FEATURED STORIES Scott urged on to make massive changes to state government and state laws By Gary Fineout and Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Governor-elect Rick Scott was urged on Monday to make a startling overhaul of state government, as he was called on to merge state agencies, change the type of health care services the poor receive, and revamp the way the state keeps tab on its growth. Fla tea partiers push VA-style anti-health insurance law By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post The Florida Liberty Alliance – a coalition of tea party activists – is pushing Senate President Mike Haridopolos to pass a law similar to Virginia’s that would exempt Floridians from the federal health care law requiring individuals to purchase health insurance or pay a fine. Federal Election Commission files suit over Buchanan campaign contributions By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent In a case filed Friday in Florida’s Middle District, the Federal Election Commission alleges a pattern of questionable contributions made to the 2006 and 2008 campaigns of Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota. Department of Community Affairs: Don't shoot messenger By Tom Pelham Tampa Tribune The Department of Community Affairs, Florida's land planning agency, is frequently blamed for the state's economic woes. Does Florida's governor-elect know that many state residents are struggling? Editorial TC Palm Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott is an insensitive lout. FLORIDA POLITICS Scott keeping on high-level state staff temporarily By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune With two weeks remaining before his inauguration, incoming Gov. Rick Scott is asking high-level staff across state government to remain on the job. Gov.-elect Rick Scott's advisers suggest cutbacks By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Shut down A.G. Holley Hospital in Lantana. Privatize Florida's three state mental health hospitals. Combine the departments of transportation, community affairs and environmental protection. Roadmap Emerging For Rick Scott's Prison Plan By John Kennedy News Service of Florida One of Gov.-elect Rick Scott's most high-profile campaign promises -- to slash $1 billion from the state's prison system -- drew a powerful pushback when the union representing correctional officers aired television spots warning he would start releasing inmates to reduce spending. Scott's inaugural parade-participant list announced By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Marching bands from both universities and Springtime Tallahassee’s Andrew Jackson float will take part in Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s inaugural parade next month. Third state committee gave money to Brown, Diaz-Balart’s lawsuit funds By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent The Orlando Sentinel broke news last month about a pair of Florida political committees associated with state legislators that had donated $10,000 apiece to the legal expense funds of Reps. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, and Mario Diaz-Balart. Buchanan's former partner named in election lawsuit By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune A former business partner of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan violated federal campaign rules to help Buchanan in his 2006 and 2008 campaigns for Congress, the Federal Election Commission alleges in a new lawsuit. A monumental abuse of power Editorial St. Petersburg Times Public records show asphalt wasn't good enough for the scheming appellate judges who orchestrated the conspiracy to build themselves a palatial $48 million courthouse in Tallahassee. Scott already stumbling Editorial Pensacola News Journal Rick Scott ran for governor of Florida touting his business expertise and lack of political "baggage" to bring a new way of doing things in Tallahassee. POLITICAL RACES Tax cut deal sets up ideological battle for 2012 election By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times In order to enact sweeping tax cuts nine years ago, President George W. Bush had to let them expire Dec. 31 of this year. Fox News to air GOP presidential debate from Orlando in October By Hal Boedeker Orlando Sentinel An Orlando location will be the backdrop for an October debate among the Republican hopefuls for president in 2012, Fox News Channel and the Republican Party of Florida announced today. BALLOT INITIATIVES Proposed amendement would double time needed for lawyers to seek judgeships By Robert Napper Florida Independent A South Florida state senator is proposing a constitutional amendment that would double the amount of time someone must practice law before seeking a judgeship, according to the Florida Bar News. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Whatever Happened to the Gulf Oil Spill? By Bryan Walsh Time Magazine Back in May I met the CEO of a major environmental group for coffee in Washington. Worsening drought feared as South Florida water levels drop By Eliot Kleinberg Palm Beach Post Good thing those cold spells are over. Now all South Florida has to worry about is a drought. LGBT With gay ban debate over, military impact in doubt By Robert Burns The Associated Press The debate over gays in the military has been settled with a historic decision to allow them to serve openly, but big questions lie ahead about how and when the change will take place, how troops will accept it and whether it will hamper the U.S. military effort in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pending 'Don't Ask' repeal brings relief for gay PB County soldiers, even if too late for some By John Lantigua Palm Beach Post The repeal of "don't ask don't tell" and the pending ability of gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military came late for Philippe Kalmanson. EDUCATION Private-school vouchers return to education agenda By David Harrison Stateline A decade ago, almost any discussion about reforming the nation’s public schools included vouchers. Top 10 Florida school districts with the most inflated graduation rates By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Around Tampa Bay, Hillsborough is tops when it comes to the biggest gap - 12 percentage points - between its official graduation rate and a truer rate that doesn't discount at-risk students who transferred into adult education programs. HEALTH AND SENIORS Scott's team urges him to consolidate health agencies into mega department By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times Gov. Rick Scott should reverse the work of Gov. Lawton Chiles 20 years ago, when he pushed for the separation of the state's social service agencies, and get back to a large Department of Health and Human Services, Scott's health care advisory team told him in a 68-page report on Monday. Anti-abortion group’s recent Florida ads a small part of a much-larger campaign By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Heroic Media, the Texas-based anti-abortion group that drums up publicity with controversy-laden media campaigns, has big plans for expansion.

