Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallMarch 12, 2015

A Florida TaxWatch study finds the state’s network of nonprofit mental health providers is doing such a good job it deserves more money. Florida provides substance abuse and other services to the uninsured through seven regional Behavioral Health Managing Entities. The network enables services to be tailored to the community needs. TaxWatch found the model […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

On Monday, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that the Florida Cannabis Action Network was now “developing a 2016 voter initiative to legalize marijuana, based on the likelihood that the Florida Legislature will be unwilling to create a comprehensive medical-only program in coming weeks.” Uh, not exactly, says FCAN executive director Jodi James. “The ballot initiative idea […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

On Monday, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that the Florida Cannabis Action Network was now “developing a 2016 voter initiative to legalize marijuana, based on the likelihood that the Florida Legislature will be unwilling to create a comprehensive medical-only program in coming weeks.” Uh, not exactly, says FCAN executive director Jodi James. “The ballot initiative idea […]

Associated PressMarch 12, 2015

Class size limits could be eased for Florida’s schools under a bill now moving in the Florida Legislature. A House committee approved the measure Thursday. A 2002 state constitutional amendment limits classes in core subjects to 18 students in kindergarten through third grade, 22 in fourth through eighth grade and 25 in high school. The […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 12, 2015

A House health care panel approved a telehealth bill Thursday but there were warnings that the measure isn’t “floor ready.” The reason? The bill, HB 545, has no requirement that government or third parties to reimburse doctors and health care providers for rendering telehealth services. “I’m concerned the bill says nothing about reimbursement and holds […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

Although many people in Tampa are hoping a Cuban consulate comes to Tampa, a committee in the state Senate on Thursday officially disapproved of any such diplomatic outpost coming to Florida. The Senate Rules Committee approved SM 866, a largely symbolic bill that puts the committee on the record as expressing “profound disagreement” with President Barack Obama‘s […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

As we reported this past weekend, no group has appeared more bothered by the prospect of a constitutional amendment giving Floridians the opportunity to install rooftop solar energy on their homes than Americans for Prosperity. The Koch Brothers-funded libertarian group has been feuding with Conservatives for Energy Freedom, who have been spearheading the effort to get […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

The other day Mason-Dixon did a poll on the 2016 Florida U.S. Senate race, and its content was somewhat pedestrian. Pedestrian in the respect that it only put forth four names: Marco Rubio and Jeff Atwater for the Republicans; Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Patrick Murphy for the Democrats. With more than a year and a half until the […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 12, 2015

A strike-everything amendment awaits the House telehealth bill in the House Health Quality Subcommittee on Thursday. The amendment, offered by bill sponsor Rep. Travis Cummings, does not make the bill identical to the Senate measure, CS/SB 478. But the amendment does address a new issue in the telehealth debate: regulation of telehealth products. The House strike-all […]

Phil AmmannMarch 11, 2015

A former legislative affairs director in the Rick Scott administration is heading to General Motors to head the automobile giant’s lobbying efforts in Florida. Marlene Williams, 28, will be the new Southeast Regional Manager of State Government Relations, effective Monday. Williams’s role will be to direct state legislative issues affecting GM in the Southeast Region. Based in Tallahassee, Williams will […]

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Florida TaxWatch: Mental health providers do good job, deserve more money

No, FCAN isn't about to pursue a pot legalization amendment

No, FCAN isn’t about to pursue a pot legalization amendment

Class size limits could be eased for school districts

House OKs telehealth bill; reimbursement issue looms

Senate panel opposes opening Cuban consulate in state

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy main funder for Floridians for Solar Choice

Mitch Perry Report for 3.12.15 — Charlie Crist for Senate?

Strike-all amendment awaits telehealth bill in House

Personnel note: Former Rick Scott admin staffer Marlene Williams to lead GM's Florida lobbying efforts