A morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
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OBAMA: ‘MOMENT IS NOW’ FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM
In a speech at the White House on Tuesday, President Obama urged Congress to take action on immigration reform, the Associated Press reports. “Congress needs to act, and that moment is now,” Obama said before a gathering in the East Room. “There’s no reason Congress can’t get this done by the end of the summer,” the president said. “There’s no good reason to play procedural games or engage in obstruction just to block the best chance we’ve had in years to address this problem in a way that’s fair to middle-class families, business owners, and legal immigrants.”
PIVOTAL DAYS FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM LEGISLATION via Matt Cooper of the National Journal
We don’t know if there will be comprehensive immigration reform by the end of the year. But if there is, we’ll know that these days in the middle of June were pivotal.
The Senate is poised to take up the issue and the minority leader, Mitch McConnell, is in no mood to block it. “Now it’s time for the Gang of 100 to do its work,” he said. For his part, John Boehner is predicting passage, and President Obama stepped in front of the issue today. Surrounded by a tableau of reform supporters—the AFL-CIO’s Mike Trumka, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Thomas Donohue, pretty much anyone—the President touted the bill as the vehicle for change. “The time is now,” he said.
It’s always been risky for the president to speak out, lest he derail the work of all of those bipartisan gangs of legislators crafting their compromises. But we’re in a new period where the action goes to the floor and the White House—as well as Boehner and McConnell—have calculated that it makes sense to speak up.
NELSON, RUBIO JOIN LARGE MAJORITY TO PROCEED WITH IMMIGRATION DEBATE via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
Sens. Rubio and Nelson joined an 85-15 majority vote this afternoon to proceed on debate of the immigration debate.
The “cloture” vote is not indicative of the bill’s chances but does provide a sign of momentum for backers. Republicans and some Democrats still want to see more border security measures. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas is getting the most attention for his proposed amendment that would make a pathway to citizenship contingent on border security goals set in the bill.
“My amendment demands results while the Gang of Eight bill is satisfied with just more promises, promises that historically have never been kept,” Cornyn said Tuesday.
WATCH: Rubio’s speech Tuesday on the Senate floor re: immigration here.
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SCOTT LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR NEW CITIZENS IG via Kathleen Haughney of the Sun-Sentinel
Gov. Scott announced the nationwide search for a new inspector general to specifically oversee Citizens’ Property Insurance.
Chief State Inspector General Melinda Miguel will head up the search with the help of the Office of Insurance Regulation and the other Cabinet offices.
“A strong Inspector General is needed to provide independent oversight at Citizens and to end the many problems that have plagued Citizens for too long and led to a lack of public confidence,” Scott said in a statement.
Scott signed legislation last month that created an inspector general for the state-run insurer, which previously only had a compliance officer. The company had faced multiple accusations of impropriety over the past year and a state report said their travel spending n particular was extravagant by state standards.
The search committee will hold the first of a series of public meetings at 2 p.m., June 20.
SPOT-ON ANALYSIS via Tampa Bay Times‘ Steve Bousquet: “After nearly 2½ years in office, Scott still looks like a guy about to have his wisdom teeth removed when the media crowd into his office.”
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AS NAN RICH HEADS TO PALM BEACH, GOP OFFERS SOME CRIST-ORY TALKING POINTS via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post
Just in case Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich lack(ed) material for her speaking gig at a West Palm Beach Democratic Club meeting, Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry is offering her some lines of attack she can pursue against potential Democratic primary rival and former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist.
With Rich speaking to the Democratic club, Curry’s memo says, “Your speech … is a perfect opportunity to point out some items in Crist’s record versus your consistent championing of liberal ideology.”
Curry’s memo provides Rich some free opposition research, mentioning Crist’s past descriptions of himself as a “Reagan Republican” and “pro-life’ on abortion and his past praise for former Gov. Jeb Bush‘s tax cuts.
GOP TARGETS DEMOCRATS WITH ROBO-CALLS URGING THEM TO ‘FREE NAN RICH’ via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald
Putting its money where its mouth is, the Republican Party of Florida on Tuesday launched a robo-call campaign aimed at loyal Democrats urging them to “free Nan Rich” and let the underdog candidate for governor speak at the party’s annual fundraising dinner this weekend.
