| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | | | Hello and welcome to Thursday. Shaking Through — Here in the sixth week of the session, there are signs that Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature may — emphasize the word may — put their own stamp on some of the priorities being pushed this year by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Pilgrimage — DeSantis' mark on the proceedings has been unmistakable as he has shown a level of sway essentially unheard of, compared to previous governors, with some in the process saying changes to bills must be signed off by his office to even be considered. We Walk — But this week, House Republicans rolled out a tax cut package that jettisoned some of DeSantis’ ideas, such as a year-long sales tax break on household items that the governor’s team sold as a way to give Floridians a break from inflation. Instead, lawmakers are moving in favor of a substantial cut in the tax charged on business rent. (An idea favored by some of the state’s powerful business groups.) Moral Kiosk — Republicans in the Senate on Wednesday also made some major revisions to a contentious higher education overhaul that had been championed by DeSantis. The legislation no longer explicitly targets diversity, equity and inclusion programs by name and instead calls for a statewide review of college courses and programs for traces of lessons that assert “systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege” are ingrained in American society. State Sen. Erin Grall, the bill sponsor, explained the change was made due to concerns the provision could affect accreditation. Sitting Still — There are also still questions about the final form of a bill imposing tough new anti-immigration measures that DeSantis wants. Stay tuned, House Speaker Paul Renner told reporters on Wednesday. Catapult — None of this substantially subtracts from the topline that DeSantis is expected to head out on the presidential trail with a long list of legislative accomplishments he could wield in a GOP primary. Republicans are expected this week to send to the governor a ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy that has caused discomfort for some GOP members, including initially Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. Major legislation such as this will likely overshadow any consideration that DeSantis did not get everything he wanted. But the fact that DeSantis' legislative control has otherwise been so complete, makes these deviations from his agenda particularly noteworthy. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will be in West Chester Township, Ohio where he is scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the Butler County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from Alibaba: Florida businesses are thriving with Alibaba. Sales from U.S. brands on Alibaba added $1.7 billion to Florida’s GDP and supported 15,000 jobs and $936 million in wages for local workers, according to a new study by NDP Analytics. Learn about Alibaba’s positive impact on the U.S. economy. | | | |  | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | THE BARNABY FACTOR … SPOTTED walking down Adams Street (the location of the members only Governors Club) on Wednesday with a security detail was Rep. Webster Barnaby. And a member of that detail was present later in the afternoon when Barnaby was at a committee meeting. Barnaby, a Deltona Republican, made national headlines earlier this week when he called transgender Floridians “mutants,” “demons” and “imps.” He apologized for his remarks shortly after making them (then posts on a now-deleted social media account raised questions about that apology). A House spokesperson did not respond to questions about why Barnaby was being accompanied by a security detail. House Speaker Paul Renner, when asked about Barnaby’s remarks, said he talked to him, as well as other House members, about their comments in public. “We shouldn’t be reacting to members of the public that are coming to Tallahassee to speak,” Renner told reporters. “Fundamental to the right of free speech is listening respectfully to speech we don’t agree with. And so in this case I think you can’t let emotions get away from you and say things especially toward members of the public that are here to testify.” A NO VOTE — Meet the Florida Republicans who oppose the 6-week abortion ban, by POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian: Florida’s days as a swing state seem over, but the state’s GOP isn’t monolithic: A handful of Republicans are defying Gov. Ron DeSantis and opposing a six-week abortion ban. At least two House Republicans are expected to vote Thursday against a bill outlawing most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. They’re following the lead of two GOP senators who also opposed the abortion bill last week when the upper chamber voted on it.” REVAMPED — Controversial Florida higher