Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–September 19
Sep 19, 2008
To view a complete story, click on a headline below:
Justices: No vote needed for redevelopment bonds
In a stunning double flip-flop, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday that it made a mistake a year ago by requiring voter approval for billions of dollars worth of roads, buildings and other local redevelopment projects.
- Click here to read the ruling.
Fla. court says future tax money can pay off bonds
The changing Florida Supreme Court has reversed itself in a case that last year sent waves of panic through school boards, counties, cities and community redevelopment agencies. Now, the court says financing schemes that use future property tax increases to pay off bonds are OK, changing utterly what a unanimous court said a year ago.
Supreme Court’s Strand decision has other implications
Governments can now breathe a sigh of relief and go back to planning redevelopment projects using tax incremental and other public financing as the Florida Supreme Court changed its mind on forcing municipalities to take such decisions to a referendum first.
Florida high court ruling clears path for Miami megaplan
A state Supreme Court ruling Thursday paved the way for a series of downtown Miami public works projects.
Miami’s largest public works initiative in decades received a major legal boost Thursday, thanks to a Florida Supreme Court decision that likely green-lights financing for the $3 billion megaplan.
State senator wants budget increases tied to personal income growth
An amendment to limit city, county and state government spending to family personal income levels is in the works by two Florida legislators who are in line to be House and Senate leaders in 2010.
Fewer residents appeal property taxes
If the willingness to fight is any indication, anger over property taxes in Southwest Florida may have run its course as the region’s top political issue.
Advocacy groups warn seniors and children programs at risk of deep state budget cuts
Facing the potential of huge budget deficits, legislators this month are raiding the state’s savings accounts to keep Florida’s $66 billion budget balanced.
Politicians debate how state budget cuts will affect seniors, children
A dozen state legislators and candidates for office engaged in a sharp debate today over how Florida should meet its obligations to seniors and children during unprecedented drop in revenue.
Pembroke Pines tax hike passed despite residents’ outcry
More than 100 people packed the Pembroke Pines City Commission chambers Wednesday night, upset about looming cuts to staff and programs in the city’s proposed budget.
Broward School Board’s priority: survival
Broward School Board members on Tuesday discussed their priorities for the upcoming legislative session, with an eye on survival.
Before every legislative session, school districts typically work up a wish list of laws and budget priorities they would like to see pass.
Miami-Dade School Board delays Carvalho contract vote
A week after naming Alberto Carvalho the new schools chief, the Miami-Dade School Board still has not agreed on the details of his contract.
New Miami-Dade schools chief Alberto Carvalho presided over his first School Board meeting Wednesday, sitting comfortably in the superintendent’s chair at the end of the dais.
School Board OKs first new charter school in two years
Palm Beach County’s first new charter school in two years is to debut in August, after agreeing to stricter operating guidelines aimed at averting financial and academic shortcomings.
School board approves $4 million settlement
The Palm Beach County School Board agreed to pay $100,000 now and not oppose legislative action to provide another $3.9 million to settle a lawsuit filed by 44-year-old firefighter and paramedic who was temporarily paralyzed when a school bus rear ended his van at a red light in 2005.
St. Lucie County schools to split $2.4 million
The state Department of Education announced Wednesday that 1,959 schools statewide were receiving a combined $147.1 million based on school grades, which are determined from student scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
In $1.2-billion Pasco schools budget, no room for raises
All the teachers chanting about “doing the right thing” could not dissuade the Pasco School Board from adopting its 2008-09 budget late Tuesday.
Teachers, Manatee school district takes case to state
The local teachers union will get its day in court next month.
The Florida Public Employees Relations Commission scheduled a hearing for what could be a precedent-setting case between the school district and the Manatee Education Association on Oct. 3.
Legislator likes idea of higher pay for teachers in tougher schools
Should teachers be paid more if they’re working in high-needs schools?
EDITORIAL: Jeb Bush’s Legislative Report Card Doesn’t Make The Grade
It’s nice to see Jeb hasn’t lost his leadership touch, even if it still comes with an aura of arrogance.
Senate Interim Report 2009-203 (Mandatory Review – Due 09/15/08)
Open Government Sunset Review of Section 125.901, F.S., Children’s Service Councils and Juvenile Welfare Boards.
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an e-mail to ccochran@cftlaw.com