[Washington, D.C.] Florida led the national conservative charge to strike down President Obama‘s signature Affordable Care Act and lost.

In what will be seen as a landmark decision and a potential presidential campaign game-changer, Thursday morning’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to uphold most of the health care law no doubt sent shock waves across this great nation.

Conservatives, who were primed for a victory lap, were stunned.

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States is simply disappointing,” said Florida Gov. Rick Scott. “The Justices have declared that the central provision of ObamaCare is a judicially mandated tax. A new tax pure and simple.”

“… The entire act should have been held invalid. … This is just another burden the federal government has put on American families and small businesses,” he added.

Surprisingly – or more accurately, tellingly – it was Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. who joined SCOTUS’s liberal justices in the majority opinion. Roberts may have finally proved that he is the only conservative on the court who is willing to put the law above politics.

The individual mandate – indeed the most contentious part of the health care law – survived. The only part that was struck down was the provision that allowed the government to withdraw existing Medicaid funding from those states that had decided to not participate in the expansion.

How confident were conservatives that they would win? At 10:10 this morning, Florida’s CFO (FLCFO) Jeff Atwater sent out a press release titled “Statement from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision to Strike Down the Health Care Individual Mandate.”

Illustration: DonkeyHotey. Photo: a2gemma

Chief Justice Roberts cast the deciding vote that upheld the health care law

Atwater most likely had the document prepared ahead of the decision – ready to boast that his side had won – as his press release beat some news organizations to my email INBOX. But the FLCFO’s side didn’t.

In fact, it was a brutal blow against practically everything they’ve said for more than two years.

Now Atwater’s words – knowing that they were to be used during the conservative victory dance – are an ode to what could have been.

“Today’s landmark ruling by the Supreme Court upholds two distinctly American principles outlined in our Constitution—individual freedom and limited government,” he said.

“I am proud of the role Florida has played in defending our Constitution, protecting the individual freedoms of the American people and affirming the limited role of government our founders designed,” he continued.

But then he took it all back two minutes later.

According to Atwater Press Secretary Anna A. Alexopoulos, “Initial reports from various media outlets stated the individual mandate was ruled unconstitutional. After reports came out stating otherwise, the statement was retracted.”

Yes, both CNN and FOX eagerly reported that the individual mandate had been struck down, both failing the read the ENTIRE decision first. Conservatives’ high-fiving quickly stopped as both realized their mistake rather quickly and changed the story.

Chaos ensued. Atwater was embarrassed.

Nonetheless, his updated statement focused on the tax issue, a big one for conservatives and one they will ride like Seabiscuit through November 2012.

Illustration: DonkeyHotey. Background photo: Carol M. Highsmith

Drawing conclusions: The Supreme Court of the United States

“I remain deeply troubled, however, that Congress and the Obama administration would use an issue of such importance to the American people to disguise their intentions to add further tax burdens on our fellow citizens,” said an updated Atwater.

“Pushing a tax and spend agenda through dissembling and subterfuge is fundamentally dishonest and should not be tolerated in a free and open society,” he said the second time.

Florida Attorney general (FLAG) Pam Bondi is surely taking this the hardest. She spent and endless amount of taxpayer-funded time and money fighting this thing tooth and nail after taking the reigns from her predecessor Bill McCollum.

“Today we defended Americans’ individual liberty by arguing that the federal government cannot force us to purchase private health insurance from cradle to grave,” Bondi boldly proclaimed in a statement released during oral arguments for the Affordable Care Act.

“The health care act’s individual mandate far exceeds the limited and enumerated powers that the Constitution grants the federal government.”

Oops. Now the FLAG flies at half mast.

Like Atwater, FLAG Bondi had expected the Supreme Court to overturn the health care law – she even planned what was to be a a victory speech sometime between noon-1 p.m. today.

Photo: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images. copyright 2012. all rights reserved

Gov. Scott reacts to the health care law ruling: “The entire act should have been held invalid”

Will she admit she was wrong? No. Will she say that the justices were wise? No. She will say that the justices got it wrong, and that the fight will continue.

Florida’s two Senators – one Republican, one Democrat – were unsurprisingly split on the health care law ruling.

“What’s important to remember is that what the Court rules on is whether something is constitutional or not, not whether it’s a good idea,” said U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).

“I hope that in the fall we will have a majority here that will not just repeal this law, but replace it with real solutions that will insure more people and cost a lot less money,” said Rubio, obviously unaware that his party hasn’t offered anything close to an alternative.

The senior Senator from Florida was more matter-of-fact than “I told you so.”

“A lot of us feel the health-care law wasn’t perfect, but it was needed,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL). “We passed legislation to prevent insurers from running roughshod over people. And today, the Supreme Court upheld most of these reforms.”

Full text on the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act below.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: Phil Roeder

Supreme Court Health Care Decision Text

health care law

[Tallahassee, FL] In his Weekly Radio Address delivered on Friday, Gov. Rick Scott talked up preparedness as Florida enters the 2012 hurricane season, which officially started  June 1.

“It is important that each Floridian and Florida business has an action plan,” said Scott. “We want to ensure that everyone is prepared in case a tropical system threatens Florida.”

Even though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a prediction that says it expects to see a “normal” number of storms form in the Atlantic this season two named storms have already caused hearty winds and rain in Florida.

They consider normal to be 9 to 15 tropical storms with 4 to 8 of those turning into hurricanes.

What everyone should be worried about is the prediction that between 1 and 3 storms could end up being the big scary deadly damaging type, with winds topping 111 mph or more.

“It takes one storm to come ashore, regardless of the intensity of the season, to create a disaster,” said Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deputy administrator for protection and national preparedness, Tim Manning, as reported by ABC News.

GOV. RICK SCOTT’S WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS (YES IT IS A VIDEO):

That’s why you should be prepared, so stock up on supplies and research evacuation routes.

The state agencies aren’t taking any chances.

