| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. And we're off — The starting gun for Florida's next round of battles over redistricting — which stretched on for years and countless bouts in court last time time — went off on Monday. Surprise — The initial result was not what analysts and consultants had expected: Florida only notched one additional congressional seat, raising its total to 28. While off just slightly, previous estimates showed that Florida had added 2.7 million people since 2010 — the lowest overall growth in the state in a half-century. Remember this? — The lower-than-expected numbers come after Florida waited until the last minute to promote the census. Democrats asked Gov. Ron DeSantis in the summer of 2019 to appoint a statewide census committee, but he initially brushed aside the request. Then, he did not ramp up the state's efforts until January 2020, when he called on Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez to lead a statewide push. So where will that new seat go? — The numbers that really guide redistricting won't be made available to states until September, but that won't stop consultants and others from guessing. There's anticipation that the extra seat is most likely to wind up in fast-growing central Florida along the Interstate 4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando. Targeted — That of course will mean reshuffling other seats in the area and that's where things could go sideways. Democrats are already suspicious that Republicans will target seats held by Rep. Stephanie Murphy and Charlie Crist — both of whom are considering statewide runs instead of returning to Congress. Promises, promises — Florida's "Fair Districts" requirement passed by voters was designed to eliminate political gerrymandering and last time it triggered the lengthy legal battles that resulted in the courts signing off on new maps for both Congress and the state Senate. Democrats and others are already warning they are ready to go to court. Senate President Wilton Simpson maintained that the GOP-controlled Legislature "will put together a very fair, transparent process." OK, well, let's go. The daily rundown — Between Sunday and Monday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 3,513 (nearly 0.2 percent), to 2,212,097; deaths of Florida residents rose by 64 (nearly 0.2 percent), to 34,912; 8,562,544 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. Ron 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 | | | | 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 | | BY THE NUMBERS — "Census surprise: Texas gains only 2 seats as shift to Sun Belt slows," by POLITICO's Ally Mutnick: The Census Bureau released long-delayed reapportionment numbers that reshuffle the 435 congressional districts among the 50 states for the next decade, locking in additional clout for the Sun Belt and siphoning away power from the Rust Belt. The apportionment numbers, based on the 2020 census, continue a decades-long shift of political power out of the Northeast and Midwest. As predicted, California, the nation's largest state, also saw its population growth slow enough that it lost a House seat for the first time. But elsewhere the data brought more than a few surprises. SUNSHINE STATE SHOWDOWN — "Florida braces for legal fights after picking up just 1 congressional seat," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Florida will gain just one seat in Congress in 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau announced on Monday, setting off what will likely be a bruising redistricting effort that could easily wind up in court due to a state law meant to blunt gerrymandering. The state was widely expected to gain two seats, but Census officials told reporters that Florida did not gain as much population between 2010 and 2020 as had been previously forecast. Florida's population increased by 2.73 million, or 14.6 percent between 2010 and 2020. It was Florida's smallest population growth since 1970. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS — "'Never heard of them': Republicans hire 'ninja' firm for Arizona vote audit," by POLITICO's Marc Caputo: A successful ninja is unseen, unheard, stealthy. By that standard, the firm Cyber Ninjas — which Arizona Republicans chose to audit the ballots cast in 2020 in the Phoenix area — fits the bill: Almost no one involved in election or politics in Florida, the state where the company is headquartered, seems to have heard of it or knows anything about it. Who are you? — Nor do they know anything about Cyber Ninjas' founder, Doug Logan, who registered his firm in the southwest Florida city of Sarasota in 2014, state records show. "Doug Logan? Cyber Ninjas? No. I don't know these guys. Never heard of them," said Christian Ziegler, vice chair of the Republican Party of Florida and a resident of Sarasota, echoing a dozen top Florida Republicans and elections professionals interviewed by POLITICO. ISN'T ORLANDO SUPPOSED TO BE A FUN PLACE? — "McCarthy-Cheney divide deepens at retreat," by POLITICO's Melanie Zanona: At a retreat meant to craft a cohesive message for the party, McCarthy (R-Calif.) and GOP Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) illustrated the exact rift the GOP has fought to avoid. While the former president wasn't even invited to the House GOP's annual policy retreat here in the Sunshine State, his presence has loomed large over the three-day gathering. One source of conflict — McCarthy wants a broader scope that explores all kinds of political violence, including the protests that erupted last summer in response to police brutality. But Cheney has called for a different approach, arguing the commission needs to be tightly focused on Jan. 6. "If we minimize what happened on Jan. 6th and if we