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Governor Rick Scott today proposed increased spending for Florida schools. A billion dollar increase in state revenues is allowing the Governor to make a lot of groups happy.

Florida schools would see a 542 million dollar increase under the Governor’s proposed budget. The increased would take schools almost back to pre recession per student allocations. The union representing teachers is cautiously optimistic. “The devil is in the details and where is that going to go, for what categories? Is it going just to public schools? Is it going to public charter? We have to see where all that ends up,” Joanna McCall, Florida Education Assn. VP.

For state employees, the Governor is suggesting performance bonuses of 25 hundred or five thousand dollars.

On the Environmental front, there is also money for cleaning up springs and the everglades. Like teachers, environmentalists are cautiously optimistic. “Every Governor has been for the Everglades, for land conservation and for taking care of our water supplies and I think this Governor is going to do that same thing,” Eric Draper, Audubon Florida.

Democrats are quick to point out that it was this Governor who quartered the tea party during his first budget cycle.

In his first year, Rick Scott unveiled and then signed the state budget at a tea party rally. Democrats say he no longer sounds like the outsider that got him elected. Screven Watson, Democratic Consultant says, “Floridians need to ask themselves this question: Who’s the real Risk Scott? Is it the tea party Rick Scott of his first year? Or this new and improved Rick Scott that we see now?”

When he ran for office, Rick Scott avoided editorial boards. As another sign of how he has changed, his official budget rollout will come before state newspaper editors gathered at the capitol on Wednesday.

Florida is in the minority of states when it comes to expanding health care to the working poor.. As Matt Horn reports, Floridians say the state needs to expand benefits so more people can receive life saving healthcare.

Uninsured Floridians like Nikki Hall are meeting with navigators to sort out questions on health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

“I had absolutely no clue about how to even go about maneuvering my way throughout it, so this has been a big help, a large help, shed a lot of light on a subject I had no clue about,” said Hall.

Navigator Jasmine Burney says it’s essential for Floridians to sign up for coverage.

“It’s extremely important for people to get set up and aligned and enrolled in healthcare simply because there is a penalty that will be associated in the event that they do not enroll for the March 31 deadline,” said Burney.

27 states are already expanding Medicaid, three are considering it. Florida killed the expansion last year, but some lawmakers will try again this year.

Lawmakers are pushing to expand Florida’s Medicaid program. It resembles a 2013 bill that passed through the Senate, but failed to make it out of the House.

The 2013 expansion would have insures 900-thousand Floridians, paid for with 52 billion dollars from the federal government. A skeptical Governor Rick Scott suggested taking the money for three years…then deciding again.

“The question is, is the federal government gonna fund what they said their gonna fund,” asked Governor Rick Scott in a 2013 interview.

Those signing up for coverage say healthcare is critical for people’s livelihood.

“I’m sure there are people today who are going to die who don’t have healthcare or don’t feel comfortable going in because they can’t afford it,” said Amy Datz. “It’d wipe them out.”

A University of Florida research estimated an expansion would create more than 100-thousand jobs.

A White House report says one of every five female college students are victims of sexual assault. There have been 13 sexual assault cases at Florida State and four across town at Florida A&M since 2010. Florida universities say safety begins before students even show up on campus.

“We actually start before the students move-in on campus and we provide information to them during orientation session and also to their parents,” said Tanya Tatum, Director of Student Health Services, Florida A&M University.

Only one in every eight sexual assaults is reported. Alleged victims often feel like they won’t be believed. Or they are ashamed. FAMU student Taylor Altidor says students can’t stick their head in the sand.

“You have to know these are things you can’t be afraid to think about because once you think about them you’ll talk to yourself about how to protect yourself,” Altidor.

Universities say students need to have information readily available to make a difference in the numbers being assaulted.

“It’s very important that all students get information and education and the institutions put in supports for students to help prevent sexual assault,” said Tatum.

Students say the efforts by the university are paying off.

“The police officer comes in and he tells you all of the services they do for you,” said Alexandra Hidalgo-Gato, Florida State University student.

It’s estimated 22 million American women and one point six million men have been victims of rape.

