Daily Clips for March 7, 2011

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Protestors to rally on Legislature's opening day By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Excerpt: Their goal is to oppose what they consider "draconian budget cuts to every walk of life,'' said Damien Filer of Progress Florida, one of the rally organizers. "The overarching message is Florida simply cannot afford the drastic cuts in this budget that are going to hurt everybody from teachers to firefighters to hospitals to all those people they serve.'' Instead, they say, the state should be focused on closing corporate loopholes... Rallies from left to right mark session opening By John Kennedy Palm Beach Post Excerpt: Teachers, government employees, cops and firefighters form the core of those pushing back against proposed pension overhauls, but expected reductions in schools and health-care programs are drawing more opponents, said Damien Filer of Progress Florida. “I’ve heard from a lot of people who say, `this is going to be my first rally of any kind,’” Filer said. Legislators face conflicting pressures in 2011 session By Ryan Mills Naple Daily News Excerpt: "It's a matter of whether it becomes a train wreck, or just a conveyor belt of special interest victories, lining the pockets of lobbyists," Mark Ferrulo, executive director of the liberal nonprofit Progress Florida, said of the session. Rallies set in Naples, Cape Coral to Awake the State to Rick Scott, budget cuts By Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster Naples Daily News Excerpt: Damien Filer, a spokesman for Progress Florida, said his organization, along with Florida Watch Action Inc. and America Votes, set up a Facebook page for the Awake the State movement and “almost overnight” thousands of people signed up to see how they could get their voices heard. Competing Protests Kick Off Tense Legislative Session By Zac Anderson Sarasota Herald-Tribune Excerpt: “Floridians are incredulous about the fact that our teachers and middle class working families are under attack,” said Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo. Big Cuts For Us, Big Salaries For Them - AwakeTheState.com By Vicki Impoco Florida Today Floridians seem to thrive on electing politicians that serve themselves and special interests rather than their constituents. FEATURED STORIES GOP legislators dig in for deep cuts By John Kennedy Palm Beach Post Facing the worst budget year in memory, new Republican Gov. Rick Scott and the GOP-packed Florida Legislature begin the 2011 session this week, pledging to slash spending and make good on campaign pledges that powered them last fall. Schools staring at a 'Grand Canyon' of cuts in funding By Jeffrey S. Solochek St. Petersburg Times Related: Florida lawmakers file bills to give private-school vouchers to all After looming in the offing for two years, a long-expected education funding cliff is about to hit Florida. Deferring to others not on his agenda By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Sen. J.D. Alexander's cell phone buzzed with a six-word text message: "We just killed high speed rail." No high-speed rail for Florida; Court rules for Scott, feds move to give money to someone else By Janet Zink and Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related editorial: The end of the (rail) line The decades-old dream of high-speed rail in Florida died Friday when the state Supreme Court turned down a last-minute lawsuit to save the project and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced he would send Florida's $2.4 billion to other states. Poison Pen Politics By Gail Collins New York Times We may be embarking on a new era in politics, in which candidates and officials are just as likely to be brought down by bad writing as adultery. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Dana Summers Orlando Sentinel FLORIDA POLITICS Focused Cannon ready to wield power as new Florida House Speaker By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau A gator head from a guided hunt rests on a shelf, dozens of jagged teeth displayed in a ferocious smile. Senate president walks political tightrope By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Mike Haridopolos was nervous, almost anguished. Ambitious Agenda Puts Fla. in Hot Seat By Lloyd Dunkelberger Lakeland Ledger Gov. Rick Scott is on a mission to reshape Florida government by aggressively cutting taxes, regulations and spending. Gov. Rick Scott looks to tea party for help By Anthony Man South Florida Sun-Sentinel Gov Rick Scott said Friday he’ll need Republicans from across the state, and especially tea party activists, to come to his aid during the upcoming legislative session. Scott pledges millions to Port of Miami project By Lesley Clark Miami Herald Miami’s effort to deep dredge its port to accommodate mega-vessels got a major boost Friday when Gov. Rick Scott said the state will contribute $77 million to the project. Trying to look behind the curtain of the Scott administration By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Gov. Rick Scott may want to run Florida like a 21st Century business, but he has decided that there’s one thing the state’s CEO doesn’t need. And that’s e-mail. Session will focus on budget cuts, tenure, merit pay By Sherri Ackerman and Elaine Silvestrini Tampa Tribune How lawmakers handle budget cuts and school reform could change the face of education in Florida. A user's guide to avoiding the next 'Taj' By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Was the new $50 million "Taj Mahal" built by the 1st District Court of Appeal a one-time breakdown of the state's budgeting process or could someone else hijack the state's budgeting process and walk away with a luxurious new building? State employees haven't had this much at stake since 1950s By Bill Cotterell Florida Today For state employees, the 2011 legislative session will be a pivotal 60 days with their salaries, pensions, health insurance — even their jobs — on the bargaining table as legislators grapple with a $3.6-billion shortage in state revenues. Will Florida lawmakers target unions? By Derek Catron Daytona Beach News-Journal Laura Cloer has been lobbying for more education funding since her 21-year-old daughter was in kindergarten. Legislature leans to the right in 2011 By James Call WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee The Speaker of the Florida House and the Senate President are seeing their time in office being defined by a budget crisis. Newcomers start as insiders By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times To illustrate a point, let's consider the vote cast last year to adopt the current state budget of Florida. Florida House Democrats have choice of two for thankless job By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times When the Legislature reconvenes for the 2011 regular session next week, a truly thankless job will be up for grabs. 