Latest news with #KathyCastor
Daily Mail
03-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Red state homeowners are rushing to make major home improvement to cut bills and bag 30 percent tax credit
In the wake of Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill', Florida homeowners are clamoring to add solar panels to their homes before it's too late. Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4. Amongst restrictions to Medicaid and tightening on immigration, it also moved up the deadline for homeowners wishing to receive a tax credit for their solar panels. Now, homeowners who want to conserve energy and earn a 30 percent tax credit must have their solar panels installed by the end of the year. US Representative Kathy Castor told Floridians at a press conference this week: 'Our message today is if you are interested in lower–cost solar for your home or for your business, for your church, synagogue or mosque — you have to act now.' And act they have, but the rush is overwhelming local solar panel companies and creating a dismal future for the industry in Florida as a whole. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the appropriately named Sunshine State ranked third in the solar industry. Over 20,000 solar panel systems have been installed, employing 14,000 Floridians. The often sweltering heat and sunny conditions makes low–coast solar a good way to decrease electric bills and promote environmentally-friendly living. President Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill was signed into law on July 4 Among other things, the act moved up the deadline for Americans to receive a 30 percent tax credit for installing solar panels on their homes Solar companies in Florida are now scrambling to meet the demands of citizens who wish to make changes to their home before the new December 31 deadline Florida House Representative Kathy Castor (pictured) ridiculed the decision in a press conference and encouraged residents to act fast Bill Johnson, who runs Brilliant Harvest in Sarasota, Florida told the Tampa Bay Times: 'Within 48 hours of the bill being signed, we had enough contracts to complete the year.' It could take weeks for companies like Johnson's to obtain the proper permits and contracts to even begin installing solar panels. So to get that tax credit homeowners must start immediately. Steve Rutherford, the CEO of Tampa Bay Solar said he can't train enough installers to fulfill every request by the December 31 deadline. But after that deadline has come and gone, solar industry professionals worry what a drastic decline in demand will do to their business. Without the government incentive to install green energy, Tampa businesses could see job losses. Rutherford said that these realizations are 'a bit of a funeral in the industry'. Johnson was a little more optimistic and noted that he'd already had clients create contracts for next year, despite losing out on the tax credit. 'This is a body blow,' he said. Bill Johnson (pictured), who runs Brilliant Harvest, said 'Within 48 hours of the bill being signed, we had enough contracts to complete the year' It can take weeks to obtain the proper permits and contracts for solar panel installation Steve Rutherford (pictured), the CEO of Tampa Bay Solar called the change 'a bit of a funeral in the industry' With or without a tax credit, Americans may save hundreds of dollars a year after installing solar energy. File photo above Officials worried that losing federal support for solar programs could cause electric bills everywhere to rise, especially amidst the heat waves Tampa had seen this summer. 'As TECO, Duke and FP&L ask for higher rate increases and your electric bills go up, part of the reason is because of the big ugly bill, and taking away the tax credits you were enjoying for cleaner, cheaper energy,' said Castor. According to the United States Department of Energy, solar panels may still be a good thing for your wallet with or without a 30 percent tax cut. Installation can increase the value of a home by an average of $15,000. Depending on a home's location, sunlight exposure, and climate, owners could still save hundreds of dollars a year, per the US Department of Energy.
Daily Mail
02-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Florida homeowners rush to make improvements to bag tax credit
In the wake of Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill', Florida homeowners are clamoring to add solar panels to their homes before it's too late. Trump 's Big, Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4. Amongst restrictions to Medicaid and tightening on immigration, it also moved up the deadline for homeowners wishing to receive a tax credit for their solar panels. Now, homeowners who want to conserve energy and earn a 30 percent tax credit must have their solar panels installed by the end of the year. US Representative Kathy Castor told Floridians at a press conference this week: 'Our message today is if you are interested in lower–cost solar for your home or for your business, for your church, synagogue or mosque — you have to act now.' And act they have, but the rush is overwhelming local solar panel companies and creating a dismal future for the industry in Florida as a whole. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association , the appropriately named Sunshine State ranked third in the solar industry. Over 20,000 solar panel systems have been installed, employing 14,000 Floridians. The often sweltering heat and sunny conditions makes low–coast solar a good way to decrease electric bills and promote environmentally-friendly living. Bill Johnson, who runs Brilliant Harvest in Sarasota, Florida told the Tampa Bay Times : 'Within 48 hours of the bill being signed, we had enough contracts to complete the year.' It could take weeks for companies like Johnson's to obtain the proper permits and contracts to even begin installing solar panels. So to get that tax credit homeowners must start immediately. Steve Rutherford, the CEO of Tampa Bay Solar said he can't train enough installers to fulfill every request by the December 31 deadline. But after that deadline has come and gone, solar industry professionals worry what a drastic decline in demand will do to their business. Without the government incentive to install green energy, Tampa businesses could see job losses. Rutherford said that these realizations are 'a bit of a funeral in the industry'. Johnson was a little more optimistic and noted that he'd already had clients create contracts for next year, despite losing out on the tax credit. 'This is a body blow,' he said. Officials worried that losing federal support for solar programs could cause electric bills everywhere to rise, especially amidst the heat waves Tampa had seen this summer. 'As TECO, Duke and FP&L ask for higher rate increases and your electric bills go up, part of the reason is because of the big ugly bill, and taking away the tax credits you were enjoying for cleaner, cheaper energy,' said Castor. According to the United States Department of Energy , solar panels may still be a good thing for your wallet with or without a 30 percent tax cut. Installation can increase the value of a home by an average of $15,000. Depending on a home's location, sunlight exposure, and climate, owners could still save hundreds of dollars a year, per the US Department of Energy .
