The Florida Department of Education will hold an educational seminar in Orlando Friday to help school districts implement Common Core State Standards. Florida Commissioner of Education Tony Bennett will host theTransitioning to the Common Core Community of Practice meeting that will includepresentations and discussions on curriculum development, best practices and lessons learned and support for educators during the transition, which will be led by staff from six Florida school districts.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam has announced legislation that would enable parents to protect their children from the growing crime of identity theft.

The House staff has reviewed and released the latest actuarial study of the House Pension Reform Bill (HB 7011). According to the Milliman study -- not accounting for "intervening variables and variations in assumptions" the bill would incur the following costs and savings: An estimated $9.8 billion in savings to taxpayers in 2042-43. An estimated $2.1 billion in savings to taxpayers in 2023-24.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that one of her top priorities for the 2013 legislative session is a bill that will enhance the state's False Claims Act and better protect taxpayers from false or fraudulent claims seeking money from the government.

Former U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fla., long known for his zealous rhetoric againstVenezuelanPresident Hugo Chavez, has issued the following statement following news of the Latin American dictator's passing:

The Florida League of Mayors liked what they heard Tuesday, fully support Gov. Rick Scotts economic development efforts and released a statement to say so publicly. "Mayors are leaders in their communities and, like Governor Scott, understand the importance of economic development in their cities," according to the League's statement. "They also know that when cities are given home rule authority to meet the unique needs of their citizens, economic opportunity and prosperity will follow."

Several dozen members of the group Dream Defenders apparently figured Tuesday's busy session opener was their best shot at grabbing lawmakers' attention. They rallied outside the House and Senate chambers through the morning to give their version of the State of the State. The Dream Defenders formed to protest Florida's Stand Your Ground law after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The suspect in that case is using the law in his defense.

This Consumer Protection Week, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is encouraging Floridas consumers to know their rights under Floridas motor vehicle Lemon Law. The law protects consumers by covering defects or conditions that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of a new or demonstrator vehicle. Floridians who buy a new or demonstrator vehicle shouldnt be stuck with a lemon, and Florida law provides significant protection against these situations, Bondi stated in a press release.

Gov. Rick Scott hasn't yet begun his third State of the State address, but House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, already released his response earlier Tuesday. Naturally, it has a House Democratic Caucus perspective on the governor's address. Have an early read. It will, however, be carried later on The Florida Channel:

Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford laid out the Florida House agenda for the 2013 legislative session that began Tuesday. Among the priorities of the Florida Work Plan are restoring trust in government, education reform and protecting the states fiscal future.

"A government that grows too big grows too intrusive and threatens our liberty and democracy." "The federal government is trying to buy states off one by one. I'm not buying it. Florida shouldn't buy it." "Will we earn the people's trust, or will we confirm their worst fears about us?"

FloridaGov. Rick Scott has appointed Tommy Bronson and Bryan Beswick to fill two vacant seats on the Southwest Florida Water Management District governing board, for a term through March 1, 2016.

The "Florida House" app announced by House Speaker Will Weatherford last week is now available on iTunes.With Florida's legislative session beginning Tuesday, the app arrives right on time.

Karl Rove's American Crossroads released aninfomercialMonday lampooning President Barack Obama, in what the organization deems is his newly created nonprofit group: "Organizing for Acce$$." The spoof plays off of recent accounts that Organizing for Action, Obama's new campaign arm, will grant access to the president for a mere $500,000.

Florida Rep. Bill Hager did his civic duty Monday, warning of sharks in the water. No, he didnt mean the political variety he meant actual sharks! The Republican, of Delray Beach, raised a purple flag (beach warning for danger) on Twitter. If you decide to brave the cold & go swimming near Singer Island be sure to stay vigilant & observe your surroundings, he tweeted.