Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–February 5

Feb 5, 2009

 

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Florida might not lose $3.5 billion for education funding

The U.S. Senate could spare Florida from losing $3.5 billion in education funding that was at risk when House lawmakers wrote their version of a massive economic-stimulus bill.

 

Martinez presents his alternate stimulus plan

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez has offered up an alternative economic stimulus bill, one that stresses homeowner assistance, tax cuts and comes with a price tag about half as much as the Democratic proposal.

 

Miami mayor makes pitch for stimulus plan in D.C.

As Congress debates the stimulus package, there’s a long line of people in Florida who hope for a slice of the pie.

Miami Mayor Manny Diaz led a phalanx of mayors to the White House and Capitol Hill Wednesday to push Congress for speedy passage of an economic recovery plan.

 

School funding ‘a real concern,’ Florida’s schools chief says

Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith said Tuesday that Florida needs to make sure the dismal economy does not undercut its “impressive” academic progress during the past decade.

 

EDITORIAL:  Florida school board pay, perks anomalies; funds better used in local classrooms

You can blame Florida legislators for ducking their responsibility to make budget cuts or you can call it the beginning of real reform for school boards.

 

Palm Beach County faces $90 million shortfall if property tax rate stays the same

Palm Beach County commissioners will be forced to either raise the countywide property tax rate by nearly 8 percent next year or dramatically cut services, their top administrators warned Tuesday.

 

Miami-Dade schools chief unveils budget plans

In an effort to balance the budget, Miami-Dade schools chief Alberto Carvalho will ask district employees to defer some of their compensation until the new fiscal year begins.

Miami-Dade Schools Chief Alberto Carvalho on Wednesday unveiled a plan to save the district $56 million — and balance the budget — before the fiscal year ends in June.

 

Tax hikes:  Another bitter pill for Central Florida homeowners

Property values are plummeting across Central Florida — by double digits in many areas — leaving school districts and local governments bracing for service cuts and tax-rate hikes in the next budget year.

 

Pasco school employees approve contract without raises

Pasco school employees will get no raises, no step increases, and a small increase in their health insurance benefits in their newly ratified contract.

 

Hernando School Board confronts budget, leadership gaps

The weight of the world landed on the shoulders of the Hernando County School Board on Wednesday morning.

 

State sees schools as farm customers

The state has unveiled a new Farm to School program, which not only will increase the amount of locally grown produce available to Florida schools, but also is intended to keep more of the food dollars spent within the state.

 

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