Daily Clips for December 20, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Lacking any hires and facing criticism, Gov.-elect Rick Scott asks Crist team to stay on longer By Michael C. Bender and Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Lacking a single hire to staff Florida's government, incoming Gov. Rick Scott on Friday asked most of Gov. Charlie Crist's administration to rescind their resignations and stay on board for up to three months. South Florida activists cheer Senate vote to rescind 'don't ask, don't tell' gay military ban By David Lightman and Steve Rothaus Miami Herald Related: Congress repeals 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on gays in military Related AP story: Obama to sign law ending military gay ban The Senate voted 65-31 Saturday to end the Pentagon's ``don't ask, don't tell'' policy on gays and lesbians in the military, as President Barack Obama declared ``it is time to close this chapter in our history.'' Immigration activists disappointed after Senate blocks DREAM Act By Melissa Sanchez Miami Herald Related: Students look to 2012 after immigration bill fails A bill that would have granted legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented students was blocked in the Senate on Saturday, effectively killing its chances of passing this year. Appeals judges slip into controversial new $50 million courthouse By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Related: Taj Mahal timeline: How a $50 million courthouse got in the budget but stayed off the radar For some, the moving vans outside the 1st District Court of Appeal were reminiscent of the night the Colts moved out of Baltimore in the middle of the night on their way to Indianapolis. State jobless rate rises slightly to 12 percent By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel Florida's unemployment rate in November ticked up to 12 percent, rising one-tenth of a point from October's rate, even as the labor market across the nation showed signs of improvement. Scott's plan doesn't add up Editorial Palm Beach Post Gov.-elect Rick Scott wants to provide every student in Florida a voucher to be used at any school, public or private. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK Cartoon Caption Contest By Jeff Parker Florida Today FLORIDA POLITICS Florida could gain two House seats thanks to census count By Lesley Clark Miami Herald Florida may pick up as many as two seats in the U.S. House — further boosting the state's influence in Congress and making it an even bigger prize in the race for the White House. Will controversy over RNC chairmanship affect Tampa convention? Some answers By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Uncertainty over the leadership of the Republican National Committee has prompted questions about how the 2012 GOP convention in Tampa could be affected. Departing LeMieux gets flattering send-off By Bart Jansen Florida Capital News Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell praised departing Sen. George LeMieux on Friday as "smart, capable and willing to work hard." 2011 Inauguration Events Staff Report Florida Capital News The 2011 Inauguration will mark the historic election of Jennifer Carroll as Florida's next lieutenant governor. Hillsborough's value may sway pick for state GOP chair By William March Tampa Tribune While internal political party elections are hard to predict, there are indications that Debbie Cox-Roush of Tampa is a leading contender in the upcoming battle for chairman of the state Republican Party. Lesson for Florida GOP Editorial Orlando Sentinel Legions of politicians profess their love for the film Patton, featuring George C. Scott's memorable portrayal of one of the least politic generals in U.S. history. Haridopolos' financial disclosure case illustrates need to reform flawed system Editorial TC Palm The coziness of it all makes the conscientious person want to scream. POLITICAL RACES CNN, Tea Party to co-host GOP presidential debate in Tampa By William March Tampa Tribune CNN announced Friday it will co-host a Republican presidential primary debate in Tampa along with the Tea Party Express during Labor Day week 2011. Sink Has No Regrets Running for Governor By Keith Laing News Service of Florida Four years ago, Alex Sink became the first chief financial officer of Florida to win a contested election in her first bid for elected office. BALLOT INITIATIVES ACLU Files Motion to Intervene against Corrine Brown in Lawsuit Staff Report First Coast News There's a legal battle brewing between Rep. Corrine Brown and the Florida chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Judge not pleased with Florida in Everglades case By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com A federal judge on Friday expressed support for a new $1.5 billion federal plan to reduce Everglades pollution while raising concerns with Florida's response to the proposal, according to the Associated Press. Levee that protects South Florida from Everglades flooding fails to meet federal standards By Andy Reid South Florida Sun-Sentinel New flood control concerns are surfacing about the 60-year-old, earthen levee that keeps the Everglades from swamping South Florida communities spread across former wetlands. LGBT Breaking down military's wall of discrimination Editorial St. Petersburg Times It is always a proud moment when Congress acts on behalf of tolerance and equality. EDUCATION Graduation rates soar through loophole Ron Matus and Connie Humburg St. Petersburg Times When the state of Florida released its official high school graduation figures last month, Gov. Charlie Crist's office said the rates had "soared to new heights." Report: Low-income students more often get teachers without expertise in field By Katherine Albers Naples Daily News A new report released by The Education Trust has found that, when it comes to low-income or at-risk students being assigned to strong teachers, school districts aren’t making the grade. Florida Democrats Work To Discontinue FCAT Exams For High School Students Staff Report Lakeland Ledger Florida Democrats are continuing to propose dumping the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test as their Republican counterparts continue to put more emphasis on standardized exams. Do improving high school FCAT grades have any meaning? By Michael Mayo South Florida Sun-Sentinel At Lake Worth High in Palm Beach County, 59 percent of sophomores flunked the reading portion of the FCAT exam. Reject Scott’s idea for universal school vouchers Editorial Bradenton Herald Public education is sailing into a perfect storm. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Florida's 'underemployed' focus on survival, not gifts By Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post Janeisha Saintelus has two children, one part-time job and no idea how she'll buy Christmas presents and decorations. Can Rick Scott keep jobs promise? By Beth Kassab Orlando Sentinel Could Rick Scott be growing concerned that he may have overpromised on those 700,000 jobs he says he's going to create? Why didn’t Scott set the record straight on prison spending earlier? By Travis Pillow Florida Independent When Gov.-elect Rick Scott said during his run for governor that he would save $1 billion in prison spending, everyone seemed to believe that he wanted to save that much every year. State work force has declined, but barely By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald PolitiFact On the campaign trail, Gov.-elect Rick Scott promised to cut the state work force by 5 percent. Fraud, Abuse Found in NASA Research Funding to Small Companies By Peter Tartaglione Huffington Post Investigative Fund A NASA program to encourage small companies to develop new technology has accepted questionable research from some contractors and given others multiple contracts for doing the same job, according to NASA’s inspector general. Taxes keep society functioning By Stephen Goldstein South Florida Sun-Sentinel Taxes: Mention the word, and it's like feeding time for one of Pavlov's dogs. HEALTH AND SENIORS Gov.-elect’s ties to health care worry reformists By Tonya Alanez South Florida Sun-Sentinel Proponents of health care reform despair over Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s stated determination to roll back “ObamaCare.” Florida congressman to oversee ‘ground zero’ for health care repeal By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Republican Congressman Cliff Stearns of Ocala could play a major role in health care repeal efforts and investigations into the Obama Administration’s greenhouse gas regulations for the House Energy and Commerce Committee when the new Congress takes over next month. Thrasher ‘does not condone’ group that says Planned Parenthood efforts similar to ‘genocide’ By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent John Thrasher, a Republican state senator from Jacksonville and the chair of the Republican Party of Florida, “does not condone” the controversial comments of an anti-abortion group he helped raise money for — comments that include the claim that Planned Parenthood’s efforts are similar to “genocide.” CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Another dream dies for millions of worthy students By Ernest Hooper St. Petersburg Times Despite strong support from South Florida congressional lawmakers, the Dream Act failed to gain passage in the Senate on Saturday. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Justices Offer Receptive Ear to Business Interests By Adam Liptak New York Times Almost 40 years ago, a Virginia lawyer named Lewis F. Powell Jr. warned that the nation’s free enterprise system was under attack. Chinese drywall decision favors insurers By Aaron Kessler Sarasota Herald-Tribune In a ruling that could have wide implications for Chinese drywall homeowners battling their insurance companies, the federal judge overseeing the combined drywall litigation in New Orleans has dismissed Louisiana homeowners' claims against 10 insurers involved in the massive case.

