Florida House passes insurance package

The Florida House unanimously passed a property insurance package by 117-0 that freezes rates in the state-run insurer another year.

The package is the result of weeks of negotiations between Sen. Jeff Atwater, R- North Palm Beach and Rep. Dennis Ross of Lakeland. The bill includes some new consumer protections, such as requiring big insurers to notify state regulators when they intend to drop more than 10,000 policies. It also borrows money from Citizens to fund a low-interest loan program for young start-up insurers, a measure that has drawn the ire of the governor.

Ross: Citizens is an addict

Republican Rep. Dennis Ross was trying to explain the logic to Democratic Rep. Priscilla Taylor as to why it's a good idea to allow Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to insure homes worth as much as $2 million, up from $1 million.

Ross: "This is akin to somebody who has been addicted to drugs and now must go through a methadone program."

"Is this the best thing to do in a vacuum? No...but in order to maintain a market, we’ve got to do this incrementally.”

Is Rev. Wright killing Obama?

Sen. Steve Geller, a potential super-delegate, says he's not jumping to any conclusions and will wait until he sees polling in key states like FL, PA, and OH around the end of May to decide whether he's for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Obama may have the nomination nearly locked up, but the view from Seymour, Ind. was grim: "Hillary Rodham Clinton's longshot bid to overtake Obama for the nomination suddenly seems not so far-fetched. But more clear, and sad, is the sense that this presidential race is now doomed to be mired in race, that Obama's promise to bridge racial divisions may be shattered.

"How did we get from point A to point B?" Mary Ann Pardieck, a law firm administrator and Obama supporter in Seymour, glumly asked Tuesday. "Point A was this wonderful, hopeful period around Iowa when it seemed like we could get beyond all that," she said. "Now we've progressed into this morass. The campaign has degenerated into these conversations I don't want to be having and which I don't think are helpful to the country."  More HERE.

Attack of the double dipping bill --- It's alive!!!

Remember the "double dipping" bill, aimed at stopping retirees from collecting pensions and salaries at the same time?

For those keeping track: First the Senate killed it on the floor. Then revived it. Then sent it to a committee. Where it died. Now, the House has revived it. But there are Senate opponents looking to kill it again.

The Florida House voted 89-28 on Wednesday to attach an amendment to a retirement bill (SB 2848) that would expand the amount of time a retired employee must wait before going back to work for the state from one to 12 months. The amendment also prevents employees from accruing a second state pension. It also requires employee supervisors to file reports with the governor, the house speaker and senate president to justify hiring a retiree.

Ed reform looking shaky between chambers

Efforts to reform education with higher and more in-depth standards for teachers, charter schools, high school grades - plus a push to expand corporate income tax scholarships - suddenly don't look like smooth sailing.

The House passed the "Educator Ethics in Education Act" (SB 1712) pushed by outgoing Sen. Lisa Carlton today, but now Sen. Don Gaetz wants to tack that legislation onto an "omnibus education reform" bill that would also deal with charter school finances, the scholarships and the way high schools are graded.

Gaetz' train bill also would allow for end-of-course exams, and would establish the new curriculum standards championed by House Speaker Marco Rubio.

CSX commuter train crashes

Dan Webster, the Senate's chief advocate for a controversial CSX commuter rail project, put a fork in the project's success this session after Sen. Carey Baker announced he was stripping the project from a major transportation bill this evening.

A growing number of lawmakers objected to a no-fault liability plan for CSX, which would sell 61.5 miles or rail line for $150 million. The state is supposed to poney up another $500 million for freight improvements benefitting CSX's freight lines.

But lawmakers have to approve the liability deal, which the House did. In the Senate, however, chief opponent Paula Dockery said she entered the day with 27 votes to strike the liability deal, more than she'd need.

"I think the liability issue's dead," said Webster, the Senate majority leader.

UPDATE: CSX and central Florida lobbyists say all is not over, echoing Baker that the provisions could come up in another bill before session closes Friday. "I think you'll see it come up again," said lobbyist John Thrasher for Orlando.

