Headlines

How Did Your School Score?

Jul 17, 2008

Find out how the schools in your area fared in the Florida School Grades, research FCAT scores, and learn how you can get involved to help make Florida's school accountability system more effective.

Your Voice Was Heard: TBRC defeats TABOR proposal

Apr 15, 2008

The Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission defeated CP 45 despite efforts by proponents to strong-arm commissioners into voting for it. Prior to the meeting, CIVIC delivered a petition with nearly 1200 names, collected in just three days, urging Commissioners not to repeat Colorado’s mistake, jeopardizing our economy, our infrastructure and our schools.

Florida LAKEWATCH Seeks Volunteers

Mar 18, 2008

The citizen lake monitoring group needs new volunteers to help track water quality in Florida's lakes.

FCAT Reform Legislation Filed for 2008 Session

Feb 11, 2008

A new effort to reduce the state's overemphasis on the FCAT is underway. Find out what's happening, and how you can help.

Funding Cuts Threaten College Access

Feb 8, 2008

How Will the Passage of the Property Tax Amendment Affect Your Tax Bill?

Feb 6, 2008

On January 29, Floridians passed the property tax amendment by a comfortable margin, with more than 64% of voters supporting the proposal. Find out what it means for you.

Report Finds Florida Relies Too Heavily on FCAT

Dec 17, 2007

A report commissioned by the Florida State Board of Education criticized the state's reliance on the FCAT and recommended changes in Florida's school accountability system. Watch CIVIC expert Dr. Sherman Dorn's comments on the report and read it for yourself.

McKay Offers Proposal to Cut Property Taxes by 45%

Nov 27, 2007

A member of the Tax and Budget Reform Commission has offered a proposal that would cut property taxes by 45% by eliminating up to $100 billion in special interest sales tax exemptions.

KidCare Enrollment Spikes, But Advocates Say Reforms Are Still Needed

Nov 27, 2007

Thanks to a new outreach campaign, enrollment in KidCare has increased in the last few months. But advocates say that legislative reforms are still necessary to make it easier for eligible families to get coverage.

Top Florida Education Officials Consider Alternatives to FCAT

Nov 16, 2007

After years of controversy over the FCAT, Florida's education leaders are finally considering alternatives.

Governor Expands Special Session to Include PIP

Oct 1, 2007

After the House and Senate failed to include PIP and no-fault auto insurance in the special session that begins this week, Governor Crist issued a proclamation expanding the special session to address the issue.

PIP Deal Reached, But No Special Session Yet

Sep 22, 2007

House and Senate negotiators have reached a deal on new PIP legislation, but many are concerned that it is the result of a backroom deal. And legislative leaders have still not committed to addressing PIP in a special session. Find out how you can help keep the pressure on.

Progress on PIP: A deal is near

Sep 18, 2007

Legislative leaders and key legislators are now optimistic that a deal can be reached to preserve Florida's PIP and no-fault auto insurance system. Learn how you can help keep the pressure on.

Special Session Rescheduled:
New PIP Legislation Gains Momentum

Sep 15, 2007

Legislative leaders announced that they are rescheduling the special session for October 3, but plan to only address buget cuts. While PIP sunsets on Oct. 1, efforts to pass either new legislation or a one-year extension are gaining momentum Find out how you can help Governor Crist and the bipartisan group of lawmakers working to make that happen.

Governor and Small Group of Legislators Work to Save PIP

Sep 13, 2007

With the October 1 sunset looming and the special session indefinitely postponed, a small group of legislators and Governor Crist are working to save PIP. Find out how you can help.

Legislative Leaders Postpone Special Session, Citing No Agreement on Action Plan

Sep 5, 2007

Legislative leaders announced today that they are postponing the special session scheduled to begin September 18. A lack of consensus between the House, Senate and Governor on how to make the required budget cuts is to blame.

Budget Fight Begins to Heat Up as Special Session Approaches

Sep 4, 2007

Facing a $1 billion dollar revenue shortfall, the Florida Legislature will return to Tallahassee on September 18 to cut this year's budget enough to balance it, as the Florida Constitution requires. State agencies, local governments and advocates for various social services all worry about potential reductions.

Public Safety Officials Predict 2 Million More Uninsured Drivers

Sep 4, 2007

As the expiration of PIP approaches, state officials warn that there is likely to be a dramatic increase in the number of uninsured drivers on Florida roads. And with the no-fault system disappearing, the accident victims of uninsured drivers are no longer guaranteed medical care.

KidCare Reform Must Be Addressed in the Special Session

Aug 29, 2007

Legislators ended the regular session without enacting widely supported reform legislation that would have helped thousands of uninsured Florida children get access to basic medical care. Learn how you can ask Governor Crist and legislative leaders to address the issue in the upcoming special session.

Special Session Ends; Results Uncertain

Jun 14, 2007

The Legislature ended its special session on property taxes today after passing two bills touted as the solution to the tax crisis. There is no consensus, however, that the legislation will result in relief for those that need it most, and many are concerned about the impact on education funding and government services.