25 under 30: Florida’s rising young political class By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 They sometimes start out as drivers, errand boys or executive assistants to the state’s most powerful in politics and government. Stop games on redistricting Editorial Pensacola News Journal Whatever critics have been able to say about Florida Gov. Rick Scott, it's been hard to slam him for playing "politics as usual." POLITICAL RACES Political red meat not on Barack Obama's Florida menu By Abby Phillip Politico At the first political fundraisers he’s attended since the November “shellacking,” President Barack Obama on Friday surprised a crowd of supporters anxious to get “fired up” by sticking to the message of bipartisan civility that he has settled into in recent months. Maverick Connie Mack keeps GOP Senate field waiting on 2012 run By Adam C. Smith and Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Connie Mack IV is blessed with a golden political name that would make him an instant Republican front-runner against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Lawmakers help muddy the waters around us By Carl Hiaasen Miami Herald A few years ago, residents along the eastern St. Lucie River watched in disgust as the waterway turned green with a foul slime that wouldn’t go away. In environmental regulation, Florida wants to be left alone By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times In 1845, when Florida inaugurated its first governor, a group of citizens presented him with a proposed state flag that summed up their feeling toward the rest of the country. Florida may team up with Jack Nicklaus to build golf courses on state park lands By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Florida could allow the construction of at least five golf courses on state park lands under a proposal filed Friday that will likely come under fire from environmentalists. Debate over energy legislation comes down to jobs By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau The legislative debate over the future of alternative energy in Florida has come down to, not surprisingly, jobs. The question is whose jobs. An environmental disaster Editorial Orlando Sentinel For Florida's politicians, this ought to be elementary: Protect the environment because the environment drives Florida's economy — and because good stewards of the economy win elections. LGBT Speaker John Boehner says House may go to court to defend federal gay marriage ban By Laurie Kellman Associated Press House Speaker John Boehner said Friday the House may go to court to defend the federal law against gay marriage, which President Barack Obama's administration has concluded is unconstitutional. EDUCATION Obama, Jeb Bush share stage, educational philosophies at Miami Central appearance By John Lantigua Palm Beach Post If you're not going to try and beat them, you might as well join them -- at least for the day. Obama's odd embrace of Jeb Bush By Anthony Cody Washington Post President Obama last week proved his point. Education is not a partisan issue. Change coming to education By Marcia Lane St. Augustine Record The state Legislature is on the verge of making major changes in the way educators are paid. More online education is a virtual certainty By Elaine Silvestrini Tampa Tribune It's been 14 years since Florida started teaching children online, and the state now is a national leader with the largest virtual K-12 school in the country. Tempest over teachers Editorial St. Petersburg Times As the Florida Legislature opens its annual session Tuesday, it will wade back into the controversial debate about how to pay and evaluate teachers. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Budget brawl set to get under way Tuesday By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel After two months of skirmishing, Gov. Rick Scott and the Republican-led Florida Legislature are finally getting to work. Major pension reform battle looms in Legislature By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau As 90-year-old Ed Hoffman stood before a House committee and urged them "not to reduce the benefits for officers and law enforcement who put their lives on the line," his eyes welled up with tears. If Florida lawmakers listen to Citizens, home insurance rates may climb By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau The free market could cost insurance customers millions of dollars this legislative session. Can new ideas restore shine to Florida's brand? By Michael Kruse St. Petersburg Times Gov. Rick Scott last week took two days to head out on Visit Florida's four-city whirlwind "Share a Little Sunshine" tour, promoting Florida to frozen folks in Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago. National unemployment down to 8.9%, though state lags behind By Kevin McQuaid Sarasota Herald-Tribune Unemployment nationally dipped to a nearly two-year low of 8.9 percent in February amid higher-than-anticipated job gains, evidence that the U.S. economic recovery may finally be gaining sustained traction. Floridians may get fewer federal unemployment benefits, if state insurance cut By Marcia Heroux Pounds South Florida Sun-Sentinel Florida residents who lose their jobs will get fewer unemployment benefits than residents in any other state if a House bill reducing benefits is passed, says a national advocacy group for the unemployed. HEALTH AND SENIORS Sides gird up for Medicaid fight By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau In Florida, poverty is big business. Anti-abortion lawmakers gear up for session By Zac Anderson Ocala Star-Banner Florida is poised to join a trio of other states this year in requiring any woman seeking an abortion to get an ultrasound, as conservatives in state government look to exert their increased power over social, as well as fiscal, issues. ‘Patients’ Right to Know’ returns By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Six years after Florida voters approved the "Patients' Right to Know" amendment, hospitals are still challenging its implementation. Drug monitoring program worth saving By Al Lamberti and Marcelo Llorente South Florida Sun-Sentinel Less government. Less state regulation. Less government intrusion in our every day. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Florida proposal to allow guns on college campuses draws opposition locally By Leslie Williams Hale Naples Daily News On college campuses where the most dangerous weapons allowed are pocket knives and pepper spray, concealed firearms soon could be legal. Punishment for punishment's sake Editorial Gainesville Sun Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi wants to make it harder for convicted felons to get their civil rights restored. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS A constitutional showdown over high-speed rail By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Civics students, take note! We had a constitutional showdown in Florida last week involving all three branches of our government.

