Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonFebruary 10, 2018

Senate President-designate Bill Galvano and Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson raised big money for their political committees ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session according to newly filed campaign finance reports. Galvano continued to raise substantial funds for the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. After a record-setting Q3 effort, the Galvano-controlled FRSCC raised $844,950 in December, putting Galvano’s […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 8, 2018

Lawmakers, take note: More than three-quarters of likely Florida voters favor a proposed state constitutional amendment “that would require voter approval to authorize casino gambling in the state,” according to poll results released Thursday. A ballot question will be before voters in November as Amendment 3, or the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. “When initially asked […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 6, 2018

A Senate committee Tuesday advanced legislation to repurpose $60 million annually for alternative transportation projects in both Miami-Dade County and the Tampa Bay area. Sponsored by Tampa Republican Dana Young, SB 1200 would use money from an existing $240 million rail fund. Speaking to members of the Senate Transportation Committee, Young explained that the money comes from Florida Rail […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 6, 2018

The Senate’s point man on gambling issues Tuesday said he sees “a way forward” on a grand gambling bargain—but also suggested lawmakers may have to fold ’em and walk away. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, is representing his chamber as he and House Speaker-designate Jose Oliva try to land a comprehensive gambling bill that’s eluded […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 2, 2018

Two Democratic lawmakers are calling for “meaningful dialogue” before moving on legislation to consolidate the University of South Florida campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee with the main Tampa campus. State Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Ben Diamond, who represent St. Petersburg in the Legislature, sent a joint letter Friday to USF Board of Trustees President Brian Lamb. It is just […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2018

A lawyer for the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Friday said his client is offended over gambling that violates its exclusive agreement with the state and won’t agree to a new deal unless “the games end.” Barry Richard, the Tribe’s outside counsel, and tribal leaders met with Sen. Bill Galvano and Rep. Jose Oliva this week […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2018

The House on Friday dropped its 83-page omnibus gambling bill for 2018, which reads like a love letter to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and a poison pen missive to nearly all the other gambling interests in the state. Industry representatives privately admitted the legislation—overseen by Speaker-designate Jose Oliva—was a placeholder for the House to pass, […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2018

State government can’t count on continued money from Seminole Tribe of Florida casinos, a roundtable of state economists decided Thursday. After taking a pass on the issue earlier this month, the Revenue Estimating Conference agreed to label the money—over $200 million a year—”nonrecurring.” In other words, not likely to repeat. Lawmakers can still decide to count the expected funds […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 22, 2018

A contentious bill that would expand the state’s school voucher system to allow children who are bullied to use tax dollars to pay private school tuition was approved by a Senate committee Monday. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano’s bill (SB 1172) would establish the Hope Scholarship Program to provide the parent of a public school student subjected […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2018

Top Republican lawmakers posted big fundraising reports for their political committees in December, with future Senate President Wilton Simpson leading the pack at $427,000 raised last month. Simpson’s committee, Jobs for Florida, took in 31 contributions from Dec. 1 through New Year’s Eve and a pair of committees chaired by Ryan Tyson – Floridians for […]

Tag: Bill Galvano

Bill Galvano, Wilton Simpson raised big money in January

Poll: 76 percent support constitutional amendment on gambling

Senate advances funding for alternative transit in Tampa, Miami

Bill Galvano hopeful—but not betting—on gambling resolution

Darryl Rouson, Ben Diamond worry of ‘unintended consequences’ in USF consolidation

Seminole Tribe ‘insulted,’ doesn’t need gambling deal, lawyer says

House gambling bill to pari-mutuels: Drop dead

‘Risky money’: Gambling dollars unlikely to repeat, forecasters say

Legislation: Bullied kids could transfer to private school

Top Republican lawmakers added major cash in December