| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by CVS Health | Good Friday morning. It's almost over but the shouting. The 2022 session is about to stumble to a close. While legislators will return on Monday to approve a record $112 billion budget, they will wrap up all other work today. Most of the big major contentious bills have either been sent to the governor or have dissipated in the waning moments of the session — though there's still time for an insurance bill. So it's time to answer the five questions Playbook asked two months ago: Will Gov. Ron DeSantis continue to get what he wants? Yes — for the most part. The Republican "1,100-pound gorilla" — as one former GOP legislator put it — had some bumpy moments, especially with the Florida Senate over a bill dealing with Everglades restoration. It also seemed that many of his key spending priorities, including a pitch for a gas tax moratorium, were in jeopardy. In the end, legislators went along with a scaled-back version the gas tax plan, an altered take on his plans for an election police force, and didn't set aside as much as he wanted for an economic development account he controls. But then there's redistricting. How will redistricting play out? This was the source of the greatest tension between legislators and the governor. Legislative map-drawing went fairly smoothly. But DeSantis jumped into the fray in January over congressional maps, submitting his own lines that dissolved two minority access districts and further increased the Republican advantage. Legislators tried to accommodate the governor by finally approving a new map that dismantled the North Florida seat held by Democratic Rep. Al Lawson. Unsatisfied, the governor has promised to veto that map once it reaches his desk. We still don't know how that melee ends. House Speaker Chris Sprowls told reporters on Thursday that legislators have been focused on the budget. What do Simpson and Sprowls want? It took some time for it to emerge, but the two legislative leaders did put their weight behind some significant bills during the 60-day session. Sprowls championed an initiative designed to boost fatherhood and mentorship programs, while Simpson pushed a bill dealing with Everglades restoration that got fierce pushback from environmentalists and the governor. That bill has been retooled but it's unclear if enough has been done to win DeSantis' support. Simpson also helped win significant financial backing for a major expansion of Moffitt Cancer Center in his home county. Will State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo get confirmed? Yes, but without Democratic support. Senate Republicans — for the most part quietly — had the votes to ensure that the governor's controversial nominee got the nod. The Democratic minority made their opposition well known and even stormed out of one confirmation hearing after Ladapo sidestepped or refused to answer many of their questions. Who's ready for the culture wars? No one really. Republicans muscled through legislation dealing with abortion, immigration, critical race theory, as well as a lightning-rod measure restricting the instruction of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools — a menu of GOP 2022 campaign fodder. But the debate over all these bills was bitter and raw, and brought a high-pitched level of partisanship seldom seen in Tallahassee during 20-plus years of GOP control. Opponents called one of the measures the "don't say gay" bill and that bit of branding threw Republicans off guard as they lashed out at media coverage over the legislation and made unsavory accusations about the measure's opponents. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from CVS Health: Throughout the pandemic, in Florida and communities across the country, CVS Health has been there. We've opened more than 4,800 COVID-19 test sites, administered 41 million tests and given 59 million vaccines. We've expanded access to prenatal and postpartum care via telemedicine, increased remote access to mental health services and invested in affordable housing to help build healthier communities. We've been on the frontlines, making health care easier to access and afford. Learn more. | | | |  | TOP TALKER | | POLITICO's The Recasthas named the 40 power players of 2021. From strategists to politicians, activists to influencers, they undeniably impacted the intersection of race, politics and policy. This inaugural list includes several notable individuals from Florida: Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar as well as Miami Mayor Francis Suarez,Desmond Meade and Neil Volz.
