| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Floridians for Affordable Rx | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. The daily rundown — Between Sunday and Monday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 1,613, to 2,125,846; active hospitalizations increased 82 (2.6 percent ) to 3,184; deaths of Florida residents rose by 35 (0.1 percent), to 34,056; 7,291,420 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. By the numbers — Newly filed campaign reports detailing the pre-session fundraising rush show that even in the long shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, Republicans — as usual — dominated. The GOP edge — The Republican Party of Florida — along with leadership committees led by Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls — brought in slightly more than $5.5 million during the first three months of the year. The Florida Democratic Party, and the committee overseen by Sen. Perry Thurston, took in $1.65 million. Rolling the dice — Among the top contributors for the Republican Party was the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which donated $250,000 in February amid negotiations to bring a new gambling deal together with Gov. Ron DeSantis and GOP legislators. Republicans also got a $100,000 check from Miami Dolphins owner and billionaire Stephen Ross. Usual suspects — Much of the money flowing into the hands of Republicans came from corporate interests, including and political committees associated with business organizations that have a direct stake in what's happening in this year's session. They include everything from health insurers to utilities to Florida's Realtors to Disney. (Let's note the running irony of top Florida Republicans saying corporations should stay out of politics.) Two big checks — Democrats got some support from the same players, but as previously reported, the state party also got $600,000 of help from New York City billionaire Mike Bloomberg and Miami health care executive Mike Fernandez (who used to be a big GOP donor before the rise of Donald Trump.) The real winner is — Gov. Ron DeSantis, however, is swamping everyone with his fundraising efforts. DeSantis — whose political committee reports monthly and posts reports online — pulled in close to $6 million since the start of the session in March as he pushes ahead to his 2022 re-election campaign. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will be in Palmetto in Manatee County where he will have a press conference about the Piney Point phosphate plant with Senate President Wilton Simpson, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein and legislators who represent the area. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx: For too many Floridians, prescription drugs are unaffordable, and that's unacceptable. That's why it's time to take politics out of prescriptions and find real solutions to lower Rx costs for all Floridians. The key to lowering drug costs is through increased competition, not big government mandates on private-sector tools used to reduce costs. The independent pharmacy lobby's special interest agenda undermines access to affordable prescription drugs. Learn more: Floridians for Affordable Rx | | |
|  | CAMPAIGN MODE | | THE MACHINE — "DeSantis continues to pull in millions for reelection campaign," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to haul in money for his reelection campaign at a torrential pace, adding close to $6 million since the start of this year's annual Florida legislative session on March 2. DeSantis shut down his fundraising operations at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, but he restarted his efforts back up in October. He has raised more than $11.3 million over the last six-and-a-half months — but about half of it flowed in since state legislators started their work. Out in front — The governor is significantly outraising the Republican Party of Florida, which reported on Monday that it had raised $3.65 million into its state account for the first three months of 2021. DeSantis is also swamping Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the lone statewide elected Democrat. THE HEIR — " Ron DeSantis might already be running for president. Donald Trump could help — and hurt — his plans," by USA Today's David Jackson: "DeSantis and his aides have said their focus remains on Florida, and on his re-election bid next year – a test he must pass if he wants to run for president. And many Republicans doubt DeSantis would run for president if Trump decides to mount another campaign. The two remain friendly, and Trump praised the governor in his speech at Mar-a-Lago Saturday. The next morning, Trump and DeSantis were photographed playing golf together. Still, DeSantis and other Republicans thinking of running for president must find a way to test the national waters without alienating Trump. That could be a challenge if Trump's popularity wanes in the years ahead." | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attends an event with President Donald Trump on the environment at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) | THROWN OUT — "Ron DeSantis once had vote tossed out when officials couldn't verify signature on ballot was his," by NBC LX's Kristen Lee: "When then-Congressman Ron DeSantis cast his mail ballot for Florida's primary election in 2016, election workers in his hometown flagged the signature as a mismatch. When DeSantis provided the canvassing board a new signature as a backup to the signatures already on file, they determined that handwriting also had "no similarities" to the signature on DeSantis' ballot and rejected the vote, according to Flagler County elections officials." FLAGGING FLORIDA — More Than A Vote, the voting and civil rights group set up by NBA great LeBron James and other athletes and artists, is calling on supporters to speak out about "voter suppression plans" in Florida. Former NFL player Michael Vick — who says he had voting rights restored last year — appeared in a video put out by the group on Monday: "You've seen what's happening. It's not just in Georgia. It's here in Florida." The video mentions legislative proposals to ban drop boxes while also mentioning the contentious 2019 law dealing with felon voting rights. JUMPING IN — "Dale Holness announces congressional candidacy — with boost from Alcee Hastings' son," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness made official Monday what