Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 8, 2017

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Florida is taking extra steps to boost security at Jewish day schools across the state. Lawmakers tucked $654,000 into the fiscal 2017-18 budget, signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott law week, for security funding for Jewish day schools throughout Florida. The request for funding came after a string of bomb threats against Jewish institutions […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 30, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott hammered state lawmakers over reduced funding for two of his top priorities, but once again declined to say whether he’ll veto the budget when it gets to his desk in the coming days. “I’ve been in business all my life and I love to see people succeed, to take risks, and when […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 30, 2017

The First Amendment Foundation is weighing in on a wide-sweeping education bill, asking Gov. Rick Scott to veto the measure when it gets to his desk. In a letter to Scott on Tuesday, Barbara Petersen, the president of the First Amendment Foundation, said the organization’s concerns “relate only to the lack of transparency in the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 12, 2017

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said he thinks legislators “shortchanged” state colleges and workforce development in the 2017-18 budget, a move that could put a damper on the state’s ability to keep some of the best and brightest in Florida. Putnam officially launched his 2018 gubernatorial campaign Wednesday, and has been traveling the state as part […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 9, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott took a swing at state lawmakers, saying the Legislature turned its back on economic incentive deals that have helped Florida “out compete … top competitors for important jobs.” The Naples Republican released a scathing statement Tuesday, scolding legislative leaders for passing a budget that “was done largely behind closed doors.” Scott said […]

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott is headed to Miami Monday to rally for the release of jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López. The Governor’s Office announced Scott, a Naples Republican, will hold a Freedom Rally at 6 p.m., Monday at El Arepazo 2, 3900 NW 79th Avenue in Miami. He is expected to demand the release of López, who was […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 4, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott chastised state lawmakers for being unable to complete the 2017-18 budget on time, but once again stopped short of saying whether he would veto the entire spending plan once it reaches his desk. “You would expect that when people have a job to do they’d get it done. I’ve been in business […]

Staff ReportsApril 27, 2017

State workers could get a raise under a proposed budget deal being hashed out by state lawmakers, but it could come at a cost. The $82.9 billion budget deal is expected to provide an across-the-board raise for state workers — their first in about nine years, according to Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, for whom the […]

Peter SchorschApril 27, 2017

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There is a deal. House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron announced a settlement Thursday on the major points of difference between their chambers on an $83 million budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and appointed conference committee members to work out the details. The conferees were to begin work […]

Staff ReportsApril 25, 2017

With 10 days until the scheduled end of the 2017 Legislative Session and no allocations on the desk, it’s fair to say things are getting a little heated in Tallahassee. Case in point: An exchange between Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala and House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Larry Ahern on Twitter over the House’s […]

Tag: 2017-18 budget

State budget includes $654K to enhance security at Jewish day schools

Rick Scott still mum on 2017-18 budget veto plans

First Amendment Foundation calls on Rick Scott to veto education bill

Adam Putnam: Lawmakers ‘shortchanged’ state colleges in budget

Rick Scott says he will make veto decision ‘based on what’s best’ for Florida families

Rick Scott to hold rally in Miami to call for release of Leopoldo Lopez

Rick Scott says lawmakers inability to finish budget on time ‘doesn’t make any sense’

Report: State workers to get pay raises, but changes to health benefits could be coming

Budget deal struck, House and Senate leaders appoint conferees

Jack Latvala, Larry Ahern trade budget jabs on Twitter