The hottest issue of this legislative session has been the question “Will Florida take $50 billion in federal Medicaid funds to cover over 1 million uninsured?” The Senate and governor say yes, while the House says no, no, no. 

 A lot of people, including Gov. Rick Scott, have been asking the question, “Why not take the money?” Florida takes federal money for roads, education and a host of other things. 

Former President George W. Bush has been back in the news a lot this month--first for becoming a grandfather, then for opening his presidential library today, and now for something much more political.

In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, Bush said his younger brother and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush would make "a marvelous candidate if he chooses to do so. He doesn’t need my counsel, 'cause he knows what it is, which is run!"

The Marion County School Board has voted to reinstate paddling in county elementary schools after a three-year hiatus.

The punishment comes with a few restrictions. From the Ocala Star-Banner:

The board ruled that paddling can be used only if a parent gives a standing written OK once a year. In addition, the principal must obtain verbal permission at the time the punishment is handed down.

St. Petersburg did it. Tampa did it too. Now, Sarasota is joining the list of cities to ban panhandling on major roadways.

Sarasota city commissioners voted 4-1 this week to ban panhandling with Commissioner Shannon Snyder voting nay. He thought the ordinance needed a redraft.

The ban prohibits pedestrians from soliciting donations or distributing pamphlets from the medians on major roadways.

Sarasota city Mayor Suzanne Atwell says such activity can be dangerous.

We learn two things from a recent study by NerdWallet.com:

1. Tampa is the sixth-best U.S. city for starting a business.
2. There's a NerdWallet.com.

The price comparison website recently calculated the best cities to start a small business, taking into account loan availability, per capita income, small business-friendliness rating and other factors.

Our own Cigar City ranked at No. 6 on the survey of 42 metro areas. Here's the explanation:

The state Agency for Health Care Administration has ordered a Pasco County assisted-living facility for young, disabled adults to close, the Miami Herald reports. Hillandale Assisted Living Facility in New Port Richey was featured in a 2011 Herald investigation that uncovered abuse at ALFs around the state.

Have tax breaks for insurance companies created tens of thousands of new jobs in Florida? And while you may have heard the rumors about "Obama-phones",  what about "Marco-phones"? WUSF's Steve Newborn talks with Angie Holan of Politifact.com to dispel these rumors.

First, about those jobs:

Politifact.com took a look at a claim by the state's largest industry lobbying group that says a tax breaks for insurance companies created "40,000 jobs in just the last four years."

A TV ad stating just that is airing in the Tampa Bay area from Associated Industries of Florida. The group doesn't want the insurance industry to lose a tax break it has enjoyed for more than 30 years. Check it out: