By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida TaxWatch says $133 million should be slashed from the state’s proposed budget, though Gov. Ron DeSantis should employ a relatively “light…
Tag: Florida TaxWatch
Florida TaxWatch includes Pensacola airport project in “Turkey” report
Every year, Florida TaxWatch issues a report on the items the state budget that it considers “turkeys”-appropriations included without being fully scrutinized and subjected to the budget committee process or that circumvented…
Chris Hart joins Florida TaxWatch
Chris Hart, who abruptly left Gov. Rick Scott’s embattled economic-development agency earlier this year, landed Wednesday at a Tallahassee-based think tank best known for its annual list of state budget “turkeys.” Florida…
The Bluffs launches national marketing strategy
By Duwayne Escobedo INWEEKLY Economic officials gathered Tuesday morning to announce: There are 1,758 shovel-ready acres at The Bluffs Northwest Florida Industrial Campus ready for manufacturing companies to develop. For four years,…
Criminal justice reform on BCC agenda
Yesterday on “Pensacola Speaks,” Commissioner Grover Robinson said he asked that criminal justice reform be placed on the agenda for this week’s Committee of Whole. He will ask the Board of County…
Bold ‘Outtakes’ idea gaining momentum
In the Jan. 5 issue, I suggested that the Escambia Board of County Commissioners work with Florida TaxWatch and the Florida Legislature to create a pilot program for criminal justice reform. Commissioner…
Florida TaxWatch: Zika virus may impact state budget
The latest Florida TaxWatch Budget Watch raises the alarm on the potential impact of the on the state budget. Despite Congressional approval of a $1.1 billion federal aid package to combat the…
Florida TaxWatch honors top performing principals
Florida TaxWatch announced this year’s top performing principals, who help students achieve in Florida’s high-risk public schools. These nine principals will be recognized on Nov. 17, at the 4th Annual Florida TaxWatch…
Viewpoint: College football is a touchdown for Florida’s local and state economies
By Dominic M. Calabro It is Hurricane season in Florida. And Seminole season. And it’s also the season for the Gators and Rattlers and Bulls and many others. After a long hot…
General Revenue estimates reduced
Florida TaxWatch reports that the General Revenue Estimating Conference has revised earlier estimates, reducing expected collections by $131.9 million in the current year (FY 2016-17) and by $131.1 million for the next…
Florida TaxWatch: Locked Up, Then Locked Out [podcast]
More than 30,000 inmates are released from Florida prisons every year. Within three years, nearly 9,000 Florida inmates return to prison. “We can’t afford that,†Joe Folick, Communications Director of Florida TaxWatch…
The top podcasts of the week ending July 9
The podcasts that got the most downloads this past week were: Diane Lea talks about Day 15 of her 50 Causes ride. Who is Matt Gaetz? Robert Weissert, Executive VP of Florida…
Taxwatch on how Florida can save $2B annually [podcast]
Last week, the Florida Government Efficiency Task Force approved its final report, which outlines 29 recommendations that would improve government operations while saving hard-working Florida taxpayers’ money. The potential cost-savings the state…
Pensacola Speaks: Criminal Justice Reform, Hiring Our Heroes
On News Talk 1370 WCOA, first guest today will be Joe Follick, Director of Communications and External Relations for Florida TaxWatch. We will discuss his latest report that proposes solutions on how…
Florida TaxWatch report recommends how to reform criminal justice system
Florida TaxWatch has issued a new report that proposes solutions on how Florida deals with non-violent offenders to reduce costly and unnecessary strain on the state corrections budget and facilities. The report…
Florida TaxWatch declares time is now to make Florida the Top International Tourism Destination
With 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…
Florida TaxWatch: Transportation infrastructure needs
Robert Weissert, executive vice president of Florida TaxWatch, said on “Pensacola Speaks” that the shortfall for the state’s transportation infrastructure needs is more than a $130 billion over the next 25 years….
Details on $1B budget gap between Florida House and Senate
The Appropriation Committees of the Florida House and Senate passed their proposals to fund the state government for FY 2016-17. The gap between the two chamber is $1.58 billon. Both proposals are…
Florida TaxWatch on ‘Pensacola Speaks’ today
Robert Weissert, Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President & Special Counsel to the CEO, will be my guest on News Talk 1370 WCOA’s “Pensacola Speaks” today at 5:10 p.m. We will discuss Florida’s…
Florida Taxwatch supports a funding increase for state infrastructure
Florida TaxWatch believes the investments in transportation infrastructure provide greater productivity and improved quality of life for all Floridians. Its new report found that Florida needs to make investments in the state’s…