Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Peter SchorschMarch 6, 2015

A cry could be heard in the voice of Father Pat O’Neil as he spoke of the love Ken Plante generated in his work in his community and throughout the state of Florida. O’Neil, the director of the Miami Diocese’s Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, celebrated a Mass in Tallahassee Friday for his friend, […]

Phil AmmannMarch 5, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott ordered U.S. and state flags at the Florida Capitol to fly at half-staff Friday in honor of former State Sen. Ken Plante. Plante passed away March 1 after a three-year battle with ALS. First elected to the Senate from Winter Park in 1967, Plante served until 1978. After leaving the Legislature, he remained […]

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 […]

James CallJanuary 28, 2015

Florida TaxWatch usually trains its eye on government waste but Tuesday the Tallahassee-based watchdog group recognized individuals and teams of state government workers whose ideas have improved productivity in government. The 2015 Prudential Productivity Award will recognize 217 individuals and teams with cash and plaques for innovative approaches to delivering government services. The Department of […]

Peter SchorschNovember 26, 2014

We’ve all seen the words “turkey” and “lobbyist” in the same sentence before. But, more than likely, this referred to the role of special interests in securing political pork for clients. Indeed, Florida’s political process has its own special “turkey day” which falls after each legislative session, before the governor gets to the bulk of […]

Dominic CalabroNovember 18, 2014

We all know individuals who spend more than they have. Often, these money mis-managers take on credit card debt and fail to save. They spend their additional income before they pay off old debts. Eventually, they spiral out of control. Their home is foreclosed; their cars impounded. Granted, not all people who find themselves in […]

Guest AuthorNovember 4, 2014

In 2013 Congress appointed a bipartisan Over-Criminalization Task Force to scrutinize the 4,500 felonies criminalized by federal law. This group, reappointed in February to continue its work in 2014, is seeking to reform criminal justice policies that make the United States the runaway incarceration leader in the world. Think about that: America imprisons its citizens […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 23, 2014

Each year, millions of tourists visit Florida. The revenue collected from the state’s thriving tourism-centered economy helps keep tax rates low for our full-time residents and businesses. The more visitors the state attracts, the more revenue is collected through sources like sales taxes and bed taxes. But the tourism industry does much more than pad […]

Tag: Florida TaxWatch

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

Ken Plante eulogized for love of his work, dedication to personal principles

Governor orders flags at half-mast to honor Ken Plante

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

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

Florida TaxWatch recognizes productive public servants

Thanksgiving, as brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political organizations

Calabro and Herrle: Overgenerous pensions hurt taxpayers, beneficiaries

Dan McCarthy: We can save lots of money by reducing the prison population

Jerry Parrish: Attracting 100 million tourists would create 121,000 jobs, report says