After leaving Congress, Attorney General Bill McCollum cashed in on his support of the financial industry to become a high-paid lobbyist for the industry. Just recently, he sent a letter to bank executives asking them to address the housing crisis in Florida? Bill McCollum is trying to cash in again, but this time for help in white-washing his own record. Will Bill McCollum finally take responsibility for his use of Washington's revolving door, even at the expense of Florida home-owners?
McCollum Cashed in on His Political Insider Status
McCollum Went To Work For a Law And Lobbying Firm, Specifically to Lobby for Clients on ‘Congressional’ Action. After serving as a member of Congress, Bill McCollum went to work in the Orlando offices of Cleveland, Ohio based Baker & Hostetler. McCollum joined the firm as a partner and worked in the federal policy group. In 2006 he reported a salary of $300,000. McCollum’s job was to represent clients who “seek to resolve or avert federal policy-related concerns through Congressional or administration action,” according to a press release. “Bill McCollum knows the legislative process and the people who shape our nation’s policy,” said Tom Ball, managing partner of the law practice’s Orlando office. “From keeping clients abreast of pending legislation to ensuring their views are known in Washington, Bill is ideally qualified to represent the interests of our clients.” (Associated Press, April 17, 2001; Florida Department of State, Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interests; Roll Call, 4/23/01)
McCollum Lobbied On Behalf Of Mortgage Bankers Association Of America: From 2001-2003, McCollum lobbied on behalf of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America. During that time the Mortgage Bankers Association of America paid Baker & Hostetler $110,000. (House and Senate Lobbying Reports 2001-2007)
Mortgage Bankers Association Of America Opposed Consumer Protections: In 2009, Representative Barney Frank planned to introduce and pass the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, as the Obama administration had proposed in June. The agency would have broad authority to set rules and regulate products such as mortgage loans and credit cards. However, industry groups including the Mortgage Bankers Association have opposed the effort, arguing that it would restrict the flow of credit and hurt consumers. They have mobilized a lobbying and advocacy campaign against the proposal and spent the Congressional recess hearing PR pitches from at least four firms. (The Hill, 7/6/09)
Mortgage Bankers Association Admitted Role In Financial Crisis: Steve O'Connor, government affairs representative for the Mortgage Bankers Association confirmed that the MBA, whose members are chartered by state authorities and only indirectly scrutinized at the federal level, had started talking with Office of Thrift Supervision officials about federal regulation to prevent a recurrence. “Our industry has acknowledged that we have had a role in the problems that are confronting the housing and financial sectors,” O'Connor said. (San Francisco Chronicle, 11/11/08)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
McCollum Once Again Cashing In On His Political Insider Status to White-Wash Record
From FDP:
Democratic Leader Sands: Credit Goes to President Obama and Congress for Florida's Rail Transit Prospects
Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) issued the following statement in response to the Legislature’s passage today of rail transit legislation:
“I congratulate my colleagues in the Florida Legislature for creating a policy foundation from which rail transit can become a viable transportation alternative for Florida’s citizens, tourists, and businesses throughout the state.
“Thanks foremost to the economic recovery funding made available by President Barack Obama and Congress, today’s action means Florida is now poised to receive substantial funding for an array of transportation-modernization strategies.
“Significant questions remain about details of the legislation, including whether all contracts will be competitively bid, the number of jobs that will be created for Floridians, and the long-term financial consequences for the state. But with hard-negotiated assurances in place to ensure that existing workers’ jobs can be preserved now and in the future with the development of SunRail, the Central Florida commuter rail, today’s passage of rail transit legislation marks an important stage of progress for our state.
“In the months ahead, Florida House Democrats vow to be vigilant in monitoring rail transit contracts and other developments to ensure that the promised creation of new construction and permanent jobs will be available foremost to Floridians, and that contracts for rail-related projects go to Florida-based businesses.
“Sadly, there are more than 1 million Floridians out of work today. It is crucial that Florida’s new rail-transit ambitions become real jobs of tomorrow for the people of our state.”
Will Crist Back New GOP Statement on Stimulus, Shun Florida Jobs It Created and Saved?