education package sees major changes, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Senate Republicans on Wednesday stripped out some controversial portions of a higher education package that was intended to carry out an overhaul of Florida's colleges and universities sought by Gov. Ron DeSantis. In one major change, legislators eliminated a contentious provision that would have allowed tenured faculty to be subject to review at any time, a measure widely condemned as violating academic freedom. The bill also no longer explicitly targets diversity, equity and inclusion by name and instead calls for a statewide review of college courses and programs for traces of lessons that assert “systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege” are ingrained in American society. TWEAKED — Florida legislators roll out tax cut package that doesn’t mirror DeSantis list, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Florida Republicans are putting together a massive tax cut package for the coming year, but they are stopping short of embracing some of the key proposals being pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. … House Republicans have picked up many of the governor’s ideas in their own $1.4 billion proposal, including creating two back-to-school tax holidays and permanently eliminating taxes on diapers. But they pared some of DeSantis’ other ideas — such as a year-long break on taxes charged on pet food or household items such as laundry detergent or paper towels — to just a 14-day break in early summer. ‘WE HAD PEOPLE THAT WERE CONFUSED’ — “Senate passes proposal to fix glitches in condo reforms, but not financial challenge,” by Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas: “As residents of condominiums across Florida struggle to adapt to a sweeping new law that increases building inspections and maintenance costs, Florida legislators have agreed to a series of changes aimed at ending confusion — but not the financial pain. This bill is an effort to 'provide more clarity, flexibility and transparency,’' said Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, the sponsor of Senate Bill 154, which passed unanimously on Wednesday. The measure is a response to last year’s law that created the first statewide inspection program for aging condos in response to the partial collapse that killed 98 people at Champlain Towers South in Surfside in June 2021.” — “Florida considers upping consumer loan interest rate to 36%,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders — “Florida bathroom bill could face legal fight after lawmaker calls trans people ‘mutants,’” by USA Today Network-Florida’s Kathryn Varn — “Florida KidCare expansion may be a done deal as chambers move leaders’ health care priorities,” by Florida Politics’ Christine Jordan Sexton — “Political, civic and religious leaders condemn range of actions from Florida Legislature,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man — “Senate bill could alter political future of 286 County Commissioners,” by Florida Politics’ Jacob Ogles
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | DESANTISLAND | | PLAYING DEFENSE — “Ron DeSantis’ team tries to stop Florida Republicans from endorsing Trump,” by NBC News’ Matt Dixon: “The efforts started after Trump picked up the backing of Rep. Byron Donalds, who has been a DeSantis ally. The three earlier endorsements were from Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, Matt Gaetz and Cory Mills, who are vocal Trump boosters and whose support wasn't surprising. Since Donalds came out for Trump, DeSantis' team has called at least six members of Florida’s congressional delegation, asking that they hold off on making any endorsements in the near future. They are: Reps. Aaron Bean, Vern Buchanan, Kat Cammack, Mario Diaz-Balart, Laurel Lee and Greg Steube.” | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to a crowd at Adventure Outdoors gun store, Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Smyrna, Ga. | John Bazemore/AP Photo |
ON THE ROAD AGAIN — “DeSantis to head to D.C. as he nears presidential bid,” by POLITICO’s Alex Isenstadt: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is heading to D.C. next week, marking a rare return to the nation’s capital as he ramps up for an expected run for president. The governor is set to meet with Republican members of Congress and conservative leaders for an event dubbed as a “meet and greet policy discussion.” It will be held on April 18. DeSantis is expected to be joined by a group that includes Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher, Illinois Rep. Darin LaHood, and Rep. Randy Feenstra, who hails from the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa. According to a copy of the invitation, other expected guests include Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and Texas Rep. Chip Roy, both of whom have endorsed DeSantis’ prospective presidential bid.
