Michael Moline, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Michael MolineJanuary 31, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott proposed an $83.5 billion state budget Tuesday that would include $618 million in tax cuts, $85 million in economic incentives, nearly $4 billion for environmental protection, and more than $5.1 billion for public safety. Florida has added more than 1.2 million jobs during his tenure “because of our continued focus on cutting […]

Michael MolineJanuary 30, 2017

The Florida Medical Association released its legislative priorities for 2017; removing interference by insurance companies in doctor’s decisions about patient care is prominent on the list. “The FMA believes in promoting the highest standards of medical care, maintaining choice for patients in a free-market health care system, and preserving the sacred relationship between patients and their […]

Michael MolineJanuary 27, 2017

The group behind a 14.5 percent workers’ compensation premium can’t get around Florida’s Sunshine Law by arguing that a single individual worked on the matter, and not a full-fledged internal committee, an appellate brief argues. The law holds that meetings by such committees at rating organizations like the National Council on Compensation Insurance, or NCCI, […]

Michael MolineJanuary 26, 2017

Tourism business owners flocked to a Senate committee room Thursday to plead the case for Visit Florida, the state’s embattled tourism promotions agency. Representing both large operations and independent hotels and restaurants, they urged members of the Appropriations Committee to let the agency continue to sell Florida to potential tourists in the United States and overseas. […]

Michael MolineJanuary 26, 2017

The percentage of the Florida Supreme Court’s caseload still pending after 180 days doubled after the U.S. Supreme Court upended the state’s death penalty system last year, a court representative told a House panel looking into court delays on Thursday. In Hurst v. Florida, the justices in Washington invalidated Florida’s death penalty because the law […]

Michael MolineJanuary 25, 2017

The Department of Revenue would trim its tax collection, auditing, and criminal investigation efforts to meet budget cuts sought by House leaders. The Division of Administrative Hearings would close workers’ compensation appeals courts in Ft. Meyers, Port St. Lucie, and St. Petersburg. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation would cut gambling prevention. Representatives from […]

Michael MolineJanuary 25, 2017

Employee dissatisfaction with Florida’s workers’ compensation system emerged as an issue during a House committee hearing Wednesday, amid suggestions they deserve more choice over their treating physicians. Rep. George Moraitis Jr. recalled a meeting with firefighters who complained of their medical treatment under the system. “We really need to have a solution that helps the […]

Michael MolineJanuary 24, 2017

A joint House-Senate panel pulled the Department of Environmental Protection’s request for another $13 million to litigate the state’s “water wars” and sent the request to a House committee for scrutiny. Rep. Carlos Trujillo announced that the matter had been withdrawn from the agenda during a Joint Legislative Budget Commission meeting Tuesday evening. He co-chairs the […]

Michael MolineJanuary 24, 2017

The chairwoman of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee foresees changes to Florida’s personal-injury protection, or PIP, mandate for auto insurance, but wants assurances reform will reduce premium costs. “I think that this is an issue that you will see some legislation that will come before this committee at a future date,” Anitere Flores said […]

Michael MolineJanuary 24, 2017

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A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers have endorsed proposed legislation to ban extraction of oil and gas via hydraulic fracturing in Florida. “This bill is concise and straightforward. It bans fracking of all types in Florida,” Senate sponsor Dana Young said Tuesday during a news conference outside the Senate chamber. “As a sixth generation Floridian and avid […]

Michael Moline

Rick Scott’s $83.5 billion state budget goes heavy on tax holidays

FMA agenda: Doctors want insurance companies to get out of their way

NCCI, state insurance office can’t evade Sunshine Law, brief argues

Visit Florida defenders swarm Senate Appropriations Committee hearing

House subcommittee looks into state courts’ caseload backlogs

Agencies propose spending cuts to House budget subcommittee

Workers’ compensation debate turns to employees’ point of view

Panel strips meeting agenda of DEP bid for money to wage ‘water war’

Committee chair wants assurances PIP repeal would lower premiums

Bill to ban hydraulic fracking attracts bipartisan support