James Call, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallMarch 15, 2015

At the state Capitol this week the budget begins to take shape and Rep. Richard Corcoran increasingly becomes the man to watch. By the end of the week the Senate will have released its budget allocation and Corcoran and Sen. Tom Lee, the two chambers’ appropriation chairs, will move closer to center stage as a spending plan begins […]

James CallMarch 13, 2015

I was all prepared to begin this week’s column telling you how cool and smooth I think John Armstrong is. I’ve taken some shots at the Secretary of Health over his handling of developing rules to implement the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. The process places us in an adversarial relationship and the Scott administration communication strategy makes it a […]

James CallMarch 13, 2015

“The latest challenge is probably the last straw for many in the legislature,” said Sen. Rob Bradley, sponsor of the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. “I expect the Regulated Industries Committee will have a serious discussion very soon about what we need to get this substance in the hands of suffering families” A regulatory structure […]

James CallMarch 13, 2015

“The latest challenge is probably the last straw for many in the legislature,” said Sen. Rob Bradley, sponsor of the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. “I expect the Regulated Industries Committee will have a serious discussion very soon about what we need to get this substance in the hands of suffering families” A regulatory structure […]

James CallMarch 13, 2015

Sharpen your pencils, grab a bunch of erasers and put the coffee on, folks we’re starting to write a state budget. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli released General Revenue budget allocations for the 2015 2016 fiscal year, Friday. The total General Revenue Fund Allocations lawmakers have to spend is $28,517,800,000 – $900 million more than the current spending […]

James CallMarch 12, 2015

House Democrats say the push to change the pension system for government workers is based on flawed and unlikely assumptions. Speaker Steve Crisafulli wants to overhaul the Florida Retirement System. The goal is to move new workers out of the traditional defined-benefits plan to a 401(K) type defined-contribution plan that would be more portable for when workers […]

James CallMarch 12, 2015

House Democrats say the push to change the pension system for government workers is based on flawed and unlikely assumptions. Speaker Steve Crisafulli wants to overhaul the Florida Retirement System. The goal is to move new workers out of the traditional defined-benefits plan to a 401(K) type defined-contribution plan that would be more portable for when workers […]

James CallMarch 12, 2015

The mother of a 4-year-old afflicted with an inoperable brain tumor has challenged the proposed rule for the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. Moriah Barnhart’s Jacksonville attorney filed the paperwork Wednesday with the Division of Administration Hearings. Ian Christensen attacked, among other things, the makeup of a negotiated rule-making panel DOH had assembled in an attempt to reach […]

James CallMarch 12, 2015

Today’s chapter of the “4th Floor Files” talks with lobbyist Taylor Patrick Biehl, a fan of both Bruce Springsteen and Abraham Lincoln. Last year, Biehl and Dr. Jeffry Sharkey created the Medical Marijuana Business Association of Florida. Biehl has been director of governmental affairs for the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, as an associate […]

James CallMarch 12, 2015

A Florida TaxWatch study finds the state’s network of nonprofit mental health providers is doing such a good job it deserves more money. Florida provides substance abuse and other services to the uninsured through seven regional Behavioral Health Managing Entities. The network enables services to be tailored to the community needs. TaxWatch found the model […]

James Call
Image via AP.

The week ahead in Florida politics

The week that was in Florida politics — March 13, 2015

Charlotte's Web struggles to finish line as Rob Bradley’ vows to help

Charlotte’s Web struggles to finish line as Rob Bradley’ vows to help

Read without downloading: Florida House budget allocations

House Democrats equate FRS to “apple pie” worth defending

House Democrats equate FRS to "apple pie" worth defending

Another Charlotte’s Web rule challenge arises, on behalf of sick child

4th Floor Files talks with Taylor Patrick Biehl on Springsteen, loyalty and Lincoln

Florida TaxWatch: Mental health providers do good job, deserve more money