Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryFebruary 22, 2017

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The state of Florida took another step towards the mainstream of American jurisprudence when a Senate committee Wednesday approved a proposal that would require a unanimous verdict from a jury to sentence a prisoner to the death penalty. The Senate Rules Committee approved a measure (SB 280) sponsored by Orlando Democrat Randolph Bracy that would replace the current state […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 16, 2017

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers shouldn’t hold their breath for any state subsidy to renovate Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. House Speaker Richard Corcoran told WTSP’s Noah Pransky in an interview there was “zero” chance his chamber will fund the pro football team’s $10 million subsidy request – and didn’t think the Senate would go along either. […]

Scott PowersFebruary 10, 2017

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Never mind who’s running for Governor in 2018, Floridians want to know which Republicans are in the running for Florida Chief Financial Officer now that CFO Jeff Atwater announced he is leaving this year, with speculation starting with Tom Grady, Tom Lee, Will Weatherford and Teresa Jacobs and including seven or eight others. Grady, a securities lawyer who is a former state representative who also has held several […]

Michael MolineJanuary 30, 2017

The Florida Medical Association released its legislative priorities for 2017; removing interference by insurance companies in doctor’s decisions about patient care is prominent on the list. “The FMA believes in promoting the highest standards of medical care, maintaining choice for patients in a free-market health care system, and preserving the sacred relationship between patients and their […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 24, 2017

By unanimous vote, the Senate Community Affairs Committee passed a bill Tuesday that would change the way the state makes changes to the Florida Building Code. Every three years the Florida Building Commission votes on whether to automatically accept the entire international building code, or amend it with certain provisions of the international code. LobbyTools […]

Scott PowersJanuary 23, 2017

Two bills that would increase Bright Future scholarship benefits and rework how colleges and universities measure progress and deal with top professors sailed through the Florida Senate Education Committee Monday. Senate Bills 2 and 4, both introduced by Sen. Bill Galvano, drew some concerns about how they might affect non-traditional and working students but little […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2017

More lawmakers are gearing up for a re-election bid. State elections records show dozens of members of the state House and Senate have filed to run for re-election in 2018, and several more are looking ahead to 2020. Sen. Greg Steube is one of those lawmakers who is starting to think about his next race. […]

Joe HendersonJanuary 5, 2017

Mitch Perry’s story Tuesday on FloridaPolitics.com about the bill filed by state Sen. Tom Lee to dismantle state’s Sports Development Program triggered an instant thought: Well, forget about a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. I followed up with a call to Lee, a Republican from Brandon, and asked if my thought about the […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 4, 2017

Over the weekend, the Times’ Rick Danielson and Sue Carlton shared a byline online where they essentially discussed the Bob Buckhorn Experience in Tampa, close to six years after he was elected mayor. Although the initial thrust of the story was how the Mayor wasn’t above looking a little silly on occasions to sell a particular program or […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 3, 2017

Less than three years after Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation providing for state revenues to go toward constructing or improving professional sports franchise facilities, state Sen. Tom Lee wants to eliminate the program created to distribute those funds. “The Sports Development Program was ill-conceived and based on the false premise that these capital improvements are a boon for economic development,” the Brandon Republican said […]

Tag: Tom Lee

Legislation to require unanimous jury rulings for the death penalty advances in Florida Senate

House Speaker: ‘Zero’ chance Bucs get state money for stadium

Jeff Atwater’s surprise departure makes CFO job the hottest in state

FMA agenda: Doctors want insurance companies to get out of their way

Senate Community Affairs Committee passes Florida Building Code reform

Bill Galvano’s higher-ed reform bills sail through Senate committee

Legislative hopefuls file to run in 2018, 2020

Pro sports franchises: Build your own stadium, ballpark, or arena

Mitch Perry Report for 1.4.17 — Waitin’ on the man

Tom Lee wants to eliminate program designed to use taxpayers funds on sports facilities