Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–May 21
May 21, 2009
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Feds rip Fort Lauderdale’s spending for the poor, demand $2.5 million repayment
The city bungled the spending of federal money meant for poor people over the past two decades and now must pay back $2.5 million.
School Resource Officers Among BSO Cuts; Broward Commission to BSO: Make more cuts
Sheriff Al Lamberti wants the county to chip in reserves to reduce cuts — but commissioners want him to reexamine his own budget to find savings.
Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti has already sent layoff notices to 177 workers, but county commissioners told him Tuesday to look for ways to cut more.
State budget cuts will mean layoffs, Palm Beach County clerk warns employees
Clerk and Comptroller Sharon Bock has warned her employees that some of them will lose their jobs if Gov. Charlie Crist signs two budget-slashing bills.
Editorial: Budget reveals a broken system
Finally, it appears, the shell game the Republican-led Florida Legislature has been playing with the state budget to avoid raising general taxes is coming back to haunt them.
Gov. Charlie Crist to approve cigarette tax
Get ready to pay more for smoking cigarettes in Florida.
Sink launches ‘Florida’s Checkbook’
Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink on Tuesday launched a Web page to open Florida’s state finances to scrutiny by the public.
State legislation relaxing development rules now on Crist’s desk
A bill developers and legislators argue could jump-start the building industry likely would encourage sprawl on the Treasure Coast and leave taxpayers paying for development, area officials said.
Governor Crist signs legislation encouraging economic growth
Governor Charlie Crist today, continuing his ongoing focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, signed four economic-development bills that will help create jobs, encourage economic growth and improve the standard of living for Florida’s families.
Miami-Dade teachers agree to two days without pay
Teachers across Miami-Dade County overwhelmingly agreed to take two unpaid days off to help the school district balance its budget, the teachers’ union announced Tuesday.
Alachua County: Tax hikes or budget cuts?
Faced with a $12 million revenue shortfall, Alachua County Commissioners have tentatively agreed to a property tax millage increase that would cost the owner of a $200,000 home an additional $63 a year.
Pasco school leaders look into raising local taxes to cover budget shortfall
Pasco school officials are projecting the district will have a $5 million budget shortfall next year.
Brevard Superintendent: Tax increase would prevent teacher layoffs
Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Richard DiPatri called for a tax hike Tuesday, saying it would stave off teacher layoffs.
Pinellas School Board will weigh tax increase
Pinellas budget officials briefed School Board members Tuesday on a new option that could provide the district with as much as $14 million in additional revenue for critical operating needs.
St. Lucie schools unveil plan for spending $15 million in stimulus
Public school officials unveiled a plan Wednesday for spending about $15 million of federal economic stimulus money during the next two years.
Editorial: Don’t give up on school voucher program
In the Forum piece “On school vouchers, Obama finds a middle ground,” commentary writer DeWayne Wickham reminds me of King Solomon, who suggested splitting in half a baby whom two women each claimed as her own (May 12).
Decision overturned in 2007 case between Martin County Schools, teachers union
The 4th District Court of Appeal reversed an April 2008 decision made by the state Public Employees Relations Commission that the Martin County School District committed an unfair labor practice when it issued debit cards for a state program that gives teachers $250 for classroom supplies.
Teacher test has whopping new cost
University of South Florida senior The (pronounced “tay”) Thach gasped Tuesday when she heard what it will cost to become a teacher — the state Board of Education more than tripled the fees for teacher certification tests, from $150 to $480.
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