Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 14, 2016

One of several bills that would overhaul the state’s oversight body for high school athletics was approved again by a House panel Thursday. The Education Committee OK’d the measure (HB 31) by state Rep. Ross Spano, a Dover Republican, without objection. It had been cleared earlier by the Education Appropriations Subcommittee in December during a committee week. Its main […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 14, 2016

Florida House Speaker-Designate Richard Corcoran called out the political system during a speech at Florida Chamber of Commerce Capitol Days, saying it’s part of the reason GOP hopeful Donald Trump is faring so well in the polls. “We are the problem. We are absolutely the enemy and the reason Donald Trump has risen,” said Corcoran, […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 14, 2016

The Florida Education Association, the statewide teachers union, is planning a noon rally in the Capitol courtyard Thursday to show lawmakers their “anger and exasperation” with how the Legislature handles education issues. The group announced the “Enough is Enough!” event in a Wednesday news release. Parents, public school supporters and others “will express their anger […]

William MarchJanuary 13, 2016

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed legislation expanding aid for students with intellectual disabilities and named the program for Senate President Andy Gardiner, who has made what he calls “people with unique abilities” the signature issue of his tenure as president. The bill (SB 672) increases funding from $55 million to $73 million for $10,000-per-year […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 13, 2016

The sausage-making began in earnest Wednesday morning, as the Florida Senate teed up nine bills for final approval and passed a sweeping $95 million educational policy bill and a water protection measure desired by House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. The education bill (SB 672) was sponsored by GOP state Sen. Don Gaetz of Niceville, a former schools superintendent. Among other […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

Floridians overwhelmingly support increased water quality and quantity standards, according to a new poll released Wednesday. The survey, commissioned by Associated Industries of Florida’s H2O Coalition, found 82 percent of respondents said they support a plan that creates new standards for Florida’s water policy and efforts to improve water quality. State lawmakers are expected to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

A bill to allow Floridians to sue for damages sustained in a terrorist attack cleared its first Senate hurdle Monday, receiving unanimous support from the Senate judiciary committee. The bill (SB 996), sponsored by Sen. Joe Negron, creates a civil cause for a person injured by an act of terrorism. Under the Stuart Republican’s bill, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott’s annual State of the State speech didn’t surprise lawmakers from Southwest Florida, they said Tuesday. “I think there are opportunities for success when you’re consistent, and the governor continues to be consistent with his priorities for job growth in the state of Florida,” said Sen. Garrett Richter, a Naples Republican and Senate President […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 12, 2016

Florida’s foremost business trade group congratulated Gov. Rick Scott for his sixth State of the State address, and reaffirmed its support for the governor in the just-opened 2016 Legislative Session. Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) President and CEO Tom Feeney released this statement: “AIF applauds Governor Scott on his State of the State address, and […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

The state House and Senate will pass three bills by the end of the week, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli told members during his opening remarks Tuesday. “As we look ahead to the next 60 days, I want us to double-down,” said Crisafulli, a Merritt Island Republican. “We will do that first by finishing what we […]

Tag: 2016 Legislative Session

High school athletics bill moves in House

Richard Corcoran on Donald Trump’s rise: “We are the problem”

Teachers union plans “Enough is Enough!” rally in capital

Senate passes disabled children bill; now it moves to House

Senate passes education, water bills

Poll: Floridians overwhelmingly support improving water quality standards

Bill to let victims of terrorism sue for damages clears Senate panel

SWFL lawmakers: Few surprises in Rick Scott’s 2016 State of the State speech

AIF heralds Rick Scott’s State of the State address, economic plan

Steve Crisafulli: House, Senate will pass “3 important bills” by end of week