Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryApril 30, 2015

We finally have a challenger to Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential nomination contest. Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, 73, officially announces his candidacy Thursday, though he says he won’t give a big speech noting the event until May 26. “I’ve been traveling around the country for the last year trying to ascertain whether there […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 29, 2015

As the dysfunctional 2015 regular legislative session continued on Wednesday with the Florida Senate threatening to sue the House for its abrupt sine die, Gov. Rick Scott floated to the media details about the hospital and health care commission he plans on convening. Scott released a draft outline of the commission that shows he plans […]

James CallApril 29, 2015

Instead of a Doctor of the Day, when the Florida House and Senate next meet, maybe they should consider a psychologist, counselor or mediator. After an exchange of insults and letters Wednesday it became even more uncertain when the two chambers will be able to begin budget negotiations. The gulf between the Florida House and […]

Mitch PerryApril 29, 2015

Less than half an hour after Senate President Andy Gardiner sent a letter to House Speaker Steve Crisafulli on Wednesday asking him to bring the House back into Session, Crisafulli responded forcefully. He’s not doing it. The defiant speaker chastised the Senate in the letter, referring to bills the House has passed but have yet to get […]

Mitch PerryApril 29, 2015

A day after House Speaker Steve Crisafulli stunned lawmakers by adjourning the House of Representatives three days early, Senate President Andy Gardiner responded He called on Crisafulli to bring the House back into session by this Friday afternoon. In a letter to Crisafulli, Gardiner quotes Article III, section 3 of the Florida Constitution, which states: “Neither house […]

Bruce RitchieApril 29, 2015

A House bill establishing comprehensive water policy was amended and passed by the Senate on Wednesday, but was dead because the House had adjourned on Tuesday. House bills dealing with hydraulic fracturing were not voted on in the Senate because their Senate sponsor said they lacked the two-thirds vote needed. The 2015 Legislative Session continued […]

Bruce RitchieApril 28, 2015

The Florida House adjourned the 2015 Legislative Session on Tuesday, leaving bills dealing with water policy, hydraulic fracturing, septic tank waste and Duke Energy Florida in doubt. As the Senate was discussing fracking legislation, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli told House members there was no reason to keep House members in Tallahassee because of an impasse […]

James CallApril 28, 2015

Medical marijuana advocates are now looking to 2016. One of the casualties of the budget debate waging between the House and Senate is a glitch bill for last year’s Charlotte’s Web law. SPB 7066 died Tuesday when the House unexpectedly adjourned the 2015 session three days early. “I have never seen more lobbyists with their […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 28, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott filed a lawsuit in federal court in Pensacola on Tuesday seeking declaratory relief that the Obama administration violated the U.S. Constitution by withholding supplemental Medicaid funding from the state in the form of Low Income Pool money. The lawsuit was filed shortly after the House of Representatives announced it was adjourning for […]

Ryan RayApril 28, 2015

Former Senate Democratic leader Sen. Chris Smith debated on the Senate floor against SB 284, a private property rights enhancement bill telling his colleagues — coyly at first — “It’s hard to argue against a bill with so many House co-sponsors,” and later, more directly, “I mean, if we want to send a message …” […]

Tag: Andy Gardiner
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Mitch Perry Report for 4.30.15 — Hillary Clinton finally has challenger

Rick Scott releases plan to examine hospitals’, insurance companies’ profits

Senate President, House Speaker exchange letters as budget dispute deepens

Steve Crisafulli refuses to bring Florida House back into Session

Senate President calls on House to return, finish Session

Water, fracking bills die as Senate meets without House

Fracking, land management and water bills left in doubt

Medical marijuana advocates disappointed, look to 2016

Rick Scott sues feds over Obamacare, Low Income Pool dollars

Bills dying en masse as House adjourns Sine Die