GETTING READY TO FILE TAXES, REMEMBER EITC

It’s that time of year again. Floridians are awaiting the arrival of their W-2s with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation about filing their annual tax returns.

But did you know that you might be one of thousands of Floridians who are eligible for a tax credit that is often missed? The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a special federal tax credit available to lower-income working individuals and families, many of whom aren’t aware of its existence.

Every year, millions of dollars in tax relief are forfeited because eligible Americans fail to claim their share of the EITC. This is money that could be used to pay down debt, make a down payment on a home, open a college fund or help you prepare for retirement.

To find out if you or someone you know may qualify, click here. Help spread the word, and you might help someone have a great start in the new year.

MIKE EWEN/Democrat

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink was a featured speaker during Thursday's session of the 2008 Business Editor's Summit on January 10, 2008 on the 22nd floor of the Capitol.

CFO SINK ADDRESSES BUSINESS EDITORS SUMMIT

Speaking to the business editors of several state newspapers on Thursday, Florida CFO Alex Sink thanked them for helping readers understand important issues including the effects of personal injury protection (PIP) reform and efforts to educate Floridians about windstorm mitigation through the My Safe Florida Home program.

Sink spoke during a two-day Business Editors Summit held by the Florida Press Association and the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors. Hosted by the Tallahassee Democrat, the event was also sponsored by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Environmental Defense Fund.

Sink said economic challenges this year will demand Floridians’ continued attention, including the $28 billion in risk exposure Floridians face through the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. If a big storm hits, she said, Floridians could be hit with $1.8 billion in assessments each year for 30 years. That is why she will pursue legislation this year to create more flexibility in the fund and allow the Florida Cabinet, which meets every two weeks, to set reinsurance prices and levels in an effort to better control the risk.

She also addressed recent reports about Florida’s economy, saying there is plenty to be optimistic about in our state. Sink said that Florida has reinvented itself every decade and the current challenges provide a terrific opportunity to make our state more attractive to businesses and entrepreneurs.

Artist Scherley Busch

FLORIDA WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
A Photographic Documentary by Scherley Busch

The exhibit affords viewers an opportunity to experience the rich history of our state through Ms. Busch's artistic and impressive collection of many of Florida's remarkable women, pioneers and leaders in their chosen fields. Select color, environmental portraits and biographical information will be shown.

"Scherley Busch's powerful photographs of Florida's women leaders don't merely capture their images; they reflect the worlds they inhabit, their very essences. " --Sun-Sentinel

"In her hands, a camera is more than lens and lever. It is a seeker of soul." --Miami Herald

The Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Office of Governor Crist have invited Scherley Busch, a renowned photographic artist, to exhibit her work at the Florida Capitol's Cabinet Room Gallery, January 15 through April 21, 2008. In collaboration with the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, sponsors of this acclaimed exhibit invite you to experience the exhibition as it appears in the state capitol to highlight the celebration of Women's History Month, March 2008. CONTINUED

DCIS
PREVIOUS ARRESTS

NINETEEN FLORIDIANS SURRENDER ON CHARGES IN ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO FRAUDULENT DRIVER LICENSES
Twenty-six arrested so far, hundreds more suspected to be involved

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced the arrests this week of 19 additional Floridians accused of posing a risk to Florida’s and the nation’s security by fraudulently obtaining Florida commercial driver licenses (CDLs). Those arrested this week surrendered, some calling in response to initial arrests last Friday. So far, 26 individuals have been charged in the ongoing investigation, and authorities believe hundreds of individuals may be involved. Some will also face charges of insurance application fraud.

Between November 2005 and April 2007, civilians who had never been in the military fraudulently obtained a United States Department of Defense waiver form. The waiver indicated that the holder had been trained by the United States Army to operate heavy vehicles. Some of these individuals, who had never received or completed the required training, used these fraudulently obtained CDLs to obtain either personal or commercial vehicle insurance.

“This scheme posed a risk to our nation’s security and put others on the road in jeopardy because these drivers did not have the training they claimed to have,” said CFO Sink. “I thank all of the law enforcement agencies involved for working together to protect Floridians and our nation.” CONTINUED

CFO Sink this week participated in a drawing for state employees who generously gave to the Florida State Employees Charitable Campaign.

From left: Capt. Mark Sauls, Major Ron McCardle, Chief Dan Spillman, Capt. Jeff Merritt, Detective Tommy Barron, Major John Burch, Capt. Gloria Whitehurt, all of BFAI

FACAP INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Detective Tommy Barron, an arson detective in the northwest region for the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations, was recently named 2007 Investigator of the Year by the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention. Detective Barron, who works with K-9 partner Amy, was recognized for demonstrating the level of excellence sought by FACAP.

FIVE PENSACOLA JUVENILES CHARGED WITH ARSON, BURGLARY

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink announced today that five juveniles are facing arson and burglary charges following an investigation into a fire that destroyed a commercial building on January 3. No injuries were reported.

The arrests, which occurred today, are the result of a joint investigation by the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations, the Pensacola Fire Department and the Pensacola Police Department. The juveniles, ages 8 to 13, were processed through the Escambia County Jail and subsequently turned over to the Juvenile Justice Center in Pensacola.

“Playing with fire not only is dangerous but also can lead to criminal charges, as these children have unfortunately learned,” said CFO Sink. “I am just very relieved that no one was injured.”

The juveniles allegedly destroyed Markham Sign Company, located at 1000 West Government St., after they broke in and started lighting matches or a cigarette lighter they found, flipping the lit matches throughout the front office and eventually igniting some loose papers inside the office. The business was determined to be a total loss, with damages estimated at $150,000.

The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is a law enforcement branch of the Division of State Fire Marshal that assists other state and local fire and law enforcement agencies in the investigation of fires of suspicious origin. Anyone with information about this case or any incident of fire is asked to call 1-877-662-7766 (1-877-NOARSON).

YOU CAN BE A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT

According to a recent Federal Trade Commission report, identity thieves victimize up to 2,000 consumers every week, making identity theft one of the fastest rowing crimes in the United States. The Florida Department of Financial Services urges consumers to take precautions against identity theft. Here are some actions you should take to protect your good name.

If you discover or suspect your identity has been stolen in some way, the Florida Department of Financial Services recommends that you take immediate action. These are some steps to take.

FILE a report with your local law enforcement agency or with a law enforcement
agency where you believe the identity theft happened. Keep a copy of the report
in case your creditors need it later to verify the theft.

CONTACT the three credit bureaus. Tell them you’re an identity theft victim and ask that they place a “fraud alert” on your accounts, with a statement instructing creditors to get your permission before opening any new accounts or changing any existing accounts in your name.

ORDER copies of your credit reports from the credit bureaus and review them carefully. Make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts. CONTINUED