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-FoersterFebruary 15, 2016

Lee County incumbents continued to build their campaign accounts in January. All four Lee County state House members are running unopposed. But that didn’t stop them from raising thousands of dollars, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Florida Division of Elections. Lawmakers can’t raise money during the Legislative Session, which started Jan. 12. […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 11, 2016

The abrupt end to the 2015 Florida legislative session left an important piece of legislation in limbo: the regulation of the onshore oil and gas industry. Fortunately, Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, and Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, are again championing this good legislation during this year’s session, and we are nearing the finish line. HB 191 […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

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The state House passed a controversial measure to regulate fracking, despite significant opposition from Democrats who said the practice could harm the state’s natural resources. The House voted 73-45 after more than an hour of passionate debate to approve the bill (HB 191), with just a few Republicans joining Democrats in opposing it. “Yesterday, over […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 26, 2016

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The Republican-led state House rejected more than a dozen amendments — all of which were sponsored by House Democrats — to a proposal aimed at regulating hydraulic fracturing. House Democrats put forth at least 20 amendments to the bill (HB 191). The changes included requiring drillers to submit water to the Department of Environmental every […]

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, […]

Tag: Ray Rodrigues
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Foundation for Florida’s Future highlights expanded education options passed by lawmakers

Lee County incumbents raise thousands in January

Brewster Bevis: The Legislature should pass legislation regulating oil and gas industry

House approves controversial fracking bill, despite opposition from Democrats

House Republicans reject amendments to fracking bill sponsored by Democrats

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