Governor Rick Scott’s proposal for across the board teacher pay raises has been met with praise by teachers, their unions and school and district officials. But whether state lawmakers will agree to the boost is still up in the air. Several legislators have said they’d rather see performance-based salary increases, and as Lynn Hatter reports, the state board of education says the Governor’s proposal undermines its goals of education reform.
The December school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut that left more than 20 children dead last year has spurred much discussion in recent months over gun laws and mental health issues. Florida is one of the states looking into both issues. And, as Sascha Cordner reports, a bill is gaining traction in the state Legislature that could block anyone checking voluntarily into a mental health treatment facility from purchasing a gun.
A measure is making its way through the Florida House that would require doctors to provide medical care for a baby who is born alive during or right after an abortion. But Regan McCarthy reports opponents worry the measure could have the alternative motive of cutting back on women’s rights.
The House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee is putting forth its version of ethics reform today [on Tuesday], two weeks after the Senate unanimously passed its sweeping ethics package on day one of session. Jessica Palombo reports, the House committee chair is calling the effort a work in progress.
Finally this evening, we conclude tonight’s Capital Report in the same solemn spirit we began, with a remembrance of a departed member of the Florida Legislature. Thomas Andrew Gustafson reports the tribute came in the State Senate.