Welcome to The Dean's List -- an Ed Dean-style look at who Florida's political achievers were (and weren't) in the last seven days. What you see here is strictly my opinion, not necessarily the editor's or the rest of the staff at Sunshine State News.
THOSE WHO MADE THE LIST
The James Madison Institute (JMI). This Florida-based free-market research and educational organization continues to show it is out in front on the issues. At its annual retreat, JMI focuses on issues ranging from first-time sentencing, regulations. to the EPA’s increased attention on Florida.
JMI has a new report--“Waters of the U.S.” -- which offers a warning on the EPA’s potential impact on Florida waterways as federal regulations on navigable waters and associated lands will increase. The report warns that landscaping, gardening and property changes could require EPA’s explicit approval.
Florida Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast. With immigration one of the driving issues across the nation, this Florida Republican wants to go after illegal aliens who commit violent crimes in the Sunshine State. Hutson introduced a bill which increases penalties on illegals who commit violent offenses from a misdemeanor to a felony. It’s a step in the right direction.
The Florida Student Success Act. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request to reconsider a decision allowing the Student Success Act. Teachers' unions wanted the three-judge panel to overturn the law, claiming it violates the constitutional rights of teachers on salaries and evaluations by the local school districts. But this law, the first one signed by Gov. Rick Scott, puts students first, ensuring new teachers will earn higher salaries based on performance not tenure. And that’s best for Florida students.
Acting Broward Democratic Party Chairwoman Cynthia Busch. This Broward leader offers a nice game plan for Florida Democrats by focusing on the grass roots. Talking to the Sun-Sentinel, Busch said Democrats have to change their tactics if they are going to compete with the GOP in Florida, especially in off-year elections. (Hopefully, she will begin by mending fences in the black community.) Busch also called for local parties to take the initiative instead of waiting for orders from Washington and Tallahassee. She’s spot on in her assessment and it will be interesting to see how Democrats respond to her points.
THOSE WHO DIDN’T MAKE THE LIST
The Deltona City Commission. When it comes to raising taxes and fees, this Central Florida city takes the cake. The City Commission already voted to raise the annual stormwater assessment by 42 percent and it’s also raised the water and wastewater impact fees. Now city consultants are recommending a 31 percent increase for the water impact fee and a 13 percent increase for the sewer fee. Fee hikes are increasingly becoming a tradition in Deltona.
U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla. The Jacksonville Democrat’s latest argument against congressional redistricting is pretty absurd. Brown invoked slain teen Trayvon Martin as a reason why her district needs to stay as is. Pointing to the aftermath of the George Zimmerman verdict, Brown said one of the reasons there were no riots like in Baltimore or Ferguson was because African-Americans had a seat at the table with her representing them in Congress. Brown taking credit for no rioting after the Zimmerman verdict is truly ridiculous.
Educational Mistreatment Report. According to a study from the University of Pennsylvania, African-American students in Florida are often targeted for "educational mistreatment." The study says 121,468 African-American students were suspended from Florida K-12 public schools in a single academic year. African-Americans compose 23 percent of students in school districts across the state but also made up 39 percent of suspensions and 28 percent of expulsions. The report recommended aspiring teachers and school administrators learn about the "implicit bias and other racist forces” that lead to higher rates of suspensions and expulsions. But the report doesn’t list what those “implicit bias and racist forces” are. Not saying there aren't any, but let's not leave a hot button like that in the "on" position without more explanation.
Ed Dean, a senior editor with SSN whose talk-show can be heard on radio stations across Florida, can be reached at ed@sunshinestatenews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @eddeanradio.
