It's About Florida

Florida lawmakers have just passed the halfway mark in the 2013 legislative session, marking the occasion by passing a ban on internet cafes’. Still outstanding though, are issues dealing with pension reform, Medicaid expansion, teacher and state employee pay raises, and how best to deal with the state’s auto insurance law, and campaign finance reform.

Guests:

Kathleen Haughney, Reporter Sun Sentinel

Aaron Deslatte, Reporter Orlando Sentinel

The legislature is working to revamp the states ethics, elections and campaign finance laws. We check in with advocates who are so far giving lawmakers a “C” grade for their efforts, and say there’s still plenty of time to make the reforms stronger.

Host: Lynn Hatter

Guests: Phil Claypool, fmr. Executive Director of the Florida Ethics Commission

Damien Filer, Progress Florida

Dan Krassner, Integrity Florida

It’s About Florida talks with Senate President Don Gaetz on his vision for the 2013 legislative session. We discuss ethics, elections and campaign finance reform, along with the federal health law, and Gaetz’ idea for revamping the state’s high school graduation requirements.

Host: Lynn Hatter

Guests: Senate President Don Gaetz

Universities are being called on to do more with less, and that includes changes to the way schools are funded, and how they serve students.

Guests:

Dale Brill, chairman of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Higher Education

Dr. Ed Moore, President of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida

Florida could cover around a million more low-income people if it expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. But the House seems to have thrown cold water on that idea. So does that mean the Medicaid Expansion issue is dead?

Guests: Bruce Reuben, President of the Florida Hospital Association

Carol Weissert, Political Scientist at Florida State University