Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMarch 11, 2016

Florida lawmakers went back and forth on funding for new police radios in their $82.3 billion budget, eventually deciding to fork over $7 million for the new equipment to current supplier Harris Corp. The communications company couldn’t be more pleased that lawmakers ended up “putting the safety of first responders and Floridians first,” according to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 11, 2016

The Florida Legislature overwhelmingly approved the state’s $82.3 billion spending plan, with just one lawmaker voting against it. The Senate passed the fiscal 2016-16 state budget shortly after 5 p.m. Friday with no debate. The House approved the budget 119-1 earlier in the day. State Rep. John Tobia, a Melbourne Beach Republican, was the lone […]

Associated PressMarch 10, 2016

Putting behind a year’s worth of rancor, the Florida Legislature on Friday will approve a more than $82.3 billion budget that includes a slight boost in money for schools but also rejects many of Gov. Rick Scott‘s main priorities. Just a few months ago the Republican-controlled Legislature was rushing to pass a budget to avoid […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 10, 2016

Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli bid farewell to his colleagues Thursday, thanking his staff and fellow for making the House “an incredible institution.” “It has been a true honor to serve with all of you,” Crisafulli said. “The past two years have been challenging; they have brought on extraordinary times. But I am so proud […]

Scott PowersMarch 7, 2016

The University of Central Florida has walked a careful path to line up support for what had been a controversial plan for a downtown Orlando campus, and now the university has everything but the governor’s signature. No one is taking that for granted, though. Over the weekend, with pushes from Senate President Andy Gardiner of […]

Staff ReportsMarch 6, 2016

Politicians throughout Florida responded to Sunday’s report of the death of Nancy Reagan at the age of 95. Reactions come from federal, state, and local Republican elected officials. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who has described himself as among the “children of the (Ronald) Reagan Revolution,” tweeted his condolences, writing that “today our nation mourns the loss […]

Jim RosicaMarch 4, 2016

It’s the Florida Senate’s fault that the Seminole Compact wasn’t passed this session, two House leaders said Friday afternoon. They rejected claims there weren’t enough votes in the House, saying instead there was no point in moving a bill that wasn’t going to be considered across the Capitol Rotunda. (For Friday’s background, click here.) The […]

Phil AmmannMarch 3, 2016

Tallahassee insiders across Leon County gave local job seekers a big helping hand this week by donating thousands of pieces of professional attire. In the first-ever #SuitsForSession, Volunteer Florida and Uber collected 4,023 donations Tuesday at both the Capitol and by Uber drivers picking up items across the county free of charge. Through the project, […]

Ryan RayFebruary 28, 2016

An obscure but heated battle over a state contract potentially worth hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money is at stake as budget conferees continue to hammer out differences between House and Senate proposals. At issues is the radio equipment law enforcement agents use to communicate. Problems with communication gear have led to the deaths of several […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 25, 2016

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Legislative leaders issued a joint statement on the 2016-17 state budget Thursday night: Members, We are pleased with the progress President (Tom) Lee and Chair (Richard) Corcoran (the Senate and House budget chiefs) have made and are optimistic we will be ready to begin the budget conference this weekend. We will update you as early […]

Tag: Steve Crisafulli
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

Harris Corp. pleased by $7M OK for police radio funding

Legislature approves $82.3 billion budget, adjourns Sine Die

Lawmakers poised to approve nearly $82.3 billion budget

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli says goodbye to “an incredible institution”

With downtown campus funding in budget, UCF hopes it has satisfied Rick Scott

Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, other Florida politicians react to Nancy Reagan’s death

House lays Seminole Compact failure at feet of Senate

Volunteer Florida, Uber collect 4,000 #SuitsForSession items for job seekers

State police radio replacement dispute becomes budget conference sticking point

Budget conference to begin this weekend