Daily Clips for September 23, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Appeals court: Florida ban on adoption by gays unconstitutional By Carol Marbin Miller Miami Herald An appeals court on Wednesday struck down Florida's controversial ban on adoptions by gay men and women as unconstitutional, and Gov. Charlie Crist and the state's child-welfare chief announced hours later that they will immediately cease to enforce the ban. Grand jury to look at 1st DCA courthouse funding By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Related: E-mail names 'heroes' who got legislative funding for 'Taj Mahal' courthouse A grand jury in Leon County will hear a complaint next week about the controversial new courthouse being built in Tallahassee for the 1st District Court of Appeal. Former supporter says Rubio used GOP credit card for home remodeling By William March Tampa Tribune A former supporter of Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio says Rubio acknowledged having once put home remodeling expenses on his Republican Party credit card. Fear of Rubio in Senate driving some Democrats, maybe even Wexler, to Crist By Jane Musgrave Palm Beach Post Carol Roberts became a national celebrity in 2000 when, as a Palm Beach County commissioner, she fought vociferously, if unsuccessfully, for every dimpled, hanging and pregnant chad to be counted as a vote for Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore. Florida surprise: How a Democrat could be elected governor By Linda Feldmann Christian Science Monitor Alex Sink strolls into the dining room at Kingsway Country Club, in Lake Suzy, Fla., dressed casually in a red blouse and navy capris, ready for her sixth campaign event of the day. FLORIDA POLITICS Squabble in Tallahassee holds up rebates for Floridians By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times When the squabbling of politics spills over and hurts the people of Florida, it is time to reconsider the goal. POLITICAL RACES Rick Scott's plan to slash prison spending called a 'hoax,' 'shell game' By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott's plan to curtail state spending and create 700,000 new jobs includes slashing $1 billion from the prison budget by cutting salaries, reducing health care costs and expanding inmate-run vegetable farms. Rick Scott tells Tampa crowd economy will flourish with less government and taxes By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Florida may have one of the worst economies in the country, but at a campaign stop Wednesday in Tampa, the Republican gubernatorial candidate said its weather, beaches, limitations on unions and lack of an income tax make it ripe to become a mecca for new businesses. Sink's math close on cost of young kids repeating grades By Laura Figueroa St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact Alex Sink, Democratic candidate for governor, unveiled her education platform to supporters on Sept. 1. CNN to air Florida governor debate By Mark Preston CNN Democrat Alex Sink accepted an invitation Wednesday to debate Republican Rick Scott next month, setting up a nationally televised showdown between the two Florida governor hopefuls on CNN. Crist: Shore up Social Security by allowing illegal immigrants to earn citizenship Staff Report St. Petersburg Times Campaigning amid walkers and canes at a Pembroke Pines retirement community, Gov. Charlie Crist pledged Wednesday to protect Social Security and suggested an unconventional solution to shoring up the trust fund: allowing illegal immigrants to earn citizenship. Charlie Crist crucifies himself By Adam Hanft Salon Hey, what’s Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, who’s running as an independent for senator, doing in a Claritin ad? Al Gore to campaign for Kendrick Meek in Tampa next week By Adam Smith St. Petersburg Times Former Vice President Al Gore is coming to Tampa next week to rally Democrats behind U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek. Marco Rubio: Voters don't want 'experts' By Andy Barr Politico Marco Rubio does not see a problem with Christine O'Donnell's past of financial trouble and bizarre quotes, noting that system is not designed to elect “a bunch of experts” to the Senate. Rubio: Tax cuts won't pay for themselves Staff Report Orlando Sentinel In a wide-ranging interview Wednesday, Marco Rubio outlined his positions on taxes, health care and entitlements while also trying to deflect questions about his leadership in the state House of Representatives and his use of a Republican party credit card. Union attacks Marco Rubio over unemployment benefits extension By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact The AFL-CIO is targeting Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio in a new mailer that calls him anti-worker. GOP candidates’ refusal to participate leads to cancelation of Cabinet debates By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post With two of the three GOP Florida Cabinet candidates refusing to participate in a debate next month, organizers had no choice but to cancel the event. BALLOT INITIATIVES Effort fighting Florida redistricting stokes ACORN fears By Abel Harding Florida Times-Union Opponents of constitutional amendments that would change the way Florida draws political districts are attempting to raise voter ire by associating the effort with controversial political groups, namely ACORN and the AFL-CIO. Fla. justices take class size amendment challenge The Associated Press Miami Herald The Florida Supreme Court has accepted jurisdiction of a challenge to a proposed state constitutional amendment that would loosen class size limits. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Gulf Oil Spill Study on Worker Health By Steve Newborn WUSF Public Radio Tampa The BP oil spill not only affected the economy of much of the Gulf Coast, but also the health of the Gulf of Mexico. The effort to clean up the Gulf must continue Editorial South Florida Sun-Sentinel Ding-dong, the well is dead, the wicked well is dead. LGBT Appeals court: Florida ban on gay adoption unconstitutional By Susan Spencer-Wendel Palm Beach Post Florida’s 33-year-old law banning homosexuals from adopting — the last such blanket ban in the nation — was cut off at the knees Wednesday. Florida to stop enforcing gay adoption ban By Bill Cotterell Florida capital News Gov. Charlie Crist said today the state will stop enforcing its legal ban on adoption by gay couples while deciding whether to seek a Florida Supreme Court review of an appeals court ruling against the statute. Adoptive father Martin Gill: Long wait for appeals court decision was 'excruciating' but worth it By Steve Rothaus Miami Herald The wait has been “excruciating,” Martin Gill said Wednesday afternoon, hours after a Miami appeals court ruled Florida’s gay adoption ban unconstitutional and that he could keep his two young sons. EDUCATION Textbook promotes creationism, Florida science group says By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Another skirmish may be underway in Florida's battle over teaching evolution. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Florida led nation in mortgage fraud, federal commission says By Toluse Olorunnipa Miami Herald Mortgage fraud is responsible for untold trillions of dollars in bad loans currently defaulting across the country, and Florida has played a starring role in the tragedy, a federal commission said during a hearing in Miami on Tuesday. HEALTH AND SENIORS 'Child only' health insurance hits snag in Florida By Linda Shrieves Orlando Sentinel Most of Florida's major health insurers have stopped writing new "child-only" insurance policies — some pulling out of the market just days before the health-care overhaul requires insurers to provide full coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions. Fraud bill targets cases like Scott's By Carol Gentry Health News Florida Four years ago, Omnicare paid almost $50 million to settle charges of cheating Medicare and Medicaid. Health care law kicks into second gear The Associated Press Pensacola News Journal New health insurance policies beginning on or after Sept. 23 must cover — without charge — preventive care that's backed up by the best scientific evidence. Children's movement of Florida brings Milk Party tour to area By Paradise Afshar Bradenton Herald Nearly 1,000 students and parents gathered Tuesday night with blue shirts on and flags in hand to show support for Florida’s hottest new party — the Milk Party. Audit cites dual enrollment for FL kids By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Florida might have to pay back $5.3 million because some children were enrolled in Medicaid and the KidCare health-insurance program at the same time, a new inspector general's report says. Insurance Commissioner McCarty talks health care with President Obama By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune On the eve of some of the most sweeping health insurance reforms becoming effective, President Barack Obama and members of his administration met with insurance regulators from across the nation including Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES DREAM Act supporters contemplate the future of immigration reform, promise electoral revenge By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent In the wake of Tuesday’s U.S. Senate vote blocking the immigration reform measure known as the DREAM Act, included as part of the defense authorization bill, immigration reform advocates vowed retribution at the ballot box. GOP Stranglehold On Dreams The Progress Report Think Progress For the first time since 1952, the Senate failed to bring the defense authorization bill to the floor for consideration. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida laws involving recording complicated By Jim Ash Florida Capital News The case against Kathleen Harvey, a Tallahassee small-business owner charged with illegally taping Leon County Commissioner Cliff Thaell, could come down to his word against hers, legal experts say. Time running out for Crist to help Mr. Mojo Risin By Gary Fineout The Fine Print Gov. Charlie Crist and the rest of the State Board of Executive Clemency will meet again on Thursday morning for the next to the last time before Crist leaves office.

Daily Clips for September 22, 2010

FEATURED STORIES EXCLUSIVE: Rick Scott and Solantic: the Randy Prokes email By Joy-Ann Reid The Reid Report Among the many allegations related to Medicare, Medicaid and Tri-Care fraud linked to Rick Scott, the Republican candidate for Florida governor, the one that produced a secret Scott deposition just days before he filed for governor, along with the most interesting moment of the campaign was the allegation that his new company, Solantic — the one he owned after leaving Columbia/HCA holding a $1.7 billion federal fine (plus a $300 million parting gift for Scott) — also committed fraud, this time, using doctors’ licenses without their knowledge and billing Medicare improperly for patient care. Charlie Crist's plan: Be all things to all voters By David Cantanese Politico Independent Florida Senate candidate Charlie Crist is walking a political tight rope, delivering tailored messages to different pockets of voters with the goal of building a bipartisan voting coalition. Crist can keep GOP campaign contributions — for now By Robert Samuels Miami Herald Gov. Charlie Crist can continue spending millions of dollars in contributions he received as a Republican Senate candidate, a judge ruled Tuesday afternoon. DREAM Act, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal derail defense bill amid Republican filibuster By Elise Foley Florida Independent Related: Immigrant-rights groups criticize LeMieux for joining filibuster of defense bill Senate Republicans filibustered the defense authorization bill Tuesday afternoon, ending a push by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to pass the DREAM Act, which would provide legal status to some undocumented immigrants in exchange for school or military service, and a repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy for homosexuals serving in the military as amendments to the legislation. FLORIDA POLITICS Crist fills two Florida Public Service Commission seats to be vacated by ouster By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Gov. Charlie Crist again passed over a state senator and a former Florida Public Service executive director and instead named Eduardo Balbis and Julie I. Brown to the Public Service Commission on Tuesday. Gov. Charlie Crist nominates 2 for utilities board By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Gov. Charlie Crist completed his forced remake of the Public Service Commission on Tuesday appointing two bureaucrats -- a woman and a Hispanic man -- to the board that regulates utilities. Governor names key Obama fundraiser to commission The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Gov. Charlie Crist, a former Republican running as an independent for the U.S. Senate, has named a key supporter of Democratic President Barack Obama to a key legal position. POLITICAL RACES Atwater says Crist's view on coastal oil drilling shifted abruptly this year By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau The spring 2009 legislative session was winding down, and Gov. Charlie Crist had Senate President Jeff Atwater on the phone. Charlie Crist went to Disney World! Now who paid for it? By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact It was the eye-catching headline. A Republican Party of Florida investigation into party finances, released Sept. 17, 2010, revealed that former party chairman Jim Greer and Gov. Charlie Crist spent a weekend with their families at Disney World in 2009. Crist: Florida could change polarized politics by voting for him By William March Tampa Tribune Gov. Charlie Crist said Florida could start a trend toward less polarized, less partisan national politics by electing him, a no-party candidate, to the U.S. Senate. Crist can spend all he wants as donors sue him for refunds By Pat Gillespie Ft. Myers News-Press Charlie Crist can spend his campaign money for his U.S. Senate bid freely, a judge has ordered. Rick Scott's Tax Plan May School Hurt Vouchers News Service of Florida Lakeland Ledger Republican Rick Scott launched a new TV ad Tuesday ridiculing Democratic rival Alex Sink's past support of tax increases, labeling her a "liberal" who backs higher taxes "morning, noon and night." Dan Gelber wins endorsement from firefighters By Abel Harding Florida Times-Union Dan Gelber picked up the endorsement of the 23,000 members of the Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) today. Florida CFO candidate says politics is holding up rebates for solar items By David Bauerlein Florida Times-Union The Democratic candidate for Florida chief financial officer said Tuesday in Jacksonville that legislative leaders are “playing politics” by not approving $31.5 million in federal money for rebates to residents who installed solar systems and Energy Star air-conditioner units. Deutch, Budd compete for seat in U.S. House District 19 By Angel Streeter South Florida Sun-Sentinel In April, Ted Deutch became the newly elected representative of the 19th congressional district. BALLOT INITIATIVES Amendment 8 proponents push class-size changes By Doug Blackburn Pensacola News Journal Proponents of Amendment 8, which would allow Florida's public schools to use averages rather than strict numbers to comply with class-size regulations, insist that they support smaller classrooms. Making boundaries make sense By Michael Putney Miami Herald Voters are angry and have every right to be. Redistricting opponents seek to preserve their own power Editorial St. Petersburg Times Lawmakers and influential business groups will do just about anything to hold on to power. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Professor: 'Put Mother Nature first' to heal Gulf By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News BP's Deepwater Horizon oil well was finally capped on Sunday, but the work of monitoring the impact and healing the Gulf of Mexico from the record-setting spill has just begun. Judge: EPA chief must show up in court over Everglades cleanup By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald Five months ago, U.S. District Judge Alan Gold ordered the top bosses of two state and federal environmental agencies to show up in his Miami courtroom to explain in person how they are going to end the “glacial delay” miring efforts to clean up the Everglades. Public backlash building against legislative mandate on septic tanks By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune A proposed state septic tank rule and the legislation that sparked the rule are becoming the focus of anti-government critics. National ag groups ask EPA to reconsider water strategy nationally and in Florida By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Thirty-six national agriculture groups are asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to delay a proposed action on water quality in Florida and to reconsider its strategy nationally because of the expected costs. Wildlife managers will review storks' endangered status By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald Federal wildlife managers agreed Tuesday to reassess whether the wood stork still merits endangered-species status, a step prompted by a petition from Florida homebuilders. Speaker Cretul has no issue with drilling Editorial Sarasota Herald-Tribune To provide political cover for refusing to do anything when Gov. Charlie Crist called a special legislative session in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon explosion ... House Speaker Larry Cretul appointed some committees to presumably look into things the state ought to do better to protect itself against oil spills. Keep spill on radar Editorial St. Petersburg Times Five months after unleashing the worst oil spill in U.S. history, BP's broken well in the Gulf of Mexico was declared "effectively dead" Sunday. LGBT Republicans block bill to lift military gay ban The Associated Press Miami Herald Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked legislation that would have repealed the law banning gays from serving openly in the military. Gay man can keep his adopted boys, chief of Florida child welfare agency says News Service of Florida Palm Beach Post If an appeals court reverses a South Florida judge and rules that Florida's ban on adoptions by gay couples is valid, the state's child welfare agency won't remove the two children at the center of the challenge, the head of the agency said Monday. EDUCATION FCAT company president vows to do better By Kathleen McGrory Miami Herald The president of the company that botched the release of this year's FCAT scores assured the state Board of Education Tuesday that the problems won't happen again. Florida senator, Duval teachers union president respond to study on merit pay By Mary Kelli Palka Florida Times-Union Reaction in Northeast Florida to a study casting doubt on the benefits of teacher performance pay was mixed Tuesday. State may ban sugary drinks from public schools By Denise-Marie Balona Orlando Sentinel The Board of Education has agreed to move forward on a plan to eliminate sugary beverages and make Florida the first state in the nation to ban chocolate milk in public schools. HEALTH AND SENIORS Feds: We jawboned lower premiums By Carol Gentry Health News Florida Medicare Advantage plan enrollees will see a 1 percent reduction in premiums for next year, on average, and increased protection against out-of-pocket spending, federal health officials said today. Healthcare reform should be here to stay Editorial Miami Herald Just as the federal healthcare reforms are set to kick in this week, fresh evidence arrives from the Census Bureau that underscores the genuine need for fundamental change in the way Americans receive medical attention: The number of uninsured in America reached nearly 51 million people in 2009, compared to 46.3 million in 2008. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES GOP Blocks Immigrant Student Bill, Protests Planned in Central Florida By Robin Williams Adams Lakeland Ledger Citizenship isn't the only goal that seems an impossible dream for some undocumented immigrants whose parents brought them to the United States illegally years ago. Dream Act's promise Editorial Miami Herald What does a defense authorization bill have to do with allowing undocumented young people to earn legal status in the United States?

