Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–March 16
Mar 16, 2010
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Florida Legislature seeks property tax cuts, incentives
Tax-cut plans could benefit green builders, rural homeowners and others but could cost local governments.
Florida lawmakers have proposed tax cuts and incentives this year for a handful of property owners.
Bill would mean no property taxes on hurricane, renewable energy upgrades
Following up on a 2008 Constitutional amendment aimed at promoting renewable energy upgrades and hurricane prevention, a House panel today approved a measure to prevent appraisers from including such upgrades in a home’s assessed value.
More property values challenged in Florida
Floridians dispute assessments
When Jim Poulos took a job transfer to Brevard County in 2008, he decided to buy a townhouse in Melbourne. He wanted to retire there.
In Tallahassee today, push to dismantle a state agency
As the 2010 legislative session enters its third week, the pace of lawmaking has begun to quicken and an array of issues is moving to the forefront including two bills that would dismantle a major state agency, the Department of Management Services, and divide its duties among other agencies – including the elected post of chief financial officer.
- Florida lawmakers avoid debates on growth management
- Editorial: Dismantling Florida Department of Management Services is grandstanding.
Lawmakers propose eliminating state funding for libraries
Florida lawmakers are proposing to eliminate all state funding for libraries, at a time when public demand for library services is surging.
A push from both sides on Sarasota school tax
In the final days before voters decide whether to renew a special property tax for school spending, people on both sides of the issue are making a push to get their message out.
Not too long ago, Florida schools ranked at the bottom of the national barrel, known for being overcrowded and underfunded.
Blog: Florida schools get another $728 million in federal stimulus funds, U.S. DOE announces
Florida can tap into another $728.9 million in “state stabilization” grant money, U.S Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced this evening.
Two rankings put Florida low in federal stimulus dollars per person
Aid not always targeted at states with high unemployment rates
Despite suffering more than most states from widespread unemployment, Florida is getting the smallest amount per person from some of the biggest chunks of federal stimulus spending.
Florida alters housing program, aims to spend grant funds
Florida’s Department of Community Affairs made sweeping changes as the state continues pushing to spend federal housing money.
The state Department of Community Affairs announced a series of sweeping changes Friday to a widely criticized housing program, including the dismissal of a senior staffer and a streamlined grant approval process.
Florida Sen. Alexander’s Plan May Boost House Sales
Senator wants to use construction trust fund for housing purchases.
As the Legislature begins looking once again at government agency trust funds to shore up crumbling state revenues, Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander has come up with a use of a trust fund that has almost everyone cheering.
Teachers brace for Florida lawmakers’ proposal to ditch tenure
When Pasco County school principal Ginny Yanson had to get rid of a bad teacher recently, it was like running an obstacle course.
Area school leaders share mixed reviews about proposed Florida Senate bills
The controversial plan to overhaul how teachers are evaluated and paid got its first favorable vote in a state Senate committee Wednesday.
Proposal would cut salaries of school board members
County school board members would be forced to take a big pay cut under a state Senate budget proposal made public today.
Florida educators think new math standards will add up to success
A new way of teaching math in Florida public schools next school year is sort of like addition by subtraction.
Higher fees sap attendance from after-school programs
Parents with modest incomes say cost of participation too steep
Terica Glenn is struggling to keep her four children in after-school programs at Fair Oaks Playground.
Plan would put Escambia alternative schools under one roof
The Escambia County School District on Friday detailed its plans to close three alternative school programs, which includes outsourcing services to a Philadelphia-based company.
No new schools seen in Manatee five-year plan
School board has lots of renovations slated district-wide
The Manatee County School Board began discussions Monday night on a $405.5 million five-year capital plan that includes continued renovations district-wide, but no new schools.
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