| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs | Hello and welcome to Friday and Sine Die. End zone — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made it clear before a national audience late Thursday night that he is gearing up to celebrate yet another successful 60-day session of the Florida Legislature. Day 60 — Lawmakers will wrap up their work today — by midday, contends Senate President Wilton Simpson — after delivering on most of DeSantis' agenda when it came to Silicon Valley, racial justice protesters and elections. The legislative wins give the first-term governor continued momentum as he (officially) launches his re-election campaign in the near future against a still-evolving field of Democratic contenders. Break out the sharpies — DeSantis, appearing on Fox News from an Orlando town hall with network personality Laura Ingraham and other GOP governors, left no mystery as to the outcome of these bills either. He announced he will sign them, including the last-minute resurrection of a bill banning transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports. "Oh yeah, we're going to protect our girls," DeSantis said on Fox, adding that "we want to have opportunity for our girls. They deserve an even playing field." Rolling forward — One GOP senator this past week privately grumbled that DeSantis has been focused this year on legislation more about 2024 presidential election then solving nagging problems in the Sunshine State. But so far Democrats have been powerless to stop the governor. "What we're seeing is Ron's regime in action — freedom, fairness, and the balance of power lost this session," Democratic Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a likely 2022 challenger, told POLITICO's Matt Dixon in an interview. Worth noting — A Florida Democratic consultant not currently aligned with any potential gubernatorial candidate also told Matt that the wins delivered for DeSantis are bad news for Democrats. "I don't know that I see anyone on our side who can beat him," the consultant said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they did not want to be seen as criticizing Democrats. "Even the culture war-type issues he picked poll well. They are not super unpopular." The daily rundown — Between Wednesday and Thursday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 5,666 (nearly 0.3 percent), to 2,228,212; active hospitalizations decreased by 67 (2 percent), to 3,299; deaths of Florida residents rose by 54 (nearly 0.2 percent), to 35,084; 8,740,620 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis, but it's the final day of session so it would make sense he's in Tallahassee. 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 ... | | 'SLAP IN THE FACE' — "Florida Legislature approves controversial restrictions on voting," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Florida's Republican-led Legislature — in an attempt to respond to unfounded complaints about voter fraud following the 2020 presidential election — on Thursday adopted new voting restrictions and placed limits on how local officials run elections. The legislation now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign the bill ahead of what could be an expensive and bitterly-fought 2022 re-election campaign. While lawmakers removed many of the more stringent restrictions after weeks of fierce debate, the House and Senate still approved the bill (SB 90) largely along party lines. Democrats called the measure unnecessary and said it was more about responding to the "big lie" of voter fraud pushed by former President Donald Trump and countering Democrats advantage in mail-in ballots. Differing POV — Rep. Geraldine Thompson, a Black Democrat from Windermere, called the measure a modern-day effort to impose new restrictions on minority voters. "People like me have been relegated to the back of the bus and you want to me to sit here and accept it," said Thompson. Republicans countered that Florida voters still have much more opportunities to vote than even in other Democratic-run states. They contended the changes would put in "guardrails" so that problems that occurred elsewhere in 2020 would not show up in the Sunshine State. "We did have a great election, but why should we stop there?" said Sen. Travis Hutson, a St. Augustine Republican. Thanks for a job well done — Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley acknowledged the final bill had "no show stoppers" unlike earlier incarnations that had proposed eliminating drop boxes or canceling all current vote-by-mail requests already on file. But Earley was angry that the measure would subject to the state's local elections officials to hefty fines if they do not follow some of the new rules covering drop boxes. "We still see the $25,000 civil fine as an insult to a group that had the best elections in the nation under unprecedently difficult circumstances," Earley said in a text message. "Thanks for the slap in the face." RUNNING UP THE SCORE — "Florida Republicans give DeSantis wins for 2022 and beyond," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Florida's Republican-led Legislature is handing Gov. Ron DeSantis a series of culture war victories