Daily Clips for September 21, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Congressional vets align with business groups to challenge redistricting proposals By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau As the high stakes battle over drawing political boundaries goes to the November ballot, two veteran Florida congressmen joined with business groups Monday to launch a campaign to defeat the proposals that would upend the way their districts are drawn. Gov. Crist assails today's 'hard-right tack' of Republican Party By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel Gov. Charlie Crist continued his feud with his former party Monday, portraying state Republican leaders as political hacks who have been cowed by big business and ultra-conservatives. New GOP charge against Sink deceptive The Associated Press Florida Times-Union A Republican ad says it's Democratic gubernatorial nominee Alex Sink's fault the state pension fund lost $24 billion — a charge that's deceptive. Holes in the GOP audit By Daniel Ruth St. Petersburg Times Sheesh, Neville Chamberlain's Munich peace treaty with Adolf Hitler had more credibility than the Republican Party of Florida's whitewash audit of its spending irregularities. FLORIDA POLITICS How the Legislature voted on a bill to return to legalized slush funds By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times It used to be in Florida that if you wanted to buy favor in the Legislature, you just made a big cash payment directly to the next speaker of the House or president of the Senate. Clunker politics Editorial Miami Herald It's one thing for Republican legislators to carry on their feud with Gov. Charlie Crist on a party level. POLITICAL RACES Scott's plan for Citizens Property Insurance would allow rates to rise By Marc Caputo and Beth Reinhard St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott called for some politically tough medicine Monday when he unveiled his position on property insurance: Make the state's government-run company "actuarially sound." Scott calls for major changes to Florida's insurance market By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune GOP candidate for governor Rick Scott on Monday unveiled a "tax and insurance" plan that calls for additional restrictions on lawsuits and promises to return Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to its role as “an insurer of last resort.” Taking the Fifth -- 75 times -- an achievement By Fred Grimm Miami Herald The usual template goes like this: First, we elect a public official. Then, he takes the Fifth. Lawsuit seeks GOP refund of Crist donations The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A lawsuit filed in Collier County is seeking refund of millions of dollars contributed by Republican donors to Gov. Charlie Crist's campaign for the U.S. Senate. Cosmic opposites Alan Grayson and Dan Webster clash in U.S. House race By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Daniel Webster hurried across the street, trying not to forget the lines fed to him with lunch. Gianoulis leads Thrasher in fundraising for Florida senate seat By Tia Mitchell Florida Times-Union State Senate candidate Deborah Gianoulis said she initially had a hard time asking family and friends to donate money to her campaign. Dems include West social security number in flier, call it 'oversight' By George Bennett Palm Beach Post The Florida Democratic Party today said it made an "oversight" when it included Republican congressional challenger Allen West's Social Security number in an attack mailer. BALLOT INITIATIVES Fair Districts Fla. draws opposition By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Two members of Congress and an ex-secretary of state said Monday the Fair Districts Florida proposals will backfire on minority voters if approved in November. Members of Congress fighting Florida redistricting amendments By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Former Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning has joined U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown, a Democrat, and Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican, in the fight against the "Fair Districts" ballot amendments, launching a "Protect Your Vote" campaign. Amendment 4 Pros, Cons By Steve Newborn WUSF Public Radio Tampa Of all the measures voters will cast a ballot on in November, perhaps the one that will have the greatest impact on the state is Amendment 4. Amendment 4 land use question sparks strong reaction By Michael Mayo South Florida Sun-Sentinel If your boss tells you to clean your desk, finish a project by next Thursday or use Orbitz for all business-related travel, that seems reasonable. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY BP's well sealed, but oil disaster continues in the Gulf By Sue Sturgis Facing South BP successfully killed its leaking oil well in the Gulf of Mexico this weekend, installing cement plugs that halted the flow of pollution into the ocean. BP fund czar: No deduction for spill cleanup wages The Associated Press Tampa Tribune The administrator of the fund for victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster says he will waive a requirement that wages earned by spill cleanup workers be subtracted from their claims of lost revenue. Money dries up to buy, preserve environmentally sensitive land in Florida By Kevin Spear Orlando Sentinel Visitors to Brevard County's Barrier Island Sanctuary encounter some of Florida's most uncommon real estate: an unblemished stretch of coast considered a national treasure by many because of the refuge it provides for nesting sea turtles. Florida agency moves forward with sprawl, climate change rules By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com The Florida Department of Community Affairs last week continued moving ahead with two important proposed rule changes, but the question is whether DCA will adopt them before a change in administrations. LGBT Florida child welfare agency won't take gay man's kids News Service of Florida Miami Herald If an appeals court reverses a South Florida judge and rules that Florida's ban on adoptions by gay couples is valid, the state's child welfare agency won't remove the two children at the center of the challenge, the head of the agency said Monday. Catholic groups spent millions supporting anti-gay marriage efforts By Jesse Zwick Florida Independent The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal society founded in New Haven, Conn. in 1881, does a lot of good work. EDUCATION Fla. looking for 'Race to the Top' volunteers The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Florida education officials are looking for volunteers to help implement the state's $700 million "Race to the Top" grant. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY State sticks with its story, says it was misled by Wall Street on investments The Associated Press Orlando Sentinel The State Board of Administration on Monday stuck to its claim that Wall Street investment firms misled the agency into buying risky securities after a newspaper cited public records to dispute that contention. Grayson calls on Florida Chief Justice to halt “foreclosure mill” cases By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Citing the reporting of Mother Jones and the New York Times, Congressman Alan Grayson has sent a letter calling on the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court to “abate” foreclosure cases involving three law firms currently under scrutiny from the Office of Attorney General Bill McCollum until the investigation is complete. Debate renews: Dream or nightmare of home ownership? By Robert Trigaux St. Petersburg Times Are folks losing faith in the American dream of homeownership? Florida median income levels increase to $45,631 By Kevin Turner Florida Times-Union Last year, when median household income slipped in many states, Florida’s managed to increase to $45,631 from $44,857 in 2008, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released last week. Intolerable Poverty In A Rich Nation The Progress Report Think Progress Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau released its Current Population Survey, documenting the American population's access to health insurance and family economic well-being. HEALTH AND SENIORS Obama-led healthcare arrives Thursday -- here's what to expect By John Dorschner Miami Herald Of the many healthcare changes starting Thursday as part of federal reforms, one is a potential life-changer for Tarina Garcia, a Miami mother who was unable to obtain commercial insurance coverage for her 11-year-old daughter's epilepsy because it's a “pre-existing condition.” Milk party rally's goal is more money for children By Janine Zeitlin Ft. Myers News-Press A movement that aims to push children to the top of the state's agenda is bringing its milk party to Southwest Florida. Florida employers tap into federal money to help ease health-care costs for early retirees By Linda Shrieves Orlando Sentinel It's one of the most overlooked pieces of health-care overhaul, but a plan to help companies pay health-care costs for early retirees has proved popular in Florida, where 69 companies and government agencies have applied for federal help. State health officials say Acreage cancer investigation is near the end, with no cause found By Mitra Malek Palm Beach Post After more than a year of investigation and a promise from Gov. Charlie Crist to spare no energy at finding answers, state health officials said on Monday that they have neared the end of searching for whatever caused the cancer cluster in The Acreage. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Meek joins rally in support of immigration bill By Melissa Sanchez Miami Herald Rep. Kendrick Meek, who is running for the Senate as a Democrat, joined about 100 students and others Monday at Miami Dade College to support passage of a bill this week in Congress that would allow tens of thousands of young illegal immigrants to become legalized residents. New immigration support has advocates dancing By Victor Manuel Ramos Orlando Sentinel They had tried writing letters. They had requested meetings and had filed petitions to no avail.

Daily Clips for September 20, 2010

FEATURED STORIES GOP investigation puts party misspending on Charlie Crist, Jim Greer By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Related: Crist says bill proves he paid for Disney trip, calls audit a sham Related editorial: GOP plays politics with party audit When the families of Charlie Crist and Jim Greer spent four days vacationing together at Disney World last year, donors to the Florida Republican Party picked up the $13,400 tab. Money matters follow Rubio By Zac Anderson Sarasota Herald-Tribune Marco Rubio took the stage in front of 2,000 cheering supporters in Sarasota earlier this month and delivered a stark warning: Government debt is destroying America. Political rivals split on immigration issues By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald No clear winner emerged from the first televised standoff among the major U.S. Senate candidates, leaving Republican front-runner Marco Rubio on steady ground after Friday's debate hosted by Univisión, the nation's largest Spanish-language television network. New Florida governor will face more conservative Legislature By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink both promise to shake up state government if elected governor. Columbia/HCA reports warned Rick Scott of potential legal problems By Marc Caputo and Scott Hiaasen St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott has said he would have immediately stopped his former hospital company from committing Medicare fraud — if only "somebody told me something was wrong." BP well sealed, but gusher of uncertainty remains By Richard Fausset Los Angeles Times With a thick shot of cement plugging the last worrisome part of BP's troubled well, government officials were one final pressure test away from declaring the source of America's worst offshore oil spill dead as early as Sunday. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Jim Morin Miami Herald FLORIDA POLITICS GOP audit finds $381,000 was misspent by party officials By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Related: Will GOP audit scandal stick to Crist? Auditors have found indicted former Florida Republican Chairman Jim Greer and others racked up $381,000 in improper spending on cell phones, self-portraits, meals and "joint" family vacations with Gov. Charlie Crist to Walt Disney World and the South Florida home of Crist's wife. GOP says audit shows 'wasteful' spending of party money by Crist By William March Tampa Tribune Related: Audit raises flags for Crist and GOP The Republican Party of Florida says an audit of its finances shows former Chairman Jim Greer and Gov. Charlie Crist were guilty of "lavish and wasteful personal" spending of party money in 2007-2009, but clears top GOP figures including Marco Rubio, Crist's U.S. Senate race opponent. Highlights from the Republican Party of Florida financial audit By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent Related: Republican Party releases financial audit The long-awaited financial audit of the Republican Party of Florida, released by the party this morning, makes for fascinating reading, and we highly suggest you download and look through the entire thing on your own. Incoming leaders promise more conservative Florida Senate By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times For all the drama surrounding Florida's statewide campaigns, it's easy to overlook a major political development in Florida that's already a done deal: the sharp rightward shift of the Florida Senate. Disney becoming more generous with political contributions By Jason Garcia Orlando Sentinel Mickey Mouse appears to be quite fond of state Rep. Dean Cannon. Crist's last PSC appointments could face rough road to confirmation By Julie Patel South Florida Sun-Sentinel Gov. Charlie Crist this week will name two members to the state Public Service Commission, the board appointed to keep Florida's utilities affordable and dependable. Once more, with feeling: Make judges move out of the 'Taj Mahal' By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Well? Have they done anything about it yet? 