“At the state level, our emergency managers are working to make sure we are prepared to provide a rapid and coordinated response in case of an emergency,” said Scott.

“With this year being the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, we have an especially poignant of reminder the importance of getting a plan to ensure our safety,” he said.

Be sure to visit the unfortunately named floridadisaster.org website to get schooled on disaster preparedness. The site also serves as a look-at-what-we’re-doing-for-you reminder from the Scott administration, so you can peep their progress.

Download the State of Florida’s 2012 Severe Weather Awareness Guide in PDF format here.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: floridadisaster.org

hurricane season

[Destin, FL] Ah, the flip flop. That easy to slip on and off, somewhat disgusting foot wear item that is best suited for the beach and quick about-towning. It certainly is iconic … and loud – that heel slapping sound, yuck.

But should it be the state shoe?

The folks behind the Tropical Smoothie Cafe think so. The Destin-based smoothies and fast food chain (300 stores nationwide!) have started a petition drive to convince Gov. Rick Scott to make the flip flop the official state shoe. Jimmy Buffett would be so proud.

Agreeing with any of this? The online petition is available here.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is very pro flip flop, so much so that the company started National Flip Flop Day, the sixth annual celebration of which is coming up on June 15 (third Friday of June, mark your calendars). More on this important “holiday” here.

Well, at least you can get a free smoothie out of it: Tropical Smoothie Cafe is giving away free 24-oz Jetty Punch Smoothies to those who show up at one of their locations between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

But you must be wearing flip flops, of course. Otherwise, if you didn’t just come from the beach (or your parent’s house, where you live), pay up.

By: Adam Rousso/Sunshine Slate

Image: JAIRO BD

Related reading:

Seismic Movement Alert (TPMCafé) The best technique for executing a political flip flop is to perform it so slowly that no single movement is particularly significant or dramatic. A series of barely perceptible shifts is usually enough to buffalo reporters and sneak it by distracted …

More responsibility than they realise (Fundweb blog) We flip flop about, but currently it’s all flop and no flip. The other big worry is the gilt market – gilts just keep on rallying. This is now a complete asymmetric nightmare. I cannot see any value here but, no doubt, they will continue to behave the …

Havaianas Celebrates 50 Years (This Is Fake DIY) Havaianas flip flops are celebrating 50 years this summer. The footwear – which launched in 1962 and was first made popular when the likes of Gisele Bunchen began wearing them – were developed following the company producing slip on sandals for the …

flip flop

[Orlando, FL] Democrats across the state were no doubt disappointed to learn on Tuesday afternoon that State Representative Scott Randolph (D-36/Orlando) has decided not to seek a fourth term.

The end result of this year’s redistricting played a big part in his decision.

“Three-fourths of the residents in the new state House district in which I reside are individuals I have not previously represented,” said Randolph through a statement.

Randolph will instead turn his focus on strengthening the Orange County Democratic Party for the upcoming 2012 election cycle (he is the chair). Randolph also indicated that he is running for the statewide office of Chair of the Florida Democratic Party in January 2013.

“The residents of Florida House District 36 in Central Florida have honored me with their trust and support,” said Randolph. “I have been truly privileged to fight for the beliefs of my neighbors … and to stand against the radical agenda of the current legislative leadership in Tallahassee.”

Randolph has been one of if not the most outspoken member of the opposition party during his six-year stint in state government.

“For six years, I fought back against a radical agenda that continues to shift the tax burden to the middle class, that has shrunk Florida’s commitment to spending on Florida’s students in public schools, and which has led an unrelenting attack on women and all of Florida’s families,” he said.

While Randolph’s vacancy leaves some big shoes to fill, he feels that the party has found a someone with a big enough political footprint: Former Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart.

“An excellent candidate has been recruited that I know will continue to fight back against Rick Scott’s agenda,” Randolph said of Chapin. “I proudly endorse Linda Stewart as the Democratic candidate in Florida House District 47.”

Randolph has also pledged to help Chapin’s election efforts.

“I am confident that she will stand against Rick Scott’s penchant for gutting public education and the rewarding of cronies with special-interest tax breaks and government contracts.
”

By: Adam Rousso/Sunshine Slate

Image: FL House

Scott Randolph

[Tallahassee, FL] Today is Memorial Day. But what does it mean beyond “support the troops” and “remember those who died fighting for our freedom”?

Memorial Day – a federal holiday – got its start after the American Civil War. It was originally called Decoration Day and was intended to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. The graves of Confederate soldiers were also decorated.

By the 20th century, Memorial Day had grown to become an all-encompassing holiday to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving their country in the United States Armed Forces. Many people visit cemeteries and attend memorials at national cemeteries.

Memorial Day also typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, with Labor Day marking the end.

Our leaders release official statements in observance of the holiday. While this ritual can seem a bit canned and even viewed as using the office as a platform for political gain, we’ll give our elected officials the benefit of the doubt.

Here is what they had to say:

VIDEO MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA:

Gov. Rick Scott

“This weekend Floridians throughout our state will remember the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have lost their lives while serving our country throughout our nation’s history.

As we come together with family and friends to honor our fallen military and veterans, let us also bring to mind the tremendous sacrifice they have made for our benefit.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces risk their lives to preserve our national independence and the unmatched freedom we enjoy as United States citizens. Our military defends our own democracy, as well as assists emerging democratic societies around the globe.

These opportunities for freedom are made possible only through the selfless sacrifice of our military.

To those currently serving in the Armed Forces and the Florida National Guard, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, Ann and I want to express our appreciation for your bravery and willingness to spend time away from your family and loved ones.

Know that we are praying for your safety and for your families here at home to receive the strength and support they need.”

Photo: eddiecoyote

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi

“As we spend this Memorial Day weekend enjoying time with family and friends, let us not forget that Memorial Day is about remembering and honoring the courageous men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we could enjoy our freedom.

