Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 7, 2018

HB 839, a bill requiring school districts to display Florida’s motto “In God We Trust,” cleared its final House committee stop Wednesday. The bill requires display in all “school buildings” in a given district, including school district structures. The House Education committee cleared the bill Wednesday with just one no vote, with Republicans and Democrats […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 5, 2018

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The state’s largest teachers union is airing a digital ad opposing a major education bill in the Florida House. The Florida Education Association’s anger is linked to HB 7055, a “conforming” measure sponsored by Miami Republican Michael Bileca and backed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran. The bill includes a number of provisions that FEA opposes, including a voucher program […]

Phil AmmannDecember 19, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off and on: Lily Tysinger, a legislative analyst for the Senate Majority Office, now serves as a program specialist in the Office of the Senate Secretary. Off: Josie Tomkow is no longer an […]

Drew WilsonDecember 13, 2017

The leading Republican running to replace termed-out Rep. Michael Bileca in HD 115 hit the $200,000 mark in cash on hand last month, according to new campaign finance reports. Vance Aloupis added $27,678 to his campaign account last month and spent just $1,360, putting his fundraising total at 220,312 and his cash on hand just […]

Drew WilsonNovember 16, 2017

Republican HD 115 candidate Vance Aloupis added another $10,175 to his campaign account last month, maintaining his lead in the three-way primary race to take over for term-limited Republican Rep. Michael Bileca. Aloupis’ October fundraising report shows him with a to-date fundraising total of $192,634. It also showed $2,036 in spending, leaving him with $173,640 […]

Phil AmmannNovember 7, 2017

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With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Aisha Bien-Aime is the new legislative assistant for Ocoee Democratic Sen. Randolph Bracy. On: Amelia Johnson Smith is district secretary for Melbourne Republican Sen. Debbie Mayfield. On and off: Staz Guntek has replaced Joseph […]

Drew WilsonNovember 6, 2017

Commissioner of Agriculture candidate and state Rep. Matt Caldwell announced support from seven South Florida lawmakers in what his campaign called its “fourth wave” of legislative endorsements. Included in the Monday announcement were House Speaker Designate Jose Oliva, and Reps. Bryan Avila, Michael Bileca, Manny Diaz, George Moraitis, Jeanette Nunez and Carlos Trujillo. Prior “waves” […]

Drew WilsonOctober 11, 2017

Election Day is 13 months away but a handful of rock star candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, have already started to break away from the pack in crowded races for open House seats. Most of them saw a dip in September – blame it on the rain – but each remains the leader in their […]

Drew WilsonAugust 29, 2017

Termed-out Republican Rep. Michael Bileca announced Tuesday he is backing Vance Aloupis to replace him in House District 115 next year. “I am proud to endorse Vance for the Florida House of Representatives,” Bileca said. “His commitment to ensuring our children receive a world-class education that prepares them to be citizens of character and virtue […]

Staff ReportsJune 15, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott signed a sweeping education bill (HB 7069) that, among other things, sends more public money to privately-run charter schools. The legislation, a top priority for House Speaker Richard Corcoran, also requires recess in elementary schools, makes changes to the state’s standardized testing system, and includes millions of dollars for teacher bonuses. The […]

Tag: Michael Bileca
A nice warm evening in Tallahassee on a very busy street while taking this shot.

Bill requiring schools to display state motto clears final House panel

Teachers’ union joins swamp-draining chorus with new ad targeting Richard Corcoran

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Vance Aloupis has $200K banked for HD 115 bid

Vance Aloupis sustains firm fundraising lead in crowded HD 115 field

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

South Florida lawmakers back Matt Caldwell for Ag. Commissioner

Hurricane impacted fundraising efforts of top-tier legislative candidates

Michael Bileca backs Vance Aloupis to succeed him in HD 115

Capitol Reax: Rick Scott signs HB 7069