Ryan Ray, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayFebruary 24, 2016

The Florida Senate a bill that would classify computer coding as a “foreign language” for purposes of high school credit. Sen. Jeremy Ring‘s SB 468 passed the upper chamber by a vote of 35-5 after half an hour of heated debate, mostly among Ring’s fellow Democrats. Sen. Dwight Bullard said he agreed coding is an important skill for students to learn, […]

Ryan RayFebruary 24, 2016

A Senate budget panel advanced a bill Wednesday for a grant to the family of a Florida State University football player who died on the practice field. The bill – SB 16 by Sen. Arthenia Joyner – appropriates $1.8 million to the family of Devaughn Darling, who died during preseason drills from complications of an undiagnosed health […]

Ryan RayFebruary 24, 2016

After a fire alarm delayed the start of Wednesday’s meeting by almost half an hour, the Senate Democratic caucus finally got down to the task at hand: opposing Republican-sponsored legislation, particularly an energy exploration bill that has environmentalists up in arms. The caucus members were united in their resistance to a bill they said would preempt […]

Ryan RayFebruary 24, 2016

Day 2 of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s annual International Days event continued Wednesday, with Consuls General and business liaisons from around the world hearing from top state officials in Tallahassee. In his introductory remarks, Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson relayed a poignant story from a dinner Tuesday night that brought the annual confab into focus. […]

Ryan RayFebruary 23, 2016

A group of international business leaders heard the Florida gospel from a cadre of state officials as part of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Annual International Days on Tuesday. Among the top talking points business professionals from around the world heard: Gov. Rick Scott‘s aggressive economic development efforts, Florida’s easygoing tax and regulatory regime, and, of […]

Ryan RayFebruary 23, 2016

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum finally laid his 2016 cards on the table, endorsing Hillary Clinton for president less than 30 days out from Florida’s March 15 primary. “Hillary Clinton has put forward an agenda focused on moving our nation forward – and building on the tremendous progress made by President Obama. Her experience and legacy of leadership speak to the kind […]

Ryan RayFebruary 23, 2016

The Senate Democratic caucus met Tuesday morning to strategize before a busy legislative day in Tallahassee, where Minority Leader Sen. Arthenia Joyner led her caucus through discussions on a handful of controversial bills set to be taken up later in the day. Of particular interest to Joyner was the Sen. Tom Lee-sponsored alimony bill, SB 250. Joyner advised members to […]

Ryan RayFebruary 22, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency and authorized the release of state money in the wake of severe tornado damage in the Escambia County city of Century last week. Wind gusts of over 150 miles per hour tore through the Panhandle town, causing severe damage to numerous houses and buildings. Scott, in issuing Executive Order […]

Ryan RayFebruary 22, 2016

Florida lawmakers continued to dabble in foreign policy on Monday, when a Senate panel unanimously passed a bill calling for an authorization of force against Al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups in Iraq and the Levant. The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security approved SB 1710 by Sen. Greg Evers, which calls on Congress for […]

Ryan RayFebruary 18, 2016

The ride-hailing company Uber continued its legislative push at a news conference at the Capitol on Thursday. Backers brandished new economic impact numbers indicating growth and told reporters it’s time for lawmakers to finally make good on a pledge to enact a uniform statewide law governing so-called transportation network companies, or TNCs. An Uber lobbyist said nearly […]

Ryan Ray
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Senate passes measure categorizing computer coding as foreign language

Devaughn Darling claims bill clears education budget panel

Senate Democrats huddle up to oppose fracking bill

Florida Chamber’s International Days continue with talks from high-level state officials

Foreign business leaders hear from lawmakers at Florida Chamber’s International Days

Andrew Gillum endorses Hillary Clinton for president

Senate Democrats strategize ahead of busy legislative day

Rick Scott declares state of emergency, pledges funds after Escambia tornado damage

Senate panel OKs call for “use of military force” against ISIL

Uber advocates call for Senate to pass pro-TNC legislation