What Is Today’s Republican Party?
As a lifelong Republican, it pains me to see what’s become of my party. There’s a lot of angst. Some Republicans unhappy with the drastic veer to the right have left the party—while others...
read moreAdvice to New Legislators: Put Constituents First...
It’s a tremendous honor to be elected by thousands of voters and entrusted to represent them in every aspect of state government. After being elected in 1996, I remember walking into the state Capitol...
read moreGovernor Scott Is Not Having a Good Legislative Session...
As the Florida legislative session is nearing its end, it’s looking like Gov. Rick Scott is not getting much of what he wanted. Of course, all that could change. The final days of session...
read moreStop the Madness of Suspending Drivers’ Licenses for Non-Driving Offenses...
Are you driving in Florida with a suspended driver’s license? No? Are you sure? Many Florida drivers have no idea their license is suspended. Drivers’ licenses are suspended for reasons far beyond having a...
read moreParents Lack Meaningful Say In Child’s Education...
Parents of students in Florida’s public schools are frustrated and feel like their voices aren’t being heard. They’re frustrated with high-stakes testing. They’re frustrated with the adoption of Common Core standards. They’re frustrated with...
read moreTimeout Needed On Testing In Florida’s Public Schools...
The results are in and the conclusion is — well, it’s confusing. The long-awaited validity study of Florida Standard Assessment tests, as requested by the Legislature, has been released. And the conclusions are clear...
read morePolitics Over Policy At Water Management District...
One of the perks of being governor is appointing thousands of individuals to various boards, commissions, authorities and committees. While most of these are unpaid positions, they do carry prestige and the ability to...
read moreA Dismal and Embarrassing Failure
They came, they wrangled, and they adjourned — without congressional maps. The Florida Supreme Court gave the state Legislature the opportunity to try for the third time to draw congressional districts in a manner...
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