Long night ahead in the House

The Florida House just finally released their 120-page strike-all amendment on insurance. Check out the summary here, provided by the House. The Buzz is it's going to be a very long night at the Florida House. Buzz did a pretty good job of hashing out some of the highlights of the deal earlier today.

Senate yanks sales tax cover for tickets

The Senate just decided to zap the sales tax exemption on Super Bowl tickets. Sen. Mike Hariodopolos said the reduction to the state will be insignificant. It got tacked on Sen. Nan Rich's bill on tax examptions for non-profit hospital laundries.

And to make up for it? Reducing sales taxes on mobile phone sales. The vote was 38-0 on HB 1059, which covered non-profit hospital laundries.

An intern with a controversial past

State Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, has endured his share of controversy. But these days, he is seen by many as a symbol of redemption. So Rouson says he has no right casting aspersions on his new legislative intern -- Barry S. Edwards.

Edwards emerged as a news story during the Giuliani campaign in Florida last year when he resigned after reports surfaced about him allegedly pressuring a student of his at FSU to cruise for prostitutes, watch porn and masturbate. Edwards said the claims were lies but was fired as an adjunct political science professor.

He was also arrested on charges of stealing least $10,000 worth of computer equipment from legislative offices.

Senate says, bullies be good

The Senate just made it tougher for school-yard bullies. Voting 40-0, senators approved the House bill (669) that bans any harassment of a K thru 12 student at a public school activity, on a bus or even via computer. And part of a district's funding will be tied to adopting a policy to meet the standard.

Educator ethics law passes

The House just passed the law, already Ok'd by the Senate, aimed at preventing misbehaving teachers from getting away with it and moving quietly from one district to another.

The Educator Ethics in Education Act (SB1718) establishes a list of offenses that make someone ineligible for teacher certification, and it prohibits the state from giving retirement benefits to teachers who committed designated felony offenses against a minor.

Also, administrators who knowingly hide teachers' offenses could be punished. Sen. Don Gaetz, former Okaloosa schools superintendent, sponsored the Senate version.

As if the CSX bill wasn't big enough...

Sen. Mike Fasano wants to tack on the gas tax holiday in July that he and Gov. Charlie Crist want. It would go on SB 1978, the big transportation "train" that includes the "no-faulty liability" deal to create the central Florida commuter rail system.

House members shied away from adding the gas-tax holiday before they passed the CSX-related bill Tuesday, and some senators are skeptical, too.

Final Week Florida Legislature

As Florida lawmakers were debating bills on the floor of the House and Senate during the last week of the 2008 Legislative session, worker John Kelley, 57, of "A Monumental Task, Inc., Ft. Pierce, engraves one of 23 names into granite at the Florida Fraternal Order of Police Law Enforcement Memorial, outside of Florida's Old Capitol building, Wednesday. Sixteen of the names were of fallen officers from around the State who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2007. Seven of the names were from previous years. Kelly has been engraving the names each year for the past five years. "These are the soldiers of our civil world who gave their lives for us and our laws," said Kelley. "It's sad to add so many names each year. Kelley spent about two hours finishing the job. Scott Keeler | Times

Frustrated humor from Majority office

Someone forwarded us this witty spoof penned by a House majority office staffer late last night: "BudLight Presents: Real Men of Genius

Today we salute you, Mr. Democratic Unnecessary Debater of Legislation.

[Mr. Democratic Unnecessary Debater of Legislation!]

Getting elected may have made you famous in your tiny district, but speaking on the House floor for hours upon hours in opposition to a bill to let kids play ball will make you infamous.

You, bastion of the filibuster, take to the floor, yelling into that microphone like a Red Sox fan at Fenway in the bottom of the ninth, projecting to everyone in attendance that you're fully prepared to waste their time and shatter their eardrums....

Powerful State rep. sidesteps fundraising ban

Like his colleagues, Rep. Stan Mayfield is not allowed to raise campaign money when the Florida Legislature is in session, because of the perception that lawmakers would be trading votes for donations.

But that has not stopped lobbyists and corporations with business before the Vero Beach Republican from giving him $96,000 since the session began in March.