“Hi. I’m calling on behalf of the Republican Party of Florida,’’ the recorded female voice says in telephone calls targeting 13,000 Democrats in Miami, Palm Beach and Fort Myers. The phone campaign is part of an aggressive GOP media pitch aimed at exploiting the rift that rose when Rich was denied a speaking spot at the event.
“While our parties may not agree on most issues, we do agree when it comes to honoring those in our parties who represent its core values,’’ the recorded voice continues. “But Florida Democratic Chair Allison Tant is refusing to let Nan Rich speak for five minutes at this Saturday’s Jefferson-Jackson dinner.” Listen to the call here.
RPOF: DEMS ADD INSULT TO INJURY BY SUPPRESSING DISSENT
If refusing to let Nan Rich speak at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner this Saturday wasn’t enough for Florida Democrats, it looks like they are trying to suppress dissent within their legislative caucus.
Rep. Jim Waldman of Coconut Creek, who is leading a committee of five House Democrats looking to rewrite caucus rules, confirmed to Sunshine State News that one of the rules he’s proposed would require Democratic members to vote in accordance with official caucus positions, and impose penalties if they vote against those stances without receiving the necessary dispensations from House Democratic leadership.
This is funny because Jim Waldman was one of only 10 Democrats who voted against Scott’s budget this year, out of a total of 58 Democrats in the House and Senate.
TWEET OF THE DAY: Ask @JimWaldman: would he punish the 47 Democrats in the legislature who did vote for the budget?
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ALAN WILLIAMS TAPPED TO LEAD LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS via Aaron Deslatte of the Orlando Sentinel
The Florida Legislature’s black caucus has tapped Rep. Alan Williams to lead the caucus next year.
Williams is replacing Tampa Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, as chair of the 27-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus, which will hold its first policy meeting this Friday in Hollywood ahead of the annual Jefferson Jackson Florida Democratic fundraiser there this weekend.
“I’m thrilled to have this chance to lead the Caucus and work to expand our work on the issues that affect our constituencies and disproportionately affect people of color,” Williams said in a statement.
Besides Williams, the caucus leadership team includes: Sen. Oscar Braynon, Vice Chair; Rep. Hazelle Rogers, Secretary; Rep. Shevrin Jones, Parliamentarian; and Rep. Barbara Watson, Treasurer.
FWC TO VOTE ON MOMENTOUS TARPON CATCH-AND-RELEASE RULE
It seems there’s more controversy than usual coming up at Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission hearings these days. SaintPetersBlog just played a part in bringing light to a FWC proposal that would create a deer industry monopoly in the state — and now seeks to bring attention to another FWC draft rule that would be a major change for sport fishers.
On Wednesday, the 7-member FWC will vote on a proposal that would designate tarpon a catch-and-release-only species. This meeting, which will take place in Lakeland, will also consider a draft rule to prohibit gear rigged with bottom weights — a technique that is notorious for catching tarpon, even those who are not actively feeding. Tarpon are not considered eatable but are iconic trophy game fish. In a letter to the editor, Randy Wayne White presents “Fishing’s Dirty Little Secret”, outlining the rational for these draft rules, and arguing persuasively that tarpon would be rightly protected by their implementation. White is a former fishing guide and columnist for Outside magazine and is the author of a bestselling series of adventure novels featuring marine biologist Doc Ford. His column can be read in the Miami Herald, Tallahassee Democrat, Ledger, New Herald and Times.
GAMBLING LAW DISPUTE GOES TO SUPREME COURT via the News Service of Florida
The Florida Supreme Court could take up a dispute about the constitutionality of a 2009 gambling law aimed at allowing additional card rooms to open in Palm Beach and Volusia counties. The 1st District Court of Appeal this year tossed out the law, saying it was so narrowly written that it was an unconstitutional “special” law. But companies that could benefit from the law, License Acquisitions, LLC, and West Volusia Racing, Inc., filed a notice of appeal last week with the Supreme Court. The law deals with converting jai-alai permits to greyhound-racing permits, which could then be used to operate card rooms.
The companies that have sought to open the additional card rooms are associated with the Palm Beach Kennel Club and the Daytona Beach Kennel Club. But the law was challenged by another firm that has tried in the past to open a pari-mutuel facility in western Volusia County.