Daily Clips for December 17, 2010

FEATURED STORIES

Judge Hints He May Rule Against Health Law
By Kevin Sack
New York Times
A federal judge asserted on Thursday that it would be “a giant leap” for the Supreme Court to accept the Obama administration’s defense of a central provision of the new health care law, suggesting he may become the second judge to strike it down as unconstitutional.

PolitiFact's Lie of the Year: No topping 'government takeover'
By Bill Adair and Angie Drobnic Holan
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald PolitiFact
In the spring of 2009, a Republican strategist settled on a brilliant and powerful attack line for President Barack Obama's ambitious plan to overhaul America's health insurance system.

Florida gov.-elect Rick Scott gets advice from predecessors
The Associated Press
Naples Daily News
Gov. Charlie Crist, true to his populist leanings, says his successor should "listen to the people of Florida — to the criticism as well as to the praise."

A $500,000 question over track's payments
By Scott Hiaasen and Patricia Mazzei
Miami Herald
The Miami-Dade state attorney's office is investigating more than $500,000 in secret payments from the owners of the Flagler Dog Track to a company tied to Congressman-elect David Rivera, The Miami Herald has learned.

BEST OF THE BLOGS

Vouchers, the Republican's Public Option
By Jake
Rantings From Florida
As people in the last year tried to label the public option as a socialist plot, it struck me that the system the plan was most comparable too was not British health care, Canadian health care or Nazi health care, but Jeb Bush's plan for educational vouchers.

Only a strong message, not fair districts, will help Florida Democrats
By Mike Cantone
Florida Progressive Coalition
Let me be clear: as great as Fair Districts Florida’s victories are, they are not a Democratic nor Republican tool for victory – and never should be.

Get the Feds off Florida's back: states rights!
By Gimleteye
Eye on Miami
A funny thing happened on the way to the feds cracking down on Miami-Dade Transit for accounting irregularities deemed so insignificant that the county manager simply swept them under the rug.

What's That Word?
By Bobby Cramer
Bark Bark Woof Woof
Rep.-elect Allen West (R-FL) told a conservative radio talk show host that he thinks the media should be censored for leaking the WikiLeaks cables.

