Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Melissa RossApril 22, 2015

Florida Senator Bill Nelson has been pressing lately on the FAA to pay for TSA screenings of all airline and airport employees who have access to secure areas. The flap arose after an incident at the Atlanta airport in December when a baggage handler was nabbed smuggling more than 100 guns onto outbound flights. Nelson, in an […]

Guest AuthorApril 20, 2015

Six years ago, when Katie Swingle’s son was only 18 months old, a doctor reported that her boy’s autism would probably prevent him from ever being able to speak. Today, Katie’s son is not only communicating orally, but he’s also writing – in cursive! And Katie says the Florida Legislature is partly to thank. That’s […]

James CallApril 9, 2015

Although the Florida House overwhelmingly passed a $690 million tax-cut package Thursday, it still faces an uncertain future in the Senate. While the Senate looks to plug a $2.2 billion hole in the health care budget, the House is focused on keeping Florida’s economy growing by cutting costs for households and businesses. “One of the […]

Mark FerruloApril 6, 2015

Over a 30-year career, President Barack Obama’s U.S. attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch has assembled a lengthy record as a champion for justice, a dogged prosecutor of hate crimes and political corruption, and an officer of the court committed to protecting the Constitution and human rights. Ms. Lynch has distinguished herself as a tough, fair […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Tag: senate
Mario Cristobal. Image via AP.

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

Email insights: Bill Nelson says Florida airports beat TSA to security solution

William Mattox: Expand innovative program for special-needs students

House passes tax-cut package; uncertain in Senate

Mark Ferrulo: Marco Rubio must end blockade of Loretta Lynch

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise