Daily Clips for January 10, 2011

FEATURED STORIES Lawmakers exposed as they reach out to constituents By Lisa Mascaro and Kathleen Hennessey South Florida Sun-Sentinel Related: Local leaders ponder security Related: Wasserman Schultz urges more civility after Giffords shooting For all the popular complaints about politicians existing in the walled-off world of Washington, the nation's members of Congress are in many ways among the most publicly exposed faces in the country. Tough times? Not for these lawmakers with net worths of six figures By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union Related: A Penny for Scott, but Six-Figure Salaries for Some Staff The overwhelming majority of Northeast Florida lawmakers have reported six-figure net worths over the past year, even in the midst of the nation's worst economic slowdown since the Great Depression. Florida ground zero for 2010 fraud schemes By Robert Napper Florida Independent Federal authorities made a very public showing in 2010, documenting a year of reckoning for crooks prosecutors say took part in a wave of mortgage fraud and Ponzi schemes that brought down the American economy. FLORIDA POLITICS Rod Smith tapped as chairman for Florida Democrats By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Florida Democrats on Saturday chose as their new chairman Rod Smith, a former state senator from Gainesville who faces a major challenge rebuilding a party ravaged by election losses. In heated race for Florida GOP chairman, candidates deny involvement in attacks By George Bennett Palm Beach Post As the race for Republican Party of Florida chairman gets increasingly ugly, Palm Beach County GOP Chairman Sid Dinerstein and the four other announced candidates for the post all say the negativity isn't coming from them. How to fix Florida's weak laws on public corruption By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times We're No. 1! Florida led the nation in the number of public officials convicted in federal corruption cases from 1998 to 2007, according to a recent report. Dems say that passage of 'Fair Districts' amendment will help them win congressional seat By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Even after their November drubbing, Democrats are viewing 2012 with a glimmer of hope because of a voter-approved "Fair Districts" amendment that forbids partisan gerrymandering when Republicans draw new political boundaries for Florida next year. Scott's bumpy start highlights holes in staff By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times The brain trust that masterminded Gov. Rick Scott's campaign is no longer at his side to help sharpen his message, shape his policies or navigate Florida politics. Beyond Bennett By Jay Brady Gulf Coast Business Review If nothing else, Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, is full of surprises. If you ask him, he might tell you his whole life has been one big surprise. POLITICAL RACES Tampa heading toward a historic city election By Richard Danielson St. Petersburg Times In less than eight weeks, Tampa voters will elect a new mayor, remake the City Council and chart the city's course for years to come. 2012 campaigns take their first baby steps By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times We've barely hit 2011, and the 2012 political Buzz is already going strong. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Obstacles ahead for Everglades? Graham sees political hurdles to restoration By Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post Former Sen. Bob Graham told a group of environmentalists at an Everglades Coalition conference Saturday that recent efforts to secure funds and create awareness for restoration of Florida's River of Grass were commendable. Rep. Nugent's thinking may show in vote over mercury emissions from cement kilns By Dan DeWitt St. Petersburg Times Note to U.S. Rep. Richard Nugent: Shortly after you and the rest of the members of the new Congress were sworn in last week, Rep. John R. Carter, R-Texas, introduced a motion to overturn new federal regulations on emissions from cement plants. EDUCATION Clean up the class size mess Editorial St. Petersburg Times Related: Failure on class sizes could cost $10 million Related: The other shoe Before Gov. Rick Scott and state lawmakers launch another round of divisive education reforms, they should clean up the mess the Legislature created as it tried to drum up support for easing the state's class-size requirements. Study Finds Family Connections Give Big Advantage in College Admissions By Tamar Lewin New York Times A new study of admissions at 30 highly selective colleges found that legacy applicants get a big advantage over those with no family connections to the institution — but the benefit is far greater for those with a parent who earned an undergraduate degree at the college than for those with other family connections. Polk Charter School Group Wants State to Step in By Merissa Green Lakeland Ledger The Polk Charter School Association's request to get an accounting on administrative services has gone unanswered and now the group has filed a petition with the state Department of Education requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY State guilty of 'delusional behavior' in slow response to foreclosure chaos, critics say By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Related: Foreclosure crisis hits home for all Fed up with the foreclosure chaos, the New Jersey courts demanded that banks prove the integrity of their home repossession systems or face shutdown. Bank can go after other assets in Florida if you default on mortgage By Doreen Hemlock South Florida Sun-Sentinel Worried that your bank might go after your other assets if you're late on the mortgage or lose your home to foreclosure? What does Scott's rules freeze mean? By Jim Ash Tallahassee Democrat Gov. Rick Scott wasted no time halting the wheels of government while he decides which agency rules and regulations will promote the business-friendly climate he promised on the campaign trail. Central Florida food-stamp growth 'staggering' – now 1 in 6 relies on help By Kate Santich Orlando Sentinel About one in every six Central Floridians now relies on food stamps to subsist — a rate that has ballooned by nearly 185 percent since the start of the recession. Jobs march, fly into Pensacola area By Troy Moon Pensacola News-Journal The Army is marching into Northwest Florida, long a hotbed of Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force personnel. HEALTH AND SENIORS House sets stage for health-care repeal vote By Paul Kane and Felicia Sonmez Washington Post House Republicans began Friday the long effort to repeal President Obama's health-care law by approving a resolution that clears the way for next week's vote. Lack of Paid Sick Leave Is Family and Public Health Concern By Mike Hall AFL-CIO More than 44 million private-sector workers in the United States—­42 percent of the private-sector workforce­—don’t have paid sick days they can use to recover from a common illness like the flu, according to new research by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE, AND SOCIAL ISSUES Gay marriage isn't revolutionary. It's just next. By Stephanie Coontz Washington Post Opponents of same-sex marriage worry that allowing two men or two women to wed would radically transform a time-honored institution. But they're way too late on that front. Florida Legislature to discuss immigration reform By Kathleen Houghney News Service Of Florida The first of three immigration meetings set for Monday will be the Senate's first look at a debate over a comprehensive Arizona-style measure, a topic that Gov. Rick Scott made one of the biggest social issues of his campaign. Fla. groups fight effort to deport Haitians By John Lantigua Palm Beach Post Florida immigration activists are asking the Obama administration to stop planned deportations to Haiti, citing the festering cholera epidemic there, other lingering dangers from last year's massive earthquake and recent political violence. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Court ruling rattles foreclosure industry By Roger Bull Florida Times-Union A court ruling Friday in Massachusetts is sending repercussions through the foreclosure industry and driving down bank stocks. Anti-Murder Act has unintended consequences By Stephen Nohlgren St. Petersburg Times Outrage ran high in 2004 when an ex-con snatched an 11-year-old Sarasota girl off the street, then raped and murdered her. Florida's fight against pill mills won't be helped by a needless special prosecutor. Editorial Palm Beach Post Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's appointment of ex-state Sen. Dave Aronberg as a special prosecutor to go after unscrupulous pain clinics, or "pill mills," is a waste of public money. Lawmakers seeking database of pawned goods By Dale White Sarasota Herald-Tribune For nearly three months, a diamond necklace that authorities say would later help lead to the arrest of a suspect in a Manatee County murder case remained in a local pawn shop.

Daily Clips for January 7, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Scott tours charter schools with 'Waiting for Superman' notable; touts merit pay By George Bennett Palm Beach Post With education reform lightning rod Michelle Rhee at his side, Gov. Rick Scott toured a charter school today and said he'll press for merit pay for teachers and more opportunities for parents to choose which schools their kids attend. State fines HMOs $4M By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Two HMOs have been hit with nearly $4 million in fines after a long-running dispute about whether they improperly denied or reduced speech-therapy services for children in Florida's Medicaid program. New rules limit GOP's power over voter districts By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune Republicans have never had more political strength in Tallahassee going into a redistricting process as they do this year. BEST OF THE BLOGS Five Takeaways from Tallahassee – Inaugural Edition By Peter Schorsch Saint Petersblog Trying to drive from Tally to the ‘burg in under four hours, I thought up the idea for a new series of posts called “Takeaways from Tallahassee” in which I will do my best to offer some analysis, in bursts of insightful nuggets, on what is really going on in the state capital. So, Just How Close is Florida? By Steve Schale SteveSchale.com Tis the season for speculation on 2012, so it came as no surprise that after my Holiday self-imposed no-telephone call break, I found several messages on my phone from reporters asking my take on whether Florida is truly a toss-up state for President Obama, especially after what here (and everywhere else) happened in November. Grim Details Emerge on Scott SuperAgency Plan By gimleteye Eye On Miami Fast report here. A Governor Rick Scott powerpoint presentation is making the rounds, that was used by the Scott Transition Team on Regulatory Reform, dated December 20th. It is a fascinating glimpse into the condensation of GOP strategy for Florida and perhaps the nation, guided as we were given to learn, by the foremost conservative foundations who were invited, by Governor Scott, to fill up his clean slate. Moving the Agenda Leftward By Jake Rantings From Florida The new NY Times interview with Alan Grayson is great reading, but it also is important in reminding what is at stake in the next two years politically for House Democrats. Rick Scott's Inauguration Speech - If He'd Had Truth Serum With Breakfast By Daniel Tilson West Palm Beach Examiner Hello, shareholders - uh, no - stakeholders. Thanks for paying, uh, coming, yes, thanks for coming to my coronation, uh, corporation, uh, no, doggone it, excuse me. FLORIDA POLITICS Hispanics Are Likely to Play Larger Role in Next Elections By Luista Lopez Torregrosa Politics Daily With historic victories in the midterm elections, Hispanics flexed their growing political muscle, helping elect -- and defeat -- well-known top-tier candidates in places like California and Nevada, New Mexico and Florida. Scott needs to confront corruption Editorial Tampa Tribune Related: Corruption tax One of Rick Scott's first acts as governor following his inauguration Tuesday was to order a review of last month's grand jury report on government corruption. And so are state Democrats By Joy-Ann Reid Miami Herald Happy 2011, Florida Democrats! I'm sure you're all rested up from the inaugural festivities, since, let's face it, your presence was pretty much optional. From the start, Gov. Scott giving the media fits By Tom Lyons Sarasota Herald-Tribune Some of the advice sent by past and present elected officials to incoming Gov. Rick Scott was sound and wise. POLITICAL RACES Scott appoints ‘Fair Districts’ foe to run 2012 elections By Cooper Leavy-Baker Florida Independent Gov. Rick Scott yesterday announced his appointment of Kurt Browning as Florida’s secretary of state, a position filled by Browning from 2006 till April 2010. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Oil findings boost chance of corp. criminal charge By Harry R. Weber and Curt Anderson Associated Press Months of investigation by a presidential commission and other panels reinforce the likelihood that companies involved in the Gulf oil spill will be slapped with criminal charges that could add tens of billions of dollars to the huge fines they already face, legal experts said Thursday. Scott appointments could reshape Florida By Zac Anderson Sarasota Herald-Tribune In a move with the potential to unravel decades of growth management and environmental policy, Gov. Rick Scott has named two agency heads who have strong ties to the state's development industry. Oil spill claimants deserve consistency, straight answers Editorial St. Petersburg Times Legitimate questions are being raised by businesses in Tampa Bay and elsewhere that are on the losing end of the BP claims process. St. Johns Riverkeeper announces intent to study science behind Georgia-Pacific waste pipeline By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent In its continuing fight against a pipeline that will allow Georgia-Pacific to dump waste into the St. Johns River, river advocates are pledging to study the scientific validity of a report being used by the paper giant to justify its actions. EDUCATION Districts ready to sue over class-size policies By Kim MacQueen Florida Tribune Related: Fla. may impose $43 million in class size fines A legal fight could be brewing over soon-to-be imposed penalties against school districts that have failed to meet class size restrictions. Duval educators, school leaders complain of mandates from the state By Mary Kelli Palka Florida Times-Union Duval County education leaders want fewer unfunded or underfunded state mandates and more flexibility to decide how best to educate students. Billionaire to open private high school at former JCC site By Kevin D. Thompson Palm Beach Post Billionaire energy magnate Bill Koch isn't satisfied with the quality of high schools in Palm Beach County. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Senate President Haridopolos Says $300 Million Too Costly For High-Speed Rail By Keith Laing News Service Of Florida Newly inaugurated Gov. Rick Scott has not yet signaled whether he will get on board with a high-speed rail system connecting Tampa and Orlando, but the Senate president says he won't go along for the ride. Rick Scott considers "destination casinos'' for his economic plan By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday he is open to allowing Las Vegas-style casino resorts in Florida, opening the door for promoters to move swiftly ahead with legislation this year that would end the decades-old ban on the high stakes games. Florida cold snap pushes up produce prices By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald Arching her eyebrows at prices along the produce aisle, Ilene Ellman decided to alter her shopping routine. HEALTH AND SENIORS Health reform repeal is a ruse Editorial Orlando Sentinel Under new Speaker John Boehner, U.S. House Republicans are bulling ahead with a doomed effort to repeal the health reform law that Congress passed last year when Democrats were in charge. Florida House bill would combine 4 health care-related agencies By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union Four health care-related agencies with nearly 40,000 state workers would be eliminated and their responsibilities swept into one newly created department under legislation filed Monday by state Rep. Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach. 3 universities get total of $4.7 mil for HIV study Associated Press Two Florida universities and one in California have been awarded a $4.7 million grant to study the connection between marijuana use and HIV infections in adolescents. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE, AND SOCIAL ISSUES Rick Scott Neglects Sexual Orientation, Handicaps, Marital Status In Anti-Discrimination Order By Nick Wing Huffington Post Newly-minted Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) this week signed a narrow non-discrimination executive order that neglects to extend protections based on sexual orientation and identity, handicaps, or marital status. Scott appointee's résumé raising questions By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post One of Gov. Rick Scott's first hires worked on Scott's campaign digging up dirt on his opponents and sat on the board of a South Florida anti-immigration group tagged by civil rights advocates as an "extremist" organization. As Jennifer Carroll takes office, Florida's grim past recedes a little further By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Moments after Jennifer Carroll was sworn in Tuesday as Florida's first black female lieutenant governor, Katina Glasco grinned broadly, raised her fists and mouthed an enthusiastic, "Yes!" Change would relax handgun law By Kaustuv Bastu Florida Today A movement to let Floridians openly carry their handguns in a holster makes its first stop in Brevard with a rally in Melbourne on Saturday. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Crist leaves office without appointing judge to appellate court By Carol Spencer-Wendell Palm Beach Post Four judges nominated to fill an appellate court vacancy met with Gov. Charlie Crist and his staff last month.

