December: From the Capitol…

Posted on December 21, 2012April 26, 2013 by Lena Juarez

The Legislature held its Organizational Session on Tuesday, November 20th. All 160 members of the Legislature were sworn into office. In the Senate, Senator Don Gaetz (R-Destin) was officially elected as President and Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples) as President Pro Tempore. In the House of Representatives, Representative Will Weatherford (R-Welsey Chapel) was elected Speaker and Representative Marti Coley (R-Marianna) is Read more about December: From the Capitol…[…]

2013 Legislative Leadership

Posted on December 19, 2012April 26, 2013 by Lena Juarez

Senate President Gaetz announced that Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto (R-Ft. Myers) will serve as the Senate Majority Leader and Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon) will serve as the Deputy Majority Leader and Whip. The Senate Democratic Caucus selected Senator Chris Smith (D-Ft. Lauderdale) as their Leader, Senator Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach) is the Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Read more about 2013 Legislative Leadership[…]

2013 Legislative Issues

Posted on December 15, 2012April 6, 2013 by Lena Juarez

The presiding officers’ highlighted their priorities for 2013 in their ceremonial speeches during the Organizational Session. President Gaetz and Speaker Weatherford pledged to work together, and across the aisle, on a joint agenda benefiting Florida. Some the highlighted issues include: Job Growth – Improving Florida’s job market is the top priority. In the Senate, Budget Subcommittee on General Read more about 2013 Legislative Issues[…]

2013 Legislative Calendar

Posted on December 13, 2012April 6, 2013 by Lena Juarez

Lawmakers returned to Tallahassee December 3-7th for a week of committee meetings. They will continue conducting the state’s business in committee meetings during the following weeks: January 14-18, 2013 January 21-25, 2013 February 4-8, 2013 February 11-15, 2013 February 18-22, 2013 The 2013 legislative session will begin on Tuesday, March 5th and is scheduled to Read more about 2013 Legislative Calendar[…]

Issues of Interest

Posted on December 8, 2012April 6, 2013 by Lena Juarez

For the first time in five years, the Legislature could be looking at a $436 million budget surplus when it begins its budget deliberations next spring, according to the most recent estimates by state economists. This surplus could evaporate, however, should the state lose a lawsuit regarding the state pension system currently before the Florida Supreme Read more about Issues of Interest[…]