| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. A new kind of name check — President Joe Biden didn’t say Florida Sen. Rick Scott’s name during his State of the Union speech. Ruckus — But oh, he said enough about Scott’s plans to create a notable moment where Republicans in the Capitol reacted sharply with even some lawmakers calling Biden a “liar.” Setting sun — While Biden discussed raising the debt ceiling, he said “some Republicans” want to sunset Medicare and Social Security every five years. This was a reference to Scott’s “Rescue America” plan that calls for all federal legislation to include such a provision. Exchange — As Republicans began to loudly yell back at Biden, the president said: “I’m not saying it’s a majority.” He also added, “I’m politely not naming them, but it’s being proposed by some of you.” Amid the raucous response, Biden then said, “So folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now. They're not to be touched? All right. We've got unanimity!" Familiar target — This of course is not the first time Biden has taken swipes at Scott’s plan, nor the first time Republicans sought to publicly distance themselves from it. The president mentioned it frequently in the run up to the midterm elections. Response — Scott, who has insisted he would never support getting rid of Social Security, hit back on social media Tuesday night where he said on his political Twitter account that Biden “once again lies about Republicans trying to cut Social Security and Medicare.” Going on air — Scott’s tweet includes video from a new ad from Scott that is scheduled to run in Tampa on Thursday and Friday to coincide with Biden’s planned trip there. In the ad, Scott rips into Biden and says he should resign. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Biden had a few words in return once he lands in Florida. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will hold a press conference in Ocala with House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | | | JOIN POLITICO ON 2/9 TO HEAR FROM AMERICA’S GOVERNORS: In a divided Congress, more legislative and policy enforcement will shift to the states, meaning governors will take a leading role in setting the agenda for the nation. Join POLITICO on Thursday, Feb. 9 at World Wide Technology's D.C. Innovation Center for The Fifty: America's Governors, presented by Cisco, where we will examine where innovations are taking shape and new regulatory red lines, the future of reproductive health, and how climate change is being addressed across a series of one-on-one interviews. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | | A DESANTIS PRODUCTION — DeSantis continues broadsides against the media ahead of likely 2024 run, by POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is signaling plans to ramp up his attack on the news industry ahead of his likely 2024 run for president. DeSantis on Tuesday held a roundtable discussion with media libel law experts and critics on a stage mirroring a typical cable-news show, with the GOP governor setting behind a desk with a screen behind him with the word “truth” displayed prominently. Among those with him were a conservative lawyer who represents Dominion Voting Systems Inc. in a defamation suit against former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani and former President Donald Trump’s attorney Sidney Powell. — “Ron DeSantis praises lawyer suing Trump’s biggest allies,” by Newsweek’s Matthew Impelli WHAT THE GOVERNOR WANTS — “Gov. DeSantis wants to expand state guard to more than triple in size,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Turner: “The recently revived Florida State Guard would more than triple in size and add aviation and maritime equipment, with funding going from $10 million to more than $95 million, under Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposed budget. DeSantis last year pushed to reactivate the volunteer state guard to assist the Florida National Guard during emergencies. The state guard was set up during World War II to replace Florida National Guard members who were deployed abroad. It went inactive in 1947 but remained in state law.” TURNABOUT — “Florida universities were told to prioritize diversity plans. Now, DeSantis aims to gut them,” by USA Today Network-Florida’s Kathryn Varn: “[Sidney] Kitson, who was appointed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, continued with a plan for how the Board would address those racial inequities, saying that he and other Board leaders would be speaking to faculty and students at Florida universities.” ON THE MOVE — “Florida Senate ready to help DeSantis stave off court challenges,” by USA Today Network-Florida’s John Kennedy: “A Senate panel raced ahead with legislation that could help Gov. Ron DeSantis stave off courtroom challenges to divisive, high-profile moves he made last year, cracking down on voters who erroneously