Peter Schorsch
Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
— AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY URGES BILL NELSON TO BACK TAX REFORM EFFORTS —
Americans for Prosperity-Florida is launching a digital ad campaign urging Floridians to contact Sen. Nelson and ask him to support efforts to fix the country’s broken and intrusive tax code. The campaign is part of a nationwide effort to tap into taxpayers’ frustrations with tax laws into a grassroots movement supporting broad, pro-growth tax reform.
“Floridians deserve a tax system that treats everyone fairly and helps grow the economy,” said Chris Hudson, the state director of AFP-FL, in a statement. “The last thing Americans want is a system that continues to raise taxes. Senator Nelson has spoken out in favor of tax reform, but he has also advocated for raising taxes. Now is the time for him to use his leadership position on the Senate Finance Committee to un-rig the system for Florida taxpayers.”
— TIME FOR A VICTORY LAP —
Gov. Rick Scott is kicking off what his office is calling his “Fighting for Florida’s Future Victory Tour” this morning. The five-city swing has been billed as a way to “celebrate the major wins for Florida families and students” during the three-day special session, which ended last Friday.
The day-long tour, according to Scott’s office, will increased K-12 per-student funding, the creation of the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, full funding for Visit Florida, and $50 million to help kick-start repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
Expect it to be significantly different than the “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tour the Governor embarked on one month ago. Scott used that three-day, 10-city swing to slam “politicians in Tallahassee” for not backing his priorities, hint at vetoes and bristle about the lack transparency in the budget process.
This swing will have a much more “kumbaya” tone. He’ll be joined by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who played his foil during the regular session, on several stops throughout the trip. And don’t be surprised if Corcoran, who led the charge to end funding for Enterprise Florida, talks about the benefits of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which he has called a “model for economic development moving forward.”
“My hat’s off to the Governor and the Senate for all that they have accomplished for the people of the state,” said Corcoran during a press conference Friday. “I think what we’re doing is going home and telling parents, we’re telling business owners, we’re telling the state that we’re going to continue on that great road of prosperity, that great road, and that great road of excellent education.”
Assignment editors: Gov. Scott kicks off his five-city “Fighting for Florida’s Future Victory Tour” at 9 a.m. at Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail in Miami. From there, he’ll head to the South Florida Water Management District, 3301 Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach for an event at 11 a.m. He’ll then head to Fort Myers for an event at Sun Harvest Citrus, 14601 Six Mile Cypress Parkway at 1:15 p.m. At 3:30 p.m., Scott is scheduled to attend an event at Creative Sign Designs, 12801 Commodity Place in Tampa. The governor will end his day at 6 p.m. at Angie’s Subs, 1436 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach.
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— POST-SESSION POST-MORTEM —
Gary Fineout, the always in-the-know Associated Press reporter, took a look at what appears to be a post-session truce between Gov. Scott, Senate President Negron, and House Speaker Corcoran and what it could mean for the Republican Party on his blog, The Fine Print, this week.
In the post, Fineout wonders whether “the simmering feud that exploded dramatically into public view the last few months finally end.” As Fineout notes, the three-day special session ended after a deal was crafted that boosted per-student funding, fully funded for Visit Florida, set aside money for a new economic development program and money for repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. The deal also included money for university projects that were vetoed by Scott days earlier, a priority for Negron.
As for Corcoran, many have speculated that Scott and the Land O’Lakes Republican struck a deal that included Scott signing a wide-sweeping and contentious education bill (HB 7069) in return for getting his priorities passed.
Fineout writes if Scott “does in fact sign the education bill and the governor does in fact sign another high profile bill, SB 374 that is a top priority for Negron, it would theoretically put the relationship between all sides on a better foundation than it has been.”
“Remember, this GOP feud has been going on _ and building in intensity _ essentially since Scott got re-elected. Shortly after he was sworn into office for a second term Republicans blocked his pick to lead the Republican Party of Florida. Since then Scott for the most part stopped raising money for the party – which is controlled by Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, an ally of Corcoran,” writes Fineout.
