Florida Senate defeats proposed school voucher amendment

[seafan]

Senate defeats proposed school voucher amendment

May 1, 2006

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A proposed state constitutional amendment that would have let the Legislature restore a stricken school voucher program and create new ones failed by a single vote Monday in the Florida Senate.

The chamber voted 23-16 for the proposal, but it needed at least 24 votes - a three-fifths majority of the 40-seat chamber - to get on the ballot. Vouchers let students attend private and religious schools at taxpayer expense.

The measure was a top priority for Gov. Jeb Bush, who also lost a Senate vote last week on another proposed amendment that would have weakened the state's class size reduction requirements.

The amendment was intended to get around a Florida Supreme Court decision that in January declared it was a violation of the Florida Constitution to send children from failing public schools to private schools at state expense.

snip

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/breaking_news/14475533.htm

[seafan]

1. Hindenburg Jeb is going down in flames. Another great day for FL.

Voucher proposal shot down

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Jeb Bush was dealt a devastating blow Monday night by the Florida Senate, which refused by a single vote to endorse a ballot proposal aimed at keeping alive his landmark private school voucher program.

In his final year as governor, Bush has had to absorb a political one-two punch from the Senate – with the voucher action coming just days after senators rejected his bid to ease the state’s tough class-size standards.

Just as with the class-size proposal, Bush was unable to secure the needed three-fifths support, or 24 votes in the 40-member Senate, to get the measure on the ballot.

snip

[seafan]

2. Dissenting moderate Repub Senate Majority Leader stripped of his post.

Boy, these are some vindictive people. And Jeb! is hoppin' mad.


School vouchers killed by one vote; senate majority leader asked to resign

BY GARY FINEOUT AND MARY ELLEN KLAS
May 1, 2006

The Republican-controlled Senate killed the proposal by a single vote, with four Republicans -- including Majority Leader Alex Villalobos of Miami -- rejecting a hard sell from the governor that the measure was needed to reverse a recent state Supreme Court decision that ruled his 1999 voucher program unconstitutional.

Villalobos, whose wife is a school teacher, paid a steep price for the vote: Senate President Tom Lee stripped him of his post as majority leader just minutes after the vote, saying he no longer viewed the Miami senator as a team player.

snip

Senate leaders said they will immediately move to take up an alternative measure on Tuesday that will attempt to protect vouchers -- which supporters call Opportunity Scholarships -- for the 733 students using them in private schools, by attempting to put the measure in another voucher program that was not struck down by the courts.

In a terse statement, Bush said it was wrong that voters would not get to decide the fate of voucher programs.

''It is unfortunate that today individual Florida senators turned their backs on the 16,812 McKay Scholarship students, the 14,084 Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship students, the 740 Opportunity Scholarship students, and the many others in voluntary pre-kindergarten and college assistance programs that needed them,'' Bush said. ``I am disappointed that the citizens of Florida were not given an opportunity to be heard.''

snip

Hey, Jeb, did you listen to the voters when they said NO to repealing class size?
No, you insulted us by trying to force us to revote on an issue we already decided. And did you listen to your own Supreme Court when they said your voucher program is unconstitutional? No, you are STILL going to try to force it into legislation before your clock runs out in December.

You have selective hearing.

And Florida voters are going to select another political party in November.

It's time for you to leave. Take early retirement, why don't you.

[Judi Lynn]

5. What they're doing to Villalobos is astounding. Looks as if they're trying

to make an example of him as a warning to other Republicans who might be tempted to vote against the pro-_Bush majority.

Majority leader is out of a job
The state Senate president fires Alex Villalobos, in line to be president in 2008, after he fails to toe the party line on the class size amendment and school vouchers.
By STEVE BOUSQUET and JONI JAMES
Published May 1, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - Senate President Tom Lee on Monday night fired Sen. Alex Villalobos as majority leader after the Miami Republican cast the deciding vote to keep school vouchers out of the Florida Constitution.

It was the second time in four days that Villalobos broke with members of his party in a vote that had Democrats pumping their fists in triumph. Last Friday, he was one of six moderate Republicans who blocked an effort to weaken the 2002 class size amendment.

Minutes after the end of another tense day in the Senate, Lee told reporters he had lost confidence in Villalobos as a loyal lieutenant.

"You cannot be the majority leader if you are unwilling to lead the majority," Lee said. "Not only did I not get organized support, unfortunately at times I received organized opposition."
(snip/...)

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/05/01/State/Majority_leader_is_ou.shtml



That they would turn on a member of _Jeb's Cuban "exile" base could have repercussions, with any luck. He was looking really good for the highest Senate position before this:

Senate's first Cuban-American president likely in 2008
JONI JAMES
Published November 17, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TALLAHASSEE - Even before Tom Lee was sworn in as Florida's new Senate president Tuesday, Republican senators already were casting unofficial votes for the man who would be president in four years.

Sen. J. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, a former prosecutor known for tackling sticky policy issues and pushing openness in campaign fundraising, has emerged from a pack of a half-dozen competitors as the likely Senate president in 2008.

A Miami native, Villalobos would be the first Cuban-American to lead the chamber. He practices law with his father, a Cuban immigrant.

Several senators confirmed Tuesday that Villalobos has pledges from at least 12 of the 26 Republican senators, two shy of the number needed for a majority and far more than any of his rivals. Democrats are not a factor, unless they manage to wrest control of the Senate from the GOP.