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Illustration by Natalia Agatte | | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO NATIONAL SECURITY DAILY : Keep up with the latest critical developments from Ukraine and across Europe in our daily newsletter, National Security Daily. The Russian invasion of Ukraine could disrupt the established world order and result in a refugee crisis, increased cyberattacks, rising energy costs and additional disruption to global supply chains. Go inside the top national security and foreign-policymaking shops for insight on the global threats faced by the U.S. and its allies and what actions world leaders are taking to address them. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | SCHOOL DAZE — "Florida lawmakers limit how race can be taught in classrooms and companies ," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida's GOP-led Senate delivered a major piece of Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2022 agenda on Thursday by passing legislation to root out any possible traces of critical race theory within the state school system while also targeting "woke" corporate trainings. Lawmakers in the House and Senate approved the bill, one of the most controversial education proposals introduced this year, along party lines, with Democrats claiming the policies are an attempt by Republicans to reframe or "whitewash" history — particularly Black history — in the U.S. to advance their political priorities. GOP leaders, meanwhile, contend that the legislation, couched as an "individual freedom" bill, was needed to keep teachers and companies objective when leading school lessons or employee trainings around race. THE GOVERNOR VS. DISNEY — "DeSantis slams 'woke' Disney on Fox News after CEO speaks against 'don't say gay' bill," by Orlando Sentinel's Skyler Swisher: "Gov. Ron DeSantis publicly attacked Disney, one of Florida's largest employers, on Thursday after its CEO voiced concerns with Florida's so-called 'don't say gay' bill approved by the Florida Legislature this week. DeSantis slammed Disney at an event with supporters in Boca Raton, accusing the company of staying silent on human rights abuses in China while pushing 'woke' ideology, according to a video aired 'exclusively' on Fox News' website. The DeSantis-Disney battle centers on legislation officially titled Parental Rights in Education but called the 'don't say gay' bill by critics. The bill limits classroom instruction on 'sexual orientation and gender identity' for grades kindergarten through three or in a manner that is not 'age appropriate.'" — "Pixar employees say Disney's statement on commitment to LGBTQ community rang hollow," by The Hollywood Reporter Abbey White DEPARTURE LOUNGE — "Florida education commissioner Richard Corcoran to step down in April," by Tampa Bay Times' Jeffrey S. Solochek: "Richard Corcoran, a controversial figure who helped champion Gov. Ron DeSantis' conservative agenda as Florida's education commissioner, is resigning his post this spring. Handpicked by DeSantis to run the state Education Department in 2018, Corcoran, 56, said in an interview that he had intended to leave sooner. His departure had been expected since his ill-fated bid to become Florida State University's president in spring 2021. 'COVID kept me longer than I anticipated,' he said." COSTLY — " Lawmakers carve out $200M for high-performing schools – but mask mandates are ineligible," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida lawmakers on Thursday rewrote a piece of state law meant to send extra cash to K-12 campuses that score high marks from the state to carry out a punishment for school districts that defied Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republicans over masking students. Under the budget wrinkle, a $200 million pot of "school recognition" dollars will be available to some 55 districts in 2022-23 but not the 12 counties that propped up student masking requirements regardless of how their schools perform. ANOTHER WIN FOR GOVERNOR — " DeSantis signs appointments bill that Fried calls a 'power grab,'" by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill into law that now allows him to avoid Cabinet approval for appointing the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection — a move that Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried criticized as a "power grab." DeSantis signed the bill within hours after receiving it on Thursday. The House passed SB 1658 on Wednesday 77-34 without debate. New rules — The bill, which takes effect immediately, changes a requirement in state law that the heads of Florida's departments of law enforcement, environmental protection and veterans affairs be approved by all three members of the Cabinet. The governor also can take the appointment of the DEP secretary directly to the Senate without a Cabinet vote. The law change opens the way for Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton to be confirmed by the Senate on Friday. TORCHED — " Did the Florida Legislature pass this bill to punish newspapers? Some lawmakers say yes," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson: "For the second time in 11 months, the Florida House voted on Thursday to send a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis that would strip Florida's newspapers of legal notice revenue. Some lawmakers said the move is a jab at publications that sometimes publish stories and editorials critical of the Republican leadership in Florida. "The free press here in the free state of Florida isn't reporting what the governor's communications director wants it to report," Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Lighthouse Point, said during a committee hearing on the bill this week." ONE MORE TIME — "Florida Legislature tries once again to clamp down on citizen initiatives," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Florida will once again try to clamp down on those who bankroll citizen initiatives, even though a similar law passed last year was blocked by a federal judge. The Florida House on Thursday sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis a bill, HB 921, that would bar any out-of-state residents or out-of-state political committees from donating more than $3,000 to groups trying to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Disagreement — Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) ripped into the proposal and said it was unconstitutional since it targeted out-of-state residents and because the Supreme Court and other courts consider campaign contributions a form of speech. Sen. Ray Rodrigues (R-Estero) countered that the legislation was needed in order to counter "billionaires" who could provide backing to proposed citizen initiatives. Several out-of-state gambling companies tried unsuccessfully to place gambling amendments on the 2022 ballot. Déjà vu — Legislators last year passed a law that placed a hard $3,000 cap on all donations given to groups sponsoring ballot measures. A federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump last July temporarily blocked the law and the state did not appeal that ruling. — "Palm Beach County's new state representative sworn in before end of legislative session ," by News Service of Florida — "Gov. DeSantis signs law to boost use of peer specialists in substance abuse programs," by Florida Politics' Christine Jordan Sexton — "Florida Legislature passes bill allowing more scrutiny of tenured faculty," by Tampa Bay Times' Divya Kumar — " Property tax break for teachers, cops, emergency responders headed to ballot," by Florida Politics' Gray Rohrer — "Eleven Democrat gun control bills die without a committee hearing ," by Florida Politics' Tristan Wood
