State lawmakers are pushing a bill requiring coral-colored license plates for people whose driving privileges are restricted after DUI convictions. Some of the bill’s opponents say the plates create civil rights issues. Tell us what you think.
Imagine someone hands you a big pile of money.
What would you do with it? Throw a party or feed the poor? Help your family and friends or put a down payment on a new house? A little of all the above, maybe?
This year, Florida has $5.8 billion more in its budget than it did last year, and it’s all yours. It comes from new tax revenues, soaring property values and a robust economy, plus built up savings from each of the last five years.
You can’t spend it, of course. It’s all under the control of Gov. Jeb Bush and state lawmakers. And they have lots of ideas about what to do with it as they head to Tallahassee for the opening Tuesday of the 2006 session of the Florida Legislature.
They will consider a $70 billion budget proposal from the governor that includes the unprecedented surplus - projected revenues that exceed projected expenses.
Some want to use the extra dough for tax cuts while others say it should go towards school construction. There are health care needs, and people still struggling to recover from hurricane damage. Some suggest the unthinkable for politics - save it for a rainy day or pay off debts.
The $5.8 billion has inspired a free-for-all. Everyone at the Capitol wants a piece of this juicy pie, and before you know it only crumbs will be left.
How do you want them to spend it?
A Clearwater High School junior urinated in a trash can during his English class after his teacher, Lesley Campbell, denied his request to use the restroom. Campbell has been recommended for a 10-day suspension without pay by Clayton Wilcox, superintendent of Pinellas County schools.
The school district claims Campbell violated its policy that prohibits a teacher from making inappropriate remarks to a student or “exposing a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.” Do you agree with the suspension? Tell us what you think.
Imagine someone hands you a big pile of money.
What would you do with it? Throw a party or feed the poor? Help your family and friends or buy a new house? A little of all the above, maybe?
There is a lot of extra money in Florida this year, $5.8 billion, and it’s all yours – from new tax revenues, soaring property values and a robust economy.
You can’t spend it, of course. It’s all under the control of Gov. Jeb Bush and state lawmakers. And they have lots of ideas about what to do with it as they head to Tallahassee for the opening Tuesday of the 2006 session of the Florida Legislature.
They will consider a $70 billion budget proposal from the governor that includes the unprecedented surplus – projected revenues that exceed projected expenses.
Some want to use a big chunk of the extra dough for tax cuts while others say it should go towards school construction. There are health care needs, and people still struggling to recover from hurricane damage. Some suggest the unthinkable for politicians, who trade on the favors they dole out - save it for a rainy day or pay off debts.
The $5.8 billion has inspired a bit of a free-for-all. Everyone at the Capitol wants a piece of this juicy pie, and before you know it only crumbs will be left.
How do you want them to spend it?
A recent poll found that nearly three out of four U.S. troops serving in Iraq think U.S. forces should withdraw within a year, and more than one in four say the United States should leave immediately. Is it time to get out or do you agree with President Bush’s call for troops to stay “as long as they are needed”? Tell us what you think.
Mardi Gras parties in New Orleans are under way some six months after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Should New Orleans be celebrating? Tell us what you think.
Tampa City Council voted to endorse a deal that would put the new Tampa Museum of Art in the cube and cylindrical buildings at 400 N. Ashley Drive. Is this a good location for the museum? Do you have an alternative? Tell us what you think.
The death of Martin Lee Anderson at a Bay County boot camp for juvenile offenders is currently under investigation. What are your thoughts on Florida’s boot camps? Is it time to shut the camps down or are they serving a valued purpose?
What should the city name in honor of former Mayor Dick Greco?
What about the Greco streetcar line? Or renaming Centro Ybor? Or the Riverwalk?
Vice President Dick Cheney has been criticized for delaying the disclosure of shooting a hunting companion. He took full blame for the shooting but was unapologetic about not disclosing the accident. Did he have a responsibility to report the shooting? Tell us what you think.
Publix Super Markets’ plan to offer walk-in medical clinics at selected stores. Do you think this is a good service? Would you take advantage of this? Tell us what you think.
Hillsborough County commissioners have decided to put a nonbinding referendum on the November ballot asking voters whether nudity should be banned from adult businesses in the county. Is this necessary or a waste of time? Tell us what you think.
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