Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–April 15
Apr 15, 2009
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House panel OKs more Fla. property tax relief
Florida homeowners whose property taxes rise when market values drop would get relief under a proposal moving through the Legislature.
State Expected to OK Spending Today
Nearly two months after President Barack Obama signed the mammoth stimulus package into law, the trickle of money coming into Florida may finally be turned into a torrent.
Like a lot of people today, Florida legislators will be thinking about taxes
Income tax day will not go unnoticed Wednesday as tax committees in the House and Senate take up bills to either impose new taxes, eliminate tax loopholes or offer new tax breaks to special industries and property tax payers.
Republicans in Florida Legislature look for deals on education bills
With lawmakers headed into the session’s lightning round, key Republicans this week are gathering to see where they can find compromise on an array of education bills.
State school board tables idea to sue Florida over inadequate education funding
In June 2007, a statewide school board organization voted unanimously to sue the state of Florida over inadequate education funding.
Broward school cutbacks may be less onerous next year
The Broward school district may have to cut less from its budget for next year than it originally planned, Superintendent Jim Notter said Tuesday.
Florida House poised to loosen class size limits
Florida House Democrats have lost an effort to stop Republicans from loosening class size limits.
Crist encourages first-time home buyers to use $8,000 federal tax credit
Governor holds round-table discussion with Florida Realtors, urges Legislature to reduce property-tax burden
Governor Charlie Crist today met with Florida Realtors to discuss Florida’s housing market, and also discussed his continued commitment to reduce the tax burden on Florida homeowners and business property owners.
Florida lawmakers weigh tax break for yachts and planes
At the same time lawmakers are slashing the state budget, considering laying off dozens of government workers and increasing fees and taxes, they are also pushing a break for the richest Floridians.
Socially conservative bills stall in Florida Senate
Socially conservative legislation is failing to make headway as lawmakers focus attention on the state budget squeeze, and Republicans can’t count on enough support in the Senate.
Legislation that would open the door to school prayer and discouraging teaching evolution has been declared dead.
Crist, Seminoles in talks to revise gambling deal
Gov. Charlie Crist’s office is quietly negotiating a revised gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe as the House and Senate remain at odds over the deal.
Bills push tougher standards for schools
Former Gov. Jeb Bush’s big vision of tougher standards for students and teachers may be expanded as lawmakers consider dramatic changes that could affect every public school student.
Volusia schools to face $25M in cuts
Volusia County Superintendent Margaret Smith warned Tuesday as much as $25 million may have to be cut from the school district budget for the year starting July 1.
Board to Broward schools chief: Discuss furlough with unions
The Broward County School Board today gave the go-ahead for Superintendent James Notter to start talking with the district’s nine employee unions about a three-day furlough at Thanksgiving.
Socially conservative bills stall in Florida Senate
Socially conservative legislation is failing to make headway as lawmakers focus attention on the state budget squeeze, and Republicans can’t count on enough support in the Senate.
Legislation that would open the door to school prayer and discouraging teaching evolution has been declared dead.
Fate of Pasco dropout schools in play amid budget cuts
As Pasco school officials talk budget cuts, rumors continue to crop up that some program or another stands to be slashed or canceled.
Seminole County schools save $800,000 by hiring contractors
Even though two dozen employees will lose their jobs, the Seminole County School Board agreed Tuesday night to hire private companies to maintain school grounds starting in July.
Polk County School District Officials Detail Plan to Save Jobs
It would entail shifting employees to federal pay, trimming budgets.
Plans for saving the Polk County School District $19 million include shifting more than 100 employees from local to federal dollars, eliminating facets of a retirement program, and reducing funds in everything from school operating budgets to human resources.
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