Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJanuary 21, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed several pieces of legislation deemed a priority for Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. One measure (SB 672) expand the personal learning scholarship account program and the Florida postsecondary comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities. It also renames the scholarship program to the Gardiner […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 21, 2016

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A bill that aims to regulate hydraulic fracturing and other forms of high-pressure well stimulation is headed to the House floor, where bill sponsors said it will likely be amended to address local government concerns. The House state affairs committee on Wednesday voted to approve a measure (HB 191) that, supporters say, creates a regulatory […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

Rep. Matt Caldwell raised more than $18,000 toward his re-election campaign in December, boosting his fundraising totals to more than $135,000 since September 2014. The sum is significant since Caldwell and three other Lee County lawmakers are currently running unopposed. Campaign finance reports, due to the state’s Division of Elections on Monday, show Caldwell raised […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 11, 2016

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Bills aimed at hydraulic fracturing have been filed every year since 2013, but the 2016 Legislative Session may be the year to watch when it comes to the controversial drilling technique. Several measures, including one aimed at regulation and three focused on bans — have been filed in advance of the Session. Some state lawmakers […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 4, 2016

New legislation affecting bulk users of beer kegs was filed at the behest of the state’s theme parks, according to one of Tallahassee’s top beer lobbyists. The bill (HB 1079) was filed Monday by state Rep. Ray Rodrigues, an Estero Republican. Under the measure, instead of charging certain customers a deposit on each individual keg bought, […]

Mitch PerryDecember 2, 2015

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A bill that would create a new regulatory framework in Florida for the controversial practice known as fracking passed a House panel Wednesday, despite overwhelming public testimony against it. The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee approved the bill (HB 191), filed by Estero Republican Rep. Ray Rodrigues and Rep. Cary Pigman, an Avon Park Republican, on a 9-3 […]

Ryan RayNovember 3, 2015

A pair of bills to allow businesses to write off the costs of installing solar panels on commercial properties got the green light Tuesday from a Senate panel. “Occasionally a bill comes along both the Baptists and the bootleggers can agree on, and this is one of those proposals,” said St. Petersburg Sen. Jeff Brandes. The […]

Ryan RaySeptember 25, 2015

A perennial power player in Tallahassee politics singled out two Republican lawmakers for praise on Friday for their work on behalf of the Florida oil and gas industry. Associated Industries of Florida applauded Sen. Garrett Richter and Rep. Ray Rodrigues for sponsoring, respectively, SB 318 and HB 191, bills aimed at preempting local regulations related to “exploration, development, production, processing, storage, […]

Phil AmmannAugust 31, 2015

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With a tip of the hat to Legislative IQ powered by LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Kama Monroe has become senior attorney on the House Local Government Affairs Subcommittee. On: Jessi McDonald is now district secretary for Pensacola Republican Rep. Clay Ingram. On: Santino Andrews is now legislative assistant […]

Phil AmmannAugust 24, 2015

With a tip of the hat to Legislative IQ powered by LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Shirley Proctor is no longer administrative assistant to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. On: Joyce Butler has become the new administrative assistant for Judiciary. Off & On: Ned Luczynski has become policy chief […]

Tag: Ray Rodrigues
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Capitol Reax: Rick Scott signs priority legislation; court clerks highlight talk funding needs; fracking bill heads to House floor

Hydraulic fracturing bill headed to House floor

Lee County lawmakers boost their re-election coffers in December

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Amid debate over fracking, local control could drive discussion

Beer keg deposit bill would benefit theme parks

Bill that would regulate fracking in Florida advances in state House

Bills to encourage solar panel installations OK’d by Senate panel

Associated Industries praises Garrett Richter, Ray Rodrigues for carrying onshore gas bill

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round