November 19, 2011 – Latest Candidate News for Florida’s Congress 2012 in District 39: Jason Henry (Democrat)

Thanks....
To our listeners, guests, crew and sponsors who make the Yo Soy Latino show possible a warm and heartfelt thank you.

Yo Soy Latino Radio has been bringing great radio to your neighbors, friends, family, and to you (our listeners) for the past two years. We have done so with help and advertisers like you. But like everyone else in this tough economy we’ve had to tighten our belts and made choices to keep quality programming alive.

If we are to keep the doors open, the lights on and maintain great quality programming like this on the air in Central Florida given these tough economic times, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Your generous contribution today to the Yo Soy Latino Radio Show will fuel its commitment to bringing Central Florida’s focus on public media.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE YSL FAMILY!


Cool Trivia...
November 19, 2011
1805 – Female Charitable Society, first woman’s club in America
1835 – Charles Darwin travels to Tahiti
1894 – 1st newspaper Sunday color comic section published (NY World)
1909 – US invades Nicaragua, later overthrows Pres Zelaya
1928 – Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse debuts in NY in “Steamboat Willie”
1938 – Trade union members elect John L Lewis as the first president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations
1943 – 1st US ambassador to Canada, Ray Atherton, nominated
1958 – 1st true reservoir in Jerusalem opens
1960 – Charlie Finley makes a bid to purchase expansion LA Angels
1963 – Bell Telephone introduces push button telephone
1964 – J Edgar Hoover describes Martin Luther King as “most notorious liar”
1967 – British govt devalues pound from US equivalent of $2.80 to $2.40
1970 – Joe Frazier Kos Bob Foster in 2 for heavyweight boxing title
1975 – Black-Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver returns to US
1976 – Spain’s parliament establishes democracy after 37 years of dictatorship
1989 – Pennsylvania is the first to restrict abortions after Supreme Court gave states the right to do so
1997 – Rare black pearl necklace auctioned for record $902,000
1999 – In College Station TX, 12 are killed and 27 injured at Texas A& M University when a massive bonfire under construction collapses
2002 – Iraq disarmament crisis: United Nations weapons inspectors led by Hans Blix arrive in Iraq
2004 – Russia officially ratifies the Kyoto Protocol

Sponsored by:
NAI Realvest
Need Commercial Property Contact Paul Partyka
Office location at 2200 Lucien Way, Maitland FL 32751
Telephone: 407-875-9989, Website: www.realvest.com


Movies...
Top 10 Box Office
November 19, 2011
1. Immortals
2. Jack and Jill
3. Puss in Boots
4. Tower Heist
5. J. Edgar
6. A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
7. In Time
8. Paranormal Activity 3
9. Footloose
10. Real Steel
Opening This Week:
Happy Feet Two
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
The Descendants
Another Happy Day
The Lie
Tomboy

Movie Review
Happy Feet Two — Rating: 4 STARS
Whether you are a child or an adult this movie is a “must see.” Happy Feet Two is very close to the first. However, this version begins with Mumble (Elijah Wood) and wife Gloria (Pink) who starts a family in the singing and dancing society of the Emperor Penguins. Unfortunately, their son Erik has no special talents, at least not as yet, and feeling a bit forlorn runs away with his friends to another tribe of penguins in the hopes of belonging.

As the temperature drops due to global warming, the heat causes a giant iceberg to shift. Blocking their society from food and water, which invariably forces this little team of penguins to realize the only hope available is the power of friendship and you guess it the inclusion of carefree dancing and romping feet to today's hip-hop music. This movie is deep and incredibly hilarious. But, it also has some dark sides to it, like the evil seagulls and the sea lions. Overall, the film was adorable, engaging and very thought-provoking. PLUS, their selection of pop songs was right-on!

Sponsored by:
Father Natures
Right off of Oakridge Road at 5816 Makoma Drive
Telephone: 407-850-5911


Breaking News...
World and Local News
November 19, 2011
Syria Accepts Arab League Plan ‘In Principle’
Cairo (CNN) – Syria has accepted “in principle” an Arab League plan to permit 500 observers into the country to verify whether the regime has taken measures to protect civilians, a senior Arab diplomat said Friday. At least 19 are slain in Syria on Friday. Syria wants amendments to the Arab League protocol on observers. The Hawks on Damascus, a defector group, appears in a video. A no-fly zone is not up for discussion, the Turkish foreign minister says.

