Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannFebruary 11, 2016

The abrupt end to the 2015 Florida legislative session left an important piece of legislation in limbo: the regulation of the onshore oil and gas industry. Fortunately, Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, and Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, are again championing this good legislation during this year’s session, and we are nearing the finish line. HB 191 […]

Diane RobertsFebruary 10, 2016

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE — They call us the Sunshine State, but Florida’s government prefers to operate in the shadows. Like vampire bats, cockroaches and mold spores. If you can’t see what the government is doing, you can’t fight it. That explains the 74 public records exemption bills before the Legislature this Session. Yes, 74 new attacks […]

Diane RobertsFebruary 9, 2016

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE — They call us the Sunshine State, but Florida’s government prefers to operate in the shadows. Like vampire bats, cockroaches and mold spores. If you can’t see what the government is doing, you can’t fight it. That explains the 74 public records exemption bills before the Legislature this session. Yes, 74 new attacks […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 7, 2016

The Supreme Court ruled in 1943 that students didn’t have to say the Pledge of Allegiance if they brought in a signed letter from their parents. Not everyone is aware of the law and misguided teachers still occasionally force students to stand and say the Pledge. Enter the ACLU and a few non-conformists. Recently, some […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 3, 2016

What’s with Republicans when it comes to HIV/AIDS? President Ronald Reagan refused to recognize the reality of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s when it was mysterious and at its peak. Gov. Rick Scott refuses to recognize the reality of the HIV/AIDS crisis today in Florida when the Federal Center for Disease Control (CDC) can […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 2, 2016

When consumers experience water damage unconnected to hurricanes, they usually call a plumber, a roofing specialist or their insurance company to repair the damage. The plumbing or roofing contractor will probably suggest that the consumer assign the insurance benefits, so that payment for any work will go directly from the insurer to the contractor – […]

Diane RobertsJanuary 28, 2016

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE – The Legislature’s Banana Republicans will not rest until Florida starts to be like El Salvador, minus the delicious pupusas. Abortion is illegal in El Salvador — no exceptions for rape, incest or the life of the mother. Anyone who has an abortion, anyone who performs an abortion, can be jailed for murder. […]

Julie DelegalJanuary 27, 2016

Second of three parts ACLU staff attorney Adam Tebrugge and Jacksonville criminal defense attorney D. Gray Thomas say that Florida law destroys the jury-deliberations process in the penalty phase of first-degree murder trials. But they are not the first people who have noticed the difference between a majority vote and a unanimous one. And it’s […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 18, 2016

The assault on Florida’s environment continues as a Senate committee last week approved a bill that would make it easier for petroleum companies to use fracking technology to extract oil and gas in the state. Lest we forget, the administration of Gov. Rick Scott has ordered the words “climate change” scrubbed from official speeches and […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 14, 2016

Oh, it’s not good looking for the citizens of Florida. The Florida Legislature is back in session, and nothing is likely to get done. Don’t take this columnist’s word for it. Go to the state’s Capitol building in Tallahassee, specifically, on the fourth floor, pull up a camping chair and talk with the fourth branch […]

Tag: Legislature
Three people were killed in an accident on the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County on Aug. 12. Image via Treasure Coast Newspapers.

Brewster Bevis: The Legislature should pass legislation regulating oil and gas industry

Diane Roberts: Legislature works hard to keep us in the dark

Diane Roberts: Legislature is working hard to keep citizens in the dark

Catherine Durkin Robinson: It’s illegal to force students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Chris Timmons: Legislature must use common sense, compassion to combat HIV/AIDS

Alan Daley: The new magnet for insurance scams in Florida

Diane Roberts: Legislature following El Salvador’s lead on abortion

Julie Delegal: The Florida Legislature’s history of intransigence

Marc Yacht: State moves fracking regulation bill forward

Chris Timmons: Lawmakers must embrace the joy of true public service