Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Michael MolineMay 19, 2017

If Jack Latvala runs for governor — and, mind you, he’s not saying he is — it would be to keep career politicians from taking over Tallahassee like they have done in Washington. “They start out as legislative aides, they become House members, then they become senators, with very minimal experience in the real world,” […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 19, 2017

The federal prison system has 350 international terrorists incarcerated. Almost a third of them will be released onto American streets before 2030. Does local and state law enforcement have the right to know where they are? One Northeast Florida Republican Congressman — a former Jacksonville Sheriff — says yes. On Thursday, U.S. Rep. John Rutherford filed […]

Mitch PerryMay 18, 2017

Sarasota Republican Vern Buchanan‘s legislation to toughen penalties against cop killers has passed the House. The “Thin Blue Line Act” would make the murder or attempted murder of a police officer, firefighter or other first responders an “aggravating” factor in death penalty determinations. The bill, approved by the House in a 271-143 vote, now goes […]

Mitch PerryMay 18, 2017

Congressman Ted Deutch is sponsoring legislation to close an ethics loophole in the appointment process for high-ranking government officials. The Conflicts from Political Fundraising Act would require nominees to disclose whether they have solicited or contributed funds for political purposes to 527 political action committees, or tax-exempt groups formed under sections 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) of the tax […]

Staff ReportsMay 18, 2017

The Florida League of Cities on Thursday asked Gov. Rick Scott to veto a measure it says will “deprive cities of their authority to regulate the use of public rights of way.” The bill (HB 687), sponsored by St. Cloud Republican state Rep. Mike La Rosa, pre-empts to the state the regulation of telecommunications companies putting “small wireless […]

Mitch PerryMay 18, 2017

For the tenth year in a row, Florida lawmakers raided the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund to balance the budget that currently sits on Governor Rick Scott‘s desk. One state Representative says that needs to stop. Democrat Sean Shaw says he will file legislation for the 2018 Legislative Session to block what has become an annual ritual of the […]

Guest AuthorMay 17, 2017

Over the past few days, many district superintendents and other defenders of the struggling status quo have attacked HB 7069, a bill focused on reforming and improving K-12 education. As a former Duval County School Board member, I am proud to have voted for this bill and urge Gov. Rick Scott to sign it into […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2017

U.S. Rep. Al Lawson takes pride in his place on the Agriculture Committee, and has noted in in-district town halls the importance of that placement for North Florida issues. On Wednesday, Lawson followed up a hearing with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue with a letter denoting the concerns he’s observed in his North Florida district. One issue of importance: SNAP […]

Mitch PerryMay 17, 2017

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The Constitution Revision Commission met on Wednesday for the first time to go over their controversial rules while meeting in Tampa. A rules committee first met before a public hearing, scheduled for tonight, starting with a lengthy discussion kicked off by GOP former state Sen. Don Gaetz. The 37-member board should abide by budget language pending before Gov. Rick […]

Jim RosicaMay 17, 2017

Senate President Joe Negron has yet to decide to join House Speaker Richard Corcoran in calling for a Special Session on medical marijuana implementation, a spokeswoman said Wednesday. Negron, a Stuart Republican, is still “in the process of having discussions with senators in response to the memorandum he sent last Thursday,” Katie Betta said in […]

Influence

Jack Latvala tells Pensacola crowd that Tallahassee’s becoming too much like D.C.

John Rutherford TRACER bill targets convicted terrorists

Vern Buchanan’s ‘Thin Blue Line’ Act passes House, toughens penalty on cop killers

Ted Deutch co-sponsors conflicts of interest bill, adresses Trump administration appointees

Florida League of Cities slams telecom bill

Sean Shaw bill for 2018 would stop raiding of Sadowski Housing Trust Fund

Jason Fischer: Our kids deserve hope

Al Lawson addresses SNAP, food deserts, North Florida farm goods with U.S. Ag Secretary

Constitutional panel agrees to follow state budget language

Still no decision from Joe Negron on marijuana Special Session