Mayfield, a powerful committee chairman who wants to be Florida's next agriculture commissioner, legally sidesteps the fundraising ban by steering those unrestricted donations to a political committee known as a 527, a reference to the section of the IRS code that regulates such committees. (story here)

Webster gives his farewell

Florida Senators Daniel Webster (left), R-Winter Garden, Majority Leader, and Steven Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, both will be leaving the Senate. Scott Keeler | Times

After 28 years in the Legislature, term-limited Sen. Dan Webster gave his farewell this afternoon.  A strong social conservative with a genial tact, Webster, 59,of Winter Garden, became the first Republican House Speaker in more than a century in 1996.

The Senate agreed to name the Florida's Turnpike headquarters at the Turkey Lake service center for Webster, following an amendment by Minority Steve Geller, who also is departing. The House named a meeting room after him this week.

St. Pete pork in the budget

Magically, the Legislature found $2.5 million to complete the total $7.5 million in full funding to create the C.W. Bill Young Government Institute at St. Petersburg College.

The college got the first $5  million for its funding last year and the earmark was among projects spared when Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a half a million in member projects last year. Young, himself, had lobbied for this institute, which the Times wrote about last year.

The issue appears to have surfaced during conference negotiations, as there's no record of the project going into budget negotiations.

House bumps autism bill

The Florida House unanimously passed an autism bill by 117-0 that differs from the Senate's bill (SB 2654), which mandates insurers cover medical treatment for autism.

The House version is far more complicated but gives companies a year to figure out and negotiate what kind of coverage they'd provide, waiting before any mandates go into effect. It also opens up Healthy Kids insurance to treat autism and other disabilities.

Legislature sends energy bill to gov

The Florida Senate voted 39-1 to send the energy bill (HB 7135) to the governor, including some controversial last-minute amendments added by the House on Tuesday.

Only Sen. Steve Oelrich, R-Gainesville, voted against the legislation, which the House passed unanimously yesterday.

The bill generally writes into law many of the executive orders that Gov. Charlie Crist signed last summer, when it comes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It also creates a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program, which would come back for legislative approval.

The bill also includes lots of give-aways to utility companies, making it easier for them to speed eminent domain and run transmission lines through state land. It also eases regulatory oversight of power plant siting.

Breaking down insurance

Buzz is there's going to be a deal on property insurance legislation, although Buzz has yet to see new House amendments this morning. But here's a report on some of the more pressing negotiations completed late last night or in recent days.

Sen. Jeff Atwater R-North Palm Beach and Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, have been talking in quiet negotiations for two weeks on a package that Atwater championed in the Senate as a continued crack-down on insurers that began last year. The House finally showed their hand in strike-all amendments filed Tuesday.

UPDATES BELOW

Abortion ultrasound bill fails on a tie vote

Left- Senator Daniel Webster-R, Winter Garden, reacts to the 20-20 tie vote on his abortion bill in the Senate, Wednesday. His bill was defeated.  Scott Keeler | Times

The vote was a stunning rebuke for the bill's sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Dan Webster, R-Winter Garden, who's in the final week of an impressive 28-year legislative career. The decision also spares Gov. Charlie Crist a politically tough decision of whether to sign or veto the bill (SB 2400). The self-described "live and let live" governor has not said what he would have done, at a time when he is mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick. 

The floor debate on both sides was among the most emotional and eloquent of the session, as Webster spoke of a woman overseas who had pregancy complications but refused to abort a fetus -- who became Heisman-trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow at the University of Florida.

A supporter, Sen. Ronda Storms (left), R-Brandon, wondered why opponents didn't want pregnant women to "see that little baby sucking his thumb," and Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, said the ultrasound is simply one more piece of information. "God forbid a woman may change her mind," he said.

Seven Republicans voted no: Mike Bennett, Lisa Carlton, Paula Dockery, Dennis Jones, Jim King, Evelyn Lynn and Burt Saunders. Democrat Gary Siplin voted yes.

Obama launches nationwide voter drive

The Obama campaign is planning a national voter registration drive it boasts will be most aggressive in history.

In Florida, the effort gets under way May with locations in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach County, Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola.

Legislature extends Florida Forever

The Florida House unanimously passed and sent to the governor on Wednesday morning a bill that breathes new life into the state's land-buying program for conservation.

Florida Forever (SB 542) had been slated to expire in 2010, but now it's extended to 2020, with $5.3 billion in bonding authority over that ten year period. In this year's budget, the Florida Forever program has $300 million to spend on land acquisition.

Senate Dems confident in abortion defeat

Florida Senators discuss Daniel Webster's abortion bill in a meeting of Senate Democrats, Wednesday morning in the Senate office building. From left are Senators Dave Aronberg, Gwen Margolis, Charlie Justice, Nan Rich, Frederica Wilson, and Steven Geller, Senate Minority Leader.  Scott Keeler | Times

Meeting with his caucus this morning over bagels and fruit, Senate Democratic Minority leader Steve Geller said he is confident he has enough votes, including those of moderate Republicans, to defeat Majority leader Dan Webster's abortion bill (SB 2400).

"We have the votes," Geller said. "There are 40 member of the Senate, and I think they have all pretty much made up their minds. The only one still deciding is Sen. Siplin, and we had him as being against us. If he changes, that's one more vote."

The bill is scheduled for a final vote on the floor today.

'Phooey' -- Troxler trashes TBRC

More tax breaks for a select few in Florida? Making sure that the state can give its tax dollars to the church?

Those are the big ideas for fixing Florida's tax structure?

Well, at least they're among the final ideas of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which meets every 20 years to overhaul Florida's tax system.

Nuts. Phooey. Boo. (More here from columnist Howard Troxler)

Fasano: hero or menace, he's atop his game

When Florida legislators approve the state's slimmed down budget this week, no one may be as proud as Sen. Mike Fasano.

Despite the smallest state budget in four years, the New Port Richey Republican wedged in $10-million to help build roads near schools on his home turf, Pasco County. There's also $5-million to recruit companies to Pasco. And another $10-million to improve affordable housing in three counties. One of them: Pasco.

And that's just a partial list for the senator, whose district also includes parts of Citrus, Hernando and Pinellas counties. "Somehow, it all ends up in Pasco," said Sen. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg.

After 14 years in the Legislature, Fasano has emerged as the Tampa Bay area's most powerful lawmaker — however unlikely. (Click here for the profile by David DeCamp.)

Property insurance up in the morning

It was on. Then off. Then on. Then off.

The Buzz is now property insurance is off for tonight. It's slated to come up in the morning, with an all-new and improved strike-all amendment. Stay tuned.

As midnight approaches, House gets cranky

The House has been in session since 9:30 a.m. We could end there. You get the picture.

But the tableau a few minutes ago:

Rep. Susan Bucher was doing her thing, hammering away at a bill allowing private school kids to play sports at public schools. In an apparent sign of disrespect (or simply disgust) Rep. Aaron Bean kept his back turned to Bucher as he answered her questions. Bucher, D-West Palm Beach, kept going.

Finally, House Speaker Marco Rubio cut her off. Bucher stormed to the front of the chamber and stood at the left side of the rostrum, calling for Rubio. He ignored her for a few moments before exchanging words. Off went Bucher, and she eventually resumed the inquisition.

Earlier tonight, came the explosive scene of Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, the majority whip, angrily denouncing and pointing fingers at a fellow Republican, Juan Zapata of Miami. The beef: a failed amendment on a bill dealing with dental implants.

Charlie's tan and McCain's daughter

So Meghan McCain apparently hasn't gotten the memo that Charlie Crist doesn't  "tan" per se, he's naturally got a Mediterranean complexion thanks to his dad's Greek heritage.

A post on Meghan's blog Tuesday features several photos from Miami campaign events Sunday. Under a picture of her dad, Republican presidential presumed nominee John McCain, his wife Cindy McCain, Charlie Crist and his girlfriend Carol Rome, Meghan writes the caption, "I wish I was as tan as Charlie Crist."

Loyal Buzz readers may remember the gov's complexion was the topic of some speculation during his 2006 gubernatorial race. For a trip down memory lane, click here.

Property insurance & CFO's cat fund bill linked

Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, revealed on Tuesday that the property insurance bill he's been pushing (SB 2860) to crack down on insurers is linked inextricably with CFO Alex Sink's bill (SB 2156), which would reduce risk in the catastrophe fund.

Bigger travel budgets for the Supremes

An appropriations implementing bill awaiting a final vote (HB 5003) contains some unusual language that relates to the recent resignation of Florida Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero. The provision tucked inside the 64-page measure allows justices to be reimbursed for up to 36 trips a year "from the county in which the justice resides" over the next year as long as that justice lives more than 50 miles from Tallahassee. Payments include travel, subsistence and a per diem allowance, and must be authorized by the chief justice.

It was brought to House Speaker Marco Rubio's attention that it was a challence for Cantero, a long-time Coral Gables resident, to maintain two homes while serving on the state's highest court. As of July 1, justices will earn $161,200 annually.

Wrongful incarceration headed to governor

Following the Senate, the House just voted 116-0 for a bill to pay prisoners $50,000 for each year of wrongful incarceration, but only if they do not have prior felony convictions.

There was no debate, and the bill was taken up on second and third reading. The bill (SB 756) and its controversial "clean hands" provision now heads to Gov. Charlie Crist.

The governor recently told the Times that he did not support barriers to compensation. "I believe in forgiveness," he said. But given the three-year struggle to get something passed and the bi-partisan support for the compromise, a veto seems unlikely.

-- Alex Leary

House approves CSX bill

The Florida House approved a bill that would bring commuter rail to central Florida by a vote of 77-39.

"If commuter rail is good enough for South Florida, than it's good enough for Central Florida," said Rep. Dean Cannon.

The CSX bill sets up a no-fault liability deal for commuter rail in Orlando. While the House has steadily moved the proposal ahead, the Senate has held off approval over objections the liability deal is a bad thing for taxpayers. The state would buy the rail line and improve freight railroad for a total of nearly $650-million.

Last minute energy amendment draws ire

The Florida House attached an amendment to their House energy bill that forbids DEP from adopting "California motor vehicle emission standards," unless ratified by the Legislature. The change is a substantial difference between the Senate and House energy bills.

DEP was already in the midst of adopting such a standard but now would have to face the Legislature to implement it, said DEP spokeswoman Sarah Williams.

Buzz hears that the governor, in particular, is none too happy with the amendment. DEP released the following statement:

Despite Senate diss, Swiftmud rehires chief

TAMPA -- Although warned that they were defying powerful senators, the Tampa Bay region's state water board voted unanimously Tuesday to rehire as its executive director the same man passed over by a Senate committee last week.

Three senators had blocked confirmation of Southwest Florida Water Management District executive director Dave Moore, a move that could have put him on the unemployment line in June. So the board voted to rehire him for one year, giving next year's Legislature another shot at confirming him.

AFSCME to withdraw from voting lawsuit

Seems the League of Women Voters of Florida won't have one of the state's bigger employee unions helping it carry its complaint against the state over its enforcement of voter registration laws (see previous post here). American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 79 (AFSCME), will be withdrawing as a plaintiff, union spokesman Doug Martin said Tuesday.

The reason? Martin told the Buzz the union's relationship with the governor is different than his predecessor, Jeb Bush, and it's not interested in being in litigation against Charlie Crist at this point.

-- Joni James, State Editor

School budget a 'fund shift,' Pickens says

When the new state budget landed on legislators' desks Monday, Democrats quickly discovered a $365-million increase in property taxes statewide for schools next year -- despite what they recalled was a commitment by House GOP leaders not to increase those taxes.

"It's a shell game. It's a sleight-of-hand," said Rep. Dan Gelber, the House Democratic leader. "It's a bit of a swap."

Indeed, a closer look at the school funding formula shows a decline in two other discretionary school taxes by an amount that is actually $11-million more than the property tax increase. So Republicans insist they have kept their promise not to increase taxes.

"He's wrong," said Rep. Joe Pickens, the Palatka Republican and the House's education spending expert. "It's a fund shift. It was done without sleight-of-hand. It was done right in front of everybody." The tax shift was vetted with representatives of "about 20" school districts, he said.

