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

Jim RosicaJanuary 21, 2016

Have you bought tickets for the 2016 Press Corps Skits yet? The 61st (sometimes) annual Capitol Press Corps Skits will be held Tuesday, Jan. 26. The highlights: Lower ticket prices, free parking, and instead of reserved tables, seating is first come, first served. Capitol Press Corps President Tia Mitchell advises buying tickets sooner rather than later: The event […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 21, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet Thursday began moving on replacing two high-profile state positions by agreeing on salary ranges and interview dates. Marshall Stranburg, executive director of the state’s Department of Revenue, and Kevin McCarty, the state’s insurance commissioner, both quit in the past two months. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 21, 2016

Enterprise Florida was on the defensive Thursday as the state’s chief economist threw cold water on Gov. Rick Scott‘s proposed $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund. The Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development held a workshop on the proposal. Amy Baker, head of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, told lawmakers the governor’s […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2016

Legislation that would protect one’s “digital assets” after death has cleared the last of its three review panels. The Senate Rules Committee unanimously OK’d the bill (SB 494) on Wednesday, making it available to be heard on the Senate floor. Under the bill, someone of a person’s choosing could have access to and control their financial accounts, social media […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2016

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Jim Allen, head of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s gambling arm, on Wednesday denied that the Seminoles have any agreement with the state’s Miccosukee Tribe to not ask for their own blackjack deal. Before a Senate workshop on the proposed Seminole Compact, which would renew the tribe’s exclusive deal to offer blackjack in Florida, lobbyists […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2016

The votes against a new Indian gambling agreement started piling up Wednesday, as senators verbally shellacked Gov. Rick Scott’s policy guru about the terms of the deal. The Regulated Industries Committee, oversees the state’s gambling industry, held a workshop on the Seminole Compact, with Scott policy director Jeff Woodburn acting as point man to formally present […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2016

In a joint appearance with representatives of the Moffitt Cancer Center, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam promoted cancer-fighting “superfoods” grown in the state, such as blueberries and broccoli. “Our parents, our grandparents, they all knew that eating your fruits and vegetables is going to allow you to be healthier and live a more active and fulfilling life,” Putnam said […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2016

Despite the Florida House of Representatives’ frequent complaint of judicial overreach, a House panel Wednesday OK’d a measure that would put more power in the hands of judges as it possibly weakens the state’s public record law. The Government Operations Subcommittee by a 12-0 vote approved the bill (HB 1021) that gives judges discretion whether to award attorney […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 19, 2016

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Gov. Rick Scott says don’t worry, you’ll still get tax cuts. On Tuesday, his office responded to reports that state economists predicted almost $400 million less for next year’s state budget. Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz called the projected $388.5 million drop “a minor reduction” and said the GOP governor “remains confident in his $1 billion […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 19, 2016

Weatherford Partners, the venture capital group created by former Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford and his two brothers, on Tuesday announced their first public deal, contributing to a $4.5 million funding round for a Missouri company. Weatherford’s firm invested in the Kansas City-based PayIt, which produces mobile apps for governments so people can pay for […]

Jim Rosica

Reminder: Press Corps Skits next Tuesday

Governor, Cabinet move forward on high-profile hires

Enterprise Florida losing fight for $250 million incentives fund?

“Digital assets” bill heading to Senate floor

Seminole Gaming CEO: No side deal with Miccosukee

Senate starts dissecting new Seminole blackjack deal

Adam Putnam, Moffitt Cancer Center promote Florida-grown “superfoods”

House panel clears what critics call “weakening” of open government

Rick Scott “confident” on tax cuts despite less money

Will Weatherford investment firm makes splash with first public deal