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

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2016

On the first day of the 2016 Legislative Session, Senate President Andy Gardiner made a promise that Gov. Rick Scott would get three bills by the end of the week. Gardiner, an Orlando Republican, spoke during the Senate’s first floor Session for 2016, with Scott sitting in the first row. The first measure is statewide […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Florida Grown, the political fundraising committee that could fuel Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam‘s bid for governor in 2018, posted $765,000 in contributions for December, campaign finance records show. Reports were due to the state’s Division of Elections on Monday. December’s haul brings total funds raised to nearly $4 million, with total expenditures now at around […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

As promised, the backers of one proposed solar-power constitutional amendment have filed a legal brief opposing the other and asked for oral argument. Floridians for Solar Choice, supported by the solar industry and business and consumer interests, on Monday filed its opposition brief against the utility-backed Consumers for Smart Solar. Its attorneys advanced the filing earlier in […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Ending “balance billing,” overhauling the state’s insurance laws, and preserving a practice called “prior authorization” are among the goals of the Florida Association of Health Plans for this legislative session. The organization, which represents every health insurer in the state other than Florida Blue, released its priority list on Monday. “FAHP consistently supports legislative proposals that […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott is continuing his soapbox tour of the Florida Legislature on behalf of his proposed $1 billion in business and other tax cuts for 2016-17. On Monday, he visited the Senate Finance and Tax Committee, where he got a largely cordial and positive reception, even from the panel’s Democrats. The 2016 Legislative Session starts Tuesday. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Legislation that would exempt the value of solar-power and other “renewable energy” equipment from Floridians’ property tax bills was unanimously cleared by a Senate panel Monday. Part of the legislation (SB 172/SJR 170), sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes, would create a constitutional amendment required to enact the measure. It would have to be […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott delivers his yearly State of the State Address on Tuesday, but his office teased a couple of highlights from his remarks the day before. Below are excerpts from his speech “as prepared for delivery”: Real prosperity is created by the ingenuity and hard work of the American people. The people of Florida have proven that […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

The people behind Floridians for Solar Choice, the group behind of one of two competing solar-power constitutional amendments, say they’re filing an opposition brief later Monday to oppose the other initiative, pushed by the utility-backed by Consumers for Smart Solar. The group held a news conference Monday at the Florida Press Center in Tallahassee. Among other hurdles, proposed amendments must be cleared […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

This is one of two gambling stories in advance of the 2016 Legislative Session. For a separate preview focussing on the Seminole Compact, click here. A big gambling overhaul bill won’t be on the menu this legislative session, but expect a swirl of other gaming-related topics to bubble up, including fantasy sports play and creating a state gambling commission. One […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

They don’t get as much attention as policy debates that gum up and even fracture legislative sessions (think Medicaid expansion), but a slew of proposed legal-related changes will be before legislators this year – some new, some old standbys. For instance, the Legislature will try to overhaul Florida’s alimony law for at least the third time in recent […]

Jim Rosica

Andy Gardiner promises first 3 bills this session

Adam Putnam fundraising panel tallies $765K for December

Solar amendment showdown goes to court

Health-plan group releases priorities for 2016 Legislative Session

Rick Scott stumps for tax cuts in Senate

Jeff Brandes’ renewable energy bills easily clear committee

Rick Scott to focus on job creation, tax cuts in #SOTS

Floridians for Solar Choice to fight opposing solar initiative in court

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Gambling issues move from spotlight to supporting role

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Legal, judicial reforms again on lawmakers’ to-do list