State unemployment rate dips slightly; growth in ‘lower wage industries’ Restaurant kitchen 360×270 – Florida Independent

In July, Republican Rick Scott threw his support behind an Arizona-type immigration enforcement law for Florida. But as…

Gov. Rick Scott's proposed 2012-2013 budget, announced Wednesday, includes an increase for K-12 education of almost $1.1 billion.

A new report released this week by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding found that American Muslims could be a key swing vote in the upcoming presidential election — especially in Florida, where community groups have been able to increase voter turnout among Muslims.

The federally mandated numeric nutrient criteria, a set of standards to govern water pollution in the state of Florida, have been harshly criticized by industry, agriculture and even lawmakers — who argue the criteria are too stringent and would result in job losses and stymie business growth. But now a new set of critics have emerged: environmentalists, who feel the criteria aren't quite stringent enough to make any real impact.

Committees in the Florida House and Senate are set to take up controversial immigration bills this week. The tougher of the two, which is being carried through the House by Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, is now on Thursday's crowded Economic Affairs Committee agenda, after languishing for weeks.