Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 9, 2018

[Ed. Note — This story, first posted Thursday, was updated Friday.] Lawmakers on Thursday included a provision to withhold more than $1.9 million in Department of Health salaries and benefits in the final 2018-19 state budget until regulators fully implement medical marijuana. The proviso language, which “qualifies or restricts a specific appropriation,” means certain Health officials will get […]

Staff ReportsMarch 8, 2018

A youth advocacy group is launching digital campaign ads urging Gov. Rick Scott to sign a higher education bill that includes a provision that would end so-called “free speech zones.” Generation Opportunity-Florida sent an email expressing particular support of a provision in Senate Bill 4 that would end so-called “free speech zones.” ‘By signing Senate […]

Ana CeballosMarch 8, 2018

With a budget deal done, there is good news for juvenile detention and probation officers. They are getting a pay raise. The House and Senate agreed Wednesday to set aside $8 million in pay raises for the more than 2,000 detention and probation officers who work with at-risk youth in the state. That amount goes […]

Joe HendersonMarch 8, 2018

There are two reasons to feel at least a little bit good about what the Florida Legislature just did in the name of gun sanity. First, families of the 17 victims in the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland supported the compromise bill calling for age and other restrictions on gun sales […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 7, 2018

A bill that would require public office holders to resign before running for federal office could soon become law. The House passed the legislation (SB 186) late Wednesday night, sending it to Gov. Rick Scott‘s desk for approval. The bill would require elected Florida officials to resign from their offices, effective no later than the day before […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2018

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Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign a measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Scott made the announcement early Wednesday at a “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony for Florida’s fallen firefighters at The Capitol. The legislation (SB 376) is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder has passed the Legislature unanimously and now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. A spokesman on Monday said the governor will “review the legislation” when received, but would not commit to Scott’s approval. The legislation is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also […]

Ana CeballosMarch 5, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott‘s administration last year was unable to spend $18 million in federal funding to help mentally and physically disabled students after it failed to fully implement a federally-mandated system on time. “Unfortunately for the students, the planning took too long and wasn’t collaborative in nature,” said Heather Beaven, the CEO for the Florida […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A Tallahassee judge has set a one-day trial for May 16 in the legal effort to overturn the state’s ban on smoking medical marijuana. But in her order, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers said she will first hear the state’s motion for summary judgment at 10 o’clock that morning; summary judgments allow parties to win a case without a […]

Ana CeballosMarch 5, 2018

Despite concerns raised by Senate Democrats that it would “tie the hands” of future legislators facing emergencies, the Florida Senate passed a measure Monday that would make it harder for the Legislature to increase taxes and fees in the future. “This can tie the hands of future legislators in difficult times,” said Sen. Jose Javier […]

Tag: Gov. Rick Scott
The Yankees organization is generous with Helene relief in Florida. Image via AP.

Legislature slashing Health Dep’t pay because of medical marijuana delays

Youth advocacy group urges Rick Scott to end ‘free-speech zones’

Lawmakers agree with Rick Scott, give juvenile officers $8m in pay raises

Joe Henderson: A little gun sanity finally comes to Florida

Resign-to-run bill heads to Rick Scott’s desk

Rick Scott says he’ll sign first responders’ benefits bill

Bill to help first responders heads to Rick Scott

State loses $18 million for disabled students after failing to implement federal law

Judge sets trial for medical marijuana ‘no smoke’ case

Tax supermajority proposal heads to voters for approval