Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Guest AuthorApril 21, 2016

In mid-April every year, Americans take a quote from Benjamin Franklin to heart – and the bank. He said that “nothing in life can be certain except death and taxes.” At the federal, state and local level, Americans are subjected to various taxes that chip away at their paychecks. While Floridians enjoy one of the […]

Dominic CalabroMarch 28, 2016

Florida’s unemployment rate is down almost half from the peak of 11.1 percent during the Great Recession. While it is great news that the state’s annual unemployment rate was down to 5.4 percent in 2015, and down to 5 percent in January 2016, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. An underlying factor that determines […]

Dominic CalabroMarch 15, 2016

In the $82.349 billion state budget approved last week, the Legislature enacted various TaxWatch recommended bills that will improve the future for the state and its residents, including: Permanently extending the sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment, which will boost Florida’s manufacturing industry, provide high-wage jobs for Floridians and diversify the state economy. Creating a […]

Guest AuthorMarch 7, 2016

While most Floridians are working and going to school this week, elected officials in Tallahassee are considering how to spend an eye-popping $80 billion of your hard-earned tax money. That’s nearly $4,000 for every adult and child in the state. Too few Floridians have the time to keep an eye on Tallahassee to make sure […]

Dominic CalabroMarch 6, 2016

While most Floridians are working and going to school this week, elected officials in Tallahassee are considering how to spend an eye-popping $80 billion of your hard-earned tax money. That’s nearly $4,000 for every adult and child in the state. Too few Floridians have the time to keep an eye on Tallahassee to make sure […]

Drew WilsonMarch 1, 2016

Nonpartisan government watchdog Florida TaxWatch has named Robert Cruz as its new chief economist, the group announced Tuesday. Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro said the hire “will further Florida TaxWatch’s status as the premier government watchdog in the Sunshine State.” “We are excited to welcome Dr. Cruz to our team,” Calabro said. “He brings a breadth of […]

Ryan RayFebruary 18, 2016

Florida TaxWatch trumpeted the release of a new report Thursday morning, in which the conservative watchdog group endorsed plans to keep tax dollars flowing to economic incentives along the lines of those favored by Gov. Rick Scott, including $250 million Scott has requested for a dedicated fund for Enterprise Florida business recruitment efforts. The report titled “A […]

Dominic CalabroFebruary 15, 2016

The cornerstone of our constitutional democratic republic is protecting citizens’ right to full and public notice when their elected officials are discussing or making decisions that could affect everyone’s daily lives. As a non-partisan research taxpayer research institute that focuses on promoting government accountability and transparency, Florida TaxWatch supports the use of public notices in […]

Tag: Dominic Calabro
Sen Rick Scott in Sarasota. Photo by Jacob Ogles.

New report suggests ways government efficiency can save Florida taxpayers billions

TaxWatch: Smart criminal justice reforms could save millions

Dominic Calabro: Floridians’ tax burden is less than in many other states

Dominic Calabro: There's more than meets the eye behind unemployment rate

Dominic Calabro: Kudos to Legislature for adopting TaxWatch recommendations

Dominic Calabro: Floridians deserve an accountable, transparent budgeting process

Dominic Calabro: Floridians deserve an accountable and transparent budgeting process

Florida TaxWatch names Robert Cruz new chief economist

Florida TaxWatch backs Enterprise Florida fund, economic incentives

Dominic Calabro: Citizens need access to government public notices from a variety of sources