(Tuesday, 07/20/2010, Tallahassee) – In a matter of hours the Florida House and Senate concluded what was originally slated to be a four-day session previously ordered by Gov. Charlie Crist. Presumably having little interest in doing anything to help the political future of the newly-independent Crist, Republican leaders on both sides were quick to dismiss his request.
Tallahassee, Tuesday, May 4, 2010 – State lawmakers raced to the finish line on Friday evening, the final scheduled day of their 2010 legislative session. However, in a break with tradition, absent was the usual Sine Die ceremony, customarily including laudatory remarks from the governor. Fact is, Governor Crist wasn’t even present this year, choosing instead to leave for Miami, the day after he declared he would continue his race for the U.S. Senate – just not as a Republican.
But, political aspirations were just one of many forces helping to shape the debate in Florida’s capitol on a wide variety of issues over the last 60 days. Lawmakers faced the daunting challenge of crafting a state government spending plan in the face of Florida’s struggling economy. The final $70.4-billion plan relied heavily on the balance of federal stimulus funds coupled with proceeds from a new gaming compact with Florida’s Seminole Tribe.
Beyond the budget issue, lawmakers filed almost 2,500 other bills for consideration -- only 301 of which were left standing, having been approved by both houses when the final gavel fell. Now the focus moves to our new “independent” Governor’s desk, as each issue offered up by the Republican-dominated House and Senate passes under the specter of his veto pen.
Health care, especially for low income Floridians, was once again a central concern as the state’s ever-growing list of Medicaid-eligible recipients continues on track to consume a larger and larger share of state government spending. In an effort to possibly slow that growth, lawmakers considered, but, could not finally agree on, a massive overhaul of the program designed to move it closer to a managed care model. Watch next year for this debate to continue.
This session also saw a number of issues of interest to the chiropractic profession move to the forefront, particularly in the closing days. Fortunately a last-minute attempt seeking to move PIP/No-fault treatment into the managed-care area was defeated, while new laws seeking to restrict the use of “pain management” in advertising were successfully amended to exclude chiropractic clinics.
Following is your annual “What Passed – What Didn’t Pass” summary of the top issues your FCA Lobby Team was closely following – and likely fighting in earnest, either for or against – during this year’s legislative session. For more detailed information on any of these bills, be sure to visit the Florida’s Legislature’s official website, Online Sunshine, at www.leg.state.fl.us .
(Thursday, April 29, 4:00pm) The Florida Legislature is currently in the final hours of the 2010 regular session, scheduled to adjourn tomorrow evening. It is a hectic time as lawmakers argue the merits of bills, last-minute amendments begin to fly and tempers are universally challenged. Likewise, there’s no shortage of rumors and misinformation making the rounds.
(Tuesday, April 27, 2010 – Tallahassee) With state budget disagreements finally worked out late last night between the House and Senate negotiators, it now appears legislators will be able to adjourn on time and on schedule this Friday, the last day of their annual 60-day lawmaking session. Lawmakers received their individual copy of the budget on their desks this afternoon at 2:59 p.m. marking the start of a required 72-hour “cooling off” period before a final vote can be taken this Friday.
Monday, April 12, 2010, Tallahassee – Over 75 leaders and members of the FCA attended another successful Chiropractic Day at the capitol on Tuesday, April 6th. D.C.’s from around Florida had a busy day visiting their local legislators to discuss the FCA’s agenda and the group heard from a number of state and legislative leaders.
This year’s visit was highlighted by Florida Governor Charlie Crist’s participation, as he welcomed members to Tallahassee during an FCA-hosted luncheon atop Florida’s capitol. Throughout the day, members also listened to talks by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Senator Dennis L. Jones, D.C. (R-Treasure Island), House Democrat Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston), House Democrat Leader-Designee Ron Saunders (D-Tavernier), and State Rep. Janet Long (D-Seminole).
Legislative Updates 
Monday, April 12, 2010, Tallahassee – Over 75 leaders and members of the FCA attended another successful Chiropractic Day at the capitol on Tuesday, April 6th. D.C.’s from around Florida had a busy day visiting their local legislators to discuss the FCA’s agenda and the group heard from a number of state and legislative leaders.