Health care has become the beating heart of America's economy. In the past 15 years, the health care economy has pumped out 4.5 million new jobs, including related fields such as drug development and health insurance. A dozen of the 30 fastest growing occupations are related to health care. Even last month - as the unemployment rate took its biggest jump in 22 years - health care continued to add thousands of jobs. ...more

June 14, 2008

TAMPA - More than 100 county jobs, including 12 upper-level positions, would be eliminated under a budget proposed today by Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean. ...more

June 4, 2008

The Florida Legislature has made a number of important steps to make our state smoke-free. In 2003, a constitutional amendment to ban smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces - including restaurants - went into effect. However, enacting a law that makes it difficult for smokers to light up in public is only half the battle. ...more

May 24, 2008

Some uninsured Florida residents may be able to get health care coverage more easily under legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Charlie Crist. ...more

May 22, 2008

For all the good in GM's 2007 results - near-record worldwide sales, and reductions in labor costs and retiree health obligations - there is no getting around the $38.7 billion in red ink. ...more

February 13, 2008

State legislatures have for years had a habit of increasing "sin taxes" - mostly on liquor and tobacco - to raise revenue. This year will be no different. ...more

February 13, 2008

Estimates are that every hour nearly 400 Baby Boomers are turning 62 years of age and therefore becoming eligible to apply for early Social Security retirement benefits. ...more

February 4, 2008

If Uncle Sam comes through with a tax rebate, you've two options: Spend it wisely or with fun in mind. ...more

January 30, 2008

Before I vote, I want to be aware of how each candidate stands on the issues that are important to me. The more I know, the better my decision. I thought that I had planned well for my retirement. Now I find that rising prices for gasoline and everything else are cramping my style. The average family today does not have a pension plan like mine with a defined benefit. The average family is more concerned with paying today's bills than saving for tomorrow's retirement. Many will have to continue to work into their 70s and 80s. Which candidates are willing to take a stand to preserve Social Security without taking money out? Which candidates are willing to propose incentives for personal saving for retirement in addition to Social Security? The rising cost of health care concerns me, too. I am blessed with wonderful health insurance which covers my $100,000 per year prescription drug costs. What are the candidates proposals for providing health insurance to all Americans? Which candidates have a plan to reign in health care costs? ...more

January 25, 2008

Like father, like son. That was my immediate reaction to a new federal study that said more than one out of three of today's 17-year-olds won't have any money saved up once they hit retirement age in the 2050s and beyond. ...more

December 30, 2007