Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonJune 5, 2017

After the budget compromise reached by Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Joe Negron, and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, the biggest question hanging over the Legislature’s three-day special session this week is whether there is enough time for some lawmakers to grow a backbone. Only one of two things can happen. There will either be a […]

Staff ReportsJune 1, 2017

The voting record report is out. Associated Industries of Florida released its 2017 Voting Record report. Published for more than four decades, the annual report is considered one of the definitive legislative scorecards for the business community. This year, the organization calculated more than 208,966 votes on 1,955 bills with 848 legislators. “This session, AIF […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 31, 2017

Sen. Jeff Brandes said he plans to continue his push for criminal justice reform, advancing a multi-year process to take a closer look at the state’s criminal justice system. Brandes, who has made criminal justice reform a top priority, was in Washington, D.C. last week for the Right on Crime annual summit. The conservative-leaning organization […]

Peter SchorschMay 28, 2017

Former Mayor Rick Baker continues building momentum in his quest to return for a third term as St. Petersburg Mayor. Coming off a successful campaign kickoff event last week, Baker, who served two terms from 2001-2010, is following with another high-profile reception Wednesday in Clearwater Beach. Co-chairs of the event – with the tagline “Proven Leadership” […]

Mitch PerryMay 22, 2017

In recent years, criminal justice reform, especially in drug sentencing, has taken on more momentum, with governors in some of most conservative parts of the country embracing such efforts. In Florida, progressive State Attorney candidates like Andrew Warren in Tampa and Aramis Ayala in Orlando won their respective races last year by running on a similar […]

Mitch PerryMay 19, 2017

As House Minority Leader Janet Cruz notes, the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation works “as a united front” when representing their community in Tallahassee. That’s true on issues like the eleventh-hour move by the Florida Senate to push the University of South Florida out of pre-eminent status under a conformity education budget bill that passed in the […]

Jim RosicaMay 17, 2017

Senate President Joe Negron has yet to decide to join House Speaker Richard Corcoran in calling for a Special Session on medical marijuana implementation, a spokeswoman said Wednesday. Negron, a Stuart Republican, is still “in the process of having discussions with senators in response to the memorandum he sent last Thursday,” Katie Betta said in […]

Jim RosicaMay 12, 2017

Add state Sen. Jeff Brandes to the list of those calling for a Special Legislative Session on medical marijuana implementation. “I hope that we can reconvene in a Special Session, which should include ample time for public input, to implement the will of the voters, so that patients and entrepreneurs alike may access the marketplace,” […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 10, 2017

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Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Tuesday a bill that creates statewide regulations for ride-booking companies, like Uber and Lyft. “I’m proud to sign this legislation today to make it easier for ridesharing companies to thrive in Florida and help ensure the safety of our families,” said Scott in a statement. “Florida is one of […]

Peter SchorschMay 9, 2017

Now that the 2017 Legislative Session is in the rearview mirror, state Sen. Jeff Brandes looks back on some big wins from the past two months. The St. Petersburg Republican is celebrating his top eight successes, which include a diverse range of issues such as renewable energy tax exemptions, statewide regulation for ridesharing, flood insurance […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes

Joe Henderson: Tallahassee gets special session, the public gets the bill

Associated Industries releases 2017 Voting Record report

Criminal justice reform remains a top priority for Jeff Brandes

Pinellas GOP heavyweights raising money for Rick Baker on Wednesday in Clearwater Beach

Andrew Warren and Aramis Ayala blast Jeff Sessions plan for stricter sentencing in criminal cases

Hillsborough state legislators clash in Tampa Chamber Session review

Still no decision from Joe Negron on marijuana Special Session

Jeff Brandes asks for medical marijuana Special Session

Governor signs landmark ride-sharing legislation into law

Jeff Brandes celebrates long list of legislative wins in 2017 Session