Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–September 10

Sep 10, 2009

 

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Tight budget, higher property tax rate for Broward schools

The Broward School Board signed off on its much diminished final budget, which raises the property tax rate for schools.

Broward School Board members have decried their shrinking budget so much that they could find little else to say about it when they gave final approval to the spending plan Thursday night.

 

Miami-Dade school budget will prevent teacher layoffs

Miami-Dade’s school tax rate goes up slightly, but the budget is balanced without teacher layoffs.

The Miami-Dade School Board on Wednesday approved a budget for the upcoming school year that will prevent any teacher layoffs — and may even provide a little money for raises.

 

Palm Beach County school board OKs budget, 10 percent tax hike

The Palm Beach County School Board unanimously approved a $2.7 billion construction and operating budget today, along with a 10 percent increase in its property tax rate.

 

South Florida water managers hold the line on taxes, despite U.S. Sugar land deal

South Florida water managers Wednesday approved a $1.5 billion budget plan that avoids a property tax increase next year while including a half-billion-dollar Everglades restoration land deal with U.S. Sugar Corp.

 

A perfect storm

How the economy, a lack of state funding and vanishing lottery funding are shifting the education burden to property owners

A decade ago, voters overwhelming passed an amendment to the Florida Constitution that says legislators must make education a top priority.

 

OP-ED:  The power to tax is taking our homes, ruining our lives

‘The power to tax is the power to destroy.’ This is a famous quote attributed to Chief Justice John Marshall and orator, statesman, and lawyer, Daniel Webster, in 1819.

 

The Hulkster vs. The Appraiser:  Tax ideas could battle in upcoming hearings

In this corner, standing 6-foot-7 and topping 300 pounds, many times a champion rassler in the ring, Thunderlips, Hulkamania, Hollywood, the Hulkster … ladies and gentlemen, Hulk Hogan.

 

Crist wants October special session on Seminole gaming compact, offshore drilling

Gov. Charlie Crist, eager for the state to immediately tap $162 million in gambling proceeds while he campaigns for the U.S. Senate, wants legislators to approve a Seminole gaming compact in an October special session.

 

Fla. expected to face more financial woes

Florida can expect more potential deficits during the next three budget years, the Legislature’s top economist told a panel of lawmakers from both chambers Thursday.

 

How Much Stimulus Funding is Going to Your County?

Want to know what’s going on with the stimulus in your area?  Type in your county or click on your state to find projects in your area.

 

Wilma repair contract still unclear

The question of whether the Broward school district will seek a $765,608 reimbursement for hurricane repairs hinges on the outcome of a dispute among district officials.

It’s a seemingly simple question. But the answer could determine whether the Broward school district demands a $765,608 reimbursement from the two contractors that repaired portable classrooms after Hurricane Wilma.

 

Hillsborough school leaders expect to get $100 million grant

The Hillsborough County school district is in line for a grant that could top $100 million and fund a program school officials hope would ensure almost every student in America graduates high school.

 

Brevard schools strive to save more energy

Brevard Public Schools has a goal of reducing energy costs by $1.4 million this year by continuing an energy conservation program that reduced bills by 15 percent last year.

 

Class-size reduction a ticking time bomb on horizon for Collier, Lee schools

Final stage of a class-size reduction law could cost the state $1 billion

It’s not often that state legislators find themselves in a policy debate over how much size matters.

 

Schools look to teacher furloughs to trim budgets

High school librarian Melissa Payne is starting her new school year with $1,000 less in her paycheck and three days that she’ll be forced to stay home from her job.

 

Coming soon:  Scratch-off dispensers

Scratch-off Florida Lottery tickets are one of the quickest, easiest ways for gamblers to take a chance at riches and, for the most part, come up empty.

 

THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION:  A state of crisis in our schools

A new school year is under way, but we already can grade the condition of American education. Let’s just say no ”honor student” bumper stickers will be necessary.

 

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