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Poppell 'Scores' With Bill That Weighs Costs, Benefits

Submitted by Anonymous on May 27, 2010 - 10:08am

Retiring state Rep. Ralph Poppell is going out a winner, with Gov. Charlie Crist's signing of "dynamic scoring" legislation.

The Vero Beach Republican has long pushed for a more sophisticated analysis of the fiscal impact of proposed legislation.

Currently, legislative staff and state economic estimators focus on the immediate, short-term effects of proposed bills and the budget impact for the upcoming fiscal year. By looking beyond the ramifications on the next budget cycle, legislators will be better equipped to engage in long-range planning, Poppell said.

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Group Urges Insurance Reform Veto

Michael Peltier News Service of Florida

May 26, 2010 - 6:00pm

Unsuccessful in attempts to scuttle property insurance changes pushed by the industry, the states trial lawyer organization is turning its attention to a potentially more sympathetic target: Gov. Charlie Crist.

The Florida Justice Association is asking the governor to veto SB 2044, an industry-backed property insurance package that, among other things, makes it easier for companies to raise rates and requires policyholders to prove they are replacing the items that have been destroyed.

Jeff Stahler Cartoon

May 26, 2010 - 6:00pm

Posey: Financial Overhaul Bad for Nation, Businesses

Alex Tiegen

May 25, 2010 - 6:00pm

A member of Floridas congressional delegation and a conservative Florida think tank say the largest federal financial regulation reform act proposed since the Great Depression doesnt fix the problems that created the current recession.

Despite Rough Spots, Mike Weinstein Poised to Win 2nd Florida House Term

Kevin Derby

May 25, 2010 - 6:00pm

While there was speculation that he would face trouble in his bid for a second term, it appears Republican Rep. Mike Weinstein will have an easier path to reelection than expected.

There were signs that Weinstein was in trouble. He loaned his campaign $50,000 in the first quarter of 2010. He opposed Senate Bill 6, a measure pushed by the Republican leadership in the Legislature, and he faced a primary challenge from a serious contender.

But the Orange Park maverick appears headed for a second term because none of his opponents have done well in fund-raising.

Change of GOP Foe to Bill Heller: Deneault Out, Brandes In

Submitted by Kevin Derby on May 26, 2010 - 4:59pm

Rep. Bill Heller, D-St. Petersburg, dodged one Republican challenger only to pick up another.

At the end of the first quarter of 2010, Heller has raised almost $50,000 for his bid for a third term. He appeared to be facing a serious challenge from Connie Deneault, a Republican businessman who hauled in more than $51,000 in the month of March.

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American Red Cross Offers Babysitting Training

Submitted by Kevin Derby on May 26, 2010 - 4:55pm

For all those young adults searching for summer jobs, babysitting is always a viable option. Thankfully, the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering summer dates for its Babysitting Training courses as well as a new 3-day Summer Babysitting Training camp.

The traditional training courses are scheduled for June 7, 9, and 28 at the Chapter's headquarters. The new program, the 3-day camp, is offered June 21-23 and July 12-14.

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Posey Slaps Pelosi With a Back-handed Compliment

Submitted by Anonymous on May 26, 2010 - 4:53pm

U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, today applauded House Speaker Nancy Pelosis new House rules change that bans all members of Congress from flying first class at public expense.

But anyone who knows Posey, knows there's more to that story.

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What if Charlie Crist Called a Special Session and No One Came?

Submitted by Anonymous on May 26, 2010 - 4:42pm

While Gov. Charlie Crist ponders the prospects for a special session, Republican legislators are showing no enthusiasm for the idea.

Whether it's oil drilling, renewable energy or political "corruption" -- the three topics cited by Crist -- the governor has yet to specify any specific agenda. And until he does, House and Senate leaders remain cool to reconvening.

Freshman Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, went so far today as to predict "we won't have one."

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Running Not Shrugging

George Will

May 26, 2010 - 6:00pm

MILWAUKEE -- Before what he calls "the jaw-dropping" events of the last 19 months -- TARP, the stimulus, Government Motors, the mistreatment of Chrysler's creditors, Obamacare, etc. -- the idea of running for office never crossed Ron Johnson's mind. He was, however, dry tinder -- he calls Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" his "foundational book" -- and now is ablaze, in an understated, upper-Midwestern way.

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