Last Call for 10.29.19 — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics

Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

Reporters and editors at Tuesday’s Associated Press Legislative Planning Session in the Capitol didn’t get to hear from GOP House Speaker José Oliva or House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee, who had to cancel. But AP Day in Tallahassee otherwise offered a glimpse into what to expect for the 2020 Legislative Session. Here are some highlights:

— Gov. Ron DeSantis: Aside from his big reveal that President Donald Trump will headline the state GOP’s annual Statesman’s Dinner, the Governor repeated his main policy goals: Boosting starting teacher pay, requiring the use of E-Verify in the state, and increasing fines on polluters. 

— Senate President Bill Galvano: He said he wants to make sure, as major roadways get built in rural counties, that water infrastructure and broadband internet come as well. And — once more unto the breach — he’ll push for an overarching gambling bill, with or without the Seminole Tribe. 

— Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried: She pivoted away from cannabis in her remarks and toward environmental and energy issues, including a grid storage project and guidelines for green buildings. She also proposed grants for farmers to get sustainable technologies and a “flagship climate change research center.”

— Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis: The CFO, who oversees insurance regulation, faced a combative press corps with questions about the thousands of unpaid claims still lingering after Hurricane Michael and other storms. He told one reporter to “chill,” and warned another to stop interrupting him. Asked about a proposed legislative solution to get policyholders paid faster for claims, he said he’d have one but offered no details. 

— Attorney General Ashley Moody: The state’s chief legal officer discussed her investigation of more than 20 companies that produce and sell vaping products in Florida, saying she’s also calling for a state ban on flavors such as “cotton candy, bubble gum (and) Cap’n Crunch” that serve primarily to attract kids to use them. 

— Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson: As the sole Democratic legislative voice on the panel, she called for more discussion of climate change during the Session. Gibson dismissed a recently-filed bill to require E-Verify as an election-year ploy and said membership in The Federalist Society — a conservative legal group — should not be a prerequisite for appointment as a judge. 

— Secretary of State Laurel Lee: The state’s chief elections officer noted that Florida is under “great scrutiny” regarding the 2020 election, in the wake of reports of vulnerabilities in past elections. “This is a very real threat for Florida,” Lee said, noting that cyberattacks are an omnipresent threat. She’ll ask for money from lawmakers this Session to collaborate with county elections supervisors to “eliminate or mitigate” issues. 

Evening Reads

“Donald Trump in Orlando: President to headline rescheduled Florida Republican fundraiser on Dec. 7” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel

“Stephanie Murphy, Blue Dogs seek $600 million for elections security” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics

“Ron DeSantis says teacher pay, E-Verify top priorities to pass in 2020” via Emily Mahoney of the Times/Herald

“Ashley Moody seeks to leverage Florida’s drug database in opioid case” via Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida

“Bill Galvano backs parental consent requirement” via Christine Sexton of News Service of Florida

“Bill Galvano concerned about pay for college athletes” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida

“AP Day: Florida House Speaker, Democratic Leader no-shows at event” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

“Dana Young asks business leaders to ‘speak up’ and save VISIT FLORIDA” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics

“Florida $15 minimum wage drive gains enough signatures” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“GOP plan to combat illegal hiring is good … except GOP won’t pass it” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel

“Airbnb doesn’t have to pay tourism tax in Florida, judge says. That’s the host’s job” via Ryan Callahan of the Bradenton Herald

“A California man is making big money off Florida’s iguana invasion” via Mike Diamond of the Palm Beach Post

“Legoland Florida to celebrate ‘Year of the Pirate’ with new hotel, event” via Ashley Carter of Bay News 9

Quote of the Day

“The time for change is now … People like (Ron DeSantis), Chip LaMarca, are bringing about change today … That is exciting stuff!” — Current Miami Dolphin player Davon Godchaux, on the NCAA’s decision Tuesday to allow college athletes to sign endorsement deals. LaMarca filed a bill on that; DeSantis said he supports it. 

Bill Day’s Latest

Breakthrough Insights

Wake Up Early?

The Board of Governors of the State University System continues meeting at the University of Florida. That’s at 8:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom Salons C&D, J. Wayne Reitz Union, 655 Reitz Union Drive, Gainesville. 

The Collier County Legislative Delegation holds a public hearing for local bills and budget requests. That’s at 9 a.m., North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples. 

The Lee County Legislative Delegation meets at 9 a.m. at Florida Southwestern State College, Nursing Building (Room AA-177), 8099 College Pkwy., Fort Myers. 

Aides to Gov. DeSantis, Attorney General Moody, Agriculture Commissioner Fried and Chief Financial Officer Patronis meet to prepare for the Oct. 22 Cabinet meeting. That’s at 9 a.m., Cabinet Meeting Room, lower level, The Capitol. 

The Florida Education Association continues its “Red for Ed(ucation)” bus tour to push for increases in education funding. Stops are planned for 9:30 a.m., Bell Elementary School, 2771 East Bell Ave., Bell; at noon, Southside Elementary, 823 Stansbury St., Starke; and at 6 p.m., Alachua County Education Association, 618 N.W. 13th Ave., Gainesville. 

Agriculture Commissioner Fried will hold a news conference to discuss partnerships between local farms and food banks and announce new legislation on “food recovery” grant funding. That’s at 10:45 a.m., Pero Family Farms, 14095 U.S. Highway 441, Delray Beach.