If you have found yourself loosening your belt an extra notch lately, you are not alone. State Health officials say Obesity is the number one health risk, and as Matt Horn reports, a new study shows seven out of ten Floridians overweight.

The State of Florida is at war against obesity. Catherine Howard with the Department of Health says more people are becoming overweight at an alarming rate.

“Children who start out at an unhealthy weight that are overweight and obese in childhood are much more likely to stay overweight or obese in adulthood,” said Howard.

Currently only three out of ten Floridians are at a healthy weight. Florida State University Assistant Professor Doctor Michael Ormsbee says it’s a trend sweeping the nation.

“If you can just eat according to your hunger, it helps a lot. We overfeed ourselves so much. We don’t need the Thanksgiving belly every time we eat,” said Ormsbee.

Florida is battling the bulge by introducing a new “Healthiest Weight” campaign.

“It’s not so much the way people look, its how healthy are they, “said Ormsbee.

As Matt Horn reports, six out of 10 children born today will be obese by the age of 18 if nothing is done to curb the current trend.

Experts say everyone can change no matter their weight or waist size.

“We don’t need to be perfect, but if you can be consistent with your eating patterns and consistent with your exercise. If you have a bad day, it’s okay. Just get back on track the next day, Ormsbee continues.

Currently one out of four adults is obese.

New law enforcement technology allows a single patrol car to capture up to five thousand license plate numbers an hour, computer analyze them, and potentially track where your car has been spotted. One state lawmaker wants to put the brakes on how the auto recognition system is used.

This is a marketing video for something called an Automatic License Plate Recognition System, or ALPR. The Video states, “It helps find offenders, even if they don’t draw attention to themselves.”

ALPRs can capture and read up to five thousand plates an hour.

The devices can instantly pick up if someone’s got an unpaid parking ticket. With multiple cameras are combined, you can even track the movement of a vehicle used in a robbery.

The Florida Highway Patrol is using seven units across the state. “We are looking for a stole tag, stolen cars. The hot list informs us, it’s undated every two hours,” says Capt. Nancy Rasmussen,        FL Highway Patrol.

The recognition systems can also be used on bridges or toll plazas. State Senator Jeff Brandes says there are no limits on the information collected. He wants to change that. “Today, a divorce lawyer, someone could physically stalk you or could stalk you through doing public records request on the license plate readers,” says Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-Pinellas County.

Brandes would put a thirty day time limit on storing the information and he would keep others from asking for data about your tag number. “And if the department has a policy that allows them to keep these records for 6 months, a year, they can pull any time your licenses plate reader has been- your licenses plate has been read over the course of that year,” says Sen. Jeff Brandes.

While the technology is still young, the staff analysis for the legislation envisions millions of records being collected every day and stored indefinitely if limits aren’t imposed.

Medical Marijuana Supporters have collected more than 1-million signatures to put the issue on the ballot this fall. As Matt Horn reports – even if enough signatures are verified, it could all be for nothing if the state Supreme Court finds fault with the initiative.

More than 1 million signatures have been collected and are being verified. At midday Wednesday, the United for Care group was 80 thousand signatures short of making the ballot…but verification will continue through the end of the month.

“This just shows the will of the people, which is really what the petition drive is all about,” Michael Krehl, Medical Marijuana Supporter.

The battle isn’t only taking place with petition drives across the state; the battle is also brewing among the state’s top leaders…and those running for office.

“I support it. I think it’s the right thing to do. It is out of compassion and I’m glad John’s doing it,” said Former Governor and Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Crist.

“I’ve said all along I’m against illegal drug use, I’ve watched how it impacts families,” said Rick Scott, (R) Governor.

Even if the number of valid signatures is reached– the final say rests with Florida Supreme Court.

Justices heard arguments in December. They can throw out the proposed amendment is they decide it covers more than one subject or if the ballot language is misleading.

A Quinnipiac University Poll shows more than 80 percent of Floridians support medical marijuana…positive reinforcement for those collecting signatures.

“This is good for the people; this is what the state of Florida needs for medicine, for jobs, for the well-being of the state,” said Krehl.

20 states already allow medical marijuana, an additional six states have pending legislation to legalize the drug for medicinal purposes.