FLORIDA DOMINATES IN THE MAVPAC 40 UNDER 40 AWARDS
Maverick PAC (MavPAC) announced its 40 under 40 awards on Tuesday in Miami, celebrating a list of young conservative professionals in politics, business, law and entrepreneurship. Florida is very well represented among those selected with 19 of the 40 honorees hailing from the Sunshine State.
Among Florida’s political highlights are Josh Cooper with NG Strategies; Glen Gilzean with Step Up for Students; Alberto Martinez, in the office of Senator Marco Rubio; and Michael Sevi, who works for Governor Scott. Armando Guiterrez, with Conglomerate Investment Co; Jose Oliva with Oliva Cigars; and Andrew White with Franklin Street Financial are Florida’s three selected entrepreneurs. Four elected officials also made the cut: Florida Speaker Will Weatherford; Senator Anitere Flores; Congressman Ron DeSantis; and School Board Member Carlos Curbelo. Proportionally, Florida dominated the business honorees: Carlos Arboleda, COI Access; Lucas Boyce, Orlando Magic; E. Tyler Cathey, Englander Fischer LLP; John Couriel, Kobre & Kim; Edward Crawford, Goldman Sachs; Rob Gidel Jr, Holland & Knight; and Justin Wilson, The Villages, will all be honored at the MavPAC’s Annual Conference, July 12-14, in Miami. They will be joined by former Gov. Jeb Bush, Senator Marco Rubio, Speaker Weatherford, and other prominent Republican leaders. You can join them, too, by registering for the conference at here.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE WEEKS START IN SEPTEMBER via the News Service of Florida
Without elections this fall to absorb their time, state lawmakers will start holding interim committee meetings the week of Sept. 23 to prepare for the 2014 legislative session. Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford released a schedule Tuesday of committee weeks.
In addition to the September week, they are the week of Oct. 7; the week of Nov. 4; the week of Dec. 9; the week of Jan. 6; the week of Jan. 13; the week of Feb. 3; the week of Feb. 10; and the week of Feb. 17. The 2014 session will start March 4.
LEGISLATIVE OPPOSITION TO DEER IMPORTATION BAN WORKS TO BUCK FWC PROPOSAL via contributor Karen Cyphers
On June 3, Saint Petersblog ran a story bringing light to a behind-the-scenes effort by a small group of Florida deer farmers to ban the importation of deer and elk into Florida under the guise of preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease — a move that would create a cushy in-state monopoly for their personal businesses without any proven benefit to deer populations. Nevertheless, on Thursday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to vote on a proposal to ban imported deer.
Although this proposed rule change has floated under the radar for many months, this blog and others have drawn attention to detrimental consequences of the measure — and through this, opposition to the proposed ban has grown among legislative leaders. Senate President Don Gaetz, in a June 6 letter to the FWC, wrote that the proposal is “a bit premature and extreme” and could “potentially cut jobs, monopolize an industry, and limit options for the roughly 100 registered hunting preserves already in operation.” Gaetz’ solution is for the FWC to wait for “credible, scientific evidence of the eminent threat” that current importation practices create.
Joining Gaetz in opposition are Sen. Denise Grimskey, and Reps, Matt Gaetz, Frank Artiles, Holly Raschein, Dana Young, and Jason Brodeur, who share his concern that a total importation ban would close the door on many small farmers and could result in illegal smuggling. Smaller hunting preserves and deer farms feel the proposal is motivated exclusively by the desire to create a closed market where prices can be dramatically inflated.
NEW CHIEF ECONOMIST ANNOUNCED AT DEPARTMENT OF AG
An economist who worked on bioeconomic models to rebuild overfished fisheries, and on impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on northwest Florida is joining the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as chief economist. Sergio Alvarez, appointed today by Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, will work on projects including the economic impact of proposed rules, effects of pests and disease on the ag industry, the economic impact of a declined oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay, and the success of the Food, Nutrition and Wellness program for children. Alvarez earned his PhD in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, where he received several awards and fellowships and made more than a dozen presentations on environmental economics.
PROGRESSIVE AWARDS GRANTED TO 18 FLORIDA LAWMAKERS
Progressive political groups in Florida have awarded 18 lawmakers for their 100 percent voting records on “issues impacting Florida’s Middle Class” — a list comprised exclusively of Democrats who voted consistent with progressive agendas on policies toward “protecting jobs, expanding health care access, ethics reform and more.” Florida Watch Action, Progress Florida and America Votes rated lawmakers on whether they supported health care expansion (HB 7169), opposed the school “parent trigger” bill (HB 867), opposed efforts to reform pensions (HB 7011), supported ethics reform (SB 2), opposed the House foreclosure bill (HB 87), and opposed to local control over worker benefits (HB 655).
