Florida Vote

Our review of today's Florida political news and punditry follows.

“Brutal negotiations” on tap

“A House gambit to force bigger property-tax breaks tied to a sales-tax increase has turned the Legislature's $11 billion property-tax cutting session on end, forcing lawmakers to start negotiations again from scratch.”  “Tax reform hits big snag“.

“The Florida Senate passed a property tax cut package Wednesday that disappointed both Republicans and Democrats and rejected provisions the House wants that greatly expand the savings.  The Senate's action and a suddenly dormant House set up what could be brutal negotiations between the chambers to find common ground or a new plan.”  “No real progress on tax reform plan“.

“Senators are clearly worried about the effect their $9.7 billion package will have on local government and school finances. By contrast, the House is driven by a conservative, anti-tax philosophy and is holding out for a $14 billion plan, which it intends to pass today.”  “Tax vote today to pit House against Senate“.  See also “Tax-Cut Plans Diverge“, “Democrats introduce third property-tax tax plan“, “New tax plan promises deep cuts for S. Florida“, “Senate ratifies massive tax cut“, “Senate passes part of property tax cut plan“, “Like it or not, lawmakers get a break this weekend” and “Homestead amendment squeaks through Florida Senate“.

“Some of these guys in Tallahassee are so infatuated with Jeb that I wouldn't blame Columba for being nervous.”

Scott Maxwell this morning: “It's kind of funny that Floridians are so up in arms about taxes. Because the truth of the matter is that we are largely to blame.”

The politicians, you see, have turned us into a bunch of Pavlov's dogs. They mention the words tax cut, and we start salivating.

Most of us don't bother to stop and ask whose taxes they are vowing to cut — or, more important, whose taxes might increase as a result. All politicians have to do is tape a campaign commercial that mentions they love the flag and hate taxes, and we drool all the way to the voting booths.

Want proof? Well, consider this: In the past decade alone, Florida lawmakers have passed a whopping $20 billion worth of tax cuts.

But I'm betting you don't feel $20 billion richer.

That's because much of those cuts came from eliminating the so-called intangible taxes. And unless you have big money in business trusts, stocks, bonds or mutual funds, you're not benefiting from that tax break.

But the special interests have also had their way with our tax system. Over the years, Florida politicians have exempted everything from lawyer bills to dry-cleaning. From TV commercials to newspaper ads. From ostrich feed to space satellites.

Maxwell continues:

Anyone who tries to tell you all of these cuts were meant to help the “little guy” should be ejected into space with one of those tax-free satellites.

Here's the bottom line:

Yes, let's cut taxes. Let's just cut them for everyone.

But House Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate President Ken Pruitt don't seem so interested in doing that. After all, that would mean changing things done by Jeb Bush. And some of these guys in Tallahassee are so infatuated with Jeb that I wouldn't blame Columba for being nervous.

“Maybe we should study tax cuts“.  Unfortunately, Maxwell can't bring himself to mention the political party responsible for this tax talk garbage, and instead refers to “politicians” generally.

Gravel

“The sparse crowds that attend Mike Gravel's events like his ideas but hold little hope.”  “This Democrat doesn't shun Florida“.  See also “Dems to hear from candidate Mike Gravel“.

“Populist scold”

“Reviving his role as populist scold, Gov. Crist on Tuesday accused the state's second-largest private homeowners insurer of being unfair and breaking the law. As the governor acknowledged, though, he can't prove those charges. He also wouldn't be specific about his allegations. But this confrontation has been coming since January.”  “New target is Allstate“.

Cotterell

“Courage? Not quite“.

SCHIP

“Hoping to overturn a presidential veto, U.S. House Democrats and their allies have pressured Republican lawmakers from Central Florida to break party ranks and support an expansion of children's health insurance.”

Their efforts are expected to fall short today when the House votes on whether to override President Bush's Oct. 3 veto of a plan to increase federal funding of children's health care by $35 billion over five years.

All seven Republican House members from Central Florida opposed the original bill. In recent interviews, each said he or she would vote to sustain the veto, despite a steady stream of attack ads from national Democrats and activist groups.

And then there's Tommy:

U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney — also a Democratic target in the 2008 election — has borne the brunt of the interest-group criticism, including a television spot that condemns him for taking government-funded health insurance as a congressman while denying it for needy children.

After today's vote, the Oviedo Republican plans to present a compromise conceived by Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida. It will focus on extending tax credits to low-income families rather than significantly boosting the budget to cover more children.

“Area lawmakers feel heat to alter kid-health vote“.

Obama

“Local Money Is On Obama, Even As Clinton Leads Polls“.

“Unsatisfactory”

“Too many women in Florida lack health insurance, smoke or suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes, a state-by-state analysis on women's health revealed Wednesday.  The report gave Florida an “unsatisfactory” grade, in part for failing to meet national milestones for cervical-cancer screenings, physical activity and obesity.”  “Florida women's health care lags“.