that are leaving Democrats increasingly worried he may be unstoppable heading into a 2022 reelection and possible presidential run. The Legislature, which wraps up its two-month session this week, passed "anti-riot" legislation that DeSantis called for in the aftermath of last summer's nationwide racial justice demonstrations. It approved a bill targeting Big Tech companies for "censoring" GOP voices. State lawmakers also passed a bill that bans so-called vaccine passports, an issue DeSantis has used to highlight his hands-off pandemic response that's endeared him to Republicans across the country. | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waves as he is introduced at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) | John Raoux/AP Photo | 'ZUCKERLAND' — "Florida Republicans move against social media companies," by The Associated Press' Bobby Caina Calvan and Brendan Farrington: "Concerned that social media companies were conspiring against conservatives, Florida Republicans sent a measure Thursday to Gov. Ron DeSantis that would punish online platforms that lawmakers assert discriminate against conservative thought. The Republican governor had urged lawmakers to deliver the legislation to his desk as part of a broader effort to regulate Big Tech companies — in how they collect and use information they harvest from consumers and in how social media platforms treat their users." UNFINISHED BUSINESS — "Florida Senate passes data privacy bill as lawsuit fight looms," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Major hang-ups remain with less than 48 hours left in Florida's legislative session over a sweeping re-write of state data privacy laws, which has been one of the most heavily lobbied bills of the 2021 legislative session. The legislation, among other things, states consumers have the right to access data businesses collect on them, to delete or correct that information and to opt-out of the sale of their data. THAT'S A BIG BOOK DRIVE — "Florida's plan to improve student literacy: A $200M book delivery program," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida this year is poised to launch an ambitious $200 million program that would send hard-copy books home to possibly hundreds of thousands of students statewide in an attempt to bolster literacy rates. Dubbed the "New Worlds Reading Initiative," the idea came directly from House Speaker Chris Sprowls as part of his priority to focus resources on the state's youngest learners. More than 500,000 students are expected to be eligible for the program, which quadrupled in cost throughout the session and is being seeded by federal Covid-19 education aid. WILL DESANTIS SIGN IT? — "Florida Senate passes police reform bill but its future is still uncertain," by POLITICO's Giulia Heyward and Matt Dixon: The Senate on Thursday unanimously approved a police reform bill and is sending it to Gov. Ron DeSantis, but its future is still unclear. Legislators on the Senate floor couldn't confirm whether DeSantis supports H.B. 7051, which came about through a of collaboration between leadership in the Republican-led House and members of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus. ALSO HAPPENING THIS SESSION — " Florida Legislature passes bills that critics say chip away at what remains of growth management," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: The House this week sent to the governor three bills that reduce local government control over development, with a fourth bill pending approval by the Senate. The fight: Jane West, policy and planning director at the 1000 Friends of Florida environmental group, said the bills chip away at development regulations and contradict the claims of state leaders in 2011 when they gutted state oversight of growth management in favor of local control. "Now with this slew of preemption bills they have taken away that local control," West told POLITICO. "And there is no state oversight. There is no growth management." 'THE GOOD WIN SOMETIMES' — "Florida lawmakers send lifeline to families with brain-damaged children," by Miami Herald's Daniel Chang and Carol Marbin Miller: "After a dramatic and emotional 72 hours in Tallahassee, Florida lawmakers late Thursday approved a sweeping overhaul of the state's controversial compensation program for catastrophically brain-damaged newborns — agreeing to a package of reforms meant to improve the lives of struggling families. The legislation revamping the Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association, or NICA, delivers new benefits and protections for 215 families in the program, including mental health services, representation on the board of directors and retroactive compensation of $150,000." BIPARTISANSHIP — "'Polar opposites' work together on health panel," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton: "Rep. Bobby DuBose, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, never imagined he'd work on legislation with Sen. Dennis Baxley, an Ocala Republican. DuBose is the co-leader of the House Democrats and a member of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus. Conversely, Baxley, has spent 18 years in the Legislature carving out a reputation as a staunch conservative who has sponsored measures such as the "stand your ground" law that sparked massive controversy after the shooting of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012. 