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

James CallApril 9, 2015

Although the Florida House overwhelmingly passed a $690 million tax-cut package Thursday, it still faces an uncertain future in the Senate. While the Senate looks to plug a $2.2 billion hole in the health care budget, the House is focused on keeping Florida’s economy growing by cutting costs for households and businesses. “One of the […]

James CallApril 9, 2015

Florida’s business-recruiter-in-chief is stepping up a media campaign in advance of a California job-hunting expedition. Enterprise Florida began running radio commercials Thursday touting Florida’s perfect business climate in advance of Gov. Rick Scott’s trade delegation to California April 12-13. “California has the nation’s highest personal income tax, the highest state sales tax, and one of […]

James CallApril 9, 2015

Licenses to grow and dispense medicinal cannabis under last year’s “Charlotte’s Web” law may be coming soon. The Department of Health would award licenses for medicinal marijuana 75 days after a Charlotte’s Web glitch bill becomes law, according to SPB 7066, a proposal approved Thursday by the Senate Rules Committee. Rules was SPB 7066’s last […]

James CallApril 9, 2015

Sen. Jeff Brandes sees an opportunity to expand the low-THC Charlotte’s Web glitch bill now moving through the Legislature. SPB 7066, up in the Rules Committee Thursday, increases the number of licenses to cultivate medicinal marijuana but restrict the illnesses treated and strains of marijuana doctors are authorized to order for their patients. Brandes sponsored […]

James CallApril 8, 2015

Florida’s job-poacher-in-chief is at it again. Enterprise Florida has been running an ad campaign in California, flaunting the Sunshine State’s economic climate, in advance of a trade mission by Gov. Rick Scott next week. “Florida is Ready!” touts investments in the state’s ports and roads, encouraging California shipping companies to re-route businesses through Florida. “With our low tax, business-friendly […]

James CallApril 8, 2015

Wednesday, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee squeaked through a bill seeking to extend the Seminole Compact for one more year. Lawmakers expanded a proposal allowing horse and dog tracks to operate card rooms and slot machines without offering any races. Chairman Rob Bradley wrote the bill, SB 7088, but voted against the amendments after asking for […]

James CallApril 8, 2015

The state’s top elections chief got a dressing down Wednesday from Sen. Jack Latvala. Secretary of State Ken Detzner is opposing an on-line voter registration proposal moving in the House and Senate. “We’re all for it,” said Latvala after the meeting gesturing to include members of the Transportation, Economic Development Committee. And the House is […]

James CallApril 7, 2015

Florida’s war on marijuana cultivation was an unqualified success last year, according to the annual report from the Domestic Marijuana Eradication (DME) Program. In 2014, sheriff’s deputies and police officers statewide broke up a combined 582 marijuana grow houses and outdoor operations, said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who announced the findings on Tuesday. “Our partnership […]

James CallApril 6, 2015

Support for medicinal marijuana is growing once again in Florida, according to a Quinnipiac Poll taken this past month. It found 84 percent of registered voters support legalization of medical marijuana and 52 percent support full legalization. The results are consistent with other states. “Bare majorities in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania say they support allowing […]

James CallApril 5, 2015

This week at the state Capitol the session enters its circus stage. We’ll entertain ourselves with perennial issues, while leaders figure out how to resolve a budget dispute. A gorilla called LIP along with an elephant known as Medicaid expansion are occupying the room used for budget negotiations. While the House and Senate maneuver behind […]

James Call

House passes tax-cut package; uncertain in Senate

Enterprise Florida buys radio ads ahead of Rick Scott California visit

Senate Rules committee approves Charlotte’s Web fix

Five minutes with Jeff Brandes on the Charlotte’s Web “glitch” bill

Florida’s job-poacher-in-chief goes California dreamin’

Bill to extend Seminole Compact squeaks by Senate committee

Jack Latvala calls Ken Detzner opposition to online voter registration “bullshit!”

Florida seizes $95 million in marijuana plants in 2014, new report says

Medicinal marijuana support blooms at 84 percent, majority likes full legalization

This week ahead at the Florida Capitol — April 6-12