Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–August 14

Aug 14, 2008

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A state judge today struck from the ballot a controversial plan to wipe out most school property taxes, ruling that the proposal’s ballot summary on the amendment’s implications, prepared for voters for the Nov. 4 election, is misleading.

To view a copy of the Ruling, click here.

Documents from the Florida Revenue Estimating Conference regarding Amendment 5

Florida Chamber Calls for Special Legislative Session on Property Tax Relief

In an August 14, 2008 letter, Florida Chamber President Mark Wilson urged Governor Charlie Crist to convene a Special Legislative Session addressing comprehensive property tax relief to follow the November election.

To view a copy of the letter, click here.
To view polling data from the Florida Chamber regarding Amendment 5, click here.

OPINION: Reject these pernicious amendments

What were those folks on the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission smoking? Or did they just drink the conservative Kool Aid ladled out by Jeb Bush and a few other like-minded, right-wing ideologues? Whatever it was, the TBRC concentrated on social engineering rather than budget and taxation issues and thus squandered a once-every-20-year opportunity to put meaningful proposals before voters without legislative or court approval. The TBRC strong-armed several amendments on the Nov. 4 ballot that would have never made it through the Legislature or the petition and initiative process.

Florida’s budget shortfall may hit $1.2B

With Florida’s economy worsening, economists are likely Friday to forecast a $1.2 billion loss in projected tax revenues, which could lead Gov. Charlie Crist to dip into reserves or propose more budget cuts.

Florida’s dwindling state budget could fall about $1 billion deeper into deficit due to a combination of record-high gas prices, the crashing housing market and record job loss in the state.

Fla. Supreme Court gets voucher amendment case

A challenge to two ballot proposals that would expand school vouchers is going to the Florida Supreme Court.

Land deal gone bad fuels race to lead Broward schools

A parent bitter over boundaries, a civil engineer, a businessman and two former district employees are among those vying this month for a place on the Broward School Board.

Broward Teachers Union walks away from salary talks with district officials

One day after launching an e-mail and fax attack on the Broward County School District to support a pay raise for teachers, the Broward Teachers Union walked away from salary talks with district officials.

Two issues define Miami-Dade School Board campaigns

With four members of the Miami-Dade County School Board facing opposition in their bids for reelection, the August election could create a new board majority.

Two issues dominate the race in Miami-Dade for four School Board seats: the performance of Superintendent Rudy Crew and the district’s battle with teachers over their promised raises.Â

Dade School Board candidate denies misusing funds

A probe found that a challenger to a School Board seat might have misused housing funds — but Shawn Beightol said the allegations are the work of his opponent, incumbent Martin Karp.

Miami-Dade’s Inspector General’s Office is recommending that a mortgage obtained by School Board candidate Shawn Beightol be pulled back — and that Beightol return the loan money.

Florida teens still behind national average on ACT scores

Florida’s latest crop of high-school graduates continued a five-year trend by scoring below national averages in all sections of the ACT college-admissions test, results released today show. National averages remained about the same as last year’s, ACT officials said.

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Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–August 14

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