You Gotta Love That Public-Private Partnership Thing: "State Paid $25 Million Per Job" - "By the end of 2001, the 28 companies in which the three venture groups put money showed a net gain of six jobs, the governor's office reported. None was in an area targeted for economic growth. One could say the state paid $25 million per job. Results through 2002 are expected to show a net job loss." See "Great venture for some, bad venture for Florida".
"Two Seconds" - The shelf life of this AP story, about possible campaign law violations by "Jeb!". Heck, it's even in the LA Times and the Washington Post, among others.
Where's The Outrage? "Jeb!" flak Alia "Faraj said the governor believes that Death Row inmates will receive more competent and prompt attention from registry attorneys. 'They will be better served,' she said." We don't know where Ms. Faraj obtained her expertise in death penalty litigation, but "Lawyers, judges and legislative evaluators disagree. They cite errors made by the private attorneys unfamiliar with death penalty litigation, the lousy pay that leads them to do a minimum of work and the effective job done by CCRC." "Death Row appeals office closing".
Our Guys And Gals In Tally - "Florida legislators have been enjoying trips, expensive skyboxes at prime sporting events and a host of other freebies all without having to declare them as gifts. Antigambling House leaders were able to attend last year's Belmont Stakes, their free tickets arranged by a Florida track pushing a video gambling bill. Senate President Jim King attended the Sugar Bowl in a skybox provided by a lobbyist. Democrats are golfing free at Disney. All just a sample of the undeclared perks, according to a report by Gannett Regional Newspapers in Florida." See "Lawmakers take advantage of loophole for free trips".
Abortion Fight Heats Up - "The state goes to court today seeking guardianship for a fetus being carried by a mentally disabled rape victim in a case closely watched by abortion rights supporters and opponents. Gov. Jeb Bush ordered state lawyers last month to seek the appointment of a guardian for the fetus, now in the third trimester. Bush overruled child welfare officials who said such an appointment would be illegal." See "State to ask court for guardianship of rape victim's fetus". See also "Ruling may give woman a guardian".
Graham - Dubya's Conduct Has A "Nixonian Stench" "In recent days, he has used unusually strong words to accuse President Bush of hiding information on topics ranging from the Sept. 11 report to the economy to the war in Iraq -- talking about a coverup and referring, as he did in a conference call with reporters last week that was reported by the Associated Press, to a `Nixonian stench.'" See "Bush trying to hide 9/11 information, Graham says". The way things are these days, Nixon would be a vast improvement.
"Tax Of The Day" - "The state's K-12 budget counts on $300 million more in the coming year from local school taxes, an increase generated by the fact that the required tax rate will stay the same while property values go up. Under the state's Truth in Millage laws, this constitutes a tax increase -- and would have to be reported as such by any other local entity that levies property tax, . . . ." See "Tax of the Day". 5:55 AM
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