'Milk Party' could make a difference Editorial Daytona Beach News-Journal Milk Party Florida's new "Milk Party" is crusading on behalf of a constituency with no self-declared political enemies: the children. Where's the sunshine? Editorial Gainesville Sun Gov. Charlie Crist wants legislative leaders to authorize the release of $31 million in federal stimulus funds for use as rebates for Floridians who install solar panels and energy efficient heating and air conditioning units. POLITICAL RACES Rubio breaks with Meek, Crist on immigration, English-as-official-language in Univision debate By George Bennett and Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post Florida's three major U.S. Senate candidates met for the first time and found little common ground in a one-hour debate taped today at Spanish-language Univision. Fla's Senate hopefuls offer 3 distinct choices The Associated Press Tampa Tribune It was appropriate that Gov. Charlie Crist stood between Democrat Kendrick Meek and Republican Marco Rubio during their first Senate debate Friday since he was getting hit from both sides. Conservatives see 'right values' in Rubio By Susan Page USA Today If Christine O'Donnell reflects the political risks of the Tea Party, Marco Rubio represents its potential promise. Sink releases her tax returns By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Florida Democratic candidate for governor Alex Sink released five years of tax returns Friday, revealing little details about family assets unless you note Sink's husband's penchant for poker. On Web, Florida governor's race takes nasty turn By Bob Rathgeber Ft. Myers News-Press Alex Sink asks "What is Rick Scott hiding?" Scott and Sink parry over state prison costs By Lloyd Dunkelberger Sarasota Herald-Tribune Rick Scott and Alex Sink touted some of their law-and-order endorsements in the governor's race this week. Scott 'gets to work' on trail with Jindal By Carlton Proctor Pensacola News Journal Flanked by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, GOP nominee Rick Scott brought his gubernatorial campaign to Pensacola Friday, promising to quickly turn around the state's flagging economy. Bobby Jindal adds Louisiana hot sauce to Rick Scott's GOP campaign swing By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott brought his campaign for governor to a North Florida stronghold Friday accompanied by a folk hero to many conservative Republicans: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. Who is better for business? By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related: Stimulus created private-sector jobs in Florida, unlike Scott claimed In an election year tilting Republican, with the two major candidates for governor who have spent more time in the boardroom than in politics, it should be a dream-come-true year for Florida's business interests. Will Rick Scott's business background help or hurt him in governor's race? By Michael C. Bender Palm Beach Post Rick Scott could not look away from the TV on his campaign bus as a cheetah blurred across the screen, sprinting after a panicked gazelle. Observers: Not Clear What Next Governor Can Do for Foreclosure Crisis By Kyle Kennedy Lakeland Ledger Carla Rollins hasn't been keeping up with the Florida governor's race. Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Snitker may decide race By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel You have to hand it to Alexander Snitker. The Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate is almost unknown, has little money — $1,861 cash on hand as of June 30 — and even less chance of winning. Gelber leads Bondi in AG fundraising race By Laura Kinsler Tampa Tribune Democratic nominee Dan Gelber continues to hold a substantial fundraising edge on Republican Pam Bondi in the race to become Florida's next attorney general, and he's hoping to take in more dollars in her home base in Tampa. GOP moving to get House in order By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times This year marks the effective 10-year anniversary of term limits in Florida. Two veteran legislators battle for coastal Senate seat By Scott Wyman South Florida Sun-Sentinel Two veterans of the Florida House are fighting for an open state Senate seat representing coastal areas of Broward and Palm Beach counties. At Florida tea party rally, fervor and fight for victory By Steve Bousquet Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Thousands of determined tea party activists converged in a park in America's oldest city Saturday and heard a succession of Republican candidates promise to heed their demands for less government and lower taxes. Worried about national debt, older Florida voters may turn against Democrats in elections By William E. Gibson Orlando Sentinel Many older voters who grew up in the shadows of the Great Depression have turned against President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress this election year, partly because of fears that the government will bury younger generations under a mountain of debt. Thousands of felons and dead people still registered to vote in Florida By Sally Kestin, John Maines and Dana Williams South Florida Sun-Sentinel Less than two months before the general election, Florida's voter registration rolls still include thousands of dead people and felons who by law should have been removed. In endorsing Rick Scott, Florida Chamber of Commerce puts party above sense Editorial St. Petersburg Times The board members of the Florida Chamber of Commerce must have whiplash. BALLOT INITIATIVES Ballot to address legislative districts By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News In 1812, the governor of Massachusetts signed into law the boundary lines for legislative districts in his state. Corrine Brown to help roll out campaign against redistricting amendments By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, and Mario Diaz-Balart are holding a Tallahassee press conference Monday to help roll out the NO on amendments 5 and 6 campaign. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Cement plug brings end to BP oil spill The Associated Press Pensacola News Journal Related: Oil spill woes live on for local residents A permanent cement plug sealed BP's well nearly 2.5 miles below the sea floor in the Gulf of Mexico, five agonizing months after an explosion sank a drilling rig and led to the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history. EPA nutrient standards could save the St. Johns and, according to industry reps, break the bank By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent The St. Johns River Summit, which spanned two days and consisted of a series of lectures and panel discussions on problems plaguing the river, revealed tensions between many of the agencies charged with protecting Florida water bodies. PSC's Skop refuses to withdraw from Florida Power & Light Co. cases By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Florida Public Service Commissioner Nathan A. Skop has refused Florida Power & Light's request to remove himself from all cases involving the utility. Nuclear energy: Gambling with money and lives By Anthony Orlando South Florida Sun-Sentinel Aren't you tired of all the surprises? Don't you wish, just once, we could prevent a crisis instead of reacting to it? LGBT How should schools handle transgender kids? By Denise-Marie Balona Orlando Sentinel When most little girls draw themselves, they draw pictures of young ladies, often in fancy dresses and high heels. Crist shouldn't drop state challenge