Peter Schorsch
We got this — On January 16, three American service members died in a suicide bombing in Syria. A military contractor and 15 others lost their lives in the attack. Many others were injured.
That day, the U.S. military lost a Green Beret, a Navy SEAL, and a Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician.
Their families lost everything.
Four-year-old twins, a nine-year-old boy, and a 10-year-old girl lost their father, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Robert Farmer. Their mother, Tabitha, lost the love of her life.
Tabitha prepared herself and her children for long deployments, sleepless nights and the sacrifices of war. What she couldn’t possibly have prepared herself for — that knock on the door.
To learn more about the Farmer’s, please take a moment to watch the video, and consider donating to the We Got This Fund today.
To watch the video, click on the image below:
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Panama City full-court press — In light of the recent upgrade of Michael to a Category 5 storm, and the agonizingly slow federal response (thanks to Congressional gridlock), Panama City officials are launching a campaign this week to bring attention to this critical issue of the area’s recovery.
As the Legislative Session enters its final week, the City is releasing a video calling on both the Legislature and Congress to fund disaster relief adequately. The two-and-a-half-minute video highlights the city’s successes over the past six months as well as the continuing challenges, which include housing, schools, and debris.
Along with the video, Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki and City Manager Mark McQueen will personally travel to D.C. this week for a “full-court press,” with several days of meetings with HUD, FEMA, NSC and members of Congress (among others) to push lawmakers and officials for increased federal action.
The visit comes as President Donald Trump announced plans to visit Bay County, home of Panama City, in less than two weeks.
To watch the video, click on the image below:
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ICYMI from this weekend: Members, get ready: The Governors Club needs a refresh.
The venerable Tallahassee social institution announced a capital campaign for a “complete renovation,” with a kickoff event set for May 15 at 5:30 p.m., offering “a sneak peek of the redesign.”
The “Interior Enhancement Project” is necessary, the club said in a letter, because “maintaining the facilities has become more challenging.”
The renovation will “touch on all areas of the main Clubhouse, providing beautifully upgraded aesthetics and new furnishings,” it said.
For the rest of the story, click here.
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As Session’s end creeps closer, it’s time to think about who is emerging from Session as a winner or a loser. That’s why we’re asking for your nominations now for the W&L columns.
Think about which bills have already died. Or who or what issue is a winner no matter what happens during the final week.
(Please avoid nominating the big-ticket items like the Governor or the budget. We’re looking for specific people and issues.)
Your answers will be published (but your identity will remain confidential). Send to [email protected].
We’ll publish the annual “Winners & Losers of the Legislative Session” as a separate special email on Sunday after Friday’s Sine Die, assuming there’s a hanky drop then.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@LearyReports: Trump offers “deepest sympathies” to victims of California synagogue shooting “At this moment it looks like a hate crime,” he told reporters
—@JimmyPatronis: Hate has no place in our society. As families gathered to celebrate Passover, a murderer senselessly killed and injured worshippers at the Chabad of Poway. Please say a prayer for the victims and join me in standing against antisemitism
—@AGAshleyMoody: Thank you @DarrylRouson for your impassioned close on SB 1656. Thank you @TomLeeFL and Senator [Darryl] Rouson for working with our office to find consensus, proving that we can bridge the gap no matter how great the divide and bring clarity to Amendment 11.
—@AnnaForFlorida: TBH, affordable housing funds (tho VERY important & necessary in today’s system of housing) is a subsidy for builders & landlords to build/provide affordable housing units. It’s not a very sustainable system but it’s the only one we have rn— & that’s been swept over the years.
—@JimRosicaFL: When the Governor of the great state of Florida has no events on his daily schedule, we in the press get a copy of that schedule 7 pm the night before. But when he has three significant meetings on a multi-decade gambling deal worth billions of dollars, we get his schedule late in the afternoon AFTER all the meetings occur. Why?
—@SkylerSwisher: Two takes on Florida’s sanctuary cities bill that passed the Florida Senate today. @JoeGruters, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida: “This bill is about respecting the rule of law.” @FlaDems: “This is a shameful and dark day in the history of our state.”
—@AGlorios: I had a nightmare a competitor beat me on writing up a fiscal analysis of cheeseburgers bc I was too slow in eating mine. We must be entering the final week(?) of the 2019 Fla. legislative budget conference
—@MDixon55: Conference lobbyist fashion > conference lawmaker fashion
—@BSFarrington: Hey @Mdixon55 Are you going to update me on the budget, or do I have to follow @fineout?
—@BSFarrington: So, seriously. The Tallahassee flea market is Florida’s best entertainment value.
—@AGGancarski: I was on the fence about buying a @dasaniwater while getting what was marketed as contractor bags from @DollarGeneral … but thus far, that bottle of tap water has been the best thing about this month for me. Not sure what second place is.
— DAYS UNTIL —
2019 Legislative Session ends (maybe) — 4; National Orange Juice Day — 5; Kentucky Derby — 6; Star Wars — 6; Mother’s Day — 13; Florida Chamber Florida Business Leaders’ Summit on Prosperity and Economic Opportunity — 26; Memorial Day — 28; Florida Democratic Leadership Blue conference and fundraiser — 40; U.S. Open begins — 45; Father’s Day — 48; Florida Chamber Learners to Earners Workforce Summit begins — 53; First Democratic presidential debates in Miami — 58; Independence Day — 66; Second Democratic presidential debates in Detroit — 92; Florida Gators opens vs. Miami football — 117; St. Petersburg primary election — 121; UCF Golden Knights opens vs. Florida A&M football — 122; FSU Seminoles opens vs. Boise State football — 124; Labor Day — 126; “Joker” opens — 158; Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum begins — 182; Scott Maddox trial begins — 189; 2019 General Election — 190; 3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon begins — 192; Iowa Caucuses — 280; Florida’s presidential primary — 323; 2020 General Election — 554.
