Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonAugust 10, 2015

July fundraising numbers are in, though none of the big ticket Senate races for 2016 got much action, and with the Special Session on Redistricting, it should stay that way for sitting lawmakers during the back half of August. Fort Walton Beach Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz brought in $16,855 for the month and spent $7,629, leaving him with a […]

Gary FineoutJune 23, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday ended the state’s biggest budget crisis in more than two decades by signing a more than $78 billion budget into law, but he may have created another divide with some of his fellow Republicans. Scott signed the budget just days after the Florida Legislature approved it during an unusual June […]

Christine Jordan SextonJune 5, 2015

The Senate released a list of budget conferees late Friday. General Members/At large members Tom Lee, Chair Lizbeth Benacquisto, Vice Chair Anitere Flores, At Large Bill Galvano, At Large Denise Grimsley, At Large Arthenia Joyner, At Large Gwen Margolis, At Large Garrett Richter, At Large David Simmons, At Large Chris Smith, At Large The Conference […]

Guest AuthorMay 31, 2015

“It’s like Déjà vu all over again” is one of my favorite “Yogi-isms” and it’s been looping on repeat in my head like an earworm. I’m referring to the Florida Senate’s latest attempt to revise its healthcare FHIX proposal and, yes again, expand Medicaid. The new plan will be called many things to attract broad […]

Guest AuthorMay 31, 2015

“It’s like Déjà vu all over again” is one of my favorite “Yogi-isms” and it’s been looping on repeat in my head like an earworm. I’m referring to the Florida Senate’s latest attempt to revise its healthcare FHIX proposal and, yes again, expand Medicaid. The new plan will be called many things to attract broad […]

Jac VerSteegMay 4, 2015

Politicians who disagree with Supreme Court rulings frequently point out that the justices are “unelected.” That’s true on both the federal and state levels. Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli echoed that disdain with comments after a majority of Florida Supreme Court justices agreed with an opinion written by Justice Barbara Pariente, who wrote that the […]

Jac VerSteegMay 4, 2015

Politicians who disagree with Supreme Court rulings frequently point out that the justices are “unelected.” That’s true on both the federal and state levels. Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli echoed that disdain with comments after a majority of Florida Supreme Court justices agreed with an opinion written by Justice Barbara Pariente, who wrote that the […]

Peter SchorschApril 27, 2015

During a story arc of the third season of 30 Rock, Jon Hamm plays Drew, the boyfriend of Tina Fey’s character Liz Lemon. In the episode “The Bubble,” Fey begins to notice that people treat Hamm differently because of his good looks. After watching a traffic cop rip up a ticket for Drew, and fashion […]

Guest AuthorApril 27, 2015

While the Florida Legislature debates health care on many fronts, an important health care measure that has been in the works for several years and takes significant steps to better protect one of Florida’s most vulnerable populations, our state’s seniors, is now ready for final passage. That measure is assisted living reform. The assisted living […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

The Florida Constitution requires the Florida Legislature to pass a balanced budget and send it to the governor. This is the Constitution’s primary mandate for the Legislature. The Florida budget, like any budget, is comprised of two components: income and expenses. Governmental income is derived from the taxes and fees paid by Floridians and visitors […]

Tag: senate
The Yankees organization is generous with Helene relief in Florida. Image via AP.

Top Senate fundraisers have slow July

Gov. Rick Scott signs state budget in private, averts government shutdown

Senate picks conferees and the winners are …

Sal Nuzzo: Senate’s new FHIX offering is ‘like Déjà vu all over again’

Sal Nuzzo: Senate's new FHIX offering is 'like Déjà vu all over again'

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: “Unelected” high court chides House for unelecting itself

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Unelected Supreme Court chastises House members for unelecting themselves

Peter Schorsch: When will Speaker Steve Crisafulli's bubble burst?

Gail Matillo: Legislature finally could OK needed assisted living facilities reform

Garrett Richter: Health care in Florida: It’s our money and we deserve a return