Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersMarch 21, 2016

Former state Sen. Gary Siplin is trying again to return to the Florida Senate, this time, for the moment, without his rival state Sen. Geraldine Thompson in the race. Siplin filed last Friday to seek another term in the senate, after having served the area in the Senate District 19, prior to redistricting that pushed the […]

Ryan RayMarch 11, 2016

After passage of a tax package and budget that snubs Gov. Rick Scott, Senate Democratic Leader Arthenia Joyner said Friday afternoon lawmakers had “declared their independence” from an overbearing executive branch. “The 2016 Legislative Session may well go down in the history books as the year Florida lawmakers formally declared their independence from Governor Scott,” said Joyner, who […]

Scott PowersMarch 11, 2016

Although her bill to fund state investigations of police-caused deaths died in committee in January, state Sen. Geraldine Thompson said Friday she finally got what she wanted. “The bill didn’t move but there is money in the budget for FDLE and I got in proviso language that stipulates that of the funds that they get […]

Scott PowersMarch 9, 2016

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson was elected Wednesday to chair the Florida Legislative Black Caucus for the next year while vowing to stay in the race to be elected to the U.S. Congress next fall. “Congressional District 10: yes, I’m staying in the race,” she said. Thompson, an Orlando Democrat, said she did not have to make a choice between campaigning […]

Ryan RayMarch 4, 2016

Legislative budget writers met Friday evening to take up another pair of unreconciled budget areas – Transportation & Economic Development and Civil & Criminal Justice – and came to a final agreement, closing out millions in funding items in a multibillion dollar move when the House and Senate accepted each others’ offers. Among the most […]

Scott PowersMarch 3, 2016

Val Demings has received the endorsement of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers in her bid for the Democratic nomination to run for Congress in Orlando-based Congressional District 10. The union endorsement follows several others she has received, including from a coalition of unions representing Walt Disney World employees. “It means […]

Ryan RayMarch 2, 2016

A day after Hillary Clinton won a majority of Democratic delegates up for grabs in last night’s Super Tuesday primaries – partly on the strength of her support in minority communities – about 100 African-American Florida elected officials came out in support the former Secretary of State’s bid for the White House. Among them were the Florida Legislative […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 22, 2016

A bill that would decrease the number of offenses punishable by license suspension was temporarily postponed in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday. The bill (HB 207) sponsored by St. Petersburg Democrat Daryl Rouson and co-sponsored by Republicans Dana Young from Tampa and Sarasota’s Greg Steube, would revise the number of drivers license suspensions for […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 16, 2016

Residents in eight state Senate districts will be receiving a mailer from Americans for Prosperity-Florida in the coming days. The organization announced Tuesday it has launched a direct mail campaign to tell Floridians about a proposal moving through the state Senate that includes film production and sports incentives. The measure (SB 1646), sponsored by Sen. […]

Scott PowersFebruary 10, 2016

Two years ago Thursday Orange County Deputy Sheriff Jonathan “Scott” Pine was gunned down while pursuing a suspect. On Wednesday the Florida Senate did all it could to make sure his surviving family – and others – won’t have to wait another year for financial security. The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 7012, which would increase […]

Tag: Geraldine Thompson

Gary Siplin enters Senate District 11 race, faces Bob Sindler and Chuck O’Neal

Top Democrat says lawmakers “declared independence” from Rick Scott by rebuffing priorities

Geraldine Thompson declares victory in getting state to probe police-caused deaths

Geraldine Thompson elected to chair of Legislative Black Caucus while vowing to stay in congressional race

Budget writers close out TED, justice budget silos

Union endorses Val Demings in CD 10 race

Florida Black caucus leaders, scores of African-American officials endorse Hillary Clinton

Bill that would reduce drivers licenses suspensions in Florida stalls in House Appropriations

Americans for Prosperity-Florida launching direct mail campaign targeting sports, film incentives

Senate approves first responders’ survivors’ benefit bill honoring Orange County deputy