Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 11, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott kicks off his “Million Billion Jobs” victory tour Monday. The self-proclaimed jobs governor is visiting five cities celebrating creating more than 1 million jobs in five years and $1 billion in tax cuts for Florida families over the past two years. “The debate in Florida is now about how we can create […]

Drew WilsonMarch 11, 2016

The Florida Nurses Association applauded lawmakers Friday for passing a bill allowing advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances, a measure the group had put before the legislature for 22 years. “It’s been a long battle, and well worth the fight,’’ said FNA Executive Director Willa Fuller in a news release. […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 11, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott appointed Celeste Philip as Acting Surgeon General on Friday. He also praised outgoing Surgeon General John Armstrong as having done an “outstanding job.” Armstrong was the first state agency head in 20 years to be shown the door after the Senate refused to confirm him by the end of the 2016 Legislative Session. Scott […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2016

It was among the last on the list Friday, but the Legislature passed a tax-cut package worth $129 million. The Senate vote was 35-4, with four Democrats opposed: Dwight Bullard of Miami, Jeff Clemens of Lake Worth, Arthenia Joyner of Tampa, and Oscar Braynon of Miami Gardens. That sent it back to the House, which passed […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 11, 2016

As the Florida Legislature wrapped up its 2016 session Friday by passing the 2016-17 budget, some education officials are feeling left out. In an email, Florida Education Association President Joanne McCall lamented that the budget fails to adequately fund education and ignores increasing resistance toward what many see is chronic over-testing in schools. “Legislators may […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 11, 2016

The Education Access and Affordability Bill, HB 7019, got high marks from Gov. Rick Scott Friday, who said he would sign the bill. He said it will allow students to make “informed decisions” toward an “affordable, quality college education in Florida.” The bill “holds the line” on graduate school costs, and requires notification of required and […]

Brendan FarringtonMarch 11, 2016

The Legislature was getting ready to wrap up its 60-day legislative session Friday absent the drama that marked last year’s lawmaking process. The most important thing left for lawmakers on the final day was passing the $82.3 billion budget, a vote that couldn’t take place before 2:53 p.m. because of a requirement that lawmakers wait […]

Drew WilsonMarch 11, 2016

The Florida Hospital Association patted the Legislature on the back in a Friday email celebrating the passage of their preferred healthcare transparency bill. “The Legislature has demonstrated responsible leadership by passing House Bill 1175 to increase the availability and usefulness of information about health care prices and quality of care,” FHA President Bruce Rueben said. “This bill will help […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 11, 2016

In the Sine Die edition of “As the Pension Tax Turns,” there is (potentially) great news for Jacksonville advocates of the Discretionary Sales Surtax bill that the Senate just passed. The bill goes to the Gov. Rick Scott on Friday, says a very reliable source. And Scott made what has been called a “solid commitment” […]

Gary FineoutMarch 11, 2016

The Florida Legislature is expected on Friday to approve a more than $82.3 billion budget for 2016-17 that is roughly 5 percent larger than this year’s budget. Here are a few key items you should know about: – EDUCATION: The new budget increases day-to-day public school spending by $458 million, which translates into a 1 […]

Tag: Rick Scott

Rick Scott to launch jobs creation and “tax cut victory” tour

Florida Nurses Association praises “huge victory” for nurse practitioners, physician assistants

Rick Scott appoints Celeste Philip Acting Surgeon General, lauds outgoing John Armstrong

Tax cut package finally clears Legislature

Email insights: Florida Education Association calls on Rick Scott to veto budget

Education Access and Affordability bill gets high marks from Rick Scott

Almost there: Sine die is nigh

Email Insights: Florida Hospital Association thanks lawmakers for transparency bill

Jax pension tax bill goes to Rick Scott Friday; he’s likely to sign

Highlights from Florida’s new $82.3 billion budget