Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 13, 2017

A class-action lawsuit filed Monday aims to automatically restore former felons’ voting rights and eliminate Florida’s rights restoration process, considered one of the most onerous in the nation. The Fair Elections Legal Network and the law firm Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC filed the lawsuit on behalf of seven former felons. It targets all four members of the Cabinet, […]

Scott PowersMarch 13, 2017

The dramatic rise in threats and incidents aimed at Jewish community centers and day schools has led to a proposed $1.5 million request to the state for security measures that include installation of bullet-proof glass at Jewish schools around Florida, and a Florida House subcommittee overwhelmingly approved Monday. “There has been a dramatic rise in […]

Les NeuhausMarch 13, 2017

A bill that would require drug testing for adults of families previously convicted of drug offenses who are applying for temporary family assistance from the state of Florida passed a House committee Monday. Sponsored by Rep. Chris Latvala, the bill – HB 1117 — would mandate the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to give […]

Drew WilsonMarch 13, 2017

Democratic Sen. Kevin Rader called on the Florida Senate officially oppose a United Nations resolution that would classify Israeli settlements in historically Palestinian areas as legally invalid. “Filing this resolution hits very close to home,” Rader said. “It is personal because my family lives in Israel and I, my wife and kids constantly go back […]

Mitch PerryMarch 13, 2017

On Monday, a House committee advanced legislation that could result in a 2018 constitutional amendment asking Floridians to make Secretary of State an elected position. Stuart Republican Gayle Harrell told members of the House Oversight, Transparency & Administration Subcommittee that the Secretary of State’s office is so important, that he or she needs to be accountable to all the citizens […]

Mitch PerryMarch 13, 2017

St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes has amended his ridesharing bill (SB 340) that has been moving its way through the Florida Senate. Among those changes include authorizing seaports to impose pickup fees on rideshare drivers when picking up or dropping riders from seaports, as long as they do not exceed what that particular port is charging […]

Associated PressMarch 13, 2017

Lawyers for the Alaska man charged in a Florida airport shooting rampage say he’s definitely mentally ill but is also competent to stand trial. The attorneys say in court papers that 26-year-old Esteban Santiago of Anchorage, Alaska has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. He’s accused in the Jan. 6 shooting that killed five […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 13, 2017

Florida’s unemployment rate ticked up in January, reaching 5 percent for the first time in a year. The January unemployment rate marks a slight uptick from December, when state officials reported an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent. The statewide rate is higher than the national unemployment rate of 4.8 percent. Despite the increase in the […]

Les NeuhausMarch 13, 2017

A documentary film about Florida’s privatized child welfare and fostering programs — made by a Guardian ad Litem and filmmaker from Palm Beach — casts a draconian look at what happens to children when they are taken from abusive situations at home and become dependents of the state, at taxpayer expense, often to their peril. […]

Jim RosicaMarch 13, 2017

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State Rep. Loranne Ausley on Monday announced her support for Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democrat, as governor. “I have worked closely with Andrew since he was FAMU student body president, serving our community together from our respective roles in local and state government,” the Tallahassee Democrat said in a statement. “Andrew doesn’t just talk the talk; he […]

Headlines

Lawsuit against Rick Scott and clemency board seeks to restore former felons’ voting rights

‘Bullet-proof glass’ among measures getting nod for Jewish schools’ security

House committee OK’s bill to drug test temporary family aid seekers

Kevin Rader files resolution to oppose United Nations Security Council decision

Proposal to make Secretary of State an elected Cabinet position advances in Florida House

Jeff Brandes amends ridesharing bill in Florida Senate

Lawyers: airport shooting suspect ill but legally competent

Florida’s unemployment rate ticks up to 5% in January

‘Foster Shock’ documentary takes Florida’s privatized child welfare system to task

Loranne Ausley endorses Andrew Gillum for Florida governor