Daily Clips for January 6, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Marco Rubio takes his place as Florida's newest U.S. senator By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Related: In Congress, the new kids from Florida are in town Marco Rubio, who upended Florida politics and the ambitions of a popular governor, was sworn into office Wednesday and pledged to represent the voice of dissent that was so potent in November. Browning named secretary of state, Buzzett to head DCA Florida Capital Bureau Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Kurt Browning to return as secretary of state. Scott also announced Wednesday that land-use lawyer and developer Billy Buzzett will head the Department of Community Affairs, with instructions to merge the agency with others that will cut state regulation and help produce jobs. State report on foreclosure crisis slams banks, mortgage industry, lawyers By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Sweeping evidence of the case the state attorney general's office has built in its pursuit of foreclosure justice for Florida homeowners is outlined in a 98-page presentation complete with copies of allegedly forged signatures, false notarizations, bogus witnesses and improper mortgage assignments. Teachers, parents wear red to protest Scott's school reform ideas By Carol Fitzpatrick South Florida Sun-Sentinel They called it "Red Tuesday." In a quiet show of opposition to changes proposed by Gov. Rick Scott's education transition team, some parents and teachers across Florida wore red and lit up Facebook with messages of support for public schools. FLORIDA POLITICS New Congressman David Rivera made quick condo sale, repaid debt By Scott Hiaasen, Patricia Mazzei, and Lesley Clark Miami Herald Only eight days after winning election to Congress, David Rivera sold a condominium to his mother's company in an effort to stave off increasing questions about his personal and campaign finances -- and an unfolding criminal investigation. Leadership battle heats up at Republican Party of Florida By Abel Harding Florida Times-Union With Republicans gathering in Orlando next weekend to elect a new party chair, a previously uncontested race appears to have gathered a new candidate. Special Miami-Dade Commission meeting sought on recall-election issue By Martha Brannigan and Matthew Haggman Miami Herald Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe A. Martinez asked the board to hold a special meeting Jan. 13 to grapple with the hypersensitive issue of setting a recall election for Mayor Carlos Alvarez and Commissioner Natacha Seijas. Scott orders Fla.'s 2 remaining planes sold Associated Press As promised, Gov. Rick Scott has ordered the sale of the last two state executive aircraft. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Commission won't be last word on Gulf oil spill By Harry Weber and Dana Cappiello Associated Press Disasters like the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon rig could happen again without significant reform, a conclusion by a presidential panel that has the companies involved in the nation's largest oil spill in history pointing fingers at each other again. Scott names development exec. as top Fla. planner By Bill Kaczor Associated Press Gov. Rick Scott named a development company executive as Florida's next planning chief Wednesday and brought Kurt Browning out of retirement to again serve as secretary of state. BP money spills into Southwest Florida By Mark Krzos Fort Myers News-Press A compensation clearinghouse says BP has paid almost $50 million to Lee and Collier businesses and individuals affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Oil industry lobbyist says lower taxes, expanding drilling would mean more jobs By Kate Bradshaw WMNF-FM Today, as a new Congress prepares to settle in on Capitol Hill, oil industry lobby group American Petroleum Institute called on lawmakers to ease taxes and regulation on the industry. EDUCATION Education battles ahead for new Florida governor By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union With a number of proposals to expand voucher programs and other options outside of traditional public schools floating around the Capitol, there are signs that a battle about school choice could be brewing. School officials await word on class size fines By Angeline Taylor Bradenton Herald In 12 days, Manatee County School officials will learn if they have to pay a maximum of $1.11 million in fines for not meeting class size reductions in elementary, middle and high schools. Palm Beach County school leaders target suspensions, bullying for improvement By Kevin D. Thompson Palm Beach Post Reducing the number of out of school suspensions and making schools safer are becoming top priorities, Palm Beach County school board members were told Wednesday night. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Scott orders reviews of 53 rules – but doesn't say how they'll occur By Aaron Deslatte and Scott Powers Orlando Sentinel Acting on his anti-regulatory priority, Gov. Rick Scott's first act in office was to sign a sweeping executive order putting a hold on all pending state government regulations. Buchanan proposes balanced budget amendment Staff Report Bradenton Herald A member of the majority party for the first time in his congressional career, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan has proposed a constitutional amendment that would require a balanced federal budget. HEALTH AND SENIORS Bill fights abortion in 2014 By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Florida lawmakers are taking the abortion battle to an arena that doesn't yet exist: Health-insurance exchanges. Agencies would merge under sweeping health care bill By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Rep. Janet Adkins has filed a sweeping reorganization bill that would fold most of the state's health and human services programs into one agency with six regional offices across the state. Who's in charge at health? By Carol Gentry Health News Florida Even before Gov. Rick Scott took the oath of office on Tuesday, the top two officials of the Department of Health were gone, leaving the agency in the hands of former State Rep. Kim Berfield. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE, AND SOCIAL ISSUES Florida poverty: Destitution grows Editorial Florida Times-Union During recent elections, candidates in Florida have been preoccupied with their polling numbers. But one set of profoundly troubling numbers ought to command everyone's attention. Senate Sets the Stage for Debate on Immigration By Kathleen Haughney News Service of Florida The first of three immigration meetings set for Monday will be the Senate's first look at a debate over a comprehensive Arizona-style measure, a topic that Gov. Rick Scott made one of the biggest social issues of his campaign for governor. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Court ruling punishes citizens for appealing development cases By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times We're always fighting in Florida over who should be allowed to build what. And sometimes, if citizens don't like what their local government is allowing, they go to court. Bondi in Wall Street Journal: More states will follow Florida in suing the feds over health care law By Mitch Perry Creative Loafing On Pam Bondi’s first full day in office, the new Attorney General in Florida has written an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on the topic that she brought the most passion to during her campaign – picking up the mantle from Bill McCollum on leading the fight against the individual mandate provision written into the health care reform bill that President Obama signed last spring.

