| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Good Friday morning. The daily rundown — Between Wednesday and Thursday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 11,423 (nearly 0.7 percent), to 1,687,594; active hospitalizations went down by 114 (1.7 percent), to 6,565; deaths rose by 202 (nearly 0.8 percent), to 26,035. Washington on your side — When Gov. Ron DeSantis laid out his $96 billion budget plan on Thursday, he was unapologetic that the billions of dollars that came out of Washington, D.C., have helped the state deal with the fallout from an economic collapse. Remarkable statement — And he said Florida was owed it: "I feel they have a responsibility to help the states weather through it because I do think they were responsible for some of this." To be precise, DeSantis did not name his ally former President Donald Trump. His ire was more aimed at federal health officials. But let's be clear — DeSantis began his political rise as a hard-line conservative and member of the House Freedom Caucus when he was in Congress. When asked, the Republican governor suggested it was unfair to compare what he called his "peacetime" positions with the "crisis" brought on by Covid-19. Fair enough. Promises, promises — The billions in coronavirus relief money, including enhanced Medicaid matching rates — and yes, an uptick in state money due to signs of recovery helped by the governor's stance over lockdowns — provided DeSantis with breathing room to come up with a budget proposal that avoided Draconian measures or tax increases or hikes on college tuition. There was even an ambitious plan to deal with climate change (although it didn't sound like he ever used that phrase when describing it). There are cuts embedded in the budget and he's borrowing money for his Resilient Florida project. Still, while one former Florida governor-turned-senator rails about "bailouts" to states, DeSantis has no problem with help from D.C. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be in Tallahassee. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | TRACK THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION: A new president occupies the White House and he is already making changes. What are some of the key moments from Biden's first week in office? Find out in Transition Playbook, our scoop-filled newsletter tracking the appointments, people, and emerging power centers of the first 100 days of the new administration. Subscribe today. | | | | |
|  | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | NEW PROGRAM — "DeSantis proposes $1 billion fund to help local governments adapt to climate change," by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas and Alex Harris: "Faced with mounting evidence that sea level rise and intensifying storms will cost Florida governments billions into the future, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced a $1 billion investment over four years to allow local governments to build new infrastructure to address the impacts. If the Legislature approves the new program, "Resilient Florida" will use revenues from the state documentary stamp tax to pay for the debt service on $1 billion in bonds for projects that address the impacts of climate change." |  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, gestures as he speaks to the media with Vice President Mike Pence delivering personal protective equipment to the Westminster Baldwin Park, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Orlando, Fla., as part of the initiative to deliver PPE to more than 15,000 nursing homes across America. Pence is also scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion with hospitality and tourism industry leaders to discuss their plans for re-opening during the coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) | IT'S ALL GOOD — "DeSantis unveils $96B pandemic-era budget with positive spin," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Florida is navigating a global pandemic, struggling to establish a coronavirus vaccine distribution system and rebuilding its tourism-dependent economy. You might not initially pick up on that when looking at the $96 billion budget proposal Gov. Ron DeSantis rolled out Thursday. The Republican governor dawned his rose-colored glasses and presented a spending plan roughly $4 billion bigger than the current fiscal year. "The numbers are the numbers," DeSantis said during a press conference when asked about his optimistic view of the state's finances. "That fact is, if you look at December, we had $330 million above what we were forecasted. We know January will be over forecast, too." "The numbers are the numbers," DeSantis said during a press conference when asked about his optimistic view of the state's finances. "That fact is, if you look at December, we had $330 million above what we were forecasted. We know January will be over