— TOP STORY —
With five days remaining in the 2019 Legislative Session, there remain a significant number of issues still on lawmakers to-do list. So expect more late-night sessions, some horse-trading and a mad dash to Sine Die.
Here are the 14 questions that need answers this week.
— What’s the Future of Visit Florida
The House hasn’t reauthorized the agency, but Speaker José Oliva said he’s willing to reauthorize one more year of operations, if just so Gov. Ron DeSantis could see how “unnecessary” VISIT FLORIDA is.
— Will Florida change its citizen initiative process?
The House has led the way here, passing legislation (HB 7111) that will severely hinder the ability to govern through a citizen initiative. But the bill hasn’t progressed in the Senate. Will that change this week?
— Can chambers reconcile voter restoration bill?
Voters supporting Amendment 4 said felons should have their voting rights restored once they complete sentences and restitution, but it’s that last part that proved contentious. House legislation (HB 7089) has been derided nationally as a “poll tax.” Will the Senate bring a fix?
— Does a so-called sanctuary cities ban need teeth?
The Senate passed a bill for the first time, but it looks substantially different from the Senate. Speaker Oliva said he wished the two bills lined up together and doesn’t like some provisions in the Senate. Sen. Joe Gruters, the Senate sponsor, acknowledged “hurdles” but remains bullish.
— How will a new school choice program look?
Speaker Olive sounded considerable more optimistic this week when it came to school choice. The School Choice Movement also gave a strong endorsement to Senate language (SB 7070) crafted by state Sen. Manny Diaz, a Miami Republican.
— Will tax money get diverted to charter schools?
Included within the $102.4 million tax-cut package approved late Thursday by the Florida House, there’s a provision requiring school districts give up money raised through local tax referendums to charter schools. It’s going to be closely watched when it comes to the Senate and House budget.
— What path lays before The First Step Act?
A bill from Sen. Jeff Brandes has morphed into a comprehensive criminal justice reform package encompassing several measures into the same legislation (SB 642). But there are differences between the chambers regarding such issues as “truth in sentencing.”
— Will teachers start packing heat?
The Florida Senate approved a controversial plan for arming teachers. The House hears the bill this week, but Democrats have promised a fight. “We’ve seen School Board after School Board decide against arming teachers,” said Margaret Good, Deputy Democratic Leader.
— What happens with ‘safety net’ hospital dollars?
A high-profile dispute over hospital payments ended with lawmakers agreeing to redirect about $9.5 million from a pot of money that is used to supplement payments for 28 hospitals that treat the largest numbers of Medicaid patients in the state The plan must still get approval from Senate President Bill Galvano and Oliva.
— How much more Hurricane Michael funding will be heading to the Panhandle?
Congress has been locked in a stalemate over disaster relief. Panhandle lawmakers want this week to see the state step up as much as possible, though Senate Appropriations Chair Rob Bradley said it’s really time for the federal government to step up.
— Who can prevent forest fires?
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried wants an additional $39 million to prepare the Division of Forestry for the summer’s wildfire season. But as of now, the Legislature seems poised to give her about half of that.
— What does Florida Forever mean to lawmakers?
At the last committee-level conferences between the House and Senate, neither chamber offered even half that amount. The Senate still had a $41 million transfer to the Florida Forever Trust Fund. But the House had less than that. DeSantis asked for about $100 million.
— What constitutes ‘Texting While Driving’?
The House passed a simple bill upgrading texting and driving to a primary offense. But the Senate added language about hands-free zones and a wider range of smartphone uses. It’s unclear if the House will embrace all the changes.
— Who gets access to voter records?
A bill limiting access to voters records to political entities died in the Senate despite being passed with strong support in the House. But will the bill come back to life the last week of Session?
— LATEST ON THE BUDGET —
“Budget conference: All over but the shouting as more silos close” via Florida Politics — The Legislature’s top men on the state budget late Sunday said they made “incredible progress” as they closed out major areas in next fiscal year’s spending plan. Senate Appropriations chair Bradley and House Appropriations chair Travis Cummings, both Fleming Island Republicans, held their last public meeting for the weekend in the Capitol. They said they expected to meet once more Monday morning before bumping remaining disagreements to Senate President Galvano and House Speaker Oliva. “Health care is largely done … We have some minor differences,” Bradley told reporters after the meeting. “Then all the rest of these numbers, very minor (differences) on (member) projects. But we’re pretty much there, and then on justice, we’re there, on K-12 we’re there, and we’ve just made incredible progress over the last several days. And ‘Game of Thrones’ starts in 20 minutes.”
Bradley and Cummings are making progress on a tax-cut package.
The two budget chiefs have “agreed to a $90 million cap” on this year’s cut, reports Jim Turner for The News Service of Florida.
— But: The $90 million cap is notably less than the $102.4 million tax cut passed by the House last week. It’s also only a drop in the bucket of a spending plan expected to total about $90 billion.
— Details: Back-to-school and hurricane preparedness holidays should be included in the 2019-20 fiscal year cuts. “Other parts of the plan include a 5.7 percent reduction in commercial lease tax … and a controversial provision that would spread voter-approved local tax dollars to charter schools.”
— Deadline: In other budget news, lawmakers will need to wrap their spending talks by Tuesday, so legislators have 72 hours before Friday’s Sine Die to review the spending plan ahead of a final vote.
“Key hospital budget issues resolved” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida — House and Senate negotiators agreed on many spending issues across five state health care agencies, including how to pay Florida’s hospitals for treating poor, elderly and disabled people. A high-profile dispute over hospital payments ended with lawmakers agreeing to redirect about $9.5 million from a pot of money that is used to supplement payments for 28 hospitals that treat the largest numbers of Medicaid patients in the state. The Senate initially proposed redirecting the full $319 million currently used for the supplemental payments. The House, meanwhile, initially recommended a 3 percent across-the-board Medicaid rate reduction, which meant about a $111 million cut in rates for all hospitals. Negotiators agreed they would not make those cuts.
