Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 4, 2015

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee gave the green light Wednesday to the Florida Medical Association’s top priority: a bill that precludes insurance companies and HMOs from limiting direct access to medications without prior approval from a government-housed clinical committee. It’s being called the “Right Medicine, Right Time Act” and it most likely will be […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 4, 2015

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee gave the green light Wednesday to the Florida Medical Association’s top priority: a bill that precludes insurance companies and HMOs from limiting direct access to medications without prior approval from a government-housed clinical committee. It’s being called the “Right Medicine, Right Time Act” and it most likely will be […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 3, 2015

Supporters of clean water and conservation rallied two weeks ago at the Capitol but the biggest water day of the 2015 Legislative Session may come Wednesday. HB 7003, the House water policy bill shepherded by Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres and chairman of the House State Affairs Committee, likely will pass the House. And the Senate […]

Associated PressMarch 3, 2015

The Republican-led Florida Legislature kicked off its annual session Tuesday with the usual pomp, but the celebratory nature was overshadowed by lingering questions about the state budget, tax cuts and health care. The two GOP legislators in charge opened the session by stressing areas on which they plan to work in tandem over the next […]

Associated PressMarch 3, 2015

The Republican-led Florida Legislature kicked off its annual session Tuesday with the usual pomp, but the celebratory nature was overshadowed by lingering questions about the state budget, tax cuts and health care. The two GOP legislators in charge opened the session by stressing areas on which they plan to work in tandem over the next […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 3, 2015

While they are hesitant to implement Obamacare provisions and expand access to health care, Florida legislators overwhelmingly tap into the benefits made available to them either for free or deeply discounted rates. Thirty-six of Florida’s 40 state senators are enrolled in the state health insurance plan and 39 of them enroll in the dental plan, […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

Senate President Andy Gardiner spoke with reporters for about 10 minutes Tuesday after the Senate adjourned its first session of the 2015 Legislative Session. The discussion highlighted the differences separating the House and Senate as they begin writing a state budget and addressing other priorities. While the Senate is focused on prison reform, providing access […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 3, 2015

House and Senate leaders touted water policy during opening speeches of the legislative session while Gov. Rick Scott again said he’s proposing more than required under Amendment 1. And House Speaker Steve Crisafulli warned that he’s reluctant to support an increase in land-buying despite Amendment 1, the water and land conservation funding initiative approved by […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott artfully wrapped his approach to government in a cherished American value as he delivered the annual State of the State speech to open the 2015 Legislative Session. “I believe we are the best place in the country and the world to make dreams come true,” Scott said. “I call this Florida Exceptionalism.” […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott artfully wrapped his approach to government in a cherished American value as he delivered the annual State of the State speech to open the 2015 Legislative Session. “I believe we are the best place in the country and the world to make dreams come true,” Scott said. “I call this Florida Exceptionalism.” […]

Tag: Steve Crisafulli

Senate insurance panel OKs FMA’s “Right Medicine, Right Time Act”

Senate insurance panel OKs FMA's "Right Medicine, Right Time Act"

Water bills are on tap Wednesday but environmentalists are not cheering

Budget, health care issues cloud Legislature’s opening day

Budget, health care issues cloud Legislature's opening day

Most legislators say yes to free or deeply discounted dental and health benefits

Day One with Andy Gardiner: Medicaid, greyhounds, water and a “long way to go”

Session openers: Rick Scott touts enviro spending, Steve Crisafulli warns against land-buying

Rick Scott boasts "Florida Exceptionalism" in State of the State address

Rick Scott boasts “Florida Exceptionalism” in State of the State address