forecast, too." — "Helped by federal aid, DeSantis spends on schools, teachers and environment in budget plan," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's John Kennedy — "Gov. DeSantis health budget wins praise – mostly," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton — "Gov. Ron DeSantis's budget has big promises; Democrats call it 'fictitious,'" by WPTV's Forrest Saunders — "DeSantis seeks money for drug importation plan," by News Service of Florida SIMPSON'S JOKE — Playbook missed this earlier this week but Senate President Wilton Simpson's banter on Monday during a meeting with Senate committee chairs and vice chairs has caused a bit of grumbling among some of the Capitol's lobbying corps — many of who helped Simpson maintain firm control of the chamber with their campaign donations. The Trilby Republican — in a nod to the coronavirus safety protocols in place this year — commented about how it was "kind of nice" that senators didn't have "25 lobbyists piled up in your office." He noted the meeting is being televised but then jokes that "this is going to be a very productive session — with all the leeches outside. I mean, not the leeches…" Then you hear someone off camera say "leaves" and he says "leaves outside." Great respect — Katherine Betta, a spokeswoman for Simpson, said in an email about the comment: "His comment was clearly a joke — he made reference to the meeting being aired on the Florida Channel. He has great respect for the role of lobbyists and members of the public and their contributions to the legislative process, that is why he has gone to such great lengths to implement protocols that include the opportunity for lobbyists and the public to participate in a safe, socially distant manner. He certainly looks forward to the time when the Senate resumes a traditional format for committee meetings and other legislative work, but at the same time he thinks it is important to be honest and also realistic that the current protocols are going to be in place until everyone who wants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 has that opportunity." — "Florida nonprofits pushing back after state report says executives are overpaid," by Tallahassee Democrat's Jeffrey Schweers: — " Florida school children gain access to free books," by Tampa Bay Times Jeffrey Solochek — "Miami lawmaker Pizzo could end up boosting DeSantis' anti-riot bill hated by his fellow Democrats," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer — " Sen. Jeff Brandes hopes this is the last Super Bowl that Floridians can't legally bet on," by Bay News 9's Mitch Perry — "'You saved someone's life': Nikki Fried honors Orlando server who reported boy's abuse," by Orlando Sentinel's Hannah Phillips | | | | GET THE SCOOP ON CONGRESS IN 2021 : Get the inside scoop on the Schumer/McConnell dynamic, the new Senate Bipartisan Group, and what is really happening inside the House Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference. From Schumer to Pelosi, McConnell to McCarthy and everyone in between, our new Huddle author Olivia Beavers brings the latest from Capitol Hill with assists from POLITICO's deeply sourced Congress team. Subscribe to Huddle, the indispensable guide to Congress. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | NOT IN THE SCRIPT — "Florida official on vaccines: Biden 'inherited a mess,'" by Associated Press's Bobby Caina Calvan: "Appearing before a legislative select committee on the response to the pandemic, the director, Jared Moskowitz, echoed Gov. Ron DeSantis's concern over inadequate deliveries of life-saving vaccines to meet the intense demand. But unlike the Republican governor he works for, Moskowitz, a former Democratic state lawmaker, asserted that President Joe Biden 'has inherited a mess.'" — "Congressional Democrats slam Ron DeSantis for 'hit-or-miss' vaccine rollout ," by Florida Politics' Ryan Nicol — "Publix making changes to online COVID vaccine appointments," by Palm Beach Post's Jane Musgrave 'NO HELP WHATSOEVER' — " Hialeah mayor appeals to Rubio, Scott for vaccine help, claims DeSantis snubbed him," by NBC Miami's Marissa Bagg: "Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez said he's getting nowhere with Gov. Ron DeSantis when it comes to getting COVID-19 vaccine doses to his city, and he's now reaching out to Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott as well as Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. In a recent letter to all three that Hernandez claims Hialeah has been neglected, saying the city hasn't received a single dose of the vaccine from the state so far." WELL, THIS DOESN'T LOOK GOOD — "Mexican TV host under fire for going to Florida to get COVID vaccine," by New York Post's Elizabeth Elizalde: "A popular Mexican TV host is under fire after traveling to Florida just to get the coveted COVID-19 vaccine, which most Americans have not received. Juan José Origel, who's famous for hosting Mexican daytime shows such as 'Ventaneando' ('Looking Out the Window'), 'Hoy' ('Today') and 'La Oreja' ('The Ear'), posted a photo on Twitter Saturday showing him getting a shot in his right arm as he's sitting inside a car. 