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

Jim RosicaNovember 19, 2015

The selling of Gov. Rick Scott‘s $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund, aimed at revamping the state’s business incentives, continued in earnest Thursday, with promises it would allow for “cleaner deals.” The No. 2 official of Enterprise Florida, the state public-private economic development organization, presented the proposed overhaul to the House Economic Affairs Committee, saying it was […]

Jim RosicaNovember 19, 2015

The plaintiffs in the state Senate redistricting litigation filed six versions of a redrawn district map late Wednesday night, according to an email from their spokeswoman. Despite previous directions against drawing districts that cross Tampa Bay in a congressional redistricting case, their plans include areas that ‘jump the Bay.’ The plaintiffs and the Legislature have now filed proposals for […]

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

In the ongoing saga over state Senate redistricting, everything old is new again. The state Senate on Wednesday disclosed its proposed fix for its gerrymandered districts, a mash-up of two previous maps: One was passed by the Senate, another was drawn but not voted on in the recent Special Session. Because lawmakers couldn’t agree, it’s now […]

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

A House bill aimed at overhauling and streamlining the state’s alimony rules cleared its first panel Wednesday, despite a retired judge telling lawmakers “bad things are going to happen to nice people” if the measure becomes law. The Civil Justice Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 455), sponsored by Republican state Rep. Colleen Burton of Lakeland, […]

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

In a legislative equivalent of a Hail Mary pass, the Democratic leader of the GOP-controlled state House has filed legislation to extend the terms of state lawmakers from eight years to 12 years. State Rep. Mark Pafford of West Palm Beach submitted the bill (HJR 711) on Wednesday for the 2016 Legislative Session. The change would require amending the state […]

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

An anti-gambling expansion organization is asking Gov. Rick Scott to jettison “gambling expansion scenarios as a part of the compact renewal” with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, according to a letter released Wednesday. John Sowinski, president of Orlando-based No Casinos, wrote to Scott on Tuesday, sending copies to legislative leaders. The state is deadlocked with the tribe over renewing a […]

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

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White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest credited President Obama‘s “early investment in our military and our intelligence” that put the French “in a position to carry out this kind of response” to last week’s Paris attacks. Earnest spoke Wednesday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program. “The United States and France has been for some time working to deepen […]

Jim RosicaNovember 17, 2015

Legislation that would protect one’s “digital assets” after death easily cleared its first review committee on Tuesday. The Senate Judiciary committee unanimously OK’d the bill (SB 494) on a 9-0 vote. Under the bill, someone of your choosing could have access to and control your financial accounts, social media and anything else you have online after your death. […]

Jim RosicaNovember 17, 2015

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Give state Rep. Carlos Trujillo credit for frankness. On Tuesday, he yanked his ‘whiskey and Wheaties’ bill from the agenda of the House Business and Professions subcommittee because, as he said, “one of my four votes is not here today” (though four votes is a minority on the 13-member committee). Trujillo, a Miami Republican, was referring to the […]

Jim RosicaNovember 17, 2015

State Sens. Nancy Detert and Jack Latvala delivered a one-two punch to the state’s moribund Film Office, essentially telling Film Commissioner Niki Welge she was being set up for failure. Welge appeared Tuesday before the Senate Commerce and Tourism committee, which Detert — a Venice Republican — chairs. Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, is another member. […]

Jim Rosica

Enterprise Florida official touts incentives overhaul

Redistricting plaintiffs come in with six new maps

Senate submits proposed redistricting map

Alimony overhaul bill clears first House panel

Mark Pafford proposes extending legislative term limits

No Casinos tells Rick Scott to leave expansion out of gambling talks

Josh Earnest gives props to Obama administration for Paris attacks response

Digital assets bill breezes through first committee

Is the ‘whiskey and Wheaties’ bill on the rocks?

Senate panel rakes over state’s film commissioner and incentives deal