Staff Reports, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsAugust 4, 2017

A baby’s death and a flying extension ladder, both happening in the late 1990s, resulted in two of the many claim bills already filed for the 2018 Legislative Session. The first, filed by Democratic Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, is for $2.4 million for the death of 5-month-old Nicholas Patnode, who was seen at the Martin County Health […]

Staff ReportsAugust 4, 2017

Robert “Budd” Kneip, chief of staff to state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, will retire Aug. 31, the office announced Friday. Kneip will be retiring after nine years of public service, with “an announcement on the transition to a new Chief of Staff (to be) made in the coming days,” a press release said, suggesting that […]

Staff ReportsAugust 3, 2017

National Republicans are targeting Democrats in several states over single-payer healthcare. The National Republican Congressional Committee released a digital ad Thursday in eight states, including Florida, asking Democrats whether “they’ll support Nancy Pelosi’s vision for a European-style single-payer healthcare plan.” “European-style single-payer healthcare is the new litmus test in the Democratic Party,” said Matt Gorman, […]

Staff ReportsAugust 3, 2017

Annette Taddeo is officially in the spotlight. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee announced Thursday it had named the Senate District 40 race as a “Spotlight Race.” Jessica Post, the committee’s executive director, also announced the DLCC has committed $150,000 to Democrats’ efforts to carry the district in the September. Taddeo will face Rep. Jose Felix […]

Staff ReportsAugust 2, 2017

The Congressional Leadership Fund has wasted no time in lobbing its first attack after Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who announced this week she would challenge Republican Carlos Curbelo in Florida’s 26th Congressional District. The super PAC, which has the backing of the entire House Republican leadership, sent an email Wednesday saying Mucarsel-Powell is “slowly becoming a […]

Staff ReportsAugust 1, 2017

Chester Spellman, the long-time chief executive officer of Volunteer Florida, has appointed by the White House to serve as the director of AmeriCorps for the Corporation for National and Community Service. “I believe there is no greater calling than the calling to serve,” said Spellman. “I am deeply honored to be appointed by the White […]

Staff ReportsAugust 1, 2017

A right-leaning watchdog group has filed an ethics complaint against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz because she continued to employ an IT staffer after he became the subject of a criminal investigation. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust on Monday asked the Office of Congressional Ethics to launch an investigation into “Wasserman Schultz’s apparent breach […]

Staff ReportsJuly 31, 2017

Attorney General Pam Bondi activated the state’s price gouging hotline, after Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in 31 counties in preparation for Tropical Storm Emily. State law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities — like food, water, hotels, gasoline and equipment — that is needed as a direct result […]

Staff ReportsJuly 31, 2017

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) “stands ready to help with any insurance related questions as the Tropical Storm Emily begins to make impact along the coast,” the group said in a Monday press release. PCI and other industry groups work closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, assisting Florida homeowners and business owners […]

Staff ReportsJuly 31, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday declared a state of emergency in 31 Florida counties in response to Tropical Storm Emily. “A state of emergency gives the state the flexibility to work with local governments to ensure they have all the resources they may need,” a press release from the Governor’s Office said. “Tropical storm warnings are […]

Staff Reports
This exhibit celebrates late-blooming artistry, proving it’s never too late for bold creativity.

Government negligence from the ’90s leads to claim bills

Personnel note: Robert ‘Budd’ Kneip retires from CFO’s office

NRCC launches ad targeting Democrats over single-payer healthcare

DLCC designates SD 40 as ‘Spotlight Race,’ commits $150K to help Annette Taddeo

Email insights: Congressional Leadership Fund targets Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in CD 26

Personnel note: Chester Spellman tapped to lead AmeriCorps

Ethics group wants Debbie Wasserman Schultz investigated over IT staffer

Pam Bondi activates price gouging hotline ahead of Tropical Storm Emily

Insurers say they’re ready for Tropical Storm Emily

Rick Scott declares emergency over tropical storm