“The House and Senate had several meltdowns in 2015 as they bickered over Medicaid expansion and a way to end redistricting battles that were being fought in the courts. In 2016, led by Corcoran, the Legislature shredded much of Scott’s agenda for that year,” he continued. “They rejected his ambitious deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Flash forward and Scott got a much better outcome during the special session than it appeared he was going to get this year. The governor talked about how he couldn’t wait to go out across the state and “brag” about what happened. But is there any longevity to it?”
But Fineout points out there are several things that could cause relations to “fall apart.” Those include Scott deciding to veto the higher education overhaul pushed by Negron, or if Corcoran pursues items that Scott doesn’t want to be involved with during an election year.”
Taking a page from Corcoran, who over the weekend took a page from Taylor Swift in explaining the House’s relationship with the Senate to his children, Fineout asks this in closing: “Are we out of the woods yet, are we out of the woods, are we in the clear yet?”
>>>An informed legislative source tells FloridaPolitics that Gov. Scott will sign HB 7069 Thursday in Orlando.
— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“Scott’s office ‘no comment’s on abandonment of ‘docs vs. glocks’ appeal” via Florida Politics – The Governor’s Office wouldn’t say why it let pass a recent deadline to challenge the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling on the 2011 law. The legislation—the only one of its kind in the nation—sought to prevent doctors from asking patients whether they own guns, on pain of professional discipline including possible loss of their licenses to practice. The appellate court in February said Florida doctors can talk to patients about gun safety, declaring the state law a violation of the First Amendment’s right to free speech. The law was supported by the National Rifle Association. “As a strong supporter of (the) Second Amendment, Gov. Scott is glad that a vast majority of this law was never challenged and upheld in court,” Scott spokeswoman Lauren Schenone said.
“Jeff Atwater says he will leave June 30” via The Associated Press – CFO Atwater turned in his formal resignation letter to Gov. Scott. Atwater announced back in February that he planned to step down from his elected post to take a position at Florida Atlantic University. Scott will be responsible for picking someone to replace Atwater for the next 18 months. Voters in 2018 will pick a new chief financial officer.
– “Jack Latvala doesn’t want to be appointed CFO, isn’t running for CFO; thinks Joe Gruters is right for the job” via Florida Politics
>>>Even with Latvala’s endorsement, we believe former Rep. Jimmy Patronis is the favorite for the CFO job.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
Democracy for America backs Andrew Gillum — Democracy for America, a national progressive organization, has endorsed Gillum in his 2018 gubernatorial bid. “Now more than ever, Floridians need a Governor who is committed to making the state a place where success is not limited to the most wealthy or well-connected, and where all people can fairly pursue opportunities without fear,” said Jim Dean, the chairman of Democracy for America, in a statement. “As the Mayor of Tallahassee, Andrew Gillum has stood up to the NRA and made it clear that he will protect immigrants against the Trump administration. He has a vision for the state that includes progressive policies like a $15 minimum wage and ending discrimination against those who have been incarcerated.” Since 2004, Democracy for America members have raised and contributed more than $40 million and more than 11.1 million volunteer calls to help elect 917 progressive candidates across the nation.
“Adam Putnam’s political committee racks up another cool million in May” via Florida Politics – Florida Grown hadn’t posted its information with the state as of Monday morning, but has rolling contribution and expenditure information on its website. May contributions totaled more than $1.01 million, while monthly expenditures were just over $244,000. Big contributors early in the month included the A. Duda & Sons agricultural and land development company of Oviedo at $100,000, and Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Mutual of Maitland at listed at $60,000.
