Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jacob OglesDecember 17, 2018

Two advocacy groups are suing Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, contending changes in the state’s Medicaid waitlists discriminate against the elderly and the poor. Justice in Aging and Southern Legal Counsel contend in a recently-filed class-action lawsuit that consolidating waitlists for certain Medicaid services effectively prevent low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities from obtaining […]

Staff ReportsDecember 17, 2018

Lt. Governor-elect Jeanette Nuñez on Monday formally announced Alex Garcia as her Chief of Staff. The news was first reported by Florida Politics. “He is an experienced, reliable and diligent leader with a unique set of skills working at both local and national levels,” Nuñez said in a statement. “I am confident that under his […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 17, 2018

There’s often a disconnect between lawmakers and constituents looking to effect change, but helping to close that gap is a new app that blends the tech of today with the old but reliable methods of grassroots advocacy. RallyWise, a mobile tool that connects users with lawmakers and tracks legislation, is seeking to shift the influence […]

Staff ReportsDecember 17, 2018

The office of newly named Senate President Bill Galvano has named more staff members for the upcoming 2019 Legislative Session. Earlier this year, the Bradenton Republican selected Lisa Vickers to be his Chief of Staff. Vickers had served as a senior policy adviser to Galvano’s predecessor, former Senate president Joe Negron. Katie Betta will also remain […]

Ryan NicolDecember 17, 2018

Miami-Dade Democrats Dotie Joseph and Nick Duran have officially filed paperwork to run for re-election to the Florida House in 2020. Campaign accounts for each candidate now appear on the Division of Elections website. Joseph is set to begin her freshman term in the state House after handily dispatching Libertarian candidate Riquet Caballero in the […]

Staff ReportsDecember 14, 2018

State Rep. Michael Grant, a Port Charlotte Republican, was selected to serve as the House Majority Whip for 2018-20. The news was officially announced Friday. “I am extremely pleased with the selection of Michael Grant,” said House Republican Leader Dane Eagle in a statement. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and collegiality to the position, […]

Drew WilsonDecember 14, 2018

House Speaker Jose Oliva has selected Republican state Reps. Cord Byrd, Byron Donalds and Ralph Massulo to chair the House education policy subcommittees, according to a list of assignments first obtained by Florida Politics. Byrd, a second-term Republican representing Nassau and Duval counties, will chair the House Higher Education & Career Readiness Subcommittee. Massulo, a second-term lawmaker representing Citrus and […]

Drew WilsonDecember 14, 2018

Last month, House Speaker Jose Oliva tapped Estero Republican Rep. Ray Rodrigues to chair the House Health & Human Services Committee. On Friday, the chairs of the health care subcommittees were revealed. Second term Rep. Mel Ponder will take over the Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee. Gayle Harrell, who recently ascended to the state Senate, led the committee during the […]

Scott PowersDecember 14, 2018

State Reps. Holly Raschein, Chris Latvala, and Jay Trumbull are among seven members appointed by Speaker Jose Oliva to chair House appropriations subcommittees. That trio plus state Reps. Jayer Williamson, MaryLynn Magar, Randy Fine, and Clay Yarborough join Appropriations Committee Chair Travis Cummings of Clay County to lead House budgeting efforts over the next two […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 14, 2018

Two notable Republican candidates are stepping up to the plate to replace state Rep. Halsey Beshears just days after the lawmaker was tapped by Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis to lead a regulatory agency. Jason Shoaf, a businessman and member of the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors, told Florida Politics on Thursday that he’ll compete in […]

Influence

Aging advocates sue Florida over Medicaid waitlists

Jeanette Nuñez names Alex Garcia as Chief of Staff

Influence from home: RallyWise looks to bridge associations with lawmakers

Senate President, Minority Leader offices staff up

Dotie Joseph, Nick Duran begin 2020 re-election bids

Michael Grant named House Republican Whip

Jose Oliva names ed policy subcommittee chairs

Florida House’s health care policy subcommittee chairs named

House appropriations subcommittee chairs settled

Jason Shoaf entry sets up dogfight race for Halsey Beshears’ seat