to last year’s rate and a cap on future increases, hits the bull’s-eye. The second, a jumbo tax exemption for homeowners if 60 percent of voters say yes in January, would cripple school funding, threaten key public services and create new inequities.”  “First Phase Of Tax Cut Is Boon But Second Is Super-Sized Risk“.

“What’s Next?”

“Lawmakers may very well have unleashed the most vociferous political fight over taxes this state has ever seen.  In seven months, voters will decide if the Constitution should contain a much larger homestead exemption than the current $25,000.  It would be 75 percent of the first $200,000 of a home’s value and 15 percent from $200,000 to $500,000.”  “Confused now? It will get worse“.

“Property Tax Q&A: What’s next?“  See also “Plan gives realtors their first dose of excitement in months“, “Plan for tax relief reform has many enemies, but who will be pressing for it?“, “Property tax debate heads to campaign trail” and “Get ready to hear lots of tax talk“. 

Reaction: “‘’Looks like I’ll save around 40 percent [if the super exemption passes…“.  See also “Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce plot cutbacks“. 

More: “Tax deal raises more questions than answers“.  See also “Local tax cap effect unclear“.

Flip-Flop

“Crist, who during his campaign last year insisted he was against the ‘expansion’ of gambling in the state of Florida, has for the second time this week allowed a gambling bill to become law. But in a symbolic show of his discomfort, Crist allowed SB 134 to become law Friday ‘without his signature.’”  “Crist lets another gambling bill become law“.

Edwards’ Florida Problem

“In the newly pivotal Democratic primary battleground of Florida, Edwards would seem well positioned.”

This is a state that only Southern Democrats have won over the last 40 years, after all, and the Edwards campaign is loaded with veterans of past statewide campaigns in Florida.

Except that Florida looks much more like a problem for Edwards than an opportunity.

All the candidates are grappling with how to adjust their strategies now that Florida is set to be the first megastate to weigh in on the Democratic nomination. But seven months out none of the leading candidates faces more of a challenge in Florida than Edwards.

“Edwards faces fight for Florida“.

FCAT Fiasco

“Thousands of students who were likely promoted last year thanks to inflated third-grade FCAT scores continued to struggle with reading this year.  On the fourth-grade FCAT reading exam, they failed at twice the rate of all fourth-graders, new state figures show.”  “3rd-grade scoring errors may haunt young readers“.

No More Fakes

“Crist signed legislation Friday that makes it a misdemeanor for people to take the stage using the name of a band if they’re not really the band who made the name famous.”  “Crist signs ban on music impostors, other bills“.

Hedging

“Crist is quietly considering hedging Florida’s gigantic hurricane bet and, with it, raising the odds homeowners will get socked with a bailout bill.”  “Crist may hedge hurricane risk“.

Fool’s Gold

“Upon taking office in January, Gov. Charlie Crist said Floridians should make education in the Sunshine State ‘the gold standard.’  Presumably Mr. Crist was including the state’s public universities in that call.  As the governor asked rhetorically in his inaugural speech, who among us doesn’t believe we can and must do better?  Guess it depends on how one defines ‘better.’”  “What’s ‘better’?“.

Meanwhile, “Crist already vetoed the Legislature’s proposed 5-percent tuition increase for in-state public university undergraduates, and now he has 15 days to decide the fate of a bill that would allow the state’s three research universities to charge up to 40 percent more in undergraduate tuition than their Florida peers.”  “Let the countdown begin“.

Wingnut Rising?

“Sen. Mike Haridopolos is running for the 2010-12 Senate presidency and has picked up support from senators who had previously backed Winter Haven Republican J.D. Alexander for the job.  Haridopolos, an Indialantic Republican who helmed the Senate property tax reform negotiations, hasn’t hidden the fact that he was feeling out members, but made it official after five conservative GOP senators approached him this week about running.”  “Haridopolos in for 2010 Senate presidency race; Alexander out“.

Remember The Dems?

“Senate Democrats bow to pressure, agree to earlier vote“.