Tampa Bay's school budget cuts

Florida's new state budget spends $18.4-billion in K-12 public education, a decrease of $332-million or 1.8-percent less than the current year. That's a per-pupil decline of $130.85 over the current  budget.

Here's what the numbers look like for Tampa Bay-area districts: Pinellas will take the hardest hit, with a $27.7-million reduction, or 3.6 percent, due in large part to the county's declining student enrollment. Hillsborough will take a $10.3-million reduction (0.8 per cent), while fast-growing Pasco gets an increase of $2.7-million (0.6 per cent). Hernando takes a $212,000 loss, or a decline of 0.1 percent).  Pasco is one of 10 districts out of 67 that gets more money next year, despite the bleak condition of state finances.

House passes energy bill

The Florida House unanimously 108-0 passed its energy bill, sending it to the Senate, which is expected to take up the bill on Wednesday.

Rubio's new book: '60 days'

It's like high school again this afternoon in the Florida House.

Speaker Marco Rubio has presented members with a yearbook of sorts, a hardcover photo book called 60 days. "This isn't about ideas," Rubio said, alluding to his 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future. "It's not about me necessarily."

As clerks distributed the books, Rep. Baxter Troutman, R-Winter Haven, went up to Rubio and asked him to sign his copy. Other reps passed theirs around.

Two hundred copies were published for $4,000. 100ideas.org, the foundation established to further Rubio's concept, picked up the bill. The book features photos by House photogs Mark Foley and Meredith Hill. Every representative appears at least twice, Rubio said. (see jump for an example)

Rubio throws down the gauntlet

Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio meets with Representatives on the floor of the House. Scott Keeler | Times

House Speaker Marco Rubio didn't sound like he was in a compromising mood Tuesday on two major unresolved health care issues: providing coverage to the uninsured and helping families with autistic children.

Faced with a Senate and governor that agree on a different plan for the uninsured and on a bill that would mandate autism coverage in health care plans, Rubio said the House approach on both issues is superior, and he said he would work "as long and hard as it takes" to see the House vision prevail.

Lots of abortion questions, vote Wednesday

Senator Jim King-R, Jacksonville, questions Sen Daniel Webster-R, Winter Garden, on his abortion bill, Tuesday in the Florida Senate. Scott Keeler | Times

Moderate Republican and Democratic senators had lots of questions for Sen. Dan Webster about his abortion bill (SB2400), but Webster won't learn the power of his argument and debate until Wednesday when they take a vote. It's the same day the chamber is scheduled to deliver him his official farewell from the Legislature.

Minority Leader Steve Geller, South Florida Democrat, said he has enough no votes, including those of Republicans including Jim King, who's been working behind the scenes to defeat the bill that requires women get an ultrasound before first-trimester abortions.

Webster apologizes to Aronberg, sort of

Sen. Dan Webster just delivered a tepid apology to fellow Sen. Dave Aronberg, a day after he called Aronberg's bill on parimutuel gambling "disgusting" and "nauseating." Webster stood before the chamber and said Aronberg requested the apology.

"Sen. Aronberg understood some words I said maybe in a  different way than I meant," Webster, R-Winter Garden, said. "I don't use those words normally, they just came to mind. If he understood them that way, I apologize."

On Monday, Webster declared Aronberg's gambling bill (which the Senate killed): "disgusting, nauseating."

Gov not so veto-happy this year?

When asked Tuesday morning if he would be as aggressive with his veto pen this year as he was last year, when he vetoed $450 million in member projects last year, Gov. Charlie Crist offered this:

"I have no inclination to want to veto anything that they have done, because of the great work they have done."

Crist announces 2nd climate change summit

Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, announced a Florida summit on global climate change called "Serve to Preserve." Scott Keeler | Times

Gov. Charlie Crist announced a second climate change summit in Miami this year from June 25-26th, where the topics will be stimulating economic development in bio-energy technology.

"We know that there is gold in green, a lot of money to be made by doing the right thing," Crist said.

Geller gets flip in last week, disses Storms

During a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting