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Staff ReportsJune 11, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed HB 225 into law, formally codifying into state statute that all state, county and municipal governments who purchase American flags for public use must do so from manufacturers based in the United States. The bill provides, according to staff analysis, that: “The United States and state flags must be displayed […]

Ryan RayMay 22, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott — as part of an avalanche of bills he granted final approval to go onto the books Friday — signed into law SB 7028 on Thursday afternoon. The bill, carried by the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee and its chairman Republican Sen. Thad Altman in the Senate and Broward Democratic Rep. Richard […]

Peter SchorschMay 14, 2015

The half-decade-long race to determine who will serve as president of the Florida Senate from 2016 to 2018 — either Jack Latvala or Joe Negron — has taken on all the difficulty of a Chinese finger puzzle after a series of recent developments designed to solve the matter have only made the issue more complicated. Most […]

Bruce RitchieApril 21, 2015

A Senate water bill passed its final committee stop on Tuesday despite continuing concerns raised by counties and environmentalists. SB 918 replaces a Lake Okeechobee pollution permitting program with more reliance on water cleanup plans, sets deadlines for establishing minimum flow levels for springs, sets timelines for springs cleanup plans and creates a statewide advisory […]

Bruce RitchieApril 8, 2015

A Senate comprehensive water bill was rewritten Wednesday with changes requested from business and environmental groups, but neither side is yet supporting the bill. SB 918 would establish springs protection zones, provide consistency in pollution regulations dealing with Lake Okeechobee, and incorporate Central Florida water supply planning in state law. The bill passed its second […]

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 […]

Bruce RitchieApril 5, 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 […]

James CallApril 3, 2015

Now we have a Session — a battle of wills and philosophies in the building of a state budget. The Senate wants to talk. In the House, the talk is about war. Both chambers have passed a state budget for next year. If you look at the bottom lines the difference is about $4.2 billion. […]

Bruce RitchieApril 2, 2015

House Republicans on Thursday defended their 2015-16 state budget on Amendment 1 spending before passing it through the chamber over Democratic opposition. The $76.2 billion House budget includes $742 million as provided by voters in November for Amendment 1 for water and land conservation programs. Environmental groups say the budget ignores the voter intent of […]

Bruce RitchieApril 1, 2015

The Senate on Wednesday passed an $80.4 billion budget after adding $35 million for land acquisition to send a message to supporters of Amendment 1. In November, 75 percent of voters approved the funding initiative which is estimated to provide nearly $742 million for water and land conservation programs. The proposed budget had included $2 […]

Tag: Thad Altman

New law requires made-in-USA flags for Florida governmental use

Rick Scott signs into law an educational boost for veterans

The race for Senate President has become a Chinese finger puzzle

Senate bill clears final committee stop despite concerns from counties, environmentalists

Industry, environmentalists say rewritten Senate water bill better, could be improved

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

Epic battle brewing at Capitol as Session appears headed to overtime

Matt Caldwell defends Amendment 1 spending as House OKs budget

Senate adds $35 million for land-buying before passing budget