“Back-to-school, hurricane sales tax holidays included in budget agreement” via the News Service of Florida — Senate Appropriations Chairman Bradley and his House counterpart Cummings also have settled on $115 million for housing needs in areas still struggling after last year’s Hurricane Michael, and agreed to set aside money for a series of major toll roads that must still be approved by the House. Late Saturday afternoon, Bradley and Cummings agreed to a $90 million cap on a tax package as they worked to close out areas of next year’s budget, which totals roughly $90 billion. The tax breaks, which the Senate has yet to vote on, falls short of the $102.4 million in tax cuts approved by the House late Thursday.
“Florida is spending $200 million on affordable housing next year, most of it in Panhandle” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — The Legislature is assigning $200 million to affordable housing programs next year, doubling what the state spent last year but short of what DeSantis wanted. Most of the money — $115 million — is going toward affordable housing programs in the Panhandle areas affected by Hurricane Michael. Another $77 million is going to programs around the state, and another $8 million is going to the Jacksonville area. Bradley noted that the amount is about $100 million more than the state spent last year. “We made a big jump compared to where we were last year,” Bradley said.
“Tampa Bay-area transit scores big in state budget” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) will finally get the funding it needs to start planning regional transit projects. Both the House and Senate included $2.5 million for the agency in their budget offers and closed out the appropriation in budget conference this week. It’s the first time the agency has received substantial funding since the Florida Legislature voted to overhaul the agency from a transportation group that provided limited services included a vanpool into a regional planning entity tasked with working across county lines and lead on transit initiatives. Of the total funding, about $1.5 million will go toward staff, administration and operations. The remaining $1 million will allow TBARTA to begin working on its mission.
“Mechanic training funding comes in for landing at Sarasota airport” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida House and Senate agreed to budget $3 million for the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The money will go to establishing a training school on the grounds there. The airport has been in discussions with Manatee Technical College about offering Aviation Airframe and Powerplant mechanic training to meet market demand, according to lobbyist Alan Suskey. That requires an Aviation Maintenance Technician School at SRQ in specialty hangars that meet Federal Aviation Administration specifications. State Rep. James Buchanan and Sen. Gruters sought $5 million for the effort this session for the project.
— SESSION —
“Governor huddles with Seminole tribe, pari-mutuels” via the News Service of Florida — DeSantis huddled with more than a dozen gambling operators and lobbyists — including dog- and horse-track owners, card room executives and horse breeders — shortly after he met with leaders of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. DeSantis started at 9 a.m. by meeting with multiple representatives of the tribe, including Chairman Marcellus Osceola; Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming; and Jim Shore, the Seminoles’ general counsel, tribe spokesman Gary Bitner told The News Service of Florida. Bitner described the talks as “cordial.” Shortly after that meeting, pari-mutuel owners and operators — accompanied by their lobbyists — streamed into the governor’s plaza-level large conference room in the Capitol for a nearly 90-minute discussion that was unusual in the highly competitive industry.
“Done deals, DOAs and issues in trouble: a checklist for Legislature’s final week” via Jeff Schweers and James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — Dead on arrival: Fracking; Confederate statues; Vacation rentals — The issue over pre-empting local control over short-term vacation rentals got sidelined by a debate over whose property rights had more value; Abortion regulations — abortion-related bills seem to have disappeared. Issues in trouble: Tobacco 21; Texting while driving; Criminal justice reform; Sanctuary cities. Still to come: Arming teachers; School vouchers; Charter schools; Hospitals; Amendment 4; Forest fire protection — Agriculture Commissioner Fried is seeking an additional $39 million to prepare the Division of Forestry for the summer’s wildfire season. So far, lawmakers have agreed to about half of what Fried requested.
“Senate passes its own ‘sanctuary cities’ bill, at odds with House” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Senate on Friday approved its own version of a so-called sanctuary cities ban to the House. Sen. Gruters, the Sarasota Republican who sponsored the bill, said he couldn’t “believe people are so emotional, so fired up, about saying we should follow existing law.” Trump and DeSantis support the policy behind the bill, that state and local governments and law enforcement agencies should “support and cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.” The measure generated hours of debate over two days on the Senate floor. Ultimately, the bill passed by a vote of 22-18. And it’s unclear what reception the bill will receive in the House.
“House passes bill shoring up public, charter schools revenue sharing” via Rachel Fradette of the Naples Daily News — Under House Bill 7123, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Avila funds collected through a tax referendum will be distributed to public schools and charter schools on a per-student ratio. The bill would affect several school districts in Florida, including Collier County Public Schools. The House passed the bill by a vote of 69-44 around midnight. A companion bill is pending in the Senate. The legislative session is set to end next week. The bill is meant to shore up a 2017 law, signed by then-Gov. Rick Scott and challenged in court, that also requires public schools to share money with charter schools.
“Senate wants CRC repeal” via The Associated Press — The Florida Senate voted 35-4 for a bill that would place a question on the 2020 ballot asking to repeal the Constitution Revision Commission. The commission met last year and placed seven items on the ballot. Voters approved each proposal, including bans on dog racing, oil drilling in state waters and vaping in workplaces. It also included a measure that extends new rights to crime victims. Sixty percent of Florida voters would have to approve the proposal to repeal the commission. Two of the senators who voted against the bill sat on the commission last year: Republican Tom Lee and Democrat Darryl Rouson. A companion House bill is awaiting a floor vote.
