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Lawmaker may propose repeat of gas tax break
Today is Day 11 of the 60-day session of the Florida Legislature.
Associated Press
Published March 18, 2005
With gas prices over $2 a gallon in Florida, a Democratic lawmaker said Thursday he may push for a repeat of the monthlong break on the gas tax.
Last year, Floridians got an 8-cents-a-gallon break on gas during August. Prices later moderated, but recently have surged again. Analysts say they may jump another 15 cents or so this spring.
Rep. Bob Henriquez, a Tampa Democrat who pushed the gas tax break last year, said he may try to get the idea approved again.
With Democrats far outnumbered in both the House and Senate, the idea would need Republican support. No Republicans have bills under consideration with the gas tax cut.
It is too late to file a new bill with the idea in the current legislative session, but an existing bill could be amended to add it.
Senate passes measure to thwart child abductions
The Senate passed a bill 37-0 Thursday intended to make it more difficult to kidnap schoolchildren. It requires anyone picking up a child from a school to show a photo ID - a driver's license, state ID card or military ID.
The measure (SB 246), sponsored by Sen. Tony Hill, R-Jacksonville, applies to all Florida public schools and any school or day care program licensed by the state. Some school districts already have similar requirements.
A similar measure (HB 1027) in the House is moving through the committee process.
Lee's fiscal responsibility amendment passes panel
The Senate's Government Efficiency Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment dear to Senate President Tom Lee, who wants to improve budget planning.
It would require the state to engage in long-term planning and limit the amount of one-time money lawmakers could spend on ongoing expenses to 3 percent of the general revenue account.
Right now, that 3 percent would equal about $800-million. For the past two years, lawmakers have spent more than $1-billion in one-time sources of money. This year the budget Gov. Jeb Bush recommended included about $1.6-billion of one-time money spent on recurring expenses.
Lee, R-Brandon, has made better financial planning a priority.
The measure (SJR 2144) must be approved by three-fifths of the Senate and House to reach the ballot and go to voters.
[Last modified March 18, 2005, 00:42:17]
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