While we enjoy this long holiday weekend, join me in taking time to remember those who dedicated their lives to military service and who died to keep our nation the greatest in the world.

If you see a man or woman in uniform, be sure to thank them for all that they do to protect us and our liberty.”

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio

“With American service members currently deployed all over the world,  it is important that we take the time both as a nation and personally, to reflect on the sacrifices that our military men and women make on a regular basis, and have been making since our founding.

America has been blessed with many riches, vast lands and precious resources, but our greatest blessing has been the bravery of our men and women who have served in uniform and defended the freedoms we hold dear.

Our country is truly a safer, stronger and more prosperous nation because of their sacrifices. And the world is a safer place because of them.”

Photo: U.S. Army Alaska

CFO Jeff Atwater

“Memorial Day, unfortunately, has become more about retail and parties than understanding the importance of remembrance and the solemn celebration it should be in our lives.

We may not think about the Civil War when we think about Memorial Day, although it would make perfect sense to do so.

The history of Memorial Day and how we honor our fallen heroes is rooted in a day from the Civil War called Decoration Day. In the late 1860s, northern Civil War veterans led by Gen. John A. Logan called for a day of remembrance:

‘The 30th of May is designated for the purpose … decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country … and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land …’

As you come together with family and friends, remember those who gave their lives throughout our history so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Remember the families missing a mother, father, sister, brother or friend, and wave your flag for them.

Decorate your home in the colors of our flag, and keep our fallen heroes and their families in your thoughts and prayers so the ideals and principles that America’s soldiers fight and die for are never forgotten.”

By: Adam Rousso/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: Just Add Light

Memorial Day

[New York, NY] Two groups are making a federal case out of Gov. Rick Scott‘s treatment of unemployed Florida residents seeking benefits.

Both the New York-based National Employment Law Project (NELP) and Florida Legal Services have filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor.

The complaint centers around the arduous testing and administrative hurdles that applicants face when seeking unemployment assistance from the state. The number of Floridians receiving benefits is the lowest in the country, despite higher than average unemployment numbers.

Florida Legal Services attorney Valory Greenfield said in a statement that, “Florida’s revised procedures make it just about as difficult as possible for unemployed workers to access unemployment insurance now.”

Gov. Scott believes he has done nothing wrong.

“Requiring jobless Floridians to take a skill assessment test is the right thing to do, not just for them, but also to ensure Florida’s tax dollars are spent on making sure our workforce is the most qualified in the nation,” Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz told The Huffington Post.

The U.S. Department of Labor is involved because it approved each individual change to unemployment assistance implemented by the Scott administration.

But the legal groups feel that the cumulative effects of the policy changes were never weighed and are now challenging their legality.

“States receive federal grants to administer their unemployment insurance programs,” said NELP senior attorney George Wentworth in a statement.

“One of the conditions for those grants is that they have procedures in place that facilitate the prompt payment of benefits to workers who meet basic eligibility criteria,” said Wentworth.

NELP feels that the Scott administration has made it far too difficult to obtain unemployment assistance in direct violation of federal rules.

“Florida’s new procedures force workers who already satisfy the basic eligibility requirements to jump through additional hoops in the form of complex online transactions,” Wentworth said. “Thousands of workers are being unfairly disqualified as a result.”

“We are asking the U.S. Department of Labor to investigate and find that Florida’s procedures are in violation of federal law,” he said.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Lance Turner/Latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

unemployment assistance

[Tampa, FL] A riot at a private prison that claimed the life of one officer and resulted in injuries to four staffers and an inmate should serve as a warning to the residents of Florida, says the bargaining representative for Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) officers.

Over the weekend, a nine-hour riot broke out at the 2,567 bed Adams County Correctional Center in Natchez, Mississippi. That facility – which houses adult male illegal immigrants for the Federal Bureau of Prisons – is operated by the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA).

Many Republican state lawmakers – lead by Gov. Rick Scott – have tried to privatize South Florida’s prisons, turning over care for the inmates to companies such as CCA and The GEO Group, based in Boca Raton.

While legislative efforts to privatize prisons in 18 counties failed last time out, ultimately dying in the Senate 21-19, Scott was talking after the close loss like he may go it alone, as reported by Sunshine Slate.

The head of the union that represents the state’s corrections officers says that instituting a private prison system is a bad idea, and he pointed to the riot in Mississippi as a what-could-happen-here example.

“Murder, hostage-taking, and injured prison employees is not the type of a correctional system that should be allowed to take hold in Florida,” said Ken Wood, International Vice President of the Teamsters and Acting President of Teamsters Local 2011.

“Regrettably, CCA has been in charge when similar violence erupted in Idaho and Vermont. The citizens of Florida should continue to let their elected officials know that prison privatization should not be an option in our state,” said Wood.

Sunshine Slate contacted CCA for a response to Wood’s comments.

“This group is trying to score political points at a time when we’re working very hard, in partnership with law enforcement, to fully investigate those responsible for instigating and participating in this tragic incident,” said Steven Owen, Senior Director of Public Affairs for CCA.

“Our company has a strong record of safety and security over our nearly 30-year history that is comparable to other systems,” said Owen. “We take very seriously the responsibility that comes with providing this critically important public service.”

Owen, speaking on behalf of the more than 17,000 people that work for CCA, categorized corrections work a “challenging field” and reminded Sunshine Slate that “no system – public or private – is immune to disturbances.”

“Difficult times like these are a sobering reminder to all of us of the incredible bravery and sacrifice that our colleagues undertake to do this job,” he said.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Vectorportal.com

private prison

[Kissimmee, FL] Late last week, Osceola County Clerk of Court Malcom Thompson was acquitted in a pair of cases that had caused Gov. Rick Scott to suspend him from duty.

The cases were workplace-related. He stood accused of assault and battery against members of his own staff.

Now, Thompson – who is running for re-election – can return to work and is eligible for reinstatement by Scott.

The only problem is that many who testified against Thompson still work at the clerk’s office.

Kim Hennecy, who took over the Clerk’s Office while Thompson’s case was resolved, told the Orlando Sentinel that despite the fact that she testified at the trial, that she doesn’t fear losing her job (Thompson has fired 22 people in his 4-year term in office, according to the Sentinel).

“I’ve told the staff don’t worry about me. I’ll be OK,” Hennecy said. “I’ve told them they will be as well. They will be fine. … The women of this office are some of the strongest individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

As previously reported by Sunshine Slate, Thompson, elected as the Osceola County Clerk of Court in 2008, was long considered a hero in Kissimmee. While a member of the Kissimmee Police Department he was shot in the head, neck and chest by a carjacker, whom he killed.

His deeds earned him 1998 Top Cop honors from the National Association of Police Organizations.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Osceola County

Related reading:

Osceola Clerk acquitted in workplace-violence case (Orlando Sentinel) Ousted Osceola Clerk of of Court Malcom Thompson during a hearing before Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. with pretrial motions …

Osceola Clerk Of Court Found Not Guilty (WESH Orlando) Malcom Thompson was charged with battery after an incident late in 2011. The jurors deliberated for less than an hour before reaching their decision. Thompson is accused of shoving his secretary in an argument over a Christmas card.

Malcom Thompson

[Tallahassee, FL] In keeping with his campaign promises, Gov. Rick Scott is relaxing regulations and firing regulators. And not everyone is happy about it.

The latest department to get the axe: Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). The OFR is the state’s financial services regulatory agency. It investigates reports of fraud in the mortgage, securities and banking industries.

It also handles professional licenses for the financial sector. And in the wake of the GIANT financial crisis the country, it would seem that the OFR is a good thing, something we need to stave off disasters and white-collar crooks in the future.

But now – thanks to Gov. Scott’s signature on the 2012-13 budget – the OFR has to do more with considerably less.

That’s right, at a time when federal caseloads are growing rapidly, Gov. Scott has reduced the OFR’s budget by $3.5 million and eliminated 81 jobs. The OFR will also close offices in Pensacola, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Fort Myers.

That leaves only 36 investigators for the entire state. And they didn’t have enough people on the job before the house cleaning operation.

The Office of Financial Regulation website clearly spells out its mission:

“Protecting the citizens of Florida by carrying out the banking, securities and financial laws of the state efficiently and effectively and providing regulation of business that promotes the sound growth and development of Florida’s economy.”

So, can that mission be carried out with a skeleton staff?

Not everyone thinks so. You know, like the sheriff’s office and the top government lawyer from one of the biggest counties in the state.

Business Journal previously reported that both the Broward State Attorney’s Office and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said that it will be harder to put fraudsters behind bears without the help of the OFR.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Office of Financial Regulation

[Miami, FL] Another one of Gov. Rick Scott‘s favored policies has been declared unconstitutional by a federal judge.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro ruled that random drug testing of state workers is unconstitutional, as was directed by Scott’s executive order. She did not mention those who have yet to be hired, which is still presumably, OK.

“To be reasonable under the Fourth Amendment, a search ordinarily must be based on individualized suspicion of wrongdoing,” Ungaro wrote.

The ruling also will, no doubt, put the kibosh on Scott’s other drug testing order he signed a few months back. That law requires agency heads to administer drug tests of both new and workers already hired.

Gov. Scott release a statement on the judge’s ruling later Thursday.

“As I have repeatedly explained, I believe that drug testing state employees is a common sense means of ensuring a safe, efficient and productive workforce.  That is why so many private employers drug test, and why the public and Florida’s taxpayers overwhelmingly support this policy,” he said.

“I respectfully disagree with the court’s ruling and will pursue the case on appeal,” said Scott.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: snre (School of Natural Resources)

Related reading:

Judge: Florida Gov.’s order unconstitutional (Tbo.com) A federal judge declared Gov. Rick Scott’s order requiring drug testing for some 85000 state workers unconstitutional Thursday, …

Judge Rules Fla. Order Is Unconstitutional (WESH Orlando) Rick Scott’s order requiring drug testing for state workers is unconstitutional. US District Judge Ursula Ungaro ruled Thursday that blanket testing of some 85000 workers violates the Fourth Amendment ban on unreasonable searches and seizures.

Federal judge throws out Scott’s order (Sun-Sentinel) Rick Scott requiring that state employees submit to random drug testing is unconstitutional, striking down one of Scott’s biggest campaign promises and setting the state for a future battle over a new law on drug testing.

drug testing

[Tallahassee, FL] When he signed the 2012-13 budget, Gov. Rick Scott used his veto power to nix four pages of expenditures from the bill.

Of course, not everyone is happy about what got cut. Topping the list: victims of rape.

That’s right, Gov. Scott vetoed the $1.5 million that was to go to the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) to support 30 rape crisis centers. And to make matters worse, Scott vetoed the council’s money halfway through “Sexual Assault Awareness Month.”

Yikes.

Executive Director of the FCASV, Jennifer Dritt, was blindsided by Scott’s pen stroke.

“We are disappointed,” Dritt said, as reported by The Florida Independent. “We are really surprised and frankly stunned — [and] are trying to figure out what the heck happened.”

For his part, Scott stands by his vetoes, saying that if he vetoed them, it was because they “weren’t a good use of taxpayers’ money and did not serve a statewide need.”

True, the entire state will not be raped at the same time. But still, not a good moment for a bad publicity stunt like this with the whole Republican party smarting from weeks of policy decisions and controversial new state laws that have been characterized as being anti-women.

Cutting funding to help rape victims is about as anti-women as you can get.

The Governor’s spokesman Lane Wright told The Huffington Post that, “This new funding of $1.5 million would have been duplicative, since, as a state, we already fund sexual violence programs. There was no information suggesting any needs in this area weren’t already being met.”

Dritt isn’t buying it. In fact, she straight up disputes what Wright and the Governor are saying.

“We showed them that these rape crisis centers have waiting lists. Survivors are having to wait … sometimes six weeks … three months to be seen,” said Dritt, speaking to The Huffington Post.

“We included quotes from the programs about the waiting lists and what services they weren’t able to offer because of a lack of money. There is clearly an unmet need,” she says.

On Wed., April 25, Gov. Rick Scott will participate in Crime Victims’ Rights Week at the Florida State Capitol.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

Rick Scott

[Tallahassee, FL] The drop in Florida’s unemployment rate in March was the largest such drop in 20 years.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity stats released Friday show that although Florida added 10,800 jobs, the state still suffers from a 9% unemployment rate, down o.4% from February figures.

“The largest monthly unemployment rate decline in 20 years is a milestone all Floridians can celebrate,” said Gov. Rick Scott. “This news comes on the heels of significant steps taken this week to make Florida the best state in the nation to do live and do business.”

By: Adam Rousso/Sunshine Slate

Image: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

Related reading:

Broward jobless lowest in four years (Sun-Sentinel) Broward County’s unemployment rate fell to 7.5 percent in March, the lowest level since December 2008, the state said Friday. Florida’s rate fell to 9 percent. The state added 10800 jobs in March, 1000 in Broward.

Scott Signs Bill to Establish Florida Poly as State’s 12th University (The Ledger) Rick Scott decided today. The governor has signed off on Senate Bill 1994, ending two weeks of anxious speculation about the future of the Lakeland polytechnic campus. The plan for the new university became law immediately, but the University of South …

Fla. Gov. signs off on new state university (Local 10) Rick Scott on Friday signed a bill that calls for transforming a current branch campus of the University of South Florida in Lakeland into a stand-alone university. The move would allow the university to become independent right away instead of meeting …

Pinellas’ jobless number falls to 8.6 percent (Tampa Bay Newspapers) The national unemployment rate for March is 8.4 percent and 8.7 percent in February. March 2011′s rate was 9.2 percent. “Florida’s unemployment rate is declining at a much faster rate than the national unemployment rate,” Gov. Rick Scott said Friday …

Fla. jobless number drops to 9 percent (Naples Daily News) Rick Scott, who has made jobs a central focus of his administration. Scott was elected on a promise of creating 700000 jobs over a seven-year period. He has asserted that his push to cut taxes and lure businesses to the state has been paying off.

unemployment rate

[Tallahassee, FL] Thursday, April 19 was Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) and Gov. Rick Scott sent out an official statement to mark the occasion. Scott toured Israel not too long ago, as reported by Sunshine Slate.

“Today we remember the millions of victims of the Holocaust and while many years have passed, our memory of all those who suffered will never weaken,” he said. “It is critical that we educate our children and future generations about the atrocities of the past and the importance of never forgetting acts of injustice. ”

But then he tried to get America and the troops in there somehow, which was a little awkward.

“On this day, we also recognize the great freedoms we all have in the United States and the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who risk their lives to ensure democracy prevails,” said Scott.

Uh. Not the time, Rick, not the time. You are going to insult your new Israeli friends. Get back on point.

“We must stand firm against all forms of hate, evil and violence, and Ann and I join all Floridians in reflecting on this day of remembrance,” finished Scott.

There, that’s better.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: FL Governor’s Office

Related reading:

Local woman on public safety task force (WZVN-TV) Stand your Ground is part of it,” said Governor Rick Scott. Scott says the crime rate in the state is at a 40-year low. Stand your ground was passed seven years ago. Since then, the number of justifiable homicide cases tripled in Florida.

Fla. to look at self-defense laws after killing (GoErie.com) Florida Gov. Rick Scott is putting together a 17-member task force to look at the state law that allows someone to defend themselves. Scott announced Thursday the group will begin its work in May. The task force was created in the wake …

Ceremony Honors 17th Anniversary of OKC Bombing (Citrus Daily) Rick Scott expressing their objections to the recent Medicaid Cost Shift Bill (House Bill 5301).

Rick Scott

[Weston, FL] The first possible challenger to Republican Gov. Rick Scott in 2014 has stepped forward.

State Senator and minority party leader Nan Rich (D-34/Weston) has thrown her hat into the ring as a contender for the state’s top job, according to media reports. The 70-year-old is well-respected, but unfortunately for Rich, experts feel that she will not make a very strong candidate.

And she’ll have to have sharp elbows – there will be a stampede to win the Democratic nomination as Scott’s popularity is still very low – like, the worst in the country low.

There are many high-profile names being bandied about as potentials, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (recently re-elected in a landslide), former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist (he would likely run as a Democrat), Alex Sink (she lost to Scott in 2012 by 1%) and Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith (really?).

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: FL Senate

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Senate Democratic Leader Plans To Challenge Gov. Rick Scott (NBC 6 Miami) Rich, 70, of Weston, said she will start traveling the state to raise her name recognition in the coming months and talk to voters about policies like education and health care. She will then most likely make a formal announcement …

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[Fruit Cove, FL] On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott signed the 2012-13 Florida budget, which included $1 billion “more” for education and $142.7 million in line-item vetoes.

But you’d think he signed an education bill the way he’s talking.

“Over the last year I have traveled the state to hear from Floridians what issues they care about most. That’s why this budget should be known as an education budget,” Gov. Scott said.

“The two issues that Floridians care most about are jobs and education, and the two go hand-in-hand since a good education is critical to getting a good job.”

The focus on education is a stark reversal to last year at this time when Scott signed a budget that chopped education by $1.3 billion, meaning that education in the state still hasn’t caught up under Scott, financially speaking.

His 2011-12 signature also came with $615 million in vetoes, more than four times the amount of this year’s I-don’t-think-sos.

Besides the massive cuts to education, the 2011-12 signing ceremony was mired in controversy as it was a private event held at The Villages in Sumter County, a hot spot of Tea Party and GOP support (for those who haven’t been paying attention, Scott is a Republican).

Photo: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

Florida budget signed: Gov. Rick Scott, with students from Evans High School on April 9

Florida’s Tea Party support for Scott helped him win by a slim margin over Democratic challenger Alex Sink.

“Signs that support the governor are allowed to stay, signs that don’t are told to leave?” said Bud Webber, 73, of Orlando, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg Times back then). “Come on. That’s ridiculous.”

Scott made sure that things would go a little more smoothly this year – the signing ceremony was held at Cunningham Creek Elementary School in Fruit Cove, in St. Johns County. It was a perfect opportunity for Scott to talk up the $1 billion in additional education funding in the 2012-13 state budget.

“Education is the key to Florida’s long-term prosperity, so we had to find a way to pass the critical increase in education funding in the budget,” Gov. Scott said.

Scott is really hammering home the education thing – probably a little too much, making his play for improved poll numbers extra-obvious. Also on Tuesday, Scott hold a ceremonial bill-signing ceremony at the Margaret K. Lewis School in Panama City.

And on Wednesday, he will Groundhog Day similar ceremonies at Tangelo Park Elementary School in Orlando and Rampello Downtown Partnership K-8 Magnet School in Tampa. At every signing he will be, no doubt, flanked by children.

Want to see the complete list of the 2012-13 vetoes? Click here. For more information on the 2012-13 budget, visit here.

By: Adam Rousso/Sunshine Slate

Image: Richard Ceaton (left), senior, talks with Gov. Rick Scott, in the Evans High School video lab, April 9, 2012. Scott joked that the students should learn how to do campaign ads. (photo: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images)

Florida budget

[Tampa, FL] Using the opportunity to emphasize Florida tourism, Gov. Rick Scott performed his eighth ‘Let’s Get to Work!’ Day on Friday at the Tampa International Airport.

His job duties this time? His early part of the day was spent answering phone calls at the airport’s communications center, “managing” the airport’s paging system and other security-related functions.

But he was really there to tout his policies and promote tourism, all while wearing a blue long sleeve button down emblazoned with the Florida seal.

“Tourism remains a top job creator and a leading driver of Florida’s rebounding economy,” said Gov. Scott. “Florida’s tourism success is directly linked to the people who work at our airports to help our visitors have a great travel experience.”

He did have lunch with airport employees, who gave him a friendly earful of ideas. After lunch, he manned Southwest Airlines‘ ticket counter and handled skycap duties, according to a press release from Scott’s office.

No word on whether he lost anyone’s luggage or how much in tips he pulled in.

“Working at the airport today helped me identify ways our tourism industry can grow,” said Scott. “Tampa International Airport and all of Florida’s tourism industry partners help make our state the top travel destination in the world.”

Here are some facts Scott wanted to share with everybody:

• Every 85 visitors to the Sunshine State create one Florida job
• 52.7% of Florida’s visitors arrive by plane
• Tourism generated $67.3 billion in direct economic impact to Florida in 2011 (up $4.5 billion from 2010)
• Florida’s airports account for more than $97 billion in annual economic activity
• air cargo shipments generate 36% of Florida’s international trade dollars
• Florida had 9.3 million overseas visitors last year
• Almost 1.5 million people from Brazil visited Florida last year (the top country of origin for overseas visitors)
• Tampa International Airport accounts for about 7,500 jobs
• Only California has more large airports than Florida

Floridians can suggest jobs for the Governor’s workdays by visiting www.FLGov.com or e-mailing Rick.Scott@eog.myflorida.com. Stay updated on the Governor’s ‘Let’s Get to Work’ Days by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

By: Adam Rousso/Sunshine Slate

Image: Gov.’s Office

Rick Scott

[Tallahassee, FL] The organization that represents the state’s 67 counties says that it plans to sue the state over a new law that a major financial analysis company says will seriously downgrade the municipalities’ borrowing power.

On Thursday, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) announced that it is looking into fighting a newly signed law that will force counties to shoulder the costs of the accounting mistakes within the Florida Medicaid system.

Before HB 5301 was signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott less than two weeks ago, it was derided by a coalition of Tea Party activists, local elected officials and tea party activistsas “the worst kind of body blow to taxpayers” and a “bureaucratic mess.”

“From the outset, we’ve said that local taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to pay for Tallahassee’s accounting errors,” said Chris Holley, Executive Director of FAC. “And to ensure that they are not, we will be pursuing legal action.”

The FAC promises to file a suit in the 2^nd Judicial Circuit in Leon County in the coming weeks. Already on board the litigation train are the counties of Seminole, Pasco, Polk, Manatee and Leon.

On Tuesday, Moody’s Investors Service released a report that backs up the FAC’s claim, saying that HB 5301 “has negative credit implications for Florida counties.”

It spells out the financial double whammy that the bill has set up for counties already hard hit in a down economy.

Photo: FAC

Florida Medicaid – FAC’s Chris Holley says legal action on its way

“Provisions in HB 5301 permit the state to withhold counties’ share of sales tax revenues to pay for current Medicaid costs, and also reduces counties’ share of general state revenue-funds over the next five years in order to pay for the state’s $325.5 backlog of Medicaid payables,” says the Moody’s report.

Previously, the counties would pay their Medicaid expenses out of their general funds. The complicated formula put the emphasis on the state to properly set billing rates based on a variety of factors. Well, due to what the counties call poor accounting by the state, the fund is now more than $325 million behind.

So to make that up, the Florida Legislature devised a plan that gives the state the power (starting in May) to withhold a county’s sales tax revenue share until their Medicaid payment has been made.

The problem lies in the counties – having traditionally had access to that money year round – will no longer be able to have those funds at their disposal.

“This procedural change weakens available revenue to service sales tax bonds and non-ad valorem obligations,” says the Moody’s report.

The FAC spells it out a little more directly.