FLORIDA POLITICS

Fasano urges state leaders to block move to 'Taj Mahal' courthouse
By Lucy Morgan
St. Petersburg Times
The 1st District Court of Appeal should be stopped from moving into its posh new courthouse, says Sen. Mike Fasano, chairman of the committee that controls budgets for the state's court system.

Governor-elect Scott to receive transition insight today
By Bill Cotterell
Florida Capital News
Like all newly elected officials, Gov.-elect Rick Scott is getting a lot of advice about his job.

Scott will ask high-level state officials to remain on the job past inauguration
By Gary Fineout
Florida Tribune
With time running out before Governor-elect Rick Scott takes office, his transition team plans to ask many high-level state officials to remain on the job past the inauguration date of Jan. 4.

Scott team: Reports of $1 billion annual cuts to prisons ‘fantastic claims’
By Travis Pillow
Florida Independent
Gov.-elect Rick Scott has continued to draw scrutiny for his supposed goal of shaving $1 billion a year from the state’s annual prison budget.

Rick Scott's lavish inauguration: out of touch with the people?
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
That's the question a couple of Tampa Bay residents raised in letters to the St. Petersburg Times published today.

Gutted Public Service Commission's integrity in question
By Dan DeWitt
St. Petersburg Times
Everybody knows the Public Service Commission has been gutted.

Corrine Brown - again - requests earmarks for center her daughter lobbies for
By Matt Dixon
Florida Times-Union
A $1.1 trillion spending plan put forth by Senate Democrats Wednesday included a $750,000 request by U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson for a Jacksonville nonprofit organization that uses Brown’s daughter as a federal lobbyist.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Federal court to hear Everglades case Friday
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
Leading up to a federal court hearing in Miami on Friday, Friends of the Everglades is calling on the state to require polluters rather than taxpayers to pay for cleaning up the "River of Grass."

Get moving to clear BP claims backlog
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
Alex Sink is making good use of her final days as Florida's chief financial officer by calling on President Barack Obama and the BP claims fund to speed up payments to victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

LGBT

North Miami man who won gay adoption case invited to White House
Staff Report
Palm Beach Post
Martin Gill, the North Miami man who successfully challenged Florida’s ban on gay adoption, will attend a White House holiday reception this afternoon.

EDUCATION

Schools outsmart failure on the FCAT
By Kathleen McGrory
Miami Herald
Last year, based on a lackluster performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests, Dillard High got a D grade from the state. This year, without significant improvement on the exams, the Fort Lauderdale school scored a B.

Fewer Florida teachers seek national certification
By Dave Weber
Orlando Sentinel
A dwindling number of Florida teachers are seeking national certification after the state cut incentive pay to reward them for their work.

Lt. Gov.-elect Carroll talks education reform, jobs
By Matt Dixon
Florida Times-Union
Much of Lt. Gov.-elect Jennifer Carroll's speech to lobbyists and business leaders Thursday in Jacksonville echoed her pro-business, anti-red tape campaign narrative, but another hot topic also made the afternoon's talking points: education reform.

JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY

Florida companies brace for jump in unemployment taxes
By Jeff Harrington
St. Petersburg Times
For 19 straight months, Florida's unemployment rate has been stuck in double digits.

Gov. Crist extends Florida crop freeze emergency order
The Associated Press
Ft. Myers News-Press
Gov. Charlie Crist has extended an emergency order lifting weight restrictions on trucks transporting freeze-threatened crops for two more weeks through Dec. 31.

HEALTH AND SENIORS

U.S. judge in Pensacola weighs Florida, 19 other states' challenge of health care law
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
Health care for uninsured Americans in 20 states, including Florida, now rests in the hands of a federal judge who heard oral arguments Thursday in the states' lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the national health-care law.

