Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 22, 2017

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Legislation to make texting while driving a primary offense passed Wednesday unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee. Miami Republican Rene Garcia sponsored the legislation (SB 144). Florida was one of the later states in the country to adopt anti-texting laws, not doing so until 2013. But the fact that it’s a secondary offense has led critics […]

Mitch PerryMarch 14, 2017

Legislation to provide statewide regulations for transportation network companies (TNC’s) advanced in its latest committee stop in the Florida Senate Tuesday. St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes‘ bill (SB 340) received only two votes in opposition in clearing the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, though there were substantial concerns expressed about funding for paratransit that animated the debate. […]

Michael MolineMarch 9, 2017

A bipartisan coalition of House members and senators endorsed Gov. Rick Scott’s request to increase mental health funding by $25 million, but said even more money is needed to move Florida out of the basement in funding for treatment. “At the end of the day, we’re 49th (in funding among the states), which means we’ve […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 23, 2017

It’s never too early in the day to start fundraising. Sen. Denise Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception for her 2018 bid for Agriculture Commissioner at 7:30 a.m. on March 7 at Florida Finance Strategies, 111-B East College Avenue in Tallahassee. The reception, according to a copy of the invitation, is hosted by […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 5, 2017

A pair of controversial gun bills in the Florida Senate will not be discussed during committee meetings next week According to the Senate calendar, a Judiciary Committee meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday has been cancelled. The committee, which is chaired by Sen. Greg Steube, was set to take up two gun bills during the […]

Drew WilsonDecember 20, 2016

Republican state Sen. Rene Garcia and freshman Democratic state Rep. Daisy Baez have filed a bill that would give small businesses a tax credit for hiring veterans. The legislation (SB 152) would establish the Veterans Employment Small Business Grant Program, which would give a one-time $3,000 tax credit to businesses for each veteran hired, and a […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2016

Lake City Republican Rep. Elizabeth Porter’s House Bill 57 proposes extending current “crimes evidencing prejudice” protections to law enforcement and correctional officers. A companion bill, SB 70, has been filed in the Senate by Sen. Rene Garcia. The bills in the House and Senate both propose enhanced penalties for crimes committed against police officers, correctional officers, and first responders. […]

Scott PowersNovember 23, 2016

A new conservative coalition has formed in Florida seeking to push for immigration reform that would also oppose any mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Floridians for an Immigration Solution, chaired by Ed Moore, president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, announced Wednesday it wants to work with a Donald Trump White House and […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 9, 2016

Saturday, Sept. 10 State Rep. Dana Young, running for Senate District 18, will celebrate the opening of her Carrollwood campaign office with some Super Saturday canvassing. Starting at 9:15 a.m., Young will be on hand for a meet-and-greet with supporters, the campaign team, and volunteers, followed by a neighborhood walk. Joining Young for the event […]

Peter SchorschJuly 21, 2016

They’ve raised money in California. They’ve raised money in Maine. Now, Florida’s Republican state senators are coming home, hosting a major fundraiser next week in Orlando. The Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee (the FRSCC) will host a fundraising reception July 28 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. Headlining the event are Senate President-designate Joe […]

Tag: Rene Garcia

Tougher texting-and-driving ban sails through Senate committee

Bill regulating ride-sharing in Florida advances in Senate Committee

Legislative coalition urges leaders to find money for mental health programs

Bring on the orange juice: Denise Grimsley schedules breakfast fundraiser for March 7

Hearing on gun bills postponed after Senate cancels Judiciary Committee meeting

Bill: Businesses hiring vets would get tax breaks

Police officers could be extended protections against hate crimes

New conservative immigration reform coalition emerges in Florida

Florida campaign weekender for Sept. 10-11

Republican state senators plan major fundraiser for July 28 in Orlando