Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 18, 2017

A House panel cleared the lower chamber’s medical marijuana implementing bill, despite continued concerns from advocates who said the measure doesn’t go far enough. The House Appropriations Committee approved a bill (HB 1397) by Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues that would implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment. The proposal now heads to the Health & […]

Jim RosicaMarch 9, 2017

House Democrats on Thursday grilled the sponsor of a bill that would overhaul and clamp down on VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism marketing agency. The full House began its consideration of the measure (HB 9) with questions to bill sponsor Paul Renner, a Palm Coast Republican. “It is simply a bill about accountability,” he said. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 22, 2017

A bill to repeal the so-called “tampon tax” cleared another hurdle, passing a key Senate appropriations committee Wednesday. The Senate Finance and Tax Appropriations Subcommittee approved a proposal (SB 176) to make feminine hygiene products, like tampons, exempt from state sales and use tax. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, now heads to the […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 9, 2017

During your average election cycle in Florida (and around the country), there are always some egregious examples of dirty campaigning. Sometimes, they can decide an election. Examples abound, but generally, there is little recourse for an injured candidate, other than to try to rebut the negative message via advertising or comments to the media. Brad Drake thinks […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 12, 2016

Florida could be the latest state to consider repealing the “tampon tax.” Rep. Katie Edwards filed a bill in November that would exempt tampons and other feminine hygiene products from Florida’s sales tax. The Plantation Democrat said she began thinking about the filing a bill last year, after listening to a debate about a wide-ranging […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 18, 2016

They haven’t been sworn into office yet, but that isn’t stopping a few newly elected state lawmakers from thinking about 2018. State elections records show about more than two dozen members of the state House and Senate filed have filed to run for re-election. Many of those lawmakers are incumbents who faced little-to-no opposition this […]

Peter SchorschNovember 2, 2016

With all eyes focused on Election Day and who will be in office next year, The Children’s Campaign announced its policy priorities for the 2017 legislative Session. “Although the media circus surrounding the contest has created an environment where it’s hard to see anything else, the non-partisan Children’s Campaign has kept its focus on the […]

Jim RosicaAugust 16, 2016

Matt Gaetz will “host a medical marijuana delivery to a Northwest Florida family,” his legislative office announced Tuesday. And the Fort Walton Beach Republican invited reporters to join him as he tags along for the ride. Surterra Therapeutics will deliver the first shipment of medicinal pot Thursday morning to an as-yet-undisclosed location in the Panhandle. Gaetz, a candidate for the 1st Congressional […]

Guest AuthorAugust 12, 2016

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In the age where cannabis is finally being re-recognized as treatment for a vast plethora of human ailments and regaining the stature it had for centuries before it was degraded by lies, bigotry and greed, it’s time that the media grow up, and start by using the appropriate nomenclature for the plant that has been […]

Ryan RayJune 24, 2016

As of the close of business for the state Division of Elections, it appears candidates in some 29 state House seats — nearly a quarter of the 120-member body — are already headed to Tallahassee. About 15 Republicans and 14 Democrats will have no need for a campaign manager this election cycle, according to a preliminary […]

Tag: Katie Edwards
Image via AP.

House Appropriations Committee clears medical marijuana bill, despite concerns from advocates

House begins looking at VISIT FLORIDA overhaul

Senate Finance & Tax Appropriations Committee OK’s ‘tampon tax’ exemption

Brad Drake, Blaise Ingoglia want lying candidates pay some type of price

Florida lawmakers could tackle “tampon tax” in 2017

Dozens of state lawmakers file to run for re-election in 2018

The Children’s Campaign announces policy ‘wish list’ for 2017 Legislative Session

Matt Gaetz goes out for pot

Gary Stein: Time for Northwest Florida Daily News to respect medical marijuana

More than two dozen House members automatically re-elected