Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Christine Jordan SextonApril 10, 2015

Elizabeth “Liz” Dudek, a longtime state health care planner and administrator and now head of the state’s Medicaid agency, will appear before the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee when it meets Wednesday. Though it’s Dudek’s second step in the Senate confirmation process, it’s the first time she’ll appear before the Senate since her boss, Gov. […]

Bruce RitchieApril 10, 2015

A proposed solar energy amendment could unfairly shift the cost of maintaining electricity plants and power lines from homes and businesses with solar energy to other utility customers, representatives of cities and electric utilities said Friday. Floridians for Solar Choice proposes a constitutional amendment establishing that the state’s policy is to promote local, small-scale solar […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 10, 2015

In the run up to Jacksonville’s First Election, one of the more interesting developments was the emergence of the Young Voters Coalition. The group took a nonpartisan stance (even as some folks in the Democratic establishment privately complained that it was just a front group for Bill Bishop supporters) in elections, seeking “to increase turnout […]

Phil AmmannApril 10, 2015

Berger Singerman, a leading Florida real estate and business law firm, added Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan attorney Floyd Self as the newest member of its Government and Regulatory Team. Self, who joins as a partner, will work from the firm’s Tallahassee office. Self specializes in government and regulatory practice for the utility, energy, telecommunications and […]

Melissa RossApril 10, 2015

The latest salvo in Jacksonville’s long-running battle over its pension problems comes from City Councilwoman Lori Boyer. Boyer has filed legislation that would reduce pension benefits for police and firefighters that are hired on starting Oct. 1. It’s an aggressive move and apparently the first time someone on the council has filed a measure stating […]

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2015

Tallahassee recently played host to a Miami billionaire who came to town to share his wisdom — and maybe some of his wealth. Jeffrey Soffer earned his money the old fashioned way — he inherited it. And among the many assets of the Turnberry empire founded by his father is the sprawling cathedral of commerce known as Aventura Mall — a […]

Bob SparksApril 10, 2015

For years Florida governors and legislators stressed the need to diversify Florida’s economy. A state’s financial well-being so heavily dependent upon tourism and agriculture is a disaster or recession away from economic calamity, they said. They, and their successors who toe the same line, are right. Resorts, parks and Fresh From Florida are great for […]

Martin DyckmanApril 10, 2015

In May 1957, people across the nation were anxious over a decision that Florida Gov. LeRoy Collins was about to make in a legal controversy unlike any other. It concerned an extradition request for a fugitive couple from Massachusetts, but one that was far from routine. The charge was kidnapping, but the real issue, as […]

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2015

Responding to a backlash about the continued use of high-stakes standardized tests, the Legislature on Thursday passed significant changes to the system that was primarily put in place by then-Gov. Jeb Bush. The changes, though not as wide as critics wanted, still represent a departure for Republicans who had fully embraced the reforms championed by […]

Bruce RitchieApril 10, 2015

With a solar energy constitutional amendment proposed for the 2016 ballot, a pair of bills designed to provide tax savings for residents who install solar on their homes appears dead in the 2015 Legislative Session. SB 400 by Sen. Jeff Brandes, a Republican from St. Petersburg, would provide a ballot measure to extend a residential property […]

Uncategorized
Image via AP.

Ethics and Elections considers Liz Dudek’s confirmation next week

Cities, utilities say amendment would let solar customers get away without paying

Did Jax Young Voters Coalition succeed in First Election?

Personnel note: Berger Singerman adds energy, utilities pro Floyd Self as partner

New salvo in Jacksonville pension wars

Jeffrey Soffer: A man with a billion ways to say no

Bob Sparks: Entertainment industry adds to Florida’s economic menu

Martin Dyckman: Will Florida Senate recognize that every child has the right to be loved?

After backlash, Legislature puts limits on standardized testing

Solar bills falter in Legislature while ballot initiative rolls on