Daily Clips for March 4, 2011

FEATURED STORIES Challenge to Scott's rejection of high-speed rail is in court's hands By Janet Zink and Philip Morgan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau With two state senators charging that Gov. Rick Scott overstepped his executive authority by killing Florida's high-speed rail line without consulting the Legislature, Scott's attorney took a strong stance Thursday in oral arguments before the Florida Supreme Court. Judge: States must continue with health overhaul By Melissa Nelson Associated Press A federal judge who declared President Barack Obama's health care overhaul unconstitutional ruled Thursday that states must continue implementing it while the case makes its way through the courts. Rick Scott Hates Health Care Reform, But Will Take The $35 Million It Provides By Jason Linkins Huffington Post Shiny-pated Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) has never been shy about his opposition to the Affordable Care Act. President Obama to address students at improved school in Miami-Dade with former Gov. Jeb Bush By John Lantigua Palm Beach Post President Obama will address students and faculty at Miami Central High School today, where he will be joined by an unusual political bedfellow -- former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. Observe, get mad and take action By Bill Van Arsdale Naples Daily News OK, so let me get this straight. Gov. Rick Scott has to cut the Florida budget by $4.6 billion to balance to books. BEST OF THE BLOGS Check out the ranking of Florida’s Top 75+ Political Tweeters By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 Now that the Washington Post has released its list of the must-follow political Tweeters in Florida, what better time is there to publish a list of the top 75+ political Tweeters in Florida, based on their score on Klout.com, which increasingly seems to be the benchmark by which Twitter accounts are measured. Destroy Florida, an explosive new C-4 By Gimleteye Eye On Miami C4 is a type of plastic explosive. It is also the IRS designation of certain political action committees that are now springing to life since the Bush Supreme Court gave "personhood" to corporations, unleashing an avalanche of special interest, corporate money against the public. Money for nothing? Florida Senate president Haridopolos’ sweet book deal By Joy-Ann Reid The Reid Report Based on his latest scandal, Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos shouldn’t just run for Bill Nelson’s seat. Florida GOP Keeps Upping "Anti" Ante By Daniel Tilson The Examiner Where to begin? Maybe, with the 2011 budget proposed by Governor Rick Scott, the one that's anti-education and anti-community, cutting hundreds of millions from public schools and community support services - while proposing a doubling of his own salary and steep increases in the overall Executive Branch budget. Rick Scott Railroads The Facts On FOX By Inkberries Beach Peanuts Gov. Rick Scott, under pressure to answer the lawsuit filed against him yesterday with the Florida Supreme Court that would force him to accept federal funds for the state high-speed rail project, took time out from his costly "Share A Little Sunshine" advertising tour to peddle his fact-free excuses for not taking the money. Scared! Florida Chamber’s Lies and Smears About “Awake the State” By Bruce Seaman Daily Marion The Florida Chamber of Commerce has taken a moment away from sucking wealth from Florida taxpayers for its big corporate supporters to engage in smears and lies with a brand new radio ad. FLORIDA POLITICS Conservative groups’ spending dwarfed unions in 2010 By William March Tampa Tribune While labor unions spent about $47 million through independent political committees on the 2010 election, just four conservative groups spent more than twice as much, according to a study by the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks money and influence in politics. Florida CFO rejects bills for furniture, photos at 'Taj Mahal' courthouse By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Florida's taxpayers will not pay all of the bills for furnishing the posh new 1st District Court of Appeal building, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said. Scott to start charging for public records request By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times Gov. Rick Scott's communication director Brian Burgess sent a memo to interested media today that his office would start charging for public records. Second GOP senator backs off opposition to Scott and hi-speed rail By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Sen. Mike Bennett reversed his opposition to Gov. Rick Scott’s rejection of $2.4 billion for a high-speed rail project from Orlando to Tampa. Florida Chamber airs radio spot attacking ‘Wisconsin-style’ union protests By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel The Florida Chamber of Commerce – itself a powerful and well-monied interest group in state politics – is airing a radio spot going after “government unions” that are ”grappling for money and power” by protesting outside three Central Florida lawmakers’ offices. Senator's $152,000 tax-funded book a cloistered gem By Frank Cerabino Palm Beach Post It's good to see that the brilliance of Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos is finally ripe for sharing. Florida Sen. John Thrasher discusses lawmaker's unenviable to-do list By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union Facing the prospect of having to revamp the Medicaid system, push education reforms opposed by educators, redraw the state's political lines and fill a nearly $4 billion budget gap, the job of Florida lawmaker may soon find itself next to elephant scooper on the list of the world's least enviable professions. Florida Legislature: Challenges ahead Editorial Florida Times-Union Dean Cannon, speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, was kind enough to stop by the Times-Union editorial board recently. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Hard winter for Gulf manatees, as well as dolphins By Janet McConnaughey Associated Press Cold weather has taken a toll for the second year in a row on one of the Gulf Coast's most interesting creatures - the gentle, half-ton manatees that winter in Florida waters and that some believe have inspired legends about mermaids. Bondi, Scott, Feinberg on the same page for improving oil spill claims process By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Oil Spill claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg has agreed to improvements in the oil spill claims process sought by Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi, which include paying 25 percent of all pending claims by the end of this month and improving access to local accountants, according to a news release sent out by the governor’s office on Thursday. EDUCATION Broward private schools benefit from vouchers while public schools are strapped By Cara Fitzpatrick and John Maines South Florida Sun-Sentinel A dramatic expansion of a state voucher program for low-income students is bringing in big money for some private schools at a time when public schools are feeling squeezed. New voucher bill 'smacks of favoritism,' critics say By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times For years, private-school vouchers have been slammed as a drain on public school funding and a violation of church-state separation. