Mitch Perry, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2017

In recent weeks, Charlie Crist has heard loud and clear from constituents that he should stand behind the Affordable Care Act. On Tuesday, the St. Petersburg Republican registered his strong opposition to the Republican House replacement for the ACA that Democrats say will result in over 10 million Americans to lose their health care coverage. “The plan […]

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2017

In just the past few years, Florida has emerged as a state willing to go all-in on autonomous vehicle technology. Legislation that removes a requirement that the person operating a vehicle in autonomous mode possess a valid driver’s license — and instead make the autonomous car itself the licensed entity — easily moved Tuesday through the […]

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2017

Congresswoman Kathy Castor has always been an unflagging champion of the Affordable Care Act, so you could bet she would have a harsh reaction to the plan unveiled by House Republican leaders on Monday night. “It’s pretty horrendous,” the Tampa Democrat told a group of reporters gathered in front of a medical building Tuesday morning on West […]

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2017

Speaking to an audience in her home district of Tampa last month, House Minority Leader Janet Cruz feels Florida doesn’t have a spending or revenue problem. Tallahassee has a “priority problem,” the House District 62 representative said. She maintains that attitude going into the 2017 regular Legislative Session, which officially kicks off Tuesday. “The Republicans have continued […]

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

There are numerous criminal justice reform bills already moving in committees in the Florida House and Senate this year, and on Monday a nonpartisan coalition called The Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform announced its formation on the eve of the 2017 Legislative Session kicking off on Tuesday. The Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform includes the Southern […]

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

While calling it a slight improvement, Charlie Crist says that President Donald Trump’s newly revised version of his executive order that will bar migrants from predominantly Muslim nations from entering the U.S. remains “deeply troubling.” The Trump administration released its new executive order travel ban on Monday, more than a month after federal judges blocked the initial ban on residents from seven […]

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

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Legislation that would allow law enforcement officers to review video taken from body cameras before writing a report or before providing a statement about an incident in which they were involved advanced in a Florida Senate committee on Monday. Sarasota Republican Greg Steube‘s bill (SB 624) calls for the law enforcement agencies in Florida that […]

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala has filed legislation (SB 1672) that would create the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority, consisting of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties, The board would consist of 13 members, three of whom would be selected by the Governor. The Senate President and Speaker of the House would get two selections. The four counties would select […]

Mitch PerryMarch 5, 2017

As the gavel falls Tuesday on the 2017 Legislative Session, several key issues face Tampa Bay’s legislative delegation. With 40 official members, the Tampa Bay Area Legislative Delegation — sometimes known by the not-so-attractive acronym BALD — represents a vast region of eight different counties. Among the significant topics BALD is looking to see some […]

Mitch PerryMarch 4, 2017

James Buchanan, the son of Sarasota area Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan, has filed to run for the House District 71 seat in 2018. The 35-year-old is the founder of James Buchanan Realty, which specializes in residential, luxury, waterfront, condominiums, commercial, and land real estate. “I’m running because as a small business owner with deep roots in our community, I […]

Mitch Perry
Mario Cristobal. Image via AP.

Charlie Crist gives a thumbs down to GOP health care replacement for the ACA

Autonomous vehicle bill advances in House Committee

Kathy Castor calls new GOP House health care plan ‘Robin Hood in reverse’

Janet Cruz is ready to lead her caucus during what’s expected to be a raucous Session

Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform formed as legislative session formally begins

Charlie Crist calls new Trump travel ban ‘deeply troubling’

Bill to allow law enforcement officers who wear body cameras to review footage advances in Florida Senate committee

Jack Latvala files bill to create regional transit authority for Tampa Bay

2017 Legislative Session preview: Sewage, transportation, beer issues face Tampa Bay

James Buchanan – son of Vern – launches campaign for House District 71