Daily Clips for January 5, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Campaign to stop Scott’s “private voucher scheme” launched By Leslie Postal Orlando Sentinel Excerpt: Rick Scott just took office today and already there is a “Stop Rick Scott’s Private Voucher Scheme” campaign. It was launched by Progress Florida, a non-profit that pushes “progressive solutions for Florida,” and can be found on Facebook, where already some teachers are sharing their fears about the new governor’s education agenda. FEATURED STORIES An inaugural address best forgotten Editorial St. Petersburg Times Related: Gov. Scott targets taxation, regulation in inaugural pledge Related: The future of Florida, Inc.: Gov. Rick Scott’s policy agenda Gov. Rick Scott's disappointing inaugural address was neither inspiring nor enlightening, and his awkward delivery won't win any style points. His "axis of unemployment'' — taxation, regulation and litigation — is repackaged Republican campaign rhetoric, and Scott offered little insight into how he will approach those tired themes any differently. Outgoing PSC commissioner raises concerns about agency By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune Former Florida Public Service Commissioner Nathan Skop said Monday that the public should be concerned about the agency's ability to be fair and impartial now that he and other reform-minded commissioners have been ousted. Roads don't pay for themselves, study says By Dan Tracy Orlando Sentinel Buses and trains do not pay for themselves, but neither do roads, says a study released Tuesday. "Highways do not — and, except for brief periods in our nation's history — never have paid for themselves through taxes that highway advocates label 'user fees,'" said the 39-page report released by Florida PIRG Education Fund, a nonprofit public interest group. FLORIDA POLITICS Ethics reform from Tallahassee to the Keys Editorial Miami Herald Rick Scott will be sworn in as governor Tuesday with a mission to create jobs. Yet before Florida cuts corporate taxes, guts regulations or privatizes more state government jobs -- all part of Mr. Scott's agenda -- the No. 1 job the governor must do is gain the public's trust. Analysis: We still don't really know Rick Scott By Adam Smith St. Petersburg Times Not since an outsider named Claude Kirk took the oath of office 44 years ago have Floridians welcomed a governor as enigmatic as Rick Scott. GOP cements influence as Cabinet members take office By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Florida Republicans cemented their sweep of state government on Tuesday when three new Cabinet members took office. The all-new Cabinet took their oaths of office: Jeff Atwater as chief financial officer, Pam Bondi as attorney general and Adam Putnam as commissioner of agriculture. Marco Rubio takes his seat in the U.S. Senate Wednesday By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times He claims the title today : U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. The Republican from Miami who harnessed voter discontent with Washington and President Barack Obama's policies will be sworn into office at noon surrounded by family and friends, and with a touch of bipartisanship. Brevard congresswoman to be sworn in today By Dave Berman Florida Today Sandy Adams officially will take office today as north Brevard County's new congresswoman during a swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the House of Representatives. POLITICAL RACES Florida nets two more congressional seats from census By Miguel Chateloin Independent Florida Alligator Florida will gain two more congressional seats after the latest census data showed an increase in population, giving it even more influence as a swing state in presidential elections. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Bob Graham says oil industry must address 'culture of complacency' By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times The commission studying the BP oil disaster will call for tougher federal permitting regulations and an industry-created safety organization, according to a preview by Bob Graham, a former Florida governor and U.S. senator. Scott to break tradition and skip Everglades conference By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times Bob Martinez started the tradition. Lawton Chiles continued it. Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist kept it going. Environmentalists warn that rules freeze will halt progress on water pollution By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times Gov. Rick Scott's decision Tuesday to freeze regulations put on hold hundreds of proposals, including a public hearing scheduled for this week over a rule to set a statewide rule for cleaning up mercury pollution in state water. EDUCATION Florida Voucher Program Set to Expand By Kathleen Haugney News Service of Florida Florida’s corporate school voucher program could expand by $35 million next year, which would be enough to send 6,000 additional children on the waiting list to private schools throughout the state. Scott's voucher proposal courts a few problems By Fred Grimm Miami Herald Rick Scott's universal school voucher plan hardly lacks for an appealing philosophical rationale: Allow parents to shop for a school -- public or private, brick or virtual -- in a competitive education marketplace. UF ranks second, FIU 97th in national college 'value' rankings By Michael Vasquez Miami Herald Despite a couple of years of consecutive 15 percent tuition increases, Florida's public universities are still a bargain when compared to schools nationally, according to the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Debate brews over Head Start's future with county By Mike Salinero Tampa Tribune Parents of children in Head Start appear headed for a showdown with Hillsborough County officials over the future direction of the pre-school education program. School buses could become roving billboards By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune School buses moving down the highway could become roving billboards by July under a bill filed by Rep. Bryan Nelson. Race to the Top funds starting to head to Northeast Florida By Mary Kelli Palka Florida Times-Union Two Northeast Florida districts can now receive their Race to the Top educational funding. Three other local districts are expected to hear word soon that they can also begin spending the federal money. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Will Florida corporate, property tax cuts create jobs? Editorial Bradenton Herald Rick Scott faces a mighty challenge when he assumes office today with job creation atop his agenda. Rules freeze might cause confusion By Douglas Hanks Miami Herald Can an off-road vehicle have two seats in Florida? Should pain clinics get safety reviews every year or every three years? And may produce stands avoid extra fees to get a permit for setting up shop in the Southwest Florida Water Management District? State Farm in final phase of dropping homeowners insurance policies By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times If you're a homeowner still covered by State Farm, cross your fingers. You should find out within the next few weeks if you've missed the purge by the state's biggest private property insurer. State panel makes sinkhole recommendations By Nirvi Shah Miami Herald With more Florida homeowners filing insurance claims for damage caused by sinkholes -- claims nearly quadrupled between 2006 and 2010 statewide -- the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee issued a report this week that said something must be done to curb insurance companies' sinkhole costs. VIDEO: Jackson Lab withdraws application for state $50 million; to work with new Gov. Scott Naples Daily News Jackson Laboratory officials have withdrawn their application to the state for economic incentive funding but they still want to expand to Collier County. The laboratory plans to file a new proposal after meeting with Gov. Rick Scott and his administration for feedback. HEALTH AND SENIORS Turning 65? Time to brush up on the details of Medicare By Ana Venciana-Suarez Miami Herald Baby boomers, the generation that once vowed to never trust anyone over 30, begin turning 65 this year. This is a historic moment, ushering a demographic tsunami through the threshold of old age. Health exec now is governor By Jim Saunders Health News Florida In 1997, Rick Scott was pushed out of the top job at Columbia/HCA in a Medicare fraud scandal that ultimately forced the hospital company to pay $1.7 billion in fines. At 11:56 a.m. today, he became Florida governor. FDA Prepares to Enact New Food-Safety Law By Bill Tomson Wall Street Journal The Food and Drug Administration is preparing to enact provisions of the new food-safety bill that was passed by Congress in the waning days of 2010 and is expected to be signed into law Tuesday. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE, AND SOCIAL ISSUES Haridopolos schedules meeting on immigration By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times Senate President Mike Haridopolos announced today that he has scheduled a meeting on immigration for Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. The meeting will be led by Sen. Anita Flores, chair of the senate judiciary committee, and focus on "information-gathering," according to a news release. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Fla. lawmakers plea for release of dying inmate Associated Press Several Florida lawmakers are joining family members in pleading for the release from prison of a 27-year-old woman who was born with AIDS and now is dying of cancer.

Daily Clips for January 4, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Will Scott Take Aim at 'Real Outsider,' Uncle Sam? By Kenric Ward Sunshine State News Excerpt: Mark Ferrulo, Progress Florida, Executive Director: "We’re concerned about Governor Scott’s seemingly unabashed agenda to transform the 'State of Florida' into 'Florida Inc.,' a wholly owned subsidiary of big developers, utilities and insurance companies. We hope we’re wrong, but looking at the folks on Governor Scott’s transition team, his proposals to date and who is writing the checks for his $3 million inauguration, it doesn’t appear so." FEATURED STORIES Rick Scott, which way forward? Editorial Orlando Sentinel Related: Outsider Scott faces challenges in Tallahassee Related: Florida Gov.-elect Scott's eager to get on job In the weeks leading up to his swearing in today as Florida's 45th governor, Rick Scott wisely tasked teams with expertise in several policy areas to provide him with ideas he might tap as the state's chief executive. Scott takes stage lacking a chorus By Lloyd Dunkelberger Sarasota Herald-Tribune Rick Scott takes the field as Florida's governor today with anything but a full team in place. Scott, a Republican who will be formally inaugurated in a late-morning ceremony, has appointed only three of more than a dozen and a half top department and agency heads -- the fewest to this point of any governor in recent memory. Florida's foreclosure mediation program produces few results By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Related: Foreclosures resume in South Florida after two-week hold Florida's required foreclosure mediation program has produced scant results for struggling homeowners. The vast majority of Broward and Palm Beach County homeowners who underwent mediation have not ended up with a settlement and just 6 percent statewide left the negotiating table with a resolution. FLORIDA POLITICS Freshmen form one-third of state House By Amy Sherman Politifact Florida Term limits for Florida's state representatives and senators result in a lot of turnover in Tallahassee after an election. U.S. Rep-elect David Rivera discloses $137,000 loan he received from mother's company By Scott Hiaasen St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Incoming congressman David Rivera has admitted receiving $137,000 in undisclosed loans from a company co-owned by his mother -- a company now under criminal investigation over secret payments from the Flagler Dog Track during its campaign to bring slot machines to Miami-Dade pari-mutuels. Rep. West defends Joyce Kaufman on Fox News Sunday, says she helped pick replacement By Luke Johnson Florida Independent Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace invited on U.S. Sen.-elect Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rep.-elect Allen West, R-Fla. — perhaps the two 2010 candidates for Congress most faithful to the grassroots of the tea party — and asked them both about whom they picked for their chiefs of staff. Buchanan to chair caucus Staff Report Bradenton Herald U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, has been named chairman of the congressional Friends of Panama Caucus. Former Fla. GOP leader in court Associated Press The former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida will be back in court. Jim Greer has a pretrial hearing scheduled Tuesday at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando. POLITICAL RACES Campaign filing begins for March elections By Sussanah Bryan South Florida Sun-Sentinel Eleven cities in Broward County and three cities in south Palm Beach County are holding elections this spring. BALLOT INITIATIVES ‘Personhood’ battles continue in new year with Republican legislatures By Patrick Caldwell Minnesota Independent A favorable enthusiasm gap heading into the 2010 midterm elections signaled a marquee year for Republicans and conservative interest groups across the country. ACLU moves ‘to intervene’ to defend Amendment 6 By Cooper Levy-Baker Florida Independent The ACLU of Florida has filed a motion “to intervene as defendants” in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Amendment 6 — one of two so-called “Fair Districts” amendments that limit the Florida legislature’s ability to draw district lines to protect incumbents and guarantee one-party dominance. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Scott names shipyard executive to head DEP By Bill Kaczor Tampa Tribune Gov.-elect Rick Scott tapped the business community today to fill another key position on his leadership team by nominating a Jacksonville shipyard executive to head the Department of Environmental Protection. Thousands of Floridians opting for ‘quick pay’ oil spill claims By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Oil spill claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg announced a “quick pay” option last month, which would allow anyone who has already received a payment from the Gulf Coast Claims Facility to accept a check worth $5,000 for individuals or $25,000 for businesses without providing additional documentation, in exchange for waiving the right to sue BP. EDUCATION Simmons to be in thick of education debate By Dave Weber Orlando Sentinel When the Florida Legislature meets in March and April, Sen. David Simmons is expected to be in the thick of education reforms proposed by new Gov. Rick Scott. Florida schoolteachers full of anxiety as Rick Scott era begins By Mitch Perry Creative Loafing Tuesday at noon Rick Scott will officially become the next governor of the great state of Florida. Unlike any other elected official we can think of in recent times, the chief official comes into office with his ratings down from his performance at the polls last November. End-of-course tests better than FCAT? By Opinion Staff Palm Beach Post For years Florida students, teachers and parents have griped about the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY New directions Editorial Miami Herald South Florida has long counted on sunshine and surf for its fortunes, attracting tourists and growing trade. But without visionary leaders to look for new opportunities ahead, we'll lose out. Rick Scott won't back down on promise to cut taxes By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune Gov.-elect Rick Scott, who will be sworn in next Tuesday, has no plans to back off his campaign pledge to cut property taxes by 19 percent in the coming year, even though the state's financial picture has worsened in the months since he first made that promise. Scott Becomes Governor Vowing to Cut Florida’s Workforce by 5% By Simone Baribeau Business Week Rick Scott, a former health-care executive who spent a record $78 million running for Florida governor, takes office vowing to cut the state workforce by 5 percent to help close a $3.5 billion budget deficit. Personal bankruptcies in Florida rise 16.5 percent in 2010 By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Florida posted the seventh-biggest jump in personal bankruptcies in the country last year, increasing 16.5 percent from 2009, according to an American Bankruptcy Institute report released Monday. Fla. has decades worth of development capacity Associated Press Florida's planning chief says it'll take decades to use up development capacity approved over the last four years. HEALTH AND SENIORS In Florida, a slow start to early health-reform insurance perk By Jeremy Cox Florida Times-Union For the thousands of Floridians who can’t get health insurance because they are already sick, the new health-reform law promises a lifeline: an insurance plan designed just for them priced at standard market rates. Rick Scott has yet to appoint head of agency that could investigate Solantic complaint By Liz Freeman Naples Daily News Nobody’s at the helm of the massive Florida Department of Health that’s in charge of licensing and wrongdoing investigations of medical professionals and for responding to public-health emergencies. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE, AND SOCIAL ISSUES Florida state legislator crafting Arizona-style immigration law By John Lantigua South Florida Sun-Sentinel The debate over the adoption of an Arizona-type immigration law for Florida is going on front burners statewide, and Palm Beach County will be one of the hot spots for that discussion. Unlikely law beats the odds By Zac Anderson Sarasota Herald-Tribune Her divorce was getting nasty and Carolyn Ann Vlk was afraid her Czech husband would flee the country with their young son. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Drywall insurance coverage still possible By Duane Marsteller Bradenton Herald A recent court ruling could close the door on homeowners insurance coverage of corrosive imported drywall, but attorneys say other, more-likely recovery avenues remain open.

Daily Clips for January 3, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Rick Scott governor inaugural set, fundraising at about $3 million By Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster Naples Daily News Related: Is a lavish inauguration too much? The ballots were counted months ago, but the numbers keep rolling in: Nearly $3 million raised; 74 parade participants and one inaugural ball. Teachers, parents set stage for education war By Cara Fitzpatrick South Florida Sun-Sentinel Teachers and like-minded parents have struck first in an expected statewide battle over education changes being proposed by Gov.-elect Rick Scott's transition team. New health-care rules to take effect By David A. Fahrenthold Washington Post The new year will bring important changes to U.S. health-insurance rules, as new provisions related to last year's massive health-care overhaul take effect. FLORIDA POLITICS State to tackle pension reform By Derek Catron Daytona Beach News-Journal Related: Rick Scott worries Florida's pension fund is in even worse shape than we know Former Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello made no secret of his hope to reform the state pension plan when he ran for the Florida House, and he was challenged for it -- facing a police union official in the Republican primary and a former school district official in the November general election. Gov.-elect Rick Scott aims for bold jump-start with sweeping reforms By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Florida's schools, prisons and state government are on the verge of massive overhauls as Gov.