Summer has officially begun, and what a different year it has been! This time last year, Florida was just beginning its Phase 2 re-opening efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants, retail establishments and gyms and were allowed to open at 50 percent indoor capacity; then, restaurants could offer outdoor seating with social distancing. Professional sports Read more about From the Capitol[…]
The Florida Legislature concluded its 2021 Session at 2:40pm on Friday, April 30th. This is the first time since 2016 that the legislative session has finished on time. Considering the challenges with access to the Capitol Complex and restrictions on attending and testifying before legislative committees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an achievement. Read more about From the Capitol[…]
Several colleagues, friends and even family members have inquired how lobbying occurs in the midst of a pandemic. I thought I would share some insights and stories about this now that we have passed the one-year anniversary since the World Health Organization officially identified COVID-19 as a pandemic. COVID-19 is ubiquitous to our whole lives Read more about Lobbying during COVID[…]
The Legislature began its 2021 sixty-day session on Tuesday, March 2nd. The first four weeks have been busy for the members as they consider bills in committee meetings; albeit, it has been strange with the general public having limited access to the Capitol Complex. Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order on March 15th to Read more about From the Capitol[…]
Florida’s general election results were certified by the Election Canvassing Commission on November 17th. Republican Ileana Garcia prevailed over Democrat incumbent Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez in Miami-Dade County by 32 votes, requiring a recount. There are now 24 republicans and 16 democrats in the Senate and 78 republicans and 42 democrats in the House of Read more about From the Capitol[…]