Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 14, 2017

A House panel OK’d a proposed committee bill Tuesday aimed at tweaking the state-employee health insurance program. The House Health & Human Services Committee approved the bill (PCB HHS 17-01), which, among other things, would lead to the state plan offering four different levels by 2020. The idea, said Rep. Jason Brodeur, is similar to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 13, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott met with Lee County community and business leaders, holding the first in a series of round table discussions across the state meant to rally support for Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida funding. “Right now, I’m going to fight every day to make sure we keep this funding because it’s good for your […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 13, 2017

The list of legislative hopefuls just keeps getting longer. State elections records show dozens of members of the state House and Senate have filed to run for re-election in 2018, and several more are looking ahead to 2020. Sen. Dorothy Hukill is one of those thinking about her next election. State election records show she […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 10, 2017

A Senate bill filed this week would create a task force to address the state’s affordable housing needs. The bill (SB 854), filed Friday by Sen. Jeff Brandes, would create an affordable housing task force assigned to the Florida Housing Finance Corp. According to the St. Petersburg Republican’s proposal, the task force would be charged […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 10, 2017

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Former state Rep. Tom Grady says he is focused on the Florida Gulf Coast University president’s position, despite speculation he could be the top choice to replace CFO Jeff Atwater. In a message to FloridaPolitics.com Friday, the Naples Republican noted he recently applied to president the Estero university and “is fully engaged in that activity […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 9, 2017

Industry advocates said a Senate proposal filed this week could change the way nursing homes that accept Medicaid are paid without severely impacting high-quality nursing homes. Sponsored by Sen. Aaron Bean, the bill (SB 712) transitions nursing homes that accept Medicaid payments to a prospective payment system. But LeadingAge Florida CEO Steve Bahmer said Bean’s […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 9, 2017

Water remains one of Rep. Francis Rooney’s top priority, the freshman congressman told Southwest Floridians this week. The Naples Republican told member of Businesspeople United for Political Action Committee (BUPAC) that he wants to focus Everglades restoration and improving water quality during his time in office. His visit to Fort Myers kicked off a day-long […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 9, 2017

Rep. Francis Rooney dismissed rumors he is considering gubernatorial bid, saying he is focused on “being the best congressman” he can be for Southwest Florida. Rooney, a freshman congressman and the former ambassador to the Holy See, said he was not considering a run for governor in 2018. “I am considering one thing — being the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 8, 2017

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee OK’d a bill benefiting Florida’s craft distilleries, clearing a path for distillers to get their product to more people. The bill (SB 166) increases the amount of booze a distillery can product and still be considered “craft” to 250,000 gallons, up from 75,000; removes the limit on how many bottles […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 7, 2017

A Senate panel OK’d a bill Tuesday to implement Amendment 4, which exempts solar and renewable energy devices from property taxes in Florida. The Senate Communications, Energy & Public Utilities Committee voted unanimously to approved the bill (SB 90). The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes, excepts solar and renewable energy devices from property taxes […]

Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Gabrielle Russon

House panel approves changes to state employee health insurance program

Rick Scott talks Enterprise Florida, Visit Florida with SWFL business, community leaders

More legislative hopefuls file to run in 2018, 2020

Jeff Brandes files bill to create affordable housing task force

Mentioned as CFO contender, Tom Grady focused on university appointment

Aaron Bean files bill focused on nursing home Medicaid reimbursement rates

Francis Rooney talks water during Fort Myers stop

Francis Rooney says he’s not considering 2018 gubernatorial bid

Bill benefiting craft distilleries clears Senate Regulated Industries

Amendment 4 implementing bill clears first Senate committee