Tallahassee Observer

Lawmakers search for ways to balance the state budget.

State economist say the budget shortfall for next year may grow to more than 3 point 5 billion dollars.  That’s a billion dollars more than an earlier forecast. James Call reports a slow economic recovery is creating more demand for state services and may jeopardize Governor-elect  Rick Scott’s plan to cut taxes by 2 billion dollars.

The Legislature’s chief economist Amy Baker walked a senate committee through a series of numbers reflecting a weak economic recovery. Since the start of the fiscal year, tax collections have come in around 200 million dollars less than expected. The unemployment rate is near 12 percent and Florida has the second highest foreclosure rate in the nation.  Despite that grim picture, Baker told lawmakers there are signs the economy is growing, it may be small but there is growth.

Baker

After all this negative news its sounds like it’s all bad. But the truth of the matter is we are starting to show improvement year over year. It just not as strong as we hoped it would be at this point.

To hear the report click on recession aftershocks 

Governor Charlie Crist is closing the Tallahassee chapter of his career.  The one-term governor leaves office January 4^t and is dropping hints about going to work for a law firm.   

The Governor says he is pleased with what his administration was able to accomplish.   The steepest economic slump since the Great Depression forced Governor Charlie Crist to plan budget state budget cuts before he took the oath of office. This year’s spending plan is about three billion dollars smaller than the one Crist inherited four years ago. The governor worked with the Legislature to balance the budget by cutting spending, using federal stimulus money and hiking fees for drivers’ licenses and auto registration. 

I can only imagine the luxury of governing when money is flowing, it must have been nice for my predecessor to enjoy that, but there is great joy in trying to steer the ship in a consistent way and in a way that the most vulnerable don’t suffer, that school children don’t sacrifice their education, and I think we’ve done those things and protected our state under the most challenging of circumstances I’m pleased for the people for that.

 You can hear the entire report by clicking on Crist1203D

leaky septic tanks contribute to algae blooms in Florida waters

Panhandle Senator Don Gaetz is implementing a plan to get the Legislature to reconsider septic tank regulations. During a November special legislative session he sponsored a bill delaying inspecting the states more than 2 million septic tanks until July. However, when lawmakers meet in March,  Gaetz plans to get them to abolish the new regulation.   To hear the report click on Repeal

The number 2 ranked Buckeyes jumped out to a six point lead and then fought off persistent challenges by the Seminoles to escape Tallahassee with a win.

ACC/Big10 Challenge, Buckeyes beat 'Noles

OSU coach Thad Matta said FSU is one of the best defensive teams he has seen. You can hear Matta’s post game remarks by clicking on Thad Matta on FSU

FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said at this point in time OSU is the better team. Listen to Hamilton’s post game remarks by clicking on Hamilton