As the Senate's new majority leader, Villalobos has a far more powerful post than any of his rivals, giving him leverage to secure the top job.
(snip/...)

http://www.stpetetimes.com/2004/11/17/news_pf/State/Senate_s_first_Cuban_.shtml

[sutz12]

20. They do love to eat their own.

:)

[demo dutch]

28. Lile brother... like brother

[judaspriestess]

80. why are Cubans so gung ho on being Republican?

I have yet to meet a Cuban who is not one? anyone know?

[soup]

6. "Not a team player?

Off with his head!"

Damn. Vindictive with a capital V.


The 5-2 decision by the FL Supreme Court that declared the voucher program unconstitutional
Bell and Cantero dissented -
both appointed by j.e.b. -
'team players'
blecch

[Vidar]

3. Good news. Thanks for posting.

[Judi Lynn]

4. seafan, our hearts are breaking. It's so sad when things like this happen.

More than we can bear.


Oh, the humanity.

What must be going on in Jeb's "beautiful mind?" This is such horrible news for poor Jeb, but there's one thing you can count on: Jeb will deal with it maturely, just as any Republican would.

[DoYouEverWonder]

7. Has a voucher receipent

this bill was meant to provide some oversight of these programs, so for one more year at least there will be none.

Are vouchers a bad thing? In the grand scheme of things they probably are. However, Jeb has destroyed our public school system and now all they are concerned about is created dimwits who can pass an FCAT.

In the meantime, I'll take my voucher and run so I can get a real education for my son, thank you very much.

[Bridget Burke]

8. You've got yours.

The hell with everybody else.

At least you're not homeschooling the little darling. "Has a voucher receipent" or "As a voucher recipient"?

[Judi Lynn]

9. Gutting the public school system by providing public money to private

schools is a filthy idea, completely in keeping with the destructive nature of the NeoCon Republican Party. Loathesome.

I'm speaking "Has" a DU'er!

The Republican Party continues to soar.

[DoYouEverWonder]

10. Yes, my child comes before anyone else

sorry that's just the way it is.

Yes as, not has. I'm not the greatest speller in the world.

Now, back to the topic.

I tried the public school system. Kindergarten was a disaster. The teacher did not recognize the signs of my son's disability and thought he wasn't learning his letters because he wanted to spite her. At the end of the year, I found a private school that was my dream school.

In first grade, we decided to have him tested and he was diagnosed has a gifted dyslexic. There are no programs in our county for gifted dyslexics.

In third grade, a new charter school had opened for children with reading disabilities. I decided to transfer him there and give it a try. After a year of attending this school my son was about ready to go out of him mind. The kids and adult were mean. The program was so dumbed down that in fourth grade they were still working on material that he had already mastered in 1st grade. When they finally finished his IEP and designated him has officially dyslexic, I applied for the MacKay Scholarship and sent him back to the school we both loved.

Now he's in 7th grade. He's an A-B student. His voucher covers all of his tuition and there's enough left over that we were able to assign him an aide who sits with him in Reading and Literature and who also tutors him after school. There is no way my local public schools can provide him with this level of service, nor are they even willing to.

In the meantime, my son is a happy and high performing student. Is there something wrong with this?


edit: county not country

[soup]

11. Thank you for sharing your story.

My own personal take on vouchers puts the MacKay scholarship program in the category of 'a horse of a different color'. It's the one alternative school program I am not personally opposed to. I think it was born of necessity and wonder why it, or something like it, wasn't implemented sooner.

There was a time when The MacKay program was considered as an alternative for our grandson. But we managed to find a niche in the public school system and programs there that, so far, suit his needs. It hasn't been easy - with so many cuts in special education - and at times we've had to put up a hell of a fight to get him into or out of one program or another. We have had some, um - lively is a good word - IEP meetings.

For children with special needs that can't be addressed in the public school system, the MacKay program can be a godsend. It can also be a nightmare, due to the lack of oversight on private schools. So I'm definitely with you on very strict qualifications and ongoing oversight of the schools receiving the funds.

I'm so glad it is working for you and your son, and wouldn't begrudge a penny of the public funds going to the private school that provides him what public schools cannot.

That said - these other voucher programs - argh - based on a school's performance - make me livid.


and for what it's worth - I knew what you meant when you typed has instead of as... :)

[Bridget Burke]

12. Have you continued trying to improve the public schools?

Even though you were no longer personally involved? Do you watch the school board elections? Or does your entire world revolve about one child with "difficulties"? What will you do with yourself once he leaves home?

Texas has its problems, but I know that none of my taxes go toward vouchers. I don't have children, but I don't mind supporting the public schools.

[DoYouEverWonder]

14. Excuse me

What have I done?

I do plenty in my community and currently sit on a city board. When I'm not busy taking care of my kid, running my business, and trying to help get BushCo removed from power, I might get to go fishing or play my fiddle.

Sorry, if it upsets you that I would dare accept money from the state to educate my child. Oh the horror. Considering the fact that I own three major pieces of improved real estate, I pay more in property tax then most people earn in a year. I think I contribute more then my share.

[Bridget Burke]

15. Apparently you are so well off that you could afford....

Private school tuition. The voucher is just a bonus--a way to get back some of that tax money you resent paying.

Is there a finite number of vouchers? Is some poorer kid with problems stuck in the dreadful public school system because his parents can't afford anything better & the vouchers already went to well-off folks with connections in the community?

[DoYouEverWonder]

16. My financial situation

is none of your business.

