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House could signal Medicaid expansion decision Monday

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:49:59 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- A House panel debating the implementation of the Affordable Care Act could make a decision Monday as to whether the state should expand Medicaid.

"We’ll see how it presents itself with the membership," said state Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes.

The House and Senate are slated to have a joint meeting Monday morning where the state economists will present a comprehensive economic study on the expansion of Medicaid and the overall impact of the Affordable Care Act. The two committees are then going to hold separate meetings for committee discussion.

Corcoran, who is personally skeptical of a Medicaid expansion, said that he wants to give committee members time to debate, but if they are ready to make a recommendation, they will.

Frankel, Murphy, Garcia chide Congress for leaving town

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:30:20 GMT

It’s time for Congress to stay on the job and resolve this darn sequester, three South Florida newcomers declared on Thursday.

Lois Frankel

Rather than run out of town for a long weekend, Congress should be working out a budget deal to prevent an across-the-board set of budget cuts that starts on Friday, said U.S. Reps. Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach, Patrick Murphy of Jupiter and Joe Garcia of Miami.

“We want to roll up our sleeves, and everybody should roll up their sleeves and get to work,” said Frankel.

The Democratic freshmen acknowledged that the world won’t change much on Friday, or for the rest of this month, because of the budget cuts. But by next month, they said, the impact will filter down to the local level and throw thousands out of work.

Their press conference reflects attempts by Democrats to raise public alarms and force Republicans to make a budget deal to avert the sequester, which could include tax increases by removing deductions for the wealthy.

“It is not Armageddon. We are aware of that,” Murphy said. “But jobs will be lost.”

The message to the world, he said, is that “our government, our leadership, is dysfunctional right now. It is very frustrating to watch this happen.”

Weatherford: Me, run for governor?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:57:28 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- In classic politico two-step, House Speaker Will Weatherford deflected a question Thursday about whether he had interest in running for governor in 2014.

The Wesley Chapel Republican was asked about seeking the office at a Capitol press conference to announce a still unnamed, unavailable mobile app for the House.

Republican Gov. Rick Scott is facing an internal backlash from his party over his decision last week to support expanding Medicaid as part of President Barack Obama's health-care law. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam last week blasted Scott's decision, and Attorney General Pam Bondi has also tweeted that she has concerns.

But the Florida Legislature will have the final say in what happens when they write the budget, and Weatherford said in the same gaggle Thursday he was "extremely skeptical" of the proposal which could add another 1 million to the 3.3 million already covered under the program.

"I'm very skeptical that that inflexible law is going to help the citizens in the state of Florida."

Weatherford's comments didn't come off as a campaign ground-breaking like Putnam's press releases last week and awkward exchange with the Republican Party of Florida. But they were an opportunity to ask if he was eyeing the governor's race, as some bloggers have suggested.

"I think people who say these things must not know me very well. I'm busy enough trying to be the speaker of the House," Weatherford said, laughing. "I think the governor's doing a good job. ...I'm not thinking about any of that stuff right now. I'm thinking about the agenda we have for the next 60 days."

Asked again if he would rule it out, he said "I just said I don't have any plans to do anything like that. I think it's funny I'm being asked it. The governor's a friend. I think he's doing a good job. We agree on a whole lot more than we disagree on."

Thursday Morning Reads: Antipsychotic drugs, Everglades and Universal

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:42:01 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Thursday.

Here's what we're reading this morning.

* The Orlando Sentinel reports that Universal is laying out the red carpet for GOP lawmakers and lobbyists for some last minute check writing before the 2013 legislative session starts Tuesday.

* Foreclosure sales decline in Palm Beach County, the Sun-Sentinel writes.

* The Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald writes that Citizens Property Insurance released a list of internal complaints in an attempt to prove it handled problems at the company correctly.

* The Palm Beach Post reports that Department of Juvenile Justice is changing the way it uses anti psychotic drugs on juveniles.

* The Everglades Foundation is beefing up is lobbying efforts, the Florida Current reports.

Wednesday Morning Reads; Gambling dollars, Lois Frankel and Rick Scott's welfare drug test quest

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:50:14 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Wednesday.

Here's what we're reading this morning.

* The Orlando Sentinel reports that more than 200 people held vigil yesterday in memory of Trayvon Martin.

* The Sun-Sentinel reports that revenues at Indian casinos in Florida are up 5 percent.

* The Sun-Sentinel reports that the state lost its appeal on drug testing for welfare recipients, but Gov. Scott has promised to take it to the Supreme Court.

