Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsMay 26, 2017

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Florida House Democrats are beefing up their campaign arm for next year’s elections, hiring a communications chief and operatives to begin work immediately. Kionne McGhee, scheduled to become House leader following the 2018 elections, said it is “imperative” that Democrats “take back power” in the House. “I’m pleased to welcome our new staff into the fray,” McGhee […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 25, 2017

Florida will reduce the tax pay on business pay on rent, have two, three-day sales tax holidays, and eliminate the so-called tampon tax under a $180 million tax cut package signed by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott signed the measure (HB 7109) during an event at 3C Interactive in Boca Raton on Thursday. While the tax […]

Staff ReportsMay 25, 2017

John Tupps is heading back to the Governor’s Office. Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday that Tupps would be returning to the Governor’s Office as his communications director beginning June 5. He will replace Jackie Schutz Zeckman, who has been tapped to serve as Scott’s chief of staff. “John has demonstrated an incredible commitment to supporting […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 25, 2017

Sen. Rene Garcia is weighing in on a multi-million dollar bridge project planned for South Florida, telling the Florida Department of Transportation that the Miami-Dade community can’t wait any longer. In a letter to FDOT Secretary Rachel Cone this week, Garcia said he was confident the procurement process established by the state transportation agency “followed […]

Peter SchorschMay 25, 2017

Rep. Joe Gruters is backing Rep. Paul Renner to be House Speaker in 2022-24. The Sarasota Republican said while he thinks everyone in the running for the position would do a great job, he felt Renner is the best person at this time. Gruters said he’s decided to make his position known because he didn’t want […]

Jim RosicaMay 24, 2017

A lawsuit over the state’s environmental funding under a new constitutional amendment is expected to resume now that the annual Session is in lawmakers’ rear-view mirror. An array of environmental advocacy groups had filed suit over the Water and Land Legacy Amendment, also known as Amendment 1. The constitutional change, approved by voters in 2014, mandates state […]

Staff ReportsMay 23, 2017

Foster families will get free annual passes to Florida state parks under a bill signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Lee in the House and Sen. Aaron Bean in the Senate, the new law provides families who operate a licensed family foster home free family annual passes and […]

Staff ReportsMay 23, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott agreed the state needs to pay the remainder of a $5 million settlement to a boy found doused in chemicals while his twin decomposed in the back of their father’s pesticide truck. Scott signed the claims bill (SB 18) to pay Victor Barahona $3.75 million in an abuse case that took the […]

Gary FineoutMay 23, 2017

Debby Dawson, who lives in southwest Florida, has a simple message to Gov. Rick Scott: The state’s existing scholarship program for disabled children is “life changing” and has helped her 7-year-old autistic son “develop by leaps and bounds.” Dawson is part of a chorus of parents from around the state who have mounted a campaign […]

Michael MolineMay 23, 2017

A history of alcoholism in Gov. Rick Scott’s family will inform his decision about whether to sign the “whiskey & Wheaties” bill, which would tear down the wall of separation between hard liquor and other goods. “I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on that bill,” Scott told reporters. “I’ve had family members who have had […]

Influence

Personnel note: House Democrats staff-up for 2018 campaign cycle

Rick Scott signs $180M tax cut package into law

Rick Scott names John Tupps communications director

Rene Garcia: ‘The people of Miami-Dade County … cannot wait any longer’ for signature bridge

Joe Gruters makes his pick for House Speaker

Amendment 1 lawsuit may rev up after Session

Rick Scott signs 16 bills into law

Rick Scott signs claims bill for abuse survivor Victor Barahona

Fate of program for disabled children rests with Rick Scott

Time growing short for Rick Scott to decide ‘whiskey & Wheaties’ bill’s fate