'Already vaccinated!! Thanks #usa what a shame my country couldn't grant me that security!!!' Origel wrote in Spanish. It's unclear how he made the vaccine appointment." FALLOUT — "Jobless claims jump in Florida as tourism faces long recovery," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner: "With first-time unemployment claims spiking last week, a top Florida economist is cautioning that the vital, but battered, tourism industry is in for another difficult spring because of COVID-19. Amy Baker, coordinator of the Legislature's Office of Economic & Demographic Research, told lawmakers Wednesday that despite improved tax-revenue numbers for December, big-spending foreign tourists aren't expected to flock to Florida in the coming months because of the pandemic." — " Universal Orlando theme parks are breaking even with attendance growing, but COVID-19 pain remains," by Orlando Sentinel's Gabrielle Russon — "'A little bit surreal': 10 months and one Finals run later, Heat fans return to arena," by Miami Herald's David Wilson — "Florida has wasted 0.1 percent of coronavirus vaccines, health department says," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson — "Broward County's Sen. Gary Farmer tests positive for COVID-19," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher | | Bidenology | | CAUTION — "'For Christ's sake, watch yourself': Biden warns family over business dealings," by POLITICO's Natasha Korecki, Theodoric Meyer and Tyler Pager: Only a week into his presidency, Biden already has had to answer for matters related to his family. A law firm ad promoting Frank Biden's relationship with the president caused a stir when it ran on Inauguration Day. A federal investigation into Biden's son, Hunter, has invited scrutiny of just how strict a firewall he'll keep between the White House and the Justice Department. And another of the president's brothers, James, has previously come under fire for his business dealings. Balancing act — Florida super attorney and Democratic donor John Morgan said business sensitivities were coursing through Bidenworld this week after the report about Frank Biden's law firm. "What Frank told me is 'my brother loves me dearly, but if I lobbied, he would cut my legs from underneath me," Morgan said Frank Biden told him this week. The intent of Joe Biden's initial conversation, according to the person with knowledge of the discussion, was to protect Frank from "being hurt and vilified" in the event his big brother, "Joey," was elected to the most powerful position in the world. "Frank made it clear to me what the president made clear to him: The day he got elected, the long knives came out for all things Biden," Morgan said. "There's a target on all of them." Fly me — One person interested in working with Frank Biden was Morgan himself, a fellow Floridian who is close to the younger Biden. "Great guy," Morgan said of Frank Biden. "I had my jet take him to the inauguration." Morgan said he'd started talking with Frank Biden about business opportunities last year but that nothing had come together yet. "We are talking about him doing some things inside the law firm," Morgan said, referring to his firm, Morgan & Morgan, which bills itself as "America's Largest Injury Law Firm." | | DATELINE D.C. | | 'WHAT COULD THEY BE THINKING' — "Pelosi rips GOP leaders for sticking with Marjorie Taylor Greene," by POLITICO's Sarah Ferris and Melanie Zanona: Some Democrats aren't waiting around for GOP leaders to act. Aside from [Rep. Jimmy] Gomez's resolution, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) is preparing legislation to kick Greene off her committees if she is allowed to remain. While expulsion is unlikely, Democrats aren't ruling out additional measures against Greene. "She shouldn't have a public platform to further spread dangerous lies," said Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), chair of the House Ethics Committee who represents Parkland, Fla., where teenagers were gunned down at a high school in 2018. Greene was also seen on video harassing a survivor of that shooting in a January 2019 video that recently resurfaced. "Not on a House Committee. Not as a Member of Congress," Deutch said. — "Parkland survivor David Hogg said it's time to 'take down' Marco Rubio," by Newsweek's Darragh Roche OUT WEST — "Ignoring calls to pull back, Gaetz slams Cheney in her home state ," by POLITICO's Matthew Choi: Rep. Matt Gaetz fired off a barrage of insults against his colleague Liz Cheney during a rally in her home state of Wyoming on Thursday — a raw embodiment of the cleavage across the Republican Party following President Donald Trump's exit from office. Gaetz's rally flouted Republican leadership's appeal to temper the intraparty conflict. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy urged members of his caucus Wednesday to lay off the attacks on each other. But Gaetz held back no punches as he attacked his colleague. "Defeat Liz Cheney in this upcoming election, and Wyoming will bring Washington to its knees," he told a group of hundreds of spectators, many of whom did not wear masks. | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | MAR-A-LAGO RENDEZVOUS — "McCarthy, Trump hold 'very good and cordial' meeting focused on 2022 midterms," by POLITICO's Benjamin Din: "They worked very well together in the last election and picked up at least 15 seats when most predicted it would be the opposite," said the readout, which was released with a photo of the two men smiling in an ornately decorated room at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. "They will do so again, and the work has already started." The meeting took place at Trump's resort in Palm Beach, where he frequently visited as president and has taken up his post-presidency residence. — " 'He is our hometown president.' Florida Republicans applaud Trump's Mar-a-Lago strategy session to win back US House," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher — "House GOP leader meets with Miami's mayor ahead of Florida sit-down with Trump," by Miami Herald's David Smiley SINCE YOU'RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD — "RNC invites Trump to speak at spring meeting," by POLITICO's Alex Isenstadt: The Republican National Committee is planning to invite former President Donald Trump to its upcoming spring donor meeting, according to a person familiar with preparations for the event. The RNC is also expected to invite other potential 2024 candidates and Republican leaders to the retreat, which is to be held in Palm Beach, Fla., April 9-11. A LEGAL MATTER? — "Palm Beach considers its options as Trump remains at Mar-a-Lago," by The Associated Press' Terry Spencer: "Former President Donald Trump has been living at his Mar-a-Lago club since leaving office more than a week ago — a possible violation of a 1993 agreement he made with the Town of Palm Beach that limits stays to seven consecutive days. Town Manager Kirk Blouin said in an email Thursday that Palm Beach is examining its options and the matter might be discussed at the town council's February meeting." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | THE FLORIDA CONNECTION — "Hedge funder at center of GameStop controversy recently bought 'dream' Miami Beach home," by Miami Herald's Rob Wile: "The owner of the hedge fund at the center of the GameStop trading controversy recently purchased a home for $44 million in Miami Beach, according to city and county documents. Gabriel Plotkin, founder of New York-based Melvin Capital, bought the existing residences at 6360 and 6342 North Bay Road for a total of $44 million in November from Westime watch store owner Jean Simonian. The purchase was first reported by The Real Deal in December. Plotkin's name appears on a Miami Beach Design Review Board application for alterations of the properties. That document was first reported by website The Next Miami." IN MEMORIAM — "35 years since Challenger launch disaster: 'Never forgotten,'" by The Associated Press' Marcia Dunn: "NASA leaders, retired launch directors, families of fallen astronauts and space fans marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger disaster on Thursday, vowing never to forget the seven who died during liftoff. The pandemic kept this year's remembrance more muted than usual. Barely 100 people — all masked and seated or standing far apart — gathered in front of Kennedy Space Center's Space Mirror Memorial. The late morning ceremony was held almost exactly the same time as the accident shortly after liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986." | | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Sheriff: Teen wrote threatening song after school suspension," by The Associated Press: "An 18-year-old high school student in Florida has been arrested after recording a song in which he threatened to kill a school administrator following a suspension, sheriff's officials said. Joseph Washington was arrested Tuesday on felony charges of making written threats to kill, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. A judge released the teen from jail Wednesday and his trial is pending, records show." BIRTHDAYS: Natalie Kelly of Acclaim Strategies … John Bozzo, former staff writer for Daytona Beach News-Journal
| Want to make an impact? POLITICO Florida has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Sunshine State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.
| | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment