News : POLITICO Florida Playbook: Homeward bound: A budget vote

Monday, March 14, 2022

POLITICO Florida Playbook: Homeward bound: A budget vote — then the exits

Mar 14, 2022

Good Monday morning.

— HE'S BACK — "Tom Brady says he's returning as Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB next season ," by ESPN's Jenna Laine

It's All Over Now — Florida lawmakers will return to action for one final day when they convene around noon and give their blessing to a $112 million billion budget. It could be one of the more notable bipartisan moments of an otherwise bitterly divided, partisan session.

And then what?

Departure lounge — After spending two months grappling with issues of race, gender identity and abortion, legislators are leaving town without addressing the meltdown of Florida's property insurance market or passing bills drawn up in the aftermath of the tragic collapse of a condominium in Surfside.

Still pending — Senate President Wilton Simpson acknowledged that legislators may be forced to come back to deal with property insurance. And oh yeah — there's that whole congressional redistricting matter.

Holding back — Legislative leaders still have not sent their proposed maps for Florida's 28 congressional districts to Gov. Ron DeSantis after the governor proclaimed the legislation "DOA." Both Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls late last week sort of sidestepped the showdown.

Not waiting — While the map remains in official limbo, however, two lawsuits were filed on Friday asking state and federal courts to step in and take over amid the apparent stalemate between the Legislature and the governor.

Lawyers, lawyers, lawyers — And that could just be the trigger for a yet another wave of litigation. Just like many of the signature legislative moves of the 2021 session are still tied up in legal challenges, some of the major bills from this year's session appear destined for the courts as well. The flotsam and jetsam from this year will probably keeping washing up all the way into the 2022 elections.

— WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis.

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... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ...

WRAPPING IT UP — "Why Florida is ground zero for America's culture war ," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout and Andrew Atterbury: The long line of legislation shows Republicans in the nation's biggest battleground state are focused primarily on appealing to the GOP base in a crucial election when the Governor's Mansion, three Cabinet seats and all 160 seats of the Florida Legislature are up for grabs. The action in Tallahassee is likely an early demonstration of the Republican Party's strategy to win back the White House by focusing on some of the most divisive, hard-right policy bills the nation has encountered in recent times.

What it means for Republicans — For the GOP faithful in the state, the legislative action marks a moment that they have been looking forward to for a long time. They say it explains why DeSantis has burst into the national consciousness as a possible 2024 presidential contender and potential heir to the populism that propelled former President Donald Trump into office.

Touted — "Governor DeSantis hasn't just campaigned and given lip service on issues important to conservatives, but he has led and delivered on those important issues, and along the way shown a principled backbone of steel that conservatives have been begging to see from all of our their local, state and national elected officials," said Christian Ziegler, vice chair of the Republican Party of Florida whose wife was one of the founders of Moms for Liberty.

Response — Democrats see it all as another sign that Florida is trending steadily to the right. "It means that Florida Republicans are gambling it all on DeSantis cruising to re-election in 2022 and that DeSantis himself sees the clearest and safest path to the 2024 Republican presidential nomination as him becoming the Supreme MAGA commander of the culture wars," said Fernand Amandi, a Democratic pollster and consultant.

CLOSING THE CHECKBOOK — " Disney pledges to stop Florida campaign donations over 'Don't Say Gay' bill," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: A rift between Walt Disney Co. and Florida's Republican leaders escalated on Friday when the California-based entertainment giant pledged to stop donating to political campaigns in the state over the controversial legislation branded the "Don't Say Gay" bill. The move, announced in a company-wide email from CEO Bob Chapek, marks the most substantial pushback Florida has faced over the bill, officially called "Parental Rights in Education," and comes a day after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis publicly trashed Disney for being a "woke" corporation by opposing the legislation.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek looks on during an address.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek during an address at the Boston College Chief Executives Club, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) | Charles Krupa/AP Photo

DETAILS — "How Disney worked behind the Tallahassee scenes against the 'don't say gay' bill," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos: "Disney worked behind the scenes for the past two months to try and convince Florida lawmakers that a bill restricting LGBTQ school lessons was not good policy. The legislation — which Florida Democrats and LGBTQ activists nicknamed the 'don't say gay' bill — was on the company's radar since it was filed in January. Three lawmakers, two Republicans and one Democrat, spoke to the Herald/Times on Friday about their role in Disney's efforts as the company's stance spilled into public view."

First step — "Disney lobbyists set up a series of calls with Senate Education Committee Chairman Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, before the bill received a hearing. 'They said they didn't think it was the right policy for Florida and that they had a lot of employees that expressed frustration and that they didn't want the bill,' said Gruters, who is also the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. The lobbying effort by one of Florida's largest employers and political contributors did not work."

WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET? — " Florida lawmakers set up Monday vote for budget approval," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Florida's $112 billion budget is not final, but it's close. In marathon floor sessions Friday, both chambers extensively debated the state's proposed budget, the largest in state history, setting it up for a final vote likely Monday afternoon. The final scheduled day of the 2022 legislative session was Friday, but lawmakers will do a brief extension after missing their budget deadline. Though no vote was taken during floor consideration, all indications are that the spending plans will be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis with overwhelming bipartisan support. "I am smart enough to know when to keep my mouth shut and say thank you," said state Sen. Janet Cruz, a Tampa Democrat who echoed the sentiment of other Democrats who debated the budget.

— "State budget will cut millions from South Florida hospitals that take neediest patients," by Miami Herald's Daniel Chang:

ADDING IT UP — "DeSantis's 'free state of Florida' faces new restrictions on First Amendment rights," by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas: "Free speech will be undergoing some changes in what Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared the 'free state of Florida.' A series of bills sent to the governor this week by Florida's Republican-led Legislature will impose new sanctions on what is acceptable speech and assembly in schools, communities and businesses. Other bills create new exemptions to the state's public records law, including in university presidential searches and executions."

UNFINISHED BUSINESS — " Lawmakers unable to find common ground on reforms after deadly Surfside condo collapse," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders: "Lawmakers could not reach an agreement Friday on a plan to address problems in Florida's troubled property-insurance market, while also halting efforts to put additional requirements on condominium buildings after a deadly collapse last year in Surfside. Finishing most of the work in this year's legislative session, the House and Senate could not work out differences on high-profile insurance and condominium bills. The insurance debate came as homeowners face soaring premiums and lost coverage while insurers grapple with financial troubles. The Florida Department of Financial Services during the past two weeks went to court to be appointed a receiver for St. Johns Insurance Co. and Avatar Property & Casualty Insurance Co., describing the insurers as 'insolvent.'"

— "'Culture wars' session of Florida Legislature is nearly over, but emotions are still raw," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower and Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos and Mary Ellen Klas

— "With budget awaiting vote, lawmakers near end of session marked by deep divisions," by USA Today Network-Florida's John Kennedy

— " Dead bills: Nine legislative issues that couldn't make it across the finish line," by Florida Politics' Gray Rohrer

— " Miya's Law, named for slain Orlando college student, approved by Legislature," by Orlando Sentinel's Skyler Swisher

— "Esther Byrd, QAnon-adjacent defender of Jan. 6 insurrection, appointed to Florida Board of Education ," by Florida Politics' A.G. Gancarski

— "20 years ago, Sunshine Sunday launched. Here's why we must continue to celebrate Sunshine Week," by Florida Center for Government Accountability's CD Davidson-Hiers

— "Fentrice Driskell's abandoned Black cemeteries bill dies after being buried in Senate," by Florida Politics' Daniel Figueroa IV

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MAPMAKER, MAPMAKER

NEXT STOP: COURT — "Two lawsuits filed over redistricting in Florida," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: The tug-of-war between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature over a new congressional map has sparked a push to have the courts step in and resolve the showdown. Two lawsuits were filed on Friday that asked separate courts to take over the redistricting process and draw new maps for the state's 28 congressional districts. The National Redistricting Foundation filed the lawsuit in Leon County on behalf of nine Florida voters who live in nine districts that need to be redrawn because they are overpopulated. Common Cause and Fair Districts, the group that got voters to approve anti-gerrymandering standards, and several voters filed their own lawsuit in federal court and asked a three-judge panel to take over redistricting.

'HE'S NOT LEADING US FORWARD' — "The House district under threat from Florida's governor is steeped in Florida history," by Washington Post's Lori Rozsa and Colby Itkowitz: "A 200-mile stretch along Florida's northern border is dotted with small cities like Quincy, at its western end, where Black residents have historically made up a third or more of the population. But in the 145 years since the end of Reconstruction, only in the last five years has Quincy and most of North Florida been represented in Congress by a Black politician, Rep. Al Lawson (D)."

CAMPAIGN MODE

IT'S ALL ABOUT RON — "'He's as arrogant as Trump. He is mini-Trump. DeSantis is a disaster.' Crist, Fried, Taddeo rally Broward Democrats," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "Charlie Crist, Nikki Fried and Annette Taddeo came together over the weekend, united in their diagnosis of the biggest problem they see plaguing Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis. Healing, they said, requires his removal from office in the November election. During late-night speeches to elected officials, activists and political donors gathered for the Broward Democratic Party's annual Obama Roosevelt Legacy Gala on Saturday, they lambasted the Republican governor for what they said are policies that will hurt female, Black and LGBTQ Floridians."

— " Group behind attacks in Central Florida Senate race wants suit dismissed," by Orlando Sentinel's Annie Martin

— " Growing field of candidates? Second Fort Lauderdale elected official considers run for Congress," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man

— "Tampa congressional candidate on Republicans' Young Guns list ," by Tampa Bay Times

RUSSIA-UKRAINE

STEPPING IN — "Florida Legislature orders review of possible financial ties to Russia," by Orlando Sentinel's Skyler Swisher: "Florida's public schools, universities and state agencies would be barred from entering into cultural agreements or accepting grant funds from Russia under a late budget agreement reached by state legislators. Lawmakers also ordered a review of state contracts to check for any taxpayer dollars that could be going to Russia-based businesses. The findings must be reported to the Legislature by Dec. 1. Russia has faced a global backlash for its invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Gov. Ron DeSantis has not publicly called for Florida's state retirement funds to divest Russian holdings, a step taken by leaders in other states."

— "Rick Scott denounces 'murderous thug' Vladimir Putin after Russians kill U.S. journalist," by Florida Politics' A.G. Gancarkski

Bidenology

THE DESANTIS DOCTRINE — "DeSantis denounces Biden administration talks with Venezuelan leader," by POLITICO's Stephany Matat: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday renewed Republican criticism of the Biden administration's talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to potentially explore the easing of sanctions on his country's oil exports. DeSantis, who is up for reelection this year and a potential 2024 White House candidate, hosted a roundtable discussion in Doral, a city known for its Venezuelan population, Friday afternoon with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and local Venezuelan community leaders and advocates.

BUT THEN THERE'S THIS — " After political blowback, U.S. pauses talks with Venezuela to replace oil from Russia," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gámez Torres, Antonio María Delgado and McClatchy D.C.'s Michael Wilner: "The Biden administration has put oil talks with Venezuela's strongman, Nicolás Maduro, on hold after receiving blowback from bipartisan lawmakers and the Latin American country's democratic opposition. But the prospect of a deal is still on the table, U.S. sources said, as gas prices soar and the administration seeks alternative sources of crude in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Two sources in Venezuela's opposition told the Miami Herald on Friday that the administration was already moving last weekend toward a deal with Maduro on oil imports, and, during a controversial visit to Caracas on March 5, was planning to grant American oil giant Chevron a special license to resume activities in Venezuela."

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

PUSHING BACK — "COVID researchers: Florida 'cherry-picked' our work in kid vaccine recommendation," by Tampa Bay Times' Ian Hodgson: "When the Florida Department of Health released new guidelines this week suggesting healthy children should not get the coronavirus vaccine, it cited several studies to back up the position. But at least four of the experts whose research was cited say their work was taken out of context. They said they disagreed with Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's conclusion that the vaccine was more dangerous than the virus for healthy children. 'I think there is cherry-picking of sentences to support what (the state) wanted,' said Kathryn Edwards, a pediatrics professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who co-authored one of the papers cited in the guidance."

RETURNED — "Orange's state health officer Raul Pino reinstated after leave over vaccine email," by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak: "The top state health officer in Orange County, Raul Pino, who was put on administrative leave after questioning low vaccine rates at his office, will return to work Tuesday. Pino, whose paid leave started as the omicron variant roared through the county, has been out of office for two months. … Pino, 58, who has led the Health Department in Orange County since May 2019, earns about $165,000 a year. He was placed on paid administrative leave Jan. 10, about a week after he sent a staff-wide email Jan. 4 revealing that fewer than 14% of the 568 employees in the office had been fully vaccinated with a complete series and booster shot."

PENINSULA AND BEYOND

SNAKES! — "Pythons confiscated as Florida enforces new reptile law," by Sun Sentinel's David Fleshler: "In early February, Florida wildlife officers visited a reptile dealer in Sunrise to investigate illegal possession of snakes, enforcing a new law designed to prevent further infestations of the state by non-native species. Inside the house, in enclosures that resembled fish tanks, they found his collection. They confiscated 26 reticulated pythons, members of the world's longest snake species, capable of growing to lengths of 20 feet, according to an incident report from the state wildlife commission. They seized nine Burmese pythons, the species that has colonized the Everglades, devastating populations of mammals."

— "Here's how South Floridians are coping with sky-high gas prices, plus a little gas crisis nostalgia," by Sun Sentinel's Ron Hurtibise

— " A Miami attorney altered police lineup photos. One judge had no problem with that," by Miami Herald's David J. Neal

ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN

— "Police say man charged with selling cocaine to undercover officer is connected to Wilton Manors overdoses," by South Florida Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins and Angie DiMichele: "Police say that a man arrested Friday for selling cocaine to an undercover officer has been connected to the overdose of spring breakers in Wilton Manors, a group that includes four cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, one of whom is a football player. Axel Giovany Casseus, 21, of Lauderhill, is being charged for drug trafficking, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office. The Wilton Manors victims were hospitalized Thursday after ingesting fentanyl-laced cocaine."

BIRTHDAYS: Jimmy Loomis, defense and foreign policy adviser to Rep. Stephanie Murphy

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