Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2016

State Sen. Kelli Stargel, the sponsor of this year’s abortion legislation, said in a statement a “clear double standard … permeates the pro-abortion movement.” The Lakeland Republican responded to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Monday in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. It struck down a Texas abortion-restriction law because it “unduly burden(s)” women’s reproductive rights. The Texas law […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2016

In a decision that could reverberate in Florida, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas law that clamped down on abortion access because it “unduly burden(s)” women’s reproductive rights. The court announced its 5-3 decision Monday in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. It was one of three final opinions released before the justices go on […]

Bill RuftyJune 3, 2016

Republican incumbents Congressman Dennis Ross, State Sen. Kelli Stargel, and state Rep. Colleen Burton, all from Lakeland, will participate in a voter canvass by the Republican Party of Florida. Republican canvassers will meet Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. beginning in Room 104 of the Ordway Building at Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland. In […]

Drew WilsonMay 12, 2016

A Polk County Democrat announced this week that she will run against Lakeland Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel in the newly redrawn Senate District 22. Former Polk County School Board member Debra Wright made the announcement Monday during the Open House at the Democratic Headquarters in Haines City, During the same meeting she earned the support […]

Jim RosicaApril 19, 2016

Alimony overhaul supporters may need to take a break next legislative session, state Sen. Kelli Stargel says. “I don’t know that I’m willing to take this on again next year,” she told FloridaPolitics.com on Tuesday. “Then again, a lot can happen between now and the next legislative session. But we need to discuss the merits of […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 15, 2016

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has vetoed a controversial alimony reform bill, saying in his veto letter the legislation had the potential to put the “wants of a parent before the child’s best interest.” The bill was the last one sent to the governor, and is the final bill of the 2016 legislative session he needed […]

Jim RosicaApril 15, 2016

Smaller private, charter and Christian schools in Florida say the state’s high-school athletics oversight body is preventing them from competing for state championships despite a new state law approved by Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday. But a spokesman for the organization, the Florida High School Athletics Association, says they’re simply enforcing a policy that’s been on the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 12, 2016

They might be running unopposed, but that isn’t stopping Florida Senate candidates from raking in the campaign cash. Campaign finance reports were due Monday. And while there’re several hotly contested races this election cycle, candidates in 19 of the state’s 40 Senate districts are running unopposed. But that isn’t stopping them building up their campaign […]

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has approved a repeal of a 148-year-law that criminalizes an unmarried couple living together. The measure legalizing “cohabitation” (SB 498) was one of 20 bills signed into law by the governor on Wednesday. The change is largely a reflection of the times: Though Florida was among a few states that still criminalized cohabitation, its prohibition […]

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2016

Another day, another bill-signing deadline. Gov. Rick Scott has until Wednesday to act on 20 bills, all from the Senate, “including a bill that would expand courtroom protections for victims of abuse, and another that would repeal the prohibition on cohabitation,” according to LobbyTools Legislative IQ. If signed by Scott, “couples shacking up together would […]

Tag: Kelli Stargel

Kelli Stargel opines on ‘double standard’ following abortion ruling

Supreme Court abortion decision could affect Florida

Lakeland Republican incumbents to voter canvass June 11

Kelli Stargel draws Polk County Democrat challenger in SD 22 race

Kelli Stargel says alimony reform may have to wait until 2018 session

Rick Scott vetoes contentious alimony bill

Small detail in big education bill causing major headache in high school athletics

Senate candidates boost campaign coffers despite running unopposed

With Rick Scott’s blessing, “shacking up” now legal in Florida

More bills from 2016 Legislative Session to be signed Wednesday