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Ryan Ray - page 27

Ryan Ray has 632 articles published.

Ryan Ray writes about campaigns and public policy in Tampa Bay and across the state. A contributor to FloridaPolitics.com and before that, The Florida Squeeze, he covers the Legislature as a member of the Florida Capitol Press Corps and has worked as a staffer on several campaigns. He can be reached at [email protected].

Forecast uncertain for gaming revenue as Seminole compact still unresolved

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

The state Revenue Estimating Conference, a panel of economists gathered to discuss revenue levels expected to flow into state coffers from gaming proceeds Wednesday afternoon, including from the banked card games and Las Vegas-style slots the Seminole Tribe of Florida operate under an exclusive compact with the state. The consensus, now that the deal has expired: no one is really sure. The economists, like the rest of state government, are navigating unchartered territory. Since the sovereign tribe’s compact with the…

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Senate budget run-down from Rick Scott’s budget chief calmer than in House

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard from Gov. Rick Scott‘s chief budget aide Wednesday morning, when she presented Scott’s $79.3 billion proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year before hearing some pushback from Senate Democrats on state worker pay, social services, and health care. The presentation was a calmer affair than in the House, however, where Democrats “took out their knives” and carved up the governor’s proposal Tuesday. Cynthia Kelly, director of Scott’s Office of Policy and Budget presented the governor’s “Florida First”…

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Edward James raises $81,150 for November in Sarasota House race

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Recording a fundraising haul that could mark a turning point in the race for a Sarasota-based swing seat, Democrat Edward James took in $81,150 during the November reporting period, according to just-filed finance data. The windfall takes James to $166,663 raised overall, with $114,400 of that coming from a political committee supporting James called New Direction Florida. James currently has $149,701 cash on hand between those funds and his campaign account. James is seeking to oust Republican Rep. Ray Pilon, first elected in 2010, in…

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House budget panel hears from Rick Scott’s budget chief, and vice versa

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

The House Appropriations Committee heard from Gov. Rick Scott‘s chief budget aide Tuesday afternoon, who presented Scott’s $79.3 billion proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year before being peppered with questions on taxes, state worker pay, hospital regulation and land acquisition among other issues. Cynthia Kelly, director of Scott’s Office of Policy and Budget presented the governor’s “Florida First” budget, the sixth since such proposal Scott took office in 2011. Kelly began with an upbeat presentation, touting gains in revenue growth bolstered by…

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State economists confirm estimate “Smart Solar” amendment will not increase public spending

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A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider will not have any affect on state or local government spending should it pass. The meeting was the panel’s second on the topic, and confirmed the estimate as well as drafted a definitive statement on the issue endorsed by each of the conferees on a petition put forth entitled “Rights of Electricity Consumers Concerning Solar Energy Choice.” The…

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Matt Gaetz comes out in support of Rick Scott’s Enterprise Florida requests

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Northwest Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz announced his support of a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott to overhaul the state’s public-private business recruiting vehicle, Enterprise Florida. Scott is seeking to create a $250 million fund to help sustain Enterprise Florida, Inc., which uses revenues from the state and other sources to encourage out-of-state firms to create jobs in the state. “I’m proud to fully support the proposal to create the Florida Enterprise Fund and improve the economic development process at Enterprise Florida,” said Gaetz in a statement…

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State economists say “Smart Solar” amendment unlikely to have fiscal impact

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider on the November 2016 elections will not have any impact on state spending should it pass. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference, a slate of economists for the Legislature and executive branch, held a workshop in Tallahassee to hear from principals representing the group supporting the amendment – a group calling itself Consumers for Smart Solar – and to make changes…

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