The Florida Supreme Court has until April 1st to make a decision on medical marijuana

Today is the forty-first anniversary of the landmark US Supreme court decision legalizing abortion. Still divisive as an issue today’s protests are a far cry from years past.

In 1989, fifteen thousand people, equally split between pro and anti choice factions, came to the State Capitol for a special session on abortion.

The law didn’t change but each year State Lawmakers tried to restrict abortions. There is a Choose Life License plate that funds pregnancy help centers. Ultra sounds are now required before an abortion and minors must have a parents blessing in most cases.

Each week, a small group of protestors pray silently in front of the state supreme court.

Each year on the anniversary of Roe, Catholic high school students protest at the State Capitol. “We’re just here to let women know they are loved and to let them know there is support for them if they are in crises pregnancy,” says Sister Colleen Mattingly, John Paul II Catholic High school.

On the other side, a small gathering of pro choice women worried publicly that women’s rights are under attack. “Access to birth control is under attack.” Patricia Ireland, Former NOW President.

And a Democratic dark horse candidate for Governor argued she is the only sure bet to protect women’s rights. “We will not allow government to intrude into our bedrooms and our doctor’s offices.” Nan Rich, Gubernatorial hopeful (D).

In 2012, Florida voters turned down a constitutional amendment that could have opened the door to more restrictions on abortions leaving Florida status quo.

Governor Rick Scott is proposing the state spent five times more than it did last year to protect springs in Florida. Environmentalists are both applauding the money , and criticizing the Governor for being lax on polluters.

This 1980 photograph of Wakulla Springs  shows crystal clear water. Today, manatees frolic, but the water is dark and cloudy.

Water quality has caused Glass bottom boat tours to drop from thirty or forty weeks a year to just three last year. “We’re going to invest 55 million dollars to protect Florida’s springs,” says Governor Rick Scott.

Governor Rick Scott used an employee recognition ceremony to announce increased spending on springs protection. The state will seek ideas on how to spend the money. Identifying the cause isn’t a problem. “It’s septic tanks, it’s run off from our urban communities, it’s excessive fertilizer, it’s waste water treatment plants,” says Hershel Vineyard, DEP Secretary.

The Governor’s ask of 55 million dollars is more than five times what was spent last year. Audubon Florida lobbied for the increased cash. “This year we hope that they will do more to protect the right around the springs as well as replace septic tanks and get the sewage that’s going into springs right now out of the springs.” says Eric Draper, Exec. Dir.  Audubon Florida.

David Guest of Earth Justice says the new money wouldn’t be needed it the state did its job in the first place. “This is the Governor who has the polluters write their own rules, it comes as no surprise that throughout the state of Florida the water bodies are turning to green slim,” says David Guest,   Earth Justice. In 2010, the state enacted legislation to clean up leaking septic tanks. The program was defunded a year later and repealed in 2012.

For just over three months, unemployed Floridians have had to overcome one obstacle after another to receive unemployment benefits after the state installed a new computer system. As Matt Horn explains, the US Department of Labor is allowing the state to pay disputed claims delayed longer a week.

After months of problems with the state’s new 63-million dollar unemployment system, the federal government is allowing disputed claims for unemployed Floridians will get paid.

“We are moving forward with paying claimants whose continued claims have been in adjudication for longer than seven days per the authorization of the United States Department of Labor and this will expedite payments to those individuals who may have experienced issues in the new system and they’ll go ahead and receive payment for their claims,” said Jessica Sims, Department of Economic Opportunity.

The U.S. Department of Labor has been working with the state since the new computer went live in October. After a recent investigation, the feds discovered that people who were eligible for benefits were being flagged in the new system. Governor Rick Scott says the state will continue to work on the problem.

“I want to make sure that anybody has who has to rely on unemployment benefits, gets their benefits,” said Governor Rick Scott, (R) Florida.

60 thousand claims were flagged. One concern is some Floridians will get a check they don’t deserve.

“Should an individual later be found to be ineligible for benefits, they will be responsible for reimbursing the state,” said Sims.

The U.S. Department of Labor will continue to technically assist Florida until the issue is resolved.