-elect Rick Scott prepares to be sworn in Tuesday with an ambitious conservative agenda. Enter: Swinging. Exit: Much the Same Way. By Michael Barbaro New York Times He has zero faith in the incoming speaker of the House, John A. Boehner, whom he calls a “tool of special interest.” Rick Scott's hands off his wealth By Jim Ash Pensacola News-Journal It's the $218 million question. How will Rick Scott, the wealthiest man ever elected Florida governor, put distance between the first public office he's ever held and the private fortune that fueled his rise to the top? Lawmaker seeks Choose Life changes By Bill Thompson Gainesville Sun In an effort to increase access to funding for adoption groups, one state lawmaker is proposing an overhaul of the law governing Florida’s Choose Life specialty license plates. Florida's congressional delegation faces tough task in working together By William E. Gibson Orlando Sentinel Can the Florida members of Congress find a way to get along? POLITICAL RACES Rivals line up to challenge Sen. Nelson in 2012 By Bart Jansen Pensacola News-Journal Republicans are wasting no time lining up to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY What 1970s reveal about Florida's future Editorial Tampa Tribune Gov. Rick Scott's "Regulatory Reform Transition Team" has proudly unveiled an ambitious plan to make the state business-friendly. Gulf spill task force chief faces daunting cleanup McClatchy News Service John Hankinson Jr., a veteran of many of Florida's biggest environmental battles, is now the federal government's point man for one of the nation's most pressing challenges: cleaning up the Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. Buying land for bears: Nature group gets creative to raise money By Martin E. Comas Orlando Sentinel In an offbeat music video posted on YouTube, an actor in a bear costume uses an elevator, shops at a grocery store, gets locked out of his hotel room and lounges by a backyard pool reading a magazine next to an overturned garbage can. EDUCATION Gov.-elect Rick Scott eyes 'game-changing' education overhaul By Leslie Postal and Dave Weber Orlando Sentinel Gov.-elect Rick Scott wants Florida parents in the driver's seat when it comes to their children's education, and he's considering a number of ways to put them there despite questions and criticism from school leaders. The Attack On American Education By Robert Reich Wall Street Pit Over the long term, the only way we’re going to raise wages, grow the economy, and improve American competitiveness is by investing in our people — especially their educations. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Scott wants to focus on new jobs By Bill Cotterell Florida Today As the first governor in 44 years with no experience in public office, Rick Scott wants to change how Florida does business - and business is what he is all about. State contracts key in producing jobs By Douglas C. Lyons South Florida Sun-Sentinel Here's a New Year's resolution that will spur Florida's economy and help state government get serious about creating jobs: Improve the state's record on minority vendor spending. There's not enough of it. Deep Hole Economics By Paul Krugman New York Times If there’s one piece of economic wisdom I hope people will grasp this year, it’s this: Even though we may finally have stopped digging, we’re still near the bottom of a very deep hole. Florida Citrus Commission Will Study Chinese Competitors' Impact By Kevin Bouffard Lakeland Ledger After so many world business leaders and economists focused on China during the past decade, the crouching dragon has now drawn attention of the Florida citrus industry. Tax funds flow to suburban Boca Raton felon's day cares By Jane Musgrave Palm Beach Post When it comes to Judy Perlin, state investigators and federal prosecutors agree: The 59-year-old suburban Boca Raton woman has misused federal and state programs designed to help poor children and their families. A look ahead: Budget biggest problem for Lee County this year By Chris Umpierre Fort Myers News-Press With Lee County slated to bring in $34 million less in property tax revenue this year, Lee commissioners will likely have to cut some residents' services, conduct layoffs or raise taxes. Jackson Lab project’s future could hinge on key decisions in early 2011 By Liz Freeman Naples Daily News The contentious Jackson Lab project may face its death if Gov.-elect Rick Scott shuts the door to state funding. HEALTH AND SENIORS Obama Signs Bill to Help 9/11 Workers By Sheryl Gay Stolberg New York Times President Obama took time out of his Hawaiian vacation on Sunday to sign into law one of the surprise accomplishments of the lame-duck Congress: a measure covering the cost of medical care for rescue workers and others sickened by toxic fumes and dust after the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Florida's oldest resident dies at 112 Associated Press Onie Ponder, Florida's oldest resident and one of the oldest people in the world, has died, her son said Saturday. She was 112. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE, AND SOCIAL ISSUES Political Battle on Illegal Immigration Shifts to States By Julia Preston New York Times Legislative leaders in at least half a dozen states say they will propose bills similar to a controversial law to fight illegal immigration that was adopted by Arizona last spring, even though a federal court has suspended central provisions of that statute. Child abuse reports rise in South Florida, officials say By Jerome Burdi South Florida Sun-Sentinel South Florida has seen a rise in child-abuse cases and officials are calling for more awareness after a year in which the state's social service agency has investigated some gruesome ones. Jacksonville imam’s interfaith work hooks Gov.-elect Rick Scott By Jeff Brumley Florida Times-Union Jacksonville Imam Enrique Rasheed sees no spiritual or political contradictions in praying for and with conservative Christians and Republicans, many of whom are openly distrustful of Muslims these days. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Pill Mills, Gangs on Pam Bondi's Radar By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times Related: AG-elect Pam Bondi taps Dave Aronberg to newly created position of special counsel for her pill mill initiative New hires and changes in the structure of the Attorney General's Office have set the stage for Pam Bondi's tenure as the first woman to serve as Florida's chief legal officer. 'Stand Your Ground' cases on the rise By Jay Stapleton Daytona Beach News-Journal A decade-old law that gives criminal immunity to some people who defend themselves with knives, fists, sticks or guns is rearing its head more frequently in Volusia County courtrooms.