Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–February 12
Feb 12, 2009
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Florida property taxes down for second year in a row
New reports say non-school property taxes have dropped in the past two years after three decades of steady increases.
Florida Property Tax Hike Possible
Less than a month ago, state House and Senate leaders were talking about more property tax relief for homeowners.
Crist may not be able to prevent more cuts
Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday he would try to protect Florida’s classrooms from more cuts this year, but that may not be possible as the state’s revenue picture continues to deteriorate.
Schools brace for tighter budgets
Still reeling from a series of staggering budget cuts, Florida public schools learned Tuesday that they can expect another whack early next month.
Economist weighs in on local impact of stimulus
Congress and the White House agreed Wednesday on a compromise $790 billion economic stimulus bill designed to create millions of jobs in a nation reeling from recession.
Crist says stimulus will prevent tax increases, but others aren’t so sure
While Gov. Charlie Crist was hoping that help from the federal government may prevent tax increases, lawmakers stepped up their frenzied effort to fill a historic budget gap that may be as large as $7 billion.
Sales tax changes may prove tough
Floridians could pay more for bottled water, eyeglasses, Super Bowl tickets and other items if lawmakers decide to remove some of the 239 sales tax exemptions to help shore up a third consecutive year of budget shortfalls.
Homestead ‘portability’ measure produces only fraction of savings
The first year of “portability” – which Gov. Charlie Crist promoted as “sweet freedom” to Florida homestead owners – had only a fraction of the savings initially advertised, according to report to a Senate committee on Tuesday.
Seminole bed ‘taxes’ don’t go to state, tribe tells lawmakers go to state, Seminoles tell
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is charging visitors for a state bed “tax” at its Hard Rock properties but doesn’t send the money to the state.
NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Class size implementation still a hot potato issue for legislature
Parents and teachers hoping for smaller classes in schools across the state may have to wait a little bit longer with lawmakers considering measures that would delay a constitutional mandate for elementary school classes of no more than 18 children.
7-period schedule proposed for Broward high schools
The Broward School Board will approach the teachers union to talk about changing high school schedules to save money.
Would Broward high school teachers be willing to teach one more class a day if it meant keeping their jobs?
Dade School Board OKs $56M cut to budget
Miami-Dade teachers protest cuts, demand raises
After an intense debate, the Miami-Dade School Board on Wednesday approved Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s plan to balance the district budget by slashing $56 million in spending.
Orange school schedule swap saved $1.9 million
Parents may not like it, but the divisive schedule swap between middle and high schools in Orange County has saved the district $1.9 million so far this year.
McCollum, Sink present over $1.48 million in settlement funds to Tampa public entities
Hillsborough County School District to receive over $886,000 from insurance-related settlement
Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today presented six Tampa area public entities with checks totaling over $1.48 million from two insurance-related settlements reached in 2007 and 2008.
Shovel-ready stimulus buries schools
Shovel this, kids. Last weekend, Senate Democrats, in trying to get a filibuster-proof number of Republicans on board with the stimulus bill, allowed tens of billions of dollars to be slashed from education. It made you forget who won the election.
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