Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–Oct. 12

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Lawmakers pass $1.1 billion budget cut, tuition increase

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s budget could be shrinking by about $1.1 billion and college students may have to pay higher tuition. 

 

From one special session to another

Florida lawmakers will get a 10-minute break after a special session on budget cutting ends today before beginning another one to deal with property-tax relief.

 

What it means

Here’s a look at the proposed property-tax amendment House and Senate leaders have agreed to, and how much it would save taxpayers statewide. Lawmakers estimate total savings at $2.1 billion the first year, $11 billion over four years.

 

Deeper cuts needed, property tax panel is told

While state legislators are on the verge of approving property tax reform, at a meeting in Fort Lauderdale home and business owners said it’s not enough.

More than 150 taxpayers asked a state commission Wednesday to take stronger action to cut property taxes.

 

Tax-lite plan skirts reform, favors least needy

From its inception the attempt by Florida lawmakers to reform the state’s property tax system focused on the wrong target: Giving homesteaded property owners a big tax break.

 

Property tax plan set for Wednesday vote

Republican House and Senate leaders were so confident today of a tentative deal to pass an $11 billion property tax package that they announced a final vote at the end of next week.

 

Gaming donors lift GOP

With a Seminole Tribe gambling expansion hanging over the Legislature, casinos, pari-mutuel race tracks and other gaming interests poured $844,000 during the last three months into the party coffers of ruling Republican lawmakers.

 

Legislators to cut funding for improving quality and quantity of drinking water

TALLAHASSEE – At a critical moment for South Florida’s water supply, state legislators today are expected to cut money for programs aimed at improving water quality and developing alternative sources.

 

Florida governor amends his tax-cut proprosal

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Charlie Crist dropped plans Thursday to impose new spending limits on city and county governments as part of a proposed package of property-tax cuts whose value is estimated at $11 billion.

 

Weston mayor glad tax-cutting, the right way, is on Legislature’s special agenda

As Gov. Charlie Crist drags lawmakers into another special session on property taxes, the South Floridian most responsible for the need for the $40,000-a-day gathering says he’s feeling optimistic about the tax-cutting direction legislators are headed.

 

A look at defaults by homestead status

Here’s a look at all home defaults in Palm Beach County in the first half of 2007 based on whether they were homesteaded or non-homesteaded properties.

 

School administrators worry hand sanitizers could violate state policy

A crackdown is in effect on the use of hand sanitizers in Leon County schools. But local and state agencies say that decision was made by the district, not them.

 

33 Firms Probed on Student Loan Tactics

J.P. Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo are among 33 companies New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo subpoenaed or requested documents from in a probe of deceptive tactics for marketing college loans.