Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–April 9
Apr 9, 2009
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Florida House budget on desks, on Web site Thursday
The House of Representatives budget proposal (HB 5101), approved Tuesday, will be on members’ desks and available online Thursday at 8 a.m., House officials said Wednesday; the measure will be accessible through at www.myfloridahouse.gov. The Senate proposal (SB 7202) was not yet available and Senate staff did not know Wednesday afternoon when the amended version would be available or online at www.flsenate.gov.
Florida House and Senate budget plans are on collision course
The Senate steamed ahead on its big-money plan for full casinos at Seminole resorts with a key vote Tuesday, solidifying gambling as a central front in a looming budget battle.
Budget plans leave much to question
Florida lawmakers moved forward Tuesday with budget proposals that try to shield public schools from major cuts — but threaten funding for nursing homes, land conservation and dozens of other programs.
Florida Senate gives up on tax repeals
The Florida Senate is giving up on trying to repeal sales tax exemptions due to resistance from the House and a desire to focus on other revenue-raising proposals, including a cigarette tax increase, the chamber’s finance and tax chairman said Monday.
Floridians could face millions in higher fees
Floridians can expect to pay more when they renew their car registrations, file a lawsuit or cast a fishing line from the seashore.
Poll: Floridians support some new taxes
Florida voters overwhelmingly support an increase in the cigarette tax, the imposition of some taxes on services and a fee on off-brand cigarettes, according to a new poll released Wednesday by a bipartisan alliance of former state leaders and policy advocates.
Volusia school district on state’s fiscal ‘sick list’
State education officials have put the financially troubled Volusia County school system on a “sick list” of districts that don’t have enough cash reserves to handle emergencies during the current economic turmoil.
Advanced Placement standards cause budget headaches for schools
To understand the dueling forces of improving school grades and shrinking budgets for South Florida school districts this year, look no further than Advanced Placement courses.
Palm Beach County schools get $180,000-a-year administrator despite severe budget crunch
Despite concerns over public perception, the Palm Beach School Board voted Wednesday to hire a new administrator with a six-figure salary.
Let’s tackle education funding once and for all
Five thousand teachers took to the streets and brought traffic to a standstill.
House plan would help pari-mutuel businesses
Pari-mutuel businesses like the Sarasota Kennel Club could become more competitive through extended hours and higher wagering limits, and others that currently operate slot machines would enjoy a reduced tax rate tied to a minimum annual payment under a plan to be unveiled today.
St. Lucie School Board endorses $30.6 million in cuts for next school year
School board members voted unanimously Tuesday night to accept a budget plan for next school year that saves $30.6 million, nearly half by eliminating 331 jobs.
U.S. Education Chief Duncan Spells Out Preferred Uses of Stimulus Aid
After delivering a stern warning that states and school districts must use their federal stimulus money smartly or risk losing billions more, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and his staff are starting to spell out exactly what they mean by “smartly.”
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