Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieFebruary 26, 2015

A bill that would substantially change state review of proposed large development projects has been filed, but whether it will pass the Senate and House remains a big question. Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby and chairman of the Senate committee that oversees growth management, has filed SB 562, which would eliminate the existing state review process […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 26, 2015

For nearly 2 million Florida public school students, the next few weeks could be a crucial moment in their education. The state is undertaking one of the biggest changes in its classrooms since former Gov. Jeb Bush pushed through his signature A+ school grading system nearly 16 years ago. Students will switch this spring to […]

Daniel TilsonFebruary 25, 2015

I’ll never forget the Florida prison guard who started crying when I asked her about the challenges she faced on the job, not to mention from elected and other officials responsible for the state penal system. I visited with her family for a few hours in a sketchy Miami neighborhood, where she and her school […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 25, 2015

It is widely acknowledged that the fox should not guard the henhouse. It follows that he shouldn’t hire those who do. That’s a potential problem in the Florida Senate’s comprehensive and well-meant prison bill. (SB 7020) Among other things, it creates a Florida Corrections Commission to monitor what goes on in a prison system becoming […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 24, 2015

It is widely acknowledged that the fox should not guard the henhouse. It follows that he shouldn’t hire those who do. That’s a potential problem in the Florida Senate’s comprehensive and well-meant prison bill. (SB 7020) Among other things, it creates a Florida Corrections Commission to monitor what goes on in a prison system becoming […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 24, 2015

A lot of times what one sees at the state Capitol depends on one’s point of view. A spectator’s voter registration card can very well indicate whether he’s watching a war on public education or an attempt to improve students’ learning gains. It’s a bit like the adage about a glass of water. Every now […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2015

As any lawmaker who has had the temerity to venture a passing glance at their official government email account knows, IT’S EMAIL SEASON! Look, I get it. You need to tell your clients to send in emails. Everyone loves a good lobbying effort coupled with a grassroots feel. And while every single person on the planet […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 22, 2015

Editorial cartoonist Bill Day casts a critical eye this week on Florida’s medical marijuana fight, pitting well-known attorney John Morgan against U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, one of the most influential politicians in the Democratic Party. As the principal financial backers behind People United for Medical Marijuana, Morgan spearheaded Amendment 2, the 2014 proposal to […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 22, 2015

Editorial cartoonist Bill Day casts a critical eye this week on Florida’s medical marijuana fight, pitting well-known attorney John Morgan against U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, one of the most influential politicians in the Democratic Party. As the principal financial backers behind People United for Medical Marijuana, Morgan spearheaded Amendment 2, the 2014 proposal to […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 21, 2015

John Morgan is drawing a line in the sand. Or in the pot smoke, as you will. In a new email, Morgan, taking another stab at medical marijuana legalization in 2016 – or sooner if the Florida legislature plays along – starts in a way that can only be described as blunt. “We don’t negotiate […]

Tag: Florida Legislature

Bruce Ritchie: Will bill to end state review of large developments pass?

Florida legislators under pressure to alter school testing

Daniel Tilson: Legislature needs to catch some hell to recapture its soul

Martin Dyckman: Prisons need monitoring, but so does Rick Scott

Martin Dyckman: Prisons need monitoring, but so does Gov. Rick Scott

James Call: Lobbyist not just a voice, he's a knowledgeable voice

Peter Schorsch: Inane emails are endless and ineffective

The latest Bill Day editorial cartoon: “Debbie and John”

The latest Bill Day editorial cartoon: "Debbie and John"

Email insights: John Morgan throws down the gauntlet over medical pot