Jim Rosica, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 4, 2016

The House bill aimed at overhauling the state’s alimony rules is coming before its last committee before possibly heading to the floor. The Judiciary Committee will consider the bill (HB 455), sponsored by Republican state Rep. Colleen Burton of Lakeland, on Thursday. Among other things, Burton’s bill “effectively end(s) permanent alimony” by limiting judges’ discretion in awarding alimony after a […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 3, 2016

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The faculty of Florida Polytechnic University, founded by conservative former state Sen. JD Alexander, is petitioning the state to unionize, according to a Wednesday press release. The United Faculty of Florida said it will deliver signed cards from more than 60 percent of faculty members to the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC). Under state law, the commission […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 3, 2016

Chairman Matt Gaetz and members of his House Finance & Tax Committee were all smiles Wednesday as they presented their tax-cut package for 2016-17. Aides jammed handouts into reporters’ hands: “The House’s $1 Billion Tax Cut Package.” The plan (PCB FTC 16-04) cleared the panel and is headed to the House floor. “The Florida House […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 3, 2016

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli said the proposed Seminole Compact will need “changes” if it’s to be approved this Legislative Session. Crisafulli, a Merritt Island Republican, spoke with reporters Tuesday night after a late House floor session. “We’re certainly focused on what details that bill can have in it that would work for this body,” he said, […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 3, 2016

Democrats on Wednesday questioned the Florida House’s proposed banning of Planned Parenthood for any funding in 2016-17. The House Appropriations Committee met to go over that chamber’s proposed $79.9 billion spending plan. It was cleared along party lines, with Democrats opposing. A leading senator later said the Planned Parenthood provision would likely become a talking point in the House-Senate budget […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2016

Workers at Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino are taking a field trip to Tallahassee on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Seminole Tribe of Florida. More than 100 of them, including table games dealers, will be asking lawmakers to approve the new Seminole Compact and save their jobs. On Monday, Gov. […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2016

A bill that would limit the variety of Florida Lottery scratch-off tickets was cleared by a Senate panel on Tuesday after its sponsor curiously defined it as a “tax cut.” The Regulated Industries Committee cleared the measure (SB 790) on an 8-2 vote, with Republican Sens. Jack Latvala of Clearwater and Joe Negron of Stuart opposed. It limits […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2016

The fate of a new Seminole Compact and accompanying gambling legislation was thrown into question Tuesday when a key senator opened the possibility that neither may get to a vote this session. Sen. Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, chairs the Regulated Industries Committee. It oversees gambling issues and has the first bite at the Compact. The panel already has […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2016

Legislation that would protect one’s “digital assets” after death has been passed by the Florida Senate. Senators unanimously OK’d the bill (SB 494) on Tuesday with a 36-0 vote, sending it to the House. Under the bill, someone of a person’s choosing could have access to and control their financial accounts, social media and almost anything else the person has […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 1, 2016

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Two post-5 p.m. Monday news releases painted opposing pictures of the renegotiated Seminole Compact. Ostensibly, the pact would allow the Indian tribe to retain its privilege as the only Florida casinos offering blackjack. In return, it would give the state $3 billion over seven years. Monday morning, tribal leaders met with Gov. Rick Scott as a public-relations […]

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Alimony bill back before House lawmakers

Florida Polytechnic University faculty asking to unionize

House moves “$1 billion” tax-cut package, but over 2 years

Steve Crisafulli contends Seminole Compact needs “changes”

Democrats question House’s defunding of Planned Parenthood

Seminole casino workers to lobby lawmakers

Tom Lee calls bill to limit Lottery a “tax cut”

Rob Bradley: No promises on Seminole Compact, gambling bill

Senate passes ‘digital assets’ bill

Seminoles, No Casinos duel in end-of-day news releases