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Fight Over SunRail Gaining Steam, Rick Scott Feeling Heat

May 5, 2011 - 6:00pm

The fight over SunRail is switching into high gear as business interests and community activists square off on the controversial project.

The proposed 61-mile commuter line has the strong backing of Central Florida's legislative delegation, and, last week, the Associated Industries of Florida, reiterated its support.

Echoing economic-development claims made by advocates of the scotched high-speed rail venture, proponents say SunRail will generate employment.

National Unemployment Rate Rose to 9 Percent in April

Submitted by Kevin Derby on May 6, 2011 - 10:06am

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on Friday that while there were an additional 244,000 nonfarm payroll jobs (and 268,000 new jobs in the private sector) added to the economy in April, the national unemployment rate rose from 8.8 percent in March to 9.0 percent in April.

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Legislature to Take on Budget, Medicaid Reform on Final Day

Gray Rohrer

May 4, 2011 - 6:00pm

The fiscal 2011-2012 budget is set to be adopted Friday, the final day of the regular legislative session, along with a comprehensive overhaul of Florida's Medicaid program.

A deal on the $69.7 billion budget was reached earlier in the week, and the state Senate prepped a compromise Medicaid reform bill with the House Thursday.

Those two issues, which Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, a 30-year veteran of the Legislature, last week said helped to define the session, will have to wait until the 60th day before being fully addressed by the Legislature.

Lawmakers Approve Controversial Permitting Bill

Lilly Rockwell News Service of Florida

May 5, 2011 - 6:00pm

Lawmakers on Thursday sent to Gov. Rick Scott a controversial proposal that environmentalists say will make it easier for developers to sidestep challenges to development.

The House voted 79-36 on Thursday to approve a bill (HB 993) that was amended by the Senate this week to include a change to state law involving protests in environmental permitting.

Republicans, who supported the proposal, said it removes obstacles to development and will create jobs.

Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum Out at Fox; Is Mike Huckabee Next?

Submitted by Nancy Smith on May 5, 2011 - 6:09pm

Fox News will no longer put up with the waffle of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Sen. Rick Santorum. The conservative network has terminated their contracts. Both contributors were given until May 1 to decide whether they will run for president and no announcement has been forthcoming.

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Medicaid Reform Compromise Ready for Final Vote in Senate

Submitted by Kevin Derby on May 5, 2011 - 5:45pm

A package reforming Medicaid looks ready to pass on the final day of the legislative session as the Florida Senate prepped a compromise with the House that includes less provider service networks than the House originally wanted. Overall, the plan still moves Medicaid recipients into managed-care providers in an effort to reduce costs. Lawmakers have targeted the program for reform since it takes up nearly 30 percent of the budget at a time when legislators are taking on cuts to education and other services to fill a $3.8 billion budget hole.

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Fight Over SunRail Gaining Steam, Rick Scott Feeling Heat

National Unemployment Rate Rose to 9 Percent in April

Elections Bill Heads to Gov. Rick Scott’s Desk

Legislature to Take on Budget, Medicaid Reform on Final Day

Florida House Expands Corporate Income Tax Breaks, Readies for Budget

Lawmakers Approve Controversial Permitting Bill

Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum Out at Fox; Is Mike Huckabee Next?

Medicaid Reform Compromise Ready for Final Vote in Senate

Evil Does Not Die of Natural Causes

Henry Payne Cartoon

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