This week the Senate will finally conduct a test vote on President Barack Obama's stimulus/jobs bill.

When Texas Gov. Rick Perry defended his state's policy on offering in-state tuition to illegal immigrants at a debate in Orlando, it highlighted the stark differences between the immigration policies of Texas and Florida, where a similar proposal has failed year after year.

Hasn't the Florida Everglades had about all it can stand of an egocentric governor looking to build a legacy on the back of the state's greatest natural treasure?

This wasn't the way it was supposed to work.

State lawmakers were supposed to bite the bullet and make cuts in the 2011-12 budget and -- take a deep breath -- things would all get better.

But as budget committees met this week, gloom set in again. Medicaid costs are rising, schools need to find money, tax revenues are lagging. You get the picture.

WASHINGTON -- Republicans supposedly revere the Constitution, but in its birthplace, Pennsylvania, they are contemplating a subversion of the Framers' institutional architecture.

President Barack Obama obviously is scrambling in his attempt to win re-election.

The head of the State Board of Administration is being called back to the Capitol to address a $10,750 invoice to a state lawmaker for a public records request centered on a $125 million investment by the agency in a private equity firm.

Ash Williams, executive director of the State Board of Administration, is expected to face a group of state senators when legislators return for committee meetings the week of Oct. 17.

Williams defended the invoice before members of the Florida Cabinet on Oct. 4.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi called the bill indefensible.

President Obama continues to hurt American business owners and those Americans looking for a job.