cast illegal ballots and also sending dozens of undocumented migrants from Texas to blue state Massachusetts. In party-line votes, the Republican-dominated Fiscal Policy Committee advanced changes Tuesday that could shield DeSantis in lingering legal battles that threaten to cloud his expected candidacy for the GOP presidential nomination, which could be announced soon.” — “USF halts search for diversity chief amid uncertainty over DeSantis’ plans,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Divya Kumar — “Randi Weingarten slams Ron DeSantis as a bully, promises teacher recruitment grants for Florida districts,” by Florida Politics’ Jacob Ogles | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | NOTHING TO SEE HERE — “In tweaking Florida’s secretive migrant flights program, lawmakers ask little, reveal less,” by Miami Herald’s Ana Ceballos and Mary Ellen Klas: “Republican lawmakers who are sponsoring the proposal have acknowledged that they do not know how the administration plans to spend $10 million that would be set aside for the immigration program between now and the end of June. The expenses, they said, could include surveillance, reconnaissance and investigations, as well as feeding and housing migrants while they wait for a plane ride.” And what about what’s been spent already? — “Lawmakers admitted in hearings Monday in the House and Tuesday in the Senate that they do not have details about how the administration has spent an estimated $2 million on the previous migrant relocation efforts — despite allegations that the covert operation misled some migrants, paid an undocumented worker to recruit passengers and shielded details from the public.” NOT HAPPY — “Florida could soon have permitless carry. It’s not enough, some gun owners say,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Romy Ellenbogen: “The opposition to Florida’s proposed legislation to allow Floridians to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training was expected from gun safety advocates. But at a Tuesday hearing on the bill, there were just as many disgruntled Second Amendment supporters, who said the bill didn’t go far enough because it doesn’t allow for open carry, the visible carrying of a firearm.” RESPONSE — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization, is out with its own analysis of states that have already dropped permitting requirements for concealed weapons. The analysis suggests that the end of permitting for concealed weapons is dangerous and could lead to more gun violence. The report notes that between 2021 and 2022 that more than 7,600 people who applied for concealed weapons permits in Florida were denied one because they did not pass a background check. “Permitless carry in Florida would undoubtedly increase gun violence even more and make it easier for fistfights to turn into gun fights,” Samantha Barrios, Giffords Florida state director, said in a statement. MOUSE MOVES — “Disney faces losing control of its kingdom with Florida bill,” by The Associated Press’ Mike Schneider: “The changes proposed in the legislation were welcomed by at least one group of Reedy Creek employees — firefighters who have clashed in the past with district leaders. Tim Stromsnes, a spokesperson for Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters Local 2117, said all the current board cares about is ‘bonds and low-interest loans for building Disney infrastructure, and zero about treating its employees fairly.’ ‘We think they are going to be more receptive to first responders,’ Stomsnes said Tuesday of the proposed new board. ‘They’re calling the governor a fascist for doing this ... but he is actually fixing a fascist, Disney-owned government.’” — Attorney: Reedy Creek lawsuit may be dropped if special session bill is passed, by POLITICO’s Matt Dixon — “Fitch says Disney Reedy Creek bill likely fixes bonds issue,” by News Service of Florida | 
Performers dressed as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck entertain visitors at Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on April 18, 2022. | Ted Shaffrey/AP Photo |
FOR YOUR RADAR — Environmental group asks appeals court to toss 90-year-old law cited by Legislature in issuing stays, by POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie: An environmental group involved in a long-running legal battle over conservation spending is offering an unusual argument to get its lawsuit on track: It is asking a state appeals court to declare unconstitutional a 90-year old statute that the group says the Legislature has been using to deny them access to the court. Florida Defenders of the Environment, which is challenging state spending on conservation land under a 2014 ballot initiative, wrote in a court brief filed last Friday that the law passed in 1933 allowing court cases to be delayed during legislative sessions violates the separation of powers in the state constitution.
DELETE ALL — Florida lawmakers considering social media ban for K-12 schools, new teaching requirement, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: The Florida Senate’s committee on K-12 education advanced a bill Tuesday that would require schools statewide to block students from accessing social media on campus while also mandating they learn about the possible dangers tied to using the applications. — “Monuments backlog leads Gov. DeSantis to eye expanding ‘Capitol Complex,’” by Florida Politics’ Gray Rohrer
| | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | UNSOCIAL MEDIA — “Trump amplifies posts claiming DeSantis was ‘grooming high school girls,’” by Yahoo News David Knowles: “Former President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Tuesday, seizing on a story that his rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination partied with underage students when he worked as a teacher at a Georgia high school. In five successive posts Tuesday to his social media site, Truth Social, Trump went after DeSantis. Two of them referenced a story published by the far-right website Hillreporter.com that claimed DeSantis had been photographed ‘partying with underaged students’ at the Darlington School, a private K-12 school in Rome, Ga., where DeSantis taught from 2001-02.” TESTIMONY — Michael Cohen to meet with Manhattan DA amid Trump grand jury, by POLITICO’s Mia McCarthy: “Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen said he will be meeting with the Manhattan District Attorney Wednesday as a grand jury hears testimony regarding the former president’s involvement in a hush-money payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels. ‘It’s now the 15th time that I’m heading in to discuss this and several matters with the DA’s team and I am looking forward to it,’ Cohen said Tuesday on his podcast Political Beatdown.” — “Conservative groups look beyond Trump for 2024 GOP nominee,” by The Associated Press’ Michelle L. Price | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | FLORIDA GOP REGISTRATION GAP KEEPS GROWING — Florida Republicans keep widening their voter registration edge over Democrats, which drew an ebullient response from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ political Twitter account on Tuesday. DeSantis pointed out that in 2018, there were nearly 300,000 more active registered Democrats than Republicans. That has now shifted substantially and the GOP now has a roughly 400,000 advantage over Democrats. “Freedom is here to stay,” the tweet said. The latest numbers as of early February show that the GOP is up by slightly more than 408,000. — “Former Plantation mayor pays fine over campaign finance violations in 2018,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Lisa J. Huriash | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | DECISION — “First Florida voter fraud case goes to trial in Tampa, ends with split verdict,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Michaela Mulligan: “The trial of the first of about 20 people to be arrested in Florida on charges that they committed voter fraud by casting a ballot in the 2020 presidential election ended with a split verdict in a Tampa courtroom Tuesday night. Nathan Hart, 49, was arrested in August as part of a sweep announced by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. It was the first such move since DeSantis had established a unit to investigate voter fraud after the 2020 election despite little evidence that widespread fraud at the ballot had been occurring in Florida.” DIGGING IN THE DIRT — “A major archaeological discovery was made on the Miami River. Was it kept under wraps?” by Miami Herald’s Andres Viglucci: “For the past year and a half, with scant public attention, squads of archaeologists digging at the Miami River site of a planned Related Group residential tower complex have unearthed remarkable finds, consisting of thousands of fragmentary prehistoric tools and artifacts, rare and well-preserved animal and plant remnants, vestiges of ancient structures and human remains — including some relics dating back to the earliest days of civilization on the planet.” — “Miami officials will consider saving 7,000-year-old Brickell archaeological site,” by Miami Herald’s Andres Viglucci — “Tucker Carlson says FSU scholarship promotes ‘race hatred’; university updates language,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Tarah Jean — “Millions spent on Russian oligarch’s swank Fisher Island, NY homes focus of indictment,” by Miami Herald’s Jay Weaver — “FHSAA calls emergency meeting to weigh scrapping athlete menstrual history questions,” by Palm Beach Post’s Katherine Kokal — “Broward school board pays ousted superintendent almost $268,000, names interim,” by Miami Herald’s Grethel Aguila — “UF looks to Jacksonville for additional campus. Here’s what you need to know about the plan,” by Florida Times-Union’s Hanna Holthaus — “NASA preps for what could go wrong when Artemis astronauts return to Earth,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Richard Tribou — “St. Thomas University College of Law named the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law,” by Black Enterprise | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — “Florida attorney general drops challenge in Zeigler DNA dispute,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Leonora LaPeter Anton: “Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office has removed the final hurdle in death row inmate Tommy Zeigler’s yearslong push for DNA testing, voluntarily dropping its appeal to stop the forensic analysis. On Tuesday, the Florida Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, which sought to halt the DNA testing and have the evidence already being tested in California returned. Zeigler, 77, has been on death row for 47 years for the murders of his wife, in-laws and another man at his family’s Winter Garden furniture store on Christmas Eve 1975.” BIRTHDAYS: Rep. Gus Bilirakis … Nicole Dicocco, director of special projects for Red Banyan | | | | 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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