A bill transforming how contributors can give money to candidates for public office is heading to Governor Rick Scott’s desk after passing both houses of the Florida Legislature today [on Wednesday].But, as Jessica Palombo reports, although campaign finance has been a priority for lawmakers, the governor is hinting that he will veto the measure.
At the start of the day Wednesday, a handful of bills that were among the top priorities listed by the Senate and House leaders had not yet received a final vote. One of those proposals, which Senate President Don Gaetz has championed, was a measure to reform the state’s ethics rules. Regan McCarthy reports that measure is now on its way to the Governor’s desk.
Pension talks between the House and Senate appear to be at an impasse, after the Senate’s pension overhaul bill never got taken up Wednesday. As Sascha Cordner reports, Senate President Don Gaetz agreed to put the bill on hold as both chambers continued to hash out their differences over the two proposals.
Some Florida counties are raising alarm over a plan in the senate they say could steer local healthcare tax dollars to other counties that don’t pay their fair share. The plan is a part of a larger budget fight over the way hospitals are reimbursed for treating low income Floridians, and as Lynn Hatter reports, the counties are urging the House not to fold.
For the 32nd year in a row, all levels of American government and law enforcement, set aside time to remember victims of crime. As Ryan Benk reports, Florida officials observed National Crime Victim Rights Week at the Capitol today.
Even though college basketball’s March Madness was LAST month, the excitement from the tournament still lingers in the Florida Legislature. That’s because one of this year’s biggest stories came from the Sunshine State, when Florida Gulf Coast University made it all the way to the Elite Eight. Steven Rodriguez reports the team got some rousing recognition from lawmakers.