Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorApril 27, 2017

Florida’s Everglades is an American iconic national park known and revered throughout the world for its biodiversity. Floridians, regardless where they live, must join together to protect and restore this treasure before the Everglades reaches a point of no return. The Everglades is home to thousands of plant and animal species and draws millions of […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 18, 2017

The Florida Supreme Court’s decision not to take up a contentious school vouchers lawsuit continued to garner reaction throughout Wednesday. Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominee for U.S. Education Secretary, tweeted, “Congrats to the Florida families who have a clear path toward more opportunity due to #SchoolChoice w/ today’s FL Supreme Court decision!” Florida House […]

Michael MolineDecember 15, 2016

Florida TaxWatch on Thursday welcomed a rosier new state revenue forecast, but said the extra money won’t pay for big-ticket investments sought by Rick Scott and legislative leaders. “Money will be tight this year and lawmakers who are concerned about a tough budget year should find ways to cut costs and save money,” TaxWatch President […]

Terry RoenNovember 15, 2016

Florida TaxWatch, a nonprofit government watchdog, has urged state leaders to hold Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute accountable for the $155 million in tax incentives they received to move to Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Development (DEO) asked Sanford Burnham last month to return half, or $77 million in taxpayer money, if it […]

Joe HendersonNovember 11, 2016

Mike Fasano, the Pasco County Tax Collector and former state legislator, lives near incoming Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran. They are friends and they speak frequently with each other. Sometimes they agree on policies, sometimes they don’t. But they are in total accord about the dramatic changes regarding lobbyists and other measures Corcoran has planned […]

Dominic CalabroAugust 17, 2016

For millions of parents and students this month around the Sunshine State, one of the most exciting parts of returning to school is meeting the teachers. And for good reason; teachers will spend 180 days helping students learn and grow as one of the primary influences, besides parents and family, in each child’s life. But […]

Dominic CalabroAugust 3, 2016

Few legislative decisions have been as wildly popular as Florida’s “sales tax holidays.” They have become more than just a tax break. They are a traditional back-to-school event that families plan for, neighbors talk about and businesses promote. This year’s back-to-school sales tax holiday — from Aug. 5 through 7 — is shorter than last year and […]

Dominic CalabroJuly 14, 2016

July 1 marked the first day of Florida’s 2016-17 fiscal year with the new $82.3 billion budget and 159 laws going into effect. The budget, the largest in Florida history, funds all types of services for Floridians, ranging from education and health care to state parks and court renovations. Passing a state budget is required […]

Drew WilsonJuly 1, 2016

The Florida Government Efficiency Task Force released a 29-point report Thursday that it said could produce billions in annual savings for Florida taxpayers. “These 29 recommendations, if implemented, will lead to over $2 billion in cost-savings for the taxpayers of Florida as well as improving the functions of our state government,” said Task Force Chairman […]

Drew WilsonMay 19, 2016

Florida taxpayers could save millions and live in a safer state if lawmakers make smart criminal justice reforms, nonpartisan watchdog group Florida TaxWatch said in a new report. “Lower Costs & Less Crime: Criminal Juvenile Justice Reform Options for Florida,” released this week, recommends changes to sentencing laws on low-level crimes, and expanding programs that help inmates […]

Tag: Dominic Calabro

Bob Martinez, Dominic Calabro: The time is now to address the Everglades crisis

Officials, others respond to school vouchers case

TaxWatch: Revenue boost won’t pay for state leaders’ wish lists

Florida TaxWatch blasts Sanford Burnham’s escape plan

Joe Henderson: New House rules put lobbyists in their place and increase transparency

Dominic Calabro: Remember to thank principals too during the first week back to school

Dominic Calabro: Sales tax holidays — a Florida tradition and boon to taxpayers, businesses

Dominic Calabro: Florida legislators must commit to transparency and accountability in the budgeting process

New report suggests ways government efficiency can save Florida taxpayers billions

TaxWatch: Smart criminal justice reforms could save millions