>“A shadowy conspiracy”

“Terrified that voters may get the power to kill development projects, Florida business interests are unleashing an array of political weaponry to defeat the Hometown Democracy initiative.  A mass mailing from one opposition group alleged that the Hometown movement is a shadowy conspiracy fomented by out-of-state special interests called 'electors,' another name for voters.”  “Business Groups Fire At Initiative“.

“Self righteous”

The Palm Beach Post editors: “Rep. Joe Pickens, R-Palatka, is like a guy who always waits for his dinner companions to pick up the check, then wants to know why they can't eat as cheaply as he does.”

Apparently, Rep. Pickens is tired of counties and cities in Florida complaining that state-mandated cuts in property-tax revenue - with more to come - make it hard for them to balance their books without cutting services. This week, the self-righteous Rep. Pickens promised to exempt any municipality from tax cuts if it could demonstrate a record of raising taxes less than the Legislature had in the past five years.

“Hypocrisy on taxes“.

“The Florida Dream”

“If you want to know how Florida went from a sparsely populated backwater state to a booming, multicultural destination point, then tune in tonight for a new documentary on Florida's topsy-turvy modern history.”  “Watch It Tonight: The Florida Dream“.

We traveled to the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Conference in New York, and talked to energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute, MacArthur Genius Award winner and science educator Shawn Carlson, and appropriate-technology entrepreneur Shawn Frayne. It’s a fascinating discussion of everything from how America can save energy and protect the environment without sacrificing our lifestyle, to ways of helping the third world, to techniques for energizing American students interest in science and technology.

The Florida Progressive Coalition's “12 Stories to Read“.  Before we get to our review of today's Florida political news and punditry, check this out this bit of hilarity: “Prediction:GOP will nominate Jeb“.  On to the rest of the story …

“Befuddled” GOPer Tallahassee “Toga party”

The GOPer leadership in Tallahassee can't seem to get its act together: “Plan eludes befuddled lawmakers“.  “The compromise property-tax plan that was supposed to be fast-tracked through the Legislature is no longer a compromise plan — or on a fast track — as legislators Tuesday moved in drastically different directions.”

The Senate began by watering down a break for low-income seniors that House leaders wanted.

The House did more dismantling when it voted to raise the state sales tax one penny to replace homestead property taxes for schools and to cap increases to the values of non-homestead properties.

'All we're missing is John Belushi screaming, 'Toga party,' '' said House Democratic leader Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, comparing the disarray to an Animal House frat party. He'll offer a rival plan Wednesday.

Each chamber characterized the other's changes as deal-breakers, though leaders said they were confident a deal would be stitched back together. Still, they couldn't say how or by what method as they take up the bills Wednesday and start negotiations.

“State property-tax compromise falls apart“.  See also “In tax plan, many prongs, and questions“, “Quick deal on property tax relief eludes legislators“, “Sales tax swap is back in play” and “Dueling proposals curb hopes of settling on tax plan“.

“As property taxes have soared in Florida, owners of businesses, second homes and rental properties have pleaded for relief.  But when state lawmakers move forward today with plans to cut billions of dollars in taxes, those property owners might not get the help they want.”  “Businesses among likely tax-relief losers“.

More: “House panel extends 'Save Our Homes'” and “Tax fight pits schools against homeowners“.

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board sums things up: “Things are not going well downtown. The parties are in a standoff that shows for the first time in years that the minority party has a little clout. Hanging together, Democrats can stop a constitutional amendment from winning the 'supermajority vote' needed in both chambers before it can go forward.”

Democrats are holding out largely on behalf of the public schools, which they fear will be unjustly harmed, but there are enough ideological brush fires going on to keep Smokey Bear from heading into hibernation.

At this point in the special session, it appears that whatever jumble of hasty bright ideas are manipulated into an amendment proposal, it's entirely possible the voters will refuse the offer.

For the first time, three of five Floridians will have to agree at the polls instead of the simple majority required before on constitutional changes.

One critic grumbled that it looks as if the property tax proposal would provide relief equal to the cost of about two sushi dinners.

Certainly the polls are showing that voters are not impressed on the grounds that tax relief concepts put forward to date are one, confusing; two, still unfair in that homesteaders are given the greatest shelter; and three, confusing.

Florida is in trouble largely because it has gotten in the habit of governing by constitutional amendment rather than statutory law. Statutes can be adjusted according to the economy and political will instead of being cast in marble, as with Save Our Homes, the 3-percent cap on the annual rise in property taxes, which was once somebody's sop to the voters.

“K.I.S.S.: Declare victory and go home“.

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “When it comes to Florida's public schools, the Legislature considers 'hold harmless' to mean 'hold him while I hit him again.'”  “Tallahassee's sucker punch“.

Oh yeah, the Dems: “Dems gotta brand new tax plan (or two)” and “House Democrats: We won't roll on prop taxes“.

Howard Troxler on all this: “Weirdness in the Capitol” and “Don't ask what's in it; just say it's good“.