[Bridget Burke]

17. OK. Details of your son's condition can be freely shared with all of DU.

But your financial situation is a big secret.

You are right. Other Florida taxpayers are the only ones who should question whether their tax money is well-spent on your vouchers. However, many of them probably pay less than you--so their opinions don't count, either.

[Bacchus39]

66. I'm with you, if I can take advantage of sending my kid

to a quality public school if available, I'm going to do it. If no quality public school is available, then Catholic school.

[DoYouEverWonder]

70. Public School works fairly well

for at least 50% of the population. However, there are a fair number of kids who square pegs trying to fit into round holes and those are the ones that need alternatives.

[soup]

13. The whole ball of wax

The legislation

"Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution ... to provide that students in prekindergarten through college who have disabilities or are economically disadvantaged, or meet other legislatively specified criteria, may participate, as provided by law, in education programs that include nonpublic schools (and) that the Legislature may enact and publicly fund prekindergarten through college education programs, without regard to the religious nature of any participant or nonpublic provider..."
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/05/02/State/Bush_suffers_vouchers.shtml

OR, OR, OR, AND

What a bunch of bull - wrapping it all in like that. Can you imagine if that had made it to the ballot in November? I haven't seen the full proposal, but just that blip with all the ORs and ANDs is enough to make me truly glad it was shut down.

--

related issue-

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a ballot proposal that would have asked voters to shift the power to redraw voting districts from the Legislature to a special committee.

The decision, which means the redistricting initiative will not appear on the ballot in November, was a major victory for Republicans who control the Legislature and most of Florida's seats in Congress and a defeat for Democrats who hoped to regain political influence through a bipartisan commission.

In their 6-1 decision, the justices said the proposal violated the requirement that ballot proposals deal with a single subject. They also said the brief summary of the plan, the paragraph that would have appeared on the ballot, was misleading in describing the proposed commission as "independent and nonpartisan."
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/03/24/State/Redistricting_questio.shtml

single subject? - OR OR OR -
Geesh!
Was the 'single subject' in this voucher proposal completely gutting the public school system in FL?

[proud2BlibKansan]

44. What makes you think the private voucher funded schools

are better?

They certainly are not better here in the midwest, where I teach. And the charter schools are disasters.

I think a better strategy would be to fight for good, adequately funded public schools rather than abandon them for poor privately funded schools.

[DoYouEverWonder]

64. Actually, the charter schools here in our county

are for the most part pretty good and are all grassroots/parent run operations.

In regards to Public vs Private a lot depends on the school. However, since FL is now basing everything from advancement to teacher's salaries on the FCAT, Jeb has done an excellent job destroying public education here. The kid's may be doing better at reading and writing on tests but they are doing badly in the sciences and history and forget about music and art, they don't want to waste the time on those subjects because teaching for the FCAT is much more important.

In regards to private schools, the one my son is in is one of the best I've ever seen. They began taking in the 'tough' kids that no one wanted way before vouchers even existed. This school goes from K thru HS and class sizes are all kept to less then 16 students per class (try to find that in a public school). Each level is a combination of 3 grades, so for example in Middle School you are in a class with students that range in age from 12-14 yrs old. One of the big things for me is that bullying and put-downs are not allowed at all. We don't have a lot of rules, but the rules we have are taken very seriously. Overall, the students that graduate from here do at least as well, if not better, then students from public schools when it comes time for college.

[jazzjunkysue]

18. "Closing failed schools." I love that. What does it mean? Ever think abou

about it?

What is a school and how can it fail?

A school is a building. If it's standing and safe and adequate for the needs of the students, then it's not failing.

So, if the students arent' learning, why? IS it automatically the teacher's fault? The administration? If so, what exactly do private schools have that solve the problem?

Hmmmm.....A tough one.

Oh, yeah. I know: Financial and public support. And no requirements for certification of the teachers and no job security for them.

This is a huge victory for children, because it means their teachers will still be certified and the public will have to invest in their public schools, both with effort and dollars.

One for the kids.

[toopers]

19. I think this sux for kids . . .

I believe in the school voucher program. I think it is the best thing that can happen for students and education in general. When you have the public school teachers sending their kids to private schools at higher rates than the general public, you know something is up!

[Bridget Burke]

22. My sister in law teaches in a fine private school.

She sent her kids to public school & they did quite well. Both finished college & one's gotten her Master's.

[toopers]

25. I'm not sure I understand the point of your post.

If public school teachers are so confident in the public schools you would expect the attendance rate of the teacher's kids going to private schools to be less than the general public. Instead, it is greater. Yet, the teacher's unions fight hard to make sure that other kids will not have that same opportunity. I think this is hypocritical. I think this is hypocritical of our politicians also.

[Bridget Burke]

37. Where did you get your data?

Please supply some proof.

[proud2BlibKansan]

46. There is no proof

That is a RW talking point they have been circulating for 30+ years now. But, like so many of their other talking points, there is no truth to it. The vast majority (like 95%) of teachers in public schools send their own children to public schools.

[toopers]

60. Below are a few links.

There are more and I am sure you are smart enough to find them.

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040922-122847-5968r.htm
http://www.edexcellence.net/doc/Fwd-1.1.pdf
http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/article/461

http://privateschool.about.com/b/a/257476.htm
http://privateschool.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.heritage.org/Research/Education/BG1684.cfm

[proud2BlibKansan]

65. The Moony Times???

The second link is to an article authored by a long time voucher supporter.

These stats don't agree with any I have seen from sources I trust. Find a credible source and I will read the article.