Deloitte continues to be fined 15-thousand dollars a day until the issues are fixed with the system.

Five decades since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, today’s leaders say there is still more work to be done. As Matt Horn reports – the NAACP says the changes will start at the Florida Capitol.

50 years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act – hundreds of Floridians of all ages marched to the state capitol. Say many of the things Doctor Martin Luther King Junior have fought for have yet to be achieved.

“He was more so about unity and I love that message because that’s what God would have us to do,” said Kim Smith.

Five decades since thousands marched on Washington to listen to Doctor King’s message, people now remember his legacy through worship.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Junior lived a life marked by courage, conviction and dedication to justice,” said Representative Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee.

“The Florida State conference, NAACP along with all its branches, especially this here in Tallahassee are currently putting together a battle strategy to fight against this administration and their continued attempt to hold back Florida’s goods from Floridians in need,” said Dale Landry, NAACP.

Landry says there has been a push in Florida to silent minorities. This includes what many say is voter suppression.

“Vote.” “And why?” “So we can help change the direction that Florida’s going, turn it back around,” said Landry.

The NAACP says this election will deliver a message that change will come.

In most years, Floridians get a three day back to school tax free holiday. Now Governor Rick Scott is pushing for an extra week. As Matt Horn explains – there is support for the push, but economists are concerned there are ulterior motives.

During Florida’s back to school tax-free holiday retailers see a 30 to 40 percent increase in shoppers over three days.

“They spend a lot of money marketing just because they know that people are going to be out shopping,” said John Flemming, Florida Retail Federation.

Governor Rick Scott is pushing to add seven more days to the tax-free holiday. Retailers say if the holiday is extended, jobs will be created

“Retailers, when they get ready for this, they staff up. They could add as much as 20 to 30 percent staff just for that weekend,” said Flemming.

Economists and retailers support the governor’s push for the extended tax-free holiday. Although one professor at Florida State University says it may be politically motivated. “It’s interesting that he proposed a 10 day sales tax holiday this year when it has been shorter in the past,” said Randall Holcombe, FSU Professor of Economics.

Political or not, Randall Holcombe says the extended tax-free holiday will benefit most.

“It would be nice to see a permanent tax cut, but I think you will see a bit of a pickup in business, and of course consumes benefit,” said Holcombe.

The Florida Retail Federation says brick and mortar stores are better able to compete with online stores when not collecting a sales tax.

“Those who are selling in tend to avoid Florida sales and use tax, whereas brick and mortar have to collect,” said Robert Weissert, Florida TaxWatch.

In a 2010 economic impact study – Florida retailers increase sales by 293-million dollars in the three day time span. The figure includes a 115-million increase in taxable sales.

The race to be Florida’s next Governor is heating up. Incumbent Rick Scott today named his campaign team after naming a running mate earlier this week. The top two contenders are fighting over who did what to the economy.

For almost a year, Governor Rick Scott has been drawing a contrast between the economy now and before he took office. “Record high unemployment and a downward spiral of job losses,” says Rick Scott Governor.

In Orlando in September Scott went so far to say that despite the national economy, Different leadership would have keep Florida out of the great recession. “We shouldn’t have had the down turn. We shouldn’t have lost those 832 thousand jobs before I became governor,” says Governor Scott.

Rick Scott never mentions the Governor before him, he’s clearly trying to contrast what happened to the economy when Charlie Crist was Governor and what’s happened sense.”

Crist came back to the Capital city this week to raise money. He called the idea that he was responsible for the recession ”beyond Belief”. “It’s just absurd, it’s laughable. And if they try to sell that to people, people are smarter than that,” says Charlie Crist, former Governor/Candidate for Governor.

Both sides are gearing up for a brutal battle. And while many political candidates often come across as different shades of gray, this race promises strong contrasts. “I would change everything he’s doing and get back… get Florida back on track. I would have approved the bullet train. You know, these kind of things would have provided tens of thousands of jobs and he’s the job’s governor? I could go on and on but I got to visit some nice people,” says Crist.

Money also appears to be no object. Incumbent Scott banked about 25 million

Over the last year, while Crist has brought in four million in two months.