*The Palm Beach Post reports that national Democrats have tapped Palm Beach area congresswoman Lois Frankel to recruit female candidates.

* Citizens" Property Insurance CEO Barry Gilway wants to cut the insurer's costs further, he tells the Tampa Bay Times editorial board.

Appeals court says no to drug testing welfare recipients

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:26:42 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- An Atlanta appeals court has upheld a decision to stop enforcement of a Florida law to drug test welfare recipients leading Gov. Rick Scott to say he will appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 11th Circuit Appeals Court wrote in its opinion that the state had shown no special reason to conduct suspicionless drug testing, which other courts have held as a violation of search and seizure provisions in the U.S. Constitution.

"The only known and shared characteristic of the individuals who would be subjected to Florida’s mandatory drug testing program is that they are financially needy families with children," wrote Judge Rosemary Barkett, a former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice. "Yet, there is nothing inherent to the condition of being impoverished that supports the conclusion that there is a “concrete danger” that impoverished individuals are prone to drug use..”

The case was brought in September 2011 by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of University of Central Florida student Luis Lebron, who was told he could not receive welfare unless he took a drug test. He refused, and has maintained that he was not using drugs.

An Orlando-area federal judge ruled shortly after the suit was filed that the law was a potential violation of search and seizure provisions of the U.S. Constitutions and said the state must halt enforcement of it until a full trial can occur. That trial has now been postponed indefinitely given the appeals process.

“The court’s decision clearly states that the Fourth Amendment’s protection against being subjected to these kinds of invasive searches protects us all, including those of us who are struggling to make ends meet in this tough economy," said ACLU attorney Maria Kayanan. "The state of Florida can’t treat an entire segment of our community like suspected criminals simply because they are poor and are trying to get temporary assistance from the government to support their families.”

The decision is a blow to the Legislature and Scott, who made it part of his campaign platform three years ago. Scott and other Republicans had argued it would ensure that all welfare dollars were going to support legitimate family needs and not drugs.

Democrats and civil rights advocates countered that the move was unconstitutional and stereotyped welfare recipients.

Scott put out a statement almost immediately after the ruling was handed down saying the state would appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“The court’s ruling today is disturbing," he said. "Welfare is 100 percent about helping children. Welfare is taxpayer money to help people looking for jobs who have children. Drug use by anyone with children looking for a job is totally destructive. This is fundamentally about protecting the well being of Florida families. We will protect children and families in our state, and this decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court.”

Tuesday Morning Reads: Trayvon Martin, Pit bulls and Geo

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:31:30 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Tuesday.

Here's what we're reading this morning.

* The Orlando Sentinel looks back at the past year in the case of Trayovn Martin, who was shot and killed one year ago today.

* The New York Times reports that Miami-Dade lured an international sugar company to its region with state and local tax breaks only to have it declare bankruptcy and find out that the company's chairman is a convicted cocaine trafficker.

* The Sun-Sentinel reports that the county commission is slated to debate whether it should ban people from bringing pit bulls into the county.

* The Palm Beach Post reports that Florida Atlantic University has agreed to hold a public forum on their recent decision to accept millions from private prison giant Geo and in exchange, name their new stadium after the company.

* The Florida Current reports that sequestration cuts could close 20 Florida airports.

White House warns about budget cuts in Florida

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:38:53 GMT

While trying to blame Republicans, the White House predicts big losses of money and jobs in Florida because of budget cuts that will squeeze schools, work-study programs, Head Start, environmental protection, law enforcement and defense.

The automatic across-the-board "sequester" cuts start on Friday unless Congress and the White House overcome partisan differences over spending and taxes to agree on a better way to cut the budget.

“This is a bad time to impose drastic indiscriminate investment and spending cuts by our federal government that ,left unchecked, will strangle our country’s economic recovery and put our military preparedness in jeopardy,” U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, said on Monday.

She cited estimates that the sequester will cost 80,000 Floridians their jobs -- including teachers, scientists, and first responders -- result in 2,700 children in Florida losing access to Head Start, cause longer waits at airport security checkpoints, flight delays and multi-hour waits for travelers to clear Customs and border security.

Many Republicans say the White House and Democrats are exaggerating the impact and blame them for failing to show leadership.

Here’s the impact on Florida, according to the White House:

“Teachers and Schools: Florida will lose approximately $54.5 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 750 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 95,000 fewer students would be served and approximately130 fewer schools would receive funding.

“Education for Children with Disabilities: In addition, Florida will lose approximately $31.1 million in funds for about 380 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities.

