Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Bruce RitchieApril 5, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorApril 2, 2015

Florida’s tax-cutter-in-chief is at it again. After rounding out last week’s “cut my taxes week,” Gov. Rick Scott is now touting his whopper of a tax cut last year. According to the Governor’s Office, Floridians have saved nearly $200 million since last September when auto registration fees were reduced by about $25 for car owners. […]

Guest AuthorApril 2, 2015

The prescription drug program Florida legislators created in 2009 to monitor controlled substances has helped reduce the number of Floridians who suffer from prescription drug addiction. Medications provide great benefit to patients when used correctly and under the guidance of their treating physician. Some opiod drugs are now being crushed into powder or injected and […]

Associated PressApril 2, 2015

The two chambers of the Florida Legislature remain at odds over a new state budget, and it’s not clear how soon the differences can be worked out. The Florida House on Thursday voted 86-29 in favor of a nearly $76.2 billion budget. The Florida Senate a day earlier unanimously approved its $80.4 billion spending plan. […]

Phil AmmannApril 2, 2015

Two new political ads from the Seminole Tribe of Florida again call on state lawmakers to renew a key provision of the 2009 gambling agreement set to expire July 31. The ads arrive as Florida considers the future of gaming in Florida, including the renewal of The Seminole Compact, the agreement giving the Tribe exclusive rights to operate […]

Guest AuthorApril 1, 2015

The ideological fissure that cleaves the Republican Party nationwide will be on display in Tallahassee as the legislative leadership labors to bring the state budget in for a landing by May 1. The critical issue, which on its face is about as exciting as watching paint dry, is whether to accept federal money to indirectly […]

William MarchMarch 30, 2015

The Florida Legislature is considering several new measures to restrict abortions, including one with a strong chance of passage that calls for a 24-hour waiting period before a woman can undergo the procedure. That measure, House Bill 0633, would require that a woman make one trip to the clinic for legally required counseling before coming […]

Phil AmmannMarch 29, 2015

As Bill Day sees it, you know it’s springtime in Tallahassee when gun bills begin floating around the Florida Legislature. It’s the Gunshine State, after all. Last week, a bill advanced allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons during emergencies such as hurricanes. Backed by the National Rifle Association, the measure gives gun owners a […]

Phil AmmannMarch 29, 2015

As Bill Day sees it, you know it’s springtime in Tallahassee when gun bills begin floating around the Florida Legislature. It’s the Gunshine State, after all. Last week, a bill advanced allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons during emergencies such as hurricanes. Backed by the National Rifle Association, the measure gives gun owners a […]

Tag: Florida Legislature
Image via the Associated Press.

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

Janelle Irwin: Rick Scott's tax cuts finally put chewing gum within reach!

Sandi Frear: Why abuse-deterring opioids should be legislative priority

House, Senate pass vastly different budgets

Seminole Tribe launches new ads for Compact renewal

Jack Stevenson: Health care pits RINOS vs. Tea Partiers in budget fight

New restrictions on abortion could pass in state Legislature

Bill Day’s latest: Welcome to the Gunshine State

Bill Day's latest: Welcome to the Gunshine State