Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–May 13
May 13, 2009
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Florida to receive $1.8 billion in stimulus funds
The federal government released $1.8 billion in stimulus money for education to Florida on Monday, two weeks after the state applied for a waiver required because the state underfunded education in previous years.
Governor Crist Makes Statement Regarding Florida’s Receiving Waiver for Education Stimulus Dollars
“On behalf of Florida’s students, I am deeply grateful to the United States Department of Education for granting Florida the long-awaited waiver for education stimulus dollars.”
Broward schools still facing tough cuts
Broward Schools Superintendent Jim Notter’s latest estimate is a $124 million shortfall in the district’s $2 billion day-to-day budget.
Broward schools will still face millions in budget cuts, despite the federal government doling out stimulus money and state lawmakers touting a hold-the-line education budget, Superintendent Jim Notter said Tuesday.
Florida lawmakers may have to look for other sources of revenue as federal funds dry up
As the legislative session drew to a belated end Friday, lawmakers were eager to congratulate themselves for their achievements – an education budget that didn’t slice per-student funding (despite difficult economic times), a tobacco tax that would raise state revenues and save lives, and proposals that would expand property tax relief to businesses.
Voters to have say on tax plan to help home buyers
One of the tax plans that Florida voters will consider next year would give first-time home buyers a break on their tax bills.
The property tax plan voters will decide on next year might save first-time home buyers $1,500 or more, an analysis shows, raising hopes among lawmakers that it could reinvigorate an ailing housing market that is vital to the Florida economy.
Florida tax system called fundamentally flawed
Like millions of people across the state, Florida government will be living hand to mouth for the next year.
School budgets are misleading, officials say
At one point, the sky was falling — School districts throughout Florida talked of tens of millions in budget cuts, job losses and pay cuts.
Paul Flemming: Call a tax a tax — even if it’s meant for schools
Gov. Charlie Crist in Pensacola on Tuesday told a town-hall gathering that the budget lawmakers approved Friday includes a $1.2 billion increase in money for K-12 education compared to last year.
Florida-Seminole Tribe gambling compact still has hurdles to clear
Don’t look for the South Florida gambling scene to change anytime soon, despite last week’s vote by the state Legislature. There’s still a tribal evaluation, another legislative vote and then some furniture to be moved.
Economic rebound won’t be enough to save Florida’s budget in 2010
After draining its savings this year, Florida faces doubly difficult choices next year because of a tax structure that depends on population growth.
Like millions of people across the state, Florida’s government will be living hand to mouth for the next year.
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink sent a letter to every Member of Florida’s Congressional Delegation asking them to repeal a 3 percent withholding requirement on government contracts, which would be harmful for Florida’s small businesses and cost millions to implement in tight budget times.
A look at the work of the 2009 legislative session
Here’s a look at what passed and failed by the time the legislative session officially ended Friday.
Column: A list of bills that Gov. Charlie Crist should veto
Heck, what fun is having a Legislature if you can’t second-guess it? Here are some of the bills passed in the just-finished session that Gov. Charlie Crist should consider vetoing.
Crist Move Could Produce 13th District Open Seat
With Florida Gov. Charlie Crist jumping into the open-seat Senate race Tuesday, a cascade of dominoes are expected to begin falling across the Sunshine State as federal and state candidates begin to reshuffle their 2010 electoral plans.
Three looking to be next Florida governor
If you don’t know the names of Florida’s attorney general, chief financial officer or agriculture commissioner, rest assured: you’ll start hearing them — a lot — very soon.
Governor Crist Applauds $4.8 Million for Florida’s Communities
Federal brownfields grants restore environment, stimulate economy
Governor Charlie Crist today congratulated ten Florida communities for being awarded $4.8 million in brownfields grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Deal brings back 130 retired Hillsborough teachers let go for budget cuts
Hillsborough County teachers have reached an agreement with the school district to bring back 130 senior teachers the district had been trying to terminate for budget reasons.
Uniform education standards are coming
Consider the headlines: State of Florida recognizes Leon County Schools as an academically high-performing district (press release, April 20).
Testing Faces Ups and Downs Amid Recession
As the recession crimps education budgets, states are beginning to pare the number of standardized tests they give, particularly those that no longer factor into state or federal accountability decisions.
Green Schools Awards Helps Florida Environmental Schools Shine
Program to recognize environmental achievements in Florida education
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding schools and teachers they have until May 31, 2009 to participate in the first annual Governor’s Serve to Preserve: Green Schools Awards.
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