Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMarch 12, 2016

The Foundation for Florida’s Future highlighted a bevy of bills and budget items passed by the Legislature in a celebratory email sent out by the education advocacy group Friday. “More Florida children will get a better education – that is the takeaway from this year’s Legislative Session,” said Patricia Levesque, executive director of the Foundation for […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

The man of the hour smiled as his colleagues told stories and reminisced about his time in the Florida Legislature. They spoke of his commitment to his family, his dedication to his community, and his calm demeanor when dealing with the tough issues the state has faced in recent years. “He is the George Bailey […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 29, 2016

If proponents of tearing down the hard liquor “wall of separation” in retail stores had a theme song, it would be, “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” Businesses organized as Floridians for Fair Business Practices want to repeal the Prohibition-era state law that requires businesses, such as grocery chains and big-box retailers, to have separate stores to sell liquor. […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 24, 2016

A bill that would require insurers to take a more proactive stance on paying out life insurance benefits cleared the Senate Wednesday with a unanimous vote. SB 966, sponsored by Fort Myers Republican Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, would require insurers to compare their policy rolls with the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and payout benefits. Current law allows […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 24, 2016

Wednesday saw the Jacksonville-centric Discretionary Sales Surtax bill clear the Senate Rules Committee (SB 1652), scheduled at the same time as the third reading in the House (HB 1297). Central to the pitch: bill sponsor Rob Bradley and Mayor Lenny Curry, whose sales job gets better with every committee stop… especially important because Curry will have to sell […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 17, 2016

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has a variety of “individual meetings” scheduled in Tallahassee Wednesday to push the Discretionary Sales Surtax bill. Four of them are set up with Senate Rules Committee members, which will be the final Senate committee to deliberate the bill. The bill has cleared two of three Senate committees, and both House committees. […]

Brendan FarringtonFebruary 1, 2016

Rape victims could be allowed to give testimony against their alleged attackers through a video recording, closed-circuit television or behind a two-way mirror under a bill that received its first committee approval Monday. The protections could be allowed if a judge determines a victim could suffer emotional or mental harm by testifying against an attacker […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 1, 2016

Bills that would iron out rules for direct primary care contracts and encourage healthcare companies to give free health care to low-income Floridians passed the Senate Committee on Health Policy Monday. SB 1144, sponsored by Niceville Republican Sen. Don Gaetz, would allow new medical facilities to bypass a lengthy review process known as “certificate of […]

Ryan RayJanuary 28, 2016

The Florida Senate approved a bill Thursday to allow Floridians to break into a vehicle in order to rescue distressed people or animals left unattended. The upper chamber passed the proposal 38-0, a day after the House gave its unanimous approval too. The bill — HB 131 by Republican Rep. Dana Young — now moves on to […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 28, 2016

The state House on Wednesday rolled out a nearly $1 billion tax cut proposal. The proposal is similar to the proposal that Gov. Rick Scott pitched earlier this year. Among other things the proposal includes eliminating the tax on manufacturing equipment and credits for renewable energy investments. The House finance and tax committee has not […]

Tag: Lizbeth Benacquisto

Foundation for Florida’s Future highlights expanded education options passed by lawmakers

Senate pays tribute to outgoing President Andy Gardiner

“Whiskey and Wheaties” looking dead, but advocates keep pushing

Senate passes Lizbeth Benacquisto bill to reform life insurance payouts

Jax Pension Tax bill clears final Senate committee

Lenny Curry lobbying Senate Rules Committee members

Bill would let rape victims testify by closed circuit TV

Senate committee passes 2 key bills expanding health care access

Good Samaritan vehicle-rescue bill gets final OK from lawmakers

Capitol reax: Renewable energy credits, public school choice, predatory public records requests, funding for sick children