Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieFebruary 13, 2015

When you attend a House appropriations subcommittee where a chairman’s budget proposals are being unveiled, you might expect to hear some tough questions from Democrats and Republicans. And you might be disappointed, at least by the subcommittee that deals with environmental and agricultural spending. Most of the debate I hear in the House occurs only […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 12, 2015

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When you attend a House appropriations subcommittee where a chairman’s budget proposals are being unveiled, you might expect to hear some tough questions from Democrats and Republicans. And you might be disappointed, at least by the subcommittee that deals with environmental and agricultural spending. Most of the debate I hear in the House occurs only […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 8, 2015

Some legislators again are taking aim at water bottling operations in Florida. This week, members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture said they’re concerned about shipping water out of Florida and the effects of pumping during drought and in areas with water shortages. “Obviously there is money being made on use of a public resource […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 5, 2015

Some legislators again are taking aim at water bottling operations in Florida. This week, members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture said they’re concerned about shipping water out of Florida and the effects of pumping during drought and in areas with water shortages. “Obviously there is money being made on use of a public resource […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 30, 2015

Some of Florida’s elected leaders are calling for an open and robust debate on spending under the water and land conservation Amendment 1. But apparently not everyone wants to participate. Amendment 1, approved by 75 percent of voters statewide in November, will provide an estimated $757 million for a range of eligible programs in the […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 29, 2015

Some of Florida’s elected leaders are calling for an open and robust debate on spending under the water and land conservation Amendment 1. But apparently not everyone wants to participate. Amendment 1, approved by 75 percent of voters statewide in November, will provide an estimated $757 million for a range of eligible programs in the […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 16, 2015

A proposed solar energy amendment probably won’t be a walk in the park as Amendment 1 was last year. On Jan. 14, a coalition of energy and conservative groups announced an effort to put an amendment to the Florida Constitution on the ballot in 2016 to remove regulatory barriers to solar energy production. Supporters said […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 15, 2015

A proposed solar energy amendment probably won’t be a walk in the park as Amendment 1 was last year. On Jan. 14, a coalition of energy and conservative groups announced an effort to put an amendment to the Florida Constitution on the ballot in 2016 to remove regulatory barriers to solar energy production. Supporters said […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 8, 2015

When you drive past a huge shopping mall, office park or major housing development, you’re likely passing what planners call a “Development of Regional Impact.” Since 1972, Florida law has regulated these developments by requiring review and comment from state agencies and affected cities and counties. State planners can require developers to reduce harm to […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 8, 2015

When you drive past a huge shopping mall, office park or major housing development, you’re likely passing what planners call a “Development of Regional Impact.” Since 1972, Florida law has regulated these developments by requiring review and comment from state agencies and affected cities and counties. State planners can require developers to reduce harm to […]

Tag: Bruce Ritchie

Bruce Ritchie: Even if budget-writing is unfair, asking tough questions is key

Bruce Ritchie: Even if budget-writing is unfair, asking tough questions is key

Bruce Ritchie: Water bottling continues to draw fire despite small amount of pumping

Bruce Ritchie: Water bottling continues to draw fire despite small amount of pumping

Bruce Ritchie: Make your case publicly on Amendment 1 spending or don’t criticize others

Bruce Ritchie: Make your case publicly on Amendment 1 spending or don’t criticize others

Bruce Ritchie: Solar amendment likely to face tougher fight than conservation Amendment 1

Bruce Ritchie: Solar amendment likely to face tougher fight than conservation Amendment 1

Bruce Ritchie: Former state planning chief wants new state process for reviewing major developments

Bruce Ritchie: Former state planning chief wants new state process for reviewing major developments