Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 7, 2018

With the election behind them, the Republican-led state House is swiftly organizing. On Wednesday, incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva, a Hialeah Republican, unveiled the committee structure for the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. Filling in as Speaker Pro-Tempore is Rep. MaryLynn Magar, a Hobe Sound Republican. She replaces state Rep. Jeannette Nunez, who was elected Lieutenant Governor […]

Drew WilsonMarch 28, 2018

Miami Republican Rep. Manny Diaz Jr. announced Wednesday that he brought in an even $50,000 in the first fundraiser for his Senate District 36 campaign. “This number reflects the growing momentum in our campaign,” Diaz said. “I’m so grateful for the strong community support we have and for all the local leaders from across the […]

Staff ReportsMarch 23, 2018

Miami Republican state Rep. Carlos Trujillo was unanimously approved Thursday as United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States. His nomination was originally floated by the Donald Trump White House in 2017, well ahead of the recently wrapped Legislative Session, but Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin had placed a hold on it. When nominated, Trujillo said […]

Ana CeballosMarch 8, 2018

Legislative leaders closed out the largest proposed budget in state history Thursday that included nearly $90 million in last-minute spending for projects that largely have to do with education. As the House and Senate finalized differences on the roughly $88 billion 2018-19 budget, the supplemental funding — informally known as the “sprinkle fund” — was unveiled in […]

Staff ReportsMarch 7, 2018

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Florida lawmakers will extend their annual session for several days to pass a new $87 billion-plus state budget, which will include a $101.50 increase in per-student funding in public schools. House Speaker Richard Corcoran announced early Wednesday afternoon that legislative leaders had reached agreement on the budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 4, 2018

State funding is absent for affordable housing programs tailored to those affected by last year’s hurricanes. The reason? Unforeseen constraints created by a high-profile $400 million school safety and mental health proposal designed to prevent another school shooting. Budget chiefs Sen. Rob Bradley and Rep. Carlos Trujillo told Florida Politics on Saturday evening that the […]

Ana CeballosMarch 3, 2018

Florida budget leaders Saturday were still grappling with a $7.8 million funding difference on ‘bump’ issues that impact transportation, tourism and economic development. The House and Senate met Saturday night in conference, revealing a $6 million funding gap on Department of Transportation-related items and a $9 million difference on economic opportunity projects. The House and […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 3, 2018

The state is one step closer to restoring funding to its premier land-purchasing fund. On Friday night, budget chiefs Rep. Carlos Trujillo and Sen. Rob Bradley agreed to fund Florida Forever at $100.8 million for fiscal year 2018-2019 — a big jump from last year, when the Legislature did not appropriate anything to the trust. […]

Ana CeballosMarch 3, 2018

Budget conference chairs are now ironing out funding differences between the House and Senate dealing with a wide-range of policy issues. Chairs Sen. Rob Bradley and Rep. Carlos Trujillo are figuring out funding for beach restoration, land acquisition and water projects. Currently, the state Legislature is split over nearly $172 million on appropriations for programs funded through Florida […]

Tag: Carlos Trujillo

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

Incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva names committee chairs

Manny Diaz raises $50K in first Senate fundraiser

Carlos Trujillo confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Organization of American States

House, Senate reach budget deal with $90m in last-minute spending

Legislative leaders reach budget deal, Session extension looms

Hurricane housing programs axed from budget

Budget negotiators face $7.8m gap over transportation, economic development issues

Budget leaders agree to more than $100M for Florida Forever

Final budget items start getting ‘bumped’