NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA CURRENT http://www.thefloridacurrent.com
| September 13, 2013 | |
Budget panel OKs economists’ outlook; Negron still eyes license fees and tax breaks Lawmakers, including Rep. Seth McKeel, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, sounded a note of caution despite the news of a projected $845.7 million surplus next year. … Related Research: FINAL Long-Range Financial Outlook for FY 2014-15 through 2016-17, and Office of Economic & Demographic Research presentation on the Long-Range Financial Outlook. |
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| LBC OKs spending to divert Okeechobee discharges The $2.7 million will help divert about one-third of the 3 billion gallons now flowing to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers, smothering aquatic life in downstream estuaries. The commission also approved a DEP plan for cleaning up petroleum contamination sites as required for the release of $75 million for site cleanups. |
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| Weatherford wants state tops in on-line classes State policymakers meeting in Orlando discussed the merits of virtual learning. The panel of experts gathered at a leaders summit agreed on-line learning can deliver a valuable education to students at lower costs. However, Miami University President Donna Shalala said there needs to be a way to distinguish between acquiring information and a real education taking place. |
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| Huffington: Put spotlight on new ideas Arianna Huffington opened the Florida Leaders Summit by noting the world is in a constant state of disruption but that people need to slow down and think before responding to what is happening. About 250 elected officials and policy makers are holding two-days of meetings in Orlando to discuss long-term goals for Florida. |
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Democratic leader calls House caucus Rep. Darryl Rouson says he can explain why he set up an “affiliated party committee” separate from the party’s unified House and Senate campaign funds. He also says he won’t step down. |
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Battle over drug contract rages 2 years after lawmakers demanded it rebid A fight over the state term contract to provide pharmaceuticals to Florida agencies remains in administrative court. Lawmakers mandated the contract be bid out in a 2011 budget conforming bill. … Related Research: Petition and Formal Written Protest from Cooperative Services of Florida (CFS) to the Department of Management Services. |