Daily News Digest 4/20/ 2012:
The State’s unemployment rate has fallen to nine-percent according to the Department of Economic Opportunity. WFSU is talking with the Department’s new director and breaking down what the decrease in unemployment means for Florida.
Today also marks the last day of oral arguments in an ongoing lawsuit about how much the state pays to insure low-income children. The case centers on Florida’s Medicaid program and claims that children in it don’t have enough access to health and dental care.
The courts are also taking up the Senate’s second attempt at drawing new voting maps that comply with the state’s new constitutional rules on redistricting. The Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case. Democrats and voting groups say the new maps should be tossed out.
And stay tuned for this week’s “Capital Report” tonight at 6:30 where we wrap up the week in news.
This week we discuss Governor Rick Scott’s signing of the state’s $70 billion spending plan which includes extra money for education programs.
Hospital Privatization
A union and several lawmakers are working together to delay a budgetary move by the Department of Children and Families, which is pushing ahead to privatize custodial and maintenance services at a several state hospitals. Hundreds of state employee jobs are on the line.
Jacksonville regulates internet cafes
Internet Cafés managed to escape statewide regulation and an outright ban by the legislature but a Duval County Judge has upheld the constitutionality of a Jacksonville ordinance that regulates internet cafes in the region.
Two-year anniversary of BP Oil Spill
And, two years after the BP oil spill and right before Earth Day, the pros and cons of expanded domestic oil and natural gas production are the subject of intense debate. A top petroleum industry representative and Florida environmentalists give their very different takes on the issue.