Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallMarch 12, 2015

House Democrats say the push to change the pension system for government workers is based on flawed and unlikely assumptions. Speaker Steve Crisafulli wants to overhaul the Florida Retirement System. The goal is to move new workers out of the traditional defined-benefits plan to a 401(K) type defined-contribution plan that would be more portable for when workers […]

Ryan RayMarch 12, 2015

Meredith O’Rourke, chief fundraiser for Gov. Rick Scott, is set to join the growing America Leads political committee as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his allies staff up for a 2016 White House bid. There the well-thought-of O’Rourke will join the likes of longtime GOP staffers such as former Republican Governors Association executive director Phil Cox, who will lead the super PAC, […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 12, 2015

House Health & Human Services Committee Chairman Jason Brodeur will be unveiling proposals to redesign the state worker group health insurance plan, including bringing more options of health plan coverage for employees to choose from. Brodeur said he wants the state group plan, which covers more than 361,000 people, to more closely resemble a large […]

James CallMarch 12, 2015

The mother of a 4-year-old afflicted with an inoperable brain tumor has challenged the proposed rule for the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. Moriah Barnhart’s Jacksonville attorney filed the paperwork Wednesday with the Division of Administration Hearings. Ian Christensen attacked, among other things, the makeup of a negotiated rule-making panel DOH had assembled in an attempt to reach […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 12, 2015

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The Democratic sponsor of a Senate bill that would ban hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, said Thursday that local governments are creating a groundswell of support for the legislation. Fracking can involve using water, sand, and chemicals to force oil and gas from underground rock. Environmentalists have raised concerns that the process is a threat to […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

The two breakout stars in the early going GOP presidential sweepstakes — Jeb Bush and Scott Walker — go to New Hampshire this weekend, site of the nation’s first primary election about 10 months from now. For Bush, it will be his first political visit to the Granite State in 15 years. Walker is a […]

Associated PressMarch 12, 2015

Among the many thousands of emails Jeb Bush received as Florida’s governor are a string of notes from campaign donors seeking favors and making suggestions. Invariably, Bush responded quickly. Sometimes, he appointed a person that a donor had recommended for a position. Other times, he rejected advice about a piece of legislation. It’s an insight […]

Associated PressMarch 12, 2015

Among the many thousands of emails Jeb Bush received as Florida’s governor are a string of notes from campaign donors seeking favors and making suggestions. Invariably, Bush responded quickly. Sometimes, he appointed a person that a donor had recommended for a position. Other times, he rejected advice about a piece of legislation. It’s an insight […]

James CallMarch 12, 2015

Today’s chapter of the “4th Floor Files” talks with lobbyist Taylor Patrick Biehl, a fan of both Bruce Springsteen and Abraham Lincoln. Last year, Biehl and Dr. Jeffry Sharkey created the Medical Marijuana Business Association of Florida. Biehl has been director of governmental affairs for the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, as an associate […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 12, 2015

One of the controversies related to tonight’s Jacksonville mayoral debate was related to the decision not to include Omega Allen, the NPA candidate who got 2% in the recent University of North Florida poll. Despite the best efforts of Republican Lenny Curry, who wrote an open letter requesting her inclusion, debate organizers stuck to their guns and […]

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House Democrats equate FRS to "apple pie" worth defending

Chris Christie lands top Florida fundraiser Meredith O’Rourke

House eyeballing changes to state group insurance plans

Another Charlotte’s Web rule challenge arises, on behalf of sick child

Darren Soto says cities, counties pushing for fracking ban

As Jeb Bush heads to New Hampshire, DNC chair rebuts

Jeb Bush’s emails detail communications with top donors

Jeb Bush's emails detail communications with top donors

4th Floor Files talks with Taylor Patrick Biehl on Springsteen, loyalty and Lincoln

Breaking news: Omega Allen to be at tonight's Jax mayoral debate