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

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

A pair of Republican lawmakers spoke to reporters Thursday about their proposal to revamp the seizure of assets by police in Florida, amid reports the value of property taken from suspects across the country now exceeds that of property stolen by criminals. St. Petersburg Sen. Jeff Brandes and Lehigh Acres Rep. Matt Caldwell told assembled media some elements of law […]

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

A House panel approved a bill Thursday morning that would reshape the timing and electorate of Florida’s local elections. The bill, PCB SAC 16-04, would preempt local authority to set the date of municipal elections, granting the ultimate say-so on when they are held to state lawmakers. Bill sponsor Rep. Matt Caldwell chairs the State Affairs Committee which passed […]

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard from Gov. Rick Scott‘s chief budget aide Wednesday morning, when she presented Scott’s $79.3 billion proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year before hearing some pushback from Senate Democrats on state worker pay, social services, and health care. The presentation was a calmer affair than in the House, however, where […]

Ryan RayDecember 2, 2015

The state Revenue Estimating Conference, a panel of economists gathered to discuss revenue levels expected to flow into state coffers from gaming proceeds Wednesday afternoon, including from the banked card games and Las Vegas-style slots the Seminole Tribe of Florida operate under an exclusive compact with the state.. The consensus, now that the deal has […]

Ryan RayDecember 2, 2015

Recording a fundraising haul that could mark a turning point in the race for a Sarasota-based swing seat, Democrat Edward James took in $81,150 during the November reporting period, according to just-filed finance data. The windfall takes James to $166,663 raised overall, with $114,400 of that coming from a political committee supporting James called New Direction Florida. James […]

Ryan RayDecember 1, 2015

The House Appropriations Committee heard from Gov. Rick Scott‘s chief budget aide Tuesday afternoon, who presented Scott’s $79.3 billion proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year before being peppered with questions on taxes, state worker pay, hospital regulation and land acquisition among other issues. Cynthia Kelly, director of Scott’s Office of Policy and Budget presented the governor’s “Florida […]

Ryan RayNovember 30, 2015

A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider will not have any affect on state or local government spending should it pass. The meeting was the panel’s second on the topic, and confirmed the estimate as well as drafted a definitive […]

Ryan RayNovember 24, 2015

Northwest Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz announced his support of a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott to overhaul the state’s public-private business recruiting vehicle, Enterprise Florida. Scott is seeking to create a $250 million fund to help sustain Enterprise Florida Inc., which uses revenues from the state and other sources to encourage out-of-state businesses to create jobs in the state. “I’m proud […]

Ryan RayNovember 24, 2015

“Founder,” “CEO,” “President,” and “Chairman” are all familiar lines on the business cards of today’s startup whiz kids but increasingly, writes Cecilia Kang of The New York Times, they might as well be adding another: “In-House Lobbyist.” As the success of innovators continues to ultimately rely on the decisions of older-school lawmakers and regulators overseeing novel […]

Ryan RayNovember 23, 2015

A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider on the November 2016 elections will not have any impact on state spending should it pass. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference, a slate of economists for the Legislature and executive branch, held a […]

Ryan Ray

Jeff Brandes, Matt Caldwell want to rein in asset seizure by law enforcement

House panel votes to allow state to set municipal election dates

Senate budget run-down from Rick Scott’s budget chief calmer than in House

Forecast uncertain for gaming revenue as Seminole compact still unresolved

Edward James raises $81,150 for November in Sarasota House race

House budget panel hears from Rick Scott’s budget chief, and vice versa

State economists confirm estimate “Smart Solar” amendment will not increase public spending

Matt Gaetz backs Rick Scott’s Enterprise Florida requests

For many startups, innovating and lobbying now go hand in hand

State economists say “Smart Solar” amendment unlikely to have fiscal impact