Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 10, 2016

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Chelsea Clinton may be a campaign surrogate for her mother. But in terms of political savvy, Chelsea is her father’s daughter. An event Thursday evening at the All Saints Early Learning and Community Care Center saw Clinton, who has a young child herself, demonstrate an ability to deftly pivot from conversations with children about whether […]

Associated PressMarch 10, 2016

Putting behind a year’s worth of rancor, the Florida Legislature on Friday will approve a more than $82.3 billion budget that includes a slight boost in money for schools but also rejects many of Gov. Rick Scott‘s main priorities. Just a few months ago the Republican-controlled Legislature was rushing to pass a budget to avoid […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 10, 2016

The Florida House rallied behind the Legislature’s proposed budget Thursday, teeing up the $82.3 billion spending plan up for a vote later this week. State lawmakers debated the budget, shrugging off a structured debate format that has been used in recent years. The reason? Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle appeared to support the […]

Tag: Rick Scott

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

In Jacksonville, Chelsea Clinton proves she’s a master politician

Lawmakers poised to approve nearly $82.3 billion budget

House prepares for vote on state’s $82 billion budget