Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Staff ReportsDecember 17, 2015

Florida TaxWatch says it’s launching a research internship program for college students, who will assist on projects from “taxation and budgets to education and corrections.” The nonprofit watchdog, based in Tallahassee, received a $25,000 contribution from AT&T to pay stipends to those who are accepted into the program. The internships will be named after the late […]

Dominic CalabroDecember 14, 2015

While virtually every Floridian has interaction with state government, it’s easy for the average person to feel distanced from the political process of Tallahassee. It also can be easy for our elected leaders to feel distanced from their constituents if they don’t regularly hear from the voters. Every Floridian, though, has a unique opportunity to […]

Staff ReportsNovember 25, 2015

As last-minute shoppers scarf up pre-cooked turkey breasts, pumpkin pies and canned veggies for Thanksgiving, it’s not always clear what they’ll pay tax on and what they won’t. No surprise, then that Florida TaxWatch has a quick guide to clue in those hapless supermarket-goers. Dominic M. Calabro, president and CEO of TaxWatch, says his group is […]

Phil AmmannNovember 18, 2015

Veteran Tallahassee reporter Joe Follick has joined Florida TaxWatch as its new Director of Communications and External Relations. Florida TaxWatch is the state’s leading independent government research and analysis organization. Follick brings more than two decades of communication and media experience, serving as communications director for the Florida Department of Education and with the Department […]

Tag: Florida TaxWatch

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

New TaxWatch internship program honors Ken Plante

Dominic M. Calabro: Floridians have historic opportunity to control their government

Florida TaxWatch talks taxes and Thanksgiving

Personnel note: Former reporter Joe Follick joins Florida TaxWatch as Comm. Director