to adoption ban Editorial Palm Beach Post Gov. Crist has flipped so much over the past few months that he could try out for the Olympic gymnastics team. EDUCATION For-profit schools fund influential lawmakers' campaigns By Sharona Coutts Miami Herald Several South Florida lawmakers received campaign contributions this year from for-profit schools and their lobby groups while co-signing three letters against proposed regulation that the industry says could close many of its schools. Ed Dept: Lift a community, raise a school The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Tesheda Mansfield grew up in the protective walls of Sunland Park Elementary, participating in beauty pageants and field day, and walking home from school in the afternoons. Parents are demanding that Florida educate its children By Kathleen Oropexa Florida Times-Union Recently, history was made in Florida. Flat-rate tuition system weighed By Michael Vasquez Miami Herald Florida's state university system is mulling a one-size-fits-all tuition structure for full-time students -- an idea that could lead some to graduate sooner, but also carries the risk of students biting off more than they can chew. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Risk won; taxpayers lost By Sydney P. Freedberg St. Petersburg Times Related: Questions go unanswered Three years ago, the state of Florida made bad investments that lost hundreds of millions in value. August jobless rate up slightly By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Florida's unemployment rate climbed slightly to 11.7 percent in August, with more than 1 million Floridians still out of work, according to figures released Friday by the state Agency for Workforce Innovation. Healthcare helps prop up Florida's job market By Douglas Hanks Miami Herald In Florida's depressed and depressing job market, one bright spot consistently shines through: healthcare. White House cites 3 Florida stimulus projects The Associated Press Tampa Tribune The White House has cited three Florida stimulus projects as part of a push back against critics of the $814 billion program. Program could reinvigorate Florida film industry The Associated Press Tampa Tribune From "Flipper" to "Miami Vice," from "The Yearling" to "Bad Boys II," Florida has a long history in film and television. HEALTH AND SENIORS Health Reform is here: More coverage for kids, free physicals among changes that take effect this week By Stacey Singer Palm Beach Post A variety of consumer-friendly health reform rules will go into effect this week, promising to make life easier for young adults, parents, children with pre­existing conditions, people with chronic diseases, and people appealing claims that have been denied. State investigating hospital billings By Jim Saunders Health News Florida The Florida attorney general's office is investigating 18 hospitals, including some of the state's largest, on suspicion of improper Medicaid billing for emergency-room services. Florida Republicans are foolish to fight against to health care reform Editorial St. Petersburg Times Florida's top Republican candidates — Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate, Rick Scott for governor and Pam Bondi for attorney general — are whipping up supporters by promising to fight health care reform to the death. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Immigrants’ DREAM to Face U.S. Senate Reality This Week By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida Undocumented students organized by Florida Students Working for Equal Rights (SWER) created a human billboard in Miami Beach on Sunday, and they are holding a rally today at Miami-Dade College. They're urging the U.S. Senate to make their dreams come true by passing the DREAM Act this week. DREAM Act supporters form human billboard on Miami Beach By Luisa Yanez Miami Herald A group of 50 undocumented immigrant students from South Florida who support the passage of The DREAM Act gathered on the sand on Miami Beach Sunday to form a human billboard that read: “Dream Act Now!” The DREAM Act The Progress Report Think Progress This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that he will move a defense authorization bill next week that includes the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, along with a measure that begins the process of repealing the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) policy. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Bar election survey gives Fla. judges high marks The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A Florida Bar survey of lawyers gives high marks to all four state Supreme Court justices and most of the 27 appeal court judges who will be on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Daily Clips for September 17, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Charlie Crist pushes back at Senate front-runner Marco Rubio By Beth Reinhard St. Petersburg Times Under attack on television and losing traction in the U.S. Senate race, Gov. Charlie Crist lashed out Thursday at front-runner Marco Rubio for his spending with a Republican Party credit card and for trying to stuff pork into the state budget. Rick Scott company gets more stimulus bucks By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Although Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rick Scott has frequently lambasted President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, a telecommunications company he has invested heavily in continues to reap financial rewards from the federal program. Claims chief: 'I am not a liar' By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Embattled Gulf oil spill claims czar Ken Feinberg acknowledged Thursday that payments from the $20-billion fund he administers for victims aren't coming quickly enough, but he denied misleading Floridians when he promised to grant quick relief. BEST OF THE BLOGS Florida’s Republicans are Just a Mess By Buck Banks Pensito Review The Republican Party of Florida is, to use a technical political term, all messed up. Charlie Crist: “It’s All About Me” By Inkberries Beach Peanuts Well, it’s another day, and another flip-flop, or two, for Charlie Crist. FL Seniors Can Help Stop Social Security Swindle By Daniel Tilson The Examiner Almost one out of three registered voters in Florida is over 60 years old, and most of those folks actually do vote, unlike many of their younger counterparts. Controversial GOP rabble-rouser claims racism in party By Joy-Ann Reid The Grio The past year has not been kind to Jim Greer. Complainers Keep The Story Alive By Jake Rantings From Florida It inevitably happens whenever a story gets over-covered. FLORIDA POLITICS Senate confirms Tampa native to oversee Voice of America, Radio Marti By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Dick Lobo, a Tampa native who ran WEDU-Ch. 3, to be director of the International Broadcasting Bureau. Florida freezes $1,500 rebate program for air conditioners By David Bauerlein Florida Times-Union Like a central air conditioner that suddenly conks out, Florida’s $1,500 rebate program for the purchase of Energy Star units was suspended this week because state lawmakers didn’t approve payout of the rebates. Tallahassee power grab Editorial Tampa Tribune In holding up payment of energy