Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 13, 2015

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There’s a bill floating through both the House and the Senate that has raised nary an eyebrow, but could have some very real implications for people with disabilities in Florida. The agency that runs the program isn’t speaking about it. Organizations that support persons with disabilities have been lukewarm on the issue. One Tampa woman, though, […]

Peter SchorschMarch 10, 2015

Some people, like say Steve Vancore, questioned the wisdom of my taking a vacation during the first week of the 2015 Legislative Session, I had to remind Vancore it was my wife’s birthday last week. And we’ve always sailed on a Disney Cruise for the occasion. And because since I love my wife a million […]

James CallMarch 6, 2015

At the end of the first week of the 2015 Legislative Session, the Capitol City’s newspaper printed an editorial cartoon that compared lobbyists to great white sharks. The cartoon asks which species pose a greater threat to Floridians; paid advocates or Jaws. Psychologists tell us we see what we know and what we know influences […]

James CallMarch 5, 2015

The day that was in Florida politics — March 5. Remember the projected $1 billion surplus lawmakers were going to have when they started writing a state budget? Well, don’t be counting on it. Or, that seemed to be the word spreading through the Capitol on Thursday. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, though, told reporters after […]

Phil AmmannMarch 5, 2015

Veteran broadcaster and communications expert Trimmel Gomes announced Thursday his newest venture, The Rotunda, a weekly podcast focusing on the people and stories shaping Florida politics. The inaugural episode, available Friday on iTunes and other platforms, gives listeners an overview of opening week of the 2015 Legislative Session. Issues will include such as the infamous […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 5, 2015

Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg has proposed a series of amendments to an omnibus transportation bill that could have a drastic effect on red light cameras throughout the state. The amendments to Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles’ SB 1184 would reserve red light cameras as a last-resort safety measure at intersections prone to […]

James CallMarch 4, 2015

At this pace, Florida’s political class may be exhausted by the end of March when budget writers begin deciding what will be left in and what will be taken out of a $77 billion dollar state spending plan. The state Capitol wakened Wednesday with word that Gov. Rick Scott had penned a commentary calling on […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 4, 2015

Despite opposition from numerous equality, healthcare, and social service groups, a House bill making it illegal to use a restroom designated for the opposite sex was voted “favorable” during its first committee stop Wednesday. The Single-Sex Public Facilities bill proposed by South Florida Republican Frank Artiles passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee 9-4 after countless […]

Phil AmmannMarch 4, 2015

As the 2015 Legislative Session begins in earnest, Florida lawmakers will once again consider a “New Deal” to reform gambling statewide. Despite the best intentions of Tallahassee lawmakers, expanded gambling in Florida will always result in higher crime and taxes on residents, says a new ad launching today by the anti-gambling coalition No Casinos. A […]

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. […]

Tag: 2015 legislative session

Vocational rehab program could be on state chopping block

Richard Corcoran has us all right where he wants us …

The week that was in Florida politics

The day that was in Florida politics — March 5

Trimmel Gomes launches “The Rotunda” weekly political podcast

Jeff Brandes proposes major red light camera reform

The day that was in Florida politics — March 4

Same-sex bathroom bill moves through first committee stop

No Casinos launches campaign blasting new gambling reform bill

The day that was in Florida politics — March 3