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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 […]

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 […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 3, 2015

Progressive activists across the state are calling on the Florida Legislature to take up five key issues voted on by supporters of the group Progress Florida. During a rally Tuesday at Spa Beach near the downtown St. Pete Pier, about 20 activists announced their agenda, which includes increasing the minimum wage, expanding healthcare and Medicaid, […]

Phil AmmannMarch 3, 2015

Hours away from the start of the annual 60-day Legislative Session, and the Florida Democratic Party already had a prediction. For them, it is as if the next two months will never happen. “Empty words for middle class, handouts for special interests,” leads the latest FDP email blast to supporters, blowing the Democratic dog whistle […]

Phil AmmannMarch 3, 2015

With a message of hope for the next 60 days, Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli issued his official statement Tuesday morning to open the 2015 Legislative Session. Borrowing its theme from Florida’s 19th century state motto — “Leave Us Alone” — the Broward County Republican said he was glad the state turned away from its […]

James CallMarch 1, 2015

Tallahassee will become the capital city this week when lawmakers arrive at the state capitol Tuesday for the 2015 Legislative Session and begin debate on how to spend $77 billion. Other issues as well will be considered during the next 10 weeks; developing a state water policy, curbing the use of standardize test in public […]

Brendan FarringtonMarch 1, 2015

Conservation land purchases, beer growlers, tax cuts, guns on state university campuses, medical marijuana and even where transgender people can go to the bathroom will all be issues that will come up during Florida’s 2015 legislative session. The only requirement lawmakers have under Florida law is to approve the state budget, but there’s always so […]

Brendan FarringtonMarch 1, 2015

Conservation land purchases, beer growlers, tax cuts, guns on state university campuses, medical marijuana and even where transgender people can go to the bathroom will all be issues that will come up during Florida’s 2015 legislative session. The only requirement lawmakers have under Florida law is to approve the state budget, but there’s always so […]

Phil AmmannMarch 1, 2015

Before the gavel falls on Tuesday to open Florida’s 2015 Legislative Session, before Gov. Rick Scott gives his annual State of the State missive, there is a final blast from the Tallahassee “river of green.” “Old Corruptible” makes its last hurrah, before falling silent for the next 60 days. Today, editorial cartoonist Bill Day casts […]

Tag: 2015 legislative session

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

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

2015 Awake the State rallies take on quieter tone

Email insights: Democrats blow the dog whistle for 2015 Session

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli issues challenge to 2015 Session

The week ahead: Tally turns into Capital City

Budget, beer, guns, pot and potties on lawmakers' agenda

Budget, beer, guns, pot and potties on lawmakers’ agenda

Bill Day’s latest: Old Corruptible