State

DeSantis wants to restrict politically motivated investment policies

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the Legislature to restrict politically motivated banking and investment policies with taxpayer funds and protect Floridians from discrimination from the banking industry in the upcoming session.

State lawmakers strip Disney's special status

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — The Florida Legislature concluded its special session on Friday, passing bills regarding Disney’s autonomy, transport of foreign nationals and election fraud.

Special Wed, 02/15/2023 - 18:00

DeSantis seeks tax relief in proposed $114B budget

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Tallahassee Wednesday to discuss his "Framework for Freedom" budget.

DeSantis’ proposed $114.8 billion budget contains some tax relief measures as the economy in the Sunshine State has performed far better than other states. Last year the state surplus was over $20 billion, and DeSantis stated that this money needs to go back to the people.

Gov. DeSantis announces sweeping reforms that include 'Teacher Bill of Rights'

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Jacksonville on Monday to propose sweeping changes to education, including a Teacher's Bill of Rights which will empower educators to be leaders in their classrooms.

In the proposed legislation, teachers will have their paychecks protected, while $1 billion will go towards teacher pay increases. School board members will have a maximum term of eight years, instead of twelve.

Audit finds Palm Bay has fixed all but eight out of 31 problem areas from 2020 report

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — A follow-up audit for the city of Palm Bay by the Florida Auditor General found the city of Palm Bay has corrected all but eight of the 31 issues found in the 2020 report.

Palm Bay City Manager Suzanna Sherman responded to the Auditor General and detailed the findings that needed to be addressed, but had not yet been fully corrected.

Amtrak has big increase in ridership but still not back to pre-pandemic levels

By Tom Gantert | The Center Square

(The Center Square) - Amtrak saw a big increase in ridership in fiscal year 2022 but is still at 72% of its peak pre-pandemic levels, according to data the transit company released.

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation – Amtrak's official name – is still not close to full recovery in ticket sales and food and beverage revenue.

Florida could lower abortion ban from 15 weeks to 12 weeks

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) – Changes could be coming to Florida’s abortion laws after the incoming senate president, Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, said she would like to see Florida’s abortion ban go from 15 weeks’ gestation to 12 weeks’ gestation.