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Governor gets 3,000 petitions for high speed rail By James Call WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee Representatives from a coalition supporting high speed rail Thursday delivered a petition to Governor Rick Scott's office. TABOR tussle ahead By John Kennedy Palm Beach Post With the Florida Senate poised to approve a strict state spending cap possibly as early as next week’s opening days of the legislative session, opponents are trying to marshal forces. Naples lawmaker may drop bid to require volunteer work by people on unemployment By Ryan Mills Naples Daily News It takes work to find work. Public stations gasp for air By Bob Rathgeber Ft. Myers News-Press Budget cuts in Washington and Tallahassee have Rick Johnson on edge. Farmworkers to protest Publix this weekend (audio interview) By Robert Lorei WMNF Community Radio Tampa Our guest is a spokesperson for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. HEALTH AND SENIORS State employee health insurance fund projected to run out of money in two years By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune The main account used to pay for state employees' health insurance is projected to run out of money sometime in the next two years if no changes are made. White House Drug Czar Visits Tallahassee, Says Prescription Drug Database Effective By James L. Rosica Associated Press White House drug czar Gil Kerlikowske said Thursday that he is encouraged that Florida may move forward with a planned statewide database for tracking prescription drugs. Florida judge: States should move forward with federal health care law By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson, who in January ruled the federal health care law unconstitutional, ruled today that states should move forward with enacting the law while the case works its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Targeting the poor first Editorial Miami Herald The U.S. House of Representatives has declared war on Planned Parenthood, the nonprofit provider of affordable reproductive healthcare to millions of women and teens who otherwise couldn’t afford to get it. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Bondi is open to helping ex-cons get a job, but not vote By Brent Henzi Florida Tribune Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday modified her stance on restoring civil rights for ex-convicts, suggesting that she is open to allowing former prisoners to apply for a professional license without getting their rights restored. Right-wing organizations tout ‘anti-Shariah’ law filed in Tallahassee By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent State Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, last month filed an “Application of Foreign Law” bill for the legislative session that begins next Tues., March 8. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS It takes a systems approach to improve public safety in Florida By Jim McDonough St. Petersburg Times Florida seems to realize that it can no longer afford to purchase public safety at exorbitant prices that offer little return on investment. Gainesville businessman admits paying kickbacks to former Florida Corrections officials By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Gainesville businessman Edward Lee Dugger has admitted paying kickbacks to former Florida Corrections officials to gain access to a prison canteen business that provides snacks and other items to inmates and visiting family members.

Daily Clips for March 3, 2011

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Personhood Florida leader’s comments ‘jaw-dropping,’ a ‘bad assumption’ and ‘beyond the pale’ By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Excerpt: Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo blasts Longworth for saying many of his critics have “participated in taking their own child’s life.” “This is just a jaw-dropping statement that further illustrates how on the fringe these people are,” Ferrulo says. “They aren’t getting much support, so that angst is coming forth through these absurd, rhetorical fluorishes. We all say things when we’re frustrated, but this one is really beyond the pale.” Major protest against Rick Scott’s agenda planned in Tampa & Clearwater for March 8 By Mitch Perry Creative Loafing Tampa Excerpt: “Awake the State” is the name of the major protests being planned up and down Florida next Tuesday, March 8, the first day that the Florida Legislature convenes for their 2011 regular session…There is a plethora of local groups that are helping to organize the rally, including the Florida Consumer Action Network, Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, Hillsborough Parents Teacher Association, Hillsborough Schools Employees Federation, West Central Labor Council, National Nurses United, the Refuge, Poor People’s Human Rights Campaign, the Tampa chapter of NOW, Equality Florida, Progress Florida, Florida Watch Action, and others. FEATURED STORIES Scott squares off against senators over rail funds By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News With the clock ticking on $2.4 billion in federal funding and possibly 24,000 jobs, attorneys for Gov. Rick Scott and two state senators will square off in the Florida Supreme Court today in a politically charged showdown over separation of powers. Activists plan protests against Florida Gov. Scott's proposals By Anthony Man South Florida Sun-Sentinel After simmering for days on the Internet, opposition to Gov. Rick Scott's budget-cutting proposals is about to boil over into the streets — where activists opposing the governor will find tea party activists ready to defend their champion. Haridopolos' $152,000 book now available online By Brendan Farrington Associated Press Related: Excerpts from Sen. President Haridopolos' book Senate President Mike Haridopolos' $152,000, four-year-old book became available Wednesday to anyone with a Kindle. Reject Gov. Scott's proposal to eliminate trust funds Editorial Orlando Sentinel The details of the budget process in Florida might seem like a subject that would matter only to accountants. FLORIDA POLITICS Gov. Rick Scott says senators want court to push their failed rail policies By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related PolitiFact article: U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown overstates Florida high-speed rail job figures Gov. Rick Scott says two state senators suing him because he rejected federal money to build high-speed rail want the court to push their failed policies. Activists, Fla. AG disagree over felons' rights By James L. Rosica Associated Press Civil rights leaders met Wednesday with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, voicing their opposition to her call to halt the current practice of automatically restoring voting and other rights to nonviolent felons in the state once their sentences are up. Democrats stand up for ‘Fair Districts’ amendment