Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

The Florida Constitution requires the Florida Legislature to pass a balanced budget and send it to the governor. This is the Constitution’s primary mandate for the Legislature. The Florida budget, like any budget, is comprised of two components: income and expenses. Governmental income is derived from the taxes and fees paid by Floridians and visitors […]

Associated PressMarch 17, 2015

A third round of U.S.-Cuban negotiations over the restoration of full diplomatic relations ended after a day of talks, Cuban and U.S. officials said Tuesday. They provided no details on whether progress was made toward a deal on reopening embassies in Washington and Havana. The two countries have been trying to strike an agreement on […]

Marc YachtMarch 11, 2015

End-of-life issues are among our most emotionally and religiously charged community concerns. The definition of “death” might require greater clarity when considering medical and technological advances that have moved patient diagnosis from the physician’s examination to the laboratory. Enacted law regulating medical practice further muddies the water. Canada’s Supreme Court recently lifted the Assisted Suicide […]

Melissa RossFebruary 13, 2015

Just months after failing to pass a ballot amendment, advocates of legalizing medical marijuana in Florida are regrouping to try again. A new bill was filed Tuesday in the Florida House that wouldn’t allow smokable medical marijuana. At the same time, Republican State Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg is behind a measure that would […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 3, 2015

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A short quiz on recent news: 1) Florida taxes its poorest citizens at what rate in proportion to the richest? Half as much. The same. Twice as much. Nearly seven times as much. 2) In which of these states did the wealthiest 1 percent NOT capture ALL the post-recession income growth between 2009 and 2012? […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 3, 2015

A short quiz on recent news: 1) Florida taxes its poorest citizens at what rate in proportion to the richest? Half as much. The same. Twice as much. Nearly seven times as much. 2) In which of these states did the wealthiest 1 percent NOT capture ALL the post-recession income growth between 2009 and 2012? […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 3, 2015

A short quiz on recent news: 1) Florida taxes its poorest citizens at what rate in proportion to the richest? Half as much. The same. Twice as much. Nearly seven times as much. 2) In which of these states did the wealthiest 1 percent NOT capture ALL the post-recession income growth between 2009 and 2012? […]

Marc YachtJanuary 6, 2015

In August a federal judge struck down Florida’s same sex marriage ban. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle noted in his ruling that his is now one of 19 federal courts that have struck down state laws that bar gay and lesbian couples from marrying. Gay marriage opponents continue to raise barriers to same-sex couples desiring […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 8, 2014

When the Florida courts consider several lawsuits filed recently by the Florida Education Association and other anti-voucher groups, I hope someone will call me as a witness. That’s because I am a public school parent who agrees that some of our education tax dollars aren’t being spent in a way that serves the public interest. […]

Guest AuthorJune 22, 2014

Small communities have always faced “brain drain,” as many of their most educated young people leave for big cities, bright lights and the promise of bigger paychecks. But the shift could be getting more extreme. A new study indicates that highly educated and skilled people are focusing on a relatively few large cities while people […]

Tag: Washington

Garrett Richter: Health care in Florida: It’s our money and we deserve a return

Cuba, U.S. say 3rd round of diplomatic negotiations ends

Marc Yacht: Assisted suicide allows for death with dignity

South Florida company says its success in Washington proves marijuana-use law can work here

Martin Dyckman: Is glaring income gap getting Jeb Bush’s attention?

Martin Dyckman: Is glaring income gap getting Jeb Bush's attention?

Martin Dyckman: Is glaring income gap getting Jeb Bush's attention?

Marc Yacht: Gay marriage 'Taint nobody's business' except the couple's

William Mattox: History project highlights debate about education spending

Mark O’Brien: Give us your tired, your poor, your service workers