Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The Florida House really wants its time before the Supreme Court over felon voting rights.
Oral argument is set for next Wednesday for an advisory opinion requested by Gov. Ron DeSantis on whether an implementing law passed last Session actually follows the amendment’s wording.
That is, whether “the satisfaction of all legal financial obligations — namely fees, fines and restitution ordered by the court — are part of a felony sentence that would otherwise render a convicted felon ineligible to vote.”
Lawyers for the House filed a motion for “the Court to allocate it five minutes of argument time.”
That’s because, they write, “there is an irresolvable dispute not about how much time the House may argue, but about whether the House may present argument at all.’
But the “House’s perspective … is unique … (because) the House intends to emphasize the limited nature of the Justices’ task.”
Moreover, House lawyers “intend to address various misunderstandings of the House’s brief.” The official House position is that felons must pay all debts before they can vote again.
As federal Judge Robert Hinkle said in a related matter, “On the issue of whether Amendment 4 requires payment of financial obligations imposed at the time of sentencing — and if so, which financial obligations — the last word will belong to the Florida Supreme Court.”
Update: The court granted the request Thursday evening.
Evening Reads
“Impeachment vote, praise or outrage, along party lines with Florida members” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“We must stand up to China’s abuse of its Muslim minorities” via Marco Rubio for The Guardian
“Free college for all? U.S. House members advance sweeping effort to lower higher ed costs” via Allison Stevens of the Florida Phoenix
“Census undercount would have a big impact on Florida” via WMFE
“Federal prosecutors receive complaint of illegal canvassing in Florida” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Don’t call on us, Governor. Let us call on you.” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Once a rising Democratic star, Debbie Wasserman Schultz eyes new leadership role” via Alex Daugherty and Emma Dumain of the Miami Herald
“Legislature needs to fix the crisis it created” via the Citrus County Chronicle
“Housing assistance opportunity helping local hurricane victims” via Olivia Michael of WJHG
“Overwhelmed and understaffed: Florida’s 96 prison inspectors faced 10,991 investigations last year” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the Florida Phoenix
“GOP state Senator literally turned his back on Parkland victims” via Andrew Pollack for Breitbart
“Florida claims to be a driverless car paradise. Critics call it a lawless mess” via Dyllan Furness for Medium
“Halloween is brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations” via Peter Schorsch and Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
“Should you confiscate your kids’ Halloween candy? We asked a dentist and a dietitian” via Vivian Manning-Schaffel of NBC News
“How Many Tootsie Rolls Is a Snickers Worth? Kids Know.” via Ashley Fetters and Adam Harris of The Atlantic
“How ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Us’ came to life at Universal’s ‘Halloween Horror Nights’” via Zach Frydenlund and Frazier Tharpe of Complex
“Box office: ‘Frozen II’ eyes dazzling $100M-plus debut” via Rebecca Rubin of Variety
Quote of the Day
“It’s time Florida lawmakers take action to address the link between gun violence and intimate partner violence.” — Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Café con Tampa’s next meeting will discuss the 2020 U.S. Census, featuring an appearance by Terry Eagan of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission. That’s at 8 a.m., upstairs at Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
The Florida State University Board of Trustees meets at 9 a.m., Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.
DeSantis, joined by Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Ken Lawson, Enterprise Florida Inc. President and CEO Jamal Sowell and Chairman, President and CEO of FIS Gary Norcross, will make a major announcement. That’s at 1 p.m., FIS Building, 601 Riverside Dr., Jacksonville.
The Duval County Legislative Delegation holds a Local Bill Hearing. That’s at 1 p.m., Jacksonville City Hall Council Chambers, 117 W. Duval St., Jacksonville.
The Florida Education Association continues its “Red for Ed(ucation)” bus tour. A stop is planned for 1 p.m., Hernando High School, 111 Ernie Chatman Run, Brooksville.
GOP U.S. Rep. Greg Steube is set to speak at a “Patriot’s Dinner” given by the North Port Republican Club. That’s at 6 p.m., Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice.
Looking Ahead
House Speaker José Oliva, Speaker-designate Chris Sprowls and Judiciary Committee Chair Paul Renner host a fundraiser for state Rep. Byron Donalds. That’s Sunday at 4 p.m., Proof Brewing Co., 1320 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee.
