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Staff ReportsFebruary 13, 2018

A measure to change the state’s payday-lending system before new federal government regulations kick in easily cleared a House panel Tuesday. The bill (HB 857) was approved by the Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee. The only ‘no’ votes were from Tracie Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat, and Rene Plasencia, an Orlando Republican. Davis earlier had said […]

Scott PowersFebruary 13, 2018

Democratic state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith picked up his campaign-fundraising pace in early January for his 2018 re-election effort in Florida House District 49, bringing in nearly $24,000 even as his only opponent dropped out of the race. Smith, of Orlando, reported that his campaign raised $23,838 in the first eight days of January prior […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2018

As the nation faces another aggressive flu season in 2018, potentially one of the worst in several years, a Florida lawmaker wants to allow testing and treating influenza right at the pharmacy counter. As those of you who follow me on Twitter, I went down with the flu Tuesday night. The flu sucks under normal […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 18, 2018

There was a slew of committee meetings at the Capitol Thursday, but the public stage outside committee halls belonged to those pushing for LGBT protections in private businesses and state offices, two arenas where such discrimination is not explicitly barred by state law. A sizable group of bipartisan lawmakers attended a press conference on Thursday in […]

Scott PowersJanuary 4, 2018

Having largely tackled many of the education and jobs challenges arising from the mass migration of Puerto Ricans seeking a place to live in Florida after Hurricane Maria largely shut down their lives on the island, state and local officials gathered in Orlando told Gov. Rick Scott that housing remains a major problem. Scott met […]

Scott PowersDecember 28, 2017

Housing continues to be the toughest challenge and most likely the biggest long-term challenge as Central Florida absorbs tens of thousands of people displaced from Puerto Rico because of Hurricane Maria, surmised a new task force formed by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. There still is no clear idea how many of the more than 260,000 […]

Scott PowersDecember 27, 2017

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto announced Wednesday he is forming a Central Florida task force to advise on matters involving the the tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans who have fled the island for Central Florida to escape the island’s plight following Hurricane Maria. The regional Task Force on Puerto Rico Arrivals to Central Florida was […]

Scott PowersDecember 14, 2017

Five Central Florida candidates for the Florida House each raised more than $10,000 for their campaigns in November, including incumbent Republican state Reps. Bobby Olszewski, Rene Plasencia, David Santiago, and Bob Cortes along with first-time Democratic candidate Anna Eskamani. Olszewski of Winter Garden, who took his seat after winning a special election in October, reported raising […]

Mitch PerryDecember 7, 2017

Ever since the 9/11 attacks, the nation hails firefighters and other first responders as heroes for entering burning buildings while others run away. However, in Florida, workers’ compensation does not cover mental stress injuries of first responders dealing with intense experiences. In some circumstances, PTSD is covered, but only if accompanied by a physical injury. Megan Vila is […]

Scott PowersDecember 4, 2017

Republican state Rep. Rene Plasencia is pushing a bill that would return control to local school boards to decide how to evaluate teachers. Plasencia, of Orlando, is rallying support for his House Bill 427, introduced in late October and referred to the House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee, PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, and Education Committee. The bill would allow […]

Tag: Rene Plasencia
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Payday loans bill clears latest House committee

Carlos Smith tops Orange County legislative candidates, raising $23K

House considers bill allowing flu tests, treatment at pharmacy counter

Legislators want laws, executive order protecting LGBT rights

Rick Scott’s Puerto Rico roundtable reaches same concern as others: housing

Puerto Rico evacuees to Florida need immediate, long-term housing, task force concludes

Returning from Puerto Rico, Darren Soto organizing advisory task force

Bobby Olszewski, Rene Plasencia, Anna Eskamani, lead Central Florida House campaign gains

Jimmy Patronis visits Tampa to fight for first responder workers comp bill

Rene Plasencia bill seeks to turn teacher evaluations back to school boards