“Work-Study Jobs: Around 6,250 fewer low income students in Florida would receive aid to help them finance the costs of college and around 1,700 fewer students will get work-study jobs that help them pay for college.

Former Senate Prez Haridopolos now lobbying, working for gambling company

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:49:14 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Add one more former legislator to the ranks of the lobbying corps.

Former Senate President Mike Haridopolos is now lobbying for a rail company called Railex LLC that has ties to rail giant CSX. He's also gone to work for a gambling company.

Haridopolos registered as an executive branch lobbyist for Railex effective January 16. He is also working for Stronach Group, the parent company of Hallandale Beach-based racino Gulfstream Park as an executive vice president. He is not listed as a lobbyist for them, however.

He's scheduled to address the Florida Gaming Congress next week in Hollywood, Fla., according to Spectrum Gaming Group, which puts on the conference.

Haridopolos' counterpart in the 2011-12 Legislature -- former House Speaker Dean Cannon -- set up his lobbying shop late last year. Each man is prohibited from lobbying his former legislative colleagues for the next two years, but they're free to lobby Gov. Rick Scott and executive agencies.

Stronach group fared well in the last session where Haridopolos and Cannon presided. The company proposed building a slaughterhouse in Marion County and were given a tax break worth $1.2 million per year.

Friday Morning Reads: Jeb, Cat fund and Rick Scott

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:11:41 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Friday to all of you.

Hope you are all looking forward to relaxing weekends.

Here's what we're reading this morning.

* The Sun Sentinel looks at Rick Scott's evolving political views with his most recent shift on Medicaid.

* Senate President Don Gaetz told the Orlando Sentinel that he wasn't sold on a House proposal that raises political contribution limits to $10,000.

* The Florida Current reports that the CAT fund provisions were stripped from the Citizens' bill yesterday.

* WFSU reports that sugar farmers are attacking an Everglades Foundation report on water pollution as flawed and misleading.

* We missed this yesterday. National Review reports that former Gov. Jeb Bush huddled with GOP lawmakers earlier this month during a visit to the capitol and counseled them not to expand Medicaid.

Dems pitch multi-state insurance compact

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:30:32 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Senate Democrats are asking Gov. Rick Scott to call on governors in other states to form a multi-state property insurance effort that they say would spread the risk and therefore reduce rates.

"Florida cannot do this alone," said Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith.

Smith, joined by Sens. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, and Jeff Clemens, D- Lake Worth, said that their general idea is that the compact could include Atlantic and Gulf States. But Scott would have to initiate it by reaching out to governors in those states and then, of course, legislative bodies in each state would have to ratify it.

Florida's risk for storm damage is higher than these other states though because of the miles of exposed coastline. So, even with a compact, Florida is likely to have to pay more.

Ring noted that lawmakers have been debating how to fix Florida's property insurance market for years, but had come up short. This proposal is an attempt to fix that, he said.

"I'm not convinced there is a comprehensive Florida solution to our property insurance crisis," he said.

House Democrats get more mandatory early voting in electons reform

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:54:03 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- House Democrats won a change to a sweeping election reform Thursday that ensures election supervisors will have to offer at least 64 hours of early voting.

Both the House and Senate are advancing similar elections reform bills designed to respond to the embarrassment of the 2012 elections.

The House Appropriations Committee unanimously passed its response Thursday (HB 7013) with the help of some Democratic tweaks designed to ease access to the polls.

As part of election changes made in 2011, election supervisors were limited to eight days of early voting and a maximum of 96 hours.

The elections bill designed to combat the long lines than plagued Florida's 2012 elections would allow 14 days of early voting again, or a maximum of 168 hours. But it also would have let supervisors host as few as 48 hours of early voting. The Democratic amendment, offered by Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee, moves the minimum back to 64 hours.

House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, has said he wanted bipartisan support for an elections bill that addresses problems exposed by the 2012 general election, in which lines stretched for seven hours or longer in some urban counties. Secretary of State Ken Detzner issued recommendations to add more days and locations for early voting and to impose word-limits on lawmakers' ballot questions.

The bill also limits ballot summaries to 75 words. It would expand early voting sites from just city halls, public libraries and election supervisor offices to include fairgrounds, civic centers, courthouses, county commission buildings, stadiums, and convention centers.

But Democrats are also pushing to undo other provisions of the 2011 Republican election reform that made it harder for people who move between counties to cast ballots. The law requires them to cast provisional ballots, which are later checked to ensure they are eligible to vote.

