Florida Weekly Government Roundup: Merit Pay Forward, Budget Backwards
March 20, 2011
Once you’re over a billion, a couple hundred million more is barely noticeable.
Still, when you’re trying to erase a budget deficit that’s more than $3 billion, you’d prefer to have new numbers come along that make that smaller, getting you closer to your goal.
All in all, a bad week for budget balancers – which is everyone in the Legislature by constitutional mandate.
They must now erase a $3.75 billion deficit in the next six weeks, instead of $3.6 billion. Economic forecasters agreed late Friday that sales tax collections have remained slower than previously expected and that will leave the state with more than $100 million less in incoming tax dollars than lawmakers thought they would have when they started the session.
If the above sounds like the beginning of a question on the FCAT, perhaps that’s appropriate.
Some teachers this week may have wondered whether they may be able to forecast an increase in revenue in their household budget. Teachers with students who do well on standardized tests may soon be able to look forward to the prospect of a merit pay increase thanks to legislation that passed the House this week and went to Gov. Rick Scott.
Then again, they may not.
While the new law – Scott has said he will sign it – will allow districts to give merit pay raises for teachers whose students do well on tests, the change doesn’t come with any money to pay for those raises (see above paragraphs about the budget shortfall.)
The notion that nobody is really likely to get much of a raise anyway didn’t blunt complaints from many teachers or their union that the merit pay bill is unfair. Many said much about student performance is beyond their control, and their ability to make more money may now hinge on whether Johnny ate breakfast on test day, or whether Susie’s parents bothered to make her do her homework.
The merit pay bill was the high profile item of the week, in part because the measure has been so controversial the last two years, in part because it is a huge change in the way teachers are paid, ditching the tenure system in place for years – and in part because it was the first bill this year to go to Scott, the new governor, and the first he will sign.
The jobs governor – who came into office promising to focus on job creation almost at the expense of just about anything else – will likely not sign an economic development measure into law first, but rather a bill some teachers say may make them look for a job out of state. Scott and other backers of the legislation say that good teachers need not worry, only those who can’t find a way to make students learn, which is their job, will see their earning ability hampered.
Some may also see themselves forced out of teaching, as well. The bill also removes a job protection by allowing districts to hire on one year contracts. The bill also will do away with the last in, first out way of laying off teachers, which meant that eager, new teachers were the ones to go when schools have had to shed jobs.
BACK TO THE STATE BUDGET
While the teachers union would say lawmakers were hard on teachers this week, the Senate looked intent on going easier on schools than previously feared, and easier than Gov. Rick Scott would. The Senate spending proposal for education, as it emerged this week, would cut about 2.3 percent per student from its main school budget, which is far less than a more than 7 percent per student cut in early House plans and a roughly 10 percent cut proposed by Scott.
Sen. David Simmons, who writes the Senate’s PreK-12 budget called his plan “roughly level” and said it was a significant statement of the Senate’s belief in the importance of investing in education.
The Senate may be trying to ease the pain for the current users of the education system, but future users got a shock this week when another Senate committee proposed spiking the popular Florida Prepaid program that lets parents lock in tuition and pay it in advance. It’s far from a done-deal, but the idea of closing it to new enrollees was floated in the Senate Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee this week.
Doing so would have absolutely no impact on the budget and wouldn’t help lawmakers balance it, because the program gets no state dollars.
But Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, said the state would be on the hook should the program go into the red. There’s no indication that it might, but Lynn noted that the stock market hasn’t been doing very well of late.
“With assets exceeding liabilities every year since inception, the program continues to remain financially and actuarially strong with a funding ratio of 105 percent,” Prepaid program officials said in a statement.
Overall, the Higher Education budget isn’t spared the tough cuts facing other parts of the budget. Because of the ending of federal stimulus money, Lynn’s committee is looking to reduce the higher education spending plan by $320 million. A number of Florida high school students also count on the Bright Futures program that makes it easier for many to pay for college. Lawmakers said again this week they are looking to save money by making it harder to get that scholarship.
