THE CAPITOL, TALLAHASSEE, March 5, 2010..The most awaited news this week may be anti-climactic. For years in the late 90s and early 2000s lawmakers eagerly awaited the revenue estimating update in March, when seemingly year after year they were told that economists had underestimated just how robust the states economy was and what do you know? theres more money coming in than previously thought. Budget writers loved that and projects were routinely stuffed into the spending plan. Then came the bust. Lawmakers suddenly dreaded the revenue estimating conference, where time after time, sheepish economists said, uh, you know those tax dollars we thought youd have, well, the economy is getting worse faster than we thought and ummm.
This week, we may see a relatively uneventful, stable revenue estimate that would allow lawmakers to continue on their bleak task of writing a budget to pay for about $3 billion more in items than they expect to have to spend. Leaders said last week that they dont expect a major deviation in the estimate.
The Cabinet has on its agenda this week the tricky subject of mitigation credits. People get discounts on their property insurance if they upgrade their home but insurance companies say theyre finding theyre doling out all kinds of discounts for upgrades that didnt really happen. On the agenda Tuesday: How about requiring pictures?
On the political scene this week, many operatives will be watching the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee previously chaired by Sen. John Thrasher, who stepped down as chairman of the panel after being elected chairman of the Republican Party. The committee this week is expected to take up SB 880, a shell elections bill sponsored by Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales. The legislation will likely be amended to include provisions reestablishing party leadership funds and reviving regulations on 527 committees.
Also, the teachers begin fighting back against a merit pay proposal.
MONDAY, March 8, 2010
FEA UNLEASHES FURY AGAINST MERIT-PAY BILL: The Florida Education Association is launching its assault against a teacher merit-pay bill Monday with a press conference. Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, filed a bill this past week that would base a teacher's pay on the quality of their students, something that the teacher union doesn't believe is fair and will send teachers running from the state. FEA President Andy Ford and other teachers are discussing the bill and how it affects schools. (Monday, 10 a.m., FEA offices, 213 S. Adams St., Tallahassee)
KOSMAS TOUTS STIMULUS JOB PROGRAM IN ORANGE CO.: U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas is in the district on Monday to announce a new job creation program paid for by stimulus dollars. Kosmas says Orange Countys Community Action Division has gotten more than $1 million for job training. (Monday,11 a.m., East Orange Community Center, 12050 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando.)
CONSULTANTS DELIVER STUDY ON MANAGED CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM: The Pacific Health Policy Group, which was paid $105,000 by the House to study how well managed care works in Florida's Medicaid system, will make a presentation on its report on Monday. The discussion comes as Florida lawmakers consider whether to expand a pilot program that tries to shift more Medicaid patients into a managed care system. The consulting group which also works for some managed health care plans plans to present its findings to the Select Policy Council on Strategic and Economic Planning. (Monday, 12:45 p.m., 212 Knott Building, The Capitol.)
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS: The committee will hear an update by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the Numeric Nutrient Rules proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Florida waters, which have been highly controversial. The business community is largely trying to stop the rules from being finished, environmentalists say they need the feds to determine pollution levels for state waters because DEP hasnt. The panel also hears a draft report on last years bills and how they affected local governments and a presentation by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration on the Reauthorization of the Medicaid Programs Lower Income Pool Waiver. (Monday, 4 p.m., 17 House Office Building, The Capitol.)
JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDITING: The Joint Legislative Auditing committee hears a presentation by OPPAGA on a series of reports on the Florida Retirement System and state employee benefits, a presentation by the Auditor General on financial trends identified in local governmental entity audit reports and annual financial reports and other issues. (Monday, 4 p.m., 309 The Capitol.)
EVERGLADES OVERSIGHT: Wastewater issues involving the Everglades will be on the agenda Monday afternoon for the Joint Legislative Committee on Everglades Oversight. (Monday, 4 p.m., 116 Knott Building, The Capitol.)
TUESDAY, March 9, 2010
REVENUE ESTIMATING CONFERENCE HOW MUCH IS THERE? Thats the question revenue estimators will answer as they tweak the states revenue forecast for the current and upcoming fiscal year. The panel of economists meets periodically to revise the states revenue forecast. Lawmakers said earlier this week they expect only minor changes from the panels last revision in December. The new numbers will be used by lawmakers who have begun crafting a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. (Tuesday 9 a.m., 301 Capitol Building.)
