Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
It’s “Outlook” time.
Lawmakers, preparing for the 2020 Legislative Session, tomorrow will consider a detailed report about the state’s finances.
The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, a joint House and Senate panel, will hear from economic forecasters about the annual report, known as the Long-Range Financial Outlook.
It takes a deep dive into projected tax dollars and amounts that lawmakers are likely to spend on various categories of programs, including education and health care.
The report also presents estimated costs for “critical” and “high priority” state needs.
The News Service of Florida recently reported that a draft version projects the state would have a relatively small general-revenue (GR) surplus of $289.3 million for the upcoming 2020-21 fiscal year.
The following Monday, legislators come to Tallahassee for the first committee week in advance of Session. The annual Session starts early this year, running Jan. 14 to March 13.
Evening Reads
“Remembering those lost 18 years ago on 9/11” via James Barron of The New York Times
“Pagers, pay phones and dial-up: How we communicated on 9/11” via Garrett M. Graff of Wired
“‘Not a wandering tourist’: Guilty verdict for woman accused of trespass at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago” via Jay Weaver and Nicholas Nehamas of the Miami Herald
“‘Rick Scott had us on lockdown’: How Florida said no to $70M for HIV crisis” via Benjamin Ryan of the Guardian
“Ron DeSantis set to shape a crucial appeals court in Florida with conservative judges” via Michael Moline of the Florida Phoenix
“DeSantis’ appointees on verge of taking control at Orlando International Airport” via Jason Garcia and Beth Kassab of the Orlando Sentinel
“Dorian renews anxiety in Florida Panhandle, with Hurricane Michael’s wounds still fresh” via Zach Sampson of Tampa Bay Times
“Scott Maddox seeks voluntary revocation of law license“ via Jeffrey Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat
“Tallahassee stabbing: What we know about the Dyke Industries attack in Florida” via Grace Pateras and Karl Etters of the Tallahassee Democrat
“26 feet of water: What the worst-case hurricane scenario looks like for Tampa Bay” via Brian Resnick of Vox
“USF consolidation organizational chart could roll back autonomy for St. Pete, Sarasota” via Janelle Irwin of Florida Politics
“Lobbying the Florida Legislature can be a labor of love” via Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post
Quote of the Day
“I think Rick Scott fueled the epidemic in Florida. How many infections could have been prevented with that money? How many lives could have been saved? Shame on them.” — former Department of Health administrator Marlene LaLota, on a report that Scott refused $70 million in federal grants to fight HIV when he was Governor.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Pinellas County legislative delegation will meet as it prepares for the 2020 Session. That’s at 9 a.m., St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater.
The Martin County legislative delegation is scheduled to meet as it prepares for the 2020 Legislative Session. That’s at 10 a.m., Indian River State College, Chastain Campus, Wolf Technology Center, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart.
The Florida Defense Alliance will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-585-9008. Code: 262492927.
The Florida Supreme Court is expected to issue its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
The Joint Legislative Budget Commission will receive a presentation about an annual report known as the Long-Range Financial Outlook. That’s at 1 p.m., 212 Knott Building.
The advocacy group Florida Voices for Health will start a two-day “summit,” with speakers expected to include Health News Florida founder Carol Gentry. That’s at 1 p.m., Space Coast Health Foundation Center for Collaboration, 1100 Rockledge Blvd., Rockledge.
Rep. Tommy Gregory, a Sarasota Republican, will hold a town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m., Keiser University, Sarasota Campus, 6151 Lake Osprey Dr., Sarasota.
