Marc Yacht, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Marc YachtApril 28, 2014

Florida legislative efforts to increase charter schools continue. About one in 17 Florida children attend a charter school. That’s a six-fold increase in a decade. Both not-for-profit and for-profit companies can operate charter schools. School districts can open charter schools. Charter-school teachers must be certified, but administrators do not need to be certified. Proponents of […]

Marc YachtApril 20, 2014

In an abrupt about-face, conservative Republican legislators banished NRA lobbyists from the Capitol last week after getting what appeared to be divine instructions at a Republican prayer meeting. Shouts of “ban guns!” and “Get lost!” were heard echoing through the Capitol corridors. Other shouts of “We don’t want your money, give it to the Democrats!” […]

Marc YachtApril 8, 2014

The Florida Constitution requires adequate funding for public education. Florida ranks as the nation’s fourth wealthiest state, yet it ranks 43rd of 50 states in public school funding. Despite that grim ranking, charter schools, home schooling and vouchers continue to drain critical resources. Courts have ruled against charter schools and vouchers. Yet charter schools flourish […]

Marc YachtMarch 26, 2014

The Broward County School Board has notified three charter schools that they have violated their agreement with the school system and will have to close. But the State Board of Education has to approve such decisions and often does not support school board decisions. The three Broward schools are still operating. Local school boards are […]

Marc YachtMarch 17, 2014

A two-part series published in the Tampa Bay Times exposed outrageous unregulated charges by Florida trauma centers. The argument for marketplace medicine rings hollow when patients are charged $33,000 for the hospital trauma team call-up. That is the cover charge; other bills come later. Total bills can tally up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. […]

Marc YachtMarch 9, 2014

In 1992 the Legislature unwisely decided to move much Health Department food-service responsibility to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs (DAC). The change compromised the inspection of restaurants and convenience stores. It also weakened integration with epidemiologists and public health nurses. Quarterly inspections were reduced […]

Marc YachtMarch 3, 2014

Will opposing forces ever get to YES, or will the growing ideological chasms ultimately tear down America? First, curtail the use of labels. Tagging Americans liberals, conservatives, tea partiers, communists, socialists, or libertarians draws attention away from needed discourse and rallies individuals based on group affiliation. If one is for something as a liberal, […]

Marc YachtFebruary 24, 2014

Here’s a multiple-choice question: How will failing students succeed? a. Common Core b. FCAT c. Florida Core d. Better teachers e. penalizing failing schools f. none of the above The obvious answer, known to politicians, school officials, and most parents, is: none of the above. There are many misdirected policies sold to the public by […]

Marc YachtFebruary 18, 2014

The Legislature passed the Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition law in 2011. This preempted Florida communities from using or enacting their own ordinances addressing firearm safety. This statute continues to frustrate law enforcement addressing neighborhood complaints involving firearms. The dangerous discharge of firearms near schools, golf courses or populous areas may face limited police response. […]

Marc YachtFebruary 13, 2014

Marijuana remains an illegal drug that has criminalized millions of Americans for decades. Our crowded jails are filled with people convicted of selling and using “Mary Jane.” Marijuana physician prescriptions have proven their value in pain management, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and an array of chronic and acute illnesses. Allowing physicians to prescribe marijuana to patients […]

Marc Yacht
Rodney Guttman, image via University of West Florida.

Marc Yacht: Florida charter school growth needs improved oversight

Marc Yacht: Fla. GOP legislators banish NRA lobbyists; they flee to Texas

Marc Yacht: The legislative war on Florida public education

Marc Yacht: Corruption, poor accountability undermine charter schools

Marc Yacht: The profitable business of health care

Marc Yacht: Food-service inspections could return to Department of Health

Marc Yacht: Crazy politics thwart good Republican policy

Marc Yacht: It’s about poverty – STUPID!

Marc Yacht: Proposals like the “Pop Tart” bill undermine local regulation

Marc Yacht: Politicians must stay out of healthcare management