Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners

Click on a headline to read the complete story:

 

Weston mayor files suit challenging proposed property tax cuts

TALLAHASSEE — The mayor of Weston in Broward County on Monday filed the first lawsuit challenging proposed property tax cuts that the Florida Legislature wants voters to approve in a special January election.

 

Complete lawsuit filed by Weston Mayor Eric Hersh seeking to block proposed statewide property tax cuts.

 

Bob’s back

In 1980, then-Gov. Bob Graham vetoed The Postsecondary Education Act, an ill-conceived attempt to remake the State University System in some politico’s image.

 

Give Board Of Governors Tuition Control

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham and a distinguished group of educators are suing the Florida Legislature. The bold move is necessary to establish who has the authority to set tuition at the state universities.

 

State Representative Martin Kiar:  Amendment would be blow to education

Last month, the Florida Legislature stood with homeowners and small businesses by supporting a rollback of property taxes. This rollback will provide approximately $15 billion in property tax relief, and is the largest property tax cut in Florida history.

 

Broward County: Panel discussion will focus on local government budgets

A panel discussion Wednesday will focus on property taxes and local government budgets.

 

Hillsborough County School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia:
District Also Tightening Belt

News pages have been dominated lately with news of layoffs and budget cuts in local governments due to reforms to the state’s property tax structure. I applaud my colleagues in local government for making decisions that are tough but necessary.

 

If You Skip Out On Paying Property Taxes, You Risk Losing Your House

Ad valorem property taxes are necessary for operating public schools and county and municipal governments. Fair or unfair, they are an annual obligation, and property owners’ failure to pay can lead to ugly consequences, including losing a home to someone looking for an easy investment.

 

Inequality Of Property Taxes Make Snowbirds Feel Rooked

For too long, winter visitors who own property in Florida have paid higher taxes than their year-round neighbors.

 

Faith-based ministries get the protection of the Supreme Court

Before we pass into the dog days of summer, the Supreme Court’s June 25 ruling on a church-state case deserves more attention. Sandwiched between the campaign-finance regulation and the “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” decisions issued the same day, this case generated less commentary – partly because it was a narrowly based ruling, not a court opinion.

 

Worker housing coming to vote

St. Cloud could make or break town homes for teachers, police and firefighters.

A controversial work-force housing program comes before the City Council this week, and denial would kill a project that is part of a state program that earmarks millions to build residences for teachers, firefighters and police officers.

 

Collier school district to spend $99 million for new schools, renovations

When the Collier County School Board voted to pay for three new buildings and renovate two existing ones, the district’s newest board member expressed concern about how they would be financed.

 

Exempt cities wary of extra tax cuts

Cutler Bay was among the Miami-Dade municipalities with the highest amount of new construction last year, adding nearly $264 million to its tax rolls, according to newly released county figures.

 

Miami Gardens budget wins clarity award

On the eve of this year’s budget season, the city of Miami Gardens has once again received recognition for making its financial planning more transparent.

 

Mailers about taxes spark rift in GOP

When the Florida Republican Party fired off mailers recently accusing House Democrats of voting against property-tax relief, it was no surprise that Democrats cried foul.

 

Stop the population pressure for more

As a 44-year resident of southeast Florida, I have a different view of the impact of the Florida Hometown Democracy initiative than your recent guest columnist. “Ballot-box zoning” may stifle construction in some areas of Florida, and that could be a very good development. However, this initiative would not affect development plans that are already approved on a county’s comprehensive land use plan.

 

OPINION:  Are we aiming high enough?

As thousands checked the sky over the Daytona International Speedway the past few days, they got an eyeful.

 

Tangible Tax Avoidance Costs State Millions

As much as $280 million in local taxes go uncollected each year in Florida because many businesses duck their obligations and government looks the other way.

 

Property Tax Cut Promise Fading

TALLAHASSEE – Less than a month after lawmakers’ celebration over a purported $32 billion tax cut, that number has dropped and the enthusiasm has evaporated.

 

Liberty City school’s pride intact amid adversity

For those who only know Miami Northwestern Senior High through the news, the school’s identity might be limited to football championships, violent episodes, academic failure and, now, a scathing grand jury report of a sex scandal involving a football player and a 14-year-old girl.

 

The students are coming; sufficient tuition isn’t

Florida’s public university presidents weren’t just posturing last month when they said students would suffer from Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto of their 5 percent tuition increase. Nor was the universities’ Board of Governors expressing fake angst over the contradiction between the system’s excellent access for students yet years of underfinancing, including the nation’s cheapest tuition.