Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Note from Washington: The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations for Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies approved a measure to “renew protections for state medical cannabis programs when the current spending budget expires in September.”
That’s according to a news release from The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), which bills itself as “the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S.”
The amendment was introduced by Rep. David Joyce, an Ohio Republican. It prevents the Department of Justice from using any resources to target medical cannabis patients or providers who are in compliance with state laws.
As of April, “30 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico now allow for comprehensive public medical marijuana and cannabis programs,” according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Florida is one of the states.
Selling marijuana is still a federal crime, but an initiative begun under the Obama administration suggested federal prosecutors not pursue people, particularly ‘the seriously ill and their caregivers,’ who distribute and use medical marijuana in compliance with an existing state law.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has opposed any form of marijuana legalization, though his boss, President Donald Trump, has indicated sympathy to medical use.
Evening Reads
“U.S. has spent $2.8 trillion on terrorism fight, study finds” via Jessica Donat of The Wall Street Journal
“Must-do for Florida’s midterm candidates: A stop in Puerto Rico. Or three” via Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times
“Union-funded super PAC set to give Bill Nelson first round of TV ad support” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Ron DeSantis: Sorry Adam Putnam, but Trump is solidly behind me” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“Adam Putnam promotes voc-ed, bashes ‘liberal elites’ in new ad” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
“‘Millions of dollars committed’: Patrick Murphy enters new phase of bipartisan bid with David Jolly” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“Chris King backs Orange County children’s initiative” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Kristen Rosen Gonzalez now faces defamation lawsuit” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
“All Children’s Hospital now under federal review” via Kathleen McGrory and Neil Bedi of the Tampa Bay Times
“Two years after it swallowed 215M gallons of polluted water, Mosaic sinkhole finally corked” via Craig Pittman of the Tampa Bay Times
Quote of the Day
“As the text reads, ‘The humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of Florida.’ If the members of the Florida Greyhound Association disagree with this premise, they are free to vote ‘no’ in November.” — Kate MacFall, Florida State Director of The Humane Society of the United States, on a lawsuit seeking to block a dog-racing ban from the November ballot.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Board of Dentistry will meet at 7:30 a.m., Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown, 316 West Tennessee St., Tallahassee.
The Forensic Interview Protocol Task Force, which works on issues related to forensic interviews of children suspected of having suffered abuse, will meet at 9 a.m., Embassy Suites Orlando, 8978 International Dr., Orlando.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is slated to release April unemployment figures at 10 a.m.
Denise Grimsley, a Republican candidate for Agriculture Commissioner, will speak at a luncheon of the Lakewood Ranch Republican Club. That’s at 11:30 a.m., EVEN Hotel Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch, 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota.
The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida will start a conference, continuing through Sunday, at 6:30 p.m., Hippodrome Theatre, 25 S.E. Second Place, Gainesville.
Political commentator and 2012 presidential candidate Herman Cain will speak during the Orange County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner. Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at 7:45 p.m., Disney’s Contemporary Resort, 4600 North World Dr., Lake Buena Vista.
GOP candidates for Governor Putnam and DeSantis are expected to be among the speakers during the Broward County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner. That’s at 7 p.m., Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, 1881 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale.
Looking Ahead
The Villages Democratic Club will hold a forum for candidates for governor, with King, Philip Levine and Andrew Gillum expected to take part. That’s at 10 a.m. Saturday, Savannah Center, 1575 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages.
Gov. Rick Scott, who is running for U.S. Senate, will speak during the Hillsborough County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday. Reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., Pepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 North 50th St., Tampa.