Alternatives to the Florida Prepaid Plan
(South Florida Sun-Sentinel) – Parents wanting to enroll their baby in the Florida Prepaid plan face paying a mind-boggling $49,293 for four years tuition at a public unity – or $298 a month until the October before the child graduates from high school. That’s more than triple what parents paid just four years ago. Florida Prepaid administrators blame it on the law that allows public universities to make hefty increases in tuition and other fees. Here are three cheaper alternatives worth considering:

Invest half that -- or $150 a month -- in mutual stock funds in a tax-free 509 college savings plan and you would have $54,000 at the end of 17 years, assuming you earn 6 percent a year. But there's a risk that the stock market will not deliver or that the university will raise tuition more than what you have saved.

Enroll in a cheaper Florida Prepaid program: It is only $48.73 a month, for example, to pay for your child to go two years at Palm Beach State College or Broward College. Or you could pay $199.37 a month for your child to go two years at a community college and two more at a public university. Both plans require you to make the payments until the October before your child's high school graduation.

Do a combination of both -- saving in a 509 college plan and paying for one of the cheaper prepaid programs.

What's key is to regularly put away money to allow funds to accumulate. If you want to enroll in the Prepaid Program you have until Jan. 31, 2012. You will have to wait until next year to enroll if you miss the January deadline. Go to www.myfloridaprepaid.com for more information.

Out-Of-Work Veterans hope Jobs Bill Helps
(South Florida Sun Sentinel) – Sgt. Hector Gonzalez of the Army National Guard risked his life while guarding convoys that rumbled across Iraq last year. But the trauma that gives him nightmares these days is his inability to find a job back home in South Florida. "The bills slowly pile up," Gonzalez said Thursday on his way to a jobs fair as the nation prepared to celebrate Veterans Day. "I'm behind three months in my rent. I can't sleep well at night. It’s just that I got back home and can’t get a decent job. It’s kind of sad and frustrating.”

As Wounded Warrior Projects Grows, more Vets Benefit
(Florida Trend) – In 2006, the year it relocated its headquarters to Florida, WWP had 14 employees and spent $3.6 million on programs to help the injured. Final numbers aren’t in yet, but the group says that in the past year that spending has grown by at least 10 times that amount.

‘Occupy’ Protesters, Police Clash during Day of Action
New York (CNN) – A total of 50 are arrested in two incidents in L.A., an officer says. A total of 245 people are arrested in New York, and 48 more in 3 incidents in Portland Oregon, according to police. NY authorities say that at least 6 police were hurt while on duty. This marks two months since the activist effort aimed at the nation’s wealthiest 1% began in Manhattan.

Congress Avoids another Shutdown
Washington DC (CNN) – Congress passed a “temporary” spending measure on Thursday that will keep the federal government funded and open for business until December 16. The continuing resolution was necessary because the federal government is set to run out of money by midnight Friday. The measure passed the house by a vote of 298-121 Thursday afternoon, and the Senate followed suite Thursday evening, passing the measure 70-30.

White House Shooting Suspect Faces Attempted Assassination Charge
Pittsburgh (CNN) – Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez, 21, is accused of firing shots at the White House on Friday, including some that hit the building near the residence area where the President and his family live, according to a complaint document made public after the suspect’s initial court hearing Thursday says the suspect considered President Obama as the “anti-Christ”.

Employees Pass up Health Insurance Benefits as Costs Rise
(South Florida Sun-Sentinel) -- With the cost of health insurance rising, many Florida employees are considering the unthinkable, passing up medical coverage at work. A band of young physically fit workers have always skipped employer health benefits they view as an unnecessary cost. But insurance agents say a growing number of older employers and even families are trying to save money by switching to low-priced health policies they buy on their own.

Authorities Reopen Probe into Natalie Wood’s Death
Los Angeles (CNN) –The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office reopens the case. Persons with additional information have approached investigators. Nation Wood drowned off Catalina Island near Los Angeles in 1981. A news conference is schedule for Friday morning in California."