The governor ended this week as he says he spends much of every day – trying to drum up economic development to create jobs in the state. Scott left the country for his first “trade mission,” visiting the Central American nation of Panama. One of Scott’s bigger job-creating announcements so far was his earmarking of state money earlier this year for an expansion of the Port of Miami with plans to have it get calls from the larger ships that will now be sailing through the Panama Canal, which is being enlarged. Scott checked on that while in Panama this week, along with meeting with government officials there.
STORY OF THE WEEK: The Legislature passes and sends to Gov. Rick Scott his first bill, a measure tying teacher pay to student performance, which Scott says he’ll sign. Also this week, the size of the state’s budget shortfall grew as economists reduced their forecast for incoming revenue.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Just because a cat crawls into an oven and has a litter of kittens, you shouldn’t confuse the offspring with biscuits. Don’t confuse teaching with testing,” Rep. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, on the possibility that some teachers may improve students’ lives even if those students don’t do well on tests.
By David Royse
The News Service Florida
Featured Recipe: Bite-Size Bacon Wraps
March 20, 2011
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is Bite-Size Bacon Wraps. They may be tiny, but brown sugar and bacon packs a big taste.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Youth Bags First Turkey
March 20, 2011
David Donald took advantage of the Florida youth turkey hunting season last weekend and bagged his first turkey in Walnut Hill. He shot the bird at 16 steps with his 870 shotgun. The gobbler weighed 15.6 lbs, had 7/8″ spurs and two beards. One was 10″ and the other was 6″.
Pictured, David Donald, accompanied by his father Joey Donald, bagged his first turkey last weekend during the Florida youth turkey hunting season. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
U.S. Begins Attack On Libya, Gadhafi
March 19, 2011
American forces launched at least 112 cruise missiles Saturday against Libya’s air defenses, clearing European and other allied aircraft to enforce a no-fly zone to ground Qaddafi’s forces and cripple his ability to inflict further violence on rebels.
Coalition forces launched “Operation Odyssey Dawn” to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 to protect the Libyan people from the country’s ruler.
The goal of the military coalition is to prevent further attacks by regime forces on Libyan citizens, officials said, adding that the coalition also wants to degrade the ability of Moammar Gadhafi’s regime to resist a no-fly zone being implemented.
U.S. military forces are on the leading edge of the coalition operation, taking out Libya’s integrated air and missile defense system, Defense Department officials said. The ordnance is aimed at radars and anti-aircraft sites around the capital of Tripoli and other facilities along the Mediterranean coast.
Operation Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear aboard the command ship USS Mount Whitney. The Mount Whitney joins 24 other ships from Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom and France in launching the operation.
Cruise missiles from U.S. submarines and frigates began the attack on the anti-aircraft system. A senior defense official speaking on background said the attacks will “open up the environment so we could enforce the no-fly zone from east to west throughout Libya.”
In addition to the cruise missiles, the United States will provide command and control and logistics. American airmen and sailors also will launch electronic attacks against the systems.
The United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada already have announced that they are part of the coalition. Officials expect Arab countries will publicly announce their participation soon.
Pictured inset: Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, director of the Joint Staff, briefs the press Satirdau on “Operation New Dawn” at the Pentagon. Gortney announced that coalition forces launched the operation to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which protects the Libyan people from their ruler. U.S. Department of Defense photos, click to enlarge.
Volunteer Fireman Sentenced On Child Abuse Charge, Sex Charge Dropped
March 19, 2011
A former Century volunteer fireman entered into a plea agreement Friday on one count of child abuse, with the state dropping a charge of lewd and lascivious battery on a victim 12 to 15 years of age.
Dustin Ryan Burkett, 28, was arrested in September, 2010, in connection with a 2009 incident in which a 15-year old girl told deputies she had intercourse with Burkett at Lake Stone Campground in Century. The encounter, the victim told deputies, took place on or about March 28, 2009.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, Burkett was sentenced Friday to five years probation on a felony child abuse charge. He will not be required to register as a sex offender, but he will be required to attend counseling, the State Attorney’s Office said.
An unrelated misdemeanor case against Burkett is still pending for allegedly abandoning three dogs that were reported to be “rescued” by the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue in August, 2010.
Tate High Sexual Assault Suspect, 16, Ordered Held Until Trial
March 19, 2011
The 16-year old accused of the sexual assault of a another student at Tate High School will remain in custody until his trial next month.
Friday, Judge Ross Goodman ordered Raymond Eugene Teamer held by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice until his April 13 trial date. He is charged with felony sexual battery and indecent exposure. Teamer remains suspended from Tate and faces potential expulsion.
According to the arrest report, Teamer exposed his genitals to at least four people while attending a class at Tate High School on March 1. He is also accused of grabbing a 14-year-old female by the neck and forcing her head down into his bare crotch.
Former Molino Resident Dies In Walton County Crash
March 19, 2011
A former Molino resident died Friday in a single vehicle accident near Paxton in Walton County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Edward Floyd Thurston, Jr., 50, was westbound on a county road at 1:21 p.m. when he traveled into the path of an eastbound vehicle. When he swerved to avoid a collision, he struck a wooden trash can holder on the roadside with his 1994 Dodge 1500 and lost control. His truck partially overturned.
Thurston was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation by the FHP.
Lady Chiefs Beat Freeport; Doran Pitches No Hitter; Freeport Boys Down NHS
March 19, 2011
The Northview Lady Chiefs defeated Freeport Friday at Bratt.
Misty Doran pitched a seven inning no hitter for the Chiefs while allowing two walks and striking out four. She was also 1-2 at bat. Other Northview hitters were Shawna Montgomery 3-3 with a triple, Haley Simpson 1-2 with a triple, Sara Killam 1-3 and Kara Hardin 1-3.
Northview (7-7, 4-2) will host Flomaton on Tuesday, March 22. The JV will play at 4:00 and the varsity at 6:00.
BASEBALL
Freeport 2 Northview 0
The varsity boys Northview Chiefs lost a district game to Freeport on the road Friday, 2-0. The Chiefs will be in action again Tuesday on the road against Pensacola Christian.
Photo Gallery: Kids Celebrate Camp Fire’s 101st Birthday
March 19, 2011
The children at Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center celebrated Camp Fire’s 101st birthday Friday. The children made birthday hats and paraded around the center while singing “Happy Birthday”. They wrapped up the celebration with red, white and blue cupcakes.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Officials Urge Public To Burn With Caution And Care
March 19, 2011
Officials with Florida Division of Forestry’s Blackwater District are urging residents in Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties to use caution if they decide to burn yard waste in the near future.
While there currently are no burn bans in our area, some cities and municipalities prohibit outdoor burning or require a special permit. If you are not certain about burning in your area, check with the Division of Forestry office by calling (850) 957-6145 and listen to the requirements and restrictions when prompted.
Click the graphic to enlarge and see setback requirements for burning.
Some tips and requirements to keep in mind before you burn yard waste include:
- Legal burning hours are between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset.
- It is illegal to burn household garbage (including paper products), treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticide, paint and aerosol containers.
- Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter will require an authorization from the Division of Forestry.
- Clear down to bare, mineral soil around your pile to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Don’t burn on windy days.
- Never leave a fire unattended – even for a moment. One gust of wind can cause a fire to escape.
- Grass fires can spread quickly. Be prepared. Keep handy a water hose, shovel or other means to put out the fire.
- Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it – no smoke and no heat.
- If your fire escapes, call for help quickly. Several minutes may pass before a fire department or the Division of Forestry can arrive on scene.
- If your fire escapes, you might be held liable for the cost of suppression and damages to the property of others.
Minimum required setbacks to legally burn yard waste:
- 25 feet from any forested area (grasslands, brush or other wildlands).
- 25 feet from your home or other combustible structure.
- 50 feet from any paved or public roadway.
- 150 from any occupied dwelling other than your own home.