Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott’s annual State of the State speech didn’t surprise lawmakers from Southwest Florida, they said Tuesday. “I think there are opportunities for success when you’re consistent, and the governor continues to be consistent with his priorities for job growth in the state of Florida,” said Sen. Garrett Richter, a Naples Republican and Senate President […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2016

Senate Republican Leader Bill Galvano on Tuesday said he was “surprised” that Gov. Rick Scott made no mention of a new deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that would allow them to keep offering blackjack at their casinos. “It is what it is,” he said. “I think everybody involved in the process around that […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

After pitching a $1 billion tax cut proposal to state lawmakers, Gov. Rick Scott is hitting the road to sell his proposal to Floridians. Scott is set to start off on his “Million Miles for a Million Jobs” bus tour Wednesday. The start of the trip comes just a day after Scott urged state lawmakers […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 12, 2016

Florida’s foremost business trade group congratulated Gov. Rick Scott for his sixth State of the State address, and reaffirmed its support for the governor in the just-opened 2016 Legislative Session. Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) President and CEO Tom Feeney released this statement: “AIF applauds Governor Scott on his State of the State address, and […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 12, 2016

Reporter Troy Kinsey and I are both card-carrying members of the Society of the Tarpon Belt — an unofficial coalition of supporters of former Gov. Charlie Crist, who was known to wear leather belt featuring both embroidered and embossed tarpon. Kinsey and I also share the fact that our better halves are current or former […]

Associated PressJanuary 12, 2016

The Florida Legislature has started its annual 60-day session. Leaders of the Florida House and Florida Senate officially gaveled lawmakers back to work on Tuesday morning. They’re expected over the next few weeks to grapple everything from guns to gambling. Florida Gov. Rick Scott will give his “State of State” speech later Tuesday and is […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2016

On the first day of the 2016 Legislative Session, Senate President Andy Gardiner made a promise that Gov. Rick Scott would get three bills by the end of the week. Gardiner, an Orlando Republican, spoke during the Senate’s first floor Session for 2016, with Scott sitting in the first row. The first measure is statewide […]

Gary FineoutJanuary 12, 2016

When he stands before the Florida Legislature for the sixth time on Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott will repeat the same message he has given every year since he took office: It’s all about jobs. Scott will open the 60-day session with his annual “State of the State” speech where he will call on Republican leaders […]

Brendan FarringtonJanuary 12, 2016

The Legislature will begin its annual session early this year with the hopes of avoiding the chaos and dysfunction that marked the 2015 Session and three special sessions that followed. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner say the past is the past and there’s no lingering animosity after the two chambers found […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 11, 2016

Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants $250 million for corporate incentives. Americans for Prosperity – Florida, however, lambastes his proposal as “crony politics” and “corporate welfare.” Andres Malave, AFP-Florida’s communications director, noted in an email Monday that “last week Governor Scott put out an ad to garner more attention for his request for another $250 million dollars […]

Tag: Rick Scott

SWFL lawmakers: Few surprises in Rick Scott’s 2016 State of the State speech

State of the State: Bill Galvano “surprised” at no mention of Seminole Compact

Rick Scott begins 3-day swing to pitch tax-cut proposal Wednesday

AIF heralds Rick Scott’s State of the State address, economic plan

Why does reporter Troy Kinsey do that?

Legislature opens annual session

Andy Gardiner promises first 3 bills this session

It’s back to work for GOP-controlled Florida Legislature

Gambling, guns, tax cuts and more facing Florida lawmakers

Americans for Prosperity slams Rick Scott for “crony politics,” “corporate welfare”