Florida’s Health Care Waiver PUSH could have BIG Implications
(Washington Post) – A seemingly obscure regulatory battle in Florida could upend efforts to implement health-care reform nationwide, requiring insurance companies to spend at least 80% of premiums on medical costs. Florida is pushing back, insisting that the Obama administration waive the spending requirement for Florida insurers—a move that critics say would roll back a crucial consumer protection in the health-reform law--where one in five people are uninsured. Officials say the waiver is essential to keep insurers from packing up and moving their business out of state. For many, the Florida waiver is a litmus test of how aggressively the Obama administration will implement the law, especially in a state that’s hostile to it.


Cigars...
Fire Up with Jose’s top suggestions!
November 19, 2011
Perdomo Slow Aged 826
Cu-Avana Maduro Robusto
Padilla Signature 1932
Cabinet Noellas by Tatuaje
Illusione 4/2G Slam
E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut
La Casita Criolla by Tatuaje
Punch Rare Corojo 10th Anniversary
Quesada Espana
Zino Platinum Z-Class

Sponsored by:
Ol’ Times Smoke Shop
Casselberry’s best kept secret, located at 860 E HWY 436
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Today’s Highlights...
Latest Candidate News for Florida’s Congress 2012 in District 39: Jason Henry (Democrat)
By Haydee Ayala
November 19, 2011
Orlando, FL – The climate in the studio gets pretty intriguing when YSL finds out the phone system went down. Apparently, there was a surge that knocked out the lines. As a result, our anticipated televise viewing of the show on ‘Ustream’ was unfortunately derailed, as was all incoming calls. Nonetheless, this is the week of being thankful, so host Jose Miranda made a brief announcement to our listeners then fades out for a moment of music.

In the studio with us today was Melissa. Last week regrettably Melissa was missing due to the passing of her mother, so we were happy to have her back so soon considering her loss. Mr. Jason Henry, who regularly keeps YSL current on the daily issues affecting our communities, today revealed his candidacy for the House. That's right! Henry is officially throwing his hat into the ring for the House seat, which is currently occupied by Geraldine Thompson (D) in District 39, but, will be vacant for the 2012 elections.

Of course Miranda decides to start off his campaign slogan with, “The White Candidate with a Very Serious Tan!” So, if you see it somewhere on a billboard, remember you heard it right here on Yo Soy Latino.
However, on a more serious note, Henry believes he can make a difference. His involvement as an activist and his career in journalism, has given him a connection to the people, being a greater voice to the democratic process. Henry, like many others, is concerned with some of the decisions of the new governor; and, maintaining the house seat would be pivotal to Democrats’ chances. District 39 is a community of 60 percent African-American, 15 percent Hispanic, and 25 percent White. It is also a community that faces many challenges.

Too many House seats are occupied by the Republican Party, a party that has lost touch with their constituents. And, what's more astounding is how many poor and middle-class people keep right on voting for them when the continued budgets cuts are made by these Republican administrations. The same party that has drastically reduce Black and Hispanic middle-class.

What once was a thriving and successful middle-class society is rapidly joining the ranks of the poor for many can not find jobs or are baby boomers many of which are too young to retire and no longer considered employable. Yet, it was that group of society that spent a great percentage of their income on consumer goods than the rich. Nonetheless, it is the 1 percent of the population that will receive the “trickle-down” benefits (greater tax cuts) because Republicans refuse to tax the wealthiest top 1%. Then again if they did, it would cut the deficits by at least $1 Trillion over the next 10 years.

Henry, unlike his equals, is connected to the community. Where the Republicans say that they serve the people, their only concern is the upper crust, particularly the 1 percent of the nations wealthiest. We need a change in government. A balance where there is none. But only you can make that difference, only you can inspire yourself to go and vote in 2012.

YSL will continue to keep you informed on everything that occurs in the world of politics. The media reports a daily roundup of news but it’s up to you to do the real hard work -- research, read, and get involved. For more on this exchange, go to our archived shows and listen to this week’s program.


