Read Julie Patel’s article in the Sun-Sentinel here.

The Florida legislature has two bills (SB 710 and HB 487) that contemplate destination resort style gambling and a gaming commission.  Completely predictable are the arguments in support (jobs and taxes) and in opposition (morality, fairness to other entertainment venues ).  Florida already has a gaming industry; statewide lottery, 18 racetracks and 5 casinos in [...]

“Floridians Would Pay More to Shore-Up Cat Fund: Survey,” Insurance Journal, published December 6, 2011.

A statewide consumer survey conducted by the American Consumer Institute (ACI) finds that 70% of Floridians fear being assessed hundreds or thousands of dollars in hurricane taxes, because the state’s Catastrophe (CAT) Fund may run out of money to pay insurance claims.  The telephone survey of 805 consumers found 80% of Floridians did not want [...]

Are you concerned that you might have to pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars in “hurricane taxes” to the state if Citizens or the Catastrophe Fund run out of money to pay its claims? Yes (70%) No (25%) DK/Refused (4%)   Do you support or oppose allowing the Catastrophe Fund to selling more insurance [...]

WIRELESS TAXATION  SURVEY RESULTS    1. Should consumer cell phone tax rates be higher, lower or the same as the sales tax rates on other goods and services?             A. Higher (2%)             B. Lower (34%)             C. The same (49%)             D. DK/Refused (15%)   2. Would it be fair or unfair to require [...]

A national consumer survey conducted by the American Consumer Institute finds 89% of consumers oppose the imposition of higher tax rates on wireless services compared to what is levied on other goods and services.  When consumers were asked what the tax rate should be, 49% said wireless tax rate should be the same as the [...]

Euro Zone members are pointing fingers, lecturing on austerity and mugging for cameras by convening riots in the streets and gatherings of politicians.  U.S. consumers just want to hear the “prepare for the worst” commentary, as did Houseman:   And while the sun and moon endure Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure, I’d face it as [...]

As most anyone can see, federal spending has gotten out of control. As you read this, the so called “Super Committee” is looking for ways to cut billions from the federal budget in an attempt get spending under control and, hopefully, right the drifting ship that is our economy.  While most agree that Congress needs [...]

Congress has an urgent need to control Federal Deficit.  Earlier this year, the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform identified the containment of government medical program costs as a major priority to controlling the Federal spending.  With the aging US population, the need to address ways to control medical costs is more important than [...]