CABINET - NO DUMPING: The Governor and Cabinet, acting as the state lands trustees, will consider a provision prohibiting all dumping in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. A no-dumping zone request has been filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make the entire area off limits to off-loading. The trustees will also approve the 2010 Florida Forever Priority List, the state land-buying program hamstrung in recent years by tight budgets. (Tuesday 9 a.m., Cabinet Room, The Capitol..)
$480 MIL IN BONDS UP FOR APPROVAL: The State Board of Administration is being asked to approve the sale of $200 million in Public Education Capital Outlay bonds and anther $280 million in turnpike bonds. (Tuesday 9 a.m., Cabinet Room, The Capitol..)
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND BUCKS?: Responding to a rash of questionable claims under the states mitigation credit program, the Office of Insurance Regulation is asking the governor and Cabinet to approve new rules requiring mitigation credit applications to include photographs of the hurricane-proofing enhancements. (Tuesday 9 a.m., Cabinet Room, The Capitol..)
WHATS GOING ON IN WASHINGTON WITH HEALTHCARE: The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee takes up the issue of federal Medicaid reform as it begins crafting its 2010 budget. (Tuesday 10:45 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.)
SEEKING THE PUBLIC TRUST: The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee is expected to take up SB 880, a shell elections bill sponsored by Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales. The legislation will likely be amended to include provisions reestablishing party leadership funds and reviving regulations on 527 committees. The measure is designed to match a proposal (HB 1207) already advancing in the House. (Tuesday 10:45 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.)
SENATE HIGHER EDUCATION: The Senate Higher Ed panel will take a look at what other states are doing in response to budget cuts. The committee wants to consider options as it continues budget talks in preparation for news this week on revenue estimates. (Tuesday 10:45 a.m., 117 Knott Building, The Capitol.)
ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL: The Senate Community Affairs Committee takes up a pair of South Florida claims bills. Another measure, SB 1568, would require referenda before certain dependent special districts could merge or dissolve. That bill, by Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, comes out of the Governors Commission on Open Government and contains some of the recommendations by the commission. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, The Capitol.)
RECYCLING: A much-awaited recycling bill is expected to emerge as the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee meets to take up SB 570. Sponsored by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, the measure is an attempt to get the state to recycling goals by 2020. The bill has pitted environmentalists against business groups, that have so far been able to keep plastic bottles and shopping bags out of the mix. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.)
SEXUAL OFFENDERS AND NOOSES: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee takes up a number of issues including SB 1284, a controversial measure that would set up a 300-foot buffer around children to protect them from convicted sexual predators. The bill has drawn criticism from some South Florida officials, who have enacted stricter residency requirements. The committee will also be asked to remove the statute of limitations on sexual abuse case when the victim was under 16 years old. (SB 870) Panelists will also take up SB 252, which makes it illegal to display a noose on private property without the owners permission. (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, The Capitol Bill.)
SENATE HEALTH REGULATION COMMITTEE; The panel has a packed agenda that includes raising restrictions on blood centers, (SB 1818) and loosening requirements on assisted living facilities (SB 1816). The committee will also consider extending a moratorium on new home health agencies until 2012 (SB 752) and providing direct access for patients diagnosed with autism (SB 214.) (Tuesday 3:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, The Capitol.)
CHILD SUPPORT AND BACKGROUND CHECKS: The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee takes up SB 694, dealing with child support enforcement. A committee substitute has been filed. Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, has also filed a measure, SB 1520, which boosts background check requirements for guardians ad litem among others. Panelists will also take up SB 1356, which sets up a transitional program within the Department of Juvenile Justice to help young offenders make the jump to adulthood. (Tuesday 3:30 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.)
SENATE JUDCIARY COMMITTEE: Senate Judiciary takes up a measure to set up 500 foot perimeters around sexual assault victims residence, workplace, within which the perpetrators can not pass. (SB 194). A measure to lift the statute of limitations on certain wrongful death cases will also be considered. (SB 92) The panel will also consider a measure, SB 530, prohibiting adoptions agencies from using gun ownership as a reason to deny placement (SB 530). (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building.)
WEDNESDAY, March 10,, 2010
SENATE TRANSPORTATION: The committee takes up a bill that contains several road designations throughout the state of Florida as well as SB 488, which requires vehicle registration forms to provide for a voluntary contribution to Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers, Inc. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building)
SENATE REGULATED INDUSTRIES: The Senate committee is workshopping its gaming bill Wednesday as it starts another round of negotiations with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The bill, SB 622, has a proposed committee substitute which contains the same language as the bill passed by the Senate and House last year with a few tweaks. The PCB says that the compact negotiated by the governor and tribe is invalid and also breaks the tie between the compact and the pari-mutuel sweetener bill. Under the new language, the pari-mutuel bill could pass without the compact, a Senate spokeswoman said Friday. No vote will be taken on the bill. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.)
SENATE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS: The committee is continuing its budget work session Wednesday. Committee Chair Victor Crist is already predicting that there will be massive cuts to the system, and there is no room to raise revenue. The committee is also hearing a report on findings and recommendations for Florida Criminal Justice Reform. (Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.)
SENATE GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS: The general government staff is going to continue its review of the budgets for several departments in the state: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service; Department of Business and Professional Regulation; Department of Environmental Protection; Department of Financial Services; Office of Financial Regulation; Office of Insurance Regulation; Department of the Lottery; Department of Management Services; Department of Administrative Hearings: Human Relations Commission; Public Employes Relations Commission; Department of Revenue; Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Public Service Commission. (Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.)
SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS: The budget committee is continuing its discussion on budget issues for the Agency for Health Care Administration, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Health and Department of Veterans' Affairs. (Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building , The Capitol)
SENATE HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS: Much of Wednesday's meeting agenda focuses on the budget, but Higher Ed budgeteers are also taking up SB 850, which would establish the Florida Institute for Industrial and Phosphate Research at University of South Florida Polytechnic. (Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., 412 Knott Building , The Capitol)
SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The Mike Fasano-led committee is examining a number of budget issues at its meeting Wednesday, and also taking up SB 2462, which creates the Federal Grants Trust Fund within the Department of Community Affairs. (Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., 309 Capitol Building)
SENATE EDUCATION PREK-12: The Senate takes up two Jeb Bush-backed bills that appear to be on the fast track for approval by the Republican-led body to reform education. SB 4 sets out heightened graduation standards for Florida students, a measure that failed in the final days of the 2009 session because lawmakers feared it would cost too much money. The other bill, SB 6, would create a merit-based pay system for teachers, rather than basing pay on years of service. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building , The Capitol)
SENATE GOVERNMENTAL OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY: There are 10 bills on the committee's Wednesday agenda, including one bill that would authorize legislators and staff members to be reimbursed by the state for travel to visit an immediate family member in the case of death or serious illness. (SB 118) Another major bill on the agenda is the pension board reform issue that both CFO Alex Sink and Attorney General Bill McCollum have been pushing for. The bill, SB 2186, is Sink's version, which would create two additional positions on the Board of Trustees for people who have backgrounds in finance or accounting. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building , The Capitol)
SENATE MILITARY AFFAIRS: The committee is hearing a presentation on the Domestic Security Oversight Council Budget recommendations as well as a presentation on the Division of Emergency Management's response to the Haiti earthquake. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building , The Capitol)
SENATE WAYS AND MEANS: The Senate budget committee is hearing a presentation on state employee health insurance options, something that is likely to be a hot topic this session. Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, has said the Senate will look at whether state employee health benefits are disproportionately generous when compared to private sector employee plans. (Wednesday, 3:15 p.m., 412 Knott Building , The Capitol.)
AMBASSADORS FOR AGING DAY: Seniors from around the state descend on the Capitol Wednesday for Ambassadors for Aging Day. The program this year will feature a legislative forum in the House Chamber with legislative leaders on elder issues. Gov. Charlie Crist and Elder Affairs Secretary Doug Beach speak at a noon event. (Wednesday, all day, The Capitol.)
THURSDAY, March 11, 2010
CALLING ALL BUDGET COMMMITTEES: All Senate Appropriations committees are scheduled to meet but no specific agendas have yet been filed. The good news is they are only scheduled to go until noon. (Thursday 9:45 a.m, various locations, Capitol Complex, Tallahassee.)
SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INLAND WATERS: The panel, which last met in January, meets again on issues relating to Florida rivers, lakes and springs. (Thursday, 8 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee.)
SUPREME COURT OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court releases opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m., www.floridasupremecourt.org)
HOUSE GAMING COMMITTEE: The Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact meets Thursday for the first time since it shot down Gov. Charlie Crist's proposal a few months ago. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, gambling executives from Las Vegas are making a pitch for billion-dollar casinos in the Sunshine State. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building)