From FDP:
New criticisms of the federal stimulus program by Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele leave Gov. Charlie Crist, to answer if he agrees with Steele's statements and how he reconciles them with his own varying positions on the stimulus.
"Does Charlie Crist agree with statements by the leader of his Party that the stimulus is 'an indisputable failure' or does he think the 30,000 jobs its kept in Florida have helped our state in the midst of an economic catastrophe?" Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff asked. "Charlie Crist changes positions on the stimulus as often as most people change socks. Does Crist stand with his national Party bosses or with the working people of Florida? Was he threatened with political retribution for his stimulus endorsement?"
Steele referred to "the indisputable failure of" the federal stimulus program, calling it "reckless" in an opinion editorial, published Monday, in Politico. Yet, the federal stimulus has so far saved or created 29,322 jobs in Florida, according to federal reports. [Politico, Op-Ed by Michael Steele, 12/7/09; Recovery.gov, 12/7/09, http://www.recovery.gov/transparency/pages/home.aspx?State=FL&datasource=recipient]
Asked in February why he'd "broken with some in [his] own party to back this stimulus," Crist affirmed his endorsement of the stimulus saying, "Because Florida needs it frankly." But earlier this month, when asked about his support of the stimulus, Crist said, "I didn't endorse it." [The Weekly Standard, Online Blog, 11/5/09,http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/11/charlie_crist_on_the_stimulus_1.asp]
Steele had previously warned of RNC retribution for GOP candidates who supported President Obama's stimulus plan saying, "We'll come after you." [ABC News, The Note, 11/5/09 http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2009/11/steele-to-republicans-who-support-obama-well-come-after-you.html]
Questions loom:
Does Gov. Crist back RNC Chairman Michael Steele's latest statements on the stimulus, and if so, does he consider the 29,322 Florida jobs it saved or created each "indisputable failures"?
Was Gov. Crist given advance warning of Steele's op-ed, and did Steele or other Republican Party leaders intimating potential retribution for his previous support of the stimulus ever approach Crist or his staff?
If Gov. Crist continues to retract his previous endorsement of the stimulus program, why does he believe Florida would be better served without those 30,000 jobs?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Letter to Governor Crist & Florida Cabinet from Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda
December 3, 2009
The Honorable Charlie Crist
Governor
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Dear Governor Crist:
Congratulations on the success of the Florida Small Business Summit recognizing the many contributions of Florida’s small business owners and the important impact they make to our state’s economy. I was impressed with the broad diversity of businesses represented by those invited to participate in the summit and congratulate you for your leadership in advancing innovation and excellence in Florida.
I am writing to also encourage that future state-sponsored events promoting and recognizing Florida’s small businesses are more inclusive of representatives from two important industries in Florida: the renewable energy and the film, entertainment and television industries. These two industries hold great promise for the future of our state, compliment the strengths we already have, and help lead the nation on several levels.
As you probably already know, Florida’s film, entertainment and television industry is strong and has tremendous potential. Florida’s tourism and the film, entertainment and television industry go hand-in-hand and complement each other. Tourism, however, is vulnerable to the recession, while the film, entertainment and television industry is almost recession-proof.
According to a study on Florida’s Film and Entertainment Industry Economic Impact Analysis in 2007, film and entertainment-related spending accounted for:
• $17.9 billion in GSP (Florida’s Gross State Product)
• $8.5 billion in personal income
• $498 million in tax revenue to Florida
• 207,800 jobs
In 2008, every dollar of film incentives provided by the State is associated with $22 in additional gross state product and $1.44 in additional tax revenue. The study shows that over 68,000 jobs were created in 2007 directly in arts, entertainment and recreation services.
Additionally, due to spending in the industry supply chain and industry payrolls, jobs were created in other parts of the Florida economy. These spinoff jobs included:
· 28,620 jobs in professional and technical services
· 26,520 jobs in information services
· 11,870 jobs in construction
· 10,810 jobs in retail trade
Florida’s renewable energy businesses also play a pivotal role in transforming our economy and way of life. Although one small business (Hypower Inc.) in this area was included among the summit participants, I think we can and should do better at including more in future state-sponsored events. The American Solar Energy Society’s recent report forecasts nearly 37 million green-collar jobs by 2030 in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industry. Florida’s green-collar workforce can only grow if we invest to build and strengthen our renewable energy businesses.
