State

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, will be a key player in budget negotiations. Colin Hackley/File

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, will be a key player in budget negotiations. Colin Hackley/File

Lawmakers start weighing DeSantis budget plan

News Staff
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Describing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed 2024-2025 budget as “very responsible,” House and Senate Republican budget chiefs on Tuesday brushed aside concerns about the $114.4 billion spending plan.
Ron DeSantis. File photo

Ron DeSantis. File photo

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DeSantis proposes $114.4B State budget

News Staff
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday pitched a $114.4 billion budget for next fiscal year that includes a variety of tax cuts and spending on such things as teacher salary increases and police recruitment bonuses.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola, Jr. reached a gambling deal in 2021. File photo

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola, Jr. reached a gambling deal in 2021. File photo

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State fires back in sports betting fight

News Staff
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders late Friday urged the Florida Supreme Court to reject a challenge to a deal that allowed the Seminole Tribe to offer online sports betting statewide, saying it does not violate a 2018 constitutional amendment that restricted casino gambling.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments about the constitutionality of a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on large social-media companies. File photo

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments about the constitutionality of a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on large social-media companies. File photo

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Supreme Court urged to reject Florida teach law

News Staff
Friday, December 1, 2023
Arguing the law is “entirely incompatible with the First Amendment,” two industry groups Thursday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a ruling that blocked key parts of a 2021 Florida law placing restrictions on large social-media companies.
Then-President Donald Trump with Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2019. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Then-President Donald Trump with Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2019. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Bill Cotterell: Swapping free speech for right-wing votes

News Staff
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
As a graduate of Harvard Law School, Gov. Ron DeSantis is presumed to have more than a passing grasp of the Bill of Rights, particularly the First Amendment.
Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Belleview. File photo

Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Belleview. File photo

Personal pronouns targeted in the workplace

News Staff
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
In what could fuel a new round of legislative battles about gender identity, a House Republican on Tuesday filed a bill that would place restrictions on government agencies in the use of personal pronouns.
Hurricane Idalia caused damage to businesses in Taylor County, including a gas station. Mike Exline/File

Hurricane Idalia caused damage to businesses in Taylor County, including a gas station. Mike Exline/File

Storm season ends, but recovery takes time

News Staff
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
For a second consecutive hurricane season, Florida took a direct hit from a major storm. But while the 2023 season will end next week, restoration efforts from Hurricane Idalia will continue for years in rural North Florida, particularly for people in the agriculture industry.

Testing, recess changes eyed in school deregulation

News Staff
Thursday, November 16, 2023
A slate of bills aimed at reducing regulations on public schools began moving forward Wednesday, as a key Florida Senate panel signed off on changes such as eliminating testing requirements for earning high-school diplomas.

Medicaid enrollment continues to drop

News Staff
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Enrollment in Florida’s Medicaid program has dropped by more than 670,000 people after the end of a federal public-health emergency, as a potential class-action lawsuit continues about the state’s handling of the issue.
Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, is sponsoring a bill that could expand eligibility for veterans' long-term care facilities. Colin Hackley/File

Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, is sponsoring a bill that could expand eligibility for veterans' long-term care facilities. Colin Hackley/File

Lawmakers eye allowing spouses in veterans homes

News Staff
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
A Florida Senate panel on Tuesday backed a proposal that would allow veterans' spouses to qualify to live in state-run long-term care facilities for veterans. The measure (SB 174) also would allow parents of military members who died in service to be eligible.