Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

William MarchJanuary 7, 2016

A massive bill to protect Florida’s springs, waterways and groundwater appears headed for passage at the start of the coming Legislative Session, despite objections from environmentalists who say it’s been weakened by loopholes and the influence of industry and agriculture interests. Critics say they still hope floor amendments will close loopholes in Senate and House […]

Jim RosicaDecember 29, 2015

The head of the Florida House of Representatives’ Democrats has filed legislation to protect the state’s black bears in the wake of a contentious state hunt. State Rep. Mark Pafford of West Palm Beach submitted the bill (HB 1055) on Tuesday. Pafford leads the chamber’s 39 Democrats. His bill, the “Florida Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act,” would find […]

Drew WilsonDecember 9, 2015

Democrat Susannah Randolph added to her list of endorsements Tuesday after Minnesota U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison announced his support for the candidate for Florida’s 9th Congressional District. “Susannah is a true Progressive Democrat with a lifelong commitment to grassroots organizing and helping Democrats win,” Ellison said in a news release. “I am proud to support […]

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard from Gov. Rick Scott‘s chief budget aide Wednesday morning, when she presented Scott’s $79.3 billion proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year before hearing some pushback from Senate Democrats on state worker pay, social services, and health care. The presentation was a calmer affair than in the House, however, where […]

Associated PressNovember 20, 2015

A Democratic House member and a Republican Senator want voters to expand term limits for state lawmakers from eight to 12 years. House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford and Sen. Rene Garcia undo bold Thursday that they’ll ask the Legislature to place a measure on the 2016 ballot asking voters to loosen the current term limits. They […]

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

In a legislative equivalent of a Hail Mary pass, the Democratic leader of the GOP-controlled state House has filed legislation to extend the terms of state lawmakers from eight years to 12 years. State Rep. Mark Pafford of West Palm Beach submitted the bill (HJR 711) on Wednesday for the 2016 Legislative Session. The change would require amending the state […]

Jim RosicaNovember 5, 2015

The Florida Legislature became the little engine that couldn’t on Thursday, failing to agree on a new map redrawing the state Senate districts after three weeks of trying in a Special Session. This makes three out of four legislative sessions this year that ended in discord, this time in a redistricting session that itself likely […]

Jim RosicaNovember 3, 2015

The Florida House of Representatives Tuesday passed its version of a redrawn state Senate district map, sending it back to the Senate for a likely conference process. The map was passed 73-47, with all Democrats in opposition and some Republicans joining them, including state Reps. Matt Gaetz, Chris Latvala and Ray Pilon. A long line […]

Ryan RayOctober 19, 2015

The House Democrats gathered Monday morning in the Capitol for their pre-Special Session planning period and media availability, where caucus leader Rep. Mark Pafford vowed that he and his 39-strong opposition party will not let up in applying pressure to Republican leaders who have overseen “catastrophic” dysfunction in Tallahassee. Pafford went on to diagnose the problem as a “lack […]

Guest AuthorOctober 17, 2015

I attended the annual Tallahassee ritual Wednesday when politicians address the media and take some questions. The Republicans talked in generalities at the AP Legislative Planning Session and, for the most part, refused to respond to direct questions with direct answers. The Democrats, because they have absolutely no power in Florida government, mostly complained. Nonetheless, […]

Tag: Mark Pafford
Mike Johnson. Image via AP.

Environmentalists say water protection bill has loopholes

Mark Pafford files black bear legislation

Progressive leader U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison endorses Susannah Randolph in CD 9

Senate budget run-down from Rick Scott’s budget chief calmer than in House

Lawmakers seek to expand term limits from 8 to 12 years

Mark Pafford proposes extending legislative term limits

Senate votes down redistricting map, ending Special Session

House passes redistricting map

Democratic leader Mark Pafford vows to keep pressure on during 2016 Session

Tom O’Hara: Banner plane delivered highlight of AP Legislative Planning Day