Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJanuary 25, 2016

Government spending watchdog Florida TaxWatch says the recommendations from the Florida Government Efficiency Taskforce are even more important in light of reduced revenue estimates over the next few fiscal years. State economists recently predicted Florida will have $31.257 billion in general revenue funds for the 2016-17 budget year, $395 million less than their October estimate. […]

Bill PrescottSeptember 24, 2015

Public education consumes almost 30 percent of Florida’s budget. So what are taxpayers getting for that investment, which this is year about $22.9 billion, compared to other states? Florida TaxWatch, a government watchdog think tank that evaluates government spending, has created its own guide to help answer that question: How Florida Compares – Education. The […]

Phil AmmannAugust 27, 2015

Florida TaxWatch, the independent government watchdog, has added new members to its respected research and analysis team. As Florida’s economy continues to grow, the need increases for quality data for investors and a better-educated workforce, according to a statement by Florida TaxWatch CEO Dominic Calabro. “Now, more than ever,” Calabro said, “it is critical that […]

Mitch PerryJune 16, 2015

The Legislature began its final scheduled week of the Special Session with a $428.9 million package of tax breaks it OK’d Monday. The tax breaks were scaled back from Gov. Rick Scott‘s original goal of nearly $700 million, but he appeared in no mood to quibble when he issued a statement before returning from Paris. “Giving […]

Guest AuthorMay 25, 2015

On Memorial Day, be sure to thank a Florida veteran. It shouldn’t be too difficult to track one down, as Florida is home to more than 1.6 million veterans. That’s one in every 12 adults. It’s no surprise that the state has the third-largest veteran population in the nation, because Florida policymakers have worked hard […]

James CallApril 28, 2015

Tax numbers are in; and for Florida, it’s a mixed bag. However, there is a disclaimer for Florida’s reputation as a low-tax state. The Sunshine State comes in third for the lowest per capita tax amount of state tax paid, but when adding local taxes, the tax burden increases and the state ranking falls to […]

Phil AmmannApril 20, 2015

As most Americans recover from a Tax Day hangover, there is one day all taxpayers can celebrate: Monday, April 20. Happy Taxpayer Independence Day! In a new email, Florida TaxWatch is calling all Floridians to mark Taxpayer Independence Day; the first day in the calendar year the average taxpayer begins earning an income that is […]

Phil AmmannMarch 23, 2015

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott announced 28 appointments to a variety of regulatory boards and panels statewide. Board of Professional Geologists Scott began by reappointing Louie Bush and Mervin Dale to the Board of Professional Geologists, which regulates the practice of professional geology. Bush, 64, of Lakeland, is the southeast regional manager for Underground Imaging […]

Jac VerSteegFebruary 25, 2015

Miami Herald political editor Sergio Bustos provided the most fascinating tidbit at Tuesday’s Media Panel sponsored by TaxWatch and held at Gunster law firm in Fort Lauderdale. The topic was gambling in Florida. Will the state reach a new compact with the Seminoles? Will the interests pushing for Las Vegas-style resort casinos finally get clearance […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 29, 2015

Florida is currently enjoying the highest job growth since the Great Recession of 2008, according to a new study from nonpartisan watchdog group Florida TaxWatch. In the annual report on employment activity, the Sunshine State added 230,000 nonfarm jobs in 2014, making the state’s four-year nonfarm employment total to 710,200. This four-year increase equates to […]

Tag: Dominic Calabro
This exhibit celebrates late-blooming artistry, proving it’s never too late for bold creativity.

Dimmed budget outlook has TaxWatch urging efficiency

Shannon Nickinson: Make sure schools measure up as a top Florida feature

Personnel note: Florida TaxWatch expands research and analysis team

Florida TaxWatch laments Legislature cut only $400 million in taxes

Dominic Calabro: Florida has worked hard to make this a veterans-friendly state

Of U.S., Florida leans most on local governments, TaxWatch reports

Email insights: Happy Taxpayer Independence Day!

Gov. Scott announces 28 regulatory boards appointments

Jac VerSteeg: Why casinos might be out of luck in Florida

Florida job growth for 2014 solid in all sectors, says Florida TaxWatch