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State economists say “Smart Solar” amendment unlikely to have fiscal impact

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A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider on the November 2016 elections will not have any impact on state spending should it pass. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference, a slate of economists for the Legislature and executive branch, held a workshop in Tallahassee to hear from principals representing the group supporting the amendment – a group calling itself Consumers for Smart Solar – and to make changes…

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Tough questions for Jack Abramoff, in Tallahassee today for shady solar advocates

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Notorious former lobbyist Jack Abramoff tells anyone who will listen he really wants to improve his image. Fronting a shady, dark money organization is not the best way to go about it. Tuesday morning, Abramoff enters the Florida solar energy fray with an appearance at a news conference hosted by Conservatives for Energy Freedom. The media event is set for 10:30 a.m. at the Florida Press Center in Tallahassee. Abramoff spent nearly four years in federal prison on a variety of…

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Bills to encourage solar panel installations OK’d by Senate panel

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A pair of bills to allow businesses to write off the costs of installing solar panels on commercial properties got the green light Tuesday from a Senate panel. “Occasionally a bill comes along both the Baptists and the bootleggers can agree on, and this is one of those proposals,” said St. Petersburg Sen. Jeff Brandes. The Brandes-sponsored SB 170 & SB 172 would expand a popular program devised by the Legislature several years ago that encourages Floridians to install residential solar panels on their homes,…

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Florida Chamber denounces Solar Choice Amendment after Supreme Court approves language

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Florida’s Chamber of Commerce strongly criticized the Solar Choice Amendment on the day the proposal passed a major legal hurdle. Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber president and CEO, denounced the amendment after its language was approved by the Florida Supreme Court Thursday afternoon. He said, as it stands, the proposal is “driven by special interests that seek to raise electricity prices” on consumers. The amendment, sponsored by Floridians for Solar Choice and backed by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, seeks to…

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Jeff Brandes talks solar energy, bipartisanship, and the future of the Republican Party

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

When state Sen. Jeff Brandes spoke with the St. Petersburg Republican Club, he made it clear that he was ready for a bigger role within the Legislature. “Can the Supreme Court justices hold you guys in contempt of court?” asked an individual in attendance, in regards to the Legislature’s continued failure to redraw congressional districts. “Not to my knowledge,” said Brandes, 39, who represents the Senate’s 22nd District, which includes western Hillsborough and southern Pinellas counties. “But if they did, I…

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Email insights: Floridians throw shade on “shady” solar amendment

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A new email has Floridians throwing a lot of shade on the “shady” solar energy amendment. Consumers for Smart Solar announced a recent poll showing Florida voters have clearly rejected the solar energy constitutional amendment offered by Floridians for Solar Choice for the 2016 ballot. Floridians, the group says, are refusing to be blinded by the “shady” amendment promoted by the out-of-state solar industry. According to Smart Solar spokeswoman Sarah Bascom, only 47 percent of Florida voters support the “Shady…

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Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association announces support for Solar Choice Amendment

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Florida restaurateurs are speaking out in favor of expanded access to solar energy, as the way for small business owners to manage spiraling energy costs. On Wednesday, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) endorsed the Floridians for Solar Choice ballot initiative, which seeks inclusion on the 2016 ballot. In giving its support, the state’s nonprofit hospitality industry trade association believes solar energy provides opportunities for business owners to control costs by hedging against rising electricity prices. FRLA is the leading advocate…

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