Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
With its Session having started Monday, the deluge of press releases about Constitution Revision Commission proposals has begun.
Here’s one: “Advocates of term limits and tax cuts, and advocates of water and land conservation have banded together to urge the defeat of CRC Proposal 97,” a Monday release announced.
The proposal “would make it harder for Florida voters to approve proposed constitutional amendments, by essentially recording a ‘no’ vote any time a voter skips voting on a statewide ballot issue.”
The somewhat confusingly worded plan (that further perplexed commissioners) would require 60 percent of voters casting the ballot in an election to approve a constitutional amendment, rather than 60 percent of those who vote on the particular ballot question.
It was filed by Belinda Keiser, vice chancellor of Keiser University and an appointee of Gov. Scott.
“Proposal 97 is a brazen effort by Tallahassee special interests to silence voters,” said Citizens In Charge President Paul Jacob, a term limits advocate.
Added Aliki Moncrief, executive director of Florida Conservation Voters: “Florida voters have a good track record of enacting sensible changes when politicians ignore the will of the people … Commissioners should recognize Proposal 97 for the power grab that it is, and defeat it.”
After much head scratching, Keiser’s proposal – the last one of the day – was temporarily postponed.
Evening Reads
“‘The first casualty’: NRA broadsides Richard Corcoran for gun control ‘betrayal’” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“Al Lawson on defense over gun record in Democratic primary“ via Emily Goldberg of POLITICO
Poll: Most Floridians back ‘declaration of rights’ for nursing home, ALF residents“ via Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida
“Constitutional review panel’s “Process” has its own lobbyists” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“FIU president: University ‘followed all proper proper procedures’ on bridge project” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald
“Scott orders halt to federal funding to collapsed FIU bridge project“ via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida
“Where did their Twitter go? FIU bridge builder MCM deletes social media accounts” via Monique Madan of the Miami Herald
“Rob Panepinto’s fundraising success gains attention in Orange Co. mayor race” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“Voters want taller buildings for Key West affordable housing. Here’s what happens next” via Gwen Filosa of the Miami Herald
“Spring break pushing Florida’s gas prices higher” via John Helscher of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Quote of the Day
“He hid in his office on the (Capitol’s) ground floor while everybody else was trying to figure out how we work together to keep kids safe in schools.” —state Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Broward County Democrat, on Agriculture Commissioner and GOP candidate for governor Adam Putnam. (His press office later in the day pointed out Putnam visited Parkland within a week of the shooting.)
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
GOP candidate for governor Adam Putnam will host an “Up & Adam” Breakfast in Marianna. That’s 8:30-9:30 a.m. Central Time, at Gazebo Coffee Shoppe & Deli, 4412 Lafayette St., Marianna. It’s a ticketed event; if you plan to attend, please email [email protected] by 10 p.m. tonight.
The Constitution Revision Commission will meet to continue considering proposed constitutional amendments. That’s at 9 a.m., Senate chamber, The Capitol.
The Office of Medical Marijuana Use will workshop rules governing testing-lab certifications and testing standards. That’s at 1 p.m., Icon Hotel, 4700 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville.
The Medical Care Advisory Committee, charged with working out issues in the state Medicaid program, will meet. That’s at 2 p.m., Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee.
The Style and Drafting Committee of the CRC will convene. That’s 15 minutes after the end of Tuesday’s full commission meeting.
