Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallFebruary 24, 2015

Five minutes with Andy Ford, where the FEA Chief suggests respect could go a long way to getting teachers and lawmakers on the same page: Q: The FEA has been challenging in court for at least the past 15 years education policy decisions made by the Legislature. What would a truce to the legal wrangling […]

Christine Jordan SextonFebruary 24, 2015

The early numbers are in and it appears that more part-time employees were offered access to the state group health insurance plan than in 2014. The Office of Economic and Demographic Research published the results from the January estimating conference. The summary showed that 14,201 more OPS–other personal service– employees were being offered health care […]

Florence SnyderFebruary 24, 2015

If you don’t live in Miami Gardens, you probably think its police department is no concern of yours. Ira Glass thinks otherwise. This week, the host of This American Life used his highly respected program to bring the Miami Herald’s reporting on the out-of-control police department to his international audience of public radio listeners. The tale was […]

Christine Jordan SextonFebruary 24, 2015

A decision by the Agency for Health Care Administration to award a new hospice program in Hillsborough County to a hospital-affiliated hospice program could draw a challenge from the longstanding existing provider, LifePath, if a Christmas Eve letter to the state is any indication. Nine applications were submitted to provide new hospice services in Hillsborough […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 24, 2015

Whether or not Marco Rubio opts to seek another term for his Senate seat next year, speculation has already begun to determine which Florida Democrats may compete for their party’s nomination. Along with Alan Grayson, Patrick Murphy and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, another member of the state’s congressional delegation has had her name thrown in the […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 24, 2015

A lot of times what one sees at the state Capitol depends on one’s point of view. A spectator’s voter registration card can very well indicate whether he’s watching a war on public education or an attempt to improve students’ learning gains. It’s a bit like the adage about a glass of water. Every now […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 24, 2015

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor says there are still ways for House Republicans to pass a clean funding bill that would fund the Department of Homeland Security, which could run out of money by Friday if a resolution isn’t passed in Congress. The Tampa Bay area Democrat held a press conference Tuesday in a parking lot […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 24, 2015

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On Tuesday, Florida reached a milestone in the growing battle for fair, equitable and competitive workplaces throughout the state. Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce announced more than 200 Florida employers — both large and small — have joined the fight to support passage of the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. State legislators are considering two […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 24, 2015

Not that it stands a snow ball’s chance in hell of passing the uber-conservative Florida Legislature, but South Florida Democrat Dwight Bullard has proposed a recreational legalization bill in the Senate. Bullard filed the bill Tuesday that would allow anyone 21 or older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. The […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 24, 2015

In anticipation of the 2015 Legislative Session, FloridaPolitics.com is asking state lawmakers about their goals and priorities – and whether they support some controversial issues in the state. Here are the responses from State Senator Jeff Brandes: In one word, how would you describe your expectations for the Session, i.e. “Excited.” “Hopeful” What’s a local issue you […]

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Rick Scott addresses the Republican Jewish Coalition. Image via Rick Scott campaign, 2024.

Five minutes with Florida Education Association chief Andy Ford

More part-time employees offered access to state group health plan in 2015

Florence Snyder: Miami Gardens police turn friends (like Quickstop job creator) into enemies

Is CON challenge imminent in Hillsborough?

Kathy Castor not ruling out future run for higher office

Veteran lobbyist Ron Watson offers perspective in advance of 2015 legislative session

Kathy Castor again blasts House GOP on failure to come up with bill to fund DHS

More than 200 Florida businesses have joined coalition to pass Competitive Workforce Act

Sen. Dwight Bullard tries again with recreational marijuana bill

Previewing the 2015 Legislative Session with Jeff Brandes