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2015 legislative session - page 4

The day that was in Florida politics – March 5

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The day that was in Florida politics – March 5 Remember the projected $1 billion surplus lawmakers were going to have when they started writing a state budget? Well, don’t be counting on it. That seems to be the word spreading through the Capitol Thursday. After the House adjourned, Speaker Steve Crisafulli told reporters he was still planning on cutting taxes this year. Whether lawmakers will be able to check off everything on the governor’s list — Gov. Rick Scott wants nearly…

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Trimmel Gomes launches ‘The Rotunda’ weekly political podcast

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Veteran broadcaster and communications expert Trimmel Gomes announced today his newest venture, The Rotunda, a weekly podcast focusing on the people and stories shaping Florida politics. The inaugural episode, available Friday on iTunes and other platforms, gives listeners an overview of opening week of the 2015 legislative session. Issues will include those such as the infamous “bar fight” with state Rep. Frank Artiles. Gomes also serves up interviews with Marc Caputo and Matt Dixon, and delves into the subject of…

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Jeff Brandes proposes major red light camera reform

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State Sen. Jeff Brandes has proposed a series of amendments to an omnibus transportation bill that could have a drastic effect on red light cameras throughout the state. The amendments to Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles’ SB 1184 would reserve red light cameras as a last- resort safety measure at intersections prone to traffic accidents. “These cameras were initially proposed as programs designed to improve safety, but they’ve turned into nothing more than a back-door tax increase on Florida drivers,” Brandes said. “These…

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The day that was in Florida politics — March 4

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At this pace, Florida’s political class may be exhausted by the end of March when budget writers begin deciding what will be left in and what will be taken out of a $77 billion dollar state spending plan. The state capitol waken Wednesday with word that Gov. Rick Scott had penned a commentary calling on President Barack Obama to work with Florida on some sort of agreement on a Low Income Pool. The $2 billion program reimburses hospitals to treat…

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Same-sex bathroom bill moves through first committee stop

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Despite opposition from numerous equality, healthcare and social service groups, a bill making it illegal to use a restroom designated for the opposite sex was voted “favorable” during its first committee stop Wednesday. The Single-Sex Public Facilities bill proposed by South Florida Republican Frank Artiles passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee 9-4 after countless speakers flooded the meeting. Pegged a pro-privacy, public safety effort aimed at curbing sexual assault in restrooms, members of the subcommittee acknowledged that it does come with some…

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No Casinos launches campaign blasting new gambling reform bill

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As the 2015 legislative session begins in earnest, Florida lawmakers will once again consider a “New Deal” to reform gambling statewide. Despite the best intentions of Tallahassee lawmakers, expanded gambling in Florida will always result in higher crime and taxes on residents, says a new ad launching today by the anti-gambling coalition No Casinos. A new 30-second spot from the Orlando-based group – called “New Deal” – disputes the claims of casino supporters, among other changes, will be a “win-win”…

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The day that was in Florida politics — March 3

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The Florida House and Senate have a joint work plan but when Senate President Andy Gardiner recapped day one of the 2015 legislative session the conversation shed light on the issues separating the chambers. The different priorities will be the bargaining chips lawmakers will exchange over the next 10 weeks of policymaking and budget writing. The Senate sits with a greyhound injury reporting bill already passed, prison reform and a desire to reduce the number of uninsured Floridians. Across the…

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