Capitol Intrigue: Feb. 17
The theme of the day was "take a chance." A Senate committee approved a gaming compact with the Seminoles
Capitol Intrigue: Feb. 17 The theme of the day was "take a chance." A Senate committee approved a gaming compact with the Seminoles Check out this story on tallahassee.com: https://on.tdo.com/1XywRs8
James Call, Democrat Capitol Reporter Published 6:14 p.m. ET Feb. 17, 2016 | Updated 6:48 p.m. ET Feb. 17, 2016
It was Catholic Day at the state capitol. Secretary of State Ken Detzner poses with a cardboard cut out of Pope Francis. Detzner, who was married at the Vatican, said he couldn't pass up standing with the Pontiff.(Photo: James Call)
Taking a chance: The Senate Regulated Industries Committee approved a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe that also could lead to slots in counties outside of south Florida. Sen. Rob Bradley didn't want to risk having the courts decide the future of gaming in Florida. The chair of Regulated Industries wrote a letter to his members Wednesday before they took up the gaming compact. He urged them to ratify the agreement or otherwise risk having the courts allow a massive expansion of gambling. Two cases, one involving slots in Gretna and the other involving the games the Seminoles may offer are in the works. If the state were to lose either case, Bradley warned, then the Seminoles would no longer be obligated to share any of the revenue from their games. ". . . The fact remains that in litigation nothing is certain," wrote Bradley. The proposed compact provides the state $3 billion over seven years in exchange for granting the Seminoles exclusivity for slots and table games. The gambit worked. The committee approved the compact. The legislation also confines slots to six counties, including Gadsden and clarifies that fantasy sports is not gaming. The proposal is one committee stop away from the Senate floor.
A lesson in bipartisanship? Tallahassee Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda was the lone Democrat to join with 12 Republicans to vote for changing how public and charter schools get money for construction and maintenance. The plan by Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, caps how much can be spent per student on capital costs. The proposal would also require school districts to share local tax revenue with privately managed charter schools.
Health care certification: A bipartisan coalition Wednesday killed a proposal providing exemptions to the "certificate of need" for new health care facilities. Hospitals and nursing homes opposed the measure that would ease state review processes for new health care facilities. After the 6-2 defeat in the Health and Human Services Subcommittee, the sponsor, Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said he didn't have a plan for getting the proposal back on track.
Abortion restrictions: Sen. Kelli Stargel's, R-Lakeland, bill prohibiting state funds from going to clinics offering abortion services is one committee stop away from the floor. SB 1722 cleared the Health and Human Services Subcommittee on a party-line vote. Opponents say the measure targets Planned Parenthood. The House companion bill, HB 1411, is ready for a floor vote.
Sunshine on the ballot? The Florida Supreme Court has rescheduled arguments over whether a solar-energy initiative should be on the November ballot. The proposed amendment is backed by a group called "Consumers for Smart Solar" and needs Supreme Court approval of the ballot wording. Justices have scheduled arguments for March 7.
Quote of the day: "I will stand in the way of any bill that attacks our immigrant community, that penalize our immigrant community and that does not treat you as worthy members of our society. And that is why I am here standing with you. – Sen. Miguel de La Portilla speaking to a Florida Immigrant Coalition rally.
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