Primary tussle

“South Carolina was poised to hold the first presidential primary in the south on Jan. 29, until Florida bumped up its primary to the same day. Getting the candidates to boycott Florida apparently isn't enough — now South Carolina Democrats want a three-day head start.”  “S.C. to kick more dust in Florida's face“.  More: “SC Democrats Want to Vote on Jan. 26“.

Hill Cash

“Despite a backlash from the Democratic party that nullifies state delegates' primary votes, supporters are still opening their wallets to help out their favorite candidate.”  “Clinton leads in Florida fundraising“.  More: “Spurned Fla. donors still paying up“.

Easy cuts

The Tampa Trib editors: “The state prison system has been told to trim $3 million from its drug treatment programs. And cuts to community treatment centers loom large because of state-mandated cuts in local government spending.  It's politically easy to cut treatment programs for drug and alcohol abusers, since they have no advocacy group beyond the caregivers who see the difference that treatment can make.  But it's a risky strategy, given the carnage that substance abuse creates on our roads, in our emergency rooms, in our schools and in our families.”  “State Must Be Careful With Drug-Treatment Funding Cuts“.

And so it goes

“The second chapter to an international custody dispute comes to a halt — before it even begins — as both sides placed their bets with the court of appeals.”  “Appeal deals blow to Cuban father“.

Osceola County single member districts

“Facing a possible lawsuit, the Osceola County School Board agreed Tuesday to let the public decide whether it wants to have single-member districts or keep the current system of electing them countywide.  In a 5-0 vote, board members elected to pose the question to voters in the Jan. 29 presidential-preference primary ballot.  The Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, a New York-based advocacy group, had threatened to sue the board over its at-large seats, which the group contends are unfair to Hispanics.”  “Single-member districts on Osceola ballot“.

Open mouth …

… insert foot: “Lawmaker offers tax cutters a deal“.

“Bad habits”

The Miami Herald editors: “Only six months have passed since the Florida Supreme Court tightened the rules for sealing court records, but some judges in Broward and Miami-Dade counties still aren't following them. Bad habits — like drug addiction — can sometimes be hard to break. All the same, the chief administrative judge in each county should reinforce the importance of following the rules. The integrity of our courts is at stake. Lose that and bad things are sure to follow.”  “Playing favorites with court records“.

Oops!

“The Commission on Disabilities had its first meeting Tuesday, and though it will serve as a voice for the disabled, helping with access and programs, it will have to apply that same scrutiny to its own meetings.”  “Disabilities Commission hears public concerns“.

“Who could be against children getting health care?”

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “Who could be against children getting health care? President Bush, all of Florida's Republican congressmen, and a dozen more of their GOP colleagues.”

The Republicans in Florida who need to change their votes are: Jeff Miller of Chumuckla, Ander Crenshaw of Jacksonville, Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville, Cliff Stearns of Ocala, John Mica of Winter Park, Ric Keller of Orlando, Gus Bilirakis of Palm Harbor, C.W. Bill Young of Indian Shores, Adam Putnam of Bartow, Vern Buchanan of Sarasota, Connie Mack of Fort Myers, Dave Weldon of Indialantic, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Miami, Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Miami, Tom Feeney of Oviedo and Mario Diaz-Balart of Miami. The Democrat is Kathy Castor of Tampa. Those 300,000 children in Florida are waiting.

“Choice on health care: Help kids, or hide truth?“.

“First step”

“The Miccosukee Tribe and the South Florida Water Management District agreed to plug a canal used to prevent flooding, a measure that allows for the restoring of 7,900 acres of Miccosukee land off Alligator Alley to its natural state. It's an encouraging step. Both sides gave up something to make good on what they described as an opportunity too good to ignore.”  “Agreement on Everglades a good first step“.

The three stooges

“National Democrats are spending some dollars - for the very first time - in three South Florida congressional districts once seen as solidly Republican.”

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee goes up Wednesday with a series of Spanish-language radio ads in the districts served by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart. The radio spots - which will run during the traffic and weather updates - bash the trio for backing President Bush's veto of an expansion of a popular children's health insurance program.

“Dems to target the Diaz-Balarts and Ros-Lehtinen for the first time“.

Meanwhile, “The Florida Democratic Party has launched a new Spanish language website, www.fladems.com/espanol.“.

And then there's Ginny

“Ginny Brown-Waite didn't catch this much flak when she was running for re-election last year.”

But this week on Christian radio within her district, the Brooksville Republican is being derided as antichildren and antifamily. On TV, she's criticized for spending a half-trillion dollars on the war in Iraq while hundreds of thousands of Florida kids go without medical care.

Then there are the concerned parents knocking at her door on Capitol Hill, and a recent demonstration by liberal groups outside her district office in Brooksville.

Brown-Waite is one of about two dozen Republican lawmakers being targeted to change their minds and vote on Thursday to override President Bush's veto of a bill to expand a popular health care program for children of the working poor.

