Daily Clips for December 14, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Judge in Va. strikes down federal health care law The Associated Press Miami Herald Related: Long legal fight ahead for health law Related: Judge in health care case known as tough A federal judge declared the foundation of President Barack Obama's health care law unconstitutional Monday, ruling that the government cannot require Americans to purchase insurance. Rick Scott raises $2 million for inaugural party — so far By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Incoming Gov. Rick Scott has $2 million on hand to celebrate his inauguration. And more cash is on the way. Cannon creates water policy committee, but questions about its purpose abound By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Last Tuesday, House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, announced the establishment of a Select Committee on Water Policy that aims to “thoughtfully address the profoundly important issue of Florida’s water resources.” An early draft of Florida's "education savings account" (vouchers for all) proposal By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Below is an early draft of the "education savings account" idea (many consider it "vouchers for all") that Gov.-elect Rick Scott, his education transition team and key lawmakers are talking about. FLORIDA POLITICS MSNBC names Sink the worst candidate of 2010: ‘You lost to a guy who defrauded Medicare’ By Brett Ader Florida Indepdendent This morning, MSNBC hosts Chuck Todd and Savannah Guthrie announced their list of the worst candidates of the 2010 election cycle, with two of the three nominees hailing from Florida. Democratic Deputy Whip assignments announced By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 In preparation for the 2011-2012 legislative term, House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders (D-Key West) today joined Democratic Whip Evan Jenne (D-Dania Beach) in announcing several leadership assignments in the House Democratic Caucus. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Gulf spill claimants offered new, faster option By Brian Skoloff The Associated Press The administrator of a $20 billion fund doling out money to Gulf oil spill victims said Monday that people who want more cash can now get a quick check within two weeks, but there's a catch: Cashing it means giving up the right to sue BP or receive any more payments. Everglades restoration: It's the economy, stupid Editorial South Florida Sun-Sentinel Environmental causes have historically pitted opposing forces in a pitched battle: It's either jobs and the economy, on the pro-development side, or the environment, on the land-preservation front. LGBT Discharged gay veterans sue for reinstatement By Lisa Leff The Associated Press Three military veterans who were discharged under the law that prohibits gays from serving openly in uniform sued the government Monday to be reinstated and to pressure lawmakers to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" law before a new Congress is sworn in. EDUCATION Data shows student proficiency levels not much higher at charter schools By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Florida legislators gathered last week to watch Waiting for Superman, a documentary that advances two solutions for the problems with America’s education system: school choice and accountability for teachers. Largest enrollment spike in 6 years expected By John Kennedy News Service of Florida With Florida's budget already in a deep hole, state lawmakers got another round of sobering news Monday with analysts reporting that public schools are poised for their largest enrollment spike in six years. Fla. OKs Education Grant Requests By Bill Kaczor The Associated Press State officials have approved applications submitted by 62 of Florida's 67 school districts and three laboratory schools for shares of Florida's $700 million federal "Race to the Top" education grant. Incoming Agriculture Commissioner wants to delay ban on sugary drinks in schools By Kim MacQueen Florida Tribune Agriculture Commissioner-elect Adam Putnam wants state education officials to halt any action regarding the sale of sugary drinks and flavored milk in schools. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY State economists updating Florida revenue estimate The Associated Press Miami Herald State economists are updating Florida's general revenue estimate, and the outlook is not promising. Businesses face steep tax hike By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Florida businesses are about to feel more sticker shock from a jobless recovery. Nearly 50 percent of Florida mortgages underwater or near underwater By Kim Miller Palm Beach Post A CoreLogic report released this morning shows 45.5 percent of Florida mortgages are in negative equity, while another 4.1 percent are nearing negative equity. Cities, counties lose big bucks as banks get tax breaks on repossessed homes By Mary Shanklin Orlando Sentinel Local governments across the state are losing revenue because banks are getting the homestead-exemption tax breaks intended for the homeowners whose properties the lenders have repossessed. HEALTH AND SENIORS Florida Republicans rejoice over GOP supporting Judge ruling health care mandate unconstitutional in Virginia health care suit By Mitch Perry Creative Loafing The responses are coming from all over the state today as Florida Republicans are rejoicing in the wake of the decision by a federal district judge in Virginia that the individual mandate provision in the federal health care law signed by President Obama earlier this year is unconstitutional. WellCare wins round in court By Jim Saunders Health News Florida The Florida Supreme Court has rejected an attempt to disqualify Attorney General Bill McCollum from helping decide how much WellCare Health Plans should have to pay to settle a massive fraud investigation. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Skip immigration law Editorial Orlando Sentinel The path to a balanced budget keeps getting steeper for Florida legislators.