In his book Hot, Flat and Crowded, Thomas Friedman writes “We are not going to regulate our way out of the problems of the energy-climate era. We can only innovate our way out, and the only way to do that is to mobilize the most effective and prolific system for transformational innovation and commercialization of new products ever created on the face of the earth – the U.S. marketplace.” We must do a better job to build and strengthen Florida’s renewable energy and energy conservation and efficiencies businesses, which contribute to Florida’s innovation and excellence. Florida must do a better job to create the environment for what Friedman describes as the spurring of “massive, no-holds-barred-everybody-in-their-garage-or-laboratory innovation,” which will lead us to new sources of clean energy.
Once again, thank you for your vision and leadership in recognizing Florida’s small businesses. I appreciate you taking the time to consider my request. Clean, green industries such as the renewable energy and the film, entertainment and television industries are on the cusp of the seismic paradigm shift we face and can help spark a healthy economic and cultural rebirth in Florida.
Sincerely,
Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda
Representative Michael Scionti Accepts Presidential Appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
From the House Dems:
State Representative Michael Scionti will not seek reelection to a third term in the Florida House of Representatives for Legislative District 58 and announces that he has been appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intergovernmental Affairs and Homeland Defense. Representative Scionti’s resignation takes effect at midnight on December 13, 2009. Representative Scionti has requested that the Speaker of the House maintain the District 58 office, until such time that a special election can be held to finish the current term.
As a native of Tampa, Representative Scionti was first elected to the Florida House in 2006 and reelected without opposition to a second term in 2008. Representative Scionti proudly represents District 58, which encompasses historic West Tampa, as well as neighboring communities like Northeast MacFarlane, Riverside Heights, Seminole Heights, Wellswood, and unincorporated areas of Town & Country. “It has been a distinct privilege and honor to have served my community in the Florida Legislature, and I am grateful beyond words to all those who have entrusted me with their confidence and support.”
“Over the course of my professional career, I have served the greater public fighting to protect the rights of others in and out of the courtroom, on and off the battlefield, and throughout the halls of the legislature. With the pride and honor that accompanies such service comes the duty and responsibility of representing the public’s interest to the best of one’s ability and in the most effective manner,” said Representative Scionti. “As much as I have enjoyed serving as a forceful advocate in the Florida Legislature for small businesses, working families, and our children and seniors, I am now compelled to serve my Commander-in-Chief in the defense of our great nation.” As an officer in the United States Army Reserve and combat veteran of both the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Representative Scionti said, “Our country has called upon my service and I will once again answer the call.”
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Rep. Hazelle Rogers' Inquiry About Census Outreach
November 23, 2009
The Honorable Charlie Crist
Governor, State of Florida
Office of the Governor
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Dear Governor Crist:
At no time in our state’s history has an accurate census count meant so much. I am keenly interested in making certain that all of Florida’s hard-to-count populations are counted, including the minority populations, immigrants and people with disabilities.
Obtaining an accurate count of Florida’s population is crucial for many matters, including the planning of Florida’s schools, highways, roads and other vital public projects. I consider these funds monies in reserve as we plan ahead in these fiscally challenging years.
As a legislative delegate to the 2010 Sunshine Census’ Statewide Complete Count Committee, I have several urgent questions to bring to your attention.
Of the funds appropriated by the federal government for this important effort, how much money is Florida expected to receive and how will these funds be distributed and utilized?
Of the funds appropriated by the State of Florida, how much will each county, municipality or other local entity receive, and how will those funds be utilized?
Does your office maintain a database of how state and federal funds for census initiatives are being spent throughout the state, and can you provide descriptions of the projects being funded?
I am certain that there is an economic impact to our local communities through state and federal spending on census outreach efforts. It is not clear if funds can be used to supplement someone who is getting unemployment benefits.
Governor, your rapid response to these questions will be warmly welcomed, and your continued interest in this important matter is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
Hazelle Rogers
Representative, Florida House District 94
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