She downplayed the attention, saying that most of the calls to her office support her decision to sustain the veto. She also dismissed the recent advertisements from Catholics United and Americans United for Change.

The brain trust responds:

“I think my constituents know what all the MoveOn subsidiaries are all about,” Brown-Waite said Tuesday.

“Brown-Waite faces storm over SCHIP“.

We traveled to the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Conference in New York, and talked to energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute, MacArthur Genius Award winner and science educator Shawn Carlson, and appropriate-technology entrepreneur Shawn Frayne. It’s a fascinating discussion of everything from how America can save energy and protect the environment without sacrificing our lifestyle, to ways of helping the third world, to techniques for energizing American students interest in science and technology.

The Florida Progressive Coalition's “12 Stories to Read“.  Before we get to our review of today's Florida political news and punditry, check this out this bit of hilarity: “Prediction:GOP will nominate Jeb“.  On to the rest of the story …

“Befuddled” GOPer Tallahassee “Toga party”

The GOPer leadership in Tallahassee can't seem to get its act together: “Plan eludes befuddled lawmakers“.  “The compromise property-tax plan that was supposed to be fast-tracked through the Legislature is no longer a compromise plan — or on a fast track — as legislators Tuesday moved in drastically different directions.”

The Senate began by watering down a break for low-income seniors that House leaders wanted.

The House did more dismantling when it voted to raise the state sales tax one penny to replace homestead property taxes for schools and to cap increases to the values of non-homestead properties.

'All we're missing is John Belushi screaming, 'Toga party,' '' said House Democratic leader Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, comparing the disarray to an Animal House frat party. He'll offer a rival plan Wednesday.

Each chamber characterized the other's changes as deal-breakers, though leaders said they were confident a deal would be stitched back together. Still, they couldn't say how or by what method as they take up the bills Wednesday and start negotiations.

“State property-tax compromise falls apart“.  See also “In tax plan, many prongs, and questions“, “Quick deal on property tax relief eludes legislators“, “Sales tax swap is back in play” and “Dueling proposals curb hopes of settling on tax plan“.

“As property taxes have soared in Florida, owners of businesses, second homes and rental properties have pleaded for relief.  But when state lawmakers move forward today with plans to cut billions of dollars in taxes, those property owners might not get the help they want.”  “Businesses among likely tax-relief losers“.

More: “House panel extends 'Save Our Homes'” and “Tax fight pits schools against homeowners“.

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board sums things up: “Things are not going well downtown. The parties are in a standoff that shows for the first time in years that the minority party has a little clout. Hanging together, Democrats can stop a constitutional amendment from winning the 'supermajority vote' needed in both chambers before it can go forward.”

Democrats are holding out largely on behalf of the public schools, which they fear will be unjustly harmed, but there are enough ideological brush fires going on to keep Smokey Bear from heading into hibernation.

At this point in the special session, it appears that whatever jumble of hasty bright ideas are manipulated into an amendment proposal, it's entirely possible the voters will refuse the offer.

For the first time, three of five Floridians will have to agree at the polls instead of the simple majority required before on constitutional changes.

One critic grumbled that it looks as if the property tax proposal would provide relief equal to the cost of about two sushi dinners.

Certainly the polls are showing that voters are not impressed on the grounds that tax relief concepts put forward to date are one, confusing; two, still unfair in that homesteaders are given the greatest shelter; and three, confusing.

Florida is in trouble largely because it has gotten in the habit of governing by constitutional amendment rather than statutory law. Statutes can be adjusted according to the economy and political will instead of being cast in marble, as with Save Our Homes, the 3-percent cap on the annual rise in property taxes, which was once somebody's sop to the voters.

“K.I.S.S.: Declare victory and go home“.

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “When it comes to Florida's public schools, the Legislature considers 'hold harmless' to mean 'hold him while I hit him again.'”  “Tallahassee's sucker punch“.

Oh yeah, the Dems: “Dems gotta brand new tax plan (or two)” and “House Democrats: We won't roll on prop taxes“.

Howard Troxler on all this: “Weirdness in the Capitol” and “Don't ask what's in it; just say it's good“.

Primary tussle

“South Carolina was poised to hold the first presidential primary in the south on Jan. 29, until Florida bumped up its primary to the same day. Getting the candidates to boycott Florida apparently isn't enough — now South Carolina Democrats want a three-day head start.”  “S.C. to kick more dust in Florida's face“.  More: “SC Democrats Want to Vote on Jan. 26“.

Hill Cash

“Despite a backlash from the Democratic party that nullifies state delegates' primary votes, supporters are still opening their wallets to help out their favorite candidate.”  “Clinton leads in Florida fundraising“.  More: “Spurned Fla. donors still paying up“.

Easy cuts

The Tampa Trib editors: “The state prison system has been told to trim $3 million from its drug treatment programs. And cuts to community treatment centers loom large because of state-mandated cuts in local government spending.  It's politically easy to cut treatment programs for drug and alcohol abusers, since they have no advocacy group beyond the caregivers who see the difference that treatment can make.  But it's a risky strategy, given the carnage that substance abuse creates on our roads, in our emergency rooms, in our schools and in our families.”  “State Must Be Careful With Drug-Treatment Funding Cuts“.