The Moony Times?? Are you kidding??

:rofl:

[demo dutch]

29. Jeez, you make it sounds like that's unusual, For your info lots of

PUBLIC school kids make it to college, get masters and PhD's !!!!!!!! even in Florida

[Bridget Burke]

38. I DON'T think that's unusual.

I was trying to answer the old lie that "public school teachers send their kids to private schools." It comes up every time vouchers are discussed & proof is never offered.

[RagingInMiami]

57. I didn't think public school teachers were able to afford private schools

[Bridget Burke]

59. My sister-in-law marvels that ANYONE can afford to send their kids....

To the school where she teaches.

Her wages are a bit lower than she'd receive in a public school. But it is a fine school & she enjoys teaching there.

[RagingInMiami]

74. Do her kids get free tuition?

[Bridget Burke]

76. No. Her kids went to Public School.

They got fine educations.

I was wondering about all those "public school teachers who send their kids to private schools." The Voucher Fans keep mentioning them, but I've never met one.

[proud2BlibKansan]

45. So taking money AWAY FROM public schools is going to help

in what way?

That talking point about teachers in public schools sending their kids to private schools was false back in the 70s when I first heard it and it is false now. Last statistics I saw showed less that 5% of public school teachers enrolled their own kids in private schools.

I have taught nearly 30 years and have known very few teachers who did not send their own kids to public schools. For one thing, we can't afford private school tuition on our salaries. LOL

[toopers]

61. Giving all parents the choice to send their kids to good schools . . .

will make all the school systems better. Why do I have to be able to afford a $500K home in certain cities to make sure that my child will be in the right district so that he/she can go to a good public school?

[seafan]

21. Jeb starting the vindictive blame game today.

Bush blames voucher loss on Senate GOP split

By BILL KACZOR
May 2, 2006

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Gov. Jeb Bush, smarting from two major legislative defeats in quick succession, on Tuesday blamed his latest lost on a fight over the future leadership of the Republican-controlled Florida Senate.
The Senate by a single vote Monday refused to place on the ballot a proposed state constitutional amendment to reverse a Florida Supreme Court ruling that struck down a voucher program. It had let students from repeatedly failing public schools attend private and religious schools at taxpayer expense.

"This wasn't a vote about school choice, trust me," Bush said. "It was about people's feelings being hurt. It's about personal pride. It's about a dysfunctional Republican caucus."

snip

"I was working it. I called a lot of members," Bush said. "I'm not blaming anybody."
He may not call it blame, but Bush clearly put the onus on Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, who voted against both proposals.
Villalobos is in a struggle with Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, over the 2009-10 Senate presidency. The current president, Sen. Tom Lee, R-Valrico, stripped Villalobos of his position as majority leader immediately after the voucher vote.

snip

Villalobos denied he orchestrated opposition to either amendment, saying his votes were a matter of conscience. He said he was not surprised that Lee removed him as majority leader, replacing him with Sen. Daniel Webster, R-Winter Park, who sponsored the voucher amendment.
"I didn't ask anybody to vote the other way," Villalobos said. "I'm a product of public education. My legacy here is not going to be that I opened the door to take money away from public education or hurt the teachers that got me here."

snip

The proposed amendment also was designed to protect the corporate voucher program and another for disabled students from future legal challenges. In addition, it would have permitted the Legislature to create more voucher programs without limits.
"That would open the door to what I believe to be the destruction of public education in the state of Florida," Villalobos said.

Hey, Jeb, did it ever occur to you that your voucher aspirations failed on their own merit?? Stop making this a personal issue against any moderate members of your party who don't bow down to your demands.

People in this state do not want to starve our public schools.

With Jeb Bush, it is all about punishment. A nice family legacy he picked up from somewhere.

[Judi Lynn]

23. Great post, great thread. This is very important. Thank you. n/t

[seafan]

31. You are very welcome, Judi Lynn. This is not over yet!

Guess what these guys are doing now? They are changing the rules and going to take *another vote*.

Senate to reconsider proposed voucher amendment

May 2, 2006

By BILL KACZOR

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Senate, in a stunning move, voted Tuesday to reconsider a proposed state constitutional amendment on school vouchers, a top priority for Gov. Jeb Bush, after defeating the measure by a single vote a day earlier.

That would allow the Senate to take another vote on the proposal as early as Wednesday. The amendment would allow the Legislature to restore one stricken voucher program and create others that would let students attend private and religious schools at public expense.

Senate President Tom Lee, who engineered the reconsideration vote, said he had no specific plans to take another vote before the Legislature's scheduled adjournment Friday.

"It's available now," said Lee, R-Valrico. "If nothing else we're going to have a lot more attendance over the next three days in the gallery."

The Republican controlled chamber voted 22-17 to reconsider after Lee and other leaders made a couple disputed rules interpretations that included allowing a senator on the losing side, Jim King, R-Jacksonville, to make the reconsideration motion.

snip

Lee said a rule saying a senator on the prevailing side must make a motion to reconsider did not apply because constitutional amendments require more than a simple majority.

snip

:eyes::eyes::eyes:


These guys will do ANYTHING to force their agenda through. Rules? Hell, *we don't need no stinkin' rules.*

The mob rules in Tallahassee.

Every day, I surpass my own ability for cynicism.

[demo dutch]

27. Jebbie runs politics likes his big brother- Remember that when Jebbie runs

[brentspeak]

24. Another loss for Jeb. He'll have to find another Terri Schiavo

to exploit and grandstand over to make himself feel better.

