Ana Ceballos, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ana CeballosMarch 6, 2018

The Florida House Monday supported creating pre-arrest diversion programs for juveniles and adults, but the chamber wants to make it “a little bit harder” for offenders to qualify than the Senate does. The Republican-controlled chamber adopted a “strike-all” amendment sought by state Rep. Larry Ahern, who is championing the bill in the House. The amended […]

Ana CeballosMarch 6, 2018

The Florida House Tuesday passed a priority bill for Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam without a toxic gun provision and without considering a contentious bill tied to puppy mills. The language in the House plan was causing heartburn, but state Rep. Jake Raburn, who is sponsoring the House bill, decided to consider the Senate plan, which […]

Ana CeballosMarch 6, 2018

A man who was “quietly watching” the Senate debate on a controversial gun bill Monday was spotted carrying into the Capitol about a dozen jars full of tar and feathers labeled “Enemy of Freedom Award.” The destination: the offices of Democratic and Republican state senators, some of whom voted for new gun restrictions and others […]

Ana CeballosMarch 6, 2018

The 41 Democrats of the Florida House unanimously voted Tuesday morning to take a caucus position against a proposed program that would arm school staff with guns. Rep. Joe Geller of Aventura made the motion to do so, and on a voice vote the move was approved. But when another motion was made to take […]

Ana CeballosMarch 5, 2018

The Florida Senate gave initial approval Monday to a compromise with the House on the controversial child marriage bill, which would allow 17-year-old to wed in the state. The Republican-controlled House initially wanted to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to marry in cases where there is a pregnancy and the older partner is no more than […]

Ana CeballosMarch 5, 2018

Screen-Shot-2018-02-23-at-2.44.49-PM.png

In a bipartisan effort, the Florida House narrowly passed a watered-down school safety proposal with a $400 million price tag that will provide students with more access to mental health services and allow school districts to participate in a program that arms school staff. “This bill will make a difference, and when it becomes law, […]

Ana CeballosMarch 5, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott‘s administration last year was unable to spend $18 million in federal funding to help mentally and physically disabled students after it failed to fully implement a federally-mandated system on time. “Unfortunately for the students, the planning took too long and wasn’t collaborative in nature,” said Heather Beaven, the CEO for the Florida […]

Ana CeballosMarch 5, 2018

Despite concerns raised by Senate Democrats that it would “tie the hands” of future legislators facing emergencies, the Florida Senate passed a measure Monday that would make it harder for the Legislature to increase taxes and fees in the future. “This can tie the hands of future legislators in difficult times,” said Sen. Jose Javier […]

Ana CeballosMarch 3, 2018

Florida budget leaders Saturday were still grappling with a $7.8 million funding difference on ‘bump’ issues that impact transportation, tourism and economic development. The House and Senate met Saturday night in conference, revealing a $6 million funding gap on Department of Transportation-related items and a $9 million difference on economic opportunity projects. The House and […]

Ana CeballosMarch 3, 2018

Screen-Shot-2018-03-03-at-11.26.47-AM.png

Budget conference chairs are now ironing out funding differences between the House and Senate dealing with a wide-range of policy issues. Chairs Sen. Rob Bradley and Rep. Carlos Trujillo are figuring out funding for beach restoration, land acquisition and water projects. Currently, the state Legislature is split over nearly $172 million on appropriations for programs funded through Florida […]

Ana Ceballos
Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

House wants diversion programs with tougher qualifications for offenders

House passes Adam Putnam’s priority without contentious gun provision

Senators get jars of tar and feathers labeled ‘Enemy of Freedom’ after gun bill vote

House Dems take caucus position against arming school staff

Senate, House reach compromise on controversial child marriage bill

Florida Senate narrowly passes watered-down school safety proposal

State loses $18 million for disabled students after failing to implement federal law

Tax supermajority proposal heads to voters for approval

Budget negotiators face $7.8m gap over transportation, economic development issues

Final budget items start getting ‘bumped’