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Florida Legislature 2005 (click for ongoing coverage)

THE LATEST Man gets $2M for 22 years he lost Mystery: Who left money faucet on? Many hurricane relief measures get blown away Dramatic proposal, cautious response Legislature doesn't act on minimum wage deal For open-government cause: 'a mixed bag'

Lee has kind words for leader of opposition

Today is Day 2 of the 60-day session.

By Times staff writers, Associated Press
Published March 9, 2005

Senate President Tom Lee paused during his opening day speech Tuesday to single out Senate Democratic Leader Les Miller of Tampa.

"The gentleman and leader from across the aisle, who continues to overcome personal adversity to champion equal opportunity and the rights of others - Sen. Miller, my friend, welcome home," said Lee, R-Brandon.

Lee was referring to Miller's recent surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his kidney. The cancer was caught early enough for Miller to avoid chemotherapy and radiation, but the surgery required the removal of a rib and kept Miller away from the Capitol last month.

The missing rib slowed him the most, Miller said. He jokingly compared his surgery to Adam and Eve. The Bible says Adam sacrificed a rib so God could create Eve.

"Adam suffered. I'll be all right," Miller said.

Both Miller's wife and daughter have had breast cancer, and Miller's son was wounded by a gunshot a few years ago. Miller thanked his Senate colleagues for their support during his family's troubles.

"They told us if it doesn't kill you, it makes you strong. I'm back. I'm strong," Miller said.

-ALISA ULFERTS

Johnnie Byrd was a no-show Tuesday.

The former Republican House speaker from Plant City skipped the opening day festivities at the state capital, which included a luncheon with the current speaker, Allan Bense of Panama City, and seven former House speakers. (Four of whom are now lobbyists, by the way.)

Bense has made no secret of his determination to strike a much different tone from the more partisan and and confrontational Byrd.

"I'm not going to be calling press conferences bashing the Senate or bashing the Senate president," Bense told House members in his opening day speech.

-STEVE BOUSQUET

The proposal to repeal Florida's per-drink tax moved through a Senate panel Tuesday.

After the 6-3 vote in Regulated Industries, the bill (SB 666) needs the approval of three more committees before reaching the floor.

The tax break, which Gov. Jeb Bush backs, would eliminate a tax on liquor, wine and beer consumed in a restaurant or bar.

The Legislature started rolling back the drink tax several years ago but the effort stalled during after the economy slowed.

The tax is 3.34 cents on each ounce of liquor and each 4 ounces of wine. On beer, the tax is 1.34 cents on each 12 ounces.

If left in place, the tax would raise an estimated $47-million, with about $12-million dedicated to programs for teens with drug and alcohol problems.

State Sen. Bill Posey, the Rockledge Republican sponsoring the bill, called it a "ridiculous surcharge," onerous and complicated to collect and administer.

Democrats who voted against the bill said they were worried about the funding for the substance abuse programs.

-ASSOCIATED PRESS

Whatever happened to partisan rancor?

On opening day of the 2005 Legislature, it felt like a thing of the past.

House Democrats, who have just 36 of the House's 120 seats, arrived in the chamber Tuesday to find a gift from Rep. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, designated as the next House speaker in 2007.

The gift, an index card-sized piece of Italian marble, was inscribed with a quote from former Democratic Vice President Hubert Humphrey: "No one is strong enough to accomplish a goal without the criticism that comes from the minority opposition."

-JONI JAMES

For information about legislation, call 1-800-342-1827 toll-free or (850) 488-4371 during business hours.

The Legislature's official Web site: www.leg.state.fl.us

Capitol Update, a half-hour TV program on the day's legislative highlights, airs weeknights on public stations. Some government access channels offer live daytime coverage of some floor sessions and committee meetings. Check TV schedules for times.

[Last modified March 9, 2005, 00:54:20]