Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan NicolSeptember 7, 2018

Jimmy Patronis, the Republican seeking to stay as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, is set to release his first ad of the general election campaign touting his work on a bill supporting first responders. The bill, which expanded workers’ compensation benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, was passed earlier this year. Patronis advocated for […]

Drew WilsonAugust 8, 2018

Democratic U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist announced a new bill Wednesday that would allow veterans to be treated with medical marijuana without getting canned from federal government jobs. Crist introduced H.R. 6589, also known as the “Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act,” during a roundtable discussion with veterans and cannabis industry representatives in […]

Scott PowersJune 6, 2018

Republican Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is launching the first digital ad of his election campaign emphasizing his role in getting expanded mental health benefits for first responders, and showing them expressing tearful appreciation for his efforts. The 30-second spot, “First Responders,” begins with Patronis at a March news conference with Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney […]

Scott PowersMay 17, 2018

The University of Central Florida has been awarded a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense for the university’s RESTORES Trauma Management Therapy Program working with veterans, service members, and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Winter Park’s U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy announced the award Wednesday evening via Twitter. She and Orlando’s U.S. Rep. Darren […]

Staff ReportsMarch 22, 2018

On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott swung through Ponte Vedra to highlight military and veteran spending in the 2018-19 budget. This was the second trip this month to the Jacksonville market to highlight military-friendly initiatives. Scott staged the event at K9s for Warriors, which provides service dogs for veterans who suffer from PTSD and other post-combat maladies. The nonprofit […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2018

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Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign a measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Scott made the announcement early Wednesday at a “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony for Florida’s fallen firefighters at The Capitol. The legislation (SB 376) is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire […]

Drew WilsonMarch 5, 2018

After going back and forth with similar bills, the Legislature cleared a proposal Monday that would require nursing homes to have backup generators on site to keep the air conditioning running during power outages. The bill, HB 7099, is a priority of Gov. Rick Scott, who issued a similar requirement via an emergency rule following […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder has passed the Legislature unanimously and now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. A spokesman on Monday said the governor will “review the legislation” when received, but would not commit to Scott’s approval. The legislation is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also […]

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire Marshal, Thursday applauded a Senate panel’s unanimous approval of a workers’ compensation insurance bill that could provide expanded benefits to first responders with job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. “Last year, four states, including Texas, passed measures that give first responders the needed access to mental health benefits […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 26, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s fire marshal, called the Florida League of Cities “disgraceful” for “attempting to derail” legislation that would allow first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to mental health benefits. Patronis issued a news release Monday. “Florida League of Cities lobbyists have, at every step of the legislative committee process, vehemently […]

Tag: PTSD

Jimmy Patronis touts work for first responders in new ad

Charlie Crist sponsors bill allowing veterans to use medical marijuana

Jimmy Patronis’ first ad focuses on efforts for first responders

UCF post-traumatic stress clinic notches $10M grant

Rick Scott spotlights $180 million for military, veteran spending during Ponte Vedra stop

Rick Scott says he’ll sign first responders’ benefits bill

Capitol reax: Nursing homes, first responders, arming teachers, busting unions

Bill to help first responders heads to Rick Scott

Jimmy Patronis can’t stop, won’t stop for first responders

Jimmy Patronis: League of Cities’ opposition to benefits for first responders is ‘disgraceful’