Baxter Troutman files to run for Agriculture Commissioner via Florida Politics — As Florida Politics first forecast, the Winter Haven Republican filed to run for Agriculture Commissioner on Monday, joining an already crowded field vying to replace Putnam in 2018. Troutman filed the necessary paperwork Monday, and opened his campaign account with a personal contribution of $2.5 million, according to his campaign. “For two decades, I’ve been building a business and continuing my work in Florida agriculture. Real experience and success in the private sector is what we need more than ever,” said Troutman in a statement. “Working side by side with folks who send their hard earned money to Tallahassee, I know why it is so important to keep taxes low, balance our budgets and grow Florida’s economy.”
Alex Diaz de la Portilla labeled ‘not a conservative’ in new mailer via Florida Politics — A new mailer landing in South Florida mailboxes has labeled Alex Diaz de la Portilla “not a conservative.” The mailer is the second from Making a Better Tomorrow, a Venice-based political committee, targeting Diaz de la Portilla in the special election to replace Sen. Frank Artiles in Senate District 40. “Alex Diax de la Portilla claims to be a conservative, but his record tells a different story,” reads the mailer. Much like an earlier mailer from Making a Better Tomorrow, the mailer says the Miami Republican raised taxes, increased the size of government, and hurt business and job growth. The ad also slams Diaz de la Portilla for having a “disregard for the law” and “living recklessly.” Here is a look at the second mailer:
“Jose Felix Diaz raises about $450K for SD 40 race” via Florida Politics — The Miami Republican said his campaign raised about $450,000 — about $280,000 for his official campaign and another $167,000 for Rebuild Florida, his political committee — between May 10 and June 8. “Our goal was to talk to as many people as possible, to reach out to old friends, to see what the momentum was like,” said Diaz. “I was amazed to get as much support as I did.” Records show top donors to his political committee include the Conservative and Principled Leadership Committee, a political committee affiliated with Rep. Carlos Trujillo, a Miami Republican and the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; Free Markets Florida, a political committee associated with Rep. Travis Cummings, Rep. Manny Diaz, and House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues; and Friends of Matt Caldwell, the political committee associated with Rep. Matt Caldwell, who recently announced he was running for Agriculture Commissioner in 2018. Diaz de la Portilla raised $22,500 during the fundraising period. Records show he loaned his campaign $50,000 during the same time period. State records show Palomares reported raising $9,000 during the fundraising period. Palomares, according to state records, also loaned his campaign $15,000.
“Jose Oliva’s political committee spreads the (financial) love” via Florida Politics – In advance of his 2018-20 House Speakership, state Rep. Oliva‘s political committee this year has been sharing the wealth with his friends and allies, campaign finance records accessed Monday show. Most recently, the Miami Lakes Republican’s committee, called Conservative Principles for Florida, gave $1,000 on May 19 to fellow House Republican Jose Felix Diaz’s state Senate run.
“Northeast Florida delivers $260K in May to Paul Renner committee” via Florida Politics — State records show Florida Foundation for Liberty, the political committee associated with Rep. Paul Renner, raised $261,500 in May. Top donors during the fundraising period were local gambling concern Best Bet at $25,000; Working for Florida’s Families, the political committee associated with Sen. Rob Bradley, at $10,000; and Sunshine State Conservatives, a political committee associated with Sen. Travis Hutson, at $10,000. Other top donors included Summit Contracting, Vestcor, Florida Blue, Rayonier, Gate Petroleum, and Florida East Coast Industries. Renner is one of several candidates vying to be Speaker of the House beginning in 2022.
“Ray Blacklidge becomes first to file to run in battleground House District 69” via Florida Politics – The race to replace Kathleen Peters is officially underway. Blacklidge, a Madeira Beach resident and self-described entrepreneur and consumer advocate, became the first candidate to file for the seat since Peters announced she would not seek re-election to run for the Pinellas County Commission. In a press release Blacklidge put the word “conservative” front-and-center and said that he has a strong belief in the rule of law. “Whether it’s banning sanctuary cities or fighting fraud, elected officials have a duty to uphold the rule of law, and voters should expect no less.” In 2016, Blacklidge was one of four finalists for state Insurance Commissioner, but saw his bid stymied when it was disclosed that he filed for personal bankruptcy in 2005 with $6 cash on hand.
