Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaApril 2, 2017

Ed. Note: A version of this story ran previously in Saturday’s “Takeaways from Tallahassee” email. It’s long been a Capitol cliché, but there are few pronouncements on a piece of legislation as inauspicious as calling something “a heavy lift.” Saying a bill is “a heavy, heavy lift” sounds even more portending of defeat. Yet that’s how […]

Jim RosicaMarch 30, 2017

As expected, the Senate on Thursday passed its gambling overhaul for this year, including a renewal of exclusive rights to blackjack games for the Seminole Tribe. Sen. Bill Galvano, the chamber’s shepherd of this year’s legislation, told fellow lawmakers he couldn’t promise that “we’ll reach a state of resolution” this session. That said, he expects the […]

Mitch PerryMarch 27, 2017

Legislation that would create a regional transit agency connecting four Tampa Bay-area counties breezed through committees in both the House and Senate last week. The proposed agency would be created in advance of a much anticipated Florida Dept. of Transportation transit study scheduled to be completed next year. “It’s a real project. It’s not just talk. […]

Jim RosicaMarch 23, 2017

Three Legislative Sessions later, the Senate finally passed a bill to allow retailers to sell hard liquor in the same store as other goods. Senators approved the “whiskey and Wheaties” legislation (SB 106) on a 21-17 vote after a debate in which one senator said it would “kill … kids.” Sen. Bill Galvano, the Bradenton Republican who first filed […]

Scott PowersMarch 21, 2017

Bills that would expand Florida’s efforts to control Burmese pythons and other invasive species and to require companies to report toxic spills moved swiftly through a Senate committee Tuesday morning. The toxic spill bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Bill Galvano of Bradenton, is largely a response to the massive Mosaic spill last summer that […]

Peter SchorschMarch 13, 2017

Late last month, former state Sen. John Legg announced that he would not attempt to return to the Legislature in 2018. Had he run, Legg’s best path to victory was thought to be through north Pinellas’ Senate District 16, where incumbent Jack Latvala is term-limited from running again. The person who benefits the most from Legg not […]

Gary FineoutMarch 10, 2017

Setting up a debate over the future of Florida’s colleges and universities, the state Senate passed an ambitious proposal Thursday intended to lift schools in the Sunshine State into the ranks of elite counterparts nationwide. For college students, the legislation means more financial aid and incentives designed to help them graduate faster. For universities, it […]

Jim RosicaMarch 8, 2017

The Excellence in Higher Education Act, a top priority for Senate President Joe Negron, has been set up for a vote by the full Senate. The bill (SB 2), carried by Bradenton Republican Bill Galvano, was discussed Wednesday on the floor. Achieving many of the bill’s goals, which could cost up to $161 million, depend on funding getting approved in […]

Jim RosicaMarch 8, 2017

Bill Galvano, the Florida Senate’s point man on gambling, has told the Seminole Tribe of Florida “inaction … is not an option” this year. Galvano, the Bradenton Republican in line to be Senate President in 2018-20, responded this week to a letter sent by Tribal Chairman Marcellus Osceola to legislative leaders and Gov. Rick Scott. Both […]

Staff ReportsMarch 5, 2017

Think of it as the last hurrah before the 2017 Legislative Session. Members of the House and Senate can’t raise money while the Legislature is session, putting a 60-day pause on fundraising each year. And while that may be good news for their most loyal contributors’ pocketbooks, it does mean you can expect a mad […]

Tag: Bill Galvano

Black clouds loom over this year’s gambling bills

Senate passes 2017 gambling bill

Tampa Bay Partnership on board with Jack Latvala-Dan Raulerson bill creating regional transit agency

Senate passes ‘whiskey & Wheaties’ bill

Bills to expand python control, pollution reporting move on

This fundraising invitation from Ed Hooper has me worried

Can Florida universities and colleges rival rest of nation?

Senate considers Joe Negron’s higher education legislation

Bill Galvano tells Seminole Tribe his gambling bill “will move forward”

Final push for fundraising before 2017 Session kicks off