Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–November 18
Nov 18, 2009
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Court upholds homeowner tax breaks
An appeal court Tuesday rejected another challenge to state constitutional amendments that give property tax breaks to Florida’s primary homeowners, but not to owners of second homes.
Report: Florida’s tax system among worst
Florida’s poorest residents pay a far higher share of their income in state and local taxes than do the richest families in the state, according to a newly released report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a Washington-based think tank.
Lawsuit seeks to overhaul state education policies
Florida is violating the state Constitution by not pouring enough money into schools and relentlessly focusing on high-stakes testing policies that aren’t getting good results, says a lawsuit expected to be filed today in Leon County circuit court.
BLOG: Republican Party proposal signals opposition to Sarasota schools tax
Few people have publicly voiced their opposition to the 1-mill property tax renewal the School Board has put on the ballot for a March referendum.
Growth debate pits amendment backers, detractors
Both sides see something wrong with Florida’s growth patterns, but the question of how to fix it could fuel one of the biggest political fights Florida has ever seen.
COLUMN: Is Sun Setting on Sunshine State?
Florida is one of 10 states that face “fiscal peril” in the next few years, according to a new study from a nonpartisan group.
Untold millions of dollars that banks could have recovered from the sale of distressed Florida homes have instead been pocketed as profits by a new breed of property flipper.
EDITORIAL: State lawmakers mull gambling options.
A compact with the Seminoles or a free market for gambling — which one should Florida pick?
Frank Brogan: Florida needs strategic coordination to produce educated work force
Florida’s future prosperity relies on the quality of its work force. To compete in the fast-changing knowledge economy, we need more well-educated citizens. We need more people with college degrees.
Crist, legislators again look at rail deal, special session
Gov. Charlie Crist and legislative leaders are discussing a new tax to pay for South and Central Florida rail service in the hopes that federal officials will send billions of dollars to the state for a new bullet train.
Hillsborough School Board unanimously approves $100M Gates grant
The finish line is in sight for the Hillsborough County School District, which agreed Tuesday to accept a $100 million teacher effectiveness grant if the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation offers it.
Detroit Public Schools lawsuit against City catches some off guard
Detroit Public Schools filed a lawsuit against the city of Detroit on Friday over property taxes, but by Monday district leaders wanted to take the words back.
Illinois reimburses homeowners $78,000 after American Escrow closes
Nearly three dozen homeowners who were left with unpaid property tax and insurance bills when a Chicago escrow company went out of business earlier this year have been reimbursed by the state, it was announced Tuesday.
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