BUDGET The Senate had initially proposed $92.83 billion while the House had a $91.37 billion spending plan. The current year’s budget is approximately $91 billion. The State currently collects $30.4 billion in total revenues. However, $7 billion of that total is paid by tourists visiting our state. State economists have expressed concern that this number Read more about From the Capitol[…]
Jerry Melvin Former Representative Jerry Melvin (R-Shalimar) died on February 19th at the age of 90. A popular radio man, marketing genius, and humanitarian, he was elected to represent Okaloosa County in the state House in 1968 and served 10 years. In 2001, a resolution was passed to bestow on him the title of Dean Read more about In Memoriam[…]
The Florida Legislature, under the leadership of President Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) and Speaker Jose Oliva (R-Hialeah), extended its 2020 Session by one week to complete negotiations and pass the budget. The FY 2020-21 General Appropriations Act was placed on members’ desks at 6:55pm on Sunday, March 15th, initiating the 72-hour review period required by the Read more about From the Capitol[…]
Some bills we are following this Session: FRACKING Bills that would prohibit certain fracking techniques have once again been filed for the Legislature’s consideration. The bills would prohibit “high-pressure well stimulation” and “matrix acidization” for petroleum wells. STATE WORKER RAISES Democratic legislators have filed several bills this session making a salary raise for state workers a Read more about Legislative Issues[…]
Some bills we are following this Session WINDSHIELD INSURANCE These bills would prohibit windshield repair shops from offering customers anything of value in exchange for making an insurance claim for a broken or cracked windshield repair. Opponents contend the bill will potentially shut out smaller repair firms leading to higher costs. BEAR HUNTING This bill would increase Read more about Legislative Issues[…]