“Canadian drug imports could get go-ahead” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida — The Senate positioned a bill (HB 19) for a vote after adding amendments by Sen. Aaron Bean, who told Senators they have two choices: “We can do nothing and next year we will continue to pay the highest prices for drugs on the planet, or we can do something.” The bill would authorize three programs — the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program in the state Agency for Health Care Administration; the International Prescription Drug Importation Program in the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; and a pilot program run by the Florida Department of Health and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
“House passes bill that could stop cities from requiring affordable housing” via Elizabeth Koh, Rene Rodriguez and Joey Flechas of the Miami Herald — House lawmakers voted mostly on party lines to place limits on local governments’ ability to set ceilings for rents or home sale prices, despite concerns from some Democrats that the move could imperil mandatory affordable housing requirements that counties and municipalities can enact now. HB 7103, which passed on a 72-37 vote, would pre-empt local governments from establishing their own rules on several development-related issues that could affect housing prices and cities’ ability to spend building fees and shorten the window of time the public has to review new construction projects. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jason Fischer told Jacksonville radio station WJCT that he believes rent and price controls lead to higher prices, making more housing unaffordable.
“Senate approves storm-hardening bill” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The Senate voted 37-2 in favor of legislation sponsored by Gruters that would create a separate cost recovery “clause” for utilities to recoup expenses related to storm hardening. “This is a great bill for Florida,” Gruters said. “We’re going to continue to get hit by storms, and this is a way to make sure our electrical grid is resilient and reliable.” Gruters faced questions from a pair of Democratic senators about the potential cost. He conceded that the bill would raise rates, but said the benefits are worth the cost. “Yes, it may cost a little bit more now but long term in the future everybody will be better off,” Gruters said.
“Safe space: Senate amendment extends distance requirements at polling places” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — An amendment to a broader election bill (SB 7066) approved by the Senate on Friday would extend the boundaries around polling places from 100 feet to 150 feet. That extension, which was part of an amendment offered by Sen. Dennis Baxley, would limit the ability for candidates and their supporters to interact with voters on Election Day. Those zones are designed to limit direct solicitation of votes as people head to cast their ballots. The Ocala Republican says the 50-foot boundary increase was developed in consultation with election supervisors. But Democrats pushed back on the amendment, calling it an “arbitrary” change. Democrats voted against the measure in lockstep, but it was approved by Senators 23-17 on a party-line vote.
“Senate passes amended incarcerated women bill, to head back to House” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Just two days after the Florida House passed its version of the bill (HB 49), the Senate unanimously approved a bill mandating hygiene products be provided to women inmates. However, while the Senate took up and voted on the House measure, that bill was amended during the Friday Session, meaning the legislation will now be sent back to the House for further review. Sen. Jason Pizzo, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill (SB 332), offered the amendment. The strike-all changes the language of what hygiene products are required for women inmates and rewords a section spelling out barred interactions between male correctional officers and those inmates.
— MORE SESSION —
Conservative hopes for new Florida Supreme Court fading in Senate” via John Kennedy of the GateHouse Capital Bureau — Ron DeSantis‘s appointment of three new, conservative justices to the Florida Supreme Court raised expectations that an array of red-meat policies would swiftly emerge from the Republican-controlled Legislature. But as lawmakers enter the final scheduled week of the 2019 Session, only a dramatic expansion of private school vouchers, using taxpayer dollars, appears poised to win approval and then face a likely legal test before the new-look court. Controversial abortion legislation and other bills that would revisit earlier high-court rulings on workers compensation and medical malpractice lawsuit limits have hit a roadblock in the more moderate Senate.
“Amendment 4 deal could deny voting rights for thousands of Florida felons” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — Senate President Galvano said that the upper chamber is scheduled to consider a House bill that would prevent felons from voting until they’ve paid off all fines, fees and restitution. The House bill would potentially keep hundreds of thousands of former felons from voting. The Senate’s version is milder, allowing felons to vote while paying off fines and fees. Both Galvano and Sen. Brandes, the architect of the Senate bill, said they were willing to consider the House version, which Brandes said was constitutional. And the Republican leaders of both chambers said they remain committed to passing a bill this session.
“Anti-Semitism bill to be heard on Senate floor” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — An anti-Semitism measure that looked dead in the Senate looks like it will bounce back anew. Senators are expected to hear a bill in the Senate on Monday. Spurred by a tragic hate crime this weekend and a general unease about a rise in hate crimes, sources confirm senators will waive rules and take the bill up on the floor. The legislation (SB 1272) previously advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 5-1 vote. But it never made it onto an Education Committee agenda.
“Senators to debate Tobacco 21 Act” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A push to increase the age for buying tobacco products to 21 will be debated Monday in the Florida Senate. The legislation (SB 1618) appears on a special order calendar in the Senate. Sponsored by state Sen. David Simmons, a Longwood Republican, the “Tobacco 21 Act” deals with numerous tobacco regulations. But the increase in purchase age stands out as the most impactful part of the bill for consumers. Right now, anyone age 18 and older can buy tobacco products in a Florida store. So what counts as tobacco? For now, any tobacco leaf product that gets smoked, chewed or sniffed falls in the category. Simmons’ bill adds electronic cigarettes to the list.
“School districts are rejecting armed teachers. Lawmakers say that’s OK.” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — “This bill does not arm one single solitary teacher,” Sen. Manny Diaz said as he closed debate over SB 7030, a wide-ranging school security measure that quickly became identified as the teachers with guns bill. Instead, Diaz noted, the proposal allows school boards to decide whether to participate in the guardian program, and superintendents to determine who will be selected for that role if their district takes part. Teachers also would have to volunteer, survive a background check and undergo more than 130 hours of training to join, if their board and superintendent approved.
“Randy Fine’s Nazi collaborator name-calling draws attention” via Tyler Velasquez of FLORIDA TODAY — When the Palm Bay Republican called an organizer of a recent Israel-Palestine panel in Brevard County a Nazi collaborator on Facebook, he unleashed a storm over his apparent willingness to use inflammatory language to police Jewish correctness on others. The comment was picked up and covered from Washington to The Jerusalem Post. In the most recent Facebook spat, the Jewish state representative twice called a Jewish critic a “Judenrat” — a term used for Jews in ghettos who facilitated Nazi oppression and racial extermination. Fine accused Pa
“Senate should take up ‘Jordan’s Law’ in final days of Session” via Florida Politics — HB 315, also known as “Jordan’s Law,” cleared the House unanimously. The legislation is named for Jordan Belliveau, who was killed by his mother, Charisse Stinson, in September 2018. The boy’s death came just one day after a caseworker visited Stinson but saw no immediate danger that would require an abuse report or removal of the child. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Chris Latvala, aims to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future by making sure young children get proper attention from caseworkers. Currently, social workers can have mile-long caseloads, and while Jordan’s Law won’t fix that completely, it would ensure no caseworker is responsible for checking in on more than 15 children under six years old.
“Glasses, contacts amendment pulled ahead of Senate vote” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Sen. Ed Hooper filed the amendments for both the House and Senate telehealth bills. If included, they would have blocked Floridians from ordering prescription contact lenses and glasses online unless they got “a contemporaneous eye health examination.” Current law allows patients to have their vision tested online so long as they have had a comprehensive eye exam within the past four years. The optometrist lobby supported the change, but Americans for Vision Care Innovation cried foul, as did major lens retailer 1-800-Contacts. According to Brandes, lawmakers weren’t keen on the proposal either, telling Florida politics that “a bunch of members came up to Hooper and expressed concerns,” which led the first-term Senator to pull the amendments.
“St. Johns County school board members speak out against term limit proposal” via Travis Gibson of the St. Augustine Record — St. Johns County School Board member Patrick Canan is not opposed to the idea of term limits, but the idea needs to be a local decision. “If people smarter than me think you get stale after eight years and you need to get fresh blood, so be it,” Canan said. “It just seems to me another ploy by Tallahassee to take away home rule and disfavoring the concept that the people of this county know best. The voter can do the same thing.” Others argue that incumbents always have an advantage. Rep. Anthony Sabatini, a sponsor of the measure, said prohibiting school board members from more than two consecutive terms would help put “power back in the citizens’ hands.”
“Hispanic Chamber applauds Senate for ‘Lifeline’ bill” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce applauded Senate efforts to take over a program putting mobile phones in more low-income households. The legislation (SB 742) by state Sen. Oscar Braynon, a Miami Gardens Democrat, changes guidelines for Florida’s Lifeline program. The Lifeline service helps residents in need of discounts on mobile and landline telephone bills. Braynon’s bill authorizes the Public Service Commission to designate commercial providers as eligible Lifeline carriers. “Increased access to mobile phones for low-income families improves their employment and education opportunities while also benefiting employers across our state,” reads a statement from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“Pharmaceutical industry blasts drug import bill as ‘false bill of goods’” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — With the final week of Session looming, and the Senate scheduled to take up a proposal allowing for the importation of drugs from Canada (HB 19), a group representing the pharmaceutical industry is continuing to push back hard against the plan. “The frustration we have is this is not good policy,” said Priscilla VanderVeer, Vice President at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). VanderVeer spoke to Florida Politics about the legislation moving through the Capitol, which has already been approved by the House and is backed by DeSantis. While VanderVeer acknowledges the need to lower prescription drug prices, she argues Florida is going about it the wrong way.
— LEGISLATIVE SCHEDULE —
The Senate is scheduled to hold a floor Session at 10 a.m., Senate Chamber.
The House is scheduled to hold a floor Session at 10:30 a.m., House Chamber.
The Senate Special Order Calendar Group will set a special-order calendar, which lists bills that will be heard on the Senate floor, 15 minutes after the floor Session.
The House Rules Committee will set a special-order calendar, which lists bills that will be heard on the House floor, 15 minutes after the floor Session.
— GOV. CLUB BUFFET MENU —
This week’s Governors Club menus will include a few treats — an extension of the weekly breakfast buffet to Friday, as well as a post-Sine Die special (more details to follow). Stay tuned.
— STATEWIDE —
Assignment editors — DeSantis will deliver remarks at Law Enforcement Memorial event, 10:00 a.m., Florida State Capitol Courtyard, Tallahassee.
Assignment editors — DeSantis and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein will make an announcement, 3 p.m., The Nature Center at Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, 13640 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound.
“Florida joining the Age-Friendly network is a big deal, advocates say” via Timothy Fanning of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — For a community to be age-friendly, its residents need affordable and safe housing, opportunities for staying engaged in activities that matter to them and access to health care and other services. An aging-friendly community also offers chances for people to work, for pay or not. So, when DeSantis announced earlier this week that the Sunshine State had enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, age-friendly advocates rejoiced. That’s because it’s more than just a symbolic gesture, they said. Florida means business. “It’s more than jumping through hoops to get a plaque on the wall to forget about,” said Jeff Johnson, the state director of AARP Florida. “This is very much an invitation to get to work.”
“Jimmy Patronis, consumer advocates slam AOB rush as despicable, shameless” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — With an overhaul of Florida’s assignment of benefits law kicking in this July, attorneys urged fast action by clients. But advocates of reform called such pressure on consumers shameless. CFO Patronis slammed lawyers racing changes in statute. “It’s despicable that we are now seeing a push from AOB attorneys to quickly file even more lawsuits in our state,” Patronis said. “The sad fact is these lawsuits have become out of control and are driving up rates for families. This is unacceptable, and I’ll continue to fight back.” Orlando attorney Harvey Cohen released a new video urging those who favor the old law to move quickly.
To view the video, click on the image below:
— MORE FROM AROUND THE STATE —
“Lottery workers claim agency fostered environment of discrimination” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — The multipronged lawsuit filed on behalf of Jeanette L. Austin, Gina Blanton, and Kristina Reis claims they were discriminated against due to race, gender and perceived disability. Originally filed in Leon Circuit Court in January, the complaint was transferred at the request of the Florida Lottery last week to the U.S. Northern District of Florida. In the complaint, Austin, 56, claims that after 28 years as an intelligence analyst and manager, she was subjected to “disparate treatment, different terms and conditions of employment and held to a different standard” because she was black. Austin is still employed at the Lottery as manager of intelligence and backgrounds at the Lottery, where she earns $60,000 a year.
