Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Lloyd DunkelbergerOctober 23, 2017

Sen. Bill Galvano, a 51-year-old lawyer from Bradenton, will be designated Tuesday by Senate Republicans as the next president of the Florida Senate. The Republican lawmaker will lead the 40-member Senate for two years after the November 2018 general elections, assuming the Republicans hold their majority — now at a 24-16 margin — in the […]

Peter SchorschOctober 10, 2017

Florida families by the millions are aspiring to a new American dream – debt-free college education for their children. Considering the myriad challenges facing the Sunshine State, Senate President Joe Negron believes nearly everyone can agree that improving opportunities for Florida students must be placed at the top of the list. That is why the […]

Associated PressAugust 30, 2017

Republicans in the Florida Senate are moving ahead again with an ambitious proposal to boost financial aid for college students. Sen. Bill Galvano filed a bill (SB 4) Wednesday that would require the state to permanently cover 100 or 75 percent of all tuition costs for top high school students who attend a Florida university […]

Gary FineoutMay 9, 2017

Nearly a decade after the Great Recession, Florida may finally restore one of its main programs that aids students headed to college. The state Legislature late Monday approved an overhaul of the state’s higher education system that is intended to lift schools in the Sunshine State into the ranks of elite counterparts. A key part […]

Associated PressMarch 9, 2017

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College students in Florida could soon get extra help under an ambitious proposal passed by the Florida Senate. The Florida Senate voted 35-1 Thursday for an overhaul of the state’s higher education system that is a top priority for Senate President Joe Negron. It boosts financial aid and calls for new programs to help universities […]

Associated PressSeptember 19, 2016

Florida’s state university system may ask legislators to expand the state’s popular Bright Futures scholarship program to cover summer courses. The Board of Governors plans to discuss this week whether to ask the Florida Legislature to set aside nearly $50 million so eligible students can use the scholarship for classes taken during the summer terms. […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 13, 2016

Fewer than two out of every 10 Florida high school graduates qualify for a Bright Futures scholarship that helps pay their tuition and fees at state universities and colleges. New data, being reviewed by the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, shows the number may be improving, with an initial projection suggesting it could […]

Ryan RayMarch 24, 2016

A day after signing nine bills into law on Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott gave final approval to 33 bills passed during the 2016 Legislative Session late Thursday morning. The raft of newly enacted legislation includes HB 93 by Democratic Rep. Shevrin Jones, which requires Florida law enforcement agencies to “establish policies and procedures regarding the use” of police body cameras. […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 30, 2015

In recent years, Florida House District 63 has become that rarity in state politics, a full-fledged swing district in Hillsborough County. Republican Shawn Harrison defeated Democratic incumbent Mark Danish there last November, a reversal of the 2010 contest when Danish bested the then-GOP incumbent. Harrison originally won the seat in 2010 over Democrat Russ Paterson. Now […]

Guest AuthorDecember 9, 2013

I have always admired the name of the state’s ambitious higher education financial aid program, “Bright Futures.” It says much about the intent of the state of Florida. The program was designed to help the state’s “best and brightest” high school seniors. But the name also connotes the state’s intent to create a future that […]

Tag: Bright Futures

Bill Galvano brings policy skills to top Senate post

Expanding Bright Futures makes good policy, better politics

Florida will again consider college financial aid boost

Florida may restore college aid lost during Great Recession

Florida Senate says yes to more help for college students

Florida universities may push for summer scholarships

Bright Futures renewals decline, scholarships could drop 20 percent

Rick Scott signs raft of 33 bills into law

Democrat Mike Reedy enters HD 63 race

Ed Moore: Let’s keep a bright focus on ‘Bright Futures’ program