Broward lawmakers to tackle redistricting, gambling
Be at the heart of a key, heated debate that will play out in Tallahassee over the next two months: Should the state allow big-time casinos in South Florida?Leading the issue is Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale, one of the county delegation’s few Republicans. Along with Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, Bogdanoff is pushing to reshape gambling in Florida and allow up to three so-called “destination resort” casinos in Florida.
And Broward, the second-largest county in the state, will also be at the center of redistricting, the once-a-decade process of drawing new legislative districts to ensure each has an equal population.
Redistricting, also known as reapportionment, will force all Florida House and Senate members to be up for election this fall — a prospect that will make this year’s session more political than usual as every lawmaker casts votes with an eye on November.
Most of lawmakers’ time will be spent on redistricting and crafting a state budget. Florida faces a projected shortfall of $1.7 billion; Gov. Rick Scott has called for a $1 billion boost in public school spending, paid for in part by cutting state Medicaid payments to hospitals.
Education funding is of crucial importance to Broward, 1,100 teaching positions were slashed last year due to a $141 million budget shortfall. The governor’s proposal, however, would amount to little more than $100 of spending per student and shortchange Broward’s hospitals, said Sen. Nan Rich, a Weston Democrat and Senate minority leader.
“What bothers me the most is that his proposed budget pits one critical need against another,” Rich said.
For Broward Democrats in the minority, session has become an exercise in tweaking, slowing or stopping larger policy their party has little chance of significantly affecting. The delegation returned from Tallahassee last year with few victories, though among them was restoring budget funding for social services for children, the elderly and the developmentally disabled.
Coconut Creek Florida Teachers - News
and he did so in his recent stop at Coconut Creek High School. About 30 teachers, parents and concerned citizens spoke to Runcie about a wide range of issues, including not enough technology in classrooms, Florida's Comprehensive Assessment Test
The national DARE offices have revamped the program to include chapters on gang violence and prescription-drug abuse, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In Broward County, police in Margate, Hallandale Beach and Coconut Creek
"JA World Uncorked: Speakeasy" presented by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida will take place at 6:30 pm on Jan. 21 at the Huizenga Center at Broward College located in Coconut Creek. This Circle of Wise Women signature event will combine food, wine,
Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek, would allow Broward to prohibit gun owners from carrying guns into government buildings. The Legislature approved a law last year requiring cities and counties to repeal local rules limiting gun ownership.
After the fruit cake, jam cake, and coconut cake had been baked, it was time to find and cut a Christmas tree. Papa hitched up the wagon, and Mama, Sister, and I rode over to Mr. Holman Hemphill's place. Mr. Hemphill had some pretty cedar trees,