The Associated Press’ annual pre-Legislative Session planning meeting and preview will be Nov. 2, with Gov. Rick Scott again the lead speaker, the news service announced Friday. Scott has used the meeting to release his yearly proposed state budget.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, the leading Republican candidate for governor, said Tuesday that Americans don’t need to fight about Confederate statues and should instead focus on fighting the country’s 21st-century enemies. Putnam condemned white supremacists and the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, but said the country should not be fighting over the U.S. Civil War and erasing the nation’s history.
It’s Sunshine Week in the Sunshine State, and not just because it’s Spring Break. Since 2005, open government and freedom of information advocates have designated March 13-19 as a time to celebrate public transparency and raise awareness about the critical importance of access to government records. Sunshine Week is timed to coincide with the birthday of James Madison, author of the First Amendment. True to form, the First Amendment Foundation has been busy at the Florida Capitol battling to ensure…
As the debate over whether to fund or eliminate Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida escalates at the Florida Capitol, it’s important to consider that those who directly benefit from the mostly taxpayer-funded organizations are among their most vocal supporters. It’s natural, and predictable. It’s also entirely appropriate that incentives and tourism marketing recipients have the opportunity to make their case for continued funding. But their appeals shouldn’t always be taken at face value. Take Amy Lukasik, director of tourism marketing…
A Thanksgiving poem dedicated to Florida’s legislative politics. Authored by Anonymous. I am thankful for my wife, my family, my health, and my friends, Of course, in today’s political process to name them may bring about their ends. But, no matter, it’s OK, for right this second they know who they are, They help me to stay on time, be it to the Knott, the CAP or to the bar. During Session and the Committee weeks I can count on…
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without the highly awaited holiday greetings from Southern Strategy Group, Tallahassee’s foremost lobbying house. Every year, the SSG Christmas card offers a fun take on the year’s biggest political stories, something always guaranteed to bring a buzz – not to mention a few snickers – throughout Florida’s Capitol. And for 2015, there was no shortage of material – from redistricting battles and the behind-the-scenes leadership intrigue in the Florida Senate to a pair of…
Florida’s Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to the upcoming Legislative Session with a new blueprint for the effort to advance jobs, economic growth and opportunity in the Sunshine State. Now entering its 100th year, the Chamber unveiled its 2016 Legislative Agenda during a Tuesday news conference at the Florida Capitol. The Florida Legislature is scheduled to convene its 2016 Regular Session Jan. 12. Presenting the agenda was Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson, Chamber Chairwoman Tracy Duda Chapman, senior…
