New Charter Schools Report Shows Gains
BlogAccording to a July 2017 report by the Foundation for Excellence in Education, Florida’s charter school sector is one of the largest and fastest-improving in the nation.
2017-18 Taxpayers Budget Pocket Guide
Budget & Appropriations, Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFlorida TaxWatch is pleased to present taxpayers with a guide to the FY2017-18 state budget, which went into effect July 1, 2017. After deducting the Governor’s vetoes, the net result is FY2017-18 appropriations totaling $85.158 billion, a $2.9 billion (3.5%) increase over FY2016-17.
All-Stars a Three Run Homer for Miami
BlogFor the first time in the 88 years of the MLB All-Star game, the event was hosted in Miami, and the local economy cashed in.
Budget Watch – FY2017-18 GAA Only Tells Part of Florida’s Budget Story
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideThe 2017 Florida Legislature passed a $82.418 billion General Appropriations Act (GAA), already the largest in the state’s history. But this is not all the money appropriated this year.
Groceries & Telehealth – a new concept for retail clinics
BlogAs you wander through the Publix Supermarket trying to decide what to make for dinner you may soon notice a new service.
High Failure Rates Among Nursing Students Indicated Need for a Cure
Health Care, ResearchPrevious legislation to expand nursing programs and alleviate Florida’s nursing shortage has had unintended consequences, finds the latest Economic Commentary.
Latest Florida TaxWatch Economic Commentary Examines Ailments in Nursing Education
Press ReleasesPrevious legislation to expand nursing programs and alleviate Florida’s nursing shortage has had unintended consequences, finds the latest Economic Commentary from Florida TaxWatch, the state’s premier non-partisan government watchdog.
Chris Hart IV Named Executive Vice President of Florida TaxWatch
Press ReleasesFlorida TaxWatch is pleased to announce its newest staff member. Chris Hart IV is the latest addition to Florida TaxWatch’s executive leadership team and will be serving as an Executive Vice President.
Florida TaxWatch Applauds Governor Scott for Veto of AST Shake-Up Bill
Press ReleasesThe Agency for State Technology is a critical piece to ensuring that Florida’s government engine is well-oiled and moves along smoothly. Florida TaxWatch applauds Governor Scott for vetoing HB 5301 that would have reversed the progress Florida has made in improving its state technology services.
The CRC Appears to be a Secret
BlogA new survey from TaxWatch finds that very few Floridians are aware of the Commission
Examining the US DOE’s Proposed Loan Repayment Rule
Education, ResearchThe Rule, which will take effect on July 1, 2017, permits the Department to discharge student loans, thereby relieving the student of any obligation to repay the loan. This report looks at the possible impact on Florida taxpayers.
Florida TaxWatch Statement on Funding for VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida
Press ReleasesFlorida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro released the following statement following the passage of House Bill 1A during Special Session A.
2017 Session Wrap-Up
Budget & Appropriations, Budget Turkeys, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideThe 2017 Legislature passed only 249 bills, the second lowest number in at least the last 15 years. This wrap-up details the issues TaxWatch followed this year.
2017 Budget Turkey Watch Report
Budget Turkeys, ResearchThe $82.4 billion budget passed by the Florida House and Senate for FY2017-18 contains 111 appropriations items qualifying as Budget Turkeys worth $177.8 million. Most of these (79 projects worth $139.4 million) are transportation projects that are not in the Department of Transportation Work Program.
New Rules Increased Transparency and Accountability for Member Projects, Resulting in Fewer Turkeys
Press ReleasesBudget Turkeys are items, usually local member projects, that are added to the appropriations bill in during the budget conference that circumvent established competitive review processes. The Budget Turkey label does not signify judgment of a project’s worthiness.
Q3 2017 Broward Schools SMART Program Report Review
Broward BOC, Local Government, ResearchPresented to the Bond Oversight Committee on May 22, 2017, this report examines the SMART program quarterly report for Q3 of FY2017.
Florida TaxWatch Reveals Innovative Winners of the 2017 Prudential Productivity Awards Program
Press ReleasesToday, Florida TaxWatch announced the winners of the 2017 Prudential Productivity Awards at a press conference in its offices in Tallahassee. In its 29th rendition, the Prudential Productivity Awards program is designed to highlight and reward state employees who innovatively reduce costs and improve services for Florida taxpayers.
Statement on the Release of Florida’s Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget
Press ReleasesWith the release of the fiscal year 2017-18 budget, lawmakers now have 72 hours to read the final proposed budget prior to voting. Florida TaxWatch played an instrumental role in the enactment of the constitutionally required 72 hour “cooling off” period. This allows the public, press and legislators ample time to examine the budget before a vote is cast. The $82.418 billion state budget will fund various state agencies and critical services for all Floridians.
2017 Final Tax Package Analysis
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideThis Session Spotlight is a look at the provisions in HB 7109, comparing the Senate amendment to the original House bill, and an examination of other bills and proposed constitutional amend- ments dealing with property taxes that have passed or are expected to pass and that could also reduce the taxes Floridians pay.
Workers’ Comp Bills Address Rulings, Differ on Fees
BlogReducing premiums has become a top priority for the business community this session, focusing on reducing attorney fees.
