Move to make education commissioner elected pits Republicans at odds with Jeb Bush and Common Core

TALLAHASSEE — A growing faction of Florida Republicans are supporting the move to make the state education commissioner an elected position, a proposal designed to reverse the state’s adoption of Common Core standards. The plan, offered by Republican Rep. Debbie Mayfield of Vero Beach, clashes with GOP legislative leaders who support the role of presidential…

Florida lawmakers cry foul over rising property taxes paying for increased education spending

TALLAHASSEE — When Gov. Rick Scott rolls out his budget proposal Monday, he’ll talk about spending more money on schools, but some fellow Republicans say he’s not telling taxpayers the whole truth. A spike in school spending will have to come from higher property taxes on businesses and homeowners in Florida, and that has Republican…

Florida Republicans again look at closing state’s massive public pension system to new members

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Republicans once again are taking aim at the Florida Retirement System, arguing taxpayers can save billions of dollars by closing the huge public employee pension program to new members and offering them a 401k-style investment plan. The proposal, which is expected to be offered by House members in the coming legislative session,…