U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta,filed a bill Wednesday to limit funds for U.S. actions in Libya as part of the NATO mission there to prevent civilian casualties and aid rebels as they attempt to overthrow dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

California lawmakers' failure to come up with a viable budget halted their paychecks this week.

After Gov. Jerry Brown rejected what he called a gimmick-laden spending plan, state Controller John Chiang cut off the lawmakers' pay, saving the state about $400 per legislator per day.

Though both Brown and Chiang are Democrats, Democratic lawmakers -- holding majorities in both the state Assembly and state Senate -- decried the move, blamed everyone but themselves for the latest budget impasse, and threatened lawsuits to get their money.

The Florida Association of Counties announced at its annual conference Wednesday afternoon that Sen. Paula Dockery is recipient of the organization's 2011 Legislator of the Year Award.

Senator Dockery has been there for our local communities for the past several years, said FAC President Ilene Lieberman, She has been committed to ensuring that it is local communities her constituents, not Tallahassee -- who are empowered to make decisions that are best for their communities.