Page 22 - Get Capitol Buzz News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

5 things to know about Florida’s health care budget Kirby Wilson, Tampa Bay Times © Douglas R. Clifford/Times A pharmacist portions a dose of the BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine into a syringe on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. TALLAHASSEE — Pick a random dollar out of Florida’s $101.5 billion budget, and it’s got a strong chance of going to a health care program. That means Florida’s health care spending plan sheds a great deal of light on the priorities of state leaders. Who gets coverage under the state’s Medicaid program? Where are billions of federal dollars going? How ...

Bill to undermine Key West cruise ship limit ‘is dead’ The bill began as a broad attempt to prohibit local governments from restricting maritime commerce at Florida’s 15 deep-water ports.   Updated 6 hours ago TALLAHASSEE — After having second thoughts about the constitutionality of his bill to undermine three ordinances approved by Key West voters, the House sponsor of the measure said Tuesday he has concluded “the bill’s dead” for the session. “I don’t see a path forward,’' said Rep. Spencer Roach, the North Fort Myers Republican who, al...

Florida’s gun preemption law just got more powerful Are the changes a big deal? Depends on whom you ask.   Updated Yesterday TALLAHASSEE — A new bill that’s poised to become law is the legislative equivalent of a Rorschach test. Fans of Florida’s sweeping gun preemption law — which bars municipalities from regulating firearms and ammunition in any way — say the bill, Senate Bill 1844, offers little more than a technical correction. It’s a “glitch bill,” they say. Those who detest Florida’s gun preemption law say the new bill is a dramatic...

Florida lawmakers eye changes to property insurance in wake of soaring rates The bill would reduce the time to file a claim from three years to two.     The Florida Legislature created state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to serve property owners who couldn't find coverage elsewhere. Updated Apr. 28 TALLAHASSEE — In a scramble to stop Florida’s soaring homeowners insurance rates, state lawmakers are close to passing a bill that would reduce the amount of time to file a claim and allow Citizens Property Insurance to raise its rates above 10 percent. The Florida House vot...

Expansion of Florida private school vouchers program heads to DeSantis Senate sponsor Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, suggested that school closures and other effects of the pandemic increased an appetite for educational options.   By Ryan Dailey Updated 1 hour ago TALLAHASSEE — Moving Florida a step closer to a major expansion of school vouchers, the Senate on Monday passed a measure that would widen eligibility for taxpayer-funded aid to send children to private schools. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 25-14 to pass the bill (HB 7045), which passed the House in a 79-36 vote last w...