Daily Clips for December 16, 2010

FEATURED STORIES What will FL judge do? By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Senior U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson saved the fireworks until almost the end of a 65-page October ruling that allowed Florida and other states to continue challenging the new federal health law. Children's Movement sets Fla. legislative goals The Associated Press Miami Herald Backed by influential business and political figures, a children's advocacy group that goes by the nickname "Milk Party" on Wednesday unveiled a $300 million wish list for cash-strapped Florida lawmakers to consider. Rick Scott’s School Voucher Plan Threatens the Viability of Public Education By Dennis Maley Bradenton Times On Rick Scott's recent pre-take-office tour, Floridians got a peek at what issues his administration's agenda will be likely to favor. House votes again to lift restrictions on gays The Associated Press St. Petersburg Times Related: How Florida voted on repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' For the second time this year the House voted to dismantle the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, giving the Senate a final shot in the waning days of this Congress at changing a law requiring thousands of uniformed gays to hide their sexual identity. Feds sue BP, other companies for oil spill damages By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press A powerful plaintiff has joined the hundreds of people and businesses suing BP and other companies involved in the Gulf oil spill: the Justice Department. FLORIDA POLITICS Florida GOP may replace troublesome early presidential primary with straw poll By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Look out Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire. Fall of Crist? Election of Rick Scott? What's the top political story for the year? Staff Report Florida Tribune This past year may go down as one of the strangest and wildest years in the history of Florida politics. Governor may face fight from local lawmakers By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune Governor-elect Rick Scott's ambitious plans to overhaul Florida government are already drawing scrutiny from local legislative leaders. Nelson requests 43 earmarks in Senate omnibus bill By Luke Johnson Florida Independent The Senate is considering a $1.1 trillion omnibus bill — essentially a bill appropriating funding for the government for next year that contains more than 6,000 earmarks totaling $8 billion. Dade GOP to select new leader By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald In a show of unity after their party's successful election last month, Miami-Dade Republicans are expected to rally around a new, consensus leader Thursday. POLITICAL RACES Special elections set for 2 Fla. legislative seats The Associated Press Miami Herald Gov. Charlie Crist has set special elections in South Florida to replace two Democratic state lawmakers who have resigned. BALLOT INITIATIVES Head of Personhood Florida calls for action at legislative delegation meetings By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Pastor Bryan Longworth, the head of the anti-abortion group Personhood Florida, is calling for “ProLife, Tea Party, and Values speakers to let their voices be heard” at legislative meetings today in St. Lucie County. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Friends of the Everglades: ‘Taxpayer-funded bailout of Everglades polluters must stop’ By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Judge Alan Gold is slated to hold a highly anticipated and crucial hearing tomorrow concerning the restoration of the Everglades, in which he will approve or deny an EPA-developed plan that will halt agricultural poisoning in the area. Appeals court sanctions environmental groups in land-use case By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune A state appeals court ruled on Tuesday that environmental groups must pay the attorneys fees of Martin County, the Florida Department of Community Affairs and development interests for appealing a land-use case. McCollum, Sink rap oil spill claims process The Associated Press Gainesville Sun Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink have taken parting shots against the Gulf of Mexico oil spill claims process. Gov.-elect Rick Scott wrong to oppose moratorium on offshore oil drilling Editorial TC Palm Gov.-elect Rick Scott apparently has a short memory and thinks other Floridians do, too. LGBT Huckabee signs letter supporting groups designated as ‘hate groups’ By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent Florida resident and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has signed a letter supporting a Family Research Council effort to push back against the Southern Poverty Law Center for designating several anti-gay organizations as “hate groups.” EDUCATION Rick Scott’s Horror-Show Plan for Florida Education By Ralph De La Cruz Florida Center for Investigative Reporting When people go to the polls to “send a message” or vote with a gut feeling, I get worried. DOE: Florida school districts need value-added techniques By Tom Marshall St. Petersburg Times In another sign that Florida is moving toward statewide use of value-added measures of teacher effectiveness, the Department of Education today named a committee to develop a plan. "Season of Saving" with the Gift of Education By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida Make this holiday time a 'season of saving.' That's the message from the Florida Pre-Paid College Plans. The Wall Street Journal says the annual spike in spending around the holidays is $65 billion nationwide, or about $600 per household. Safety, openness a tricky balance for school boards after Bay County shooting By Jeffrey S. Solochek St. Petersburg Times Related: Raw Video: Inside the Fla. School Board Shooting James Yant had talked in passing about the need to tighten security at Hernando County School Board meetings. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY New federal survey shows salary gender gap in Florida and other surprises By Brent Henzi Florida Tribune A new federal survey released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau has a treasure trove of information about Florida. State's foreclosure filings plunge 42% By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Foreclosure filings plummeted in November, showing the biggest declines nationwide since 2005 as the robo-signing fracas forced lenders to pause and review flawed or possibly fraudulent paperwork. Lee County farmers continue to assess damage By Mary Wozniak Ft. Myers News-Press While the past few days of freezing temperatures might be refreshing for some, for local farmers it’s been terrifying as their crops and livelihood are on the line. HEALTH AND SENIORS McCollum's challenge of Obama's health care plan is central to national debate By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related column: McCollum's lawsuit against Obamacare raises legitimate questions As Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum argues against the new federal health care law today, he adds to a court file already swollen with "friend of the court" briefs from around the country. McCollum plays a role in another big case By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News For any other lawyer-politician, having prosecuted the president of the United States would be the biggest case of a career. Stem-cell treatment ‘cures’ HIV patient By Fred Tasker Miami Herald Doctors in Berlin, working with an American patient with both HIV and leukemia, have declared in a peer-reviewed journal that they believe they have cured both illnesses. Investing in children will pay off in long run Editorial St. Petersburg Times A nascent effort to focus Florida's Legislature on improving the lives of children has passed its first major test.

