Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 19, 2015

A House committee approved an overhaul of the state group health insurance plan with little to no debate Thursday morning. The House Health Care Services Committee — which had wrapped up lengthy debate on an adoption bill — had moved to extend the two-hour meeting in case the state group health debate ran long. The […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 19, 2015

One week after striking down a ban on gay adoption, a House panel on Thursday approved a proposed committee bill that would allow private child-placing agencies to refuse an adoption if the placement violates their religious or moral convictions. The proposed bill, PCB HHSC 15-03, was supported by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and […]

Mitch PerryMarch 19, 2015

Tampa City Council members Yolie Capin and Frank Reddick have endorsed Guido Maniscalco in his race for the District 6 Tampa City Council seat that will be decided Tuesday. They made that announcement Wednesday night in Ybor City. Maniscalco is battling Jackie Toledo in a fierce contest to complete the seven-member roster of the council. […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 19, 2015

A 23-page bill released by the House Health Care Services Committee proposes to redesign the state group insurance plan and begin offering state employees access to a variety of plans, including discount medical plans and direct primary care plans beginning 2016. The proposed committee bill, PCB HHSC 15-02, will be discussed by the House Health […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 19, 2015

The Senate on Thursday will propose an alternative Low Income Pool model that would use supplemental Medicaid dollars to increase the base rates all hospitals are paid to treat the poor, elderly disabled, uninsured, and underinsured. The new modified LIP plan would still give the the major local contributors to the LIP program a healthy […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Wow, talk about a gaggle. If you want a good understanding of what separates the House and Senate as the session approaches the midpoint check out this exchange between Sen. Tom Lee and a gaggle of reporters including the AP, The Palm Beach Post, The Tampa Tribune and the Times/Herald Capitol Bureau. It’s the best gaggle of the session so […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Sen. Denise Grimsley’s effort to tear down the wall has morphed into moving the door. More than 100 people crowded into a Senate meeting room Wednesday when the Regulated Industries Committee considered a proposal ending a prohibition on grocery stores stocking liquor and spirits alongside beer and wine. Grimsley, a Sebring Republican, fought back against an unfriendly amendment offered by […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Sen. Denise Grimsley’s effort to tear down the wall has morphed into moving the door. More than 100 people crowded into a Senate meeting room Wednesday when the Regulated Industries Committee considered a proposal ending a prohibition on grocery stores stocking liquor and spirits alongside beer and wine. Grimsley, a Sebring Republican, fought back against an unfriendly amendment offered by […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 18, 2015

Florida is at the top of the class having earned an “A” in government spending transparency by the Florida Public Interest Research Group, or PIRG. The Sunshine State is one of 14 to earn the ranking of “leading state” by the group. Florida makes the list based on having user-friendly websites that provide users with accessible information […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 18, 2015

Florida is at the top of the class having earned an “A” in government spending transparency by the Florida Public Interest Research Group, or PIRG. The Sunshine State is one of 14 to earn the ranking of “leading state” by the group. Florida makes the list based on having user-friendly websites that provide users with accessible information […]

Tag: headline

House panel OKs state insurance overhaul, but will Senate bite?

House panel OKs bill to give private adoption agencies refusal option

Yolie Capin, Frank Reddick endorse Guido Maniscalco in Tampa runoff

State group health insurance overhauled under House proposal

Senate’s new LIP model increases base rates for all hospitals

The day that was in Florida politics — March 18

Senate scales back "'whiskey and wheaties" bill

Senate scales back “‘whiskey and wheaties” bill

Florida gets an "A" for government spending transparency

Florida gets an “A” for government spending transparency