The ruling GOP said the tighter restrictions were needed to fight fraud. But Democrats argued Thursday the requirement was "a pandering to unfounded fear." They were rebuffed when they tried change the bill to let them cast traditional ballots.

"Local elections can be stolen by 100 votes, 50 votes," said Rep. Dennis Baxley, the Ocala Republican who sponsored the 2011 elections bill. "It may be a difficult issue to deal with, but provisional ballots are real votes if the person is eligible."

The amendment would have allowed voters with proof that they had recently moved to vote during early voting or on election day without casting a provisional ballot.

Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, also offered an amendment to use electronic ballots across the state that would help prevent fraud. It was defeated.

Democrats also lost a vote to require supervisors to have early voting on the Sunday before election day. The bill makes that optional.

Senate President wants confirmation hearing for Citizens' chief

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:54:51 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Senate President Don Gaetz said Thursday that he will ask the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee to schedule confirmation hearings for Citizens' Property Insurance chief executive Barry Gilway.

Gaetz, in a lengthy interview with the Sentinel/Sun-Sentinel, said that it was "hard to look the people of Florida in the eye and tell them Citizens' knows what it's doing."

Citizens' Property Insurance has come under intense scrutiny over the past few months due to excessive travel spending by executives, detailed in an Inspector General report. The Miami Herald also recently reported that executives saw hefty pay raises even while the insurance rates continued to grow for homeowners.

Gaetz said the Senate has the ability to hold confirmations on Gilway, though he does not believe it has done that with prior Citizens' presidents. He said he doesn't necessarily believe Gilway wouldn't be confirmed, but he wants the Senate to have the opportunity to make clear they have some concerns with the way the company is operating.

House D's lose fight over keeping $500 campaign limits

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:30:31 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- House Democrats had a lot to say yesterday about the chamber's campaign-finance reform, putting out a press release that pledged to offer an amendment restoring the bill's $10,000 cap back to the current $500 limit in law.

But in the House Appropriations Committee Thursday morning, they didn't ut up much of a fight. Quietly offering the amendment and have it shouted down on a voice vote by the Republican majority. The committee then passed the bill, 15-10, along party lines.

The full House is steaming toward passing the bill, HB 569, which would eliminate the stealthy funds called Committees of Continuous Existence, and also lift campaign-contribution limits from $500 to $10,000. The trade-off would be requiring those dollars be disclosed far more quickly – in weeks or days, instead of months. But political parties themselves would be exempted from the quicker disclosure.

After their amendments went down with no debate, the Democrats on the panel complained the bill would make it easier for big-money interests to influence elections.

'The end result will be the same game with a different name," said Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach. "We're not really addressing the volume of cash that is dumped into campaigns."

But Republican sponsor Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, told the Democrats on the panel that since the U.S. Supreme COurt had ruled campaign cash was "akin to free speech" and they would have to live with the results.

"We're going to have the greatest transparency here in the state of Florida," Schenck said.

Rep. Steve Precourt, R-Orlando, said sarcastically he was "puzzled" that Democrats wanted to "limit free speech" by keeping the current $500 caps.

"If we adopt that line of thinking, why have limits at all?" said Rep. Reggie Fullwood, D-Jacksonville.

Thursday Morning Reads: Medicaid, living wage, life insurance fraud

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:08:46 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Thursday.

Here's what we're reading this morning.

* The Sun-Sentinel has all the details on Gov. Scott's backing of a Medicaid expansion and the feds' conditional approval of the Medicaid managed care plan.

* The Orlando Sentinel reports that 1,500 kids in East Seminole could be headed to new schools.

* The Times/Herald writes that a committee voted to ban local living wage ordinances.

* The News Service of Florida reports that it cost the state $15 million more than projected to downsize the prison system.

* WFSU reports on the start of spring training and the economic impact it has on Florida.

Scott backs Medicaid expansion, but decision rests with Legislature

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:50:58 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Rick Scott announced Wednesday a proposed three-year expansion of Florida's Medicaid program – enrolling an additional one million poor and disabled Floridians beginning next year – after the Obama administration gave the state tentative approval to privatize Medicaid services.

Scott's announcement means the state will extend eligibility in the federal-state program to roughly one million single people and families earning up to 138 percent of poverty. The state plans to enroll almost all of them, along with the 3.3 million people currently being served by the program, in private HMOs or other doctor-operated networks.

