Q2 2016 Broward Schools SMART Program Report Review
Broward BOC, Local Government, ResearchPresented to the Bond Oversight Committee on February 25, 2016, this report examines the SMART program quarterly report for Q2.
Florida TaxWatch Declares Time Is Now To Make Florida The Top International Tourism Destination
Press ReleasesWith a record-smashing 105 million visitors visiting the Sunshine State in 2015, tourism has made an incredible impact on Florida’s economy. In fact, one job is supported by every 85 visitors to our state. However, competition for tourism dollars is fierce and the Sunshine State must fight to maintain its status as the world’s premier tourism destination. A new report by Florida TaxWatch finds that investing more in international tourism will significantly boost the state’s tourism numbers and strengthen the economy.
Welcoming the World
Economic Development, Research, TourismTourism is vital to the economy of Florida, and with the recovery of the world economy, international travel across the world is reaching record highs. This, coupled with data showing the major positive impact international tourists have on economies, provides evidence that Florida should expand its efforts when it comes to attracting foreign visitors to the state.
Budget Watch – Proposed House and Senate Budgets for FY2016-17 are $1 Billion Apart
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Research, TaxesThe House and Senate passed their respective state budgets for FY2016-17 with four weeks remaining in the 2016 Session. They will now go into the budget conference process to negotiate the differences. Conference meetings could start as early as this week (the week of February 22).
Investing In Economic Development Incentives Will Boost Florida’s Economy And Put Floridians To Work
Press ReleasesFlorida TaxWatch, the state’s premier government watchdog group, today released a report calling for the Legislature to invest in the state’s economic incentive programs to continue to grow the economy and create key jobs for Floridians. The analysis finds that Florida’s competitive tax climate and welcoming weather entice businesses to our state, but Florida must provide targeted incentive packages that will help create high-paying jobs in the Sunshine State as we compete with other states for domestic and global business.
A Catalyst for Growth
Economic Development, ResearchThis analysis finds that Florida’s competitive tax climate and welcoming weather entice businesses to our state, but Florida must provide targeted incentive packages that will help create high-paying jobs in the Sunshine State as we compete with other states for domestic and global business.
Ports Are Creating High-Paying, High-Growth Jobs That Help All Of The Sunshine State
Op-EdsWith four of Florida ports among the nation’s top 25 container ports and three among the top cruise ports in the world, the economic vitality of Florida’s ports should be an important focus of our state leaders. These ports are hubs of commerce and tourism that generate high-paying, sustainable jobs for Floridians while cementing our role and brand as the gateway for the Americas.
Statement By Dominic M. Calabro, President And CEO Of Florida TaxWatch, On The No-Bid Health Care Contract For Inmate Health Care In Florida
Press Releases“With the Department of Corrections facing terrible funding issues that have put hard-working officers in dangerous situations, it is critical that lawmakers and the public have every opportunity to scrutinize how every taxpayer dollar is being spent ,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro.
We Must Continue Fight To Protect Public’s Right To Maintain A Vigilant Eye On Their Elected Officials
Op-EdsThe cornerstone of our constitutional democratic republic is protecting citizens’ right to full and public notice when their elected officials are discussing or making decisions that could affect everyone’s daily lives. As a non-partisan research taxpayer research institute that focuses on promoting government accountability and transparency, Florida TaxWatch supports the use of public notices in local newspapers of record by government entities to notify citizens of meetings and votes.
Building Florida’s High-Tech Manufacturing Sector
Economic Development, ResearchAs the global manufacturing industry shifts away from classically portrayed steel and car plants to a modernized approach of high-tech manufacturing; companies, countries, and states find themselves looking for a way to best position themselves to benefit from the future of manufacturing. Florida finds itself in a unique position to capitalize on an existing project that could help the state become a world leader in high-tech manufacturing for years to come.
The Future Of Florida Depends On Critical Investments In Its Strained Transportation Infrastructure To Improve Quality Of Life And Move The Economy Forward
Press ReleasesInvestments in transportation infrastructure provide greater productivity and improved quality of life for all Floridians. Over the next 25 years, the cost of the unmet needs in the state’s transportation system is expected to reach $131.2 billion and would affect every part of every Floridian’s daily life from productivity to safety to access to high-paying jobs.
Meeting Florida’s Transportation Investment Needs
Research, TransportationFlorida continues to grow and is now the nation’s third largest state. After a slowdown during the Great Recession, Florida is on the rise again, and the state will add more than four million new residents by 2030. This report examines the expected needs of the transportation system across the state.
It is Time to Free Professionals and Technology to Provide Better and More Affordable Health-Care for Floridians
Op-EdsFlorida TaxWatch has been a leader in making sure residents of the Sunshine State have access to affordable health care options,‚Ä? ‚Ĩsaving millions of dollars and countless lives.
Public Records Laws Must Be Reformed To Stop Misuse While Protecting Citizen Oversight Of Government, Says New TaxWatch Report
Press ReleasesFlorida’s taxpayers are being taken advantage of by profiteering individuals abusing the state’s public records laws for personal and financial gain, and by public records requests that serve no legitimate public interest other than harassing public agencies. This misuse of the Public Records Act costs taxpayers money and makes government less efficient, according to a new report by Florida TaxWatch.
Predatory Public Records Requests
Local Government, ResearchThis report examines abuses of the state’s Public Records Act, focusing on predatory practices that take advantage of local governments, and use the power of litigation to profit off of the taxpayers.
Statement From Florida TaxWatch On Florida House Tax Reduction Package Released Today
Press ReleasesFlorida TaxWatch has long recommended smart tax policy that helps Floridians and boosts the state economy.
Statement On The Passage Of Senate Bill Addressing Telehealth Expansion That Will Provide Greater Health Care Access While Saving Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars
Press ReleasesTelehealth – the use of technology to expand health care access to all Floridians – is finally receiving legislative support as lawmakers consider efforts to cut red tape and allow more healthcare providers to offer routine visits and check-ups via computers, telephones, and smartphone apps.
Budget Watch – Governor’s FY2016-17 Recommended Budget
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Research, TaxesFlorida legislators received news this week that they will have $395.6 million less to spend on the next state budget than originally anticipated. Citing weaker corporate profits and adverse developments in the international economy, the state General Revenue (GR) Estimating Conference decreased its estimates of GR collections in each of the six years in its forecast horizon.
Expanding Job Opportunities for Non-Violent Offenders
Op-EdsWith more than‚Ä? ‚Ĩ100,000‚Ä? ‚Ĩinmates‚Ä? ‚Ĩbehind bars,‚Ä? ‚ĨFlorida’s correctional population is among the largest in the United States. One of the primary causes for the high population is that more than two-thirds of offenders are re-arrested and‚Ä? ‚Ĩmore than one-in-four‚Ä? ‚Ĩreturn to prison within three years of their release.‚Ä? ‚ĨWhen these individuals cycle in and out of state and local facilities,‚Ä? ‚Ĩthey run up an enormous bill that is shouldered by Florida taxpayers.‚Ä? ‚ĨIt costs an average of‚Ä? ‚Ĩnearly‚Ä? ‚Ĩ$19,000‚Ä? ‚Ĩper year to house an inmate‚Ä? – ‚Ĩmore than three times the cost of tuition at the University of Florida.‚Ä?
