Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 2016

Lawmakers in the Florida House and Senate are recommending that $214.1 million be set aside from Florida’s housing trust funds toward affordable housing. Jaimie Ross, facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition, and president and CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, said in a statement: “The Sadowski Coalition applauds the Senate and House for coming to a […]

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 […]

Dominic CalabroFebruary 4, 2016

Florida TaxWatch has been a leader in making sure Florida residents have access to affordable health care options, saving millions of dollars and countless lives. Lawmakers are considering two TaxWatch recommendations to eliminate barriers to 21st century solutions to help Floridians enjoy longer, healthier lives. One change would reduce the limits on “telehealth” — the […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 28, 2016

The state House on Wednesday rolled out a nearly $1 billion tax cut proposal. The proposal is similar to the proposal that Gov. Rick Scott pitched earlier this year. Among other things the proposal includes eliminating the tax on manufacturing equipment and credits for renewable energy investments. The House finance and tax committee has not […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 26, 2016

Efforts to expand telehealth options in Florida are moving through the state Legislature, and the state Senate on Tuesday approved a measure (SB 1686) aimed at improving access. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Bean, defines telehealth, creates a telehealth task force, and authorizes healthcare practitioners in Florida to participate in telehealth. The measure passed […]

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. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

The defining debate of the 2016 Legislative session? Tax cuts. That was Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s prediction Wednesday during Florida TaxWatch’s inaugural State of the Taxpayer Dinner. The event featured several state lawmakers, including Putnam and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. “If you think about the foundation of this organization and what this state has […]

Tag: Florida TaxWatch
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

Dominic Calabro: Floridians deserve an accountable and transparent budgeting process

Capitol Reax: Money for affordable housing, nurse practitioners, funding for sick children, fracking

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

Dominic M. Calabro: Allow professionals and technology to provide affordable health care for Floridians

Capitol reax: Renewable energy credits, public school choice, predatory public records requests, funding for sick children

Capitol Reax: Telehealth, Dozier School for Boys, dental plans, economic incentives

Dimmed budget outlook has TaxWatch urging efficiency

Cabinet members praise ‘taxpayer friendly’ policies during Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer dinner