'We're polar opposites,' DuBose said." — " 'Shocked and appalled': How Florida lawmakers resurrected a transgender athlete ban, angered an FSU quarterback and left Democrats fuming," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher — "Florida lawmakers pass compromise measure affecting newspaper ad revenue," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson — "Legislation paves way for task force to preserve African American cemeteries," by Florida Politics' Haley Brown — "DeSantis-Seminole gambling deal is likely to face legal pushback," by The Daytona Beach News-Journal's Mark Harper — "Hernando schools won't return to elected superintendent. Bid dies in Senate," by Tampa Bay Times' Jeffrey S. Solochek | | | | JOIN TUESDAY FOR A CONVERSATION ON SMALL BUSINESSES POST-COVID-19: About one in six small businesses closed their doors since the pandemic began. The small businesses that remained open are getting by with fewer employees after laying off workers or a hiring freeze. What is ahead for small businesses in 2021 as they try to weather the ongoing economic uncertainty? And how does President Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package intend to support small-business owners? Join POLITICO for a virtual conversation on what small businesses need to survive and thrive beyond the Covid economic crisis. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | DEMINGS ABOUT TO JUMP IN? — POLITICO's Marc Caputo had this for Playbook P.M.: It's sounding increasingly likely that Rep. VAL DEMINGS wants to run against Gov. RON DESANTIS in 2022, according to two sources who have spoken with her about it and two more who have been briefed on her conversations with donors and top Democrats, including advisers to President JOE BIDEN, DNC Chair JAIME HARRISON and Florida Democratic Party Chair MANNY DIAZ. "At this point, it's more likely than not that she does run," said one source who had spoken with Demings recently. "And if she does, it's almost definitely running for governor." That puts Demings on a collision course with former governor and fellow Rep. CHARLIE CRIST , who is expected to announce his own gubernatorial campaign as early as Tuesday. | 
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) speaks during the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law hearing on Online Platforms and Market Power in the Rayburn House office Building, July 29, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The committee was scheduled to hear testimony from the CEOs of Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Google. (Photo by Graeme Jennings-Pool/Getty Images) | Graeme Jennings-Pool/Getty Images | MIKE WHO? — "'Certainly, Ron would be considered': Trump floats DeSantis as 2024 VP," by POLITICO's Quint Forgey: Former President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would "certainly" consider Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a potential running mate should he decide to mount a third White House campaign in 2024. "He's a friend of mine. I endorsed Ron, and after I endorsed him, he took off like a rocket ship. He's done a great job as governor," Trump told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo in an interview. "A lot of people like that — you know, I'm just saying what I read and what you read — they love that ticket," Trump added. "But certainly, Ron would be considered. He's a great guy." NOT A GOOD LOOK — "State Sen. Perry Thurston skips Senate business to court voters for his congressional campaign," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "As the Florida Senate was debating and voting on legislation Wednesday, state Sen. Perry Thurston left the Capitol — to attend a political event 450 miles away. He was seeking votes for the next office he wants to hold: Congressman. While he was campaigning in Dania Beach, the Broward Democrat missed the final vote on one of the most contentious bills of the annual legislative session, a measure to ban transgender females from competing in girl's and women's sports. The Senate passed and sent the bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis." — " Congressional candidate wants federal judge to order DeSantis to schedule election to replace Alcee Hastings," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man | | | |   | | |
