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Staff ReportsJanuary 14, 2016

A major trio of political players at the Florida Capitol are happy with the progress made Thursday on big-ticket priorities in the Legislature. The H2O Coalition, a water policy consortium affiliated with Associated Industries of Florida, applauded the further progress of what it calls comprehensive water reform in the Legislature. The praise comes after the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 14, 2016

The state House of Representatives knocked out three pieces of priority legislation Thursday, sending two measures — a wide-ranging water policy bill and an education bill expanding scholarships to students with disabilities — to the governor. “I think this just sets the tone,” Senate President Andy Gardiner said after the House adjourned Thursday. “I think you’re […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 14, 2016

The Senate Committee on Children, Families and Elder Affairs, chaired by Hollywood Democratic Sen. Eleanor Sobel, on Thursday unanimously passed Senate Bill 12, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, sponsored by Hialeah Republican Sen. Rene Garcia to improve the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services. “Our current system of behavioral health services is fragmented […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

The defining debate of the 2016 Legislative session? Tax cuts. That was Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s prediction Wednesday during Florida TaxWatch’s inaugural State of the Taxpayer Dinner. The event featured several state lawmakers, including Putnam and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. “If you think about the foundation of this organization and what this state has […]

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 […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 13, 2016

On Wednesday, the Senate passed a major water bill, a major priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and the object of much interest on the part of environmentalist community as well. Reactions from significant groups and individuals will continue to flow in as the debate goes forward, but for now here’s a look at what some of […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 13, 2016

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has as much local political momentum for his pension tax plan as he could want. Everyone on City Council co-sponsored a resolution of support, which passed Tuesday night. However, Senate co-sponsor Rob Bradley is the first to say that getting it through both chambers in Tallahassee is a “heavy lift.” To that end, […]

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 […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2016

On the first day of the 2016 Legislative Session, Senate President Andy Gardiner made a promise that Gov. Rick Scott would get three bills by the end of the week. Gardiner, an Orlando Republican, spoke during the Senate’s first floor Session for 2016, with Scott sitting in the first row. The first measure is statewide […]

Brendan FarringtonJanuary 12, 2016

The Legislature will begin its annual session early this year with the hopes of avoiding the chaos and dysfunction that marked the 2015 Session and three special sessions that followed. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner say the past is the past and there’s no lingering animosity after the two chambers found […]

Tag: Andy Gardiner

Big-name groups, leaders trumpet progress on legislative priorities

House OKs priorities for Steve Crisafulli, Andy Gardiner

Senate committee passes legislation to improve delivery of mental health, substance abuse services

Cabinet members praise ‘taxpayer friendly’ policies during Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer dinner

Senate passes disabled children bill; now it moves to House

Major players react to Senate passage of water legislation

Lenny Curry again scheduled to hilt in Tallahassee

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

Andy Gardiner promises first 3 bills this session

Gambling, guns, tax cuts and more facing Florida lawmakers