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March 04, 2009
House panel likely to pass tobacco regulation today
WASHINGTON—A House panel is expected to approve today sweeping tobacco regulation that would put the bill on pace for House passage far earlier in the congressional session than in the last Congress.
IRS looks for people owed refund checks
The Internal Revenue Service is looking for taxpayers who are missing more than 279,000 economic stimulus checks totaling about $163 million and more than 104,000 regular refund checks totaling about $103 million that were returned by the U.S. Postal Service due to mailing address errors.
Senator outlines health care agenda
WASHINGTON-The government should offer incentives for health care providers to adopt federally-approved computer networks and treatment practices, Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., said Tuesday.
March 03, 2009
Florida lawmakers convene 2009 regular session
The Florida Legislature convened its 2009 regular session Tuesday with the state in such a dire financial condition that even the staunchest conservatives said lawmakers would have to at least consider tax and fee increases.
March 02, 2009
Preserved for a price, parks on endangered list
The economic downturn has forced states around the country to shutter historic sites and reduce visiting hours for parks. But in Florida, Illinois, California and a few other places, closures have been forestalled after outcries from the public and budget-juggling by officials.
States urged to improve probation, parole programs
The number of people on parole and probation across the United States has surged past 5 million, according to a new report which says financially struggling states can save money in the long run by investing in better supervision of these offenders.
Controversy Simmers As 2010 Census Approaches
WASHINGTON—Is Florida’s population about to be undercounted again
February 27, 2009
Controversy simmers as 2010 census approaches
WASHINGTON — Is Florida’s population about to be undercounted again?
February 26, 2009
Obama outlines budget priorities
WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama says his $3.6 trillion federal budget plan for 2010 begins to deliver on some of his campaign promises.
Jordanian indicted for illegal contributions
LOS ANGELES — A Jordanian businessman was indicted by a Jordanian indicted for illegal contributions
February 25, 2009
Sheriff looks for money for more deputies
With a new drug dog in training, Jackson County Sheriff Lou Roberts is trying to sniff out a source of funding to replace the two deputies he plans to use in creating a drug interdiction team for the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
February 24, 2009
Florida Lt. Gov. Kottkamp faces ethics complaint
A Pinellas County activist said Tuesday that he is filing an ethics complaint against Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp over the cost to the state of flying and driving Kottkamp between his Fort Myers home and Tallahassee.
February 21, 2009
Obama nixes plan to tax motorists on mileage
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Friday rejected his transportation secretary’s suggestion that the administration consider taxing motorists based on how many miles they drive instead of how much gasoline they buy.
February 20, 2009
Stimulus funding sought for high-speed rail plan
TAMPA — High-speed rail looked dead four years ago, but backers of the proposal say it’s being resuscitated now thanks to the recently approved federal stimulus package.
February 19, 2009
FEMA’s fate debated
WASHINGTON—With President Barack Obama urged by some to reinstate the Federal Emergency Management Agency to separate cabinet-level status, a new federal report argues that such a move would hurt the nation’s homeland security “apparatus.“
February 18, 2009
Analysis: Meltdown could force college aid shift
Who should be first in line for help from the government to pay for college? It’s a debate that hits hot-button questions about fairness and opportunity, and lately, many experts think the middle class has been winning.
February 17, 2009
States scramble to figure out how to spend stimulus
WASHINGTON — As President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed an economic recovery package, state officials are scrambling to figure out how to spend the expected windfall on roads, schools, health care for the poor and other needs.
February 16, 2009
Florida universities lose gift matching grants
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Fundraising is already tough right now for non-profits, but it just got a little tougher for three of the state’s public universities.
February 14, 2009
Senators warn state may not get money
WASHINGTON – Florida’s senators on Friday wrote to Education Secretary Arne Duncan asking for swift help so the state may qualify for the $2.7 billion it would get from a key funding category of the stimulus bill.
February 13, 2009
Fla. regulator OKs State Farm’s pullout from state
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty opened the door Friday for State Farm Florida to withdraw from the state’s property insurance market, but only after it meets several stipulations.
Stimulus bill passes in the House
WASHINGTON — Although many details remained unclear, early estimates are that Florida could get at least $10 billion from the $789 billion economic stimulus package passed today by the House 246-183. The Senate is to vote later today.
February 12, 2009
Gov. Crist pleased although stimulus less for Fla.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday that he was still pleased with a compromise federal stimulus plan although Florida likely will get less money than anticipated.
February 11, 2009
Agreement announced in race for stimulus bill
Moving with lightning speed, key lawmakers announced agreement Wednesday on a $789 billion economic stimulus measure designed to create millions of jobs in a nation reeling from recession. President Barack Obama could sign the bill within days.
Peanut Co. owner refuses to testify to Congress
The owner of a peanut company refused to testify to Congress on Wednesday amid the disclosure that he urged his workers to ship bacteria-tainted products, pleading with federal health officials that he should be able “turn the raw peanuts on the floor into money.“
Fired former lawmaker had porn on computer
A report released by state officials says a former state representative fired from his job at the Department of Juvenile Justice had pornography on his state computer.
Database: Banks Receiving TARP Funds
This database includes all banks (as of Feb. 9) that received funding under the federal government’s $700 billion rescue package of financial institutions, the Troubled Assets Relief Program or TARP.
Fla. may get less under new stimulus bill
WASHINGTON — Cash-strapped Florida could lose out on millions of dollars if Congress’ final version of a massive economic stimulus bill ends up reflecting the $838 billion Senate bill passed Tuesday, rather than one the House approved last week.
February 10, 2009
Republican Gov. Crist introduces Obama in Florida
After months of standing in front of crowds chanting “Drill, baby, drill,“ Gov. Charlie Crist stepped in front of a microphone Tuesday to shouts of “Yes We Can.“
Obama hails stimulus vote during Fla. visit
FORT MYERS — President Barack Obama hailed the Senate’s passage of a massive economic rescue plan on Tuesday but warned that there’s more work to do as lawmakers begin difficult talks on a final deal.
Putnam OK’s more privately funded trips than most lawmakers
WASHINGTON - GOP Rep. Adam Putnam approved more privately funded trips for congressional staffers last year than all but nine other members of 435-seat U.S. House or 100-seat Senate.
