Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jac VerSteegOctober 6, 2015

Let’s discuss Jeb Bush’s “Stuff happens” comment and his campaign’s reaction to the reaction. Jeb was in South Carolina, being tossed softballs by the moderator at a conservative gathering. During a discussion about Second Amendment rights, Jeb said, “We’re in a difficult time in our country,” but “I don’t think more government necessarily is the […]

Jac VerSteegOctober 5, 2015

Let’s discuss Jeb Bush’s “Stuff happens” comment and his campaign’s reaction to the reaction. Jeb was in South Carolina, being tossed softballs by the moderator at a conservative gathering. During a discussion about Second Amendment rights, Jeb said, “We’re in a difficult time in our country,” but “I don’t think more government necessarily is the […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 29, 2015

A three-day trial that could decide the fate of Florida’s political landscape ended Monday as lawyers for both sides accused each other of recommending changes to the state’s 27 congressional districts that could benefit either Republicans or Democrats. Circuit Judge Terry Lewis, who said he would rule sometime in October, must recommend a new map […]

Associated PressSeptember 29, 2015

In his latest dispute with Florida hospitals, Gov. Rick Scott on Monday called for additional regulations, including a requirement that they disclose more information about prices charged to patients. Scott is hoping the Florida Legislature will pass the proposals during the 2016 session. The Republican governor has taken aim at hospitals that receive public funds […]

Sally SwartzSeptember 28, 2015

Two members of Martin County’s legislative delegation listened for hours last week while more than 30 residents buttered them up, begged for money, griped about the Florida Legislature’s recent bad decisions and brought wish lists for 2016. Republican Rep. Gayle Harrell of Stuart turned the annual event, held at the Martin Commission headquarters in Stuart, […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 25, 2015

The Florida judge who will play a pivotal role in deciding the fate of the state’s political landscape says he may craft his own proposal to sort out the mess left from squabbling over Florida’s 27 congressional districts. Circuit Judge Terry Lewis has been asked by the state Supreme Court to pick a new congressional map […]

Shannon NickinsonSeptember 20, 2015

The Florida Children and Youth Cabinet recently voted to write state leaders urging them to prioritize early education and child services for “the first 1,000 days” – from pregnancy to age 3. Based on data from the Pensacola Metro Dashboard, only 66.2 percent of Escambia County’s 5-year-olds are ready for kindergarten; in Santa Rosa County […]

Martin DyckmanSeptember 15, 2015

In the far from perfect world of politics, there’s a place that in one respect is as near to perfection as anyone could expect. The state legislature redistricts itself, yet both parties accept the outcomes as fair, the resulting elections are unusually competitive and the courts don’t have to get involved. Gerrymandering is for the […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 15, 2015

As the NFL season kicks off, another big contest may be soon be played in the halls of the Florida Capitol. The growing fantasy sports industry, which is already subjecting television viewers to a barrage of wall-to-wall advertising with the new football season, is now setting its sights on getting the blessings of the Republican-controlled […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 9, 2015

Let’s review some of the factors influencing the non-news of a teacher shortage. On Sept. 1, Alpine Testing Solutions, the company hired to assess the validity of the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA), found that the test could be used at the “group level” to evaluate teachers, establish cut scores to measure student achievement and give […]

Tag: Florida Legislature

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: When Jeb Bush opens his mouth, “stuff happens”

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: When Jeb opens his mouth, 'stuff happens'

Courts now will decide fate of Florida’s political landscape

Rick Scott calls for more regulation of hospitals

Sally Swartz: Constituents still want environmental action

Redistricting recap: Judge may ‘combine’ maps

Shannon Nickinson: Our children need more than a letter

Martin Dyckman: Legislators should consider the Iowa example

Gambling or fun? Lawmakers may make call on fantasy sports

Catherine Martinez: If policies stand, teacher shortage will worsen

Florida politics had 11 questions before federal qualifying week. Here are the answers.