Daily Clips for December 15, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Florida's estimated budget shortfall grows to $3.5 billion By Amy Sherman and Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott's campaign promise to cut property and corporate-income taxes got a little tougher Tuesday when state economists forecast that anemic tax collections could punch a $3.5 billion hole in his first proposed budget. Sales-tax holidays proposed By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News Lost sales because of BP's Deepwater Horizon oil spill were bad enough. Scott's (Bush's) new (old) schools scheme By Daniel Ruth St. Petersburg Times Let's face it, by now it's become abundantly obvious that former Gov. Jeb Bush, and his political paramour, Gov.-elect Rick Scott, regard a public school education with about the same esteem as the Taliban's Mullah Omar has when finding himself stuck in an elevator with Lady Gaga. Florida's leaders disregard constituents Editorial St. Petersburg Times A federal judge in Virginia dealt a temporary setback to the Affordable Care Act on Monday. FLORIDA POLITICS Steele's battle for RNC head doesn't deter Tampa convention efforts By William March Tampa Tribune Work is proceeding on planning the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, even as the national Republican Party faces a controversial election for chairman. West calls for ‘censoring’ news outlets working with WikiLeaks By Luke Johnson Florida Independent Rep.-elect Allen West, R-Fort Lauderdale, one-upped the calls for the prosecution of Wikileaks by calling for the “censoring” of news agencies that publish the organization’s cables. Rubio hires a Tallahassee veteran to run Central Florida U.S. Senate offices By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times A top aide to Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon has been hired to head up U.S. Sen.-elect Marco Rubio's state offices. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY St. Johns River: Citizens needed to file suit By Jimmy Orth Florida Times-Union Green Cove Springs Commissioner Mike Kelter either has a short memory or isn't that familiar with the history of this state. Florida PSC approves rate freeze for Florida Power & Light By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday voted 5-0 to approve a settlement with Florida Power & Light Co. to resolve a controversial rate-hike request denied by the commission earlier this year. LGBT New showdown: House plans vote on military gay ban The Associated Press Miami Herald In a new showdown on a volatile issue, the House this week will take up a bill that would overturn the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays, Democratic leader Steny Hoyer revealed Tuesday. EDUCATION A Florida school cheer: Gimme a C-H-E-A-P! By Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel In Florida's latest education news, we find one school so desperate for money that the principal actually tried to charge kids $2 just to attend a pep rally. Study: Achievement gap narrowing but not fast enough By Mary Kelli Palka Florida Times-Union Student achievement gaps are narrowing nationwide - especially in Florida - but not fast enough, according to a report released Tuesday by the Center on Education Policy. School board foresees a challenging year ahead By Jackie Alexander Gainesville Sun It's going to be a long year, district staff told Alachua County School Board members during a Tuesday workshop on upcoming changes to state testing and graduation requirements. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY SPECIAL REPORT: Federal failure on Chinese drywall By Aaron Kessler and Joaquin Sapien Sarasota Herald-Tribune For the thousands of U.S. homeowners who are grappling with the financial and emotional trauma caused by defective Chinese drywall, one thing is now clear: The federal government is woefully unequipped to help them with a product defect as expensive and widespread as this one. Farmers escape icy blast with few losses — so far By Emily Nipps and Danny Valentine St. Petersburg Times Florida farmers were relieved Tuesday that the cold was not catastrophic but remained worried about what they might find this morning. Florida sidetracks rail, but international builders are all aboard By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau As Florida puts the brakes on its high speed rail plan, corporations from around the world are eagerly pressing for bragging rights as builders of the first such line in the United States. HEALTH AND SENIORS FL case still matters, McCollum says By Michael Peltier The News Service of Florida Florida’s lawsuit against the new federal health care law isn’t any less important in light of a ruling Monday by a federal judge in Virginia invalidating a key component, backers of the Florida challenge said. Health reform for all Americans By Eric H. Holder Jr. and Kathleen Sebelius Washington Post In March, New Hampshire preschool teacher Gail O'Brien, who was unable to obtain health insurance through her employer, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma. Pill-mill delay also costly By Carol Gentry Health News Florida A law that took effect Nov. 17 had the inadvertent effect of delaying a crackdown on pain clinics that are fueling an epidemic of prescription drug abuse. Children's 'milk party' to announce 2011 Florida priorities The Associated Press Orlando Sentinel A children's advocacy effort modeled after the tea party movement is introducing its legislative priorities that it believes will bolster Florida's investment in kids. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES U.S. scholars: We can’t afford to not pass the DREAM Act By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Approval of the DREAM Act before the end of the year is an opportunity for the Senate to do the right thing for hundreds of thousands of young people who call the United States home: That was the central theme for academics who participated in a phone conference call on Monday to voice their support for a letter signed by close to 300 of their colleagues supporting the DREAM Act. Florida congressman says DREAM Act means lower tuition for illegal immigrants: False By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact A controversial plan to provide a path to permanent legal residency for children brought to the United States illegally continues to rise toward the top of the agenda in the final days of the 111th Congress. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Pain clinic operators now accused of ripping off desperate homeowners By Jane Musgrave Palm Beach Post A Wellington man who is being investigated for running some of South Florida's most notorious pain clinics is now accused of ripping off desperate homeowners in a loan modification scam.

