Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2016

The panel behind a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling again posted no new fundraising as of its April report. But Voters in Charge has nearly burned through the $195,000 given to it as seed money from the No Casinos anti-gambling expansion organization — awkwardly misspelled in a report as “No Cashinos.” The committee’s campaign finance report […]

Jim RosicaApril 27, 2016

If it’s approved, would a proposed constitutional amendment outlaw currently legal kinds of gambling? A panel of state economic analysts debated the question on Tuesday. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference, a slate of economists for the Legislature and executive branches, held a public workshop in Tallahassee on the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. It would “ensure that Florida […]

Jim RosicaMarch 31, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday barely approved a proposed state constitutional amendment on solar power for the 2016 ballot. In a 4-3 decision, the court OK’d the amendment in question, called “Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice.” It’s backed by Consumers For Smart Solar, supported by the state’s biggest private utilities, including Duke Energy Florida, Florida […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2016

A proposed constitutional amendment to give voters more control over gambling has reported passing the signature threshold to merit consideration by the state’s highest court. The Voter Control of Gambling amendment has 69,336 signatures as of Monday morning, more than the 10 percent of total signatures needed to trigger Florida Supreme Court review. It’s the first step toward […]

Jim RosicaMarch 2, 2016

The Tallahassee attorney for Earthjustice, a national environmental law organization, is calling a proposed state constitutional amendment on solar power “a disguised attempt to derail rooftop solar in Florida.” The Florida Supreme Court had scheduled oral arguments for the hotly contested proposal for 11 a.m. March 7 with no more than 30 minutes allowed for each side. Among […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 24, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday rescheduled oral arguments for a hotly-contested proposed constitutional amendment on solar power. Arguments are now set for 11 a.m. on March 7, the court announced, with no more than 30 minutes allowed for each side. Among other requirements, proposed amendments to the state constitution must be OK’d by the court to ensure they cover only […]

Scott PowersFebruary 10, 2016

Four years after the Orange County Commission was presented a citizen petition for a ballot initiative it wanted nothing to do with, officials are preparing stricter requirements for residents to put ordinances on the countywide ballot. The Orange County Charter Review Commission on Thursday will be voting to recommend a host of proposed charter changes that would require […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 19, 2016

The head of an anti-gambling expansion group Tuesday announced a three-front war as lawmakers prepare to consider a sweeping deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that he said could “lead to the largest gambling expansion in state history.” John Sowinski, president of the Orlando-based No Casinos, told reporters he plans a legislative, legal and […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

As promised, the backers of one proposed solar-power constitutional amendment have filed a legal brief opposing the other and asked for oral argument. Floridians for Solar Choice, supported by the solar industry and business and consumer interests, on Monday filed its opposition brief against the utility-backed Consumers for Smart Solar. Its attorneys advanced the filing earlier in […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

The people behind Floridians for Solar Choice, the group behind of one of two competing solar-power constitutional amendments, say they’re filing an opposition brief later Monday to oppose the other initiative, pushed by the utility-backed by Consumers for Smart Solar. The group held a news conference Monday at the Florida Press Center in Tallahassee. Among other hurdles, proposed amendments must be cleared […]

Tag: citizen initiative
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

Gambling amendment group not fundraising

Economists puzzle over proposed gambling amendment

“Smart Solar” amendment narrowly passes Supreme Court review

Gambling amendment passes first signature threshold

Earthjustice strikes back against Smart Solar group

Supreme Court reschedules oral argument for ‘Smart Solar’ amendment

Orange County proposals to change ballot initiative process likely to rekindle ballot fight

No Casinos promises multifront war on gambling

Solar amendment showdown goes to court

Floridians for Solar Choice to fight opposing solar initiative in court