Sen. Mike Fasano blasts workforce boards' 'unconscionable' acts

MARCH 11, 2010

Florida's two dozen regional workforce boards may be in for a rude awakening as a result of wasteful spending and allegations of cronyism by a couple of the local boards.

"They're breaking the law ... It's unconscionable," said Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, chairman of a budget committee that oversees the boards and the Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI). Fasano praised AWI for helping blow the whistle on the abusive conduct by workforce boards in Tampa Bay and Polk counties.

Much of the outrage was a response to disclosures by the AWI inspector general's office about free-spending board members opening the public checkbook for meals, hotels and other events.

Fasano's committee on Thursday discussed proposed legislation (SB 1646) that would prevent regional workforce board members from having contracts with their board; require the chairman of each board to be subject to Senate confirmation; and require the hiring of each regional workforce board executive director to be approved by local elected officials (usually county commissioners).

Posted by Steve Bousquet at 1:22:29 pm on March 11, 2010 in

| Permalink | Comments |

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

Most Recent Blog Posts

Doctor's say money talked in ''eyeballs war'' February 15

With redistricting lawsuits pending, legislators want broad immunity February 15

Obama has Al Green. Allen West has Roy Orbison February 15

RNC names Paul Sorenson director of transportation February 15

Senate committee agrees to keep Jefferson County prison open February 15

Senators pull plan to hold $25 mill "contingency" money from USF February 15

After unfavorable vote, drug-testing bill revived by one of its killers February 15

Hooters founder gives to Mack February 15

Senate panel mandates meningitis vaccine for 7th graders February 15

Scott's Tax plan passes House, 92-22 February 15

About the blog

For Florida political news today, the Buzz is your can't-miss-it source. Tampa Bay Times writers offer the latest in Florida politics, the Florida Legislature and the Rick Scott administration. Keep in mind: This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the Tampa Bay Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper. You are not engaging in private communication with candidates or Times staffers.

E-mail Times political editor Adam Smith: asmith@tampabay.com

ON TWITTER

SPECIAL REPORTS

SITES OF INTEREST

POLITICAL LINKS

TIMES COLUMNS

REAL CLEAR POLITICS BLOG

POLITICS HEADLINES from the AP

Comment Policy

Please be sure your comments are appropriate before submitting them. Inappropriate comments include content that:

Is libelous

Is abusive, harassing, or threatening

Is obscene, vulgar, or profane

Is racially, ethnically or religiously offensive

Is illegal or encourages criminal acts

Is known to be inaccurate or contains a false attribution

Infringes copyrights, trademarks, publicity or any other rights of others

Impersonates anyone (actual or fictitious)

Solicits funds, goods or services, or advertises

Tampa Bay Times does not edit posts but reserves the right to delete comments that violate our policy.

Registration FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions on how to register to comment on the site.