Life and politics from the Sunshine State's best city

Tag archive

Chris Smith - page 2

Dems says Legislature “declared independence” from Rick Scott in rebuffing priorities

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Senate Democratic Leader Arthenia Joyner said Friday afternoon – after passing a tax package and budget widely divergent from that of Gov. Rick Scott – claiming lawmakers had “declared their independence” from an overbearing executive branch in doing so. “The 2016 Legislative Session may well go down in the history books as the year Florida lawmakers formally declared their independence from Governor Scott,” said Joyner, who is exiting the Legislature due to term limits after some 40 years of involvement with the process in…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Body camera bill poised for House vote

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

A bill to require the use of body cameras for Florida law enforcement officers is ready for a vote before the full House after getting final approval in a committee. The House Judiciary Committee passed HB 93 by Rep. Shevrin Jones by a unanimous vote Thursday. Jones, a Broward Democrat, said his bill would provide comprehensive protections for residents  and law enforcement officers both. Florida has seen a rash of shooting deaths at the hands of police in recent years. Criminal justice reform advocates say…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Chris Smith to appear with Debbie Wasserman Schultz to address state gun measures

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will speak to reporters and the public about a pair of controversial gun bills circulating in the Legislature at her old state Capitol stamping grounds Thursday. Broward Sen. Chris Smith will join the Democratic National Committee chairwoman in Tallahassee to oppose legislative proposals to allow Floridians to openly carry firearms and to strike the state prohibition against guns on college campuses. Public visits to the statehouse have been rare in recent years for Wasserman Schultz, who served in…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Personnel note: Stephanie Grutman joins Ballard Partners’ new Broward office

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

For its newly launched Broward County office, lobbying firm Ballard Partners announced today hiring government relations and fundraising expert Stephanie Grutman. Grutman brings more than 17 years of experience, which included being one of Politics Magazine’s most influential Democrats in Florida for 2009. She also spent four years as finance director of Senate Victory for the Florida Democratic Party, working under Democratic leaders such as state Sens. Nan Rich, Chris Smith, and Arthenia Joyner. Ballard Partners President Brian Ballard praised…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Florida Sheriffs Association names Legislative Champions for 2015

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Florida’s leading law enforcement association recognized 10 legislators this week for providing significant advancements in 2015 to the state’s overall public safety. Florida Sheriffs Association is a for-profit corporation representing Florida Sheriffs, as well as nearly 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 Floridians. The association released its annual list of Legislative Champions on Monday night during the group’s Summer Conference in Broward County. State senators named as FSA Legislative Champions for 2015 include Rene Garcia of Hialeah, Denise Grimsley of Sebring, Tampa’s Arthenia Joyner, Jack Latvala of…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Campaigns for Florida Senate’s eight term-limited seats shift into gear

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

As of June, none of the 12 Florida senators running for re-election is facing much of a challenge — Democratic state Sen. Jeff Clemens is the only incumbent to draw an opponent so far, but it won’t derail him from another term. District 29 looks set as well, with Democratic state Rep. Jim Waldman having a clear path to take over for outgoing state Sen. Jeremy Ring. The other open seats – Districts 1, 5, 13, 19, 23 and 31…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Pinellas’ Jack Latvala lauded as Home Rule hero

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Three state lawmakers have been recognized by the Florida League of Cities for their dedication to ensuring localities are able to function without too much state interference. Among the recipients is Pinellas County state Sen. Jack Latvala. He is one of three recipients of the League of Cities Defender of Home Rule Award. Fort Lauderdale state Sen. Chris Smith and state Rep. George Moraitis were also awarded. “Florida’s cities are grateful for the consistent support provided by Senator Latvala, Senator Smith and Representative Moraitis. These lawmakers…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

1 2 3 4
Go to Top