“Money moves in HD 116 GOP special primary” – In the past month, Republicans Jose Mallea and Daniel Anthony Perez took in thousands of dollars in the Miami-Dade House District 116 special primary. Florida Division of Elections records show Mallea raked in $50,640 from May 1 through Thursday for $140,156, with almost $88,500 on hand. At the same time, Perez picked up another $33,660 for $83,450, with $35,000 on hand. Winner of the July 25primary faces Democrat Gabriela Mayaudon in the special election Sept. 26. Entering the race June 5, Mayaudon raised only $1,800 as of Thursday. The HD 116 seat opened when Miami-Dade Republican Jose Felix Diaz stepped down to mount a campaign for an open Senate seat.
— STATEWIDE —
“After Rick Scott vetoes funding, Florida Health Choices insurance exchange may close” via Tia Mitchell of the Florida Times-Union – The Florida Health Choices insurance exchange never quite lived up to [then-Speaker Marco] Rubio’s vision as it competed with a rival marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act. Now, the state-based exchange may fold after Gov. Scott vetoed funding intended to keep it afloat another year. Without the $250,000 allocation, there is little money to pay Chief Executive Officer Rose Naff and keep the website maintained. “We will have to close our doors and go to some sort of virtual office or contract it out to another entity,” Naff said. The Florida Health Choices board of directors has to decide what to do with the three-year-old exchange that has about 712 existing customers, far fewer than the 3,000 to 4,000 customers needed for the exchange to be self-sufficient.
“Lottery gets more time to file brief in appeal” via Florida Politics – The 1st District Court of Appeal last week OK’d the Florida Lottery’s request for more time to file its initial brief in the case. The agency now has till “on or before July 7,” according to an online docket. The Lottery appealed after Tallahassee-based Circuit Judge Karen Gievers in March invalidated its $700 million contract for new equipment. She essentially agreed with House Speaker Richard Corcoran that the agency went on an illegal spending spree when it inked the deal last year. Because then-Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie “lacked the legal authority to enter into the IGT (International Game Technology) contract, (it) must, therefore, be found to be void and unenforceable,” Gievers said.
“Pre-reveal game makers bemoan state’s ‘heavy-handed tactics’ ” via Florida Politics – The companies behind what are known as “pre-reveal” games say they’re “losing money every day” even after a Tallahassee judge ruled the stand-alone consoles aren’t illegal slot machines. Gator Coin II and Blue Sky Games are asking Circuit Judge John Cooper to lift an automatic stay of his March decision. Cooper, however, already has agreed to reconsider the ruling, setting a hearing next Monday in the Leon County Courthouse. The devices—offered mostly at bars and taverns—look and play like a slot machine, Cooper had reasoned, but don’t fit the legal definition of gambling because the player always knows whether he or she is a winner or loser. Still, the companies say the continuing insistence of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) that the games are illegal is killing their bottom line.
“Trulieve opens The Villages dispensary” via Florida Politics – The Villages Trulieve will be at 13940 US Highway 441, #601 in the Oakland Hills Professional Center. “We’re excited to have a location in The Villages. Many of our patients are seniors, which makes this location key,” said Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers. “Our goal is to serve as many patients as we can and we will continue to open more locations throughout the rest of the year.” In addition to The Villages, Trulieve now delivers medical marijuana products statewide and through dispensaries in Clearwater, Edgewater, Miami, Pensacola, Tallahassee and Tampa.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Greg Black joins Gunster” via Florida Politics – Greg Black is joining Gunster’s statewide government affairs law and lobbying practice, the firm announced in a press release. Black joins the firm with an extensive background advocating for a wide range of clients in the financial services, insurance, health care, biomedical research, pharmaceutical, and technology industries. He previously represented the Florida Bankers Association where he advised financial institutions of all sizes. Black’s experience also includes procurement matters at the state and local levels.
Happy birthday to Sen. David Simmons and to one of my favorites, Allison Carvajal.