in court By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent In a motion filed yesterday, state Sen. Arthenia Joyner and state Reps. Janet Cruz, Luis Garcia, Joe Gibbons and Perry Thurston (all Democrats) have asked to join the lawsuit challenging Amendment 6 — one of the two “Fair Districts” amendments that limit the legislature’s power to gerrymander districts — in order to defend it. Sweeping bill would boost power of ethics panel to investigate elected officials By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune A sweeping bill meant to boost the power of the state’s ethics commission has been filed by Sen. Mike Fasano. Bill would garnish wages of elected employees with unpaid fines By Brent Henzi Florida Tribune As the Commission on Ethics continues to weigh whether to pursue nearly 300 unpaid fines from elected officials totaling more than $300,000, legislation was filed on Tuesday that would garnish wages until fines are paid in full. Florida auto insurers seek more power to fight fraud By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Let's agree that we need to fight auto insurance fraud in Florida. Scott to give first State of State speech at 6 p.m. By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times Gov. Rick Scott will deliver his first State of the State speech at 6 p.m. next Tuesday. Fla. reflects partisan divide in vote delaying U.S. government shutdown for 2 weeks By George Bennett Palm Beach Post The U.S. government won't grind to a halt Friday after bipartisan House and Senate votes this week to finance another two weeks of federal operations. Sen. Nelson files Holocaust survivors’ bill By Jay Weaver Miami Herald U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who faced a protest planned by Holocaust survivors at his Miami Beach fundraiser Friday with President Barack Obama, has filed legislation that would give hundreds of victims the right to sue European companies for millions of dollars in unpaid life insurance claims. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Sen. Marco Rubio wants to use budget resolution to stop EPA By Alex Leary and Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, wants to insert a measure in the forthcoming budget resolution that would bar the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing water pollution rules that business groups in Florida oppose. Bills filed to streamline state permitting processes By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune Bills that would seek to streamline state agency permitting for a variety of possible projects have been filed in the House and Senate. AIF pushes back, slowly, on Glades study By John Kennedy Palm Beach Post One of Florida’s biggest business lobbies fired back Wednesday at the Everglades Foundation — disputing a four-month-old report by the environmental group which touted the economic benefits of restoring its namesake, fabled swamp. BP withholds majority of 2010 bonus payments By Jane Wardell Associated Press BP is blocking bonuses to executives who were responsible for operations in the Gulf of Mexico during last year's disastrous well blowout, including former CEO Tony Hayward and former head of exploration and production Andy Inglis. EDUCATION Two sides make their pitch on the teacher pay issue By Kim McGrory Miami Herald Consider it an education showdown. Teachers to reaffirm merit-pay opposition By Chris Umpierre Ft. Myers News-Press For years, Cape Coral Elementary teacher Debbie Leith's pay has been based on her seniority and advanced degrees. It's FCAT Writing time. Do you know who's scoring your child's exam? By Jeff Solochek St. Petersburg Times As fourth, eighth and tenth graders across Florida write their hearts out (really?) for the FCAT, we thought it appropriate to consider who will evaluate their work and decide whether they're meeting grade level expectations. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Florida's low corporate taxes not its biggest draw, survey finds By Mary Shanklin Orlando Sentinel When Italian bottle-cap maker Pelliconi Group looked at sites for its first U.S. factory, corporate-tax rates weren't top of mind. Hays says bill would help stem "coming tsunami" of commercial foreclosures By Kim MacQueen Florida Tribune A bill filed by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, would make it much easier for banks to foreclose on commercial mortgage holders -- so easy that they wouldn’t need the courts at all. Questions for Tallahassee Orlando Sentinel Why do we bemoan shortfalls in state revenue when the Legislature could re-examine the more than 244 sales-tax exemptions and subsidies on the books? Florida casinos remain 'recession proof' By Michael Vasquez Miami Herald Casinos were once considered largely “recession-proof,” but the deep economic slump of the past few years did serious damage to the profits of casino havens such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. HEALTH AND SENIORS Scott: We’ll take the $35.7M By Carol Gentry Health News Florida Gov. Rick Scott will allow a state agency to accept a $35.7-million federal health grant, even though the funds flow from a law that Scott hates and says is invalid. Fighting Obama, not helping Floridians Editorial St. Petersburg Times President Barack Obama extended an olive branch this week to opponents of health care reform by agreeing to let states act sooner to create their own programs. Patients, doctors irked at Medicaid HMOs By Brittany Davis Health News Florida In the five years since Florida Medicaid launched an experiment in private managed care, Leslie Rosenstock says, her disabled son has been shuffled through three HMOs. Fla. health agency revamp would end primary-care cash for county departments By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post The Florida Department of Health has proposed a sweeping plan to reorganize --- and shrink -- its operations. 5 from WellCare indicted By Jose Patino Girona Tampa Tribune Five former executives of Tampa-based WellCare Health Plans were indicted Wednesday for allegedly defrauding the Florida Medicaid program, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Stearns gives gun bill another shot By Bill Thompson Gainesville Sun For 16 years U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns has advocated allowing concealed-weapons permit holders to carry their handguns across state lines. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Meggs says cost shouldn't be a factor when arguing death penalty By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News State Attorney Willie Meggs, preparing for a death-penalty sentencing in a grisly Big Bend case, today disputed state Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda’s argument that belt-tightening legislators could save millions by ending capital punishment in Florida. ACLU appeals Judge Perry's anti-pamphletting order By Rene Stutzman Orlando Sentinel The American Civil Liberties Union on Wednesday filed a petition with a Daytona Beach appeals court, saying Orange-Osceola Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. went too far when he banned a group from handing out leaflets to people reporting for jury duty at the Orange and Osceola County Courthouses.

Daily Clips for March 2, 2011

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Florida budget cutters focus on public employees By Bill Kaczor Associated Press Excerpt: "Awake the State" protests against Scott's proposals are being organized in Tallahassee and elsewhere in Florida on the Legislature's opening day by liberal groups such as Progress Florida and America Votes. FEATURED STORIES Supreme Court fast-tracks Fla. senators' suit to stop Scott from refusing federal rail money By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Just short of three months on the job, Gov. Rick Scott is being challenged in court by two senators, one a fellow Republican, over his rejection of $2.4 billion of federal funds for a high-speed rail project. Rick Scott Competes With Scott Walker For Most Isolated GOP Governor By Sam Stein Huffington Post The theatrics of Wisconsin's ongoing budget protests have left the impression that there is no more isolated governor in the country than Scott Walker. Florida Governor Rick Scott: Sanford, Minus Sex Scandal By Tim Padgett Time Magazine Florida Governor Rick Scott gives off a wide-eyed glow of certainty about everything he does. Jeb Bush to team up with Obama to promote education reform By Lesley Clark Miami Herald President Barack Obama will share a political stage at a Miami high school Friday with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, giving the president's education initiative a bipartisan boost. The writer's life: Haridopolos' actions speak volumes Editorial Tallahassee Democrat Within a week, the Florida Legislature convenes for what may be one of the most contentious sessions ever. FLORIDA POLITICS Sens. Arthenia Joyner, Thad Altman sue Gov. Rick Scott over high-speed rail By Janet Zink and Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Barely two months after taking office, Gov. Rick Scott's increasingly tense relations with the Legislature landed him in the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday when two state senators filed suit arguing he has overstepped the limits of his authority by rejecting federal money for high-speed rail. House leader “concerned” over investigation of Rep. Rivera By Lesley Clark Miami Herald The investigations into Rep. David Rivera’s finances have top House Republicans worried and looking to distance themselves from the freshman lawmaker. Haridopolos book betrays right wing stuff By Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel Our very own state Senate president is becoming a national joke. Caught in the cookie jar? Ho-hum, more of the same Editorial Pensacola News Journal The hits just keep coming from Tallahassee, don't they? POLITICAL RACES 2012 hopefuls heading to Florida for conservative gathering By Peter Hamby CNN Three Republicans seriously considering 2012 presidential bids are heading to Florida this weekend to participate in a closed-door gathering of fiscal conservatives. Rubio stands by early Florida primary By Juana Summers Politico As the gridlock between national Republicans and the Florida GOP leaders continues over the presidential primary calendar, Sen. Marco Rubio is firmly on the Sunshine State's side. Braynon defeats Celestin in Florida Senate race By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald Democrat Oscar Braynon II handily won a seat to the Florida Senate Tuesday, defeating Republican Joe Celestin in a rout in a special legislative election. Ferlita to face Buckhorn in runoff; Greco edged out By Christian M. Wade Tampa Tribune The political career of Dick Greco came to a dramatic end Tuesday, as former Tampa City Councilman Bob Buckhorn edged out the former mayor for a spot in the runoff. BALLOT INITIATIVES Putting power back in the hands of the people By John Hedrick Tampa Tribune Signs abound of citizens' dissatisfaction with their local and state governments. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY USF study finds beaches essentially cleaned of oil By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times The goopy oil and sticky tarballs that once tainted Florida's sugar-white beaches have been thoroughly cleaned up, and even the layers of buried oil beneath the sand are gone, according to a new study by University of South Florida scientists released Tuesday. First Deepwater Drilling Permit Since BP Spill Goes to … a Well Co-Owned by BP By Marian Wang ProPublica Offshore drilling regulators this week approved the first deepwater drilling permit since BP’s Deepwater Horizon disaster, and as many have pointed out, it’s going to a well owned and operated by Noble Energy. Opponents of growth ballot measure take new aim at Florida enviro groups By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com The group that led the opposition to the "Hometown Democracy" Amendment 4 last November said Tuesday that environmental groups continue to "wage a campaign of unchecked misinformation" Mysterious Florida panther deaths have officials concerned By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times Is it open season on Florida panthers? Conservationists hail Everglades court ruling Associated Press Palm Beach Post Conservationists are hailing a court ruling against the construction of a home improvement store on the edge of the Everglades in Miami-Dade County. LGBT Obama Advances Equality The Progress Report Think Progress Last Wednesday, in a sharp reversal of policy, the Obama administration announced that it believes that Section 3 of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) -- which prohibits the federal government from recognizing marriages of gay couples -- is unconstitutional and said that it would stop defending the law. Project SOS founder says she won’t work with ‘Kill the Gays’ pastor ‘in the foreseeable future’ By Andy Kopsa Florida Independent Responding to a Florida Independent story revealing ties between Project SOS, a federally funded Jacksonville abstinence education program, and Martin Ssempa, a controversial Ugandan pastor who supports a law in that country that prescribes the death penalty for homosexuality, program founder Pam Mullarkey says she wants to “dissociate and distance” herself from “allegations” about Ssempa made by “the US media.” EDUCATION Another effort to scale back Florida's school class-size mandates By Jeff Solochek St. Petersburg Times While some Florida lawmakers focus on making it easier for schools to meet the state's 2002 class-size rules, others are looking to make it less expensive to not meet the mandate. Florida school districts still over-criminalizing kids, says ACLU and NAACP By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Despite much-touted changes in state law in 2009, Florida school districts are still severely punishing too many kids for minor infractions, and still referring too many to law enforcement and the juvenile justice system, says a report due out today from the ACLU of Florida, the Florida State Conference of the NAACP and an outfit called the Advancement Project. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Gov. Rick Scott pushing tourism during cold states trip Associated Press South Florida Sun-Sentinel Florida Gov. Rick Scott is touting his state's sun, sand and even oysters as part of a pre-spring swing through cold-weather cities in a bid to lure more tourists south. Florida's future: Cloudy forecast Editorial Florida Times-Union In a way, the results are more revealing than surprising. HEALTH AND SENIORS DOH plan cuts 1,600 jobs By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Under fire from lawmakers, the Florida Department of Health has proposed a sweeping plan to reorganize --- and shrink -- its operations. Trujillo says science on fetal pain is inconclusive, still pushing forward on anti-abortion bill By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent State Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, said he filed House Bill 321 because he’s “pro-life, a devout Catholic and based on the scientific evidence,” he believes “you can have a debate on when a child can feel pain and when that fetus is viable.” Fla. Democrat wants to stop Medicaid privatization Associated Press Tampa Tribune Democratic state Rep. Elaine Schwartz is holding a hearing to dissuade federal health officials from allowing state lawmakers to privatize Florida's Medicaid system statewide. Medicare racket cashed in on recruited patients, feds say By Jay Weaver Miami Herald Leon Ciolkowski has struggled with alcoholism for much of his life. But with that disease, the 63-year-old man was not going to qualify for costly group therapy sessions at American Therapeutic Corp. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Fla. AG Bondi meeting with ACLU on felon rights Associated Press Tampa Tribune American Civil Liberties Union officials are meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi to discuss her proposal to end the automatic restoration of voting and other civil rights to nonviolent felons in Florida. Florida Legislators Push Immigration Bills By Laura Wides-Munoz Associated Press Tallahassee lawmakers are pushing for a watered-down version of Arizona's tough illegal immigration laws, saying it's part of a broad effort by states to enact laws that will force Washington to create a uniform set of immigration reforms. Palm Beach County urges state to ban Arizona-style high-capacity ammo clips By Jennifer Sorentrue Palm Beach Post Palm Beach County commissioners agreed this morning to urge state lawmakers to ban the sale of high-capacity gun magazines like the one used in the Arizona shooting that killed six and wounded U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Rehwinkel Vasilinda files bill to abolish state's death penalty By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News State Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda wants to abolish Florida's death penalty. Juvenile Justice Secretary favors therapeutic approach By Tonya Alanez South Florida Sun-Sentinel The state's new head of juvenile justice wants to duplicate across the state the results she helped bring about in Miami-Dade County, where juvenile arrests were cut in half and re-arrests plummeted.

Daily Clips for March 1, 2011

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS The Fix's best state-based political Tweeters By Chris Cillizza Washington Post Note: The Washington Post’s American politics reporter has named Progress Florida one of the “best state-based political Tweeters”. Follow us on Twitter at @ProgressFlorida. Florida citizens gear up to "Awake the State" March 8th (audio story) By Lisa Marzilli WMNF Community Radio Tampa Excerpt: Today on the Last Call we spoke with members of two organizations who are spearheading the Awake the State call to action scheduled for March 8, the opening day of the new legislative session. Mark Ferrulo is Executive Director of Progress Florida and Susannah Randolph heads the group Florida Watch Action. Personhood Florida leader: Many opponents have ‘participated in taking their own child’s life’ By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Excerpt: Big-name pro-choice groups like Planned Parenthood and Progress Florida have come out harshly against the personhood initiative, calling it a product of “radical anti-choice extremists.” FEATURED STORIES Lawmakers take aim at unions By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News In a move that could bring Wisconsin-style protests to Florida, four Republican legislators are sponsoring bills that would effectively wipe out collective bargaining for government employees. Gov. Rick Scott's Take on Education Reform is Textbook Jeb By Cynthia Barnett Florida Trend Gov. Rick Scott sees the school calendar as arbitrary, Florida's classrooms as a throwback to five decades ago and choices such as home schooling quashed by bureaucratic barriers. Budget cuts likey to kill Florida environmental programs; even Everglades restoration in danger By William E. Gibson South Florida Sun-Sentinel Eager to slash taxes and restrain government spending, Gov. Rick Scott and Republican budget-cutters in Congress are seeking to chop big chunks of state and federal funding for programs designed to preserve the natural environment. Gov. Rick Scott goes to the White House and smiles By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Gov. Rick Scott came face-to-face with his nemesis — President Barack Obama — and what did he do? A step backward on civil rights Editorial St. Petersburg Times Just as the Florida Legislature is advised that ex-felons should get more help re-entering society to reduce recidivism and prison populations, Attorney General Pam Bondi wants to make it harder for felons to get their civil rights restored. FLORIDA POLITICS Rick Scott and Florida Inc. By Amy Keller Florida Trend Related: Interview with Florida's Gov. Rick Scott The job of governor and that of chief executive officer of a corporation are very similar, says Bob Martinez, Florida's governor from 1987-91. Florida may face showdown over early 2012 primary By William March Tampa Tribune Florida may be headed for a showdown with the Republican Party and the early primary states over the date of its 2012 presidential primary. For Senate president Haridopolos, a sweetheart book deal By Fred Grimm Miami Herald Writers with less notable achievements than Florida Legislative History and Processes must have writhed in envy. Smith finds few stars in Democratic skies By Daniel Ruth St. Petersburg Times Consider that you are Rod Smith, the newly minted chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, an unenviable task somewhat akin to being given the reins managing the careers of Mel Gibson, Lindsay Lohan and Amy Winehouse. Rick Kriseman Has Become the Face of Recall By Ralph De La Cruz Florida Center for Investigative Reporting On Monday, I chatted with the man who, either willingly or unwillingly, has become the face of recall. Enterprise Florida names new president at Scott's urging By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau F. Gray Swoope Jr. of the Mississippi Development Authority was hired Monday as president of Enterprise Florida, the organization announced. Gov. Rick Scott loses a reason to slow Amends 5, 6 By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times Three days after Rick Scott was sworn in as governor he set about slowing down the process by which the federal government would approve of two highly popular state constitutional amendments, 5 and 6, concerning the way lawmakers draw legislative and congressional districts. Holocaust survivors to protest Sen. Nelson’s fundraiser By Jay Weaver Miami Herald A group of Holocaust survivors, who once considered themselves friends of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, will be protesting his Miami Beach fundraiser with President Barack Obama on Friday because they say the Florida Democrat has broken a promise to them. Gov. Crist is Now Citizen Charlie By Art Levy Florida Trend Attorney John Morgan has known Charlie Crist since the early 1990s, when Crist was a state senator and Morgan would visit Tallahassee to lobby legislators about tort reform. POLITICAL RACES Voting takes place Tuesday in Florida Senate race By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald Tuesday is Election Day in the contest to replace U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson in the Florida Senate. To win recall, Mayor Alvarez may need to appeal to new groups By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald When he was first elected mayor in 2004, Carlos Alvarez was the darling of suburban Hispanics who saw him as a reformer who would clean up corruption in Miami-Dade County. Tampa voters go to the polls today By Christian M. Wade Tampa Tribune Today, Tampa voters go to the polls to choose a new mayor and seven city council members from a crowded field of candidates. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY EPA's new Florida rules roil D.C. By Fred Hiers Gainesville Sun The fight over the federal Environmental Protection Agency's new water pollutant rules for Florida could soon be decided in Washington. Poll: Voters don't like Scott's proposed cut to Everglades funding By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times The Everglades Foundation today released parts of their Terrance Group poll of 607 likely voters on Feb. 13-14. Utility-backed renewable energy legislation returns in the Senate By Travis Pillow Florida Independent State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, has introduced a bill similar to a measure that passed the House last year but died in the Senate, which would have allowed private utilities to charge customers for renewable power. Judge asked to dismiss oil spill claims Associated Press Tampa Tribune BP and other companies sued over the massive Gulf oil spill are asking a federal judge to dismiss many of the claims filed by businesses and people who say they have been harmed by the disaster. EDUCATION Lawmakers fast-track new teacher merit pay bill By Leslie Postal Orlando Sentinel Florida's first attempt at a statewide teacher merit-pay law was torpedoed last year by a veto from then-Gov. Charlie Crist. Teachers blast budget cuts By Carmen Paige Pensacola News Journal Waving red flags, hundreds of teachers, educational support personnel and residents from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties vowed Monday night to fight off attacks on education. Bright Futures scholarship program faces $100 million funding cut By Scott Travis South Florida Sun-Sentinel Florida's popular Bright Futures scholarship program may suffer big cuts at the same time students are facing rapidly rising tuition at state universities. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Legislative analysts declare Florida's pension fund fiscally sound By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald Florida's pension fund is "better funded, incurs lower investment fees and...investment returns are average" compared to other states, according to a new report from the Legislature's policy assessment arm, OPPAGA. Gov. Rick Scott reaches too far to compare state pension problems with Social Security's By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald PolitiFact Give him credit: Though Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants to eliminate 10 percent of the state work force over two years, and make those who remain pay more toward their retirement and health care, the new governor is at least taking the time in his first few months in office to meet with state employees and answer their questions. Pension reform: Does Florida law give police, firefighters excessive benefits? By Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster and Aaron Hale Naples Daily News Local governments across the state have spent the better part of the past five years trying to balance their budgets without increasing taxes. Florida gas prices rise 23 cents per gallon By Anthony Cormier Sarasota Herald-Tribune It was not all that long ago that it cost Traci Furlow $25, at most, to fill up her Oldsmobile. HEALTH AND SENIORS Who advises Florida Gov. Rick Scott on health policy? By Stacey Singer Palm Beach Post His name is Michael F. Cannon, and he’s an economist who works for the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank that was co-founded by Koch Industries’ scion Charles Koch in 1977. State workers don’t see cuts coming By Brittany Davis Health News Florida Gov. Rick Scott has proposed a deep cut in state workers' health benefits -- $7,000 a year for the most popular family plan -- but most state workers seem unaware of it. Fasano camp to Scott on Drug Monitoring Program repeal: You got a better plan? By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent State Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, has grown increasingly vocal about his opposition to Gov. Rick Scott’s recommendation that the state legislature repeal Florida’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Buchanan, sheriffs push Scott for drug database By Dale White Sarasota Herald-Tribune After hurting his back working out and getting prescription painkillers from an acquaintance, Tyler Quigley battled addiction until it contributed to his death at age 19. Obama admin defends health care reform in court By Larry O’Dell Associated Press President Barack Obama's administration said in court papers Monday that a federal judge in Virginia erred in striking down the centerpiece of its health care reform law. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Suit alleges former Dozier school abused three boys Ben Montgomery St. Petersburg Times They changed the name, pushed out the superintendent, reduced the population of young prisoners, retrained the staff and fired employees caught sleeping on the job. Alternative immigration ‘compacts’ crop up nationwide, and in Sarasota By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Last week, as several immigration-enforcement bills made their way through state legislatures, alternative bills and state compacts were proposed to deal with problems related to immigration. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS State senator to cops: Clean up the way you do police lineups By Rene Stutzman Orlando Sentinel State Sen. Joe Negron is on the Innocence Commission of Florida, a panel working to make sure more innocent people are not sent to prison, but the board is not moving fast enough or aggressively enough for him.