Legislation to allow you to drive 75 miles an hour on rural interstates was approved by a State Senate Committee today, but the legislation faces an uncertain future.

Long stretches of rural roads like I-10 across North Florida, I-75 and even the turnpike can see a five mile an hour bump in the speed limit. Under Legislation moving in Tallahassee. “I’m certainly not suggesting that the department raise speed limits inside city limits in major urbanized areas but in very rural areas,” says Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-Pinellas County.

The legislation doesn’t actually raise the speed limit but it allows DOT to conduct studies and then hike the limit by as much as five miles an hour to match what drivers are already traveling. “That doesn’t meant that every facility speed limit would get raised to 75 miles an hour,” says Ananth Prasad, FL DOT Secretary.

The Committee approved the legislation, not uncommon when it is the chairman’s bill, but it faces a tough road ahead. “This is not the German autobahn, we have leeway to drive five, six mile over the speed limit now, now you going to push it up into 80 if we increase it,” says Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-tampa.

Adding fuel to the debate is a new national study to be released next week that will paint Florida as having some of the weakest traffic laws in the nation.

Triple A motor clubs oppose any change, saying speed kills. “It takes longer to stop when you’re going faster, people are following closer, people are distracted when they’re driving and we are concerned about safety of motorist,” says Sot: Karen MacFarland, AAA Motor Clubs.

More than two thousand people died on Florida roadways last year.

Beer was on the agenda at the state capitol today. State law prohibits beer consumers from trying the beverage before buying. As Matt Horn reports – a proposal may allow people to taste before they buy, just like they can with liquor and wine.

Before you crack open a cold one, some lawmakers think consumers should know what the product tastes like. Beer distributors support the measure and say it’s a great way to promote a product.

“Tasting is a great way for consumers to know the different products in the marketplace,” said Mitch Rubin, who supports the proposal.

A State Senate Committee has approved a bill removing prohibitions on beer samplings at vendors in Florida. Susan Pitman with Drug Free Duval is against the idea. She hopes the proposal never makes it to the governor’s desk.

“You can conceivably see a mom at Publix do a beer tasting get in her car with her three kids and have some kind of serious accident on the way home,” said Pitman.

Concerns were raised over whether tastings could occur in convenience stores…something that will be worked out later.

Another proposal was temporarily postponed Thursday. The bill would allow malt beverages to be sold in 64 ounce growlers at craft breweries…consumers are already able to purchase 32 ounce or 128 ounce containers.

Senator Jack Latvala is behind the growler bill.

“I don’t see how we can in good conscious say now we’re for less regulation and then tell people down to the ounce what sizes they have to pour in their craft brewery,” said Senator Latvala.

Those in support and against the bills both agree on one thing.

“We just want to make sure that it’s done responsibly in terms of beer tasting,” said Rubin.

Similar proposals have been introduced in the Florida House.

Governor Rick Scott is asking the US Supreme Court to review two lower court rulings that prohibit Florida from drug testing welfare recipients. As Matt Horn reports, people are split on across-the-board testing.

Terry Paul worked for the State of Florida for 17 years before losing her job last May. Paul supports across-the-board drug testing for state workers and welfare recipients.

“Everybody needs to be checked, I’m willing to be checked, if I want benefits, I want help, I’ll do whatever they want me to do to get the help,” said Terry Paul.

Governor Rick Scott has continued to push mandatory drug testing. Now he is asking the US Supreme Court to weigh in.

The request comes after the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against across-the-board drug testing on the last day of 2013.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees have been fighting every step.

“The lower courts have taken the position that the people have a right to have a reasonable cause to be drug tested,” said Jeanette Wynn, AFSCME Florida Council 79, VP.

Cheryl Cullens says it’s insulting to be asked to take a drug test.

“It’s almost like assuming that everyone who needs assistance from the state is a drug attic, which is not the case,” said Cullens. “Honestly, it would be a waste of taxpayer money to go through the process when a decision has already been made about it.”

Supporters say testing will save taxpayers money in the long run.

“It needs to be automatic drug testing for new hires and random testing for anybody,” said Paul.

Welfare recipients who were drug tested before the program was stopped were testing positive at a lower rate than the general population.