2014 Legislative Wrapup
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Research, TaxesThe 2014 Session has come to a close, and this Florida TaxWatch report details all of the issues that we followed this year.
2014 Taxpayer Independence Day
Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFlorida taxpayers have a reason to celebrate on Tuesday, April 22nd. The date marks Taxpayer Independence Day as estimated by Florida TaxWatch. April 22nd, 2014,
Florida’s Home Construction Recovery
Economic Development, Local Government, ResearchIncreased demand for new home construction is evidence that Florida is continuing its strong recovery from the Great Recession, according to this report. Housing starts
Budget Watch – FY2014-15 House and Senate Budget Comparison
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Economic Development, Energy & Environment, Health Care, Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide, TransportationThis BudgetWatch report compares the FY2014-15 House and Senate budgets in each spending area, and shows the change versus the current fiscal year.
Over-Criminalization in Florida
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, ResearchFlorida could save significant corrections costs by reducing prison sentences for nonviolent offenders, according to data analysis in this report. The report calls for the
Florida’s Looming Alzheimers Crisis
Health Care, ResearchThe number of Floridians affected with Alzheimers is expected to grow by nearly 50 percent in the next decade, putting a strain on Florida’s health
Comparing the House, Senate and Governor Tax Cut Proposals
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesThe competing House and Senate tax cut proposals have many differences that need to be worked out, but there are beneficial provisions in both plans,
STATEMENT: TaxWatch Commends Governor and Legislature for Reducing Vehicle Registration Fees
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Research, TaxesFlorida TaxWatch commends the Legislature for passing and Governor Scott for signing the first tax relief bill of the 2014 Legislative Session to reduce vehicle
Commercializing Florida’s Public Research
Economic Development, Education, ResearchFlorida’s universities and research institutes are creating of some of the states most advanced technologies, but one Florida Institute is helping to bring them to
Taking a Fresh Look at Florida’s Class Size Limits
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Education, Research, TaxesSince voters approved a 2002 Constitutional Amendment to reduce class sizes, taxpayers have spent more than $27 billion (including capital facilties and operating costs) to
Putting the Trust Back in Trust Funds
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesIn the second yearly installment of the TaxWatch look at the issue of Trust Fund sweeps, this report looks at two consecutive years of sweeps
When it Costs More to Pay Less
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, Research, TaxesFlorida’s Assistant State Attorneys and Assistant Public Defenders are significantly undercompensated, as shown in findings from this research report. The new report analyzes Assistant State
Statement: TaxWatch Stands Behind APRN Report
Health Care, ResearchFlorida TaxWatch released a statement from Robert E. Weissert, Esq., Chief Research Officer and General Counsel, standing firmly behind a recent briefing outlining the debate
Budget Watch – Latest Estimating Conferences
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Economic Development, Research, TaxesAlready enjoying what is called a more than $1 billion budget surplus to appropriate during the 2014 Legislative Session, lawmakers were given another $150 million
Economic Impact Evaluation of a Proposed Honeybee Research and Extension Laboratory in Florida
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Education, Energy & Environment, Research, Taxes, TransportationA new honeybee research facility could make Florida a global leader in agricultural research and is estimated to return more than $1 million in state
Evaluating Opportunities in Expanding Outdoor Advertising
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Local Government, ResearchMany local governments in Florida have taken advantage of the practice of selling advertising on local transit vehicles and bus shelters, similar to the recommendations
Diagnosing the Debate: APRN Scope of Practice
Health Care, ResearchAllowing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice to the fullest extent of their training and experience would increase access to quality health care for
Critical Connections to Care
Economic Development, Health Care, ResearchStatewide expansion of telemedicine could save Florida more than $1 billion annually, according to this TaxWatch report. The report highlights the importance of removing barriers
Budget Watch – Florida’s Finances Strong
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesThe fiscal condition of Florida’s state government is in good shape as evidenced by a new study that ranks the state sixth overall in the
Florida’s University Research Parks
Economic Development, Education, ResearchFlorida’s nine university research parks help create high-wage jobs, diversify the state economy and ensure Florida retains top graduates, according to this month’s Economic Commentary.
