Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayApril 30, 2015

As lobbyists and pols alike collect their collective jaws from the floor in the wake of Speaker Steve Crisafulli’s Sine Die adjournment spectacle, the Florida Democratic Party is wasting no time in making political hay out of it. The FDP told Florida Politics that it is hitting vulnerable members of the majority in the GOP-dominated Florida House […]

Mitch PerryApril 30, 2015

We finally have a challenger to Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential nomination contest. Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, 73, officially announces his candidacy Thursday, though he says he won’t give a big speech noting the event until May 26. “I’ve been traveling around the country for the last year trying to ascertain whether there […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 29, 2015

As the dysfunctional 2015 regular legislative session continued on Wednesday with the Florida Senate threatening to sue the House for its abrupt sine die, Gov. Rick Scott floated to the media details about the hospital and health care commission he plans on convening. Scott released a draft outline of the commission that shows he plans […]

Associated PressApril 29, 2015

The Obama administration said Wednesday it had not changed its position on Medicaid expansion and hospital funds, despite contrary interpretations from lawmakers. The confusion came a day after Gov. Rick Scott filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Obama administration of coercing Florida into expanding Medicaid by withholding more than $1 billion in hospital funds. The […]

James CallApril 29, 2015

Instead of a Doctor of the Day, when the Florida House and Senate next meet, maybe they should consider a psychologist, counselor or mediator. After an exchange of insults and letters Wednesday it became even more uncertain when the two chambers will be able to begin budget negotiations. The gulf between the Florida House and […]

Mitch PerryApril 29, 2015

Less than half an hour after Senate President Andy Gardiner sent a letter to House Speaker Steve Crisafulli on Wednesday asking him to bring the House back into Session, Crisafulli responded forcefully. He’s not doing it. The defiant speaker chastised the Senate in the letter, referring to bills the House has passed but have yet to get […]

Mitch PerryApril 29, 2015

A day after House Speaker Steve Crisafulli stunned lawmakers by adjourning the House of Representatives three days early, Senate President Andy Gardiner responded He called on Crisafulli to bring the House back into session by this Friday afternoon. In a letter to Crisafulli, Gardiner quotes Article III, section 3 of the Florida Constitution, which states: “Neither house […]

Mitch PerryApril 29, 2015

In Nepal, they’re still digging through the rubble after the devastating weekend earthquake that has taken at least 10,000 lives. In Baltimore, the cleanup continues after Monday’s night of rage. Meanwhile, that city waits for a report on what actually happened to Freddie Gray, due later this week. And in Tallahassee, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli […]

Bruce RitchieApril 28, 2015

The Florida House adjourned the 2015 Legislative Session on Tuesday, leaving bills dealing with water policy, hydraulic fracturing, septic tank waste and Duke Energy Florida in doubt. As the Senate was discussing fracking legislation, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli told House members there was no reason to keep House members in Tallahassee because of an impasse […]

Daniel TilsonApril 28, 2015

With state representatives like these, who needs enemies? With nearly four days left in the Florida Legislature’s regular session, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli unexpectedly gathered up all his “Stand Firm” post-it notes, lobbyist business cards and ALEC issues briefings, then suddenly called the session quits and sent everybody home. The political class in Tallahassee likes […]

Tag: Steve Crisafulli

Florida Democrats unveil text of mailers, robocalls targeting vulnerable House Republicans

Mitch Perry Report for 4.30.15 — Hillary Clinton finally has challenger

Rick Scott releases plan to examine hospitals’, insurance companies’ profits

Barack Obama hasn’t changed course on LIP, Medicaid

Senate President, House Speaker exchange letters as budget dispute deepens

Steve Crisafulli refuses to bring Florida House back into Session

Senate President calls on House to return, finish Session

Mitch Perry Report for 4.29.15 — GOP fights GOP in Tally as Democrats watch

Fracking, land management and water bills left in doubt

Daniel Tilson: Florida House Republicans flip us all the bird and fly home