“We appreciate the Governor’s promise to address these systemic Medicaid billing errors,” said Holley. “However, HB 5301 has made this multi-million dollar accounting mess the law of the land — a reality we are forced to confront in the courtroom on behalf of Florida’s communities and taxpayers.”

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Florida Medicaid

[Jacksonville, FL] After deciding not to take the case to a grand jury earlier this week, special prosecutor Angela Corey announced in Jacksonville late Wednesday that she has charged the man who fatally shot Trayvon Martin with second-degree murder.

Neighborhood watch-er George Zimmerman admitted that he shot and killed the 17-year-old Martin but was not initially charged with any crime as Sanford police and state attorney Norm Wolfinger were satisfied with his claim of self-defense under Florida’s “stand your ground” law.

But in the 45 days since the incident, national attention has put pressure on elected officials to step in and right a perceived injustice. Florida Gov. Rick Scott eventually appointed Corey to handle the case as Wolfinger had stepped aside. The Justice Dept. is also conducting an investigation.

After Corey’s announcement, Zimmerman turned himself in and was taken to the Seminole County jail. If convicted of second-degree murder, he faces a maximum of life in prison.

“This matter is now in the hands of the judicial system and I am confident justice will prevail,” said Gov. Scott through a statement released shortly after Corey’s announcement. “As the process continues, it is critical that we be patient and allow the proceedings to move forward in a fair and transparent manner.”

Photo: Trayvon Martin family

Trayvon Martin a few years before he was killed

“I thank State Attorney Angela Corey for her diligence in conducting a thorough investigation. We will all continue to look for answers to the Trayvon Martin tragedy,” said Scott.

Zimmerman’s actions had become erratic as of late. According to reports, his original legal team dropped him earlier in the week after Zimmerman made calls to Corey and to a member of the media, Sean Hannity of FOX News without consulting them first.

Zimmerman also set up a website to take donations for his defense, an uncommon move. But this is an uncommon case.

“On Sunday February 26^th, I was involved in a life altering event which led me to become the subject of intense media coverage. As a result of the incident and subsequent media coverage, I have been forced to leave my home, my school, my employer, my family and ultimately, my entire life,” says Zimmerman on the front page of his website.

“This website’s sole purpose is to ensure my supporters they are receiving my full attention without any intermediaries,” he says. “Any and all words of support and kindness will be read and appreciated, every attempt to reply to my supporters will be made personally.”

There is also a link to his PayPal account if you would like to donate.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Martin family

Trayvon Martin

[Tallahassee, FL] Now that Rick Santorum has bowed out of the Republican primary sweepstakes, GOPers already in office can throw their support toward Mitt Romney without fear of backing a late-in-the-game loser. It’s called political gamesmanship.

Enter Florida Governor Rick Scott who has heretofore been coy about his feelings on the best candidate for the job. But no more … sort of.

“Mitt Romney will be our party’s nominee and it is critical that all Republicans coalesce behind Governor Romney and focus on electing him as president so he can put the policies in place to create jobs, turn our economy around and get federal spending under control,” Scott said in a statement reported by various media outlets.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement … more of a statement of fact really. Gov. Scott did have kind words for Santorum, however.

“There is no question that Rick Santorum ran a hard fought campaign,” Scott said. “I commend his passion and his willingness to put the best interest of our party and nation first.”

By: Adam Rousso/Sunshine Slate

Image: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

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[Tallahassee, FL] A push continues at both the national and state level to get everyday Floridians to turn over lawbreakers to the proper authorities.

Armed (supposedly) with nothing more than a cell phone and good intentions, citizens of the Sunshine State are being asked to do help the police and investigators do their work.

Call them citizens on patrol.

That governmental nudge even points out there are rewards and official pats on the back for those who go above and beyond merely calling into an anonymous tip line. But is it really a good idea to create an army of overly suspicious suburbanites? Do we really want to live in a snitch state?

Whether driven by budget cuts or a desire to put the state’s criminals behind bars, these campaigns have been launched to get citizens more involved in fighting crime by cutting down the police work load. Catch a terrorist, win a prize! Report your neighbor to keep your taxes low!

In 2011, the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign was launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and promoted by Gov. Rick Scott. The campaign continues to resonate on many of the state’s official websites, albeit less prominently than when Gov. Scott said this:

“Today we encourage Floridians and visitors to stay aware and alert, and to contact authorities when you witness something you know is out of place,” Scott said at the program’s launch.

I wonder if Gov. Scott has ever really taken a good hard look at the people of Florida when he is out and about. Despite most people being being well-meaning, law-abiding citizens, good judgment seems to be in short supply these days. Racism and stupidity abound. We watch TV shows starring Kim Kardashian.

Photo: Gov.'s Office

Gov. Scott wants citizens on patrol “to stay aware and alert”

Can the average person really be called upon to decide if behavior is criminal or not? Scary thought isn’t it?

Nevertheless, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Communications Director Gretl Plessinger, the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign is still in full swing.

“In the month of March, we have 21 total billboards being displayed in cities like Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Ocala,” Plessinger told Sunshine Slate. “We have mall displays in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Tampa and Orlando.”

And that’s not all.

“In addition, the campaign is featured during major Florida sporting events like Daytona 500, NBA Finals and the Grand Prix,” she added. “Public Service announcements continue to run on radio and television stations,” said Plessinger. “We urge citizens to report suspicious behavior and situations.”

Aimed at getting people to do just that, ”If You See Something, Say Something” was originally created by the New York City Transportation Authority in 2002 and has since spread to several states and also gained the support of businesses like Wal-Mart and organizations including the NBA, NFL and the NCAA.

So how is it doing?

“As you know, citizens are urged to call local law enforcement or 1-855-FLA SAFE to report suspicious behavior,” offered Plessinger. “Since the campaign began, the FLA SAFE number is averaging 5 calls per week. Call volumes increase during sporting events.” (note: calls to local law enforcement are not tracked.)

