Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–January 27
Jan 27, 2009
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Economic stimulus plan could mean $2-billion for Florida schools
The economic stimulus plan rolling through Congress could pump $2-billion into Florida schools, easing the pain from yet another round of state budget cuts on tap for this spring.
Legislature ponders ideas for tax structure changes
With lawmakers facing another round of difficult budget decisions in the annual session that begins in March, almost everyone agrees that some changes in state taxes are needed.
Lawson will oppose future cuts to public schools, universities
Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson told the state’s top newspaper editors today that he will oppose any future cuts to public schools and universities as the Legislature prepares this spring to tackle a potentially $4 billion budget shortfall.
COLUMN: Message is sinking in that cutting is killing us
As we like to say in Miami Beach,” Sen. Dan Gelber said wryly at a Thursday political hoedown on the top floor of the Capitol, “You don’t eat your seed corn.”
Fla. Cuts, Fed Plan Not in Sync, Critics Say
Backers contend U.S. help is needed to ease unemployment, other state woes.
The federal government is preparing a historic economic recovery program that will pour billions of dollars into Florida to help revive the economy.
Gain from Chiles’ fund could end in state loss
Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican legislative leaders are back at the well, planning to draw $700 million from the Lawton Chiles Endowment over the heated objections of the late governor’s heirs.
Tax Cap ‘Relief’ Burdens Officials
The Save Our Homes cap will deliver more property tax relief in 2009 than at any time in the program’s 15-year history.
Tax cap on homestead property may be win-lose
Tax assessments on primary homeowners in Florida will basically be capped in 2009 — unless local governments raise their millage — state officials have announced.
‘Angry moms’ riled over state cuts to education
With Tallahassee likely to embark on a new round of cuts in school funding, parents are rebelling in a variety of ways and could help tilt the political balance.
Mothers from Cutler Bay held a funeral for public education — and posted the video on YouTube.
COLUMN: Money flows in when you hire right lawmaker
Florida schools are confronting nearly $480 million in budget cuts because Republican lawmakers would rather invest in new asphalt than in your children.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: School budgets–A funding idea
I have come up with a way to fund the state’s education budget that is creative and doable, and practically painless.
State lawmakers, Palm Beach County commissioners commiserate on budget woes
Instead of blaming each other for property tax hikes or costly spending requirements, Palm Beach County commissioners and state lawmakers were fairly harmonious this afternoon in lamenting budget shortfalls and hoping for help from Washington.
Orange lawmakers hear pleas to spare funds
Advocates for education and social services pleaded with Orange County’s state lawmakers Monday to consider new or higher taxes on Internet sales, gaming operations, cigarettes and most purchases — anything to avoid deeper cuts to schools and the state’s already fragile safety net for the poor and elderly.
State’s cutbacks prompt Seminole schools to target taxes
With state money for public education dwindling, Seminole County school officials are pushing to make up the difference through increased local property taxes.
State adds $12M more to pot in hopes T. Rowe Price will move to Pasco
Top Florida officials have added a previously undisclosed $12-million to the pot of money to lure financial giant T. Rowe Price to Land O’Lakes.
Class size law could bankrupt the state
School leaders and lawmakers say the class size amendment is too costly
The class size amendment is intended to improve the quality of education, but Call For Action finds that it’s huge price tag might actually harm students in Florida.
Early learning advocates fear budget cuts’ impact
Critics: Without the money now, the state will pay in the long run
With a second reduction in money for voluntary pre-kindergarten recently finalized and another rough economic year for the state ahead, early childhood education advocates are worried about whether more cuts are to come.
Treasure Coast educators want to use new teacher money to operate schools
Treasure Coast educators facing both the prospect of a 10 percent cut in next years’ state education funds and a deadline to reduce student-teacher class ratios in every classroom say something’s got to give.
Amid budget crisis, schools brace for the worst
Most Central Florida schools limped through the state’s 2008 budget skirmishes wounded but still standing.
Lee County teachers asked for input on cuts
Survey to weigh preferences of school budget reductions
Brian Conn said he thinks most teachers in Lee County Public Schools likely would accept a pay cut in order to save jobs for their colleagues.
Clay school budget shortfall for 2009-2010 rises to $23 million
On the line: 256 jobs
The latest revenue projections for the Clay County school district show a $23.4 million shortfall for 2009-2010, prompting Superintendent Ben Wortham to propose $27.9 million in budget-cutting options for the School Board.
Collier schools to answer to changes in gifted programs
After an emotionally charged meeting more than a month ago, parents of gifted children in Collier County schools will be closer to having some answers.
Florida’s High School Competency Test no longer an option
The ancestor of the FCAT is officially dead.
Florida’s High School Competency Test, required for the classes of 1990 through about 2000 to graduate from high school, will no longer be offered.
Despite Cuts to Fla.’s State Universities, Private School Tuition Aid May Rise
Even with Florida’s 11 public universities laying off staff and limiting enrollment, the state will spend more than $90 million this year to help residents attend private colleges.
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