The dismantling of the Department of Community Affairs by Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature has put more power into the hands of local governments — a good thing, argues the governor, for development and growth. But just how much growth is too much?
Public Policy Polling released a poll Tuesday showing that Gov. Rick Scott’s approval rate among Florida voters is at an all-time low.
A new report by the Florida Current examines the earnings of top legislative lobbying firms in Florida, which have increased since last year. Among the companies to have spent the most on lobbying is Automated HealthCare Solutions, a group whose co-chairmen have become fixtures on the political scene. According to the Current, Automated HealthCare has posted minimum lobbying expenditures greater than $300,000.
An accounting firm located at 610 South Blvd., Tampa, handles millions in special interest cash for more than 60 political committees that pour money into elections around the state, and around the nation.
Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink is set to announce the details of her new foundation today. Sink, Florida’s previous chief financial officer and a longtime banker, has said that her foundation will focus on economic development.
Citing costs to customers, the Public Service Commission rejected energy efficiency rebate proposals from two Florida utilities, signaling that it might be looking to roll back conservation goals set in 2009. Plus: five more important items!
Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, today announced a piece of legislation “to crack down” on Florida’s pill mills. If enacted, the law will “double the penalties and triple the fines for drug violators” and use assets seized to fund prescription drug databases in states like Florida. According to a press release, it will also “reclassify one of the most abused and deadly narcotics to make it more difficult to obtain.”
Last Summer, after the Florida legislature shot down a proposed constitutional amendment that would have banned oil drilling in state waters, then-Gov. Charlie Crist pledged to “give ‘em hell for it.”
Crist was back in Tallahasse today to fulfill that promise.
Asked about his “wish list from Washington” during yesterday’s Twitter “town hall,” Gov. Rick Scott tweeted that he wants the federal government to “stop giving us mandates” and “reduce our federal taxes.”
Following through on an investigation launched by his predecessor Alex Sink, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater has pledged to personally review all outstanding bills related to the infamous new 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee, which began hearing cases last week.
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