Fashion...
Quick and Easy Hair and Makeup Tips
November 19, 2011
Between basting a turkey, making the pasteles, refilling the coquito (eggnog-like alcoholic beverage), and making sure that everything goes well who has time for hair and makeup? Now you do! Here are some quick pulled together easy hair and makeup tips that will keep you looking chic from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Granted they won’t be in any order, but you’ll get the idea.

1. Get a Quick Clean
Products like ‘bareMinerals’ will absorb oils and minimize shine to give your face a renewed fresh look. Or if you have your own favorite foundation use blotting papers throughout the day to absorb the oil without messing up your makeup.

2. Lighten Locks Instantly
If your scalp tends to get a bit greasy sprinkle a little translucent powder over your roots then brush through.

3. Hydrate Your Skin in Half the Time
Use conditioner as a quick fix to moisturize your hair and body. Just massage it in from head-to-toe while in the shower, wait a minute before rinse, and dry off. The conditioner will hydrate nearly as well as any body lotion without waiting for it to sink in. However, my personal choice is baby oil. Apply when wet to lock-in the moisture then pat dry. Moisturizer keeps skin soft and supple.

4. Get Gorgeous Nails Now
Remove all polish from your nails. Taking lemon juice, providing you have it and the thickest lotion you have on hand (also lip balm will work in a pinch) massage the two combinations together and rub into your cuticles. Leave it on for a few minutes (3-5) then rinse, do not wash off.

5. Use Pink to Fake Perfect Skin
To really perk up your skin giving it that perfect complexion look use a concealer. It’s the ideal tool for fixing flaws, no matter the skin tone. Also, try wearing lipstick in a warm pink. It will draw another’s eyes from blemishes and other imperfections.

6. Depuff Your Hair in a Flash
To eliminate frizz, dampen your hands with water and a drop of hand lotion, then gently pull your hair back into a French twist. Wait about 10 minutes then take your strands down. Voilà! You’re fizz free!

7. Focus on the Front to Speed Hairstyling
If you are pressed for time, do the T-zone blow-dry, in other words, down your part and around your hairline only. Take into account, as long as the front and top of your hair looks finished, so will you.

8. Score Evening Eyes in Just One Step
Eyeliner is the fastest way to turn an eye into one sexy look simply by tracing the top lash line to just past the outer corner of your eye. But, if you want to add eye shadow to create a smokey eye effect then do.

9. Pull the Look Together with a Ponytail
It is the ultimate easy style and there's nothing wrong with resorting to a ponytail. Just pull your hair back with your fingers, tie with an elastic band and spritz a little hairspray to keep you hair in place. Then twist a stray tendril around your hair elastic and pin to finish the look.

10. Revive Your Face Rapidly
To look alive after a long night, pat concealer to the inner corners of your eyes, under your lower lashes, and next to your nose. Finish by swirling bronzer over your cheeks.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your holiday feast with your family and love ones. We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, especially our men and women in the armed forces. Our deepest gratitude to you for protecting our freedom.... “Happy Thanksgiving” may you be blessed always and return home soon!


Sports Box...
November 19, 2011
Baseball
Wally Backman to Manage Bisons
Buffalo, NY (ESPN) – Wally Backman is moving his way up the New York Mets’ farm system after being named manager of the team’s Triple-a affiliate in Buffalo. At 52, the former major league infielder takes over the Buffalo Bison. He replaces Tim Teufel, who was promoted to become the Mets’ third-base coach this off season. Backman has nine seasons of managerial experience and two with the Mets organization. He broke in as a manager in 2001 with the Chicago White Sox Class A affiliate Winston-Salem. Backman has a 534-488 career record and has won two league titles as a manager. Backman spent 14 seasons in the majors, including his first nine with the Mets from 1980 to 1988, and was a member of New York's 1986 World Series championship team.

Basketball
Owners have short Conference Call as an Update, not much Else
(ESPN) – What had been billed as the NBA owners getting together – at least on the phone – to talk strategy Thursday turned out to be more of a 20 minute update on what was going on. That’s it! Not much else. The call was a panned update not a newfound strategy, according to the Associated Press. There are no details from the call because there aren’t a lot of details to give. Aside that the only real progress was the players' primary antitrust case in California being assigned to U.S. District Judge Samuel Conti, with the first management conference on the case set for March 9. The players will try to expedite that as by March 9 the entire NBA season would be toast.

