| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs | Hello and welcome to Thursday. The daily rundown — Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 4,853 (0.2 percent), to 1,957,586; active hospitalizations went down by 99 (3 percent), to 3,211; deaths rose by 59 (0.2 percent), to 31,948; 3,784,870 Floridians have had at least one dose of a vaccine. Grand bargain — So just two weeks into the 2021 session, House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson put together a deal that takes care of Florida's businesses — and paves the way for a significant vote that could cause discomfort for some Republicans. What's in your wallet? — Sprowls and Simpson announced Wednesday evening (hours after Congress approved a coronavirus relief bill sending billions of dollars in federal aid to Florida) that they have agreed to pass a bill requiring online retailers to collect sales taxes. The measure would bring in an estimated $1 billion a year but instead of putting that revenue toward solving Florida's budget woes, they would instead direct the money into the state's unemployment trust fund. That infusion of cash would allow the state to roll back recently enacted unemployment tax hikes on businesses. "Our plan makes responsible use of the resources we have so that we can rescue Florida business owners from a major tax increase," Sprowls said. Nothing for workers — Florida's major business groups cheered the deal. Organizations concerned about the state's jobless did not. That's because nothing in the deal calls for increasing the state's miserly $275 a week maximum unemployment benefit. Simpson says he supports increasing benefits, but Sprowls has been more skeptical. State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) tweeted that she would attempt to force the issue by trying to amend the proposed legislation: "We shouldn't bail out the biggest of businesses (some w/record profits in 2020) while workers get nothing." Tax hike? — Then there's the resistance that the deal may have from conservative Republicans. Firebrand Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R-Howey-in-the-Hills) calls the proposal the "largest tax increase" in Florida history. Simpson has defended the online sales tax bill, saying it changes tax collections and isn't a tax hike. That's an important distinction because tax hikes now require a two-thirds supermajority vote (thanks to Rick Scott). If progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans vote against the deal it would be enough to keep the legislation from reaching that mark. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to hold a press conference at the Southside Sports Complex in Lake City. SIGN UP: POLITICO this week is hosting "The Fifty: America's Governors," a series of back-to-back, live conversations with six governors from across the U.S. The conversations will cover how these governors are confronting the multiple crises that have hit the country within the past year — from the global pandemic and ensuing economic recession, sudden shift to remote schooling, racial injustice and police brutality protests and the fallout from the tense presidential election. Today starting at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT. You can register to watch live here. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | A message from the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs: PBMs work with Florida's employers and the Medicaid program to keep health care more affordable for millions of Floridians and are poised to save consumers and the State $70 billion over the next 10 years. Today, as Florida faces a global pandemic and multibillion budget shortfall, now is the time for legislators to maintain, not limit, the PBM tools that employers and consumers rely on to manage costs and ensure access to medicines. Learn more. | | |
|  | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | HERE COMES THE MONEY — "Florida's getting billions for COVID relief. Here's where the money could be spent," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty and Tampa Bay Times Kirby Wilson: "But the largest fight over the bill from Republicans was on $350 billion in state and local aid. Florida will receive $10.2 billion, cities across the state will receive $1.4 billion, counties will get $4.1 billion and other local governments will get $1.3 billion. A lot of that money, which isn't allocated for specific purposes, will end up in the hands of GOP elected officials at the state and local levels." POWER PLAY ROUND 2 — " DeSantis tries again to strip the Florida Cabinet of its powers," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer: "Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet met Tuesday, wrapping up a year of infrequent gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If DeSantis gets his way, it would have even less to do. For the second year in a row, DeSantis is pushing for a bill to eliminate Cabinet oversight over a slew of agency and state personnel rules and transfer many of those powers to himself or agencies he controls, arguing that America's Founding Fathers envisioned a 'unitary executive.'" AFTERMATH — "Florida's top financial regulator proposes new sexual harassment measures," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: The bill (SB 1408), which is sponsored by state Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Thonotosassa), proposes creating a new law that defines a sexual harassment victim as either a department employee who is harassed, or a person who is harassed while in the process of applying to a job at the department. It also bans retaliation against someone who files a sexual harassment complaint, and it makes the release of personal identifying information of a sexual harassment victim a first degree misdemeanor. The proposal seeks to address specific issues at the center of a sexual harassment scandal that led to the suspension and later firing of former Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner Ronald Rubin. | 
