Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersFebruary 22, 2017

A new bill from state Sen. George Gainer would strip Tri-Rail of state funding unless its board rescinds a controversial $511 million contract, and it require state approval of future contracts. The Bay County Republican’s Senate Bill 1118, introduced Tuesday, would force the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority to decide between the ten-year, $511 million operations and maintenance contract it […]

Scott PowersFebruary 22, 2017

State Sen. Jeff Brandes‘s new economic development proposal would continue operations of the embattled Enterprise Florida and state Department of Economic Opportunity, but on tight leashes. Senate Bills 1110 and 1112 spell out a new way of doing business for two of Florida’s major economic development programs that have been under fire for accountability, particularly […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 22, 2017

Last year in the Florida Legislature, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill to create statewide regulations regarding ridesharing, but the bill died ignominiously in the state Senate. Similar bills are winding their way through committees in both chambers already in 2017, and on Wednesday, the group Floridians for Ridesharing Coalition announced their support for […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 21, 2017

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A House bill that would abolish the Enterprise Florida economic development organization, eliminate a throng of business incentive programs, and strip the VISIT FLORIDA tourism marketing agency down to a barebones $25 million budget cleared its second and final panel Tuesday. That means the measure (HB 7005), OK’d by the House Appropriations Committee on an 18-12 vote, is ready to […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 21, 2017

A bill to create statewide regulations for ridesharing companies easily advanced in its last committee stop Tuesday in the Florida House, but not without some dissent from a handful of Democrats on the panel. The bill (HB 221) is sponsored by Tampa Republican Jamie Grant and Palm Harbor Republican Chris Sprowls, and officials with Uber and Lyft are hoping that this is finally the […]

William PatrickFebruary 20, 2017

Florida’s state lawmakers increasingly are embracing criminal justice reform policies that break with the state’s “tough on crime” past. But a sea change could be in the works. But a sea change could be in the works. Last year, Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, and the GOP-controlled legislature approved one of the most far-reaching civil asset […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 19, 2017

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Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is assembling an impressive number of high-profile state lawmakers for a Tallahassee reception next month. Hooper, a former state representative, is seeking the open Senate District 16 seat currently held by Jack Latvala. Hooper’s campaign fundraiser will be Monday, March 6, from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Governors Club, 202 South Adams […]

Scott PowersFebruary 16, 2017

Saying that testimony before his committee convinced him that inadequate time was set aside to decide what is now a controversial $511 million contract award, state Sen. Jeff Brandes Thursday called for an investigation of Tri-Rail. Brandes asked Interim Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Rachel Cone to have the department’s investigator general look into how the […]

Scott PowersFebruary 16, 2017

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority took its best shot Thursday at defending its decisions to throw out five proposals and accept the remaining one for a $511 million contract, a move that has drawn stern criticism from several state leaders including Gov. Rick Scott. Among the biggest critics has been state Sen. Jeff Brandes, […]

Scott PowersFebruary 15, 2017

As at least one key lawmaker pushes to open Florida’s coming medical marijuana industry to a free market and the current seven licensed companies fight to keep it tight, a new advocacy group is emerging saying it wants to help develop a middle ground. Smart Medicine For Florida will be pushing for regulations that would assure quality, safety, […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes

George Gainer’s bill would strip Tri-Rail of funding, contracting authority

Jeff Brandes bills keep Enterprise Florida, but with tight leash

Floridians for Ridesharing Coalition pushes for statewide bill to get passed this year

Bill to kill business incentives, Enterprise Florida cleared for House floor

Ridesharing bill advances 21-1 in House committee

Task force would seek to remake Florida’s criminal justice system

Impressive roster of GOP leaders line up for Ed Hooper fundraiser

Jeff Brandes calls for investigation of Tri-Rail contract

Tri-Rail defends its $500M contract before Senate committee

New group seeks to steer medical marijuana between control, free market