Florida TaxWatch has released its 2024 Voter Guide for the six constitutional amendments appearing on Florida's November general election ballot. The guide provides an independent analysis and voting recommendations for these proposed amendments.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has filed an emergency motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, seeking to extend the voter registration deadline. This action comes as Floridians deal with consecutive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which have disrupted essential services during the final days of voter registration.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a prediction that Hurricane Milton will escalate to a Category 5 storm before reaching the Gulf Coast near Tampa. This development marks the second significant hurricane event in Florida within two weeks.
Florida TaxWatch recently held a ceremony in Tallahassee to announce the winners of the 2024 Government Productivity Awards. This program aims to recognize state employees whose innovative efforts have enhanced state services, increased productivity, and saved money for Florida taxpayers. Over three decades, more than 16,000 nominations have been submitted, with these employees credited for saving or maximizing nearly $10 billion in state funds.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its endorsement of Mike Haridopolos for election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 8th Congressional District. The NFIB, recognized as a leading advocate for small businesses in the United States, highlighted Haridopolos' history of supporting policies beneficial to small businesses during his tenure in the Florida legislature.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its endorsement of Representative Laurel Lee for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 15th Congressional District. This endorsement highlights Rep. Lee's support for small businesses during her tenure in Congress.
State Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Dean Black have announced the date for the Nassau Legislative Delegation meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will take place in the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners Chamber at the James Page Government Complex in Yulee, Florida.
Hurricane Helene made landfall last week as a major hurricane, resulting in power outages and flooding in the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, and FEMA activated the State Emergency Operations Center.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has released a report detailing the financial and social costs of incarcerating Black children in Florida. According to Delvin Davis, senior policy analyst at SPLC and the report’s author, "The legal system in Florida fails Black youth, trapping them in cycles of trauma and punishment, and at great expense to state taxpayers-$130,520 per child." Davis advocates for a shift from punitive measures to community-based alternatives and policy reforms that would protect future generations.
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 Florida counties on September 23, 2024, ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine making landfall. The cyclone, expected to become Hurricane Helene, could bring serious damage, and small business owners are advised to prepare.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch has released its second economic commentary in a new quarterly series, titled "Florida Economic Forecast: 2023-2028 / Q2 2024." The data for these forecasts is provided through a partnership with the Regional Economic Consulting Group (REC Group), which conducts economic studies to guide business leaders and policymakers.
On Tuesday, the Federal Reserve announced a 0.50 percentage point interest rate cut, its first reduction since March 2020. This cut aligns with the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2024 economic forecast, which projected a rate cut in the second half of 2024. This larger-than-expected cut, surpassing the 0.25 percentage point drop forecasted by many economists, reflects the Fed’s determination to prevent the U.S. economy from slowing down amid rising concerns over a softening job market. The cut is expected to lead to lower borrowing costs for both businesses and consumers,...
Today, Senator Rand Paul and Representative Kat Cammack reintroduced the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act in the 118th United States Congress.
TALLAHASSEE – After nearly eight years at The James Madison Institute, Logan Padgett has been promoted to Senior Vice President. The staff and Board of Directors congratulated her on this advancement.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has announced its third round of legislative endorsements for the 2024 elections. These candidates were selected after a comprehensive vetting process conducted by the Florida Chamber Political Institute, which involved interviews with over 100 candidates across five cities over six weeks. More than 80 business organizations participated in this process.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch has released a report titled "From Roads to Roots: A Review of Florida’s Highway Landscape Spending," advocating for the establishment of an upper limit on landscape spending by the legislature. The report acknowledges the value of highway landscaping and suggests that policies should be implemented to better protect investments in this area.
Brad Close, President of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), recently appeared on WCCF-AM 1580 in Fort Myers to discuss the importance of making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent. He emphasized that Congress should act to prevent an impending tax hike on Florida's small businesses.
The motion, filed on behalf of Jason Baez, challenges a $547,850 lien by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). The lien was instituted in July 2024 after Baez settled a lawsuit against FDC officers who beat him so severely that he lost an eye. If allowed to stand, FDC would take back the money it paid to settle the lawsuit, leaving Baez with debt and a lifelong disability when he is released from prison.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch has released a commentary titled "Florida’s Water Supply: Could Florida Experience a Significant Water Supply Shortage by 2025?" According to a June 2024 report from the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR), Florida may face a water supply shortage as early as next year, with increasing severity projected through 2040.
OSHA has introduced a proposed rule titled “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings.” This rule seeks to establish consistent, nationwide standards to protect workers from the dangers of excessive heat. It addresses a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, and local government. For businesses in Florida, understanding this rule is crucial because it outlines specific requirements that may directly impact daily operations.