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Ryan Ray - page 9

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].

Bob Graham to endorse Edward James in HD 72 race

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Former Governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham will endorse Democratic HD 72 candidate Edward James on a conference call with reporters Thursday morning. James hopes the endorsement of perhaps Florida’s best-loved living pol will give his campaign a boost. “Governor Bob Graham has long been one of my heroes. He exemplifies what it truly means to be a public servant. His commitment to our great state in Tallahassee and Washington DC was never about politics, but always about doing the right thing,” James…

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Jet fuel tax changes set to become law July 1, barring unlikely veto

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

The future of Florida’s aviation fuel taxation regime is set for a major overhaul on July 1, if Gov. Rick Scott signs an omnibus tax bill into law as expected. For the state’s largest air carriers, that’s a good thing indeed. The bill removes exemptions to the state’s jet fuel tax, which currently apply to once-upstart carriers like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue beginning in 2018. It would also lower the overall rate for all carriers from 6.9 percent to 4.23 percent, in order to keep the change “revenue neutral,”…

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Rick Scott signs 9 bills into law

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Gov. Rick Scott continued a flurry of post-Legislative Session activity Wednesday morning, signing nine bills passed during the 2016 lawmaking period into state law. The highest-profile bills meeting the governor’s approval include a requirement that Florida law enforcement test all rape kits within 120 days of their submission, the creation of a needle exchange pilot program in Miami, and a provision allowing judges more discretion when it comes to deciding the custody of adopted children. The full list of laws enacted on…

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Rebecca Negron qualifies for CD 18 ballot by petition

in 2017 by

Republican Rebecca Negron became the first candidate in the race for Florida’s 18th Congressional District to qualify to appear on the ballot via petition Wednesday, securing the 2,298 required verified signatures in the Treasure Coast seat. Negron, a Martin County School Board member, said the milestone was a testament to her campaign’s vigor and momentum. “I am encouraged and honored that I am now qualified to appear on the ballot to represent Congressional District 18 for the upcoming Republican Primary on August…

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Rick Scott signs budget, officially issues $256 million in spending vetoes

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Republican Gov. Rick Scott made it official Thursday night, formally signing the $82.3 million budget presented to him today by state lawmakers. He also made official his list of line-item vetoes announced Tuesday, excising some $256 million in member-sponsored funding from the budget he today enacted into law. “I will be signing this budget into law as soon as the Florida Legislature delivers it to me and withholding approval for approximately $256.1 million in projects that do not provide a significant return on…

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Email Insights: Sean Shaw thanks supporters for early fundraising push

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Democratic candidate Sean Shaw said in a memo to supporters he’s “truly humbled” by early fundraising returns in his bid for an open HD 61 seat based in Tampa. “In just 72 hours, you’ve given more than $5,000,” said Shaw. “Because of your response, we’re already putting together our team and building the GOTV operation that will win here.” The Princeton graduate and former Insurance Consumer Advocate under CFO Alex Sink is hoping his third crack at the House will be a winner. Shaw ran in…

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Rick Scott announces $100k in tornado disaster relief for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Charlotte

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Gov. Rick Scott announced the governor’s office would pitch in $50,000 in state funds to help with relief efforts in three Florida counties damaged by recent tornadoes. The money – administered through Volunteer Florida, the governor’s commission on volunteerism and service –  will be matched by local authorities for a total of $100,000 overall for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Charlotte counties. Scott also announced he re-upped on a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help with debris removal in Escambia and Santa…

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