he's unofficially been doing for years: running for Congress. He announced his candidacy — and the support of the late Congressman Alcee Hastings' son. Holness is widely seen as a top tier candidate to replace Hastings, who served more than 28 years in Congress until his death on April 6 at age 84….Ten county and local officials were on hand and endorsed Holness, including Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Sheriff Greg Tony, Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman and Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers." — "Kathy Castor and Gus Bilirakis reintroduce proposal to crack down on 'zombie campaigns,'" by Florida Politics' Kelly Hayes — "Corporations caught in the middle of Florida election debate," by News4Jax's Mike Vasilinda | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TO JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION: Power is changing, in Washington and across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. Our twice-weekly newsletter "The Recast" breaks down how race and identity are shaping politics and policy in America and we are recasting how we report on it. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear from important new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | Gaetz-gate | | MORE DETAILS — "'Felt like a setup': WhatsApp chat shows Gaetz ally scrambling to contain fallout," by POLITICO's Marc Caputo and Matt Dixon: The feds were closing in. And Rep. Matt Gaetz's friend, Joel Greenberg, was in a panic. The Florida county tax collector was five days away from a federal indictment for sex trafficking involving a 17-year-old — the same one Gaetz is now being investigated over — so Greenberg reached out to mutual friends on Aug. 14 last year and tried to enlist them in his defense, according to a WhatsApp chat shared with federal investigators and obtained by POLITICO. What Greenberg said — He fumed that the prosecutor should be fired. He suspected that a political consultant "was the rat here." He fretted that investigators had combed through his Venmo cash app history, fearing it led them to the former teen at the center of the case. Greenberg also said he was paying the legal fees for the woman, who is now 20 years old. MUM'S THE WORD — Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to keep his distance from the federal investigation surrounding Rep. Matt Gaetz, a staunch ally of the governor who campaigned with him in 2018. Gaetz was part of his transition team and helped recommend several key hires for the governor at the start of his administration. When asked about the probe on Monday, DeSantis said, "I don't have anything to say" and moved on to other questions from reporters. His administration has said the governor will not be commenting on the matter. | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx:   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | COULD FLORIDA LOSE OUT? — "NCAA hints championships at stake with Florida considering transgender sports ban," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: The NCAA is "closely" keeping tabs on states including Florida that are moving to ban transgender athletes from playing girls' sports, warning in a statement Monday that locations that don't treat all student-athletes with "dignity and respect" could lose out on hosting championship games. Timing is everything — While not mentioning Florida by name, the statement from the NCAA Board of Governors comes just one day before the House is slated to take up its proposal clarifying that female sports teams are specifically for "biological" women and girls. State lawmakers were quick to criticize the NCAA's take on the issue. REJECTED — "They wanted police reform. But the push for new laws turned out to be much harder in Florida," by Sun Sentinel's Andrew Boryga: "As Florida's legislative session draws to a close this month, state legislators haven't yet acted on most of the proposals to hold bad cops accountable amid the nation's many protests for racial justice and police accountability. Only one proposal, which sets a minimum age of arrest in the state, has actually been taken up for discussion. The rest have mostly languished since being filed — while proposals to crack down on unruly protesters and further protect police officers have sailed through various committees and chambers of the statehouse." — "Bill that would expunge marijuana convictions advances in Florida Senate — but fate unknown in House," by Bay News 9's Mitch Perry AT THE TOP — "Florida's health agencies are led by Black women. Can they create equity ?" by Tampa Bay Times' Margo Snipe and Kirby Wilson: "In February, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed two Black women to lead major state health agencies. Shevaun Harris now leads the Department of Children and Families, and Simone Marstiller is the new secretary of the Agency of Health Care Administration. Add [Shamarial] Roberson, the Department of Health's deputy secretary for health, to the list, and Black women are at or near the top of three major state health agencies." Caveat — "But experts say representation alone won't be enough. For leaders to overcome these inequities, they must pursue policies that address them and ultimately get backed by others in power, said Katrinell Davis, an associate professor of sociology and African American studies at Florida State University. "We can't assume that things are going to change overnight — or in any way — because these Black women are appointed to these positions," Davis said. "We need to see what type of policies they're going to support." DOWN THE STRETCH — "Hold the horses: Gambling change could end harness racing at Pompano Park," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher: "Pompano Park's status as the 'winter capital of harness racing' could be coming to an end. A proposed change to Florida's gambling law would allow Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park to end live racing. Pompano Park is the state's only harness track, and the new gambling bill could end that horse-racing tradition in Florida, said Lauren Jackson, a lobbyist representing the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association." — "Gambling bills start moving amid talks ," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam ANOTHER TRY AT THIS — "Florida lawmakers pursuing new rules for opening charter schools," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida's school choice-favoring Legislature wants to open the door for more agencies to approve new charter schools through proposals that would shift the powers granted to local school boards. In legislation advancing this session, House members and senators are pressing for a new charter school review board appointed by the Department of Education and policies that would allow state colleges and universities to open and run their own charter schools. State Democrats, who largely oppose expanding school choice, have voted against the measures at each committee stop, arguing that charters "fall short" on oversight and accountability compared to traditional public schools. — "Tampa Bay senator calls on attorney general to hold Piney Point owner liable for water-pollution disaster," by Florida Phoenix's Laura Cassels — "FEA rolls out another ad hammering union dues bill," by Florida Politics | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | MADE FOR TV — "DeSantis assails YouTube over COVID-19 video," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton: "Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday railed against YouTube and Google for removing a video of a COVID-19 discussion he had with scientists who oppose government lockdowns, school closures and mask wearing, calling it 'censorship.' The ramped-up criticism by the Republican governor came as lawmakers try to work out details of a bill that takes aim at tech companies, an issue that DeSantis championed as one of his top priorities for this year's legislative session." ROUGH WATERS AHEAD — "Another cruise line will require vaccines, DeSantis says no," by Sun Sentinel's Ron Hurtibise: "SilverSea Cruises became the second major cruise line to announce it will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all passengers when it resumes global itineraries on June 5. The decision could set up a confrontation with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis when the luxury cruise line is scheduled to sail from Port Everglades in December. DeSantis' press office on Monday asserted that his recent executive order barring businesses from requiring proof of vaccinated customers extends to cruise lines operating in Florida." — " Orange County could soon relax some mask, social distancing requirements, Mayor Jerry Demings says," by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak and Ryan Gillespie | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | 'WE'VE GOT ISSUES AS A PARTY' — "Republicans pray for truce after Trump attacks on McConnell," by POLITICO's Burgess Everett and Marianne Levine: Though the Senate GOP is tantalizingly close to retaking the majority next year and largely united in opposition to President Joe Biden's agenda, the ongoing feud between the former president and the Senate minority leader has decayed to an entirely untenable place. [Donald] Trump's insult-laden diatribe against [Mitch] McConnell this weekend signals that the GOP could splinter badly in primaries next year — and raises the question of whether McConnell and Trump can work together at all. So is this awkward for Rick Scott? — Yet, with all of this going on, apparently Scott, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, found time to this past weekend to present Trump with the inaugural "Champion for Freedom" award. (The participation trophy remarks lit up the Internet….). And then Scott — or more likely someone on his staff, since he doesn't really handle his Twitter account — tried to joke about the Trump-McConnell feud : "President Trump is reported to have referred to Senator McConnell on Saturday as a 'dumb SOB.' As all of my colleagues in the Senate know, this is not true. He's a very smart SOB." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | WELCOME TO FLORIDA — "Antimasker went on racist rant at Florida Walgreens — then got arrested for spitting," by Miami Herald's Madeleine Marr: "A New York couple's trip to a Walgreens in Fort Lauderdale late last month turned toxic — and it's now all over the Internet. In a April 6 Facebook post, Nahla Ebaid told her followers that a maskless woman at the Southeast 17th Street store verbally attacked her with racial slurs. The confrontation began, as many do in the pandemic era, over a mask. The shopper being recorded wasn't wearing one." | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx: It's time to stand up to special interest lobbies trying to increase prescription drug costs for Florida families. Florida's independent pharmacies claim that they're struggling, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses around the country were forced to close, while there were 20 more independent pharmacies in the state. In fact, there are 13 percent more independent pharmacies in Florida today than there were 10 years ago. In fact, there are 13 percent more independent pharmacies in Florida today than there were 10 years ago. Florida needs a competitive marketplace to reduce Rx costs, not special-interest-backed legislative mandates that restrict the tools used by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reduce Floridians' prescription drug costs. It's time for the independent pharmacies lobby to come to the table with real solutions to lower Rx costs in Florida.
Presented by Floridians for Affordable Rx. Learn More. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Fake immigration attorney gets more than 20 years in prison," by Associated Press : "A Florida man was sentenced Monday to 20 years and 9 months in federal prison for pretending to be an attorney and filing hundreds of fake immigration applications. Elvis Harold Reyes, 56, was sentenced in Tampa federal court, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in December to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, Reyes owned and operated EHR Ministries Inc. He portrayed himself as an immigration attorney, though he has never had a law license. Reyes targeted undocumented immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries who were seeking Florida driver licenses and work authorizations." BIRTHDAYS: Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis … Former Rep. Ted Yoho … State Rep. Sam Killebrew … State Rep. John Snyder … Former State Rep. Elaine Schwartz … Doug Cook, former head of the Agency for Health Care Administration … Nick Iacovella , director of communications at Coalition for a Prosperous America
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