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

Michael MolineMarch 22, 2017

Tourism industry leaders hope to escape the Legislative Session with a least a reasonable portion of Visit Florida intact, notwithstanding hostility in the House toward economic incentives that many members consider corporate welfare. “Never underestimate the power of the veto pen,” Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said during […]

Michael MolineMarch 22, 2017

While Sen. Dorothy Hukill recovers from cervical cancer, Senate President Joe Negron has named additional members to committees on which she serves. In a memo dated Tuesday, Negron said Sen. Anitere Flores will help out in the Education Committee, which Hukill leads. “Sen. Hukill will remain the chair of the Committee on Education,” Negron aide Katie Betta said. […]

Michael MolineMarch 22, 2017

Florida is, too, open for business, representatives of the state’s economic development arm and business insisted during a panel discussion organized by the Florida Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. “We’re a high performing business that’s open for business. We’ve just temporarily shut down the marketing and sales department. What we’re trying to do is make sure […]

Michael MolineMarch 21, 2017

The House Ways & Means Committee voted Tuesday for legislation that would extend Indian gambling in Florida but otherwise restrict the growth of the industry in Florida. The bill (HB 7037), by Rep. Mike La Rosa, passed out of the committee on an 11-7 vote. La Rosa argued the bill is the key to negotiating a gambling compact with […]

Michael MolineMarch 21, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott wouldn’t say Tuesday whether he would permanently suspend State Attorney Aramis Ayala. But Scott insisted his special prosecutor would be the one to seek the death penalty against Markeith Loyd, despite Ayala’s challenge to his order reassigning her. Under questioning by reporters at the state Capitol, Scott said only: “We are going […]

Michael MolineMarch 20, 2017

Gulf Power Co. will settle for nearly $62 million per year in increased rates for its customers in Northwest Florida, rather than the $106.8 million it had planned to seek from the Public Service Commission, the parties announced Monday. The deal would guarantee the utility a return on investment to Gulf Power’s stockholders averaging 10.25 […]

Michael MolineMarch 17, 2017

Most of the 57 insurance companies evaluated by insurance ratings agency Demotech Inc. retained scores of “A” or better after boosting their loss reserves and capital contributions. The companies had added $200 million in loss reserves and $155 million in capital at Demotech’s urging, the agency said in a statement posted on its website. “This […]

Michael MolineMarch 17, 2017

The Legislature will have $271 million more than it expected to spend this year, but close to 90 percent of the new money is a one-shot deal, and won’t help budget writers with ongoing demands upon a state budget projected at close to $83 billion. State economists arrived at their new forecast during a revenue estimating conference Friday. […]

Michael MolineMarch 16, 2017

The House released its bad-case and worst-case scenarios for the next state budget Thursday. Neither is very pretty. Florida faces would pay hospital less to treat poor people. The state would build less affordable housing. There’d be fewer prosecutors and public defenders. Museums, historical preservation, and economic development would be slashed. For example: “The long-range […]

Michael MolineMarch 16, 2017

Florida would place its military installations at risk of commercial encroachment — and, possibly, closure — without adequate funding for land acquisition through the Florida Forever land acquisition program, a military support organization warned Thursday. Some $3 million from U.S. Department of Defense funds will be lost at the end of 2018 unless the state […]

Michael Moline

Tourism advocates raise specter of Rick Scott’s veto in Visit Florida fight

Joe Negron adds to committees’ strength during Dorothy Hukill’s recovery

At Florida Chamber gathering, a vigorous defense of economic incentives

House gambling bill clears Ways and Means Committee on 11-7 vote

Rick Scott reviewing options in Aramis Ayala death-penalty situation

Settlement reached in Gulf Power’s bid for $106.8 million base rate increase

Most Florida insurers retain ratings, but agency warns of AOB danger

Florida’s revenue picture improves a little — but not enough to really matter

House spending reduction targets would spread plenty of pain

Task Force wants money to fight encroachment on Florida military bases