Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJune 15, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott signed a sweeping education bill (HB 7069) that, among other things, sends more public money to privately-run charter schools. The legislation, a top priority for House Speaker Richard Corcoran, also requires recess in elementary schools, makes changes to the state’s standardized testing system, and includes millions of dollars for teacher bonuses. The […]

Staff ReportsJune 15, 2017

The Florida House is touting the signing of a wide-sweeping education bill with a new video. The nearly 3-minute web video, released ahead of a bill signing event at Morning Star Catholic School in Orlando, features news clips showing parents talking about their children and reporters highlighting the 2015 “Failure Factories” series by the Tampa […]

Peter SchorschJune 15, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott will sign a contentious education policy bill that critics fear will hurt traditional public schools in favor of privately-managed charter schools. The Governor’s Office on Thursday morning announced he will approve “a major education bill” at Morning Star Catholic School in Orlando, “which serves many children who receive the Gardiner Scholarship,” one of the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 15, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott vetoed a wide-sweeping higher education bill, saying the legislation “impedes the ability of state colleges to meet the needs of the communities and families they serve.” The bill (SB 374) was a top priority for Senate President Joe Negron, who has made improving the State University System a cornerstone of his term […]

Jim RosicaJune 14, 2017

Chalk it up to “passion.” Or politics. Gov. Rick Scott, speaking to reporters after a Wednesday bill signing, explained away the open tension between him and House Speaker Richard Corcoran after the House this year tried to gut VISIT FLORIDA and do away with economic development organization Enterprise Florida, his two favored state agencies. By […]

Staff ReportsJune 13, 2017

A top supporter of Rep. Ron DeSantis has contributed $500,000 to a state-level political committee that could be used to help fund a gubernatorial bid. POLITICO Florida reported that Frederick Sontag contributed $500,000 to Fund for Florida’s Future, a state-level political committee, on May 5. The committee, which was required to report all contributions it […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 13, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott isn’t showing his cards when it comes to a wide-sweeping and contentious education bill, despite rumblings he could sign the measure as early as this week. The Naples Republican said he is still reviewing the bill (HB 7069), which, among other things, creates a “Schools of Hope” charter school program backed by […]

Staff ReportsJune 13, 2017

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2018, is slamming Gov. Rick Scott‘s and House Speaker Richard Corcoran‘s “victory tour.” Saying he’s standing up for public schools, Gillum released a statement Tuesday in the wake of Scott’s announcement of a five-city “Fighting for Florida’s Future Victory” tour to “celebrate the major wins for Florida […]

Jim RosicaJune 12, 2017

The 1st District Court of Appeal last week OK’d the Florida Lottery’s request for more time to file its initial brief in an appeal over its invalidated $700 million contract for new equipment. The agency now has till “on or before July 7,” according to an online docket. The Lottery filed its challenge after Tallahassee-based Circuit […]

Staff ReportsJune 12, 2017

Sen. Jack Latvala raised more than $47,800 in about 20 days in May. Florida Leadership Committee, the Clearwater Republican’s political committee, raised at least $47,891 between May 10 and May 31, according to contribution data posted to the committee’s website. The Division of Elections’ deadline for reporting May numbers is Monday. Florida Leadership Committee hadn’t […]

Tag: Richard Corcoran

Capitol Reax: Rick Scott signs HB 7069

In new video ahead of HB 7069 signing, Florida House declares ‘hope has arrived’

Rick Scott to sign controversial education policy bill

Rick Scott vetoes higher education bill, priority for Joe Negron

Rick Scott: No hard feelings between him and Richard Corcoran

Report: Top Ron DeSantis supporter contributes $500K to state political committee

Amid continued calls to veto HB 7069, Rick Scott says he is still ‘reviewing it’

Andrew Gillum takes a swipe at Rick Scott’s ‘victory tour’

Lottery gets more time to file brief in contract case appeal

Jack Latvala raises more than $47K in May