Football
Tim Tebow’s 20-yard TD run caps Broncos late Rally
Denver, CO (ESPN). – There’s a new Comeback Kid in Denver, and John Elway’s proudly looking on at this plucky quarterback. Tim Tebow's 20-yard touchdown run with 58 seconds left capped a 95-yard drive and sent the Broncos to a 17-13 victory over the stunned New York Jets on Thursday night. Tebow ran just twice for 11 yards until the final drive, when he carried seven times for 58 yards in a performance reminiscent of his miracle in Miami, when he was ineffective for 55 minutes, then led the Broncos to two TDs in the final 5 minutes of a game Denver won in overtime.


Wines...
Top Choices for Under $25
Perfect for Thanksgiving
November 19, 2011
Raisins Gaulois
Gruner Veltliner “Wogenrain” Soellner
Bisol “Crede” Prosecco
Snoqualmie Naked Riesling, Washington State
Zweigelt, Rosi Schuster
Girasole Pinot Noir
Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
Secret de Campane
Weingut Meinhard Forstreiter “Grooner” Gruner Veltliner
Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port


Special Interest...
Helping Others
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has recently been through 2 winter storms leaving the reservation without power or water. They are in dire need of monetary contributions of any size to assist with the incurring expenses. Your donations and contributions will help in keeping their Tribal members alive, fed and warm.

For more information go to the link below: https://secure.piryx.com/donate/0oFFsK8c/Cheyenn-River-Sioux-Tribe/

Also, keep in mind that it’s been a tough year for many Americans and the world at large and your local American Red Cross was not immune. Give generously to this non-government humanitarian emergency assistance and disaster relief program so that they can continue to perform their acts of kindness; for more information go to www.redcross.org.


Recipe...
Lemon-Garlic Roast Turkey & White Wine
November 19, 2011
The zesty lemon-garlic rub for this turkey gives it amazing flavor. Instead of using a convention supermarket turkey that’s been “enhanced” with added sodium solution, here we brine a natural or organic turkey to keep the meat extra juicy without a lot of extra sodium.

Servings: 12 (3 ounces turkey and 2-3 tablespoons gravy each, plus leftovers
Time: 40 MINS Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes (plus 24 hours brining time)

Ingredients:
10 cloves garlic, divided
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup kosher salt
1 12-pound natural or organic turkey, (see Shopping Tip)
1/4 cup freshly grated lemon zest
1/4 cup packed fresh oregano leaves
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine or dry vermouth
1 14-ounce can reduced sodium chicken broth

Directions:
Crush 6 cloves garlic and add to a very large stockpot (or clean bucket). Stir in lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt and 4 quarts cold water.

Remove giblets from turkey (if included) and trim excess skin. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 24 hours. If the turkey is not fully submerged, turn it every 8 hours.

Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse well and pat dry. Discard the brine.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place the remaining 4 cloves garlic, lemon zest, oregano, oil, pepper and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor and pulse until it becomes a paste. (Alternatively, chop garlic, lemon zest and oregano on a cutting board until finely minced, then place in a small bowl and stir in oil, pepper and water.) Loosen the skin over the breast and thigh meat. Rub the paste all over the turkey, under the skin onto the breast meat and leg meat and a little inside the cavity. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey. Tie the legs together with kitchen string. Place the turkey breast-side down in a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan.

Roast the turkey for 1 hour. Turn it breast-side up on the rack, add 1 cup water to the pan, and continue roasting 1 hour more. Baste the turkey with pan drippings, tent with foil and continue roasting, basting every 15 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers 165°F, 30 to 45 minutes more.

Transfer the turkey to a large cutting board; let rest for 20 minutes before removing the string and carving.

Meanwhile, pour any pan juices and fat into a large glass measuring cup and place in the freezer until the fat rises to the top, about 10 minutes. (Alternatively, pour the pan juices and fat into a fat separator then pour the defatted juices into a large measuring cup.) Whisk flour with 1/4 cup water in a small bowl.

