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The price you pay for a home phone could go up as much as 20 percent a year under legislation moving in Tallahassee. Lawmakers want to lift regulations for landline companies, but as Whitney Ray tells us, the bill would have to get past the governor who is standing against all rate hikes.

46-year old John Oliver relies on his disability check and a movie theater job to pay his rent, buy his groceries, and purchase home phone service. Legislation moving in Tallahassee could allow his phone company to increase rates 20 percent.

“If it goes up that much, then I couldn’t afford it,” said Oliver.

But phone companies say they can’t afford to continue operate under the current restrictions. The rise of the cell phone is making it harder for landline companies to compete. Bill Sponsor Will Weatherford says state restrictions on landline companies are outdated.

“We have to bring technology and regulation up to the 21st century,” said Weatherford.

If regulations are lifted, the cost of basic service would remain the same but other features like call waiting and caller ID could be go up 20 percent a year. Governor Charlie Crist said now is not the time to raise rates.

“This is a time when Floridians are tightening their belts and struggling to make ends meet so a bill that would allow those kinds of rate increases I wouldn’t be inclined to sign,” said Crist.

AARP of Florida is also taking a stand against the bill. The advocacy group says the increase could price some of their members out of phone service.

Floridians with developmental disabilities are asking lawmakers to continue funding programs that help them live independently.

Dozens of people living with disabilities walked the capitol halls today. They wore buttons reminding lawmakers that their votes help put them in office. Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp is urging lawmakers to leave funding for developmental disability programs alone.

“The current budget includes 1.1 billion dollars to preserve access to critical programs to protect and assist more than 39,000 of Florida’s most vulnerable citizens. It expands community dental services particularly in rural areas for persons with disabilities,” said Kottkamp.

While the governor’s budget holds programs that help the developmentally challenged harmless, the state legislature still hasn’t drafted its budget plan.

Florida’s Capitol was surrounded by Humvees, soldiers and war aircraft, as the state celebrated National Guard Day.

Governor Charlie Crist honored the state’s 12-thousand national guardsmen by singing a Military Community Covenant. Crist said the strong military presence in Florida provides some stability for the state’s economy.

“The military has an enormous economic impact on our state as well. We understand that these are challenging economic times, but they would be that much more challenging without the great military we have throughout the Sunshine State,” said Crist.

Defense related spending accounts for 55 billion dollars a year in Florida, which is about seven and a half percent of the state’s domestic output. Crist also praised the National Guard for preparation and clean up efforts during Tropical Storm Fay.

Legislation creating more renewable energy and lessening Florida’s reliance on natural gas and oil is being ignored by lawmakers.

The bill creates incentives for people to install solar panels on their homes and businesses. Environmentalists and renewable energy workers rallied at the capitol today, asking lawmakers to put the legislation to a vote. Spokesman for the environmental Defense Fund Jerry Karnas said the legislation deserves a chance.

“We understand that these are big issues, they’re complex issues and we may not win at the end of the day, but we want to be given the opportunity to at least state our case to get a bill moving and to allow the debate to proceed,” said Karnes.

Governor Charlie Crist is backing the legislation but his stamp of approval isn’t carrying as much weight as it did a year ago when bills the governor back were easily moved through the legislative process.

By the end of the day at least five Floridians will die from the illegal use of over the counter drugs.

A bipartisan bill in Tallahassee would limit access to prescription drugs that are commonly abused. The legislation would require pharmacies to purchase fingerprint and eye scanning machines to track people who buy powerful painkillers, like Vicadin and Oxycontin. Former US Drug Enforcement Officer Michael McManus said prescription painkillers are quickly becoming the drug of choice among teens.

“Cocaine, heroine, meth, marijuana, absolutely a problem, but the biggest problem we’re facing today is the prescription medicine and the fact that our youth are beginning to experiment with drugs at a younger age, and these forming parties are an example of what is taking place,“ said McManus.

The scanning equipment would cost drug retailers about 500 dollars to purchase and install. The legislation suggests federal grants would pick up some of the costs.

Florida businesses are asking you to shop locally. They’re even providing some incentives.

The Governor joined the Florida Chambers or Commerce, the Florida Retail Federation and Florida TaxWatch to launch a statewide savings campaign. Starting today Floridians can go online and print a Backyard Card. The Florida Backyard Card allows shoppers to save an average of 10 percent at Florida owned stores, hotels, and restaurants. Rich McAllister, President of the Florida Retail Federation, said if shoppers spend their money in Florida the state can rebound from the economic downturn faster than expected.

“We’re not asking them to run up debt or spend more money than budgeted. All we’re asking for is for everyone to consider where they spend their
money, not necessarily how much, but where they spend their money can make their own jobs safer,” said McAllister.

For a list of participation businesses and to download a savings card go to www.floridabackyardcard.com

A battle over cleaner cars is heating up. The Federal government is taking the first baby steps to regulate green house gas emissions, and legislation here in Florida cleared a key Senate committee today. But as Mike Vasilinda tells us car makers seem to have the upper hand.

