Criminal Justice: Policy In Progress
BlogWith the 2017 Legislative Session drawing closer, it is important to identify topics and bills and that have gained significant traction in recent years but haven’t come to fruition.
In Tight Budget Year, Lawmakers Must Commit to Government Efficiency
Op-EdsAs the next legislative session approaches, Florida lawmakers face an uphill battle in funding critical government services while trying to sustain the state’s economic success.
As HB 423 Provisions Go Into Effect, Florida TaxWatch Touts Victory for Nurse Practitioners
Press ReleasesFlorida TaxWatch, the state’s premier, non-partisan government watchdog for almost 40 years, has led the charge for expanding scope of practice for advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) and physician assistants (PAs), which would significantly lower costs for patients while improving access across the state. On January 1, 2017, provisions within HB 423 became effective, making Florida the final state in the country to allow ARNPs to prescribe controlled drugs.
The “He-Said, She-Said” of Medicaid Managed Care
BlogThe Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on Health and Human Services learned just how expensive getting old is, particularly when nursing home care is required.
2016 Annual Report
Annual Reports, ResearchThe 2016 Annual Report – Bridging the Gap Between Taxpayers and their Government
Florida TaxWatch Unwraps $2 Billion Gift to State’s Taxpayers
Press ReleasesToday, Florida TaxWatch held a press conference outlining the Florida Government Efficiency Task Force (GETF) final report, which details 29 recommendations that would improve government operations while saving hard-working Florida taxpayers’ money. The potential cost-savings the state could realize if these recommendations were implemented could exceed $2 billion annually.
The Sunshine State on Path to Sustainable Growth in 2017 Says Latest Florida TaxWatch Report
Press ReleasesWhile people are focusing on holiday shopping and travel plans, Florida TaxWatch is looking to 2017 and what it will bring for Florida’s economic outlook. The latest Economic Commentary published by the non-partisan, non-profit research institute finds that 2017 should bring sustained growth to the Sunshine State as people continue to find jobs and payrolls increase.
Tax Credit Scholarships Save Florida Money
Op-EdsIt is understandable that new forms of public education — whether they are magnet schools, charters, virtual schooling or dual enrollment — can cause anxiety. The conversation around the teachers union lawsuit to shut down the tax credit scholarship program for low-income children has produced a lot of heat but has shed very little light on the issue. And the issue underlying the lawsuit is allowing parents of disadvantaged students to choose the best educational option that permits their children to reach new levels of academic achievement.
2017 Economic Preview
ResearchAs we close the door on a strong 2016 for Florida’s economy, it is time to look at what could lie ahead for the state in 2017.
Apples and Oranges: Gender & Justice Programs
BlogJustice-involved women and girls are often treated through programs and services targeted towards the larger population: men and boys
Latest Florida TaxWatch Budget Watch Highlights Increased Revenue Estimates, Shortfall Still Looms
Press ReleasesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The latest General Revenue forecast paints a slightly less gloomy picture than previous projections, as highlighted by the December edition of the
Ideas in Action – Aligning Actions with Goals
Guest Columns, ResearchLeading a corrections department and prisons is challenging. A successful leader mustwork with government entities, employees, unions, and their accompanying agendas, all while simultaneously dealing with individuals that our society cannot tolerate. An effective corrections leader must balance what is good for inmates and staff with what is good for our shared society.
Budget Watch – Revenue Estimates Increased Slightly, Shortfall Looms
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer GuideLawmakers received a small measure of positive fiscal news from state economists this week. The General Revenue (GR) Estimating Conference met on December 12, 2016 and increased its revenue forecast by $119.3 million in the current year (FY2016-17) and by $22.6 million for the next budget year (FY2017-18).
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
BlogCould it be that the medical model can only take us so far along our road to better health? Are there alternate routes we should explore?
Statement From Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro on the Passing of Charlie Reed
Press ReleasesCharlie was a highly effective Chancellor of Florida’s universities and public leader for the taxpayers of the Sunshine State for many decades. Florida and its taxpayers are certainly much better off because of the leadership and effective management skills of Charlie Reed. It was my pleasure and honor to have been his friend for more than 30 years and his loss is a loss for me personally, all Floridians and everyone who cares about education and public service.
Statement on Appointment of Syd Kitson to the Board Of Governors of the State University System from Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro
Press ReleasesGovernor Rick Scott could not have made a better choice than selecting my friend and Florida TaxWatch leader Syd Kitson to serve on the Board of Governors of the State University System. Syd was highly effective serving as the innovative Chairman of the TaxWatch Center for Health & Aging, helping TaxWatch be a leader in securing legislation on Telehealth and expanded scope of practice for nurse and allied health professionals in the 2016 Legislative Session.
Time to Even the Playing Field for Small Businesses
Op-EdsSmall businesses truly are this nation’s backbone. They account for 94 percent of all the country’s businesses and are owned by a diverse array of Americans from all backgrounds. The ability to build a small business is the cornerstone of the American dream.
How Attractive is Florida’s Business Tax Climate?
BlogLike beauty, the attractiveness of a state’s business climate is in the eye of the beholder. There are many measures of states’ tax and business climates.
Sentencing Doesn’t Require Psychic Powers
BlogAs crime in Florida continues to decline and state prison populations continue to exceed 100,000 inmates, policymakers and practitioners are all seeking to mitigate corrections cost by opting for less costly, but just as effective, alternatives.
Florida TaxWatch Taps Suntrust’s David Mann as New Chairman
Press ReleasesFlorida TaxWatch, the state’s premier non-profit, non-partisan research institute and government watchdog, named its new chairman and welcomed new board members at its 37th Annual Board Meeting on November 17th.
