Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 7, 2019

Ron DeSantis takes office Tuesday, and his first moves after swearing-in could occupy headlines for weeks to come. Speaking to reporters after an inaugural event Monday, DeSantis said his early actions as Governor will include appointing three Supreme Court justices, announcing news of his administration’s stance on medical-marijuana lawsuits and possibly taking action against Broward […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 7, 2019

While the rest of us were enjoying some downtime during the holidays, Miami-based Converge Government Affairs was busy building a sister public affairs firm, Converge GPS. Converge chairman Jonathan Kilman announced the launch of Converge GPS (short for Global Public Strategies), which will be an affiliated but separate, bipartisan firm focused on public affairs, corporate communications and political […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 2, 2019

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Ellen Fournier is no longer chief legislative analyst for the Senate Committee on Finance and Tax. On: In the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Cindy Kynoch is staff director. Jamie DeLoach and Ross McSwain are deputy staff directors. McSwain worked previously as staff […]

Jacob OglesJanuary 2, 2019

A new year means lower workers’ compensation insurance bills in Florida. The state Office of Insurance Regulation in November approved an overall 13.8 percent decrease in workers’ compensation insurance rates for 2019, which went into effect on Tuesday. That marks two consecutive years of decreases for Florida employers. The rate dropped 9.5 percent in 2018. […]

Drew WilsonDecember 19, 2018

The new year is nearly upon us, and that means it’s time to start fundraising for 2020 and the slate of special elections lined up for the Florida Legislature. Top Republican lawmakers plan to do just that. According to an invitation obtained by Florida Politics, Senate President Bill Galvano and House Speaker Jose Oliva will […]

Ryan NicolDecember 18, 2018

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Former Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes is suing to get her job back after she was suspended by Gov. Rick Scott. Snipes filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee against Scott and Senate President Bill Galvano. Galvano has said the Senate would not review the suspension despite a constitutional ability […]

Ryan NicolDecember 13, 2018

Senate President Bill Galvano on Thursday said his chamber won’t act on Broward County Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes‘ suspension by Gov. Rick Scott. The reason: Not enough time. Galvano also points to a 1934 Florida Supreme Court advisory opinion that suggests Snipes’ rescinding her resignation doesn’t count. Under the state constitution, the Senate is responsible for […]

Michael MolineDecember 5, 2018

A gag order has been issued in the sexual harassment case brought against the Florida Senate by legislative aide Rachel Perrin Rogers, blocking attorneys and others from discussing the matter with the press. That’s according to Katie Betta, spokeswoman for the Senate, who said she was barred from even providing a copy of the order. “I am sorry, but pursuant […]

Phil AmmannDecember 5, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round in the Florida Senate. Off and on: Andrew Liebert and Jae Williams became legislative assistants, and Karen Whaley became district secretary for Republican Sen. Ben Albritton of Bartow. Williams previously worked for former Sen. Denise Grimsley. Whaley worked with […]

Scott PowersNovember 30, 2018

Democratic state Sen. Linda Stewart has refiled a bill to create a license plate honoring Orlando’s united spirit and efforts for a memorial after the 2016 Pulse massacre, and said she’s also seeking a $1 million state grant to help support the planned Pulse memorial in Orlando. Stewart, whose Orlando district includes Pulse nightclub, the […]

Tag: Bill Galvano

Pot, justices, suspensions: Ron DeSantis’ busy first weeks

Converge, the gov’t affairs firm founded by Jonathan Kilman, plots major expansion with new public affairs affiliate

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Workers’ compensation insurance rates drop for second year

Top Florida GOP lawmakers hosting annual Mardi Gras fundraiser Feb. 9

Brenda Snipes sues to stay on as Broward Elections Supervisor

Bill Galvano says Senate won’t act on Brenda Snipes suspension

Gag order issued in Rachel Perrin Rogers matter

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round (Senate version)

Linda Stewart refiles Orlando United plate bill, seeks money for Pulse memorial