"While the federal government is committed to paying 100 percent of the cost of new people in Medicaid, I cannot, in good conscience, deny the uninsured access to care," Scott said at a press conference. He added that the expansion would have to be renewed in three years.

Read the rest here.

State issues call for gambling study

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:27:37 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- The House and Senate formally issued a public request for interested companies to submit written proposals to the Legislature on their abilities to perform a comprehensive study on gambling in the state of Florida.

The Legislature is taking a two-year approach to the subject of gambling and will likely come out with a comprehensive bill next year dealing with the subjects of destination resorts, pari-mutuel casinos, the state's compact with the Seminole Tribe and Internet cafes. To prepare for that, they are asking companies to submit bids on who can best study the issue and answer a number of questions including the economic impact of the current state of gambling and any potential changes, the performance of each sector of the gambling industry and the social costs of gambling, specifically the crime rate and problems associated with gambling addiction.

"The situation demands a comprehensive critical assessment, which is the task President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford set for the Senate and House gaming committees," said Senate Gaming Chair Garrett Richter in a memo to the Senate.

The Senate would like the study to be completed by Oct. 1, 2013.

Obama administration OKs Medicaid managed care for Florida

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:54:19 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- The federal government gave Florida a preliminary OK to implement a controversial managed care Medicaid plan that would shift the majority of the Medicaid population into managed care plans run by HMOs or other doctor-operated networks.

"This is a great win for Florida, and it would not have been possible without the support of legislators who began the fight for this Medicaid flexibility many months ago," Gov. Rick Scott said. "Improving the coordination of care in Medicaid means we will be able to better-manage chronic conditions and give more preventative treatments to help keep Florida families healthy."

The state approved the change to the Medicaid plan in 2011, but because the federal government partly funds Medicaid, they had to approve the change. A few weeks ago, the federal government approved part of the plan dealing with senior care, but made no comment at the time indicating they would approve managed care for the broader Medicaid population.

The state must still submit more information including “data-driven achievable goals and strategies,” plans to monitor quality of care and evidence of public involvement in devising final plans. The Center said it was reviewing additional information recently submitted by the state.

Senate President Don Gaetz said he felt confident that the state would be able to meet those goals and implement the managed care program by 2014.

Gaetz: No state exchange legislation for now

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:52:34 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Senate President Don Gaetz said Wednesday that the Senate will not pursue legislation this spring to create a state-run health insurance exchange in the future.

"I appreciate the Committee’s thorough consideration of this important component of the federal law," Gaetz wrote in a memo to all senators. "Considering the extensive review and bipartisan consensus with which this recommendation was put forward, I intend to accept the recommendation of the Chair and Vice Chair. The Senate will not put forward legislation to create a state exchange during the 2013 Legislative Session."

The committee, chaired by Budget Chair Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, is still debating whether to expand Medicaid up to 138 percent of the poverty line, which would put about 1 million additional low income people into the state's Medicaid pool.

Negron and vice chair Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, wrote in a letter to Gaetz that they believed Florida should participate in the federal health care exchange for the time being and monitor other states' progress in creating exchanges before lawmakers consider a Florida exchange.

Report: Florida Medicaid expansion would create jobs

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:57:09 GMT

Florida would gain 71,000 jobs and $4.9 billion of federal benefits by 2016 if Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature agree to expand Medicaid next year, two advocacy groups concluded in a report released on Wednesday.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott

The flow of dollars would generate an $8.9-billion boost to the state economy, including construction of facilities and spinoff jobs indirectly related to health care, according to Families USA and Florida CHAIN.

Their report adds fuel to a heated debate in Tallahassee on whether to expand Medicaid to cover 1.8 million more low-income people who make up much of the state’s uninsured population.

Scott has resisted Medicaid expansion under the nation’s new health-care law, calling it a potential budget-buster sure to burden Florida taxpayers. He hopes that federal officials will approve a waiver that would allow the state to serve its Medicaid patients through “managed-care” provided by health maintenance organizations.

Wednesday’s report rebuts Scott’s contentions about the fiscal impact of expansion by claiming that it would boost the economy and support jobs, such as nursing and other health-care work.

The groups -- strong proponents of the new law and Medicaid expansion -- also contend that the flow of benefits would produce more sales tax and other revenue.

The report acknowledges that the state would pay some additional administrative costs and, after the first three years, a small share of the extra benefits. But it concludes that the state would gain far more than it loses.

“The benefits of the expansion will extend even further, from reductions in state spending on uncompensated care (for the uninsured) to improved financial health for state hospitals,” the report says.

