Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, October 14
Oct 14, 2008
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Men fight charges in sting after Fay
Some of the men arrested in unlicensed contractor stings during the past two weeks have begun speaking out and making plans to challenge the charges against them.
Cabinet looks at rule changes in retirement system
Gov. Charlie Crist and Florida’s independently elected Cabinet are meeting to discuss rule changes to the state’s retirement plan.
Counties hoping for some help from federal bailout program
Florida governmental groups including the Florida Association of Counties and state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink are lobbying hard — and fast — to persuade the Federal Reserve and the Bush administration to include municipally backed commercial paper in the massive bailout program.
Florida State Board of Administration posts proxy votes
The Florida State Board of Administration has begun posting historical and current records of votes that it casts on proxies issued by public companies in which it owns stock.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Insurance Should Be Regular Budget Item
I have read in the statutes that reserves are not for regular expenses, but are for special ones like roofs, painting, and paving. Would a reserve fund be valid for insurance?
Poorly maintained public pools a growing health concern in South Florida
Poorly maintained public pools a growing concern as germs, parasites cause illnesses
Nothing says “South Florida lifestyle” like a pool, a tropical oasis where you can take a dip year-round. But hundreds of pools are closed annually for carrying parasites, bacteria and other pathogens that can make swimmers seriously ill.
Study says Medicaid program is confusing
A major study being released Tuesday reports that more than half the Medicaid participants in a reform pilot program in Broward and Duval counties “had trouble understanding the plan.”
Illegal immigrants face fewer choices for health care on Treasure Coast
Health options for illegal immigrants on the Treasure Coast exist, though they aren’t free or plentiful.
Volunteers In Medicine, which provides free care for impoverished, uninsured Martin County residents, closed its doors to illegal immigrants last month. Immigrant advocates in Indiantown, including Sister Teresa Auad, aren’t sure how many undocumented families were using the clinic’s free services, but said a need for primary care definitely exists in the area.
Florida Chamber: Florida’s economy in a state of flux
Florida is never going back to being a low-cost state. Our economy is in transition.
At least 30,000 felons eligible to vote in Florida
More than 30,000 Florida felons who by law should have been stripped of their right to vote remain registered to cast ballots in this presidential battleground state, a Sun Sentinel investigation has found.
Electioneering groups make contribution limits irrelevant
A Tallahassee police union group paid for radio and mail ads to voters touting Orange County commission candidate Shannon Gravitte as a “true crime fighter,” a key plug in a race where crime is a top issue.
Sex Scandal Shakes Race for Congress in Florida
The Florida congressman who succeeded Mark Foley after he resigned because of a sex scandal is now embroiled in a sex scandal of his own, and has requested a Congressional ethics investigation to clear his name.
Having spent most of the past two decades in the Legislature, Steve Wise is running his last campaign, seeking re-election to Senate District 5.
History key in District 28 race
When William Smalley, the Democratic challenger for state House District 28, attacks Republican incumbent Dorothy Hukill, he goes after what Hukill considers her strength — her record as a two-term state representative.
Democratic state Senate candidate trying to gain ground
Behind in the polls and with early voting starting next week, Democratic District 23 state Senate candidate Morgan Bentley tried to draw a sharper line Monday between himself and Republican Nancy Detert.
Senate District 35 candidates focus on education
With sky-high property taxes, out-of-sight insurance rates and the economy in the tank, the candidates for Senate District 35 both believe the most important issue is public education.
For Keller, Grayson, WMFE debate is mud fest
The economy dominated a debate Monday between U.S. Rep. Ric Keller and challenger Alan Grayson, but the two U.S. House District 8 candidates spent more time slinging mud at each other than talking about solutions.
CANDIDATE LORRANNE AUSLEY: Parity between parties makes for better legislation
I write in response to the Tallahassee Democrat endorsement of Peter Boulware for the District 9 seat, which I have been privileged to hold for the past eight years. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to represent the citizens of Leon and Jefferson Counties.
Florida Offering Energy Grants
Gov. Charlie Crist is inviting public and private entities to submit renewable energy and energy-efficiency proposals for state grants.
Bailout bill carries tax credit to help solar power industry
The $700 billion financial industry bailout bill that Congress passed last week includes a much-anticipated boost to Florida’s solar industry.
Fla. PSC considers renewable energy rule
Utility regulators are set to take the first step toward passing a rule requiring more renewable energy use in Florida.
VIDEO: What AIG Means for the Future of State Regulation
Proponents of federal regulation say the recent $85 billion bailout loan for American International Group demonstrates the need for federal oversight of the insurance industry.
Influential Financial Services Group Backs OFC
The Financial Services Roundtable, a consortium of financial services companies, issued a call yesterday for an optional federal insurance charter and other policy proposals before a meeting between Treasury officials and banking leaders.
Deadlines Near for Renewing Katrina, Rita Flood Insurance Policies
Flood insurance policies are about to expire for nearly 36,300 Louisiana homeowners affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
FEMA Extends Hurricane Ike Housing Deadline in Louisiana
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended its deadline for providing temporary housing for evacuees of Hurricane Ike in Louisiana.
Fines for No Insurance Included in $815M Texas Drivers Owe State
Nearly one million Texas motorists owe a combined $815 million for violations such as a driving while intoxicated and failure to have insurance, and the state wants them to start paying up.
New Workers Comp Law to Help 40,000 Ohio Employers
A new law has gone into effect that erases a competitive disadvantage for roughly 40,000 Ohio employers paying workers compensation premiums.
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