Associated Press, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressMay 1, 2017

A push by Florida’s largest power company to charge customers for out-of-state fracking appears dead for this session. House Speaker Richard Corcoran said Monday he has “too many reservations” about Senate Bill 1238 and the potential consequences it would have on state ratepayers and the environment. He added the House would not vote on it […]

Associated PressApril 30, 2017

Florida’s public schools will get only a small increase in money for day-to-day operations under an agreement worked out by state legislators. House and Senate budget negotiators on Friday agreed to increase regular public school spending by $241 million. That amounts to about a 1.2 percent increase in money for each student. Republicans have defended […]

Associated PressApril 29, 2017

President Donald Trump‘s executive order seeking to find new ocean expanses in the Atlantic and the Arctic for offshore drilling isn’t likely to reach its goals anytime soon, but instead will kick off a yearslong review and legal battle. Trump signed the order Friday aimed at dismantling a key part of former President Barack Obama‘s […]

Associated PressApril 28, 2017

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is targeting 10 Republicans in his push to get $200 million to help repair the dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee. Scott’s political committee, Let’s Get to Work, is paying for automated phone calls to voters living in districts of 10 legislators including House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron. […]

Associated PressApril 28, 2017

They are young and old: a high school student who can’t yet vote, a Vietnam vet who did so proudly. They hail from all corners of the United States and very different walks of life: a “downhome boy” from Kentucky, a third-generation Mexican-American from Texas, a stay-at-home mom in Pennsylvania, an Iranian immigrant in Los […]

Associated PressApril 28, 2017

Florida legislators may reach a deal this year on the murky legal status of fantasy sports in the state. House and Senate Republicans negotiating a comprehensive gambling bill that focuses primarily on casino gambling are including in the legislation proposals regarding fantasy sports. Senate negotiators on Thursday offered their support for a House bill that […]

Associated PressApril 27, 2017

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Alex Acosta as Labor secretary, filling out President Donald Trump‘s Cabinet as he approaches his 100th day in office. The 60-38 vote confirms Acosta to the post. Once sworn as the nation’s 27th Labor secretary, the son of Cuban immigrants will lead a sprawling agency that enforces more than 180 […]

Associated PressApril 27, 2017

A crackdown on sober home corruption took a big step forward on Wednesday after House members unanimously voted to pass a bill strengthening the state’s role in prosecuting criminal and regulatory violations. Rep. Bill Hager, a Republican from Boca Raton who is sponsoring the measure (HB 807), hopes this is the next step toward stopping […]

Associated PressApril 26, 2017

Liberals who feel the current Republican presidential administration is driving them to drink now have the perfect place to do it. A new bar, Coup, opened this month with protest-themed decor, a distinctly anti-President Donald Trump vibe and a promise by its owners to donate their profits to organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union […]

Associated PressApril 26, 2017

President Donald Trump‘s team boasted Wednesday that its tax-cut plan would lighten Americans’ financial burdens, ignite economic growth and vastly simplify tax filing. Yet the proposal so far remains short of vital details, including how it would be paid for. And based on the few specifics spelled out so far, most experts suggest that it […]

Associated Press
Florida Politics' Drew Wilson a few pounds heavier and with a bit more hair next to Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell ... (guess who we're rooting for?).

House will not vote on fracking investment bill

Florida legislators agree to small boost for schools

Experts: Long road ahead for Donald Trump offshore drilling order

Rick Scott targets legislators with phone calls

Americans offer hope, prayer in assessing Donald Trump’s 100 days

Play on? Legislators may approve fantasy sports

Senate confirms Alex Acosta as Donald Trump’s secretary of labor

House passes bill cracking down on sober homes

Anti-Donald Trump bar earmarks its profits for progressive causes

Donald Trump tax cut: Huge, vague and likely mild boost for economy