And so it goes

“The second chapter to an international custody dispute comes to a halt — before it even begins — as both sides placed their bets with the court of appeals.”  “Appeal deals blow to Cuban father“.

Osceola County single member districts

“Facing a possible lawsuit, the Osceola County School Board agreed Tuesday to let the public decide whether it wants to have single-member districts or keep the current system of electing them countywide.  In a 5-0 vote, board members elected to pose the question to voters in the Jan. 29 presidential-preference primary ballot.  The Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, a New York-based advocacy group, had threatened to sue the board over its at-large seats, which the group contends are unfair to Hispanics.”  “Single-member districts on Osceola ballot“.

Open mouth …

… insert foot: “Lawmaker offers tax cutters a deal“.

“Bad habits”

The Miami Herald editors: “Only six months have passed since the Florida Supreme Court tightened the rules for sealing court records, but some judges in Broward and Miami-Dade counties still aren't following them. Bad habits — like drug addiction — can sometimes be hard to break. All the same, the chief administrative judge in each county should reinforce the importance of following the rules. The integrity of our courts is at stake. Lose that and bad things are sure to follow.”  “Playing favorites with court records“.

Oops!

“The Commission on Disabilities had its first meeting Tuesday, and though it will serve as a voice for the disabled, helping with access and programs, it will have to apply that same scrutiny to its own meetings.”  “Disabilities Commission hears public concerns“.

“Who could be against children getting health care?”

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “Who could be against children getting health care? President Bush, all of Florida's Republican congressmen, and a dozen more of their GOP colleagues.”

The Republicans in Florida who need to change their votes are: Jeff Miller of Chumuckla, Ander Crenshaw of Jacksonville, Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville, Cliff Stearns of Ocala, John Mica of Winter Park, Ric Keller of Orlando, Gus Bilirakis of Palm Harbor, C.W. Bill Young of Indian Shores, Adam Putnam of Bartow, Vern Buchanan of Sarasota, Connie Mack of Fort Myers, Dave Weldon of Indialantic, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Miami, Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Miami, Tom Feeney of Oviedo and Mario Diaz-Balart of Miami. The Democrat is Kathy Castor of Tampa. Those 300,000 children in Florida are waiting.

“Choice on health care: Help kids, or hide truth?“.

“First step”

“The Miccosukee Tribe and the South Florida Water Management District agreed to plug a canal used to prevent flooding, a measure that allows for the restoring of 7,900 acres of Miccosukee land off Alligator Alley to its natural state. It's an encouraging step. Both sides gave up something to make good on what they described as an opportunity too good to ignore.”  “Agreement on Everglades a good first step“.

The three stooges

“National Democrats are spending some dollars - for the very first time - in three South Florida congressional districts once seen as solidly Republican.”

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee goes up Wednesday with a series of Spanish-language radio ads in the districts served by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart. The radio spots - which will run during the traffic and weather updates - bash the trio for backing President Bush's veto of an expansion of a popular children's health insurance program.

“Dems to target the Diaz-Balarts and Ros-Lehtinen for the first time“.

Meanwhile, “The Florida Democratic Party has launched a new Spanish language website, www.fladems.com/espanol.“.

And then there's Ginny

“Ginny Brown-Waite didn't catch this much flak when she was running for re-election last year.”

But this week on Christian radio within her district, the Brooksville Republican is being derided as antichildren and antifamily. On TV, she's criticized for spending a half-trillion dollars on the war in Iraq while hundreds of thousands of Florida kids go without medical care.

Then there are the concerned parents knocking at her door on Capitol Hill, and a recent demonstration by liberal groups outside her district office in Brooksville.

Brown-Waite is one of about two dozen Republican lawmakers being targeted to change their minds and vote on Thursday to override President Bush's veto of a bill to expand a popular health care program for children of the working poor.

She downplayed the attention, saying that most of the calls to her office support her decision to sustain the veto. She also dismissed the recent advertisements from Catholics United and Americans United for Change.

The brain trust responds:

“I think my constituents know what all the MoveOn subsidiaries are all about,” Brown-Waite said Tuesday.

“Brown-Waite faces storm over SCHIP“.

We traveled to the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Conference in New York, and talked to energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute, MacArthur Genius Award winner and science educator Shawn Carlson, and appropriate-technology entrepreneur Shawn Frayne. It’s a fascinating discussion of everything from how America can save energy and protect the environment without sacrificing our lifestyle, to ways of helping the third world, to techniques for energizing American students interest in science and technology.

We traveled to the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Conference in New York, and talked to energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute, MacArthur Genius Award winner and science educator Shawn Carlson, and appropriate-technology entrepreneur Shawn Frayne. It’s a fascinating discussion of everything from how America can save energy and protect the environment without sacrificing our lifestyle, to ways of helping the third world, to techniques for energizing American students interest in science and technology.

