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Florida could be losing 2 Billion dollars a more in tax receipts it is already owed. State law already requires people who make purchases on the internet or out of state to voluntarily report and submit the tax to the state. The problem is that few people file such reports. Now, Rick McAllister of the state’s Retail Federation is calling on state lawmakers to put pressure on congress to allow sales taxes to be collected across state lines.

“That’s money that’s owed to the state of Florida, that’s simply not being collected, is not being payed. And we need that money, we need that money to pay teachers, we need that money to help with our Medicaid bill. We need that money for all the things that the state provides for its citizens. So let’s pass a resolution, let’s put as much pressure as we can on congress and get this thing done”, says McAllister.

Making the switch now could cost the state about 60 million dollars in the first year, because it would require syncing our taxable items with other states, but the loss is a one time expense compared to two billion or more in revenue. dr15mo

Gun sales in Florida skyrocketed in November and they continue to climb in the days leading up to Christmas. As Whitney Ray tells us, fear that President-Elect Barack Obama will push tougher gun laws, is making it hard for gun dealers to keep certain firearms on the shelf.

Hear it Here: Floridians Fear Stricter Gun Laws

Business is good for pawn shop owner Mark Folmer, at least in his gun department. The store’s gun sales rose 40 percent last month. Mark said people are driven by fear.

“It’s always understood that the Republican is going to support gun rights, there’s always a question as to whether the Democrat will,” said Mark.

Requests for criminal background checks on would-be-gun owners began pouring into the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in mid-October.

“This election season, you know, we did see almost double the number of criminal history checks,” said Kristen Perezluha, FDLE Spokeswoman.

FDLE ran background checks on 64-thousand anxious gun shoppers in November, that’s up from 37-thousand last November. The National Rifle Association is taking notice.

The NRA campaigned heavily against Obama, but declined our interview to talk about the increased sales, calling the issue too volatile. Obama vows to bring back the ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004. People are heeding the warning. Mark’s pawn shop only has one assault rifle left on the shelf.

“We have some people that fear they won’t be able to own certain types of guns in the future with an Obama administration,” said Mark.

The economy may also play a role in the increased gun buying. Dealers say they’re seeing more people buying guns to protect their property from robbers. The president-elect also plans to close loopholes that allow people to buy guns at gun shows without a background check.

Toy makers now have to meet stricter standards in order to sell their products in Florida.

Investigators found high levels of lead in Mattel and Fisher-Price toys sold in the state in fall 2007. After a 16-month investigation, the companies entered into an agreement with Florida and 38 other states, promising to drastically lower lead levels. Attorney General’s Office Spokeswoman Sandi Copes said Florida’s new standards exceed national regulations.

“We’re a little bit ahead of some other federal standard. The feds are going to require them to take their standards down to 100 parts per million by the year 2011. Our agreement is effective as of November 30th of this year and it drops it to 90 parts per million. And again that’s really significant,” said Copes.

The toy companies also paid the state 600,000 dollars as part of the agreement. The money will be used to enforce the state’s toy safety regulations.

A special session of the legislature is being called by its presiding officers for January 5th through January 16th.

House Speaker Ray Samson says details will be released later, as well as a proclamation to follow. In the release he sites growing concern with the budget and says “The purpose of the special session will be to address the estimated $2 billion-plus shortfall in the current fiscal year’s budget through a combination of spending reductions and trust fund transfers” No where does the Speaker mention additional revenue.

You only thought you went to the polls November 4th to vote for a President. You were actually voting for an elector, and in all 50 Capitols and the District of Columbia today, 538 people are casting the official vote for President and Vice President of the United States. The process dates back to the founding of our country, and as Mike Vasilinda tells us, the electors don’t necessarily have to follow what voters told them.

Hear it Here: Electors Meet

Their names weren’t on the ballot, but when voters went to the polls November 4th, they weren’t really voting for President, they were voting for electors who are constitutionally charged with electing a president and vice president.

Florida has 27. The number is equal to the number of representatives in Congress and the US Senate.

Each party submitted a list of people to the Governor. Most are party faithful. Two, including Alan Katz, raised substantial money for Obama.

“I was very involved, probably from January of ‘07 on, with the Democratic National Committee and the Florida delegate issues and all those kinds of things,” Katz said.

They include teachers and labor organizers, and local party chairman.

While the electors were chosen by the Democratic Party, they’re not bound to vote for anyone.

The electors include teachers, labor organizers, and local party chairman.

“They are very representative, I think, of the entire stated of Florida, of everybody who worked very hard to see Barack Obama win,” Karen Thurman, Florida Democratic Party Chair, said.

Meeting in the state Senate chambers, the electors, one by one, signed seven copies attesting to their vote. Without them, Florida’s vote would not have been counted.

“Unless we get these certificates up to the Congress, to the House of Representatives, we don’t elect a president. Our votes will not be counted,” Secretary of State Kurt Browning said.

Three times in our nation’s history the winner in electoral votes failed to win a majority of the popular vote.

A joint session of Congress, presided over by Vice President Dick Cheney, will review the results of the electoral votes on January 6th.

CFO Alex Sink says Florida is losing money it should be receiving from gambling on Seminole Reservations.

Last year, the state agreed to payments from the Indian gaming in exchange for exclusivity. In July the State Supreme Court ruled the deal was illegal because lawmakers didn’t have a say. Now state lawmakers are mulling their options, but Alex Sink, the State’s Chief Financial Officer, says whether you like it or not gambling is here and the state needs the money.

“Ideology aside, we have gambling in Florida,” Sink said. “So we may as well take advantage of any opportunity we have to get our fair share of the revenue out of it.”

Sink also says the state could benefit from lower medical costs if it were to hike the cigarette tax to somewhere near the national average. Florida’s tax is just under 34 cents a pack, the national average is $1.12.

You only thought you went to the polls November 4th to vote for a President. You were actually voting for an elector, and in all 50 Capitols and the District of Columbia today,  538 people are casting the official vote for President and Vice President of the United States. The process dates back to the founding our country, and as Mike Vasilinda tells us, the electors don’t necessarily have to follow what voters told them.

Their names weren’t on the ballot, but when voters went to the polls November 4th, they weren’t really voting for President…they were voting for electors who are constitutionally charged with electing a president and vice president.

Florida has 27.  The number is equal to the number of representatives in Congress and the US Senate.

Each party submitted a list of 27 people to the Governor. Since Obama won, the electors on the Democrats list came to the Capitol to cast their ballots. Most are party faithful. 2 were substantial fund raisers for Obama.

The electors include teachers and labor organizers, and local party chairman.

While selected by the Democratic Party…the electors aren’t bound to vote for Obama…they can vote for anyone they choose.

Meeting in the state Senate Chambers, the electors, one by one, will sign seven copies attesting to their vote. Congress will meet in joint session on January 6th to open the letters.

3 times in our nation’s history, 1876, 1888 and 2000, the winner in electoral votes failed to win a majority of the popular vote.

Here is a list of the 2008 Florida Electors.

W. Chip Arndt, Miami-Dade

T. Wayne Bailey, Volusia

Freddy Balsera, Miami-Dade

Terrie Brady, Duval

Mayor Karl Flagg, Putnam

State Rep. Joe Gibbons, Broward

Janet Goen, Pinellas

James Golden, Manatee

Chris Hand, Duval

Marlon Hill, Miami-Dade

State Sen. Tony Hill, Duval

Joan Joseph, Palm Beach

City Commissioner Allan Katz, Leon

Gena Keebler, Pinellas

Joan Lane, Volusia

Caren Lobo, Sarasota

Rick Minor, Leon

Jared Moskowitz, Broward

Angela Rodante, Hillsborough

Frank Sanchez, Hillsborough

Juanita Scott, Escambia

State Rep. Geraldine Thompson, Orange

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman, Marion

Carmen Torres, Orange

Kirk Wagar, Miami-Dade

Enoch Williams, Seminole

State Sen. Frederica Wilson, Miami-Dade

Photo Courtesy the Governor

Photo by Colin Hackley/ Florida Governor

Here is the text from pool reporter Lucy Morgan. 

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating 32 unidentified graves near a state reform school. Former students say the graves could hold the remains of some of their classmate who may have been beaten to death in the 1950’s and 60’s. As Whitney Ray tells us, the governor has ordered a full investigation.

Hear it Here: FDLE Investigates Unidentified Graves

The first thing Robert Straley noticed about the Florida School for Boys was its natural beauty. The aesthetics quickly wore off.

“It was a beautiful hell,” said Straley.

On Robert’s first day of school in 1963 he was beaten in the building known as the White House.

“I only got 40 lashes,” Straley said. “That turned me totally black and purple.”

Former students say some of the kids who were brought to the White House for beatings were never seen again.

The ground under the 31 metal crosses and one unmarked grave could hold clues to what happened to the students who disappeared. The Florida Department of Law enforcement is investigating the grave site.

“It’s really too early at this point to tell if we’ll be doing any type of excavation. We have a lot of leg work to do on the front end to determine if that is in fact necessary, A lot of records to look through, a lot of witnesses to locate,” said FDLE spokeswoman Heather Smith.

Patrick Hallinan was a witness to his own beating. Patrick was caught smoking with a black student. They were both taken to the White House. He never saw his friend again.

“I’d like to see them face to face. Tell them how angry I really am. I hope God can forgive them, I can’t,” said Patrick.

Patrick hopes uncovering the past will bring him closure, but for those who have already died, justice may be the only thing left. Governor Charlie Crist says if the investigation uncovers evidence of foul play, he wants charges brought against the perpetrators.

The Florida Association of Realtors is trying to protect homeowners from decoration disasters. The association is asking people to double check their Christmas décor to make sure it isn’t flammable. They also are asking people to keep Mistletoe, holly berries and Christmas cactus away from pets and children. The plants and berries can be deadly if eaten. Association spokesman John Sebree said people should always remember to turn off Christmas lights and another electronic decorations when their away or asleep.

“Frayed cords and lighting that’s several years old and flickers from time to time, you may not think that’s a big deal but if you happen to fall asleep at night and the lights are still on for the holidays, you don’t want to wake up with smoke in the house and ruin that biggest investment that you will ever make,” said Sebree.

The association is also reminding homeowners to check the batteries on their smoke detectors to avoid a disaster.

Florida A&M’s Marching 100 has been selected to play at President-Elect Barack Obama’s inauguration. The Marching 100 has received national and international acclaim, but as Whitney Ray tells us, band members say this will be the biggest performance of their lives.

Hear it Here: Rattlers Raising Money for Inauguration Performance

The FAMU Marching 100 played for President-Elect Barack Obama twice on the campaign trail. Apparently they made an impression. Obama has asked the band to perform at his inauguration. His invitation was immediately accepted.

“It makes you feel really good that you’re being rewarded on such a platform,” said Senior trombone player Tallie Brinson.

Junior sax player Stephanie Head said this is a moment she’ll always remember.

“Ten years from now I’ll be able to tell my children and my children will be able to tell their children that we got to participate in history,” said Stephanie.

This isn’t the first time the Marching 100 has been asked to play for a president. The band was invited to Bill Clinton’s swearing in ceremony in 1992 and 1996. Band Director Julian White said there’s no feeling that compares to witnessing a president taking the oath.

“The feeling of exuberating that goes through you body. If there’s a such thing as an aesthetic experience, that certainly is it,” said White.

The band will perform the Obama Campaign theme song, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” The FAMU band is trying to raise 100,000 dollars to pay for hotels and travel expenses. You can donate online at http://www.famu.edu/GiveToThe100

Economists don’t expect the state’s housing market to rebound until the middle of 2010.

Declining homes sales over the past year and a half have helped spur a two billion dollar hole in the state budget. The good news, sales have picked up over the past two months and the average price of a home in Florida has fallen to 170,000 dollars. Florida Association of Realtors Spokesman John Sebree said the climate is perfect for first time buyers.

“At this point our opportunity is the first home buyers. The person who doesn’t have a house to sell before they can buy a house. They now have the lowest price they’ll probably ever have, lower interest rates than they’ll probably every have,” said Sebree.

While the news is good for buyers, many sellers have had to discount their property to avoid foreclosure.

Reports of abuse at a Florida veteran’s hospital have led to the arrest of a health worker. Ramnarace Singh was arrested in Palm Beach County this morning.

The Florida Attorney General’s Office began investigating Singh after receiving reports he attack a wheelchair-bound patient. Attorney General Spokeswoman Sandi Copes said Singh took advantage of his position.

“It’s disgraceful anytime you receive reports that an elderly or disabled person has been taken advantage or even worse, physically abused. But to consider the fact the allegations, this time, stem from a someone who was in a position of care, who had been trusted with the well-being of that person, it really is a shame,” said Copes.

If Singh is convicted he faces five years in prison and a 5,000 dollar fine.

Bare-bones health coverage will soon be available for uninsured Floridians for about 155 dollars a month. Governor Charlie Crist unveiled the details of the Cover Florida Plan today. As Whitney Ray tells us, lower costs are possible because customers will have coverage options.

Hear it Here: Cover Florida

The state’s new low cost insurance plan works like a health care buffet. Governor Charlie Crist said the idea is to scale back coverage to lower cost.

“People can choose preventative coverage only, or they can choose coverage that includes catastrophic as well as hospital care,” Crist said.

Starting in January six insurance companies will carry 25 different Cover Florida plans. The Governor’s Health Insurance Advisor David Foy said the wide selection will allow people to scale back coverage to save money.

“They have a plan and say maybe I need 10 to 15 days hospital coverage and that way I can reduce my premium by 100, a 115 percent,” said Foy.

The plan is offered to Floridians ages 19 – 64, who were either laid off and lost their coverage or have been uninsured for at least six months.

One in three people who sell houses for a living don’t have health insurance. The Florida Association of Realtors says this plan could change that statistic. The association sent emails to its 130,000 members about the Cover Florida plans.

“Many of them haven’t sold a house in a while, but when you think about the fact that monthly insurance premiums for the average Floridian are about 500 dollars, you know an independent contractor or a small business person just can’t pay that in a tough market,” said association spokesman John Sebree.

About 3.8 million Floridians qualify for the plans, but many may not be able to afford any coverage at all. The Cover Florida plans will be available starting January 5th. For more information you can go to www.coverfloridahealthcare.com.

State investigators recently checked price scanning equipment in 60 stores across the state. Random inspections by Florida’s Department of Consumer Services found that most stores are charging customers the right price.

Inspectors scanned 3,000 items at an error rate of just above one percent. While most of the mistakes were in favor of the customer, Consumer Services Spokesman Terry McElroy said there were exceptions.

“We found flatware, dinnerware, that scanned 20 dollars above the actually price. So I think the message is, people need to know what they are being charged,” said McElroy.

If you’ve been overcharged call the Department of Consumer Services hotline at 1-800-HELPFLA (800-435-7352).