Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 6, 2015

Senate President Andy Gardiner, who began the session by saying the state needed to have a “discussion” about Medicaid expansion, explained in a memo to senators why he was pushing ahead with a bill that would extend coverage to 800,000 Floridians. The Thursday memo was accompanied with a detailed breakdown of the lengthy bill that […]

Ryan RayMarch 5, 2015

A slate of proposals to create a new statewide framework for assisting people with intellectual disabilities made progress in both chambers of the Legislature Wednesday. SB 7030 and HB 935, sponsored by Sen. Kelli Stargel and Rep. Ray Rodrigues respectively were unanimously passed by House Children, Families & Seniors and Senate Education Appropriations. “Establishing the Florida ABLE Act is […]

James CallMarch 4, 2015

At this pace, Florida’s political class may be exhausted by the end of March when budget writers begin deciding what will be left in and what will be taken out of a $77 billion dollar state spending plan. The state Capitol wakened Wednesday with word that Gov. Rick Scott had penned a commentary calling on […]

Associated PressMarch 3, 2015

The Republican-led Florida Legislature kicked off its annual session Tuesday with the usual pomp, but the celebratory nature was overshadowed by lingering questions about the state budget, tax cuts and health care. The two GOP legislators in charge opened the session by stressing areas on which they plan to work in tandem over the next […]

Associated PressMarch 3, 2015

The Republican-led Florida Legislature kicked off its annual session Tuesday with the usual pomp, but the celebratory nature was overshadowed by lingering questions about the state budget, tax cuts and health care. The two GOP legislators in charge opened the session by stressing areas on which they plan to work in tandem over the next […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

The Florida House and Senate have a joint work plan but when Sen. President Andy Gardiner recapped day one of the 2015 Legislative Session the conversation shed light on the issues separating the chambers. The different priorities will be the bargaining chips lawmakers will exchange over the next 10 weeks of policymaking and budget writing. […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 3, 2015

While they are hesitant to implement Obamacare provisions and expand access to health care, Florida legislators overwhelmingly tap into the benefits made available to them either for free or deeply discounted rates. Thirty-six of Florida’s 40 state senators are enrolled in the state health insurance plan and 39 of them enroll in the dental plan, […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

Senate President Andy Gardiner spoke with reporters for about 10 minutes Tuesday after the Senate adjourned its first session of the 2015 Legislative Session. The discussion highlighted the differences separating the House and Senate as they begin writing a state budget and addressing other priorities. While the Senate is focused on prison reform, providing access […]

Ryan RayMarch 3, 2015

In keeping with the tone set by the Weatherford-Gaetz style of legislative leadership, Senate President Andy Gardiner passed a bill on the first day of Session. SB 2, the Vicky Q. Gaetz Racing Greyhound Protection Act sponsored by Democratic Sen. Eleanor Sobel of Hollywood, was approved by the full Senate Tuesday. “Racing greyhounds are prone to injuries, which can […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 3, 2015

House and Senate leaders touted water policy during opening speeches of the legislative session while Gov. Rick Scott again said he’s proposing more than required under Amendment 1. And House Speaker Steve Crisafulli warned that he’s reluctant to support an increase in land-buying despite Amendment 1, the water and land conservation funding initiative approved by […]

Tag: Andy Gardiner
Image via FPL.

Senate President Andy Gardiner memos members: “We have the obligation to make coverage affordable …”

Florida ABLE act moves swiftly through House, Senate panels

The day that was in Florida politics — March 4

Budget, health care issues cloud Legislature's opening day

Budget, health care issues cloud Legislature’s opening day

The day that was in Florida politics — March 3

Most legislators say yes to free or deeply discounted dental and health benefits

Day One with Andy Gardiner: Medicaid, greyhounds, water and a “long way to go”

Senate unanimously passes greyhound injury reporting bill on opening day

Session openers: Rick Scott touts enviro spending, Steve Crisafulli warns against land-buying