Lawmakers who voted accordingly were named “Champions of Florida’s Middle Class” and include Senators Jeff Clemens and Arthenia Joyner; and Representatives Lori Berman, Randolph Bracy, Karen Castor Dentel, Mia Jones, Dave Kerner, Kionne McGhee, Mark Pafford, Sharon Pritchett, Jose Javier Rodriguez, Hazelle Rogers, Joe Saunders, Elaine Schwartz, Irv Slosberg, Cynthia Stafford, Perry Thurston, and Clovis Watson.
STORY I JUST DON’T CARE ABOUT: “Pam Bondi Criticizes Judge Who Sentenced OchoCinco to Jail” via Tia Mitchell
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MIKE HILL WINS HD 2 SEAT IN A LANDSLIDE; BECOMES LEGISLATURE’S ONLY BLACK REPUBLICAN via Sunshine State News
Tea Party leader Mike Hill of Pensacola is Florida’s newest state legislator, and the Florida Legislature’s only black Republican, cruising to an easy victory in the House District 2 race to replace the late Rep. Clay Ford, R-Gulf Breeze.
With 72 percent of precincts in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties reporting their results, Hill was declared the winner against Democratic opponent Jeremy Lau, taking 58 percent of the vote to Lau’s 42 percent.
“This is a great victory for the people in Northwest Florida and for all of Florida,” said Hill after the results were published by the Florida Division of Elections. “They’ve made it clear that the conservative message of limited government, low taxes, personal freedom, and individual responsibility is what they want out of government. They voted for me because they knew I was the candidate that best fit that bill for them. I’m just honored to be able to serve them in Tallahassee.”
TWEET, TWEET: @SteveCrisafulli: Congrats, @MikeHill2013! I look forward to serving with you in the House! #trueconservative
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FEDS FILE FIRST-EVER LOBBYING DISCLOSURE ENFORCEMENT CASE via POLITICO Influence
The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia has filed a civil complaint against Biassi Business Services over failure to file quarterly lobbying disclosure reports. In a filing in U.S. district court, the government alleges that ‘BBSI knowingly failed to comply with the periodic reporting requirements of the LDA and to remedy delinquent filings’ after being repeatedly warned. PI called Mensah Biassi, who appears to be one of the firm’s principals and lobbyists.’I haven’t really seen anything yet,’ he told PI before asking us what the nature of the complaint against him was.
According to Covington & Burling’s Inside Political Law blog, the complaint appears to be the first ever Lobbying Disclosure Act enforcement case not related to a negotiated settlement. Still, the complaint is civil, not criminal – despite the fact that the LDA was amended in 2008 to include criminal penalties. It’s a stark contrast to the enforcement of Federal Election Commission donation violations – which have been investigated thoroughly and punished with ample jail time. ‘It’s bad press but at least you know me,’ Biassi joked, before saying he intended to correct whatever errors were in his lobbying disclosures.
MIGUEL DE GRANDY’S NEW GIG
De Grandy has joined the Holland & Knight law firm as a partner in its Miami office. De Grandy is a former state House member and most recently ran a government-affairs firm.
NEW LOBBYING REGISTRATIONS
Rheb Harbison, Nancy Linnan, Carlton Fields: The Villages
SPOTTED: Capitol Insight’s Kirk Pepper and Alan Suskey in the ‘burg on Tuesday.
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BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Sen. Mike Fasano celebrateD his birthday (55th by the way) By helping Speaker Will Weatherford swear-in Pasco County Clerk Paula O’Neil to her presidency for the next year of the statewide Clerk’s Association. The dinner took place at Saddlebrook, where the clerks are in the second day of their annual conference. Also in attendance was House Justice Appropriations Committee Chair Charles McBurney.
MORE BIRTHDAYS: Have a great one, Matt Lettellier.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “A year ago April we raised the price of the Sunday newspaper to $3 in vending machines and retail outlets. We have since reduced the price to $2, but we did so quietly, and without saying we were sorry for the miscalculation.” — Tallahassee Democrat editor Bob Gabordi
