Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Christine Jordan SextonJune 8, 2015

As lawmakers work on a 2015-16 spending plan with a $1 billion Low Income Pool for health care spending, Gov. Rick Scott continues to push for more money and is looking to the courts to help him get it. On Monday, attorneys for the governor filed a five-page motion with the federal court in Pensacola […]

Christine Jordan SextonJune 3, 2015

A faux newspaper dubbed the Florida Capitol Times should arrive Wednesday in the mailboxes of 500,000 voters in swing districts across the state. The mailer was sent by the group called A Healthy Florida Works, said Jennifer Fennell, a spokesperson for the group, which is affiliated with Associated Industries of Florida. The Florida Hospital Association — […]

Guest AuthorApril 27, 2015

The onshore oil and gas industry has been under heavy scrutiny during the 2015 Legislative Session, as GOP Sen. Garrett Richter of Naples and GOP Rep. Ray Rodrigues of Estero have filed legislation to provide regulatory certainty to the state of Florida that will ensure the industry is appropriately regulated. The legislation, Senate Bill 1468 […]

Guest AuthorApril 27, 2015

The onshore oil and gas industry has been under heavy scrutiny during the 2015 legislative session, as Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, and Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, have filed legislation to provide regulatory certainty to the state of Florida that will ensure this industry is appropriately regulated. This legislation, Senate Bill 1468 and House Bill 1205, […]

Bruce RitchieApril 27, 2015

A bill that Republicans said would clamp down on oil and gas hydraulic fracturing but some Democrats said would provide a welcome mat for the practice passed the House 82-34 on Monday. HB 1205, one of the most controversial environmental bills of the 2015 Legislative Session, passed the House largely along party lines. The Florida […]

Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

A bill that would eliminate a state review program for shopping malls, huge housing projects and other large developments passed the House on Friday and is on the way to the governor. Supporters of SB 1216 said the “developments of regional impact” program was burdensome, redundant and actually discouraged the development of planned communities. The Legislature […]

Guest AuthorApril 22, 2015

The state of California is known for many things, including red carpets, wine country and high taxes. But recently, the Golden State has also become known for its struggle with a crisis other states like Florida are working to avoid: a severe water shortage that threatens its economy, its environment and the livelihood of millions […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 22, 2015

The Legislature should focus its efforts on securing continued supplemental Medicaid funding for Florida hospitals but not push ahead with a plan to provide health insurance access to uninsured Floridians. So said Florida Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Wilson in a memo Wednesday. The memo, directed to the Chamber’s board of directors and […]

Bruce RitchieApril 21, 2015

A Senate water bill passed its final committee stop on Tuesday despite continuing concerns raised by counties and environmentalists. SB 918 replaces a Lake Okeechobee pollution permitting program with more reliance on water cleanup plans, sets deadlines for establishing minimum flow levels for springs, sets timelines for springs cleanup plans and creates a statewide advisory […]

Guest AuthorApril 21, 2015

Florida’s schools are supposed to prepare our students for success in life. Whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce, we expect that students are ready for the real world based on what they learn in the classroom. But there is one area where we are perpetually failing the next generation: financial literacy and managing […]

Tag: Associated Industries of Florida

Rick Scott demands mediation in Medicaid lawsuit with feds as lawmakers craft budget

A Healthy Florida Works drops faux newspaper on 500,000 voters

Brewster Bevis: Support regulatory certainty for oil and gas industry

Brewster Bevis: Ignore 'fracking' charge; support commonsense oil & gas regulations

Fracking regulation bill passes House but records bill stalls

Bill eliminating state development review program goes to governor

Tom Feeney: Don't import California's water-planning woes to Florida

Chamber says focus should be Medicaid financing, not expansion

Senate bill clears final committee stop despite concerns from counties, environmentalists

Sen. Jeremy Ring: Money matters for Florida’s high school students