Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallMarch 3, 2015

The Florida House and Senate have a joint work plan but when Sen. President Andy Gardiner recapped day one of the 2015 Legislative Session the conversation shed light on the issues separating the chambers. The different priorities will be the bargaining chips lawmakers will exchange over the next 10 weeks of policymaking and budget writing. […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 3, 2015

A bipartisan group of House and Senate members on Tuesday announced their support of a 21-page bill that would better fund community mental health services and, among other things, establish a data collection system populated with information about individuals receiving publicly funded substance abuse and mental health disorders. In kicking off the press conference on […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 3, 2015

A bipartisan group of House and Senate members on Tuesday announced their support of a 21-page bill that would better fund community mental health services and, among other things, establish a data collection system populated with information about individuals receiving publicly funded substance abuse and mental health disorders. In kicking off the press conference on […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 3, 2015

While they are hesitant to implement Obamacare provisions and expand access to health care, Florida legislators overwhelmingly tap into the benefits made available to them either for free or deeply discounted rates. Thirty-six of Florida’s 40 state senators are enrolled in the state health insurance plan and 39 of them enroll in the dental plan, […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

Senate President Andy Gardiner spoke with reporters for about 10 minutes Tuesday after the Senate adjourned its first session of the 2015 Legislative Session. The discussion highlighted the differences separating the House and Senate as they begin writing a state budget and addressing other priorities. While the Senate is focused on prison reform, providing access […]

Ryan RayMarch 3, 2015

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association — a group with outsized importance in this state’s tourism-reliant economy — issued a statement Tuesday excoriating the proposal released Monday by House Majority Leader Dana Young. “We will continue to fight this legislation, along with any other measure that seeks to expand gambling under the false pretense that it […]

Julie DelegalMarch 3, 2015

And you thought the Obamacare web rollout had problems. Computer malfunctions, brand new curriculum standards and unparalleled stress have characterized the debut of the new Florida Standards Assessments. But could Florida’s testing debacle be alleviated by a stroke of the governor’s pen? On Monday, 36 of Florida’s 67 counties – more than half – experienced […]

Guest AuthorMarch 3, 2015

There was a report recently that the Democratic Party, which is coming off a huge midterm defeat in the recent congressional elections, is doing some soul-searching. The Democratic National Committee released a preliminary report from its “Democratic Victory Task Force” outlining a number of steps to improve the party’s branding, messaging and outreach. It seems […]

Ryan RayMarch 3, 2015

In keeping with the tone set by the Weatherford-Gaetz style of legislative leadership, Senate President Andy Gardiner passed a bill on the first day of Session. SB 2, the Vicky Q. Gaetz Racing Greyhound Protection Act sponsored by Democratic Sen. Eleanor Sobel of Hollywood, was approved by the full Senate Tuesday. “Racing greyhounds are prone to injuries, which can […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 3, 2015

House and Senate leaders touted water policy during opening speeches of the legislative session while Gov. Rick Scott again said he’s proposing more than required under Amendment 1. And House Speaker Steve Crisafulli warned that he’s reluctant to support an increase in land-buying despite Amendment 1, the water and land conservation funding initiative approved by […]

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The day that was in Florida politics — March 3

Legislators say now is the time to fix the state's mental health and substance abuse delivery sytem

Legislators say now is the time to fix the state’s mental health and substance abuse delivery sytem

Most legislators say yes to free or deeply discounted dental and health benefits

Day One with Andy Gardiner: Medicaid, greyhounds, water and a “long way to go”

Florida restaurant, hotel lobby blasts Dana Young’s new gaming bill

Julie Delegal: Gov. Scott, give kids a break from computer-plagued tests

Steve Kurlander: Mission Impossible for Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Senate unanimously passes greyhound injury reporting bill on opening day

Session openers: Rick Scott touts enviro spending, Steve Crisafulli warns against land-buying