— “Harvard donor’s support of Fla. Governor DeSantis prompts criticism from students, alumni,” by Boston Globe’s Hilary Burns — “FHSAA removed menstrual questions on form after talking to DeSantis’ office,” by Palm Beach Post’s Katherine Kokal
| | | | A message from Alibaba:   | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | TO COURT — “Trump sues Michael Cohen, the key witness against him,” by The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman, Ben Protess, William K. Rashbaum and Jonah E. Bromwich: “Donald J. Trump on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen, just weeks after being indicted in a case in which Mr. Cohen is expected to serve as a star witness. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Florida, accuses Mr. Cohen of revealing Mr. Trump’s confidences and “spreading falsehoods” about him. It directly references Mr. Cohen’s role in the Manhattan district attorney’s criminal case against Mr. Trump, which stems from a hush-money payment Mr. Cohen made on the former president’s behalf in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election.” FOLLOW THE MONEY — “Special counsel focuses on Trump fundraising off false election claims,” by Washington Post’s Josh Dawsey, Devlin Barrett, Rosalind S. Helderman and Jacqueline Alemany: “Federal prosecutors probing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol have in recent weeks sought a wide range of documents related to fundraising after the 2020 election, looking to determine if former president Donald Trump or his advisers scammed donors by using false claims about voter fraud to raise money, eight people familiar with the new inquiries said.” — “Witnesses asked about Trump’s handling of map with classified information,” by The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman, Adam Goldman and Alan Feuer — “Trump seeks delay of defamation trial, citing ‘media frenzy’ caused by Manhattan indictment,” by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney | | DATELINE D.C. | | REQUEST — “Rubio demands probe into ActBlue after reports of ‘fraudulent’ fundraising off seniors,” by Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind: "Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is demanding that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) open an investigation into Democratic fundraising behemoth ActBlue after a report claimed it was raking in cash from unwitting elderly Americans. ‘Two weeks ago, alarming reports emerged of fraudulent donations being reported to the FEC by ActBlue,’ Rubio wrote in a letter to the FEC chairs. ‘These reports indicate that numerous individuals, including senior citizens, have purportedly donated to ActBlue thousands of times a year. However, according to recent investigative reports, many of these individuals had no idea that their names and addresses were being used to give thousands of dollars in political donations, with most of these ‘donations’ going to ActBlue.’”
| | | | GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from April 30-May 3. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
FLASHING LIGHTS — “Florida LGBTQ, immigrant rights groups issue ‘travel advisory’ warnings about risks of traveling or relocating to state,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man: “Equality Florida, the statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization, issued a ‘travel advisory’ Wednesday, warning about ‘risks posed to the health, safety, and freedom’ of anyone considering traveling or relocating to Florida. An even stronger warning came from the Florida Immigrant Coalition. ‘Caution advised for travelers to Florida’ the coalition said on its website. ‘Travel to all areas of Florida should be done with extreme caution as it can be unsafe for people of color, individuals who speak with an accent, and international travelers.’”
CARRIED OUT — “Florida executes ‘ninja killer’ for couple’s 1989 death,” by The Associated Press’ Brendan Farrington: “Florida executed a man known as the “ninja killer” on Wednesday for the 1989 slayings of a couple visiting the state from New Jersey. Louis Bernard Gaskin, 56, was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. after receiving a lethal injection, the governor’s office said. He was convicted of killing Robert Sturmfels, 56, and Georgette Sturmfels, 55, on Dec. 20, 1989, in their Flagler County winter home on Florida’s northeastern coast.” — “U.S. and Cuba discuss migration as thousands of Cubans arrive under new parole program,” by El Nuevo Herald’s Nora Gámez Torres — “‘We’re quite concerned’: Lee County at center of Florida manatee mortality event with 65 deaths,’” by Fort Myers News-Press’ Chad Gillis — “St. Lucie County School Board decides to keep challenged books in school libraries,” by Treasure Coast Newspapers’ Colleen Wixon — “Sheriff Gregory Tony, accused of lies and omissions on forms, has ethics case set to appear before a judge,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Lisa J. Huriash — “Tarpon Springs commissioner criticized for bullying behavior,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Tracey McManus
| | A message from Alibaba: Last year, U.S. businesses sold a record $66 billion in products to consumers in China on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms, a nearly 10% increase over 2021. This included sales from thousands of American brands, big and small, such as Fender, Bob’s Red Mill, and DS Laboratories.
Read how American businesses selling on Alibaba impacts the U.S. economy. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
— “Florida wildlife officers kill more than 30 snakes at a reptile facility, video shows,” by FLKeysNews.com’s David Goodhue: “A disturbing video was posted online this week showing Florida wildlife officers killing dozens of snakes at a Sunrise reptile facility, including one they mistook for a prohibited python that turned out to be a pregnant boa constrictor. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers last Thursday used a device that launched a charge into the snakes’ heads, killing more than 30 of the reptiles — all but one either invasive Burmese or reticulated pythons — according to the United States Association of Reptile Keepers, the snake advocacy group that posted the video.”
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