Our review of today's Florida political news and punditry:

ACLU takes on Charlie's publicity stunt

“Saying it is 'fundamental' to freedom to be able to display 'religious symbols,' Gov. Charlie Crist has quietly placed a boxed Jewish scroll on the door leading into his formal Capitol office.”

Crist put up the mezuzah — a portion of sacred Jewish parchment contained inside a case — with the help of Rabbi Schneur Oirechman, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of the Panhandle. The mezuzah was a gift from House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, a Delray Beach Republican, who gave it to Crist, who is not Jewish, while he was on a trade mission to Israel last May.

Crist's action has drawn the ire of the American Civil Liberties Union, which said Monday it is wrong for the governor to put up any religious symbol in such a public place.

And how “quiet” was Charlie about this private act of rectitude?  Notwithstanding the reporter's characterization of Charlie's placing the mezuzah as a “quiet” act, he in fact turned it into a crass political stunt:

When Crist put up the mezuzah last week, he issued a statement to Jewish media outlets.

''Being able to display religious symbols is just as fundamental as being able to practice your religious beliefs,'' the statement said. “I am honored to display a mezuzah on my door. The freedoms and ideals that make our country great are the same ideals that people all over world seek every day.''

“A Jewish scroll opens the door to debate“.

Property Tax Mess

Update: “Divided along party lines and geography, the House Policy & Budget Council is poised to pass a property tax package. But approval aside, the daylong debate underscores problems for a proposal that only a few days ago seemed a sure thing.”  “Tax legislation on shaky ground“.

“State leaders push for property tax plan“.  See also “House panel approves ballot question on property tax cut“.  However, “as the numbers grew clearer Monday, agreement grew shakier over a Republican plan to cut $11 billion in property taxes over the next four years.”  “Property-tax deal not near“.  More: “Lawmakers huddle furiously in committee meetings today, preparing for a final vote possibly as early as tomorrow on an $11 billion property tax cutting plan.  But Democrats, wary of a nearly $2 billion loss in school tax revenue, are putting on the breaks.”  “Final vote on budget looms“.

Could it be: “A bipartisan group of lawmakers Monday questioned whether the legislature's new property tax proposal was being rushed”.  “Lawmakers worry about rush to write property tax measure“.

For example, “a state property appraisers group says the plan targets something that doesn't need fixing. It says that there's nothing to fix and that it affects only the rich.”  “Officials: Tax plan favors the rich“.

“A well-intentioned plan to give poor seniors a break has state legislators worried that wealthier people could ''game the system'' so they can avoid paying property taxes on their homesteads.”  “Tax-cut plan for seniors raises fears“.

“School officials were relieved last week as the Legislature's property tax proposal took shape: Cuts to education were largely avoided. But the first specific details were released Monday, and the numbers are far less comforting than many expected.”  “Deep school cuts in offing“.  Indeed, this “Revised tax plan would cost schools $2.1 billion“.  See also “Many lawmakers call proposed tax plan flawed but will vote for it anyway“.

The Sun-Sentinel editors observe that “the state can't get away with cutting and spending rainy-day money forever. Somewhere, somehow, Tallahassee is going to have to find a third way — seeking ways to drum up more revenues.”  “Tougher budget decisions ahead“.  Intangibles tax anyone?

Background: “Property-tax reform summary” and “Taxes by county“.

Sweet deal

“While South Floridians had to let lawns turn brown and cars grow dusty to save water during the worst of the drought, most farms, golf courses and utilities pumped away without telling how much they used - and without paying fines if they used too much.”  “From follow the money to … follow the water“.

Collusion

“State adds Allstate to probe on collusion“.

Where angels fear to tread

“The candidates are so terrified of drawing the wrath of Democrats in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, they won't dare kiss a baby, give a speech or talk to a voter anywhere in Florida, except in closed-door, fundraising receptions.”  “Campaign in Fla.? They don't dare“.

How 'bout a “grace period”?

“In Florida, forget to check a box on a voter-registration application and you could lose that right — at least for an election cycle, possibly the cycle that prompted you to register in the first place. The reason? Twenty-nine days before any election, Florida supervisors 'close the books' on the voter rolls. Any voters who aren't registered by then won't be able to vote in the next election.”  “One less barrier“.

Unconstitutional?

“Attorneys for a Cuban father seeking custody of his 5-year-old daughter have asked a Miami judge to declare unconstitutional a state law that would allow child-welfare administrators to strip him of custody permanently even though he has been found a fit parent.”  “Cuban dad's lawyers: Law unconstitutional“.

Portability

“At the heart of the tax-cut package poised to pass the Legislature as soon as Wednesday is a possible escape hatch for Floridians who feel trapped in their homes by the tax savings they would lose by moving.”

It's called “portability” — a provision allowing homeowners to carry with them Save Our Homes tax savings accumulated in their old home when they buy a new place.