Passing the tough new tailpipe emission standards is a top priority of environmentalists.
The goal is 35 miles per gallon by 2013 and 40 miles per gallon by 2020.

“Florida will be on the way to setting its own standards for greenhouse gas emissions from cars. It’s what we need to do,” Eric Draper with Florida Audubon said.

But despite the optimism, environmentalists know they have problems. Car makers have some of the best lobbyists in the business working against the change. We took this picture at a strategy session before a battle in a committee meeting they knew they would loose. They don’t expect to lose the war.

“Cars have improved. Emissions from cars have improved since 1970 by 99 percent,” Wade Hopping with the Alliance of Auto Manufacturers said.

By all accounts, the big car companies are going to be able to keep this bill from going any further, unless Governor Charlie Crist steps in.

The question is how much political capital the Governor is willing to use on what appears to be a hopeless cause.

“As much as we can muster, “ Crist said. “I think it’s awfully important. We want to do as much as we can to help keep Florida’s environment clean. It helps the economy. It helps tourism and were committed to it.”

Car makers say they are not opposed to cleaner cars, just Florida’s specific regulations that could be different from other states. They are also telling lawmakers that people can’t afford the one to three thousand dollars in additional cost. And so far, Lawmakers are listening.

A powerful state Senator today unveiled his chamber’s plans for gambling on Seminole Indian reservations.

The plan would also appease south Florida parimutuels establishments by giving them black jack and other Class 3 card games. Dog tracks and high alai frontons across the state would be allowed to have video lottery terminals. In return for giving up the explicit right to card games, the Seminole tribe would get roullete, craps, and other high stakes games. Governor Charlie Crist says from what he’s seen, he likes the plan.

“I’m open to any ideas that will help us get the compact,” Crist said. “As y’all know, that’s almost 300 million dollars more that we could use for education for Florida’s children. We need money and the compact is there. And if we don’t enter the compact, it may happen anyway because the federal government would allow it to occur. So I’m generally supportive of what I’ve seen so far. I haven’t been able to review it in detail yet.”

The plan to raise an estimated 1 billion dollars for cash strapped legislators but so far the house has shown no warmth to expanding gambling.

The state’s unemployed will start seeing an increase in their benefits as early as today. The increase is part of the federal economic stimulus package. As Whitney Ray tells us, it will pump an extra 345 million dollars into the state’s economy.

Valencia Williams is an out of work mother. She receives 275 dollars a week to feed her children. The money doesn’t go far.

“I have two small ones, so there’s a lot of cut backs in a lot of areas, you just got to adjust to it… a lot of prayers,” said Valencia.

Small prayers are being answered as half a million Floridians collecting unemployment benefits will now receive an extra 25 bucks a week. That’s 100 more dollars a month for Valencia to spend on…

“More food or a bill I didn’t get too to go pay on that bill I haven’t been able to pay because I’ve been out of work,” said Valencia.

The increase is part of the economic stimulus package. It will pump an estimated 345 million dollars into the state’s economy.

People on the state’s unemployment roll will now receive two checks; one for the original amount and a second check with the increase.

John Barbour has been looking for a job since November. He doesn’t care how the money gets to him, as long as it comes in time to help pay for school.

“I’ll go ahead and get myself some more understanding in computers,” said Barour.

The state began mailing the checks out Friday. Some people with direct deposit have already received the money. People receiving benefits don’t have to do anything extra to collect the extra 25 bucks. The checks are backdated to February, so people who were on the unemployment rolls should receive at least a hundred dollars in back payments.

The founder of Florida’s Prepaid Tuition Fund is asking students to “Raise Hell,” over a proposed tuition hike.

81-year old Stanley Tate is running full page ads in newspapers across the state. The ads are titled “Raise Hell, Not Tuitions”. Tate says a legislative proposal to allow state colleges to raise tuition 15 percent a year will make prepaid tuition plans too expensive. Tate said once families hear his side of the story, he believes they will stand up against the legislature.

“I think that the people of the state of Florida who I am trying to represent are primarily low and the low moderate income people. I think when they recognize the fact that they won’t be able to afford a college education, they’re voices will be heard and I think the elected people will hopefully listen to those voices,” said Tate.

State Senator Frederica Wilson is applauding Tate’s efforts

“Good for him. He needs to stand up. And we need to stand up right along side of him because all of us have prepaid scholarships for our children and grandchildren and its time now for the state to raise revenue in other ways other than trying to raise it on the backs of children and especially our future. It’s ridiculous,” said Wilson.

Florida has some of the lowest tuition costs in the nation. Supporters of the bill say allowing schools to raise rates 15 percent a year will bring Florida’s tuition near the national average by 2012.

The state is still waiting on word from Washington about whether or not Florida will get two billion dollars for education.

