Per-student spending is an easy-to-use measure by which taxpayers can evaluate public school spending and efficiency. This report finds a more accurate number for taxpayers to use.
On March 8, Florida TaxWatch, an independent nonpartisan research institute, held its State of the Taxpayer Dinner highlighting the issues affecting Florida taxpayers during the 2017 Legislative Session. In its second year, the sold-out, standing room only State of the Taxpayer Dinner attracted more than 150 taxpayers, business and community leaders and lawmakers.
A new report by Florida TaxWatch, the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog, finds that the growth of high-tech manufacturing is beneficial to Florida and that investing in the industry now can put us ahead of competitor states in enticing companies to the state.
This Briefing revises high-tech manufacturing, one sector that could benefit from state investment and has been touted in the past by government officials as a way to expand Florida’s economic diversity.
Governor Scott’s address today stressed what he, Florida TaxWatch and others have been saying for years – we need great jobs and a strong economy in order to make Florida the top state in the country to do business, grow a family and vacation. To do this, he said, we must cut the Business Rent Tax (BRT), fund targeted economic incentive programs and continue to market Florida as the nation’s premier tourist destination.
According to Florida TaxWatch, the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog, the Barbara Bush Foundation’s Teen Trendsetters™ mentor program is helping Florida’s children succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Not only is the program valuable to participants but taxpayers benefit via avoidance of social program costs and additional earnings generated from the potential increase in graduation rates.
After hosting the Pro Bowl, and with March Madness on the horizon, Orlando is poised to score big.
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy’s Teen Trendsetters program is one great example of a high-quality mentor initiative. This Florida TaxWatch fiscal and economic analysis quantifies the value of the increases in reading scores and positive social impacts of the program.
Florida’s education system is facing a crisis that will affect our children and our future. Teachers have been leaving schools at alarming rates with no one to replace them. Low pay and the stress associated with teaching have driven many college students away from the profession, leaving a shallow talent pool of highly qualified teachers. Additionally, Florida TaxWatch research has found that Constitutionally-mandated class size limits in Florida have led to higher demand for teachers, resulting in under-qualified individuals being hired or schools not being able to fill the position as the pool of teachers shrinks.
This Economic Commentary looks at the potential impact on taxpayers from the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The latest edition of Florida TaxWatch’s Economic Commentary looks at the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and the economic impact of ARB infections. The report finds that the increased use of antibiotics has allowed bacteria to develop resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, rendering antibiotic therapy ineffective in the treatment of ARB infections.
If you own non-homestead property, there is a chance you will be seeing a significant tax increase on that property in 2019.
Last night, Florida TaxWatch, the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog, presented its review of the Broward County School District’s SMART Program report for the quarter ending on December 31, 2016. The report includes 28 findings and 16 recommendations, which were elaborated on by Florida TaxWatch’s Vice President of Research, Bob Nave.
Presented to the Bond Oversight Committee on February 27, 2017, this report examines the SMART program quarterly report for Q2 of FY2017.
The booming cruise industry is a significant driver of the state’s job market and, according to a recent report, is directly responsible for 138,300 Florida jobs.
Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida are critical functions of our state, boosting our economy and creating thousands of jobs for hard-working Floridians. While we hold much respect for the members on the House Appropriations Committee, we are disappointed in their votes to move forward on House Bill 7005. The bill will now be heard in front of the full House Chamber.
Shaping up to be one of the biggest battles in the Legislature in many years, the fight on economic development incentives and tourism funding has been swirling throughout the halls of the Capitol the last few weeks. On one side are those who believe that taxpayer dollars should not be used to entice businesses and tourists to Florida; the other side sees these programs as crucial for creating jobs and boosting our economy.
The Principal Autonomy Pilot Program Initiative (PAPPI) is a voluntary program in seven school districts that grants participating principals greater authority and autonomy.
For over 45 years, donor support has made Florida TaxWatch the state’s leading independent voice for taxpayer accountability. There are many ways to support our mission.
