Peter Schorsch
Sixty Days — A prime-time look at the 2019 Legislative Session
The Last 24
Good Tuesday evening. Twelve years after the “education reformer” left office, it was former Gov. Jeb Bush’s moment back in the spotlight. A program expanding vouchers to cover private school tuition is now ready to become law as the House approved the measure, sending it to Gov. Ron DeSantis. He has already signaled his support. “It was 20 years ago when one visionary leader started Florida and Florida’s children on a path of choice,” said House Speaker José Oliva, referring to Bush. “It was 20 years ago and here we stand today.” And Bush had some fun with being back in the Capitol: Earlier on the Senate floor, “he appeared to kiss Dennis Baxley‘s head, tickled Aaron Bean’s beard and admired Gayle Harrell’s Senate pin (she was a House Rep when he was Governor),” tweeted The Miami Herald’s Elizabeth Koh. Here’s your nightly rundown.
Packing heat: A plan to allow local school districts to give classroom teachers the option to carry concealed weapons was being discussed in the House as we went to press. The Senate passed a similar bill.
House sets up toll roads bill: The biggest road construction project in many decades, pushed by Senate President Bill Galvano, is ready for a final vote.
Animal houses no more: The House unanimously approved a bill cracking down on hazing by fraternities and sororities.
‘Shameful’: The Florida League of Cities sent a letter to DeSantis asking him to veto a bill mandating cancer coverage for firefighters across the state. CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis called the league’s position “shameful.”
Smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em: Lawmakers are considering upping the age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21, but the legislation also contains some major priorities for tobacco companies.
Open wide: A bill establishing the “Dental Student Loan Repayment Program” received unanimous votes in the House and Senate.
Clams for clemency: Lawmakers are setting aside money to help alleviate the state’s heavy clemency caseload and speed up the process in which felons’ rights can be restored.
Save the CRC: A plan to get rid of the Constitution Revision Commission, which meets every 20 years to consider amendments to the state’s governing document, appears dead.
Quote of the Day
“Incredible day in Tallahassee to witness the passage of historic legislation that will usher in greater educational freedom for Florida families.” — former Gov. Jeb Bush, tweeting Tuesday.
Your Metz Husband Daughton-sponsored question of the day is:
Which Florida Governor’s inauguration was the first to be televised?
As always, click here to tweet your answer to @MHDFirm. The first person with the correct answer will get a shout-out in Monday’s 60 Days!
Last time, we asked: Who was the first Governor to wear a business suit in lieu of the traditional frock coat and top hat during his inauguration?
Answer: “Gov. Bob Graham, who was inaugurated amid light snow flurries on Jan. 2, 1979.”
Congrats to Priscilla Gray (@PGrayUSA) who was the first to tweet the correct answer!
Bill Day’s Latest
3 Questions
Everything needs a freshening at some point. The Governors Club in downtown Tallahassee recently announced a major renovation, for instance. We spoke with general manager Barry Shields about what to expect.
Florida Politics: What are the specific needs for such a major renovation?
Shields: The purpose of the renovations are to bring the dated interiors to a current state, positioning the club as more relative to market demands. Floors, walls, ceilings, window treatments, lighting and furnishings all will be updated and replaced.
FP: What new amenities can members expect?
Shields: The amenities of the club will remain the same although the concept of an “all day room” is being considered as an added amenity to the Lounge services. Such a concept would provide members an Executive Lounge feel where they could meet clients, work online, or just have a quiet place to hang out. Beverages and coffee service along with light fare would be offered as well. Then, at 4 p.m., the Lounge would convert back to its original purpose as the members watering hole.
FP: How long is the construction expected to last and will members be able to use the club in the meantime?
Shields: The club will remain open during construction. Only areas of the club actively being worked on will be closed. The first phase will occur during the summer months of this year and will focus on the third and second floors of the club. The second phase of the interior enhancement project will occur during next summer and will focus on the Grille, the main stairs and foyer area.
Additionally, the Lounge and club kitchens will receive some enhancements as well. A letter to the general membership discussing the plan in greater detail will go out May 3.
Lobby Up
Payday loans can be profitable, and a Senate bill (SB 874) could make them even more so. It would start a “pilot program” to up the maximum interest rate for short-term loans up to $3,000 from 30 percent to 36 percent. Higher loan amounts would get a bump, too.
Those interest rates are pretty steep, but a major lender has been pressing for the change. California-based Aura, formerly known as Insikt, has been pushing for the change for a few years and they put their own money on the line in the 2018 elections — $140,000 of it — to help lawmakers see the light.
The company also recently hired lobbyist David Custin to help in the final push. The Senate bill has already cleared the full Senate and is ready for a vote in the House. The companion bill (HB 469) is also ready for a floor vote.
The only thing standing in Aura’s way is one of its competitors, Oportun Inc. It doesn’t want Aura to get in on a profitable pilot program or anything else — the two companies have a long history and are involved in ongoing litigation.
Breakthrough Insights
The Next 24
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. That’s 15 minutes after the Senate floor session, 401 Senate Office Building.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission starts a two-day meeting. That’s at 8:30 a.m., Florida Public Safety Institute, 85 Academy Dr., Havana.