| | DATELINE D.C. | | UP, UP AND AWAY — "Senate confirms former Florida Sen. Bill Nelson to lead NASA," by The Associated Press: "The Senate has confirmed former Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, who once flew on the space shuttle, to be the next NASA administrator. Lawmakers agreed to President Joe Biden's choice to lead the space agency by consensus late Thursday, without a roll call vote. 'I am honored by the President's nomination and the Senate vote,' Nelson said in a statement. 'I will try to merit that trust. Onward and upward!'" | | Gaetz-gate | | HELLO CLEVELAND — "Gaetz, Greene plan national tour to call out RINOs," by POLITICO's Marc Caputo: Matt Gaetz is going on tour. With Marjorie Taylor Greene. Rocked by a steady stream of leaks about a federal investigation into alleged sex crimes, the Florida congressman is planning to take his case on the road by holding rallies across the nation with Greene, another lightning rod member of Congress. Their targets? So-called RINOs and "the radical left." Together, they plan to attack Democrats and call out Republicans they deem as insufficiently loyal to former President Donald Trump, such as the 10 GOP House members who voted for his second impeachment after the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. NEW DETAILS — "Bombshell letter: Gaetz paid for sex with minor, wingman says," by The Daily Beast's Jose Pagliery and Roger Sollenberger: "A confession letter written by Joel Greenberg in the final months of the Trump presidency claims that he and close associate Rep. Matt Gaetz paid for sex with multiple women — as well as a girl who was 17 at the time. 'On more than one occasion, this individual was involved in sexual activities with several of the other girls, the congressman from Florida's 1st Congressional District and myself,' Greenberg wrote in reference to the 17-year-old." | | | | 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 | | SAILING SOON? — "Cruising could resume from U.S. ports in mid-July — if passengers are vaccinated," by Wall Street Journal's Dave Sebastian: "Cruise operators could restart sailings out of the U.S. by mid-July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, paving the way to resume operations that have been suspended for longer than a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The CDC, in a letter to cruise-industry leaders Wednesday evening, also said cruise ships can proceed to passenger sailings without test cruises if they attest that 98% of crew members and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated. The move was a result of twice-weekly meetings with cruise representatives over the past month, the agency said." CHANGE COMING — "Residency proof not needed for vaccine at some sites in Florida, paving way for migrants," by Miami Herald's Devoun Cetoute and Michelle Marchante: "A new road to vaccination for undocumented migrants and others has opened as some Florida sites put an end to requiring proof of residency in order to get inoculated. Starting Friday, all state-supported and federally supported vaccination sites in Florida will no longer ask for multiple documents showing proof of residency. Instead, these sites are moving to a verbal proof system that is meant to make it easier for undocumented migrants and others to get vaccinated." SHOT DOWN — "Miami senator tried to bar schools from barring vaccinated teachers. That failed," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos: "A Miami state senator on Thursday tried to emulate the "vaccine passport" initiative but in reverse, sponsoring a proposal to prevent schools and businesses from requiring people to not get the COVID-19 vaccine. Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Miami, filed an amendment after he said state education officials told him Centner Academy did not violate any policy or law when it informed parents of its anti-vaccination policy for teachers and staff and spread misinformation to children about the potential risks of vaccination. "So right now, this is it. My district is counting on us to push back against this quackery," Pizzo said." — "Vaccinated Floridians don't need to wear masks, state health advisory says," by Tampa Bay Times' Josh Fiallo | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | WARNING? — "Orange sheriff's social media posts draw backlash," by Orlando Sentinel's Grace Toohey: "Orange County Sheriff John Mina drew much backlash this week with a series of social media posts that all repeated the same phrase: 'Follow the instructions of law enforcement.' Amid an onslaught of outraged responses from residents and other local leaders, Mina specified hours later that his posts were not in reference to a specific incident, but intended to reiterate points made in a recent interview with Spectrum News 13, in which he explained that 'any of these interactions that you see nationally, could have all been stopped if the person followed the instructions of law enforcement.'" | | | | 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 | | — "Appeals court overturns conviction of Chinese woman accused of trespassing at Mar-a-Lago," by News Service of Florida: "In a case that drew national attention, a state appeals court has overturned a resisting-arrest conviction of a Chinese woman who had taken photos of the Mar-a-Lago resort owned by former President Donald Trump. A panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 decision, ruled Wednesday that Lu Jing should be acquitted of the charge of resisting an officer without violence. The case stemmed from 2019 incidents in which Lu was accused of trespassing at Mar-a-Lago and subsequently resisting arrest. A jury acquitted her of the trespassing charge but found her guilty of resisting arrest." BIRTHDAYS: Brooke Sammon of Firehouse Strategies
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