Set the roasting pan over two burners on medium heat. Add wine (or vermouth); bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Continue cooking until reduced, about 3 minutes.

Remove the pan juices from the freezer, skim off the fat with a spoon and discard. Add the defatted juices and broth to the roasting pan; return to a simmer, whisking often. Cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the flour mixture and simmer until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve and serve with the turkey.

Shopping tip: Look for turkey labeled “natural” or “organic” in natural-foods stores or well-stocked supermarkets. Turkeys labeled “heritage” are also typically “natural.” If you can't find one, don't overlook this recipe. It works with conventional turkey, too; just skip the brining (Steps 1-2) and start with Step 3.

Per Serving: 180 calories | Fat: 6g (2g sat, 2g mono) | 66 mg cholesterol | 2 g carbohydrates | 0 g fiber | 26g protein | 0g fiber | 120mg sodium | 273mg potassium

Source: eatingwell.com.

Sponsored by:
Digestive and Liver Center of Florida, PA
Srinivas Seela, M.D., Harinath Sheela, M.D., Seela Ramesh, M.D.
100 N. Dean Road, Suite 101, Orlando FL 32825
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3000 N. Orange Avenue, Suite C, Orlando FL 32804
Telephone: 407-384-7388, Fax: 407-384-7391, Web: www.dlcfl.com


Health...
Five Ways to Skirt Holiday Weight Gain
November 19, 2011
Want a guilt-free way to feast on holiday fare without loading up on all the button-popping, belly-bulging calories? No problem. Just use this 5-tip holiday action plan.

Replace temptations. Piling up holiday "goodies" (think pumpkin pie, cookies, and fudge) in plain sight can prompt you to eat twice as much, twice as fast. Instead, keep alternate goodies, such as walnuts, pistachios, cinnamon-spice tea, juicy oranges, and ruby-red pomegranates, within easy reach.
Don't skip exercise. Just make it short and sweet. Sticking with your routine during the busy holidays can be tougher than finding a radio station not playing Jingle Bells. Go for three 10-minute walks each day for a total of 30 minutes, and you're good.

Choose libations wisely. Beer and red wine both raise your appetite-triggering hormones -- a sure-fire prompt for a return trip to the holiday buffet table. Choose a chardonnay or Riesling instead. These white wines didn't have the same hunger-boosting effect in one study.

Use buffet-table strategies. You're less likely to inhale hearty helpings from every dish if you check out the entire spread first. We call it "eye your pie before you try." Stake out a seat where you can't see the feast, and choose only one or two specialties (Uncle Eddie's meatballs or Aunt Edna's spinach dip, for example) instead of three or four. You eat more calories when you have a wider selection, so minimize your choices.

Practice moderation, not deprivation. Splurge a little at parties, but eat sensibly the rest of the week. Get the skim-milk latte at your coffee shop, not the fancy holiday-spice coffee drink. Tote fruit and nuts or veggies and hummus to work for snacks, so it's easy to bypass the latest cookie mountain in the break room.
With moves like these, you'll wake up on New Year's Day wearing the same size, or even one size smaller.

Source: realage.com, by Dr. Oz

Sponsored by:
Urology Health Solutions, Inc.
Richard R. Lotenfoe, M.D.
Celebration Health Medical Plaza, located at 410 Celebration Place, Ste 203
Telephone: 407-566-1105, Toll Free: 866.URO.DOCS


Politics...
State Jobs Agency Wants More Money
(Though it can’t keep track of what’s been spent.)
November 19, 2011
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott's new jobs agency is asking lawmakers to double-down on the amount of job-creation cash it gives out to companies despite some shaky accounting over millions in tax breaks the state has paid out in past years. Since it officially opened its doors last month, Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity has vowed to create more jobs and bring greater accountability to the millions of dollars in tax breaks given to businesses who promise to create jobs. But the agency's $230-million business incentive budget request – up from this year's $93 million -- comes amid growing evidence that the state hasn't been keeping track of the millions of dollars agency documents say has been paid out to businesses that haven't met their job-creation targets.

