2013 Taxpayer Independence Day
Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideSunday, April 21, is Florida Taxpayer Independence Day 2013, as estimated by Florida TaxWatch. On that day, Floridians are finally earning money for themselves–not for […]
Making Florida a Major Manufacturing State
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Research, TaxesEncouraging an increase in manufacturing would allow Florida to further diversify its economy and produce more high-wage jobs for Floridians. The Florida Legislature can help
Repeal of Insurance Premium Tax Credit Raises Concerns
Budget & Appropriations, Insurance, Research, TaxesRepealing an insurance premium tax credit that was designed to encourage insurance company jobs in Florida without fully assessing the impacts would be unwise, according
Session Spotlight: Proposed Changes to High School Graduation Requirements
Education, ResearchThis Session Spotlight looks at the three pathways being debated in the proposed legislation, and how each track can help students achieve their goals through
Now is the Time for a Centralized IT Governance Agency
ResearchA centralized agency with sufficient authority to set and implement enterprise-wide information technology is long overdue. Florida TaxWatch commends the Senate and the House for
Putting the Trust Back in Trust Funds
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesAccording to this Briefing, When the Legislature wants to sweep a trust fund, it should be required to introduce a separate general bill for each
Economic Commentary: Tampa Bay: Becoming an Export-Oriented Economy
Economic Development, ResearchThis Economic Commentary looks at the opportunities for increasing Tampa Bays export industry, and the new cooperative work the area is doing with The Brookings
Florida Should Proceed with Medicaid DRG Implementation
Budget & Appropriations, Health Care, Research, TaxesThe Florida Agency for Health Care Administration should continue with its planned July 1, 2013 implementation of a prospective payment plan for Medicaid hospital inpatients
Reforming Florida’s Claim Bill Process
Budget & Appropriations, Local Government, Research, TaxesFlorida’s claim bill process is in need of reform. This process—by which persons can petition the legislature for payment of tort claims against government—has received
Summary of the ARNP Scope of Practice Summit
Cost Savings, Health Care, ResearchThis summary of the Florida TaxWatch Center for Health & Aging ARNP Scope of Practice Summit recaps the presentations and panel discussion from the Summit,
Economic Commentary: The Disproportionate Effect of Sequestration on Florida
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideIf the “Sequester” kicks in on March 1, the immediate cuts to the budget authority are $85 billion, and the Congressional Budget Office has indicated
Legislature Should Reduce Florida’s Communications Services Tax
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Local Government, Research, TaxesThis Briefing looks at the history of the CST in Florida, compares Florida’s rates to other states, finding that Florida is the fourth-highest state in
Modernizing the FRS: Switching to a Defined Contribution Plan
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Retirement, TaxesDue primarily to its substantial and unpredictable long-term costs, the Florida TaxWatch Government Cost Saving Task Force has made recommendations to reform the current Florida
Looking at Florida’s Municipal Pensions
Local Government, ResearchSome Florida cities are taking meaningful steps towards reducing their pension liabilities, according to this Report, released by Florida TaxWatch, and the LeRoy Collins Institute,
Aligning Postsecondary Education with Modern Employment Needs in Florida
Economic Development, Education, ResearchTo address the steps that Florida has taken and should continue to take to match our graduates to the industries that need a workforce with
Report on 2012 Justice Summit
Corrections/Judicial, ResearchThis Report includes a recap of the 2012 Justice Summit in Florida, as well as three pre-meeting recaps from the run up to the Summit.
Budget Watch – Governor Scott’s Proposed Budget, FY 2013-14
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideThis Budget Watch looks at the details of the Governor’s $74.2 billion proposed budget for FY2013-14.
Economic Commentary – Florida’s 2012 Job Growth
Research, TaxesThis month’s Economic Commentary focuses on job growth in Florida during 2012. The analysis shows that Florida has continued its recovery from its most recent
Investing in Tourism: the Economic Impact of Expanding Florida Tourism
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Local Government, Research, Taxes, TourismThe economic modeling done in this Report, looking at the impact of investing more in Florida’s tourism industry, indicates that the Florida tourism industry reaching
Government Cost Savings Task Force Report for FY2013-14
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Economic Development, Education, Energy & Environment, Health Care, Insurance, Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide, TransportationContinuing a legacy that has resulted in the savings of at least $3.5 billion in Floridians’ hard-earned tax dollars over the last four years alone,
