Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 30, 2017

With about a week before the start of the 30-day period in which it’s supposed to have its first meeting, the membership of the state’s Constitution Revision Commission is still unknown. Representatives for Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran Monday said they still have not officially closed their application periods. “The President is […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 30, 2017

Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran is applauding President Donald Trump‘s executive order temporarily banning refugees from entering the United States. The Land O’Lakes Republican also wants to work with the administration to improve the transparency of the process, particularly on resettling refugees in Florida. In a letter sent Monday, Corcoran praised the president’s “bold action” on the issue, while complaining that the current relationship between […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 30, 2017

FloridaΓÇÖs_Historic_Capitol_and_Florida_State_Capitol_2-1024x1024.jpg

Mike Hightower, now in his eighth decade on the planet and nearing the end of his fourth decade as a major player in Florida politics, has several distinguishing traits. One: his yellow necktie. The signature raiment is referred to by his son as part of his “costume.” Another, more compelling, characteristic: a sense of optimism […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 30, 2017

Senate President Joe Negron has resigned from the Gunster law firm, four days after Gov. Rick Scott suggested ethics reforms affecting lawyer-legislators. Negron’s resignation was announced Monday by H. William ‘Bill’ Perry, Gunster’s managing shareholder. Negron, a Stuart Republican, had been “of counsel” with the firm, usually referring to an attorney who works on a case-to-case […]

Associated PressJanuary 28, 2017

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is announcing his annual budget recommendations next week. Scott plans to release details of his spending plan on Tuesday during the annual legislative planning session hosted by The Associated Press. The Florida Legislature will consider Scott’s budget request during the session that starts in March. The Republican governor has already outlined […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran is saving the profanities—for now. At a Thursday press availability, Corcoran was asked about comments by a lobbyist involved in this year’s gambling legislation, which the Senate has taken the lead on with an omnibus bill (SB 8). The person was overheard in a Capitol corridor saying he had spoken with the […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran Thursday told reporters he took no personal offense at ethics suggestions sent by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott’s office earlier in the day sent Corcoran, who is on an ethics reform tear this year, more ideas, including a provision that would ban lawmakers from working for companies, including law firms, that lobby the Legislature. […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 26, 2017

Members of the Florida House Subcommittee on Children, Families and Seniors heard from five different speakers on Thursday regarding the process by which refugees are resettled in Florida. However, Democrats on the committee only heard from four, as they walked out en masse in disapproval to hear from Mark Krekorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 26, 2017

In recent years, using taxpayer dollars for private ventures has become a combative issue. Proponents say that doing so incentivizes businesses to operate in Florida. Opponents argue it’s “corporate welfare,” a bad deal for taxpayers that often fails to deliver on promises of economic growth and good jobs. In this contentious time, one developer hopes […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 24, 2017

The Department of Environmental Protection has withdrawn a request to lawmakers for more money to pay lawyers waging a water use fight against Georgia, its spokeswoman says. The department had planned to ask lawmakers for an additional $13 million to pay expected legal bills from the still-unresolved case. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission was scheduled to take up […]

Tag: Richard Corcoran
Image via Palatka Main Street.

Still no word on makeup of constitution revision panel

Richard Corcoran wants to meet with Trump administration on refugee resettlement in Florida

Mike Hightower speaks out on lobbying reform: ‘Bring it on’

Joe Negron resigns from Gunster law firm

Rick Scott to roll out his spending plan

Richard Corcoran already vexed by Senate gambling plan

Richard Corcoran: Rick Scott’s ethics proposals not personal

Florida Democrats walk out of committee discussing refugees resettlement

Will American Dream Miami pay the price for Miami-Dade’s past public-funding sins?

DEP withdraws request to pay lawyers in ‘water war’