Just five weeks ago, DEO director Doug Darling said "millions of dollars" had been paid out to companies that hadn't fulfilled their contracts. The agency then released figures showing that the state paid out $738 million over the past 16 years as part of more than 1,600 job-creation deals signed with companies. The deals were cumulatively projected to generate more than 224,000 new jobs in exchange for $1.7 billion in tax credits, rebates and other incentives. About 40 percent of them never resulted in a single job, and the companies were paid nothing. Many other deals were only partially successful. In all, agency officials can confirm that only about one-third of the promised jobs were actually created, though some of the contracts are still ongoing and may add to those numbers.

Two weeks ago, the agency named six companies it said had been paid $23 million since 2008 but had failed to live up to their contract terms – and vowed to work with those firms to either deliver the jobs or give back the money. "We want companies we originally contracted with to be successful. But if they can't, then we're going to have to take other steps," warned Darling. The reports generated demands from a powerful state legislator that the state seeks refunds – and brought assurances from new Commerce Secretary Gray Swoope that the agency was aggressively holding companies accountable. "We probably have some of the best compliance and metrics of our incentives anywhere in the country," Swoope said two weeks ago.

The agency also gave lawmakers records explaining "options" for renegotiating the contracts with the companies that included "sanctions plus interest penalties" it could try to collect for the state incentives it awarded. But now, DEO officials are acknowledging that the state hasn't been keeping very close track of the money. For instance, of the $23 million Darling cited, DEO records say that roughly half -- $12.4 million – went to a St. Petersburg technology company, Jabil Circuit Inc. But DEO officials now concede Jabil never got the cash and that the money has been sitting in an escrow account since 2008. "We apologize for the confusion," DEO spokesman James Miller wrote in an email to the Orlando Sentinel this week.

David Goodwin, planning and economic development director for the city of St. Petersburg, said the disclosure had been "damaging" to the company, which had been awarded a total of $37.1 million in state and local incentives three years ago to build a new $54-million headquarters and manufacturing facility. The company halted those plans two years ago "due to uncertainty in the electronics and technology sectors," according to DEO records. In September, the company boasted in a press release that it had posted "a record quarter and fiscal year," with 23-percent revenue growth. DEO communications director Nancy Blum said Wednesday that "to the best of our knowledge," the other five companies named for not meeting contract terms were paid $11 million the state may have to recoup.

At the same time, Blum said the state had more than $42 million sitting in escrow accounts for 15 projects. She said she could not release more details. Last month, Senate President-designate Don Gaetz sent a letter to DEO requesting it provide an accounting for all the incentive dollars it hadn't awarded so lawmakers could re-route it to other economic-development needs. But it's not clear how many other agency numbers are erroneous. The department also has shifted on the number of new jobs that it could verify, a figure that presently rests around 80,000 jobs since 1995. Notwithstanding that, the new agency submitted a legislative budget request late Tuesday seeking $230 million for corporate tax breaks, direct payments, tax rebates and credits next year – and more freedom to make awards without legislative oversight.

The agency is requesting $125 million for a new State Economic Enhancement and Development fund that lawmakers created for the governor last session that enables DEO to bypass the normal appropriations process of tying dollars to specific types of tax-incentive programs. The agency wants another $100 million in one lump sum "to allow the state to react to potential economic development opportunities," according to its request. "I think it's an awful idea, especially with the lack of accountability," said incoming House Minority Leader Perry Thurston, D-Plantation. "I think Floridians will be shocked and disappointed to learn that their tax dollars that could have been injected quickly into the economy to grow have instead been stocked up in bank accounts."

State lawmakers are expected to face a roughly $1.9 billion budget shortfall when the 2012 session begins in January. Next week, Swoope and Darling are to appear before a House economic development budget committee to explain which companies may have been overpaid. Neither official returned calls seeking comment on Wednesday. Rep. Mike Horner, a Kissimmee Republican who chairs the committee, said he was "withholding judgment" on the agency's performance until then, but it would have to demonstrate it could account for taxpayer dollars before it would get any new flexibility to spend more. "It sounds like they've got some difficulties tracking what they're doing," he said. "In concept, I can support greater flexibility, but you've got to be able to back it up."

Source: Orlando Sentinel, by Aaron Deslatte, Tallahassee Bureau Chief, Nov 9, 2011.