appease it, then we will be in a situation where every election cycle, you could potentially have another constitutional crisis," Cheney said later in an interview with POLITICO. "If you get into a situation where we don't guarantee a peaceful transfer of power, we won't have learned the lessons of Jan. 6." | | | | JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION, SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST": Power is shifting 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. "The Recast" is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy across America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | LATE-NIGHT BUDGET TALES — "Florida lawmakers once again boost budget at last minute," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Top legislative budget writers on Monday night added nearly $350 million to Florida's proposed spending plan, continuing an annual tradition of lawmakers beefing up the state budget by millions of dollars in the last days of the session. The Legislature has not yet finalized the proposed 2021-2022 state budget. But lawmakers got near the finish line during a Monday night meeting by adding the "supplemental funding" to a likely record-setting state budget as part of an annual tradition dubbed the "sprinkle list" because the addition of funding at the very end of the budget process helps the spending plan pass. AND YET THEY STILL CUT BRIGHT FUTURES — "Florida's top college students to lose $600 stipend for textbooks," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos: "In final budget talks, Florida lawmakers largely backed off from major cuts to Florida universities and colleges but remained insistent on slashing two long-standing college financial aid programs for the upcoming fiscal year. House and Senate budget leaders agreed to suspend a $600 stipend that top-level Bright Futures recipients get each year to offset the cost of textbooks, a move that will save $37 million." — " House, Senate budget agreement includes $1B in federal stimulus funds for environment," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie — "Florida lawmakers reach deal on state budget, with $6.6 billion in COVID relief spending," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer — "Lawmakers earmark $208 million of federal relief funds for frontline workers," by Florida Politics' Haley Brown 'GEORGIA LITE' — "Florida Senate passes bill to clamp down on mail-in balloting," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature on Monday moved one step closer to clamping down on mail-in balloting ahead of the 2022 election. The Florida Senate — after a fierce debate where Democrats evoked comparisons to poll taxes and Jim Crow laws — voted 23-17 to pass a comprehensive elections bill that would impose new restrictions on voting by mail and drop boxes. It also would ban anyone from giving food or water to voters who are within 150 feet of a polling place. In the ballpark — "It's not Georgia, it's Georgia lite," said State Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Miami Gardens Democrat referring to the contentious election law that sparked a backlash that led to Major League Baseball moving the All-Star Game out of the state and hundreds of corporations to decry it. | 
Rep. Shevrin Jones asks a question during session in 2019 | AP Photo | UNANIMOUS VOTE — "Florida House passes bipartisan police reform bill," by POLITICO's Giulia Heyward: The Florida House on Monday passed a sweeping police reform bill that includes new policies on use of force, basic training and establishes an independent review of law enforcement. If it becomes law, it could be the first victory for criminal justice reform advocates this legislative session. The House unanimously passed HB 7051, with 113-0 votes. MORE VOUCHERS — " Florida Senate votes for $200 million expansion of school vouchers, sending bill to the governor," by Orlando Sentinel's Leslie Postal: "A bill touted as the nation's largest expansion of school voucher programs is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis after the Florida Senate voted Monday to make more students eligible for state scholarships to pay for private schools or other private educational services. Republicans in the GOP-controlled House passed the sweeping bill (HB 7045) last week. Supporters in both chambers said it would give more Florida parents educational options outside public schools by making more youngsters — including those living in families of four earning nearly $100,000 — eligible for vouchers, which were initially created to help children living in poverty." MOUNT TALLAHASEE — "Florida Senate sends two bills to governor banning local energy decisions," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: The Senate on Monday approved two bills that would ban local decision-making on some energy projects, sending the pair of measures to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature… The Senate voted 27-13 to pass FL HB919 (21R) prohibiting local governments from taking actions that have the effect of regulating fuels used by utilities or provided to customers. Sen. Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast), sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, previously has said he was concerned that utilities establishing clean energy goals may take actions that remove consumer choice on energy, such as banning new home gas hookups. Environmentalists warned that the measure would prevent cities from taking actions to reduce climate change. HEFTY CONTRIBUTION — "Pier operator fighting Key West cruise referendum gives DeSantis' committee $1 million," by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas: "The business developer who operates the Key West pier, which gets most of the city's cruise ship traffic, has donated nearly $1 million to the political committee of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Legislation that would overturn a voter-approved referendum to limit cruise traffic is up for a vote in the House Tuesday and may soon be on its way to the governor's desk." — "Florida's workforce program is about to get major changes. Here's what they'd do ," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson — "Cities and counties want Florida Supreme Court to rule on 2011 gun law that was challenged after Parkland shooting," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders — " Legislature close to a major remodeling of auto insurance with end to 'no-fault,'" by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower | | | |   | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | THE GAP — "Miami-Dade's wealthiest areas are almost fully vaccinated. Black communities are at 31%," by Miami Herald's Nicholas Nehamas, Ana Claudia Chacin, Ben Conarck and Sarah Blaskey: "Now almost half of adults in Miami-Dade have received at least one dose of the vaccine. But the disparities between Black and white communities, and rich and poor, have remained largely unchanged. Despite a month of door knocking, mobile vaccine campaigns, the addition of federally supported vaccination sites in minority neighborhoods, and loosened state eligibility restrictions, vaccination rates in majority-Black areas were still nearly 40% lower than the county as a whole as of April 17, the Herald analysis found. Politicians have been quick to blame the disparity on vaccine 'hesitancy.' But residents of under-vaccinated communities interviewed by the Herald described a far more complex range of emotional reasoning and logistical hurdles." UM, WHAT? — "A private school in Miami, citing false claims, bars vaccinated teachers from contact with students," by The New York Times' Patricia Mazzei: "A private school in the fashionable Design District of Miami sent its faculty and staff a letter last week about getting vaccinated against Covid-19. But unlike institutions that have encouraged and even facilitated vaccination for teachers, the school, Centner Academy, did the opposite: One of its co-founders, Leila Centner, informed employees 'with a very heavy heart' that if they chose to get a shot, they would have to stay away from students. In an example of how misinformation threatens the nation's effort to vaccinate enough Americans to get the coronavirus under control, Ms. Centner, who has frequently shared anti-vaccine posts on Facebook, claimed in the letter that 'reports have surfaced recently of non-vaccinated people being negatively impacted by interacting with people who have been vaccinated.'" | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | SOME ANSWERS — "The secret is out: Here's what Robert Runcie is accused of lying about," by Sun Sentinel's Rafael Olmeda, Marc Freeman and Scott Travis: "Facing the prospect of a statewide grand jury, Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie contacted witnesses in a criminal case to prepare for his testimony, then he lied about it under oath when asked, prosecutors say. The superintendent took the steps just two days before appearing before the grand jury but then testified that he hadn't, prosecutors said. Runcie's statements led the grand jury to indict him last week on one count of perjury, but the specific allegation against him had not been revealed until filed in court Monday." LOOMING OVER THE CASE — "Did political pressure lead to Robert Runcie's arrest? What we know and what we don't know," by Sun Sentinel's Marc Freeman, Lisa J. Huriash, Scott Travis and Rafael Olmeda: "[Robert] Runcie's defenders insist the entire grand jury process and Runcie's indictment is the result of "vengeful politics." They point to the governor's historical opposition to Runcie and [Ron] DeSantis' support for Runcie's critics — though prosecutors say they don't take orders from Tallahassee."We are hopeful … the public is made aware of these important facts," said Johnny L. McCray Jr., one of the superintendent's lawyers. But they have not offered direct proof that the grand jury was tainted, besides offering a timeline of DeSantis' criticisms and responses concerning the Parkland shooting, including the early 2019 removal of Sheriff Scott Israel." SEEKING ATTENTION — "US weighs policy on Venezuela as Maduro signals flexibility," by The Associated Press' Joshua Goodman: "Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government is intensifying efforts to court the Biden administration as the new U.S. president weighs whether to risk a political backlash in Florida and ease up on sanctions seeking to isolate the socialist leader. In the past two weeks, Maduro conceded to longstanding U.S. demands that the World Food Program be allowed to establish a foothold in the country at a time of growing hunger." AFTERMATH — "' Holding their breath': Piney Point spill sparks red tide concerns," by POLITICO's Hannah Farrow: The spill is roughly 25 miles north of the current bloom, and scientists are closely monitoring whether the wastewater will interact with it. Researchers at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science created a model that's forecasting the dispersal of the wastewater, and the Red Tide Institute at Mote Marine Laboratory is researching ways on how to mitigate blooms. "[The current red tide] is not interacting with Piney Point yet, but everybody is kind of holding their breath," said Cynthia Heil, the director of the institute, which is located in Sarasota. | | | | 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: Rep. Dan Webster (R-Fla.) … state Rep. Adam Botana
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