Daily Clips for December 14, 2010

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

Daily Clips for December 13, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Scott's schools shake-up seems certain By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Related: Public school advocates fear Scott's voucher-like proposal Related: What else Rick Scott had to say Related: So, what happens next? Related editorial: Rick Scott's universal voucher proposal would hurt schools When Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott stood in a church this week and dropped a policy bomb on the state's education establishment — a plan to essentially give vouchers to any family that wants one — 900 voucher kids in the audience cheered. Outsider comes inside: Scott makes debut at RPOF convention By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Republicans wore red, white and blue wrist bands emblazoned "2012 starts today" at their first post-election state convention Saturday. Scott may shrink tax money for public employees' pensions By Gary Fineout Ocala Star-Banner One of the big questions surrounding Gov.-elect Rick Scott's plan to cut billions of dollars in taxes is this: Where would he make up the difference? Civil liberties at risk By Howard Simon Miami Herald You don't need to be Max Mayfield to know that a Category 5 disaster is headed straight for our civil liberties. Florida fights for rights of polluters By Carl Hiaasen Miami Herald Farms, mills and municipalities that use Florida waterways as a latrine got more good news last week from their stooges in Tallahassee. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Jeff Parker Florida Today FLORIDA POLITICS Florida Democrats ready to turn the page on bad decade of losing elections By Larry Hannan Florida Times-Union The 21st century has been a frustrating time to be a Democrat in Florida. As Republicans take U.S. House, Florida's clout surges By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times U.S. Rep. John Mica started to pull out his cell phone but was suddenly struck with modesty, pushing it back in his pocket. A second later, he could not contain himself. Donations top $1 million for Jan. 4 inauguration of Gov. Rick Scott By Jenna Buzzacco=Foerster Naples Daily News The money is rolling in and some political experts say Florida should be prepared for an inauguration like one they may not have seen before. Rick Scott's math problems By Gary Fineout The Fine Print During his campaign for governor Rick Scott sharply attacked Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink for some of her budget proposals and said that they would be too expensive. Gleaning lessons from Rick Scott's 5-day, 10-city jobs tour By Robert Trigaux St. Petersburg Times Gov.-elect Rick Scott's wasting no time meeting a broad sampling of Florida businesses. A new way of looking at state workers By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News There are two ways to look at the approach Gov. Rick Scott and the even-more-Republican Florida Legislature are taking to state employment in the 2011 legislative session. Rick Scott hires New York headhunters to fill state jobs By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Gov.-elect Rick Scott is so committed to finding outsiders to staff his administration, he's reaching into his own pocket for more than $125,000 to pay the salaries and expenses of a New York head-hunting firm to recruit talent, according to an agreement obtained by the St. Petersburg Times and the Miami Herald. Scott interviews candidates for chair of RPOF By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov.-elect Rick Scott, who ran an insurgent campaign against the Republican establishment, interviewed candidates for the party chairmanship Friday but said he has not decided whether to publicly install a party chief for the next four years. State's Republican leaders wrestle with fiscal controls By Scott Powers Orlando Sentinel The Republican Party of Florida leadership arrived in Orlando full of excitement for its near sweep of November elections and its power to carry Gov.-elect Rick Scott's conservative agenda next year, yet still haunted by ghosts of its scandals past. Peterman case highlights ethics law flaws By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times If a public official does something irresponsible, is it also unethical? Counting Paper Clips to the End By Lloyd Dunkelberger Lakeland Ledger Although her political opponents ridiculed her zealous quest to crack down on the use of office supplies by state workers, Alex Sink is still counting paper clips in her final days as the state's chief financial officer – and proud of it. State Sen. Paula Dockery's challenges land her in GOP exile By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times State Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, challenged the GOP establishment repeatedly this year by decrying a "culture of corruption" in Tallahassee, calling for the release of all party credit card records, challenging Bill McCollum for the gubernatorial nomination and then endorsing Rick Scott for governor. Rep. Allen West's new top aide opposite of radio talker Joyce Kaufman By George Bennett Palm Beach Post After his odd pick of conservative radio talker Joyce Kaufman as chief of staff blew up, incoming Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West went the opposite direction by selecting Washington insider Jonathan Blyth to be his top aide. POLITICAL RACES GOP field already building to challenge Bill Nelson By Alex Leary and Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times It's not even 2011, and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson already has a big target on his back for 2012. The GOP's Veep Favorite By Mark McKinnon Daily Beast Twenty-three months out, the Republican presidential nomination is up for grabs, but there’s already a favorite for running mate. Anonymous donors spent $132M on 2010 campaign ads By Beth Fouhy The Associated Press Independent groups that do not disclose the identity of their donors spent $132.5 million to influence elections nationwide this year, accounting for about a third of all spending by outside groups in the 2010 election cycle, a report released Friday found. BALLOT INITIATIVES House Speaker Cannon unfairly attacks Florida Supreme Court By Jeff Garvin Ft. Myers News-Press In his opening remarks to the legislature, incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon blasted the Florida Supreme Court claiming that the Court demolished the work of the Legislature by taking constitutional amendments off the ballot. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Florida Everglades Cleanup: A River of Morass By Michael Grunwald Time Magazine On December 11, 2000, with Governor Jeb Bush at his side, President Bill Clinton signed a landmark $7.8 billion bill to revive the dying Florida Everglades. Cold blamed for record number of manatees deaths this year By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times Manatees died in record-breaking numbers this year, but not from being hit by boats or poisoned by Red Tide. Instead, the largest group of the 699 manatees that were killed as of Dec. 5 were done in by bad weather. In rough year for sea turtles — cold, oil spill — biologists are surprised to find more nests By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times This has been a particularly rough year for sea turtles. Tourists and oil drills don't mix Editorial Miami Herald So far, British Petroleum's $20 billion oil-spill compensation fund has paid a whopping $44.1 million for 2,776 approved claims in the Florida Keys. Miami-Dade County claims total $4.1 million, Broward County's $2.9 million. The cost-benefit of restoring the unique 'River of Grass' Editorial Tampa Tribune Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott frequently emphasizes the importance of cost-benefit plans in judging state programs. LGBT Foes of 'don't ask, don't tell' say fight not over By Anne Flaherty The Associated Press Advocates of a bill that would overturn the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy say their fight for repeal this year is far from over despite failing to pass the Senate with only days left in the lame-duck session. EDUCATION Questions over bump in school grades By Christopher O'Donnell Sarasota Herald-Tribune Many Florida high schools held pep rallies and pizza parties this week to celebrate A and B state grades, even though standardized test scores statewide improved only marginally and still fewer than half of high schoolers read at grade level. Time ripe for education reform By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News With a results-oriented new governor and a Republican Legislature that dislikes teacher unions, the political climate is ripe for sweeping education reform in Florida. Longer school days contemplated By Kathleen Haughney St. Augustine Record A push for struggling schools to lengthen the school day may become a part of a larger education reform debate that lawmakers have hinted will be a major part of the spring 2011 legislative agenda. Federal stimulus money did little to help Florida colleges and universities By Scott Travis South Florida Sun-Sentinel The federal stimulus money was touted as a historic opportunity to improve higher education, create jobs and stop the bleeding from of state cuts. UF trustees approve block tuition for fall 2012 By Nathan Crabbe Gainesville Sun University of Florida trustees approved a delayed plan for block tuition Friday, but some students are still hoping it doesn't happen at all. State must ease up on levying class size penalties Editorial South Florida Sun-Sentinel Bad enough that almost half of Florida's school districts — including the state's three largest in South Florida — failed to meet state class-size mandates. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Florida bank recovery lagging By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Florida's banking industry faces another stressful year of problem loans and likely more failures as it lags behind recovery elsewhere in the country. Auditors: Too early to evaluate pension-backed fund that created 186 jobs with $73 million. By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune An effort to use Florida pension funds to help spur the creation of high-tech industries in the state has yielded 186 jobs so far, a new audit reports. Mica's influence already showing By Bob Koslow Daytona Beach News-Journal The same day an area congressman and Amtrak critic was picked to head the U.S. House Transportation Committee, Amtrak dropped its opposition to the state buying a track for a Central Florida commuter rail system. A note of skepticism about high-speed rail By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Early last year, the president of the United States came to Florida and gave us $1.25 billion for a high-speed rail line between Tampa and Orlando. HEALTH AND SENIORS Long Road for Lawyer Defending the Health Care Law By Kevin Sack New York Times Memo to the third floor at Justice Department headquarters: Ian Gershengorn will soon be pacing the corridors again. Florida lawmakers face growing burden with Medicaid By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union Florida lawmakers are gearing up for what could be an emotional battle over the future of Medicaid. Docs want to run Medicaid plans By Carol Gentry Health News Florida The Florida Medical Association, which has traditionally fought the notion of turning Medicaid into a statewide managed-care program with mandatory enrollment, now says it can live with that – as long as doctors are in charge. Will Scott privatize Florida hospitals? By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union Despite fears that Gov.-elect Rick Scott might propose privatizing some state functions, several lawmakers said they haven't heard what will happen to the state-run Northeast Florida State Hospital in Macclenny. Some pain clinics find loophole in restrictive new state law By Sofia Santana Orlando Sentinel While a new state law is hitting some pain clinics hard, authorities worry a loophole in the legislation will be a boon for other seedy pharmacies. Crisis of care: Floridians should set a good example By Stephen Goldstein South Florida Sun-Sentinel America needs to become a nation of caregivers, not just gift-givers. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES With Dream Act shelved, immigrants look to 2012 By Laura Wides-Munoz The Associated Press The illegal immigrants who more than a decade ago were just teens hoping to forge a legal path to citizenship are vowing to make the Dream Act a campaign issue come 2012, even though they'll likely be too old to benefit if the law ever passes. State Sen. Detert files yet another immigration enforcement act By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Florida Sen. Nacy Detert, R-Venice, filed this week the “Florida Security and Immigration Compliance Act,” another bill that extends the push by Republican legislators to make enforcement through attrition a reality in Florida. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Finalists for statewide prosecutor selected By Brent Henzi Florida Tribune Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi has been given the names of three finalists for the post of statewide prosecutor after the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission conducted interviews in Tampa on Thursday. Is Florida holding sex offenders in legal limbo? By Todd Ruger Sarasota Herald-Tribune At a state sex-offender treatment center outside Arcadia, hundreds of inmates who completed their prison terms are held until they receive sufficient treatment to learn to control their criminal behavior.