Michael Moline, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Michael MolineJune 6, 2017

A state appeals court criticized a judge of compensation claims for denying a $20,000 attorney fee award because of unsubstantiated claims that the parties had colluded. The 1st District Court of Appeal ordered Judge John Lazzara of Tallahassee to conduct a proper evidentiary hearing in the matter. “Given the JCC’s failure to provide the parties […]

Michael MolineJune 6, 2017

The governor’s constitutional authority to veto budget line items trumps a state law requiring him to bow to the Legislature when it resolves labor collective bargaining impasses, a divided 1st District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday. The majority conceded that, under the state Labor Code, “any actions taken by the Legislature shall bind the parties” […]

Michael MolineJune 6, 2017

A former Orlando Predators player can’t recover workers’ compensation benefits because nobody from the Arena Football League ever signed his employment contract, the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled Tuesday. Bryon Bishop attempted to claim benefits for an injury sustained during a tryout to rejoin the now-defunct team following a hiatus. A judge of compensation […]

Michael MolineJune 1, 2017

Andrew Gillum endorsed taxpayer funded economic development programs Wednesday to help the state compete for good-paying jobs — but said the state is falling short on training its residents to perform those jobs. “What I’m on board with is a diversified approach, including training incentive money for the training of workers. That piece is missing […]

Michael MolineMay 29, 2017

Of the missteps the Legislature committed this year, the most egregious was a failure to live up to its promises that the budget process would be more open and transparent than ever before, according to Florida TaxWatch chief Dominic Calabro. In an interview tied to TaxWatch’s release of its annual list of budgetary “turkeys,” Calabro praised […]

Michael MolineMay 23, 2017

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam moved Tuesday to calm fears amid reports that hackers into his agency’s computers might have compromised the identities of 16,000 concealed weapons permit holders. “We on average had 100 attacks a month into our system that we successfully fight back,” Putnam told reporters following the morning’s Cabinet meeting. “This was […]

Michael MolineMay 23, 2017

A history of alcoholism in Gov. Rick Scott’s family will inform his decision about whether to sign the “whiskey & Wheaties” bill, which would tear down the wall of separation between hard liquor and other goods. “I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on that bill,” Scott told reporters. “I’ve had family members who have had […]

Michael MolineMay 23, 2017

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam suggested that the departure of two key aides from his campaign for governor was no big deal. “You’re always adjusting and modifying as you move forward,” Putnam said, adding that he wished both ex-staffers well. Speaking to reporters following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Putnam emphasized the crowds at his campaign stops […]

Michael MolineMay 23, 2017

Noah Valenstein got the job as secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday, after a unanimous vote by Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet. He will take the helm on June 5, with a salary of $150,000 per year, Scott said. “Noah has 15 years of environmental policy experience and I’m confident will continue […]

Michael MolineMay 19, 2017

If Jack Latvala runs for governor — and, mind you, he’s not saying he is — it would be to keep career politicians from taking over Tallahassee like they have done in Washington. “They start out as legislative aides, they become House members, then they become senators, with very minimal experience in the real world,” […]

Michael Moline

Workers’ comp judge ordered to reconsider $20K attorney fee agreement

Split appeal court upholds Rick Scott’s 2015 veto of firefighters’ $2,000 raise

Injured Orlando Predators player loses workers’ compensation claim on appeal

Andrew Gillum talks policy, disses opponents during Tiger Bay appearance

Legislature failed transparency test this year, TaxWatch chief Dominic Calabro says

Adam Putnam: Hack of concealed weapons list produced names only

Time growing short for Rick Scott to decide ‘whiskey & Wheaties’ bill’s fate

Adam Putnam plays down aides’ departure from his campaign for governor

Noah Valenstein hired as DEP’s new secretary

Jack Latvala tells Pensacola crowd that Tallahassee’s becoming too much like D.C.