Tuesday, April 28, 2009

News of Interest

  • Republican House passes 70-43 allowing off-shore drilling between 3 and 10.5 miles off coast. Gov. Crist expected to sign
  • Airport workers will be protected from criminal charges if they harm or kill birds on runways
  • Florida universities allowed to raise tuition 15% a year until costs reach national average
  • 5% property assessment cap on business owners and part-time residents. (It’s about time!)
  • Crist signs Bill striking the word “shylock” from State Statutes. The reason? Discrimination towards Jews. (The most absurd--the word has been around since the days of Christ)
  • Blacks with 4 year degree earn 78% of salary compared to Whites but women earn 60% compared to men
  • Gays gain more power as Iowa becomes 3rd state to allow gay marriage
  • Lake Worth’s property values decreased by 14.2%. (Look for tax rates and taxable property values to increase while City throws more costs onto ad valorem bill. Fire there next)
  • Rain is 69% below average drawing more attention to our precarious water supply
  • Florida Legislature refuses to move Bill to expand unemployment benefits in order to accept $444 million in Federal Stimulus