rebates for thousands of Florida residents and businesses, leaders of the state Senate and House are showing they'll stoop to anything to get even politically with Gov. Charlie Crist, even if it hurts the public. Our take on: A/C rebates & GOP audit release Editorial Orlando Sentinel Florida officials have taken a good idea — $1,500 rebates for homeowners who buy new, energy-efficient air conditioners — strangled it with red tape and starved it of funding. POLITICAL RACES Meek, Rubio, Crist debate Friday night on Univision By Ana Valdes Palm Beach Post The first debate between Florida's three U.S. Senate candidates during the general election campaign occurs Friday at the WLTV Univision 23 studios in Miami. Scott cancels NBC debate, making USF event likely By William March Tampa Tribune A statewide broadcast debate on NBC between Alex Sink and Rick Scott planned for Oct. 25 has been canceled because Scott declined, saying moderator Chris Matthews is "a known Obama liberal." Scott, Sink differ sharply on how to cut, reshape state government By Tristram Korten Florida Independent Democrat Alex Sink wants to give state workers a raise. Republican Rick Scott wants to eliminate them by the thousands. Florida Chamber of Commerce gets on the backtrack bandwagon, endorsing Rick Scott for governor By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau The Florida Chamber of Commerce may have spent millions to defeat him in the primary, but when it comes to the general election contest, it's decided to give some love to Republican Rick Scott. Tax cuts carving a divide in Florida By Lesley Clark Miami Herald Barack Obama's push to let tax cuts for the richest Americans expire is emerging as a campaign issue in Florida, putting some Democrats in tight reelection races at odds with the president. Reps with tough races, like Klein, break with Dem leaders over tax cuts for rich By George Bennett Palm Beach Post George W. Bush's radioactive approval ratings fueled the Democratic takeover of Congress in 2006 and helped Barack Obama make "change" a successful presidential campaign theme in 2008. Joe Garcia reveals 25-idea economic plan By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald Set against a backdrop of stubbornly high unemployment and sky-high home foreclosures, Democratic congressional candidate Joe Garcia unveiled an economic plan Thursday pushing for help for small businesses and homeowners -- and a heap of tax cuts and credits. Staircase bought with taxpayer money exists, but it isn't fancy By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times "When career politician Daniel Webster became speaker of the House, he wasted $32,000 of our money on a spiral staircase for his office." The tea party’s snarl Editorial St. Petersburg Times Democratic operatives are ablaze with excitement over the victory of two particularly dubious tea party candidates in Tuesday's Republican primaries, envisioning smoother paths to victory in the races for governor in New York and U.S. senator in Delaware. BALLOT INITIATIVES AARP joins supporters of redistricting amendments By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union A pair of constitutional amendments aimed at cutting back on political gerrymandering won the support of the state branch of AARP today. Fla. Supreme Court gets class size amendment case The Associated Press Palm Beach Post As expected, the Florida Supreme Court has received a challenge to a ballot proposal that would loosen Florida's class size limits. Council delays vote on growth plan until after November election By Michael Van Sickler St. Petersburg Times The City Council voted Thursday to shelve a controversial plan to nullify the effects of a November ballot measure that would let residents, not elected officials, decide future growth changes. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Realtors not sold on share from oil spill By Louis Cooper Pensacola News Journal The statewide Florida Realtors association has started divvying up the $16 million it received to compensate real estate agents and brokers who lost business after the oil spill. Spray-on Solar Power Techonology Unveiled at USF By Bobbie O'Brien WUSF Public Radio Tampa The typical photovoltaic panel may soon be made obsolete by technology unveiled at the University of South Florida. South Fla. cities get hybrid garbage trucks The Associated Press Miami Herald Miami-Dade County and two South Florida cities will be among the first to use hybrid powered garbage trucks. LGBT UF may add gender identity to nondiscrimination policy By Nathan Crabbe Gainesville Sun University of Florida faculty and students are being asked for their support in adding gender identity and expression to the university's nondiscrimination policy. Crist's position evolves - why? Editorial Ft. Myers News-Press Charlie Crist’s “evolution” is startling and welcome as he embraces several gay rights positions that move him in the direction of recognizing full equality for all citizens. EDUCATION Fla. collects $14.7 million from FCAT contractor The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Florida has collected $14.7 million in penalties from a contractor that delivered standardized test results more than a month late, and that amount could grow, the state's education commissioner said Thursday. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Census: 1 in 7 Americans lives in poverty The Associated Press Miami Herald The ranks of the working-age poor climbed to the highest level since the 1960s as the recession threw millions of people out of work last year, leaving one in seven Americans in poverty. New unemployment claims fall to lowest in 2 months The Associated Press Florida Times-Union The number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits dropped slightly last week to its lowest level in two months, a sign that employers are cutting fewer jobs. HEALTH AND SENIORS Law failed; DOH returns By Cynthia Washam Health News Florida Weeks after a new state law removed Florida Department of Health inspectors from child-care centers, they've quietly been welcomed back into a few centers, with more to come. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Florida organizations to hold vigil to urge LeMieux to support DREAM Act By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Related: Association of International Educators supports Reid’s action on the DREAM Act Local and national organizations have expressed support for the decision by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., to attach the DREAM Act to the defense authorization bill as part of a larger campaign for immigration reform. Muslim candidate for state House tackles religion issue head-on By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times As Z.J. Hafeez worked the room at a recent candidate forum in Tampa, he shook hands with a man who leaned in and peered at his name tag. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Grassroots group challenges Supreme Court decision and corporate power By Robert Lorei WMNF Community Radio Tampa The 2004 Green Party presidential candidate, David Cobb, who is an attorney and an expert on the Constitution, will be in the Tampa Bay area the next few days as part of an effort to build a movement against growing corporate power.