“Bee crisis: Pollinators endure countless threats in Florida” via Jim Waymer of The Associated Press — Scientists call it a “pollinator health crisis.” One in three mouthfuls of everything we eat directly or indirectly rely upon honeybee production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pollinators contribute more than $24 billion to the American economy, $15 billion from honey bees alone. But domestic pollinators have plummeted for decades, especially native bees, recent research shows. Managed honey bees dropped from 6 million colonies in 1947 to 2.5 million now. A phenomenon called colony collapse disorder killed 23 percent of the honey bee population after the winter of 2006-2007. Meanwhile, monarch butterflies have dipped 84 percent. Fewer pollinators pose a serious risk to domestic crops, ecological health, and the economy in Florida and nationwide, scientists warn.
— THE TRAIL —
Save the date — Former state Rep. Jason Brodeur will be fundraising for his Senate District 9 bid, Thursday, May 2, 5:30 p.m., Liam Fitzpatrick’s Irish Restaurant, 951 Market Promenade Ave., Lake Mary. For more info, contact Sandy Taylor, (850) 570-9363 or sandy@taylorstratflorida.
“Sales tax fliers, protests, signs and more meetings appear across Volusia ahead of May election” via Dustin Wyatt of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — With only days until ballots are mailed out to 399,000 Volusia County voters, residents on both sides of the sales tax debate are preparing a final push. A political action committee — funded largely by prominent business leaders who support the proposed half-cent tax increase — is sending out materials to encourage a yes vote. Residents against the tax, lacking the funds for a PAC, have launched their own grassroots effort, countering with “vote no” signs in front yards and occasional protests. The most vocal champions of the tax: the majority of city and county leaders who see a need for the extra $42 million in revenue a year for road and water infrastructure. “It’s all hands on deck,” said Joe Yarbrough, the just-retired city manager from South Daytona.
— LOCAL —
“Five years after floods devastated Pensacola area, are we any better off?” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News-Journal — Five years later, Escambia County and the city of Pensacola have spent more than $56 million to repair the damage from the deluge and strengthen the county’s and city’s stormwater systems, with much of that money coming from state and federal grants. Officials all caution that no system can fully withstand 24 inches of rain in 24 hours. Following the 2014 flood, Escambia County and Pensacola convened a Stormwater Advisory Team that put together a report recommending the local governments adopt a 100-year flood design standard. Joy Jones, Escambia County public works director, said the new standard means any new project built in the county — public or private — must be able to handle stormwater in a 100-year flood event.
“Brought in to clean up after Parkland, Broward’s new sheriff deals with his own mess” via David Smiley and Charles Rabin of the Miami Herald — In the week since video emerged of two white deputies pepper-spraying a black high school freshman before throwing him to the ground and slamming his face into the asphalt of a McDonald’s parking lot, Gregory Tony has managed to turn outrage into fury. He has criticized the State Attorney’s Office for dropping charges against 15-year-old DeLucca Rolle, finger-wagged the county’s mayor and spoke condescendingly to local politicians who questioned his disciplinary methods. In circumstances not all that dissimilar to the suspended sheriff he was chosen this January to replace, he appeared in public this week to defend himself and his department and instead inflamed the community he’d hoped to pacify.
“Nouman Raja sentencing: Racism ‘the elephant in the room’” via Daphne Duret of the Palm Beach Post — “To say this case had anything to do with race is just wrong,” Raja defense attorney Richard Lubin told Circuit Judge Joseph Marx, later looking back at his client before adding in an exasperated tone: “He’s not white.” Corey Jones’ father, Clinton Jones Sr., said he, too, didn’t want his son’s death painted with the label of racism, calling it an affront to the life his son led, which included just as many white friends, if not more, than black. “I’ll address it; it’s the elephant in the room, this does have something to do with race,” Raja’s brother Adnan Raja, a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy, said. “It has something to do with race because we’re not dark enough. As an American Muslim, as a proud American Muslim, we stand here; we’re not light enough; we’re not dark enough.”
“Circuit, county judges making the most of stretched resources” via Jared Keever of the St. Augustine record — Putnam County’s two county judges split 5,627 cases; Flagler County’s one county judge handled 5,795 cases last year. She may be getting help though. State Rep. Paul Renner and Sen. Travis Hutson are behind a push right now to get an additional county judge at the Flagler courthouse, where the state Supreme Court last certified a need in 2017. Hutson did say there had been a long-standing need for an additional judge in Flagler County, particularly in light of the need for a judge on a county’s elections canvassing board. That was easier to pull off in a county with two judges rather than in Flagler County where County Judge Melissa Distler
“EPA upgrades air quality designation in Nassau County” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The federal agency approved a state request to change designations for the Nassau County Area from nonattainment to attainment for the 2010 1-Hour Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) standard. “Working in partnership with the state, we were able to achieve significant improvements in air quality in the Nassau County area,” said Mary S. Walker, acting EPA administrator for Region 4. “Meeting the national sulfur dioxide standard is a critical step in providing a healthy environment for Nassau County citizens.”
— STICKING TO THE STORY —
Exiting Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn wove a narrative throughout his eight years in office.
Richard Danielson and Charlie Frago of the Tampa Bay Times put it this way: “Tampa’s comeback was Buckhorn’s story, and he stuck to it: ‘I beat that message home for eight years.’”
— Bouncing back: Buckhorn assumed office as the city started to come up from air after the Great Recession. Buckhorn had a plan. “Attract millennials, and you build talent, he said. Talent attracts business. New business grows the economy. Prosperity lets you do everything else.”
— Big stick: Pugnacious at times and always unapologetic, Buckhorn’s hardhanded governing didn’t go unnoticed. Incoming City Councilman Bill Carlson (a Buckhorn critic) told the Times, “It’s what a brutal dictator would do in a third-world country.”
— Legacy: Some legends aren’t recognized until far after their work is complete. Buckhorn told the Times, “I’m not worried about how history judges me this year. I’m worried about how they will judge me 20 years from now when they see the fruits of all of these investments.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Attorney General Ashley Moody pushed for census citizenship question despite expected undercount in state” via Langston Taylor of the Tampa Bay Times — Trump’s Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross added the question, which would ask every person if they are a citizen of the United States. The Census Bureau and independent researchers say that doing so, especially during an immigrant-unfriendly presidency, will discourage many Americans from responding. Any effects the question has will bear out in Florida as much as anywhere. One in every 11 Floridians is a noncitizen. If, as the bureau estimates, nearly 6 percent of them decline to respond to the Census as a result of the citizenship question, that total would easily eclipse 100,000 people.
“FBI kept successful hacking secret from Florida elections officials, Marco Rubio says” via David Smiley and Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — Florida elections officials were caught off-guard by Robert Mueller’s vague suggestion that the FBI believes Russian hackers gained access in 2016 to a county voter-registration network because federal investigators kept the information hidden from them, Rubio told The New York Times. He said an intelligence operation uncovered the breach some time ago. But he said national security officials chose to protect intelligence methods by issuing a broad warning to Florida’s 67 elections offices instead of informing the state or the local office that had been hacked. “Everybody has been told what it is they need to do to protect themselves from the intrusion,” Rubio said. “I don’t believe the specific victims of the intrusion have been notified.”
“No. 3 at Justice Department leaving post administration has struggled to fill” via Sadie Gurman of The Wall Street Journal — Jesse Panuccio, who submitted his resignation letter this week, has been the acting associate attorney general for more than a year as the department struggled to fill the position. He oversaw the department’s civil work, including antitrust and civil-rights matters, and all litigation defending the government, including lawsuits over the president’s decisions. Panuccio stepped into the position in February 2018, when his mentor Rachel Brand left to take a top legal job at Walmart Inc. after nine months. Panuccio said he felt able to execute the Trump administration’s agenda at the Justice Department despite never having been nominated or confirmed by the Senate.
— 2020 —
“Chris Christie says drug import plan could sink Donald Trump” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — In an op-ed, former New Jersey Gov. Christie said Florida Republicans should think twice before allowing prescription drug imports in the Sunshine State. “On Nov. 3, 2020, President Trump will be re-elected to a second term. That is unless Republicans serving in Congress and statehouses throughout the country mess it up for him by capitulating to the Bernie Sanders agenda,” he wrote. To the one-time presidential candidate, messing it up means approving legislation that would “pull America toward socialism” by allowing imported prescription drugs to be sold in U.S. pharmacies. Christie singled out Florida, saying “if the Democrats win Florida, it’s over, and Donald J. Trump will go down in history as a one-term president.”
“Joe Biden holds a slight advantage over nearest 2020 rival, but Democrats are far from making a decision” via Scott Clement and Dan Balz of The Washington Post — According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll … Asked to name the candidate they currently support, 54 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents did not volunteer anyone. That figure is little changed from 56 percent in January, despite a slew of candidate announcements, vigorous campaigning in the early primary and caucus states, multiple cable television town halls and interviews and constant fundraising appeals. Among the minority who expressed a preference, former Vice President Joe Biden holds a tenuous advantage over Sen. Bernie Sanders. Slightly more Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults prefer a candidate whose positions are closest to theirs, rather than the one who seems most electable.
“Biden in ‘terrific shape,’ could visit Florida in May, brother says” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post — “He’ll be here in May sometime. I don’t have his schedule yet,” said Frank Biden, who predicted in a January interview that his brother would run in 2020 and would win “disaffected” voters the Democrats lost to Trump in 2016. Frank Biden, a 65-year-old fitness enthusiast, said that he’d have no formal role in his older brother’s campaign aside from being Joe Biden’s “workout adviser-in-chief.” “I make sure he stays in shape, as good a shape as he’s in now, while he’s on the trail. He’s watched his health very closely. He’s in terrific shape,” Frank Biden said of the 76-year-old former vice president.
“Wall Street’s ‘tremendous fear’ about 2020” via Mike Allen of Axios — “Biden? Pete? Trump?! Wall Street Democrats are absolutely freaking out about their candidate pool,” New York magazine’s Gabe Debenedetti
— OPINIONS —
“The U.S. sticks up for victims of Cuba’s theft” via Rick Scott for The Wall Street Journal — The Cuban regime has been trafficking in stolen property with willing European, Canadian and Chinese businesses for decades. The regime profits while continuing to spread instability across the region and the world. Now the Europeans and Canadians are threatening to sue the U.S. in the World Trade Organization. Only the Communist Party and the Cuban military profit from trafficking in stolen property. The average Cuban cannot see a path to wealth, freedom or independence. The U.S. won’t stand by and let European interests, which have been complicit in the suffering of the Cuban people, block justice for the thousands of Americans who lost businesses and homes to the Castro regime.
“School choice means freedom, empowerment and justice for all” via Mark Coats for the Orlando Sentinel — Despite 70 percent of today’s scholarship students being black or Hispanic, they attempt to link private school scholarships with segregationists. Scholarships are not resegregating schools. The LeRoy Collins Institute at Florida State noted: “School segregation in Florida today is strongly related to residential patterns of urbanization and suburbanization in the state.” In other states, like Louisiana, the Education Research Alliance found the state’s voucher program decreased racial segregation overall. According to one of the report’s authors, “82 percent of student transfers made possible by the Louisiana Scholarship Program reduced racial stratification in the voucher students’ former public schools, a clear win for desegregation efforts in the state of Louisiana.” More can and should be done for disadvantaged students.
“Amendment 4 could give DeSantis his Lincoln moment” via Michael Dobson for the Tallahassee Democrat — Will he allow power to supersede politics and the will of the voters? Make no mistake, determining the makeup of the electorate is more about power than politics. This issue of race, equality and who gets to vote is indeed something thousands of Americans of all races have fought and died for. If we consider it in the context of history, we can’t help but accept the rightness of Florida’s Amendment 4 and the voters’ intent for automatic restoration of rights. I believe that men are equal and that the right to vote is the greatest evidence of that equality. DeSantis has an opportunity that rivals Lincoln’s, to be on the right side of history.
“Paula Dockery: Real hope for criminal justice reform” via the Tampa Bay Times — One bill I’m still watching closely is the comprehensive criminal justice reform bill — SB 642, known as the Florida First Step Act. Brandes is the bill’s sponsor and deserves kudos for taking on this herculean task. The House bill, HB 7125, doesn’t go nearly as far in making the much-needed reforms to our system of crime and punishment. Its impact would be felt by the 36 percent who are in prison for nonviolent drug or property offenses. In a nutshell, the bill tries to end excessive mandatory minimum sentences and prison time for low-level drug offenders while creating early release programs that help inmates successfully adjust to life outside of prison.
“Lawmakers must fix state’s sentencing laws now” via Ray Strack for the Palm Beach Post — Brandes is sponsoring Senate Bill 642, the Florida First Step Act. The Act would focus our resources on catching and incarcerating the offenders who pose the most serious threats. It would reduce the burden that low-risk offenders place on our agents, courts and prisons, while strengthening the alternatives proven to keep these people from reoffending. It would support diversion programs to deal with addiction, mental health, and other root causes of criminal activity often faced by veterans. It would help start these people on a productive path by incentivizing education and vocational training. It would eliminate the unnecessary barriers to employment they face upon release, easing the burden on taxpayers by creating new ones.
“Joe Henderson: Bringing music education back to schools strikes right chord” via Florida Politics — The Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Pilot Program, would “assist selected school districts in implementing comprehensive music education programs for students in kindergarten through grade 2.” Bravo. It passed the Senate by a 40-0 vote. Why was this needed? The Great Recession caused economic chaos throughout the state. It hit schools particularly hard. Arts education programs were among the first cuts as school boards were forced to make tough choices. Remember, they were also grappling with demands to produce high scores on the state’s FCAT tests. The notion that public education should focus heavily on math and science classes ignores a basic fact. Music, literature, and humanities are necessary for a well-rounded education.
“Tom Feeney: An urgent plea for life insurers” via Florida Politics — There is a very bad anti-consumer bill (HB 879) that adds new government regulations for transactions between private businesses (life insurance companies) and the people they hope to financially protect The bill contains dangerous language that will prevent insurance underwriters from utilizing vital medical information — DNA information that is routinely found in medical records — to evaluate an applicant. And, as odd as it sounds, in HB 879, a consumer cannot even use DNA information to correct a mistake. If a consumer wishes to use their DNA information to show that a presupposition about their health is wrong, they are out of luck. The bill blocks the use of information for both sides of the equation.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Governor names two appellate judges in Miami” via Florida Politics — DeSantis named Monica Gordo and Fleur Lobree to the 3rd District Court of Appeal. The Governor’s Office said the appointments “mark the first time four women are seated” on the court, based in Miami. Gordo and Lobree join Judges Norma Lindsey and Bronwyn Miller. Before joining the bench, Gordo served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Miami State Attorney’s Office. She fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Barbara Lagoa to the state Supreme Court. Lobree, 50, is a legal adviser and Assistant State Attorney for the 11th Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Jonathan Kilman, Paul Lowell, Brad Nail, Converge Government Affairs of Florida: Hims
Isabel Otero: SPLC Action Fund
Sean Pittman, Pittman Law Group: Lakeland Regional Health Systems
Dallas Thiesen, Florida Swimming Pool Association
— SUNSHINE SPORTS —
Florida NFL teams just got their draft report cards.
— Passing grades: Experts seemed to agree that Jacksonville had the best NFL draft among Florida’s three pro teams. SBNation gave the Jags an A-minus grade. The Miami Dolphins received a B while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a B-minus.
For the second time in four years, Bucs GM Jason Licht spent a draft pick on a kicker when he took Utah’s Matt Gay in the fifth round.
— Better than the last time: At least Licht didn’t trade up to the second round like he did when the Bucs drafted FSU kicker Roberto Aguayo. It was widely panned as one of the worst picks in Bucs history, which is saying something.
The second overall pick of the NFL draft sparked some immediate controversy.
— Online is forever: Ohio State defensive lineman Nick Bosa’s controversial tweets, including in 2016 when he called former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick “a clown,” became a huge story. Bosa apologized for the tweets.
— Welp: President Trump tweeted his support for Bosa, telling him to “always stay true to yourself.”
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1122109651087241216
— ALOE —
“’Avengers: Endgame’ obliterates records with $1.2B opening” via Jake Coyle of The Associated Press — The “Avengers” finale far exceeded even its own gargantuan expectations, according to studio estimates Sunday. The movie had been forecast to open between $260 million and $300 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters, but moviegoers turned out in such droves that “Endgame” blew past the previous record of $257.7 million, set last year by “Avengers: Infinity War.” “Endgame” was just as enormous overseas. Worldwide, it obliterated the previous record of $640.5 million, also set by “Infinity War.” (“Infinity War” didn’t open in China, the world’s second-largest movie market, until two weeks after its debut.) “Endgame” set a new weekend record in China, too, where it made $330.5 million.
Spotted — In The New York Times crossword: No. 82 down — a three-letter word for “Florida Governor DeSantis.”
“Documentary on Parkland shooting premieres at Tribeca” via The Associated Press — Filmmakers Emily Taguchi and Jake Lefferman
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Happy 65th birthday to ace photographer Mark Wallheiser.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, Dan McAuliffe, and Drew Wilson.
