| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. The daily rundown — Between Sunday and Monday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 3,312 (nearly 0.2 percent), to 1,948,307; active hospitalizations went up by 34 (1 percent), to 3,332; deaths rose by 81 (nearly 0.3 percent), to 31,764; 3,590,686 Floridians have had at least one dose of a vaccine. Trouble ahead, trouble behind — As more and more Florida voters turned to mail-in ballots due to the pandemic, there was a lingering worry that the number of votes rejected could skyrocket. And that was seen as a potential trouble spot in a state with a reputation for razor-thin margins. Success story — A new study, however, being released Tuesday shows that changes in Florida's mail-in voting laws (which were sparked by lawsuits following a 2018 election with three statewide recounts) lowered the number of ballots that wound up being thrown out. By the numbers — University of Florida political professor Dan Smith did a report on behalf of All Voting is Local Florida that showed during the 2020 general election that out of 4.6 million mail-in ballots cast about roughly 47,000 were flagged by local supervisors for problems such as mismatched signatures or a missing signature on the ballot envelope. The good news — More than 34,000 ballots (72 percent) of these were fixed or "cured" in time to be counted. This means election supervisors were able to reach voters before the deadline (which is two days past Election Day) and get them to correct the problem. Still — Questions persist about which voters ran into problems. Smith's research showed younger voters, voters from racial and ethnic minority groups, and newly registered voters were more likely to have their ballot envelopes flagged. It also showed that the rejection rate dipped and spiked depending on the county a voter lived in, a fluctuation that also raises questions. "You cannot tell me that Black voters or Hispanic voters are more likely to make mistakes in one county versus another," Smith said. Timing is everything — The report does call on state legislators to make changes, including requiring local supervisors to tell voters if their ballot was counted and simplifying instructions and design of ballot envelopes. The research is coming out just as the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature is expected to take up a major election bill that could alter the state's mail-in ballot laws again. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be in Tallahassee for a meeting with the Florida Cabinet. 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. | | |
|  | CAMPAIGN MODE | | COMING APART — "Inside the Lincoln Project's secrets, side deals and scandals," by New York Times' Danny Hakim, Maggie Astor and Jo Becker: "In fact, Mr. [Steve] Schmidt and the three other men who started the Lincoln Project — John Weaver, Reed Galen and Rick Wilson — had already quietly moved to set themselves up in the new enterprise, drafting and filing papers to create TLP Media in September and October, records show. Its aim was to transform the original project, a super PAC, into a far more lucrative venture under their control." A successful venture — "Conceived as a full-time attack machine against Mr. Trump, the Lincoln Project's public profile soared last year as its founders built a reputation as a creative yet ruthless band of veteran operators. They recruited like-minded colleagues, and their scathing videos brought adulation from the left and an aura of mischievous idealism for what they claimed was their mission: nothing less than to save democracy. They also hit upon a geyser of cash, discovering that biting attacks on a uniquely polarizing president could be as profitable in the loosely regulated world of political fund-raising as Mr. Trump's populist bravado was for his own campaign." WARNING SHOT? — "Pro-Trump Florida state lawmaker to challenge Webster," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: One of the most conservative and pro-Trump members of the Florida Legislature announced on Monday that he will run for Congress, setting up a potential clash with a long-serving Republican who helped cement GOP control of state government. State Rep. Anthony Sabatini, a central Florida attorney who has been in the Legislature for just three years, said he would run for the district now held by Rep. Daniel Webster. | 
Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Fla., center, talks to reporters before addressing a crowded town hall meeting in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, April 26, 2011.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) | AP Photo | Not a done deal — In a minute-long campaign video kicking off his campaign, the Howey-in-the Hills resident said the "spineless and corrupt Republican establishment turned its back on President Trump and refuses to fight for our America first agenda. And it's time we fight back." Sabatini's announcement comes nearly a year before legislators will draw up new congressional maps that could include two new additional seats. Legislators could also shift the lines for central Florida districts that are now held by Democrats. | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | DATELINE D.C. | | A BIG DEAL IN FLORIDA — "Biden administration grants Venezuelans temporary protected status," by POLITICO's Sabrina Rodriguez: The Biden administration on Monday announced it would grant temporary protected status to Venezuelan exiles, fulfilling a campaign promise