Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
In keeping the theme of the ongoing campaign season, abolishing the use of public financing for statewide political campaigns is up for consideration to become part of the state constitution.
The Ethics and Election Committee of the Constitution Revision Commission on Wednesday will take up the proposal, which would also ban the use of any public funds on campaigns for local elections.
The proposed constitutional amendment (P 56) was filed by Commissioner Frank Kruppenbacher, appointed by Gov. Rick Scott, who has backed eliminating the state’s public campaign financing system. Scott did not use public money in his past two gubernatorial races.
House Speaker Richard Corcoran has also been a very vocal proponent of ending this type of public financing, which he has called “welfare for politicians.”
Under the system in place, statewide candidates who agree to limit their expenses can get public-funded matching dollars. Only personal contributions of $250 or less from state residents are eligible for matching funds.
According to a staff analysis, the state could save somewhere between $2.7 million and $13.1 million every four years when the Governor and Cabinet are up for election if voters approve this measure.
The proposal has two committee stops. The first one will be Wednesday’s CRC hearing, which will be held at 8 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
Evening Reads
“Unfettered building, scant oversight add to cost of hurricanes in U.S.” via Benjamin Lesser and Ryan McNeil of Reuters
“Is Andrew Gillum for real? The polls say one thing. The fundraising numbers, another” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times
“Jimmy Patronis leads Cabinet candidates in dash for cash” via the News Service of Florida
“Corrine Brown asks to stay out of prison until appeal complete” via Francine Frazier of News 4 Jax
“Marsy’s Law’ push seeks equal rights for crime victims” via Daniel McAuliffe of Florida Politics
“Denise Grimsley proposes generator tax reform” via Florida Politics
“NTSB starts final probe of the El Faro’s sinking” via Jason Dearen of The Associated Press
“Opening prayer dropped from county commission meetings after court ruling” via Dave Berman of Florida Today
“Tampa forum focuses on reforming Florida’s juvenile justice system” via TyLisa Johnson of the Tampa Bay Times
“Tampa Bay’s mortgage delinquency rate crept up in December” via the Tampa Bay Times
“Sprint sells phone grips made from South Floria trees uprooted by Hurricane Irma to benefit storm victims” via Doreen Christensen of the Sun Sentinel
Quote of the Day
“I have done my best as a member of the CRC, but I cannot answer all of your questions” — Commissioner Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch said as she failed to answer the questions of a Constitutional Revision Commission review panel about her environmental rights proposal.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Legislative Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will take up a proposal (P 103) that would require legislative sessions to start in January in even-numbered years. They would start in March in odd-numbered years. That’s at 8 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
The Ethics and Elections Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will take up a series of proposals, including a measure (P 56) that would eliminate the use of public financing for statewide political candidates. That’s at 8 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will present Gov. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis with Florida-grown Christmas trees. That’s at 8:30 a.m., outside of the Executive Office of the Governor Plaza Level, the Capitol.
Gov. Scott and the Florida Cabinet will consider numerous issues, including a proposed deal that could help protect 1,863 acres of land in St. Johns and Flagler counties. That’s at 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.
The Self-Insurance Estimating Conference will analyze issues related to the state employees’ health-insurance program. That’s at 9:30 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.
The Central Florida Regional Planning Council will meet in Polk County. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Bartow Public Library, 2150 South Broadway Ave., Bartow.
Sen. Aaron Bean, the Fernandina Beach Republican, will speak to the Southside Business Men’s Club. That’s at noon, San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville.
The Social Services Estimating Conference will discuss caseloads in the KidCare subsidized health-insurance program for children. That’s at 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.
Putnam will address the Rural Economic Development Summit in St. Augustine. The event is hosted by the Florida Rural Economic Development Association. That’s at 5:45 p.m., 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine.
