Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Gary FineoutFebruary 3, 2016

Saying Florida cities and counties must “follow the rule of law,” the Florida House passed a sweeping immigration measure Wednesday that would penalize those who don’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Florida is one of several states considering a crackdown on so-called “sanctuary cities.” The House voted 80-38 for the bill that could lead to […]

Ryan RayFebruary 1, 2016

The Senate Health Policy committee narrowly approved pair of closely watched health care bills Monday afternoon, auguring much more debate still to come about the proposals. Bills to weaken the state’s “certificates of need” regime for hospital licensing, and to shield patients from a medical collections practice known as “balance billing” passed by votes of […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 27, 2016

Observers of the state Legislature in Tallahassee will recall the backlash that ensued after the Florida House passed a measure last year that effectively codified existing law that same-sex couples could adopt. The bill, sponsored by Miami Beach Democrat Dave Richardson, ultimately made it through the Senate, but not before there was another measure sponsored […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 26, 2016

Efforts to expand telehealth options in Florida are moving through the state Legislature, and the state Senate on Tuesday approved a measure (SB 1686) aimed at improving access. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Bean, defines telehealth, creates a telehealth task force, and authorizes healthcare practitioners in Florida to participate in telehealth. The measure passed […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 25, 2016

Without a doubt, the most interesting Senate committee meeting of the new Florida Legislative Session for Jacksonville will occur Tuesday morning. The Committee on Community Affairs meets to consider nine bills, but it’s the sixth that should interest Jacksonville locals. The Discretionary Sales Surtax bill, introduced by Sen. Rob Bradley and co-sponsored by Sen. Aaron […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 20, 2016

“Let’s go get ’em!” The always enthusiastic Senator Aaron Bean enthused in a card about Jax Mayor Lenny Curry‘s trip to Tallahassee to sell the pension surtax, intended to address the unfunded liability. “My Senate colleagues are telling me how great you did in talking and framing the issue,” Bean said, before saying “thank you so much […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 14, 2016

With the MLK Birthday Breakfast Friday calling him back to Jacksonville, Mayor Lenny Curry will wrap up his Tallahassee trip Thursday after meetings galore. One would surmise that those meetings are intended to create buy-in for his pension sales tax proposal, which some worry was advanced a bit late for this Legislative Session. Curry’s meeting schedule […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 13, 2016

One of the big stories of last legislative session: Rick Scott was not on the “Bean Team,” with budget vetoes that shocked Aaron Bean, as Tia Mitchell wrote. Since then, Bean has attempted to mend fences. Steve Bousquet documented Bean’s awkward sounding attempt to rebuild a relationship last year. And now, Bean has kissed Scott’s ring anew, signing on in support of […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 11, 2016

Welcome to the Congressional District 6 GOP race, Brandon Patty. One campaign, that of former New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer, has already taken notice. Charles Steen, political director for the Adam Barringer campaign, offered a quote on Monday zinging Patty and his backers for not living in CD 6. “We welcome Brandon Patty to the race and look […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 11, 2016

Along with lawmakers, lobbyists and journalists who are back in Tallahassee this week for the beginning of the 2016 Legislative Session will be immigration activists, concerned about a number of bills being proposed this session. Two busloads of activists are scheduled to depart from Tampa and Homestead on Monday, with two more scheduled to depart from Polk County […]

Tag: Aaron Bean
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House passes sweeping immigration measure

Senate health care panel narrowly advances CON, balance billing changes

Mitch Perry Report for 1.27.16 – “Pastor Protection Act” moves through state Senate

Capitol Reax: Telehealth, Dozier School for Boys, dental plans, economic incentives

Senate panel to discuss Jacksonville’s pension liability surtax Tuesday

Aaron Bean gives Lenny Curry high marks for pension tax pitch

Lenny Curry wraps up Tallahassee junket Thursday with more pension tax meetings

Aaron Bean courts Rick Scott, backs Enterprise Florida

Adam Barringer CD 6 campaign zings Brandon Patty for not living in district

Immigration activists to descend upon Tallahassee this week