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Staff ReportsJanuary 25, 2016

The state Senate’s economic incentive package cleared a hurdle Monday when it unanimously passed the commerce and tourism committee. Among other things, the measure (SB 1646) , sponsored by Sen. Jack Latvala, creates moves the state’s Office of Film and Entertainment to Enterprise Florida, the state’s public -private economic development organization, and renames it Division […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott’s annual State of the State speech didn’t surprise lawmakers from Southwest Florida, they said Tuesday. “I think there are opportunities for success when you’re consistent, and the governor continues to be consistent with his priorities for job growth in the state of Florida,” said Sen. Garrett Richter, a Naples Republican and Senate President […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

The start of the 2016 Legislative Session means a cessation of political fundraising – sitting lawmakers are barred from ginning up cash while they legislate. But session begins Tuesday, so the Monday before is the usual orgy of tippling, grip-and-grinning and check writing. House Majority 2016, Senate Majority 2016 and others sent out emails last week detailing the various events, subject […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 7, 2016

The lines have been drawn, the districts renumbered and now the chatter begins about what it all means for some lawmakers’ political futures. All of the seats will be on the ballot in 2016. Even-number districts got a two-year term; odd-number districts got a four-year term. First elected in 2010, Fort Myers Republican Sen. Lizbeth […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater says he’s “championing” bills this legislative session in three policy areas: Life insurance, divestment from Iran and medical billing. Atwater, first elected in 2010, laid out his priorities in an email sent Wednesday. Life insurance: Atwater wants to “ensure that insurance companies will utilize current technology and public information that will assist […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 5, 2016

Now that 2015 is history, Florida’s Senate Republican caucus is looking to 2016 with a major fundraiser planned on the eve of the start of the upcoming Legislative Session. The Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee 2016 Welcome Back Reception will be held Monday, January 11 beginning 5:30 p.m. at the Tallahassee Doubletree Hotel Ballroom, 101 S. Adams […]

Drew WilsonDecember 10, 2015

A pair of Lee County lawmakers announced Thursday that they will file bills requiring school employees to take a course on youth suicide prevention. The Senate version, SB 884, will be sponsored by Republican Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto and would add a two-hour suicide prevention course to continuing education requirements for elementary, middle and high school […]

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard from Gov. Rick Scott‘s chief budget aide Wednesday morning, when she presented Scott’s $79.3 billion proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year before hearing some pushback from Senate Democrats on state worker pay, social services, and health care. The presentation was a calmer affair than in the House, however, where […]

Phil AmmannNovember 13, 2015

A coalition of Florida retailers and business owners are reaffirming “unwavering support” for the effort to repeal the state’s Prohibition-era alcohol separation law. In an announcement Friday, Floridians for Fair Business Practices (FFBP) doubled down on its support for “free market and pro-business values” while blasting opponents, who they claim are using “false arguments on […]

Drew WilsonOctober 13, 2015

Incumbent Republican Sens. Rob Bradley and Denise Grimsley each broke $20,000 in contributions last month and neither faces any opposition in their districts, though that could change depending on how the upcoming redistricting session shakes out. Bradley’s $20,500 month included a dozen $1,000 checks, including checks from Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto’s committee, Protect Florida Families, and […]

Tag: Lizbeth Benacquisto

Capitol reax: Film incentives, expediting DNA lab testing, manufacturing sales tax

SWFL lawmakers: Few surprises in Rick Scott’s 2016 State of the State speech

Fundraising galore before start of 2016 Legislative Session

New maps may mean crowded field of Lee County state Senate hopefuls in 2020

Jeff Atwater lays out legislative wish list

Florida Senate Republicans plan major fundraising on eve of Session

Senate bill seeks to require youth suicide-prevention course for teachers

Senate budget run-down from Rick Scott’s budget chief calmer than in House

Retailers, business owners reaffirm call to repeal Florida “wall of alcohol separation”

Rob Bradley and Denise Grimsley each broke $20K in September fundraising