Photo: DHS

Citizens on patrol: Still from one of the DHS’ commercials

Forget about the watchful eye of Big Brother, it is now your actual brother spying on you. And it is not just the DHS, FDLE or Gov. Scott who is asking Floridians to monitor the activity of others in the state. The state’s Chief Financial Officer is also getting into the act.

In his latest email, Florida CFO Jeff Atwater showboats the citizens on patrol efforts of three individuals who collectively received $25,000 in cash awards for providing information on those breaking the law.

While the announcement was made, the names of the individuals who turned in the criminals were kept secret for obvious reasons. While there weren’t any over-sized, cardboard Publishers Clearing House-style checks being handed out, that didn’t stop Atwater from praising the do-gooders for their personal sacrifice in bringing criminals to justice.

“These individuals had the courage to come forward and report suspected insurance fraud ultimately helping protect their fellow Floridians from this costly crime,” Atwater said. “Without their assistance these fraudsters would still be on the streets, stealing your hard-earned dollars,” said Atwater.

Yes, these mega-excellent citizens helped the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud uncover almost $560,000 in fraudulent insurance billings and, yes, they enabled the authorities to make 10 arrests. And yes, the state is better off for it.

And so are the bank accounts of the more than 40 citizens on patrol who have collectively pocketed $275,000 as part of the state’s Anti-Fraud Reward Program.

Photo: CFO

CFO Jeff Atwater rewarded his citizens on patrol with $275,000

But what is being downplayed in all of this is the potential for harm or even death when a citizen goes beyond merely making an anonymous phone call to report “an unattended backpack or someone trying to break into a secure area,” as suggested by Plessinger and the FDLE.

What if that citizen actually becomes physically involved in fighting crime.

What if, when you see some suspicious activity – you know, someone using a crowbar to pop open a door at the airport -  you call the police. But what if, when you call the police, you are standing right next to that someone’s partner in crime, and you just called in the cavalry on their little operation. Now your life is in danger.

People tend to take things too far, it is human nature for many. There are those who eat too much cake and others who drive too recklessly. Then there are those people that get way too involved in situations best left to the properly trained authorities who actually get paid to do that sort of thing.

For example, one citizen who earned a $10,000 cash award from Atwater’s office actually obtained audio and video evidence for investigators, going as far as “taking time from his job and personal life to assist fraud detectives.”

Noble? Indeed. Dangerous? Absolutely.

What if the citizen was caught trying to videotape the fraudsters? What if the fraudsters were part of an organized crime ring that wouldn’t think anything of killing anyone who got in their way? Is that worth your life? Is that worth $10,000? Is that worth saving 15% on your car insurance?

Photo: Michael Melchiorre

Citizens on patrol: Police work is dangerous business, leave it to the pros

There is one family that would easily have paid any amount for their daughter to not have agreed to help in a police investigation.

Rachel Hoffman was a 23-year-old graduate of Florida State University who was pressured into acting as a confidential informant after police found drugs in her apartment. Tragically, she was murdered in 2008 during a drug sting gone bad, leading to allegations that Tallahassee police acted negligently.

Yesterday, Gov. Scott signed a bill authorizing the City of Tallahassee to pay Hoffman’s parents $2.4 million for their loss.

OK, they found drugs in her apartment – does that mean that Hoffman had to now engage in an even riskier activity at the behest of the police, putting herself in harm’s way to do a little police work? She certainly wouldn’t do it again, that is, if she was still alive.

Would you want your family member working undercover, doing the job of the police knowing that his or her life could be on the line? Would you want every citizen nosing around, trying to find some dirt on you – real or imagined – to earn a reward from the state?

There is a reason that the “If See Something, Say Something” drew criticisms from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida, who said the program will inevitably result in profiling and spurious tips.

“These ‘turn in your neighbor’ programs produce unreliable information and are little more than a government sponsored invitation to view everyone as a potential criminal and act on racial and ethnic stereotypes,” said Howard Simon, the Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida, back in 2011.

I guess George Zimmerman didn’t get that memo before he shot Trayvon Martin in Sanford while on neighborhood watch patrol.

“Reporting suspicious behavior can be invaluable to law enforcement, but it’s the job of law enforcement officers or intelligence analysts to investigate and follow-up on leads,” Plessinger told Sunshine Slate. “Citizens should never take unnecessary risks or act in the role of law enforcement.”

Photo: DHS

An example of what citizens on patrol are supposed to look for

As the Trayvon Martin case has shown, citizens on patrol involved in crime fighting and police work can possibly lead to additional crimes and consequences even more serious than what the citizen’s original effort or involvement was meant to thwart. And all of that legal heat will fall on the citizen, not the state.

Mr. Zimmerman is now facing a huge legal bill and possible jail time for doing the work of the police.

After all, there are stark differences – both legally and societal – between a paid professional officer of the law and, say, your Uncle Bill living down the street keeping an eye on the neighborhood. One is reasonably trained, legally bound and knows the consequences of their actions.

Then there’s Uncle Bill – you know the type, every family has one – with his concealed weapon, always open container and well-known hatred for “Ricans,” “faggots” and “anyone who drives a Prius.” Do you want that guy – or one of the many thousands just like him in this state – deciding who looks suspicious?

Do we really want the George Zimmermans of this country making life and death decisions that reflect on all of us?

And as budgets continue to be slashed and the legal enforcers fewer, the state will continue to lean on its citizens on patrol to pick up the slack left by inadequate staffing of police, regulators and investigators. It is a road we are going down, and the less-government-is-better-types are at the wheel.

I say for a better and safer society, let’s stop this madness and pay a little extra in taxes if need be so that the police work is handled by the properly trained and legally authorized among us. Let’s pick up the ball and run with it, not fire the referee and get someone from out of the bleachers to finish calling the game.

You don’t want to give the whistle to Uncle Bill.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate. The News Service of Florida contributed to this story

Lead image: Michael Melchiorre

citizens on patrol