Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 9, 2016

Although Donald Trump might be wearing down some who voters who previously resisted his various messages, there are certain groups of people in this country who say they are more fired up than ever to vote this fall against him, if he becomes the Republican nominee for president. Those groups including Latino activists in Florida. […]

Ryan RayMarch 9, 2016

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that critics say would curtail women’s access to safe and legal abortions, while supporters say it simply “gets Florida out of the abortion business.” The measure to increase medical requirements on abortion clinics, sponsored by Lakeland Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel, passed 25-15 after nearly half an hour of debate. […]

Bill RuftyMarch 9, 2016

Now in its second year of operation the state’s newest university, Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland, will receive money in this year’s state budget for its second major academic building and funding for a new program. In the budget, and approved earlier by the Board of Governors, are $5 million for the preliminary preparation and construction […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2016

On Wednesday, the Florida Senate voted 35-1 to approve the Discretionary Sales Surtax bill (SB 1652), which would allow Jacksonville to impose a pension tax via referendum if the bill is signed into law. This passage represents the culmination of a concerted effort that started months ago, including the enlistment of an army of city […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

Don’t count out Surgeon General John Armstrong quite yet. Senate President Andy Gardiner said he is still debating whether the Senate will consider Armstrong’s confirmation. Gardiner said if the Senate were to take up Armstrong’s confirmation, it could come up on Thursday. But, Gardiner said, that’s still a big if. “I’m not sure we’re there […]

Ryan RayMarch 8, 2016

When the Legislature’s final budget hit the desk Tuesday afternoon, it included a line item containing $10 million to fund free and charitable clinics for underserved and uninsured Floridians. About the same time, the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics issued a statement expressing their gratitude, along with a heartfelt request: please, Gov. Rick Scott, allow us […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

The heads of two more state agencies are keeping their jobs. The Florida Senate on Tuesday confirmed dozens of Gov. Rick Scott appointees, including Cissy Proctor, the executive director Department of Economic Opportunities, and Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie. Proctor’s confirmation flew through all of its committee stops. Scott selected Proctor to lead the agency last […]

Guest AuthorMarch 8, 2016

Each Legislative Session brings a cadre of bills, usually touted as consumer-friendly measures, that on the surface sound like good-government laws. In reality, such bills often have unintended consequences that should be exposed for consumer protection reasons. Companions House Bill 1041 and Senate Bill 966, related to unclaimed property, form one such example of state […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

A bill that may change how Medicaid programs provide dental care to children is headed to the governor. The Florida Senate on Monday voted 35-2 to approve a measure (HB 819) could remove dental services from the list of minimum benefits under the state’s Medicaid managed care plans. Among other things, the bill requires the […]

Associated PressMarch 7, 2016

Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a major overhaul of Florida’s death penalty on Monday in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision declaring the previous system unconstitutional. The new law requires at least 10 out of 12 jurors recommend execution for it to be carried out. Florida previously required that a majority of […]

Tag: Rick Scott
Memorial Day weekend could prove deadly if advice is not heeded to prevent drownings.

Florida immigration activists say they’re fired up to vote against Donald Trump this fall

Legislature passes new strictures on abortion clinics

Once-controversial Florida Poly University gets expansion funds

Jacksonville’s pension tax bill sails through Senate, now heads to Gov. Scott

Senate President Andy Gardiner still considering whether to bring up John Armstrong’s confirmation

Free & charitable clinics: Thanks for the funding, please don’t veto it

Florida Senate confirms Cissy Proctor, Tom Delacenserie

Paul Sanford: Governor should veto state money-grab legislation

Controversial dental bill clears Senate, now heads to governor

Rick Scott signs into law overhaul of Florida death penalty