Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersMay 18, 2017

Saying that the current limbo of law is bad for doctors and patients, Democratic state Reps. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Amy Mercado pleaded with Gov. Rick Scott and Florida Legislature leaders to call a special session to deal with medical marijuana. “We are here because 71 percent of Florida voters approved the constitutional right to […]

Joe HendersonMay 11, 2017

As students at Bethune-Cookman University turned their backs and lustily booed commencement speaker Betsy DeVos, the rattled education secretary pleaded, “Let’s choose to hear each other out.” It’s ironic that DeVos chose those words to find middle ground, considering Republicans across the land, and particularly in the Washington establishment she now represents, have demonstrated no […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 9, 2017

A three-hour helicopter tour of the Everglades could prove to be key in helping secure money for restoration projects going forward. Rep. Francis Rooney took House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy on a tour of the Everglades and the Lake Okeechobee Watershed on Tuesday. The tour — similar to one the Naples Republican took Rep. Ken […]

Jim RosicaMay 9, 2017

Screen-Shot-2017-05-09-at-2.57.49-PM.png

A day after the end of the 2017 Legislative Session, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum on Monday called on state lawmakers to pass a bill “strengthening insurance protections for those with pre-existing conditions.” Gillum, the sitting mayor of Tallahassee, appeared at the Florida Press Center with two local women who told of their family members’ […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 9, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott took a swing at state lawmakers, saying the Legislature turned its back on economic incentive deals that have helped Florida “out compete … top competitors for important jobs.” The Naples Republican released a scathing statement Tuesday, scolding legislative leaders for passing a budget that “was done largely behind closed doors.” Scott said […]

Associated PressMay 4, 2017

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency Wednesday to combat opioid abuse in the state, where he said the number of overdose deaths has reached epidemic proportions. Scott’s executive order will free up nearly $30 million in federal funds for prevention, treatment and recovery services. And it comes as a series of workshops […]

Scott PowersMay 2, 2017

Three days from the prospect of losing funding for his two favorite economic development organizations and his big environmental project, Gov. Rick Scott plans to spend those three days touring Florida to get people to pressure for their salvation. Scott announced Tuesday his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” campaign, taking him on a whirlwind tour of home […]

Guest AuthorApril 26, 2017

The world around us is constantly changing as technology evolves. Investing in high-tech jobs can set Florida up to succeed far into the future while providing people with high-wage jobs that will keep the American dream alive and well in our great state. Other states have already committed to investments in the future, with millions […]

Michael MolineApril 21, 2017

The Florida Commission on Ethics voted unanimously Friday to resist efforts by House and Senate leaders to exert control over its hiring, firing, travel, and other business, citing fears for its independence. The panel agreed to back Chairman Matthew Carlucci in rejecting a “delegation of authority” issued on March 21 by House Speaker Richard Corcoran […]

Scott PowersApril 17, 2017

State budget cuts the Florida Legislature is aiming at Orlando’s State Attorney Aramis Ayala‘s office could slice up to $1.3 million and 21 staff members yet there is dispute over how much she’ll need that money and staff to prosecute criminal cases in Orange and Osceola counties. Her office currently has 55 open jobs out […]

Tag: Florida Legislature
Image via AP.

Carlos Guillermo Smith, Amy Mercado say special session needed to end cannabis legal limbo

Joe Henderson: Betsy DeVos pleaded for students to listen, but shouldn’t she do the same?

Kevin McCarthy says he sees a ‘great opportunity to get the money’ for Everglades restoration projects

Andrew Gillum calls for ‘strengthening’ Obamacare in Florida

Rick Scott says he will make veto decision ‘based on what’s best’ for Florida families

Florida bolsters response to opioid-addiction crisis

Rick Scott plans whirlwind tour to press support for VISIT Florida, Enterprise Florida, Hoover Dike

Pat Neal: Florida must commit to the future and invest in high-tech jobs

Ethics commission bucks legislative leaders’ assertion of authority

Aramis Ayala’s staff build up raises questions about whether she has enough