Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryApril 23, 2015

Jeb Bush is booked to headline the Hillsborough County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner on June 19. The event will take place at the Pepin Hospitality Center, long a traditional spot for the Hillsborough GOP for major events. Hillsborough Republican Executive Committee Chairwoman Deborah Tamargo said she was prepared to issue a press release next week, […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

Powdered alcohol would be banned in Florida for two years under a bill passed by the Senate. The Senate passed the bill Thursday on a 35-2 vote. It would make it illegal to sell, possess or use powdered alcohol. Powdered alcohol was given federal approval last month but has yet to hit stores. Still, at […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

As the 2015 legislative session winds down – and the state’s budget standoff heats up – money is on everyone’s mind. With that, the darkening prospects of the House and Senate settling differences over Medicaid expansion lead a casual (and maybe not so casual) observer to ask the obvious question. Why? Why is the Senate […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

A government accountability bill going before the Senate on Friday is vintage former Senate President Sen. Don Gaetz. SB 1372 is a common sense reform proposal that will ruffle a few privileged feathers in order to accomplish a good-government public policy goal: restricting taxpayer-funded “golden parachute” severance packages for hospital employees. But as the bill stands now, it […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

The Florida Constitution requires the Florida Legislature to pass a balanced budget and send it to the governor. This is the Constitution’s primary mandate for the Legislature. The Florida budget, like any budget, is comprised of two components: income and expenses. Governmental income is derived from the taxes and fees paid by Floridians and visitors […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

Comedian W.C. Fields quipped, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit.” It seems that Florida lawmakers need to field his advice as their debate over proposed assisted living reform draws to an unceremonious close. Since 2011, the Legislature has worked on hammering out a reform bill that would tighten assisted living […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

Once again, the leadership of the Florida Legislature has decided to play politics with women’s health. Case in point, the “mandatory abortion delay” bill. If this bill becomes law, even when a woman has already received state-mandated counseling and made a deliberate and fully informed decision, she will still be forced to wait 24 hours […]

Bruce RitchieApril 23, 2015

A Senate bill amendment to bar legislators from being on the Public Service Commission within two years of leaving office was withdrawn Thursday. Sen. John Legg, a Republican from Lutz, had filed the amendment to SB 288, a PSC bill that was brought up on second reading Thursday. The amendment was withdrawn because of a […]

James CallApril 23, 2015

A potential Florida medical marijuana grower is getting every opportunity to make its case in court. Baywood Nurseries of Apopa insists the proposed rule to enact the 2014 Charlotte’s Web law by the Florida Department of Health is unfair to smaller nurseries: Blocking it from applying for one of five licenses to grow marijuana. The DOH […]

Bruce RitchieApril 23, 2015

Language from a comprehensive House water bill was added on Thursday to other environmental legislation in the House over objections from Democrats. The water bill language lacks key components of the Senate bill that are important to that chamber’s leadership, raising questions about whether the move represents gamesmanship between the two chambers. Some environmentalists say […]

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Jeb Bush to headline Hillsborough County Lincoln Day dinner June 19

Senate votes to ban powdered alcohol for 2 years

Peter Schorsch: In the deadlock over the state budget, follow the money

With adverse hospital CEOs amendment, Senate accountability bill imperfect

Garrett Richter: Health care in Florida: It’s our money and we deserve a return

Brian Lee: Bills to reform assisted living facilities would reduce oversight

Julie Hauserman, Laura Goodhue: Florida's legislative leaders don't trust women

PSC/Duke Energy bill teed up for Senate vote after amendment withdrawn

Charlotte’s Web hearing to enter 2nd day; glitch bill still on calendar

House water bill language finds new home as Session winds down