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Firings at Trump's DOJ complicate case against Florida man accused of bilking kids with special needs
An ongoing purge of federal prosecutors from the Justice Department has impacted the criminal case against a Florida businessman accused of fleecing children with special needs. The latest wave of firings included the prosecutor who was helping lead the criminal case against Leo Govoni, whose scheme allegedly bilked approximately $100 million from a fund to help people with disabilities. Michael Gordon, who also handled a series of U.S. Capitol riot prosecutions, was among several prosecutors fired in recent weeks, CBS News has learned. Gordon had recently taken over formal duties for prosecuting Govoni's case in Florida. Critics have accused the Trump administration of seeking political retribution for the U.S. Capitol insurrection cases by firing prosecutors, investigators and at least one administrator who worked on the cases. The Justice Department also fired investigators and prosecutors who helped former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation of President Trump's alleged mishandling of classified records and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. More than 20 total firings have been confirmed by CBS News. The Justice Department has not commented on the firings. Gordon's dismissal risks complicating the timeline for the Govoni case. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Florida Democrat, is urging the Justice Department to reverse course and rehire Gordon. Castor said in a statement, "The victims of Govoni's alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon's removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy." Govoni is accused of being part of a scheme to embezzle money from an organization that was established to help manage money for people with special needs. The Justice Department said earlier this year, "The defendants conspired to use the funds of special needs clients as a personal piggy bank, stealing $100 million dollars meant for the most vulnerable members of our society to enrich themselves." Amparo Perales, a mother whose son Javier has needed care for blindness and severe encephalitis, said her family lost $2 million in the scheme. Perales told CBS News she was "shocked" by Gordon's firing. "These victims already have difficult lives and futures. A delay in the legal process is detrimental to the well being of the victims," Perales said. Rebekah Bowman of Florida, whose son, Kienen Freeman, suffers from a severe seizure disorder, said she lost more than $1 million in funds for her son because of Govoni's alleged scheme. "It took long enough to get him arrested. People have been through a lot and don't want any more delays," Bowman said. Govoni was charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, money laundering conspiracy and multiple counts of fraud. He has not yet entered a plea, and an arraignment is scheduled for Thursday. Govoni's lawyers asked for him to be released pre-trial, noting he has "no prior criminal history" and describing him as a "67-year-old in poor physical health." CBS News has reached out to his attorney for comment. An accountant for Govoni's company was also charged as part of the alleged conspiracy, and a not-guilty plea was entered in his case. Prosecutors said Govoni founded the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration in 2000 and helped manage approximately $200 million in funds and more than 2,000 special needs trusts. Prosecutors alleged Govoni used the organization's accounts as a "slush fund." Federal investigators said Govoni used the money to "purchase real estate, travel via private jet, fund a brewery, make deposits into his personal bank accounts, and pay personal debts." In a series of letters filed with the federal court in Tampa last month, one parent of a person with special needs wrote, "I wish you could look into the eyes of my son and the many other medically needy victims and tell them that you're going to do the right thing and keep that man behind bars where he belongs." Another parent wrote, "Please do not let this horrible criminal out of jail. He is clever and surely has money hidden and plans to go into hiding if released. All his victims have breathed a sigh of relief when we heard he was finally arrested. The first relief any of us have felt since this has happened." Another victim wrote, "Who steals from victimized children in foster care? The disabled? The most vulnerable amongst us? Someone who has no conscience, compassion, or mercy." Gordon is listed in court records as a Tampa-based prosecutor for the Justice Department. Like many federal prosecutors, he brought cases related to the Jan. 6 riots — which was the largest criminal investigation in U.S. history, with more than 1,500 defendants. Hours after Mr. Trump returned to office in January, he pardoned almost everybody convicted in the riot and ordered the Justice Department to drop charges against any remaining defendants. Gordon had a role in prosecuting one of the best-known Jan. 6 defendants, Ray Epps, who was at the center of conspiracy theories claiming — without any evidence — he was a government-planted agitator. Epps pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on restricted grounds and was sentenced to probation. The Justice Department declined to comment on Gordon's firing and its possible impact on Govoni's prosecution. Gordon did not offer a comment to CBS News. Many of the prosecutors who were fired were identified by a "weaponization working group" set up by the Trump administration to review Biden-era law enforcement policies, CBS News previously reported. Other prosecutors who handled Jan. 6 cases resigned their posts with the Justice Department, ahead of the recent firings. Greg Rosen, who was the chief of the agency's Capitol Siege section, departed last month. In a June 3 interview with CBS News, Rosen criticized the initial wave of firings. "To see those talented prosecutors be marginalized or removed from office is an affront to the independence of the department," Rosen said. Patty Hartman, a former public affairs specialist for the U.S. Attorney's office in the District of Columbia, was fired last week. Hartman, who helped distribute press releases about the Jan. 6 cases, accused the Justice Department of seeking to launch a wave of retribution against employees who were part of the Capitol siege case. Hartman told CBS News she is troubled by the series of dismissals of colleagues. "I'm still very proud of all of them, even the ones that got removed, because they didn't deserve it," Hartman told CBS News.
Arab News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
US ambassador asks Israel to investigate death of US citizen in West Bank
WEST BANK: US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Tuesday he has asked Israel to 'aggressively' investigate the death of an American citizen who was beaten to death in the West Bank. 'There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 yrs old,' Huckabee said in a post on X. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately provide comment. Israel's military previously said Israel was investigating the incident. US citizen Sayafollah Musallet, 20, also known as Saif, was severely beaten in the incident on Friday evening in Sinjil, north of Ramallah, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. I have asked @Israel to aggressively investigate the murder of Saif Mussallet, an American citizen who was visiting family in Sinjil when he was beaten to death. There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 yrs old. — Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) July 15, 2025 His family, from Tampa, Florida, said in a statement that medics tried to reach him for three hours before his brother managed to carry him to an ambulance, but that he died before reaching the hospital. 'We must honor his memory by speaking out against violence and working toward a future of peace and dignity,' US Representative Kathy Castor, who represents Tampa, said in a post on X. 'The Administration must work with our international partners to ensure the protection of Americans abroad.' Some members of the US House of Representatives have condemned the killing of Musallet, and others have called on the US State Department to investigate the incident. The department did not immediately respond to those calls. Settler violence in the West Bank has risen since the start of Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza in late 2023, according to rights groups.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kathy Castor says NOAA, federal cuts have left Florida vulnerable to hurricanes
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Florida, said the federal agency cuts under the Trump administration may leave Tampa Bay vulnerable to potential hurricane dangers. Castor spoke at a press conference with St. Petersburg city officials Monday as the city discussed hurricane preparedness. VIDEOS: Tampa battered by quarter-sized hail 'Chief Holloway, under Mayor Welch's leadership, and Amber Bolding, head of emergency preparedness, they are really very forward leaning,' Castor said. 'In what you heard from Amber is they have taken so much of what they've learned from the catastrophes of Debby, Helene and Milton, and they're pouring that into preparing, for that worst-case scenario.' However, Castor was less optimistic about the federal government's ability to handle the 2025 hurricane season so far, blaming the 'chainsaw cuts' under President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. 'We don't have the same number of meteorologists, hurricane hunter experts, folks on the job preparing for an active hurricane season,' the congresswoman said. 'Now, the National Hurricane Center says they will be able to deal with what comes, but it's a vulnerability moving forward.' She also said FEMA is 'not entirely prepared' for potential hurricanes this year due to their cuts. 'It was days after the storm surge of Hurricane Helene, and I saw the FEMA contractors on the ground checking on our neighbors, making sure they had the emergency funds necessary to get them through that, that emergency response period,' Castor said. 'And I cannot say, based upon what I've heard over the past months and talking with, with experts, that they are going to be there.' While she did say that Florida is still better equipped than any other state to handle natural disasters on the local level, the cuts to funds for local communities is going to hamper preparations and recovery. 'Right now, they have cut back on the building resilient infrastructure grants that local communities were relying on,' Castor said. 'They've cut back on the hazard mitigation grants. Those are the funds that help you rebuild seawalls, roads, water infrastructure, and they have announced over the past couple of weeks that that local communities will not get those same funds. So it's a time now for folks to be vigilant, to look out for their neighbors to take some extra added responsibility.' NOAA has predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2025. 'We know we just hope and pray this is not the new normal, but what we know is that the Gulf waters are very hot,' Castor said. 'We know … that NOAA has is predicting an active hurricane season. The climate is heating their longer, hotter summers. Just last week, we said we set, all time records for, in Tampa.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