[demo dutch]

26. MIA- Villalobos(R) voted w/FL dems and was stripped of Rep leadership

Politics in FL are run by Jebbie just like his big brother runs politics in DC!!
Remember that when Jebbie want to run for Pres!!!!!

See Miami Herald
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14482052.htm

[slay]

30. WOW - Three cheers for Villalobos for standing up for public education

Stripped of Senate title, Villalobos says he stood on principle
BY MARC CAPUTO
[e-mail]

TALLAHASSEE - Alex Villalobos settled into a cramped little office this morning, his title as Senate Majority Leader stripped just last night but his pride intact.

The Miami state senator said he expected he'd lose the position as Republican leader when he again joined Democrats Monday evening to defeat an education initiative favored by Gov. Jeb Bush. The proposal would have asked voters to change the state Constitution to allow for vouchers that send more public money to private schools.

Villalobos said such a plan would have ''destroyed'' public schools. And he felt he was ''repaying a debt'' to teachers who helped educate him and send him to office.

''When they couldn't sway my vote, I figured that would happen. And I vote my principles and I'll take my lumps. That's all right,'' Villalobos said.

more:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14482052.htm

[arwalden]

32. Good!!

If people get vouchers to send their kids to religious schools, then people who do not have children should ALSO get a voucher for NOT burdening the public school system with the kids they don't have.

[Bridget Burke]

39. I don't have kids & I could use some vouchers.

My cats are badly in need of obedience training. And I've always wanted to take accordion lessons!

[seafan]

33. More Tom DeLay tactics on vouchers AND class size!!!! It's not over!

House passes class size amendment despite defeat in Senate

By BILL KACZOR
May 2, 2006

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A proposed state constitutional amendment that would weaken Florida's class size reduction requirements narrowly passed in the House even though the Senate rejected a similar measure last week.

The Republican controlled House voted 74-40 for the proposal (HJR 447), just two votes more than the three-fifths majority required. Seven Republicans crossed party lines to vote against the proposal. No Democrat voted for it.

snip

"You never know what might happen in the Senate," said House Speaker Allan Bense, R-Panama City. "I would like to have it down there in the event that something might happen."

That something could be a vote to reconsider. Shortly after the House action, the Senate voted to reconsider another defeated amendment on school vouchers also being pushed by Bush.

snip

If they don't get the vote they want, they change the rules and have a do-over vote. (See post #31 above.)

This gives me a similar queasiness in the pit of my stomach that I've had since December 12, 2000.

[soup]

36. Seems like it's never over until they

(and/or the money machine behind them) get exactly what they want. This is getting so old, it's almost expected.

[Judi Lynn]

34. Update on story: From majority leader to GOP outcast

Posted on Wed, May. 03, 2006

From majority leader to GOP outcast
Alex Villalobos lost his bid for the Senate presidency and his post as majority leader after helping to kill a proposal dear to the governor. Now, the Miami Republican may face something he hasn't seen in 14 years: an opponent for reelection.
BY MARC CAPUTO
[e-mail]

TALLAHASSEE - Only a couple of months ago Alex Villalobos was on the cusp of making history as a future president of the state Senate, the first Cuban American who would hold the post.

But the Miami senator's long history as a moderate and independent cost him the leadership post. Then, Monday night, it led to his firing as Senate majority leader minutes after he cast a deciding vote to kill Gov. Jeb Bush's efforts to revive one of his prized education jewels: giving parents public money vouchers to send their kids to private school.

Three days earlier, Villalobos had helped to kill another Bush-backed effort to scale back Florida's law capping class sizes.

By Tuesday morning, four days before the end of the lawmaking session, the aftershocks were clear: The Florida Senate stewed in political disarray and bitterness. Villalobos was forced to move from his spacious majority-leader digs into a cramped office. And a whisper campaign -- implicating Bush himself -- began in earnest to find a political opponent for a man who hasn't faced a challenger in 14 years.

It didn't have to go this far. Villalobos had twice offered Senate President Tom Lee his resignation as majority leader this session, but Lee said he kept Villalobos in power because he had faith in him. Lee said he wanted to make sure he ''had clean hands'' in asking for Villalobos' resignation when he was sure his majority leader was working against him.
(snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/14485634.htm

[soup]

35. UPDATE - oops - already noted by seafan in post #31

Senate reverses, keeps hopes for vouchers alive

Vouchers may not be dead. The state Senate changes direction in a vote that preserves the possibility of school vouchers.

By JONI JAMES and LETITIA STEIN
Published May 2, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - In a startling move less than 24 hours after handing Gov. Jeb Bush an embarrassing defeat, the Florida Senate voted late Tuesday to revisit asking voters to allow private school vouchers.

The procedural move, which shocked and angered members of the Democratic minority, does nothing to change the fact that Senate Republicans on Monday failed to find the 24 votes needed to place the measure on the November ballot. No vote was taken on the proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday night.

But the maneuver - orchestrated by Senate President Tom Lee, R-Valrico, and carried out over objections of even some Republicans - keeps the issue alive until the 2006 Legislature adjourns Friday.

"I have no plan or expectation of bringing this issue up," Lee told reporters later. "It felt good for the Senate to have it available."

The bill sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Dan Webster, R-Winter Garden, said he didn't think the votes could be found. "I know how hard I worked, I don't think it's there," he said. "But this provides a ray of hope."
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/05/02/State/Senate_reverses__keep.shtml

--

that'll teach me.
note to self: read through the thread more carefully before hitting 'post'...

[demo dutch]

40. Unbelieveable!!! See Miami Herald link

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/14485595.htm

[seafan]

41. 1. "No arms will be twisted." 2. Give the money to "corporate sponsors."

No arms will be twisted, but all official titles and positions will be stripped.

And let's just give the $$$ to our corporate buddies in the form of tax credits!

Yeah, THAT'S the ticket.

We are all wearing the black hoods and electrodes now.

The Senate's suggested solution: Don't give the state funds directly to the kids. Instead, let corporate sponsors pay for the vouchers -- then give them a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.

The plan, which will come up for a final vote today, is designed to get around the high court decision in January that declared the Opportunity Scholarship Program unconstitutional.

snip

Later Tuesday, even as it moved ahead with Plan B on vouchers, the Senate voted to resurrect the voucher constitutional amendment killed Monday -- in case any senator changes his or her mind.

Over the objection of those who killed the bill, Senate President Tom Lee insisted this was purely a procedural move and that no arms would be twisted.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/14485595.htm

[demo dutch]

50. At least FL Senate Dems are fighting hard according to local radio station

[seafan]

73. The FL Dems are a feisty bunch. Tomorrow (Friday) will be a showdown.

The word here is that Jeb is leaning hard on all who oppose him. We'll see what happens tomorrow, the last day of the 2006 Legislative Session. I also heard some rumors of yet another special session if he doesn't get what he wants on his vouchers.

One certain thing that's true about Jeb and that is he NEVER accepts defeat. On anything. Nothing is ever final if he is on the losing end.

Long sigh.....hurry up, January.

[seafan]

42. Update: Angry Democrats paralyze Senate with bill-reading tactic

Hey, hey, there's gonna be a showdown!


Angry Democrats paralyze state Senate with bill-reading tactic

BY MARC CAPUTO
May 3, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - State Senate Democrats, angry that chanber President Tom Lee pulled a parliamentary move to resurrect a school-voucher proposal that had died a day earlier, responded with a maneuver of their own this morning: Insisting that each bill be read in its mind-numbing entirety, bringing the chamber to a near standstill.

Assuming it lasts all day, the bill-reading decision could mean high-profile legislation might die without a vote when the 60-day lawmaking session ends Friday. Among the bills: insurance fixes, hurricane response and preparation, and a plan to give inmates access to DNA tests to prove their innocence.
A monstrous time-killer looms: the 433-page budget, the only bill the Legislature is required to pass, could take hours to read. Sen. Walter ''Skip'' Campbell, a Tamarac Democrat, said the Democrats would call off the bill reading if they get a guarantee that the voucher bill will remain dead.

snip

This morning, Senate Minority Leader Les Miller of Tampa told his colleagues at a Democratic caucus meeting that they all need to make sure to use the restroom because, once they insisted on this maneuver, Lee would lock them in the chamber.
A perturbed Lee went a step further. He ordered House members out of the chamber, required every Senator to sit in his or her seat, and gaveled them quiet after Miller insisted each bill be read in its dry entirety. Senators surfed the web, talked on the phone and passed notes to each other.

snip

Lee, a candidate for the Cabiunet post of chief financial officer, showed no signs of backing off the voucher proposal, which would likely fail if brought up again. A once-popular leader, Lee has watched the Senate devolve into back-stabbing and hard feelings after Sen. Alex Villalobos, a Miami Republican, was victim of a coup that cost him his bid to become Senate President in 2008.

A splinter Republican faction formed, siding with Democrats to kill Bush's voucher proposal, which voters would have had to ultimately decide this November, and a Bush-backed plan to ask voters to scale back a class-size reduction law they passed in 2002.
Lee has increasingly grown closer to Bush -- calling him ''my governor'' last night -- as the election nears and the two men prepare to leave their current offices due to term limits.

[seafan]

43. "..Senate seemingly growing more fractious by the hour."

Behold the heavy, cruelly vindictive hand of our governor.


Parliamentarian Payback

by John Kennedy
May 3, 2006

snip

The move marked the latest low point in a Senate seemingly growing more fractious by the hour.

Lee's nuancing of Senate rules Tuesday night brought back for a possible second vote Gov. Jeb Bush's coveted ballot initiative to keep vouchers alive -- which had been defeated the day before by one vote.

Following that vote, Lee stripped Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, of his post as majority leader for voting against the Republican governor's top priority. Last night, Lee's action to breath new lilfe into vouchers sparked Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell, D-Fort Lauderdale, to liken the Senate to "Communist Cuba."

"Now no one can say nobody has read any of my bills," said Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, after his 12-page bill related to liens was read aloud, word-for-word, by the Senate's reading clerk.

A trust fund bill was next. And the reading continued.

[proud2BlibKansan]

47. Thank you so much for posting this

This is such a critical issue. It is so disheartening to read so much trash talk against public schools here on DU. Threads like this one about vouchers, and exposing the RW talking points, are so important. THANK YOU!!

[seafan]

48. You're welcome, proud2Blib. I'm on the warpath over Jeb today.

In all of my born days, I never thought I'd be living under a tsunami of GOP corruption such as this. Federal. State. Local.

[demo dutch]

51. "My Governor"!! Thank God Jebbie asshole will be gone soon!

