Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschNovember 20, 2017

Jacksonville Republican Rep. Jason Fischer filed a bill Thursday that would provide $3.5 million in funding for a public-private partnership to boost the Florida manufacturing industry. “The manufacturing sector offers high wage career paths for Floridians. The sector provides real jobs for real people, and they need our support. This investment in FloridaMakes will continue […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 20, 2017

The final committee week ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session begins Dec. 4. Gov. Rick Scott’s proposed budget is expected to be discussed in appropriations committees in the House and Senate. Totaling $87.4 billion, it is the largest proposed budget to come from a Florida Governor. The House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness […]

Ana CeballosNovember 19, 2017

As Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel resigns in disgrace, the state party’s president, Sally Boynton Brown, came short of defending his inappropriate behavior toward women by saying she never experienced it and that she was “heartbroken” women did not feel comfortable coming to her with complaints. But two former staffers, who asked Florida Politics […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 17, 2017

A select group of lawmakers will be focused on specific, hurricane-related policy recommendations over the next two weeks. Each member of the House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness on Friday was assigned a specific area of focus. Chair Jeanette Nuñez, a Miami Republican, grouped the issues into categories following the five educational meetings held […]

Jim RosicaNovember 17, 2017

Chris Hart IV, who last was with Florida TaxWatch, will be the next CEO of the statewide Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers association, according to a Friday press release. He starts Dec. 4. Hart “will provide strong leadership to our association,” said Marcia M. Johnson, Franklin County Clerk and Comptroller and 2017-18 Board President, in a statement. […]

Ana CeballosNovember 17, 2017

Allison Tant, the former Florida Democratic Party chairwoman, said Friday that out of “moral necessity” Stephen Bittel, the current party chairman criticized for creating a hostile work environment for women, should step down. Tant said that since she left, and Bittel took over in January, at least seven women — who are in their 20s […]

Staff ReportsNovember 17, 2017

With the House of Representatives now trying to take out community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), the head of the Florida Redevelopment Association is fighting back. “Community redevelopment agencies breathe new life into communities that have been neglected or forgotten, and their impact goes far beyond the buildings and roads they help develop,” said Carol Westmoreland, executive director of […]

Ana CeballosNovember 17, 2017

As the Senate investigates sexual harassment allegations against Sen. Jack Latvala, Senate President Joe Negron has hired a legal team to represent him through the proceedings. After the Senate General Counsel Dawn Roberts recused herself from the probe that is expected to stretch for about a month, Negron found itself in need of legal help […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 16, 2017

It’s turkey time for some lawmakers, but crunch time for those charged with addressing Florida hurricanes. The Select House Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness met for the fifth time on Thursday, marking their last ‘educational’ committee meeting. The committee’s duties were originally split into three phases: gather information, solicit ideas for improvement and make […]

Ana CeballosNovember 16, 2017

In a further attempt to starve President Nicolas Maduro’s government from money, state lawmakers want to make sure state agencies are barred from investing on companies that do business with Venezuela. “We cannot as a state and should not prop up the Maduro regime, which inflicts misery upon its people,” state Rep. Jeannette Nunez, a […]

Influence

Jason Fischer and Keith Perry want $3.5M for FloridaMakes in 2018

Last legislative committee week to start December 4

Florida Democratic Party president accused of ‘enabling’ chair’s inappropriate behavior

Focus areas doled out for hurricane committee

Personnel note: Chris Hart IV to head Court Clerks group

Former FDP chairwoman aware of Bittel’s ‘objectifying’ behavior, calls on him to resign

FRA head strikes back: ‘Redevelopment is about the people’

Senate hires Gray Robinson’s legal representation during Jack Latvala probe

Hurricane committee to start ‘policy phase’

Lawmakers push bill banning state from investing in Venezuela