Around the state

Black Caucus airs concerns

TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Legislature's Black Caucus on Tuesday raised a chorus of concern with Gov. Jeb Bush over his proposed budget cuts and mandatory tests that may keep some children from graduating from high school.

Fifteen of the 23 black lawmakers joined the governor for a cordial but tense lunch that included the suggestion that he is trying to balance the budget on the backs of the state's most vulnerable people.

"We can't meet the needs of the state without additional revenue," said Sen. Les Miller, a Tampa Democrat and chairman of the caucus. "We're not saying raise taxes, but we've got to look at tax exemptions and other proposals."

Rep. Frank Peterman, D-St. Petersburg, questioned proposed cuts in juvenile justice programs that help prevent youthful offenders from becoming hardened criminals.

Bush said a remedial program is in the works to help high school students graduate if they fail the FCAT.

Lois Frankel wins mayoral election

WEST PALM BEACH -- Former House Democratic leader Lois Frankel ousted the incumbent in Tuesday's mayoral election.

Frankel beat Mayor Joel Daves, a former county prosecutor and state representative. With all precincts reporting, Frankel had 6,803 votes, or 55.7 percent, against Daves' 4,625 votes, or 37.8 percent, the Palm Beach Post reported in today's editions.

Expanded tax credit sought

TALLAHASSEE -- Legislative leaders from both the Senate and the House said Tuesday they want to expand a $50-million tax credit program for businesses that fund scholarships to private schools.

The proposal by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, would raise the cap on the program from $50-million to $75-million.

50-million reasons to dream

MIAMI -- People lined up at grocery stores and gas stations across the state Tuesday for their $1 chance to win Wednesday's $50-million Florida Lotto jackpot. The game has rolled over eight times since Feb. 12 and is the 20th-highest jackpot ever for the state.

The odds of winning are 23-million to 1. If a sole winner chooses to take the jackpot over 30 years, it would amount to an estimated $1.6-million per year. The lump-sum payout would be $28.5-million.

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