Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaSeptember 12, 2016

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Anita Mitchell of West Palm Beach’s The Mitchell Group has joined Florida TaxWatch as corporate vice president, the government spending watchdog announced. “She will be a leader in continuing the nonprofit research institute’s growth and success by expanding membership statewide,” according to a press release. Mitchell “is one of Florida’s most respected leaders in marketing and corporate relations,” […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 8, 2016

It’s been overlooked for years, but criminal justice reform could be coming down the pike. Sen. Jeff Brandes said he hopes to make reforming the system a top priority, but told the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists it could take years before reforms are achieved. Calls for reform aren’t new, but they are growing louder. […]

Michael MolineAugust 25, 2016

The state could have saved $218,000 in policing costs alone in a single year by sending low-level juvenile offenders into civil diversion programs instead of arresting them, a government watchdog group said Thursday. Florida TaxWatch said juvenile misdemeanor pre-arrest diversion programs — JPADS in Tallahassee parlance — “are crucial to keeping juveniles from deeper involvement […]

Dominic CalabroAugust 24, 2016

It is Hurricane season in Florida. And Seminole season. And it’s also the season for the Gators and Rattlers and Bulls and many others. After a long hot summer, Floridians are eagerly awaiting the return of college football. Not only is college football great for the fans, but it is also a boon for communities […]

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 […]

Jim RosicaAugust 11, 2016

A former senior nurse with the Florida Department of Health is joining Florida TaxWatch as a health care policy analyst. The Tallahassee-based nonprofit watchdog organization announced the move Thursday. Her first day was Aug. 1. Allison Wiman “brings more than two decades of experience in nursing and research, from nutrition and school nursing to risk assessments and childhood development,” […]

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 […]

Guest AuthorMay 23, 2016

As Florida residents continue to engage in this presidential election, Republicans, Democrats and independents are split on many pressing issues. But there’s one issue many voters are united on — criminal justice reform. Nearly every American has a family member, loved one or neighbor who has — or who will — come into contact with the criminal […]

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: Florida TaxWatch
Image via AP.

Personnel note: Anita Mitchell joins TaxWatch

Jeff Brandes turns attention to criminal justice reform

Watchdog: Civil juvenile diversion saves taxpayers money

Dominic Calabro: College football is a touchdown for Florida’s local and state economies

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

Personnel note: Allison Wiman joins Florida TaxWatch

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

Dominic Calabro & Howard Simon: Lawmakers must back criminal justice reform

TaxWatch: Smart criminal justice reforms could save millions