Florida's chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis speaks at pre-legislative news conference on Tuesday Oct. 29, 2019, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon) | Steve Cannon/AP Photo | TARGETING? — "Fried, Trumbull spar over pandemic teleworking," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a possible Democratic candidate for governor in 2022, on Wednesday accused state GOP Rep. Jay Trumbull of issuing a "politically-driven" memo that questioned her department's decision to allow employees to work from home through September. What are the details? — Trumbull sent a memo Wednesday to House appropriations subcommittee chairs asking them to examine with agency heads and staff those issues related to teleworking and how the practice may affect spending on state office space. He noted that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was allowing its employees to work from home until Sept. 30. "While I understood the need for teleworking arrangements in the early part of the pandemic, I do not understand the arrangement continuing beyond a time when mass vaccinations are available," Trumbull wrote. REWIRING — "Florida lawmakers are moving fast on civics education reforms," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida lawmakers are hammering out numerous policies to revise the state's civics education programs, tackling longstanding priorities from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran along the way. The Senate and House both have backed proposals that would introduce a wide range of new guidelines aiming to, among other things, help students develop "a sense of civic pride." The proposed bills include provisions that would allow Corcoran to create a civics "practicum" that can count toward student community service hours, and a statewide rule requiring all 11th grade students to take the SAT or ACT in school every year — something the Department of Education has long sought. DENIED AGAIN — "Pardon request rejected for voting-rights leader," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "Desmond Meade has won international acclaim for his voting-rights advocacy and helped thousands of convicted felons like him be able to cast ballots in Florida. But the 53-year-old husband and father hasn't redeemed himself enough for Gov. Ron DeSantis to grant a pardon. The Republican governor on Wednesday rejected Meade's request for a pardon, marking the second time in six months that Meade's appeal for clemency was denied. DeSantis justified his decision by pointing to Meade's dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Army three decades ago. But Meade said he is a victim of political infighting between DeSantis and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat who, as a member of the state Board of Executive Clemency, put forward Meade's application for a pardon in September and again on Wednesday." — "Cabinet Oks big change in clemency process, giving some automatic restoration of rights," by Tampa Bay Times Lawrence Mower — "' Countless people were affected by this system's failure,' inspector general says of flawed jobless website," by Orlando Sentinel's Caroline Glenn — "State Attorney slams lawmakers' proposed 'anti-riot' bill: 'So many things wrong,'" by WTSP's Eric Glasser — "Florida lawmakers debate political bias on college campuses," by The Associated Press' Anila Yoganathan — "With state's standardized testing 'season' looming, lawmakers look to address 'COVID' slide," by News Service of Florida's Ryan Dailey | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TO JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION: Power dynamics are changing. "Influence" is changing. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. "The Recast" is our new twice-weekly newsletter that breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics, policy and power in America. And POLITICO is recasting how we report on this crucial intersection, bringing you fresh insights, scoops, dispatches from across the country and new voices that challenge "business as usual." Don't miss out on this important new newsletter, SUBSCRIBE NOW. Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | NEXT PHASE — "Florida will soon lower COVID vaccine age eligibility to 55," by The Associated Press' Adriana Gomez Licon: "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that after the state makes people 60 and older eligible for the COVID vaccine on Monday, it will soon lower the age to 55 and then probably open it up to the rest of the population. The governor said at a news conference in Sumterville, Florida that the process of vaccinating those between 60 and 64 may go quicker than expected because of the increase in the weekly supply the state is receiving." AND POOF — " DeSantis, Cabinet take 41 seconds to decide to waive fines from COVID citations," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower: "Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida clemency board announced Wednesday that it would wipe out fines imposed on people or businesses for violating COVID-19-related ordinances. Hours later, DeSantis issued an executive order stating that the waiver applied to fines imposed by local governments from March 1 of last year to Wednesday. Anyone disputing the fines need only refer to the executive order as a defense from paying them, it said. DeSantis' action Wednesday, which was not on the agenda, appeared to catch people off guard and left local and county officials scratching their heads." Reaction — "The cities of Miami and Miami Beach each issued hundreds of citations to people who refused to wear masks. 'This is pretty bizarre honestly,' Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said. 'It almost feels like he wants to be the champion for letting the virus surge through the community. I have no earthly idea why anyone would want to champion that cause.'" | | | |   | | |
| | DATELINE D.C. | | CHINA CONUNDRUM — "A tough-on-China GOP is split on whether to boycott the China Olympics," by POLITICO's Nahal Toosi and Andrew Desiderio: A boycott would be "a serious mistake," potential 2024 contender Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in a brief interview with POLITICO, citing what he described as former President Jimmy Carter's "blunder" in boycotting the 1980 Olympics hosted by the Soviet Union. "I don't think we should be punishing athletes who have spent their entire lives training. We should go to Beijing, compete, and win." Counterpoint — But given that there's less than a year left before the Winter Games commence, and the International Olympic Committee has shown no signs it's willing to change the location, other Republicans say it's time to start talking about pulling out. "The IOC seems to be truly dug in on this issue, which is counter to their own code of ethics and morals," said Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), one of the sponsors of a resolution that calls for a boycott if the Games aren't moved. "I just don't see how we turn a blind eye, literally, to what's going on as we speak." Undecided — Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) — one of the most hawkish GOP voices on China — has signed on to a resolution championed by his fellow Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott, which calls for the Winter Games to be taken away from China. But Rubio wasn't willing to push for a boycott just yet. "It's a tough call," he said in a brief interview. "I haven't really made a decision on it. Because I feel bad for the athletes. | 
Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., takes a photo with troops inside the Capitol Visitor's Center to reinforce security at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. The House of Representatives is pursuing an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump for his role in inciting an angry mob to storm the Capitol last week. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) | Alex Brandon/AP Photo | HMMM — "Florida Sen. Rick Scott implores states to 'reject and return' stimulus money. Gov. Ron DeSantis wants more," by Palm Beach Post's Wendy Rhodes: "Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott has a message for states and cities poised to receive a collective $360 billion from the American Rescue Act stimulus package: Send it back. Scott's call to to reject money that polls show is popular nationally, even among Republicans, has flared tension between Scott and another Florida GOP leader, Gov. Ron DeSantis. In an open letter to governors and mayors, sent moments after the U.S. House on Wednesday approved the $1.9 trillion bill, Scott called it 'massive, wasteful and non-targeted,' urging states to follow his lead and send a message to Congress to 'quit recklessly spending other people's money.'" — "Rubio and bipartisan group of senators push to make daylight saving time permanent," by The Hill's Cameron Jenkins | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | 'YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW' — A Senate panel on Wednesday voted 4-2 along party lines for a measure that would completely ban mail ballot drop boxes despite local election supervisors — including Lake County Supervisor Alan Hays, a former Republican legislator — voicing strong opposition. Sen. Dennis Baxley, the Ocala Republican pushing the bill (SB 90), said during the meeting that drop boxes (which were used by approximately 1.5 million voters in 2020) were a security risk but he gave only vague answers as to why the change was needed. At one point Baxley said this was a way to prevent future problems: "You don't know what you don't know," he said. Coming from the top — Hays, who had been one of the most conservative members of the Florida Senate, said the bill, which would also make other changes to mail-in voting, will cause "havoc." But Republican Party of Florida chairman Joe Gruters, who is also a state senator, endorsed the bill, as did Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, who is running for re-election in 2022, didn't mention he wanted to ban drop boxes when he called for changes last month. But he endorsed the idea on Wednesday. FRIED + ESKAMANI — State Rep. Anna Eskamani has been mulling running for governor, so it was a bit of a surprise to see Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a potential rival, blast out an email on Wednesday urging her supporters to chip in money to Eskamani's political committee — People Power for Florida — which has been set up to get voters to support progressive issues and candidates. In a text, Eskamani said that she has still not made a decision about her future but told Playbook that "there is a collective agreement that we need people to build lower power for 2022 (and beyond) and I am one of those people to help to do it." | | | | Did you know that POLITICO Pro has coverage and tools at the state level? All the state legislative and regulatory tracking, budget documents, state agency contact information, and everything else you need to stay ahead of state policy movement integrate into our smart and customizable platform. Learn more and become a Pro today. | | | | |
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | PILGRIMAGE — "Trump expected to meet with Sen. Rick Scott amid GOP divide over former president," by CNN's Jim Acosta and Paul LeBlanc: "Former President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Republican Sen. Rick Scott this week, a source familiar with the meeting told CNN, at a time when the party is heatedly debating Trump's role in its future. The meeting with Scott, a Floridian who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has been planned for weeks, the source said. But it will come at a time of considerable tension between the former President and the party establishment following his push to route supporters' money through his own political apparatus, rather than traditional Republican campaign committees like the NRSC." | | Bidenology | | NOTHING URGENT — "Cuba policy shift 'not a top priority' for Biden, White House says," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gamez Torres: "The Biden administration is not in a rush to change Cuba policy, which is currently under review, the White House said Tuesday. 'Cuba policy shift is not currently among President Biden's top priorities,' spokeswoman Jen Psaki said at a press briefing. She added the administration was committed 'to making human rights a core pillar of our U.S. policy' and 'to carefully reviewing policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.'" | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | RICOCHET — "Wall Street A-Listers fled to Florida. Many now eye a return," by Bloomberg's Katherine Burton, Annie Massa, Amanda L. Gordon, and Jonathan Levin : "Only a small percentage of Manhattanites moved permanently to Florida last year. And as vaccinations stir fresh hope that the pandemic's end is near, ebullient talk of South Florida drawing Wall Streeters en masse is already beginning to fizzle. Dan Sundheim, founder of New York-based hedge fund D1 Capital Partners, will very likely leave Palm Beach and return to his Park Avenue home, according to a person familiar with his plans. David Tepper, who moved back to New Jersey from Miami last year, is staying in his home state for now, even though he and wife just bought a $73 million Palm Beach mansion." Big Apple vs. Big Orange — "The main problem with moving to Florida is that you have to live in Florida," said Jason Mudrick, who oversees $3 billion at Mudrick Capital Management and has resided in Manhattan for more than two decades. "New York has the smartest, most driven people, the best culture, the best restaurants and the best theaters," he said. "Anyone moving to Florida to save a little money loses out on all of that." | | | | A message from the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs: Employers in Florida provide prescription drug coverage for nearly 8.5 million Floridians. In order to help keep care more affordable, employers work with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who deploy a variety of tools to reduce prescription drug costs and help improve health outcomes. PBMs also work with the Florida Medicaid program in the same way to help control costs. In fact, PBMs are poised to save consumers and the State $70 billion over the next ten years. Today, as Florida faces a global pandemic and a multibillion budget shortfall, now is the time for legislators to maintain, not limit, the tools that employers, consumers and the State are relying on to manage costs and ensure consumers can access the medicines they need. Learn more. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Gambler pleads guilty to threatening Tampa Bay Rays players," by The Associated Press: "A sports gambler faces up to five years in federal prison for threatening social media messages sent to players with the Tampa Bay Rays. Benjamin Tucker Patz, 24, of Napa, California, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Tampa federal court to transmitting threats in interstate or foreign commerce, according to court records. No sentencing date was immediately set. Patz was initially charged last year. He had made numerous violent threats in 2019 against athletes and their family members through anonymous Instagram accounts, according to a criminal complaint." BIRTHDAYS: Alejandro Miyar with Berger Singerman ... Janet Scherberger, former communications VP at Tampa International Airport and former Tampa Bay Times reporter
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