The money is part of the economic stimulus plan, but it’s being held back as punishment for deep spending cuts to education. State spending on schools has fallen four billion dollars over the past two years. US Senator Bill Nelson met with House Democrats today in Tallahassee. Nelson said the state should know by the end of the week if it’s getting the education money.

“Under the law that we’ve passed, we put that safety valve, which is that the U.S Secretary of Education can waive that requirement. Now, is he going to waive it just straight out? I don’t know. Is he going to put some kind of conditions on it? I don’t know. But we ought to have that coming this week,” said Nelson.

If Florida gets the money, it will be used to renovate schools, update technology, and prevent teacher layoffs.

US Senator Bill Nelson is asking private investors to help rebuild Florida if a major hurricane strikes the coast.

Nelson will file legislation allowing the federal government to backup investors who loan the state money after a storm. Many fear the state’s Catastrophe fund isn’t strong enough to handle a major storm in some of the state’s more populated areas. Nelson said Florida will need help sooner or later.

“So one of the things today that I’m going to file is an act and it is that there would be a federal guarantee for private sector loans to be repaid at fair market value interest rates so that an institution like the Florida cat fund not just in this state but in any state where the cat fund would have the ability of that backup,” said Nelson.

Nelson is also asking the Secretary of the US Treasury if current law would allow Florida to take out federal loans to back up the state catastrophe fund.

Today began the fourth week of the Florida Legislature’s 60 day session.  Few bills have been passed, budget negotiations remain stalled and as Mike Vasilinda tells us, some are concerned the process is moving so slowly, it will require expensive overtime to get a budget.

The Capitol’s fourth floor was a ghost town Monday morning. The removal of former House Speaker Ray Sansom and the election of Larry Cretul has caused an internal upheaval, delayed sending bills to committees and has put lawmakers weeks behind schedule.

“When you have a speaker that is under pressure, everyday, from the press, to answer questions and I think that it diverted their attention,” Barney Bishop with Associated Industries said.

Democrats are saying the first 20 days of the session have been wasted.

“More than 10 percent of Floridians are on food stamps and still we have no action going on in the House. We have no budget to look at,” Democratic leader Franklin Sands said. “We’re wondering, when are we going to start working for the people of Florida?”

This is session number 48 for lobbyist Dick Hollahan. He says lawmakers can act as quickly or as slowly as they want, and they always have.

“If they want it in 30 minutes, do it in 30 minutes. Some leader decided that,” Hollahan said.

The lack of a clear direction here is starting to concern school boards and other local governments because they’ve got to start planning for their budgets.

The downside of not getting done on time is money and overtime.  Legislative session costs at least 40,000 dollars a day and to many insiders, overtime looks more likely with each day that passes.

Lawmakers plan to begin budget negotiations by April 8th.  Session is scheduled to end on the first of May.

A proposal to cut state workers salaries to help balance the budget is causing outrage among lower paid employees. More than a thousand people make six figures for the state. As Whitney Ray tells us, lawmakers could vote for larger cuts for those employee making big bucks.

State workers rallied at the capitol this week trying to save their salaries. A proposed five percent cut for all state employees has workers on the bottom of the pay pool furious. Now, lawmakers will consider bigger cuts for the higher paid.

“Maybe we should look at the compensation of our agency heads, our higher paid employees as opposed to just cutting everyone equally across the board,” said State Senator Dave Aronberg.

Representative Will Weatherford says it’s not fair to ask everyone to pay the same price.

“A 5,000 dollar cut to a person making 100,000 dollars a year is a bigger cut overall; it’s not as significant to their pocket and so we are going to be very diligent and careful as to how we do that,” said Representative Will Weatherford

While salaries are on the table, benefits, like health care, life insurance and retirement are not. More than 26,000 top level employees don’t pay a dime for health insurance.”

Benefits for lawmakers, including free health coverage, costs taxpayers. Governor Charlie Crist defends the spending.

“People who work in Government typically don’t make as much as many in the private sector and it’s one of the benefits that can keep such talented people here,” said Crist.

If every state worker paid premiums for their health coverage, the state would save an estimated 45 million dollars a year.

Governor Charlie Crist makes $133,000 a year. His benefits are worth $33,000. A doctor for the Department of Health is the top paid state employee. Dr. Patel Bhupendra makes $895,000 a year. State lawmakers who work part time make $30,000 a year, and receive $18,000 in state benefits.

The economy is taking a huge toll on Florida’s pension fund. The fund dropped about 20 percent of its value over the past year. Still Florida’s fund is among the healthiest pension plans in the nation, because it held an eight billion dollar surplus before the economy went south. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink says retirees depending on the fund shouldn’t worry.

“The pension fund is very sound and certainly they’ve taken a hit just like anyone else’s investment portfolio has taken a hit over the last year, but fortunately here in Florida we started off in an overfunded position so we had a cushion to begin with,” said Sink.

If the fund drops too much, city and county governments could be asked to put more money into the system. CFO Sink says she doesn’t see that happening anytime soon.