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Law enforcement officers are telling state lawmakers that more budget cuts could jeopardize public safety. The legislature is in Tallahassee today discussing ways to reduce criminal justice spending. As Whitney Ray tells us, more cuts could cause the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to close 14 offices and drop some drug investigations.

Hear it Here: FDLE and DOC Face the Budget Ax

Law enforcement budgets are on the chopping block and the heads of criminal justice departments are pleading with state senators for protection from the budget ax.

Department heads are calling for an end to across the board cuts, saying if criminal justice budgets are reduced at the same rate as other departments, safety will be jeopardized.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has plans to close 14 field offices, stop some drug investigations, and end the missing persons program, if it’s forced to cut its budget by 10 percent.

“If that whole 10 percent list is implemented, you will see a different FDLE, we will not be the same agency,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey.

More cuts to the Department of Corrections could cause the state to house inmates in tents.

“We’ve got tents at three or four of our institutions that are assembled and constructed. Fortunately we haven’t been placed in a position that we have actually had to place inmates in those tents, but that are available for use if necessary,” said Richard Davison, the Deputy Secretary of DOC.

Lawmakers may have to adopt new sources of revenue to save criminal justice programs, but for now they are looking at cutting the departments to the bone, hoping they don’t risk public safety in the process.

Florida is losing two to four billion dollars a year in taxes it is already owed because state lawmakers have failed to pave the way for the collection of taxes on remote or internet purchases. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, most everything you buy online is subject to the state sales and use tax, but only about half of what’s due is ever collected.

Hear it Here: Collecting What’s Owed

The internet is the fastest growing sales sector in the state and nation. There is something for everyone.

“I buy clothes, shoes,” Tashalee Billings, a student, said. “I just bought my grandmother’s gift.”

“So I’ll buy sheets online and that sort of thing,” online shopper Amanda Wallace said.

Did you know that if you bought from somebody that didn’t charge you tax, you still owe it?

“No, I did not know that. I still owe tax?” Retiree Allen Ricketts said.

And that’s the problem. Few people know they are supposed to submit a form to the state and pay the tax they owe on internet purchases.

The tax on this 60-dollar watch should be $3.60. Florida Taxwatch says not collecting that at the sales point is costing the state a bundle.

“We’re losing two to four billion dollars a year,” Dominic Calabro with Florida TaxWatch said. “And what this means is, not only is it the rule of law but we’re actually hurting Florida jobs. We’re hurting millions.”

Tax experts say if Florida were already collecting everything it’s owed from internet purchases, there would be no budget deficit and no budget cutting.

Part of the problem is states tax items differently. Florida lawmakers have turned downed efforts to streamline our tax with other states. The Florida Retail Federation is working hard to get that done this year.

“That’s money that’s owed to the state of florida that’s simply not being collected, not being payed. And we need that money,” Rick McAllister with the Florida Retail Federation said.

Last year, just 3,400 forms were filed to voluntarily pay the tax. Remember…some people file more than one form, especially Department of Revenue employees.

Here’s the chart of how many have paid the tax since 1994:

Congress will still have to authorize a state to collect taxes from sellers in other states, but given the budget problems nationwide, opposition is starting to thaw.

Florida Chief Financial Officer donned her hat as State Fire Marshall today to dispense holiday safety tips. For starters, don’t leave your tree or outside decorations on when you leave the house, water your tree, make sure the light cords for your tree aren’t frayed, and don’t forget to blow out any candles before going to bed or leaving the house. Sink says the most important item you need could save you if you don’t heed the safety tips.

“Well, you’ve heard some very valuable tips, but if there’s one most important thing that a family can do it’s this little thing right here, the smoke detector,” Sink said. “First of all, that you have smoke detectors in your homes and secondly, they don’t do any good unless the batteries are operational.”

Sink says to check the batteries in smoke detectors at least once a month.

A broken compact between the Seminole Tribe and Florida is depriving the state of millions of dollars. Lawmakers have formed a select committee in hopes of reaching a new agreement, but as Whitney Ray tells us, this go round, other casino owners want a piece of the action.

Hear it Here: State Gambling on Gaming Compact to Increase Revenue

In July the Florida Supreme Court ruled the governor’s compact with the Seminole Tribe void. Despite the ruling, blackjack and full blown slots continue. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer said the state is missing out on millions.

“It’s an opportunity for the state to get 300 million dollars to help us close this 2.2 billion dollar deficit that we have,” Sink said.

Lawmakers have formed a committee in hopes of reaching a new agreement with the tribe.

Representative Bill Galvano will help negotiate the deal. He said deciding how much money to collect isn’t the only obstacle the state has to tackle.

“It can’t be driven solely by fiscal incentive. There are bigger issues out there. What are the relationships between the branches of government and how do we deal with this type of thing in the future,” said Galvano.

A coalition of horse and dog track executives says the original compact hurt their business.

“All we want is fairness and equity,” said Barbara Havenick, President of Flagler Greyhound Racing and Poker

The track owners won’t say specifically what they want, but as the negotiations continue, Florida is leaving millions on the table.

While some say a new compact with the Seminole Tribe could generate up to 300 million dollars a year, the South Florida Gaming Coalition says changing the state’s gambling laws for all casinos could raise twice as much.

The maker of a popular vitamin and herbal supplement advertised to stop colds is coughing up cash to Florida and 31 other states.

Airborne Health Incorporated will pay a total of seven million dollars for claims the supplement can prevent colds and fight sore throats. Deputy Attorney General Bob Hannah said the company misled customers.

“Their claims were made without any scientific evidence at the time they were made, so they would advertise them as a cure or a remedy or it would help diagnose or somehow treat a cold or flu or an allergy, when there’s no scientific evidence to that effect,” said Hannah.

As part of the agreement, Airborne has to stop making claims not backed by the FDA.

State House members are in Tallahassee today and tomorrow looking at ways to cut more than 2 billion dollars from the state budget. As one of the largest items, schools face some of the largest cuts, and as Mike Vasilinda tells us, school officials from around the state are at the Capitol pleading for mercy.

Hear it Here: School Administrators Seek Help From Lawmakers

Florida spends 140 million dollars a year recognizing A and B schools. The schools use the money for everything from ice cream socials to clowns and fairs. But in tight budget times like these, CFO Alex Sink says the non mission critical budget items need to go.

“If we get down to making a decision, or the legislature has to make a decision between cutting teachers out of the classroom or continuing to fund a program that’s not mission critical, I know where I would make the choice,” Sink said.

The call for reexamining the budget comes as school officials from around the state are walking Capitol hallways looking for relief. Miami Dade’s Superintendent told state house members firing people could actually make economic conditions worse.

“If we begin downsizing by the thousands, and that’s what a 100 million dollar or 200 million dollar reduction will result in, these people will go on welfare and these people will not find jobs in the current economy,” Miami Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.

One school official here working the hallways commented only partially in jest that what the state budget really needs is CPR.

State Education commissioner Eric Smith is warning school boards to brace for the worst.

“Further cuts are going to be very difficult to manage at the district level, at the community college level,” Smith said.

Legislative committee meetings on the cuts are just beginning. The tough decisions begin when lawmakers come back in early January.

One idea to offset school cuts is to allow local districts to use tax money earmarked for construction in the classroom, at least temporarily.

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.