Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMarch 9, 2017

A top Florida House Republican says that state universities are spending way too much money inappropriately and that they don’t need more help from taxpayers. State Rep. Carlos Trujillo also suggested Wednesday that legislators may need to look at how much university presidents are paid, as well as even how much football and basketball coaches […]

Jim RosicaMarch 8, 2017

The Excellence in Higher Education Act, a top priority for Senate President Joe Negron, has been set up for a vote by the full Senate. The bill (SB 2), carried by Bradenton Republican Bill Galvano, was discussed Wednesday on the floor. Achieving many of the bill’s goals, which could cost up to $161 million, depend on funding getting approved in […]

Mitch PerryMarch 8, 2017

Legislation to create a statewide civil citation program for juveniles statewide advanced in a Florida Senate Committee Wednesday. But members of the police and sheriffs association continue to resist the bill as currently drawn. Miami Republican Senator Anitere Flores’ bill (SB 196) would mandate law enforcement officers to offer a civil citation for youths admitting to one of 11 […]

Staff ReportsMarch 7, 2017

The 2017 Legislative Session kicked off Tuesday with Gov. Rick Scott’s penultimate “State of the State” address, and speeches from Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran. — “This session represents Florida’s best chance yet for solving an ongoing environmental catastrophe that affects millions of Floridians. For nearly 20 years, scientists have agreed that a […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2017

Senate President Joe Negron on Tuesday said he was committed to getting $300 million in settlement money from the 2010 BP oil spill to affected communities in northwest Florida. Negron spoke to reporters on the first day of the 2017 Legislative Session. “I don’t believe that we should set up some complicated bureaucracy,” said Negron, a […]

Michael MolineMarch 7, 2017

Sen. Dorthy Hukill wasn’t in Tallahassee for opening day of the 2017 Legislature, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t on the job. Hukill, chairwoman of the Education Committee, is recovering from surgery for cervical cancer, and her doctors wouldn’t let her travel to the state capital. Nevertheless, the Port Orange Republican has remained active in the […]

Joe HendersonMarch 7, 2017

The Hillsborough County public school district has straightforward rules in its student handbook about religion. It says students can talk about religion, practice their religion, can be excused to observe a religious holiday, and – most important for the context of our discussion today – decide for themselves whether they want to participate in things […]

Michael MolineMarch 7, 2017

The Florida Senate is in session. Senators convened at 9:30 with a prayer and the traditional singing of the national anthem. “They need wisdom, direction, and understanding,” Pam Olsen, president of the Florida Prayer Network said during the invocation. “Keep their marriages strong” while the members are “here doing the people’s business,” she prayed. “I […]

Gary FineoutMarch 7, 2017

Once the Florida Legislature kicks off its 60-day Session March 7, legislators are expected to pass, or kill, dozens of measures dealing with everything from abortion to gambling and the environment. So far, more than 2,000 bills have been filed, but in the end, legislators usually pass fewer than 300 pieces of legislation each year. […]

Jim RosicaMarch 6, 2017

A coalition of Florida business groups is giving the thumbs-down to state Sen. Anitere Flores’ proposal to pay for a cut in the state’s tax on mobile phone and satellite and cable TV service by repealing a tax break to insurers. The legislation (SB 378) would swap the insurance break for a 2 percent reduction in the state’s communications […]

Tag: Joe Negron

Florida House faults universities over salaries and spending

Senate considers Joe Negron’s higher education legislation

Bill to expand juvenile civil citations advances in Senate, law enforcement continues to resist

Capitol Reax: Opening Day of the 2017 Legislative Session

Joe Negron backs Gulf Coast compensation process

Dorothy Hukill, recovering from cancer, watching from home as Senate convenes

Just imagine huge can of worms opened by religious liberty bill

Florida Senate convenes in Tallahassee, adopts compromise budget rules

Guns, gambling and taxes: Legislators return to work

Business groups oppose tax break swap