“Whether Florida reaps the benefits of the Medicaid expansion or not is up to its political leaders.”

Wednesday Morning Reads: PIP, transportation projects and FAU-GEO

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:19:09 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Wednesday.

Here's what we're reading this morning.

* The Orlando Sentinel reports that pill mill doctors often avoid prison, while street level dealers are locked up.

* The Sun Sentinel writes that Florida Atlantic University will name its new stadium after private prison company Geo Group.

* WFSU reports that a House committee took small steps toward performance pay in higher ed yesterday.

* The Tampa Bay Times writes that Gov. Rick Scott wants a major boost in transportation spending.

* AP reports that some key lawmakers are frustrated that savings aren't coming faster with PIP.

Frankel to IRS: Stop tax-refund fraud

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:00:53 GMT

Alarmed by fresh evidence of tax-refund scams in South Florida, Congresswoman Lois Frankel on Tuesday demanded answers from the IRS about attempts to stop crooks from stealing Social Security numbers to file false tax returns.

Rep. Lois Frankel

In a letter to the IRS, the Democratic freshman from West Palm Beach cited an estimate from the National Taxpayer Advocate that refund fraud cases have increased by about 650 percent since 2008.

“Regrettably, South Florida appears to be the epicenter for this tax-fraud epidemic,” she wrote.

“I have already received three cases of Social Security identity theft, including one constituent who had his identity stolen three times and now cannot obtain a new Social Security Card,” added Frankel, who took office in January.

“At a time when Congress and the president are grappling with how to balance our federal budget, we simply cannot let these important tax revenues fall into the hands of criminals.

“To this end, I respectfully request an update on ways the IRS is combating refund fraud, including responses to the following questions:

• How is the IRS using the most advanced technology to help identify potentially fraudulent refund claims?

• Does the IRS employ inter-operable computer systems, so that all departments within the IRS can share the same data, flag potential problems and resolve conflicts in the most efficient timeframe possible?

• How is the IRS coordinating with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Justice, and other relevant federal agencies to combat refund fraud?

• In what ways is the IRS facilitating a single point of contact for victims of identity theft in the event that victims must interact with multiple units at the IRS?”

Senate panel tables domestic partnership vote

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:12:18 GMT

TALLAHASSEE -- A controversial domestic partnership bill was pulled from consideration by a Senate committee Tuesday after it became clear the measure did not have the votes to pass.

The measure attempts to create a statewide domestic partnership law, which would extend some of the rights of married couples such as inheritance and hospital visitation to unmarried couples. But many lawmakers felt the measure much broader than local domestic registries passed by several counties around the state including Orange, Broward and Sarasota, and therefore, constitutionally suspect.

Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, the sponsor of the legislation, SB 196, said the bill was not about offering a pathway to gay marriage given that the proposal would also benefit unmarried heterosexual couples.

But, she added later that members of the gay community were the only ones fighting for marriage.

"They’re fighting to get married," she said. "Most people I know are getting divorced, two or three times. And then some are deciding they don’t’ want to get married at all."

Many of the local ordinances specifically lay out rights for people participating in a county domestic registry. Sobel's version was broader, and would allow any rights of a spouse under Florida law apply to a partner.

But, unlike marriage, the partnership would not be recognized in other states.

Sobel said she would table the bill for now and try to redraw it more narrowly so it can be considered again by the Senate Committee of Children, Families and Elder Affairs.

PAC reports a big run on Rubio water bottles

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:49:54 GMT

Sales are brisk for the Marco Rubio PAC’s special line of water bottles.

More than 5,000 have moved in the last five days in exchange for more than $150,000 of donations to Rubio’s Reclaim America Political Action Committee, a PAC spokesman reported on Tuesday.

The bottle promotion is designed to raise money, tweak Rubio critics and help the Florida senator laugh off his awkward moment amid the State of the Union response last week when he reached off camera for a water bottle.

The jokes via twitter – and a wave of responses from Rubio defenders – did not necessarily divide along party or ideological lines. But Reclaim America perceived it as a conspiracy of liberal naysayers looking for a way to distract from the senator’s message about government spending, debt and taxes.

Rubio took part in the explosion of twitter exchanges with a humorous tweet depicting the Poland Spring bottle and labeling it the Republican response.

The version up for sale – or rather, offered for a donation of $25 or more – is a reusable bottle with his name on it.

“Don't get angry at the liberals who want to bury what Marco said. Laugh at them,” Reclaim America said while promoting the fundraiser.

Apparently 5,000-plus Rubio fans took them up on it.