[seafan]

49. 6 African-American lawmakers targeted by Jeb and allies over vouchers

Six African-American Florida legislators targeted by Jeb Bush voucher allies

By Mark Hollis

May 3, 2006

As the 2006 session ticks toward a scheduled Friday night finish, it's these African-American Democratic legislators who are targeted by Bush's voucher allies with high-octane lobbying tactics normally used only by big-monied special interests for bills worth billions of dollars.

This week, voucher supporters sent black children to the Capitol to cajole black lawmakers' and their aides, angering Sen. Larcenia Bullard of Miami so much that she gave a speech accusing the governor and his supporters of using children as political pawns.

``This is so demeaning,'' Bullard complained Wednesday. ``It is simply taking us back in time when they use such racially charged tactics.''

Hard-hitting commercials touting vouchers for needy kids are running on popular black radio stations .....

....media barrage also extends to newspaper ads.....

....Voucher backers also are using letter-writing campaigns and phone-banking operations to urge voters in black legislators' districts to pester the black lawmakers....

....black ministers allied with the governor are visiting the lawmakers and their aides, citing Bible verses, ...

snip

[demo dutch]

52. Lika Brother.. Like Brother - Jebbie runs FL the way Georgie runs DC

[seafan]

53. Jeb's call to Rep. Mandy Dawson: "I'll veto everything of yours."

This is absolutely SHAMEFUL.

At issue for these advocates is the hope of undoing a stinging loss earlier this week for Bush's education legacy. Black senators say the governor is making it a personal battle, even making phone calls himself to the lawmakers.
"The governor has his hands so mixed up in this that it's absolutely absurd,'' said Sen. Les Miller, a black lawmaker from Tampa who is the Senate Democratic Leader.
Bush's efforts to persuade, Miller said, included calling Dawson to ask her to change her vote toward his side.
``The governor is doing this,'' Miller said, ``because he wants vouchers to leave a legacy. He's saying, `I'll veto everything of yours (Dawson's) in the budget.'

snip

Sen. Frederica Wilson, a black Democrat from Miami, said Bush ``wants to use vouchers as the hallmark of his administration but they (vouchers) have failed, and so now, he wants to muscle and bully everyone.''
Added Wilson, ``He's bullying members of his own party. He's bullying members of my party, and the citizens of Florida just so that he can leave his legacy. It's a shame.''

snip

``It's only angered me,'' said Bullard, explaining that she's been most upset by voucher proponents decision to bring children to Capitol offices, on school days, for long hours to lobby.
Lasher defended her group's tactics, which include the posting of a campaign-style website (www.flace.org) and the creation of a non-profit group to raise money for the media campaign. She said the efforts are necessary since voucher critics, including Florida's teachers' union, the Florida Education Association, has a team of lobbyists working against the proposal in the Capitol.

snip

``Sure, they're running TV and radio ads, and have those roto-telephone calls pouring into my office,'' Wilson added. ``But they know better than to bring children to me. Nobody comes to me because they're scared. I'm too vocal in my opposition.

[demo dutch]

55. Seafan, despite the fact that the Supreme Court has spoken, it still

possible that Jebbie and his cronies can push this through. What happens then ? Back to the Supreme court???
I'm so sick of this (FL) administration!! The only salvation is if Davis wins big in November. I wish the dirty tactics would get more media coverage

[seafan]

56. We are in uncharted territory now. I have no idea how this will play out.

One thing is for sure. Jeb is engineering this train wreck and he will force this against the will of the legislature and the people. He is totally out of control.

He forced his will onto Terry Schiavo.

He is forcing his will onto our elected legislators.

He is forcing his will onto the people of Florida and their children.

He is forcing his will onto the elderly, the disabled, the teachers, minorities, the environment, troubled juveniles, homeowners, hurricane victims, pristine coastal waters, schools, Florida governmental sunshine laws.


I will make a prediction now and it is one I am loathe to say. He will run for higher office. And if he achieves *victory*, it will be of nefarious means.

[demo dutch]

68. I believe your right. I don't think he'll run in 2008 though

[seafan]

71. Senator Mandy Dawson (not Rep....my error) n/t

[demo dutch]

54. Vindictive Jebbie !- more on Villalobos outing- See Miami Herald link

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/14485634.htm

[seafan]

58. Jeb's *legacy* is vital to his Presidential aspirations. Not children.

It really is crystal clear.

[soup]

62. UPDATE - Bill to protect school vouchers clears Senate

May 4, 1:58 PM EDT

Bill to protect school vouchers clears Senate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A bill that would shift students in a voucher program that has been struck down as unconstitutional to another one that has not been challenged passed Thursday in the Florida Senate as an alternative to a failed proposed state constitutional amendment.

The Senate sent the bill to the House on a 28-4 vote without debate just three days after handing Gov. Jeb Bush a stunning defeat by refusing to put the voucher amendment on the ballot.

The ballot question would have given the Legislature unfettered authority to create programs that send students to religious and other private schools at taxpayer expense.

Both pieces of legislation were in response to a Florida Supreme Court opinion that declared the Opportunity Scholarship Program, part of Bush's A-plus plan for school accountability, violates a constitutional requirement for a uniform system of free public schools.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_XGR_VOUCHERS_FLOL-?SITE=FLPET&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[seafan]

67. Thanks, soup. Jeb had these comments for the rabble press today:

"Absolutely. I'd like to get this thing reconsidered and it's poised to do it," Bush said. "I'd like to get an extra vote. This is a priority. ... You want me to just sit back and do nothing?"