to allow them to live and work legally in the U.S. The TPS designation offers legal protections for 18 months to Venezuelans fleeing the humanitarian crisis brought on by Nicolás Maduro's government. It comes after years of Democrats and Florida Republicans pushing for granting TPS to Venezuelans, while former President Donald Trump declined to do so and, instead, secretly deported Venezuelans despite safety concerns. A moment of unity — The Biden administration action on Venezuela drew bipartisan praise from Florida Democrats such as Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz as well as Republicans such as Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Rick Scott, and Rep. Carlos Gimenez. Said Gimenez: "I applaud the decision by President Biden and his national security team for establishing TPS for Venezuelans. Countless Venezuelan nationals live in my district, most fleeing from the scourge of communism and fearing for their lives." | | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | ANOTHER CHANGE COMING — "Florida to lower age eligibility for COVID vaccine to 60," by The Associated Press' Bobby Caina Calvan: "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that he would drop the eligibility age for the coronavirus vaccine from 65 to 60, allowing 1.4 million more Floridians to get vaccinated starting next week. DeSantis made the announcement at a news conference in which he also railed against the latest federal stimulus package, which he said rewards states struggling with the virus while penalizing states that have fared better." — " Democrats: COVID vaccine under DeSantis governed by 'favoritism, frustration and confusion,'" by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man YES, SORT OF — "Spring break partying falls victim to COVID-19 crisis," by The Associated Press' Heather Hollingsworth, Kelli Kennedy and Anila Yoganathan: "Miami tourism officials say they lost billions of dollars during those three months last year. Now, those beach towns are hoping to make up for some of those losses, even as they take precautions to discourage reckless behavior and curb the spread of the virus. Miami tourism officials have spent $5 million on the city's biggest national advertising campaign in 20 years. Some communities say they are starting to see visitors return, even though health experts warn that the outbreak that has killed more than a half-million Americans is far from over." — "Defense lawyers tried to ban masks at Miami's first in-person felony trial in COVID era," by Miami Herald's David Ovalle — "Lauderhill city commissioners got to fill 50 appointments for state rep's vaccine event," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher — "South Florida couple claiming to be 'farmers' plead guilty to $1 million pandemic scam," by Miami Herald's Jay Weaver | | | |   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | PROMOTED — "DeSantis picks Lukis to serve as new chief of staff," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday named Adrian Lukis as his new chief of staff, replacing Shane Strum, who had been the governor's top staffer since he took office in early 2019. Lukis was also an early administration hire. He has served as deputy chief of staff overseeing several departments, notably those responsible for the state's pandemic response. That includes the Department of Economic Opportunity, which oversees unemployment, the Department of Health, and Agency for Health Care Administration. Duly noted — Within the lobbying industry, Lukis' hire is seen as a win for the Ballard Partners, one of Florida's largest lobbying shops. It has expanded its footprint in Washington during the Trump administration. Lukis is the son of Syl Lukis, the managing partner of the firm's Washington office. DESIGNED TO FAIL? — "Senate panel hammers Deloitte officials over unemployment collapse, " by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: State Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Miami Democrat who spent money out-of-pocket to help unemployed constituents during the pandemic, led much of the interrogation. Throughout the hearing in front of the Senate Select Committee on Pandemic and Response, the former prosecutor tried to get John Hugill and Scott Malm, both Deloitte principals sent to testify, to pin the blame on former Gov. Rick Scott, whose administration built the unemployment website. "You were given parameters a lot lower… based on the directive of the state, right?" Pizzo asked of the Scott administration's instructions to Deloitte when the site was built early in his governorship. Nothing to see here? — Neither took the bait, instead insisting several times that they stood behind the company's performance, which was designed to meet state standards. They said that no vendor would be able to guarantee performance during an "act of God"-type of event like a global pandemic. "The state sets certain requirements we build to," Hugill told the committee. Pizzo did not find the answer acceptable, likening the situation to allowing his children pick the food they want to eat and being surprised when they become "malnourished." TOSSED OUT — "Judge rejects lawsuit over Florida unemployment system," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders : "A Leon County circuit judge on Monday dismissed a potential class-action lawsuit against the state and Deloitte Consulting stemming from problems with Florida's online unemployment compensation system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge John Cooper, for the second time in less than six months, said plaintiffs could not overcome legal hurdles to pursue the case against the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Deloitte, a contractor that helped put in place the CONNECT online system in 2013." EBB AND FLOW — "House panel passes resiliency program bills as DeSantis says fed money could help," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: [Gov. Ron] DeSantis said Monday that the $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief bill in Congress may provide infrastructure funding that can be used for his resiliency program. Using the federal funds could offset the need for borrowing money, which would be used in part to help mitigate the effects of rising sea levels, flooding and worsening storms. "And I think that will be a game-changer for the state of Florida," DeSantis said during a press conference. "I think it's a really good use of money in terms of infrastructure. It's infrastructure we would needed to have done anyways." The House Environment, Agriculture & Flooding Subcommittee proposed subcommittee bill, PCB EAF 21-01, would cap funding at $100 million a year. TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS? — "Democrats blast state GOP plans to use stimulus for corporate tax breaks," by Palm Beach Post's Wendy Rhodes: "It's not a done deal, but the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill is already mired in Florida partisan politics and budgeting. Congressional Democrats on Monday slammed Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, for proposing that a portion of the state's allotted federal stimulus dollars be used to replenish the state's unemployment fund in lieu of raising unemployment taxes on corporations." SUGAR, SUGAR — " Do Florida lawmakers want to make it harder to sue sugar farmers?" by Tampa Bay Times' Zachary T. Sampson: "When sugar farmers burn the cane fields near her house, Debra Jones knows what to expect. "You've got to sweep when it's going, and it just bothers me breathing-wise," she said, describing soot falling on cars and sidewalks in Pahokee. "It comes down like black rain." Jones, 65, is one of several residents suing sugar companies, arguing that the burning hurts their health and their properties. Her lawyers say Jones' family uses nebulizers to make breathing easier during the burning season." And now there's a bill — "The lawsuit has gained new attention this year because environmentalists say state leaders are trying to stop future challenges like it. A bill moving through the Senate, led by Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, would limit who can file cases for property damage to those within a half mile of a farm where a 'nuisance' happens." CONTINUING TO CHIP AWAY — "Union battles brew in Florida Legislature," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders: "Debates are building in the Florida Legislature about union dues paid by teachers, law-enforcement officers and other public employees. A Republican-dominated House panel Monday approved two measures that are being fiercely opposed by Democrats and labor unions, including a proposal that also has gained early support in the Senate. That proposal (HB 947), sponsored by Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, would place new requirements on the dues-deduction process, such as adding a step in which government employers would have to confirm with workers that they want dues taken out of their pay before the deductions could start." — "House subcommittee votes to repeal wine bottle size limit," by Florida Politics' Jason Delgado | | | | 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 | | COMING ATTRACTIONS — "RNC moves portion of its spring donor retreat to Trump's Mar-a-Lago club," by Washington Post's Josh Dawsey: "The Republican National Committee is moving part of its spring donor retreat next month to Mar-a-Lago from a nearby hotel for a dinner speech that will be headlined by former president Donald Trump, according to Republicans involved in the planning of the event….The weekend retreat in early April for the party's most influential donors will be at a luxury hotel in Palm Beach, Fla., as in past years. But the RNC has decided to move the Saturday evening portion of the schedule to the former president's private club to accommodate Trump and guests who would like to visit the site, according to officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the plans." — "After 2020 fraud claims, Trump requests mail ballot," by Palm Beach Post's Hannah Morse | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | TO COURT — "Virgin sues Brightline for $251.3 million over marketing divorce," by Sun Sentinel's David Lyons: "Brightline's decision to offload Richard Branson's Virgin Group as a marketing partner is now before a London court, with the British billionaire's company seeking more than $250 million in damages from the South Florida-based railroad. Amid considerable fanfare, the now idled high speed railroad entered into a royalty agreement with the flamboyant entrepreneur in 2018 as it ramped up passenger service among the downtowns of Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami." | | | | 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 | | BIRTHDAYS: Kristy Campbell, former press secretary for Jeb Bush... Miami Herald's Bianca Padró Ocasio … Adam Smith with Mercury Public Affairs ... Washington Post staff writer Hannah Sampson
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