Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJune 25, 2015

Although it lost most of its relevance when Rick Scott surprised the Tallahassee establishment and signed the 2015-2016 budget Tuesday, Florida TaxWatch on Thursday went ahead and released its annual Turkey Watch Report. “While Gov.Rick Scott signed the new budget prior to the release of the 2015 Budget Turkey Watch Report, the report continues to […]

Mitch PerryJune 24, 2015

Jeb Bush likes to boast on the campaign trail that he used to be called “Veto Corleone,” so paramount was his mission to stamp out what he considered excessive and unnecessary government spending from the annual state budget while he was Florida’s governor. Bush has nothing on Rick Scott. The current Florida governor on Tuesday […]

Mitch PerryJune 23, 2015

One of the annual rites of spring in Tallahassee is for Florida TaxWatch to release their Turkey Watch Report, which traditionally is released in May shortly after the Legislature finishes their work and before the governor signs the budget. The report spotlights legislative projects placed in the budget without proper opportunity for public review and debate, which […]

Mitch PerryJune 17, 2015

I’m a bit bleary eyed today, having stayed up until the wee hours this morning to listen to members of the Golden State Warriors discussing this special moment in their lives, after they won their first National Basketball Association championship in 40 years against the Cleveland Cavaliers last night. And yes, I am ecstatic about […]

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 […]

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 […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 30, 2015

State senators and representatives on a panel that oversees state audits responded angrily on Monday when they were told top officials at the Florida Municipal Power Agency were too busy to discuss audit findings that describe lavish spending and risky fuel-trading schemes. Sen. Joe Abruzzo, a Democrat from Wellington who chairs the Joint Legislative Audit […]

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 […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 8, 2015

Florida’s beekeepers say honey bees play a sweet role in agriculture and the economy but they need help – and state funding – to maintain a healthy population. The Florida State Beekeepers Association is requesting $3.5 million for an apiary research center at the University of Florida. Florida is the third largest honey-producing state, with […]

Tag: Florida TaxWatch

Florida TaxWatch releases Turkey Watch Report, 48 hours after Rick Scott signs budget

Mitch Perry Report for 6.24.15 — Rick Scott wins again

Rick Scott’s budget signing preempts impact of Florida TaxWatch turkey list

Mitch Perry Report for 6.17.15 – When basketball evolves into “The Beautiful Game”

Florida TaxWatch laments Legislature cut only $400 million in taxes

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

Email insights: Happy Taxpayer Independence Day!

Legislators pound FMPA after top officials fail to appear

Gov. Scott announces 28 regulatory boards appointments

Bruce Ritchie: Beekeepers stung by 2014 veto, try again for research site