Life and politics from the Sunshine State's best city

Tag archive

Lizbeth Benacquisto - page 5

Lizbeth Benacquisto racks up legislative victories during 2016 session

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

For Lizbeth Benacquisto, the 2016 Legislative Session was filled with wins. She backed legislation to create universal school choice, supported a proposal allowing Floridians to break into a vehicle to rescue a person in distress or an unattended animal, and backed a bill requiring insurers to take a proactive approach to paying out life insurance policies. All of her priority legislation cleared the Legislature. Four bills, including on aimed at eliminating the state’s rape kit backlog, have already been signed…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Pam Bondi goes to Nevada

Drawing on lessons learned after a nightclub massacre last year in Orlando, Attorney General Pam Bondi and members of her

Foundation for Florida’s Future highlight expanded education options passed by lawmakers

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

The Foundation for Florida’s Future highlighted a bevy of bills and budget items passed by the Florida Legislature in a celebratory email sent out by the education advocacy group Friday. “More Florida children will get a better education – that is the takeaway from this year’s legislative session,” said Patricia Levesque, executive director of the Foundation for Florida’s Future. “Lawmakers have continued a tradition in which each new generation of leaders adds to a reform effort that has changed the face…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Senate pays tribute to outgoing President Andy Gardiner

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

The man of the hour smiled as his colleagues told stories and reminisced about his time in the Florida Legislature. They spoke of his commitment to his family, his dedication to his community, and his calm demeanor when dealing with the tough issues the state has faced in recent years. “He is the George Bailey from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in our state,” Fernandina Beach Republican Sen. Aaron Bean said of Senate President Andy Gardiner. “He’s truly the richest man…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Bill would let rape victims testify by closed circuit TV

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Rape victims could be allowed to give testimony against their alleged attackers through a video recording, closed-circuit television or behind a two-way mirror under a bill that received its first committee approval Monday. The protections could be allowed if a judge determines a victim could suffer emotional or mental harm by testifying against an attacker who’s present in the courtroom. Current law allows the same provisions in violent crime cases for victims or witnesses under the age of 16 or…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Senate committee passes 2 key bills expanding health care access

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Bills that would iron out rules for direct primary care contracts and encourage healthcare companies to give free health care to low-income Floridians passed the Senate Committee on Health Policy Monday. SB 1144, sponsored by Niceville Republican Sen. Don Gaetz, would allow new medical facilities to bypass a lengthy review process known as “certificate of need” if they commit to giving free health care to low-income patients. “This regulatory framework promotes access to care, while protecting safety net providers from…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

SWFL lawmakers: Few surprises in Rick Scott’s 2016 State of the State speech

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Gov. Rick Scott’s annual State of the State speech didn’t surprise lawmakers from Southwest Florida, they said Tuesday. “I think there are opportunities for success when you’re consistent, and the governor continues to be consistent with his priorities for job growth in the state of Florida,” said Sen. Garrett Richter, a Naples Republican and Senate President pro tempore. “There’s something to be said for consistency, and as long as the state continues to grow job opportunities, it’s hard to argue his…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Jeff Atwater lays out legislative wish list

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater says he’s “championing” bills this legislative session in three policy areas: Life insurance, divestment from Iran, and medical billing. Atwater, first elected in 2010, laid out his priorities in an email sent Wednesday. Life insurance: Atwater wants to “ensure that insurance companies will utilize current technology and public information that will assist them in determining when a policyholder has passed away and policy benefits need to be paid.” In fact, he’s supporting SB 966, filed by GOP…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

1 … 3 4 5 6 7 8
Go to Top