The governor said he is continuing to lobby senators who voted against the amendment but denied using strong-arm tactics. Sen. Mandy Dawson, D-Fort Lauderdale, claimed Bush emissaries threatened vetoes of her spending priorities and bills if she did not change her vote.

Bush said he has never spoken to Dawson and she has not returned calls.

"So the idea that somehow we are pressuring her is ludicrous," he said. "You can't strong-arm someone you have no contact with. This is kind of an out-of-body experience."

snip

http://www.wftv.com/news/9161989/detail.html

He must think we are really, really stupid.

[stepnw1f]

63. I Have to Say It:

AHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA....

[Judi Lynn]

69. Kick!

:kick: :kick: :kick:

[demo dutch]

72. kick

[Judi Lynn]

75. It's hard to conceal Jeb's nobility, isn't it?He's too good for this world

You might find this part of his threats interesting. It's the last paragraph of this snip.:

Sen. Dawson's 'strong-arm tactics' comment stings Gov. Bush

By Mark Hollis
sun-sentinel.com Tallahassee Bureau
Posted May 4 2006, 2:11 PM EDT


TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Jeb Bush expressed frustration Thursday with Mandy Dawson, a Democratic state senator from Broward and Palm Beach counties, who in recent days has accused the governor of using ``strong-arm'' tactics to urge her to back school voucher legislation he supports.

``I wish I could pressure her,'' Bush said. ``I tried to call her and she is not returning my calls or (from) anybody else in my office. So, the idea that we're trying to pressure her is ludicrous.''

Dawson, D-Fort Lauderdale, said on Wednesday that Republican leaders want her to support a constitutional amendment that would protect and expand school vouchers that allow public funds to be spent toward private school and religious education.

The senator has said that in return for her vote, Republican leaders and the governor have promised that a Riviera Beach redevelopment project in her district would make it into a bill on private property rights. On Thursday, though, the Senate stripped her proposal from the eminent domain legislation.

Dawson has said she's been contacted by emissaries for the governor, including Republican senators and lobbyists, on the voucher issue and her pending legislation. She said she was told that if she didn't switch her vote toward the governor's side on vouchers that another bill she sponsored, a measure that makes it a crime to leave children unattended in vehicles for more than 15 minutes, would get vetoed by the governor.
(snip/...)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-54bushdawson,0,1871195.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes, the little (overgrown) Prince is going to sabotage Senator Dawson's attempt to push adults to be more protective of the little ones in their keeping. What a hero.

http://homepage.mac.com/jholbo/nutwork/images/Bush,%20Jeb.jpg

[soup]

77. What a perfect choice of pictures to go with the article.

Any further word? Isn't today the last scheduled day the legislature is in session?

[Judi Lynn]

81. Just found this, It could have been written more clearly, for chrissakes!

Posted on Fri, May. 05, 2006
EDUCATION
Vouchers saved, but Bush won't get amendment
An attempt to resurrect a constitutional amendment to expand school vouchers failed, but lawmakers rescued a current program.
BY MARY ELLEN KLAS
[e-mail]

TALLAHASSEE - Florida Senate leaders acknowledged Thursday they don't have the votes to revive a constitutional amendment to expand the governor's prized school voucher program, but at the same time lawmakers quietly rescued 733 students in a voucher program that was struck down by the state's high court.

A fix for that program, known as Opportunity Scholarships and given to children in failing public schools, was quietly tucked into another bill that passed the Senate and was sent from the House to the governor.

The rest of the bill would impose new accountability measures on private schools that accept state-paid vouchers to teach students from chronically failing public schools, students receiving corporate-sponsored vouchers and disabled students receiving McKay Scholarships.

The Florida Supreme Court had struck down Opportunity Scholarships, saying it provided state funds for public schools. In the new bill, vouchers for the students would be paid for by corporate sponsors -- as long as the children who receive them qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The corporations would write the schools a check and then the state would give the corporation a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.

It appeared late Thursday that this may be the only voucher victory for Gov. Jeb Bush this legislative session.

Despite a week-long lobbying effort by the governor, Senate sponsor Dan Webster said they haven't been able to convince any of the 19 lawmakers who voted against the plan to create a constitutional amendment to expand and protect his voucher program to switch their votes. They need the one additional vote to resurrect the amendment and put the measure on the November ballot.
(snip/...)

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/politics/14505179.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also, this:

May 5, 2006 2:43 pm US/Eastern

Voucher Legislation Pending As Session Ends

(CBS4/AP) TALLAHASSEE Legislation designed to restore Governor Jeb Bush's school voucher program is lingering as Florida's regular 2006 legislative session comes to a close Friday.

In January, The Florida Supreme Court struck down the Opportunity Scholarship Program that allowed students from chronically failing public schools to instead, attend religious or other private schools at taxpayer expense.

The high court ruled the program was in violation of the Florida Constitution's requirement for a uniform system of free public schools. Two other voucher programs however, were not challenged and so far remain unaffected by the decision.

A bill that would restore these opportunity vouchers by allowing students from failing schools participate in a private school program for low-income household children financed through corporate tax credits is still pending in the House; the Senate has already passed the legislation.
(snip/)

http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_125144648.html

[seasat]

78. Jebbie is a small pissy little man.

That is my opinion of him. Lord help us if he somehow makes it to president. Y'all think his brother is bad. Spend some time here under Jebbie's regime.

[MountainMamma]

79. Too Bad Jebbie

Looks like we are at last seeing you NOT get your way. It will be fun to watch you and the great Bush friend, Katherine Harris, go down together. AT LASTTTTTTTT.:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: