Drew Wilson, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJanuary 27, 2016

Florida extended its streak of leading large states in private-sector job growth to 10 months, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Sunshine State’s December rate clocked in at 3.5 percent, beating the national rate of 2.1 percent and besting fellow large states California, New York and, much to the pleasure […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 26, 2016

With Jacksonville Democrat Reggie Fullwood filing for reelection in his District 13, each of the 120 Florida House seats now has a candidate in the 2016 cycle. Fullwood’s late filing had become something of a trend. Last cycle, the third-term representative missed the last call for candidates due to a paperwork error and, after unsuccessfully […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 26, 2016

Child advocacy group the Children’s Forum announced a new campaign Tuesday to raise awareness for issues facing Florida youngsters. The “#becausekidscantwait” campaign aims to increase funding for services that reach children in the first five years of their lives, which studies show is the most important time in a child’s development. The group also cited […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 25, 2016

The mayor of Lauderdale Lakes has filed to run for the House District 95 seat held by Democratic Rep. Hazelle Rogers, who terms out this year. Barrington A. Russell filed for the seat on Jan. 19 and is the fourth Democrat to enter the race for the majority-minority seat held by Rogers since the 2008 […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 25, 2016

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Florida First Lady Ann Scott visited Tampa’s Strawberry Crest High School Monday as part of a Department of Education initiative to raise awareness for its literacy programs. “Strong reading skills set students up for success in the classroom and beyond, and I am honored to have the opportunity to help our state’s students foster an appreciation for literacy,” […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 25, 2016

Government spending watchdog Florida TaxWatch says the recommendations from the Florida Government Efficiency Taskforce are even more important in light of reduced revenue estimates over the next few fiscal years. State economists recently predicted Florida will have $31.257 billion in general revenue funds for the 2016-17 budget year, $395 million less than their October estimate. […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 25, 2016

A bill that requires gas stations to toughen up security and increases penalties for fuel pump fraudsters cleared its first Senate panel Monday. Senate Bill 912 would require gas stations to secure fuel pump credit card readers to defend against data theft devices, known as “skimmers,” that capture credit and debit card information. The bill also ups the […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 21, 2016

A bill that would cut $10 off the cost of a concealed weapon license was unanimously OK’d Thursday by the Senate Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations. The measure (SB 772) would drop the cost of new concealed weapons permits from $70 to $60, and renewals would go from $60 to $50. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Garrett […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 20, 2016

Ed Smith has gathered enough petition signatures to qualify for the House District 41 race, the Bartow Republican announced Wednesday. “The campaign has got momentum,” Smith said. “I thank everyone who signed a card for me and I have enjoyed meeting new friends along the way.” The former Winter Haven police officer is the first […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 20, 2016

Pro-choice Democratic organization Ruth’s List included seven 2016 Florida House and Senate candidates on its “Women 2 Watch” list last week, which puts them in line for financial and campaign support. The only Senate candidate on the list so far is Lauren Book. Since filing for the seat in September, the District 33 candidate has […]

Drew Wilson

December extends Florida private-sector job growth streak to 10 months

After Reggie Fullwood filed for HD 13, all House seats now have candidates

Children’s Forum launches campaign to boost child care, intervention services

Lauderdale Lakes mayor files as Democrat for HD 95 race

Ann Scott kicks off annual Literacy Week, Florida! tour

Dimmed budget outlook has TaxWatch urging efficiency

Bill to combat gas pump “skimmers” passes Senate panel

Bill would cut cost for concealed weapon license

Ed Smith submits enough signatures to qualify for HD 41 race

Ruth’s List picks 7 Florida candidates as “Women 2 Watch”