| | | |   | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | DESANTIS BY THE NUMBERS — The latest round of monthly campaign reports showed that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis brought in slightly more than $8 million in February. His political committee reported taking in more than $6.54 million — including a sizable $2.25 million donation from the Republican Governors Association while his main campaign account raised $1.5 million. DeSantis had more than $88.53 million in the bank at the end of the month. CRIST LEADS DEMOCRATS — Rep. Charlie Crist once again led Democratic candidates in fundraising in February. He raised more than $763,000 between his political committee and campaign — or more than double that of Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. Fried, whose operation had a shakeup in February that her campaign is calling a "reset," raised slightly more than $330,000 between two accounts. This was slightly more than Fried had raised in January. State Sen. Annette Taddeo did not raise anything in February because she was required to cut off her fundraising efforts on Jan. 11, the first day of the annual legislative session. | | DATELINE D.C. | | RICK SCOTT V. THE WORLD— "Why Senate Republicans are feuding over their midterm message," by The New York Times' Blake Hounshell and Leah Askarinam: "On Thursday, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee paid for a truck-mounted billboard to troll Senate Republicans during their one-day retreat. "Senate Republicans' Plan: Raise Your Taxes," the billboard read. Never mind that [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell has brushed back [Sen. Rick] Scott, telling reporters at the Capitol last week, 'We will not have as part of our agenda a bill that raises taxes on half the American people, and sunsets Social Security and Medicare within five years. That will not be part of a Republican Senate majority agenda.'" Rick who? — "Republicans see the attack on Scott as a desperation play in what could be a difficult election for Senate Democrats, who must defend incumbents in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and New Hampshire while trying to pick up seats in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 'If I were them, I would try to use it, too,' said Justin Sayfie, a Republican consultant who runs an influential Florida political news website. "But they're going to have to put a lot of money behind it. How much penetration are they going to be able to get with a message about Rick Scott?'"
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Rick Scott visits a Northwest Florida school children in Oct. 2018 following Hurricane Michael | Gary Fineout/POLITICO | PROTEST — "Florida GOP lawmakers ask Biden to keep sanctions against Venezuela's Maduro," by Miami Herald's Bryan Lowry: "Florida Republican lawmakers asked President Joe Biden and two of his Cabinet secretaries in a letter Thursday to commit to maintaining current sanctions against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his associates following the administration's recent outreach to Venezuela. In the letter to Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a group of Florida lawmakers listed atrocities committed by Maduro's regime and warned against lifting sanctions as a way to bolster oil supplies following Saturday's meeting between Maduro and a U.S. delegation." — "Sen. Rubio again calls for permanent daylight saving time, calls current system 'dumb,'" by WTSP
| | | | DON'T MISS POLITICO'S INAUGURAL HEALTH CARE SUMMIT ON 3/31: Join POLITICO for a discussion with health care providers, policymakers, federal regulators, patient representatives, and industry leaders to better understand the latest policy and industry solutions in place as we enter year three of the pandemic. Panelists will discuss the latest proposals to overcome long-standing health care challenges in the U.S., such as expanding access to care, affordability, and prescription drug prices. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | PLAY BALL — "Baseball is back: MLB players, owners agree on new labor deal," by Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin: "Baseball's owners and players agreed — finally — to play ball this season, working through contentious negotiations and several deadlines to come to terms Thursday afternoon on a new labor deal. The lockout that had frozen the sport since Dec. 2 was lifted by dinner time, with spring training camps across Florida and Arizona to open by Sunday, exhibition games to start March 18 with a revised regional schedule, and the regular season to begin April 7-8, a week later than first planned. And despite Major League Baseball previously announcing that each team's first four series had been wiped off the schedule, a full 162-game season will be played, with some games restored and others rescheduled." — "Wednesday rain helps firefighters get better handle on 3 wildfires of the Chipola complex," by Panama City News Herald's Nathan Cobb
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Healthier Happens Together. Learn more. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Trooper was last defense as woman's car sped toward runners," by The Associated Press: " A Florida state trooper says she was the last obstacle when an allegedly drunk woman sped her BMW past barriers and toward runners preparing for a race across a major bridge. The Florida Highway Patrol says Trooper Toni Schuck may have saved dozens of runners getting ready early Sunday for an annual 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) race across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Schuck used her Highway Patrol SUV to block the 52-year-old woman from continuing on the bridge. The woman had weaved the BMW around barriers meant to block traffic for the race and eluded other officers. 'I was the last officer, I knew it was me,' Schuck said at a news conference Thursday. 'If it wasn't me to get her to stop, then who?'" BIRTHDAYS: Alejandro Miyar with Berger Singerman ... Janet Scherberger, former communications VP at Tampa International Airport and former Tampa Bay Times reporter … (Saturday) Rep. Val Demings … author Carl Hiaasen ... Beth Labasky ... journalist and columnist Steve Bousquet …(Sunday) State Rep. Scott Plakon … Bob Asztalos, deputy executive director at the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs … Nancy Soderberg, professor at the University of North Florida | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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