“Tax-cut proposal could offer relief to homeowners“.

Class size

Could it be that the media is recognizing that the moderate improvements in school test scores has little if anything to do with Jebbie's silly school grading system and FCAT follies?  Almost, but not quite - Mike Thomas writes today that he “recently gave Jeb Bush props for his school reforms that improved test scores. But having fewer students per class sure didn't hurt those scores, even if Jeb wouldn't admit it if you strapped him to a water board.”  “New challenge: Be smart about class-size rules“.

“Panhandle 'justice'”

The Palm Beach Post editors yesterday: “Coverup to acquittal, it's Panhandle 'justice'“  The Tamp Trib has a different perspective: “Pursue Justice, Not Histrionics“.

Silver lining

“Central Florida's sagging housing market has turned into a blessing for at least one group: land conservationists.”  “Land-value drop boosts preservation purchases“.

Our review of today's Florida political news and punditry:

“Indulging Jeb”

The Palm Beach Post editors: “How much longer must Floridians pay to preserve the supposed legacy of Jeb Bush?”

House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, The Post reported this week, still spends $10,000 of the public's money each month for the services of Donna Arduin's consulting firm. Originally, that contract was supposed to end June 1. Ms. Arduin served as the former governor's budget director, and is a keeper of the Jeb-is-wonderful flame.

As he began his last year in office, Mr. Bush was denying that he cared about his legacy. In fact, he was installing loyalists who would continue his policies after he left.

When he became speaker, Rep. Rubio found jobs for 18 of Mr. Bush's former aides. Putting Ms. Arduin on the payroll naturally followed. The question now is what she actually does to earn the money, modest as it is. Her only known contribution this year was the idea that Florida abolish the property tax and replace it with a sales tax that could have been as high as 13 percent. …

Maybe the fact that she doesn't do anything is a good thing. But, then, why pay her? Asked for specifics about what Ms. Arduin does these days, Rep. Rubio responded with platitudes. If her job is to keep pushing Jeb Bush's ideas, there's no market for them.

Read more here: “Still indulging Jeb“.  For more on the nutty Arduin scroll down to “Marco's muse“.

“Panhandle 'justice'”

“Friday's acquittal of seven Panama City boot camp guards who beat a 14-year-old boy until he fell limp and later died was as predictable as it was outrageous.”  “Coverup to acquittal, it's Panhandle 'justice'“.

Gas bag

Saint Marco has no shame:

House Speaker Marco Rubio waved a letter from a 75-year-old Miami woman desperate to lower her ''overwhelming'' $10,091 tax bill on her small childhood home that she rents out in Coral Gables.

The letter is proof, he told a crowd of mortgage brokers and real estate agents, that the property tax proposal the Legislature will take up today won't go far enough.

''What do I tell her?'' Rubio asked. “Congratulations! We passed a bill! Does it save you money? No, but we had a very nice press conference.''

“While Rubio's public display of cynicism over Gov. Charlie Crist's tax-cut plan seems unorthodox, it is a window into the way he has approached the issue: with a brashness that has estranged potential allies, and a campaigner's knack for choosing the facts so he looks like a winner — even when he loses.”

What Rubio doesn't say about the letter, for example, is that the Miami woman wouldn't have been any better off under any of the three tax plans he has backed since spring. The current plan centers on doubling homestead exemptions and ''portability'' so homeowners can carry tax savings to a new home.

''A lot of things he's doing and saying is posturing,'' said Sen. Jim King, a Jacksonville Republican and former Senate president who describes himself as a fan of Rubio's. 'He's saying, `I believe in a lot of the things that the people have told me that they need,' and he's setting himself up not as a short-term, but a long-term champion.''

Rubio, 35, won't comment on his future political plans, but has talked repeatedly about leading a citizens petition drive for a property tax overhaul, and resurrecting his failed plan to swap homestead taxes for increased sales taxes. Such a drive would provide him visibility to campaign for another elected office after term limits force him from the Legislature in November 2008.

“Rubio walks a fine line on tax issue“.
“Dreams die”

More evidence of Florida's ever “booming” economy: “Florida is one of four states driving the nationwide rise in foreclosures, Duncan said. The others are California, Arizona and Nevada.”  “As foreclosures soar, dreams die“.

Off Topic

Tom Blackburn is on fire this morning: “Bush is no Nobel conservative”.

No sleeping zone

“Homeless man won't be prosecuted for sleeping in public“.  Has the statute of limitations run out on this?

I can go with the “Floridians are too … stupid to … count votes” part

Philip Gailey: “Democrats in Washington and the rest of the country are still bitter about the 2000 presidential election debacle in Florida. We are used to the sneers and insults. They think Floridians are too old or too stupid to cast ballots or count votes. They think our voting system is corrupt. Now they have decided to put the nation's fourth-largest state in its place by disenfranchising its voters.”  “The invertebrate Florida Democrats“.

Whatever

“Volunteer coaches participating in youth athletic leagues would be required to have their backgrounds screened under a bill proposed for the spring legislative session.”  “Bill requires background screening for coaches“.

Huh?

“A Muslim teenager was forced to sit out a youth soccer tournament after a referee ruled the girl's head scarf was not part of her uniform and violated game rules.  Iman Khalil was forced to sit out the game Saturday even though parents, her teammates and even opposing players urged the referee to let her play.”  “Muslim teen in Fla. barred from playing soccer due to head scarf“.

Our review of today's Florida political news and punditry:

“Indulging Jeb”

The Palm Beach Post editors: “How much longer must Floridians pay to preserve the supposed legacy of Jeb Bush?”

House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, The Post reported this week, still spends $10,000 of the public's money each month for the services of Donna Arduin's consulting firm. Originally, that contract was supposed to end June 1. Ms. Arduin served as the former governor's budget director, and is a keeper of the Jeb-is-wonderful flame.

As he began his last year in office, Mr. Bush was denying that he cared about his legacy. In fact, he was installing loyalists who would continue his policies after he left.

When he became speaker, Rep. Rubio found jobs for 18 of Mr. Bush's former aides. Putting Ms. Arduin on the payroll naturally followed. The question now is what she actually does to earn the money, modest as it is. Her only known contribution this year was the idea that Florida abolish the property tax and replace it with a sales tax that could have been as high as 13 percent. …

Maybe the fact that she doesn't do anything is a good thing. But, then, why pay her? Asked for specifics about what Ms. Arduin does these days, Rep. Rubio responded with platitudes. If her job is to keep pushing Jeb Bush's ideas, there's no market for them.

Read more here: “Still indulging Jeb“.  For more on the nutty Arduin scroll down to “Marco's muse“.

“Panhandle 'justice'”

“Friday's acquittal of seven Panama City boot camp guards who beat a 14-year-old boy until he fell limp and later died was as predictable as it was outrageous.”  “Coverup to acquittal, it's Panhandle 'justice'“.

Gas bag

Saint Marco has no shame:

House Speaker Marco Rubio waved a letter from a 75-year-old Miami woman desperate to lower her ''overwhelming'' $10,091 tax bill on her small childhood home that she rents out in Coral Gables.

The letter is proof, he told a crowd of mortgage brokers and real estate agents, that the property tax proposal the Legislature will take up today won't go far enough.

''What do I tell her?'' Rubio asked. “Congratulations! We passed a bill! Does it save you money? No, but we had a very nice press conference.''

“While Rubio's public display of cynicism over Gov. Charlie Crist's tax-cut plan seems unorthodox, it is a window into the way he has approached the issue: with a brashness that has estranged potential allies, and a campaigner's knack for choosing the facts so he looks like a winner — even when he loses.”

What Rubio doesn't say about the letter, for example, is that the Miami woman wouldn't have been any better off under any of the three tax plans he has backed since spring. The current plan centers on doubling homestead exemptions and ''portability'' so homeowners can carry tax savings to a new home.

''A lot of things he's doing and saying is posturing,'' said Sen. Jim King, a Jacksonville Republican and former Senate president who describes himself as a fan of Rubio's. 'He's saying, `I believe in a lot of the things that the people have told me that they need,' and he's setting himself up not as a short-term, but a long-term champion.''

Rubio, 35, won't comment on his future political plans, but has talked repeatedly about leading a citizens petition drive for a property tax overhaul, and resurrecting his failed plan to swap homestead taxes for increased sales taxes. Such a drive would provide him visibility to campaign for another elected office after term limits force him from the Legislature in November 2008.

“Rubio walks a fine line on tax issue“.
“Dreams die”

More evidence of Florida's ever “booming” economy: “Florida is one of four states driving the nationwide rise in foreclosures, Duncan said. The others are California, Arizona and Nevada.”  “As foreclosures soar, dreams die“.

Off Topic

Tom Blackburn is on fire this morning: “Bush is no Nobel conservative”.

No sleeping zone

“Homeless man won't be prosecuted for sleeping in public“.  Has the statute of limitations run out on this?

I can go with the “Floridians are too … stupid to … count votes” part

Philip Gailey: “Democrats in Washington and the rest of the country are still bitter about the 2000 presidential election debacle in Florida. We are used to the sneers and insults. They think Floridians are too old or too stupid to cast ballots or count votes. They think our voting system is corrupt. Now they have decided to put the nation's fourth-largest state in its place by disenfranchising its voters.”  “The invertebrate Florida Democrats“.

Whatever

“Volunteer coaches participating in youth athletic leagues would be required to have their backgrounds screened under a bill proposed for the spring legislative session.”  “Bill requires background screening for coaches“.

Huh?

“A Muslim teenager was forced to sit out a youth soccer tournament after a referee ruled the girl's head scarf was not part of her uniform and violated game rules.  Iman Khalil was forced to sit out the game Saturday even though parents, her teammates and even opposing players urged the referee to let her play.”  “Muslim teen in Fla. barred from playing soccer due to head scarf“.