Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–June 3
Jun 3, 2008
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Judge hears arguments in lawsuit over portability
A lawsuit challenging a new constitutional amendment that lets homeowners take property tax breaks with them when they move should be dismissed, state and local government lawyers told a judge Thursday.
Poll: Voters like Crist, love education plan
Florida voters aren’t sure about a tax-swap plan, are close to approving a gay marriage ban and are willing to overcome their dislike of spending tax money on religious-school vouchers because the issue is tied to a plan ensuring that 65 percent of every education dollar is spent in the classroom.
Dade’s tax base has rare decline
Falling real-estate values and voter-demanded tax relief have done something not accomplished since Hurricane Andrew shredded the county more than 15 years ago: lowered the taxable value of Miami-Dade’s property.
Value of property in Broward County drops 5% amid housing crisis
The value of Broward County property dropped by more than 5 percent in the past year, one of the largest dips ever recorded and a dramatic reversal after years of double-digit gains, according to a county estimate used to set property taxes.
Palm Beach County homeowners likely to face higher property tax bills this year
With property values crashing and a voter-approved tax cut hitting the books, you’re probably banking on a break on your tax bill, right? Not so fast.
Tax savings could vanish: County pushes rate hike
The property tax cut that the state’s voters overwhelmingly decided to give themselves this year will not result in significant savings for most homeowners, leaders warned Monday.
Tax dollars used to woo biotech firm
About $1.4 million in taxpayer money is being used to lure a biotech company that promises to create 75 jobs over the next eight years.
A New Jersey biotech company will get $1.4 million from state and local governments to open a manufacturing facility in North Dade that is expected to create 75 jobs over the next eight years.
Historic buildings to keep tax breaks, Palm Beach County says
Palm Beach County commissioners this morning said they want to continue a county program that has been doling out tax breaks to owners of historic buildings since 1997.
Tax swap may hurt schools, Dearing warns
This fall’s proposed constitutional Amendment 5 – commonly called the McKay plan – could put school funding in a “pretty perilous position,” Manatee County Schools Superintendent Roger Dearing said Friday.
Margie Patchett launched the anti-tax group Volusia Tax Reform in 2006 and quickly rallied hundreds of people to descend on the Volusia County Council and other governments to demand tax cuts — which they got.
Fla. voters to decide on gay marriage, vouchers, taxes
Florida voters, already peppered by the claims of would-be presidents, will have a lot more than the next occupant of the White House to decide on this fall — including nine draft amendments to the state constitution.
Dade teachers bicker among themselves
Two dozen Miami-Dade teachers protested after three of their colleagues were charged with working against the teachers union.
As the Miami-Dade teachers union prepares to battle the school district for salary increases, trouble is rising within its own ranks.
Legislature cuts bonuses for nationally certified teachers
Sheri Predmore represents a group of 569 Palm Beach County educators who hold the highest credentials in the teaching profession: They are nationally board certified.
EDITORIAL: Feds should allow state’s schools more flexibility in defining success
It is frustrating that Florida’s schools, which are among the tops in the nation when it comes to tough standards, accountability and the improvement of math and reading scores, continue to struggle under President Bush’s No Child Left Behind law.
OPINION: State employees can have coverage
In order to combat the rising costs of health care and declining budget revenues, more employers are reducing health insurance benefits and the number of employees who receive benefits.
The state of Florida is not immune to this phenomenon, especially for its temporary employees.
Public Universities’ Staff, Students Feel Sting Of Budget Cuts
Class sizes at Florida’s public universities were already among the largest nationwide.