Upon the conclusion of the 2013 Legislative Session, Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) celebrated the completion of their joint legislative agenda, "Work Plan Florida." The joint agenda, announced in January, includes bold steps to tackle ethics and campaign finance reform, fiscally responsible changes to Florida's local public sector pension plans, innovations in Florida's higher education system and a review of Florida election laws. To date, four of the five Work Plan Florida agenda items have passed the Florida Legislature and three have been signed in to law by the Governor.
559
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today released the following statement regarding Governor Scott’s signing of House Bill 569 regarding campaign finance.
558
Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today released the following statements regarding the education funding in the Legislature’s 2013 budget.
557
The Florida Legislature today approved historic Campaign Finance and Ethics Reform Legislation. The bills, House Bill 569 and Senate Bills 2 and 4, form key components of the joint “Work Plan Florida” agenda Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) announced in January.
556
The Florida House of Representatives today passed a $74.4 billion balanced budget that maximizes every dollar to fund the top priorities of Floridians without increasing the burden of state government on taxpayers.
554
The Florida House of Representatives today unanimously passed significant education reforms, SB 1076 (substituted for HB 7091), to improve Florida’s education system and ensure that our students are prepared to successfully compete in the global marketplace upon graduation. The bill also creates the first fully accredited state research university institute offering online baccalaureate degree programs in the nation.
553
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford today announced “Florida Health Choices Plus,” a policy approach to provide more Floridians with quality health care options.
552
The Financial Impact Estimating Conference (FIEC) will be holding workshops and a conference on the proposed constitutional amendment entitled “Water and Land Conservation - Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands.” All meetings indicated on the schedule below will begin at 10:00 a.m. in Room 117, Knott Building, 415 W. St. Augustine St., Tallahassee, Florida. They will continue until completion of the agenda.
555
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today released the following statement following the Senate’s passage of CS/HB 155 regarding the Prohibition of Electronic Gambling Devices.
550
Today the Florida House of Representatives presented its budget recommendations for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. State Representative Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement regarding the House’s proposed budget:
549
The Florida House of Representatives today passed priority campaign finance reform legislation, CS/CS/CS/HB 569 relating to the Florida Election Code.
547
The Florida House of Representatives today voted to ban Internet cafes in the state of Florida through the passage of CS/HB 155 regarding the prohibition of electronic gambling devices.
545
The Florida House of Representatives today passed priority pension reform legislation, CS/CS/HB 7011 relating to the Florida Retirement System.
546
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today released the following statement regarding the death of Representative Clay Ford (R-Gulf Breeze).
544
Attached please find the appropriations subcommittee allocations for the development of the House proposed FY 2013-14 General Appropriations Act. As you all know, our state is emerging from one of its most challenging economic downturns in recent history. For the first time in seven years, we are no longer facing a significant budget shortfall. This is not only attributable to improved economic conditions but also to your hard work by making responsible choices in tough times to balance our budget and provide a fiscally sustainable future. I remain committed to the disciplined fiscal principles that led us to where we are today but also recognize that state programs and services had been limited given the crisis we faced. Now there is an opportunity to appropriately provide additional funding for state priorities.
543
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today released the following statement regarding the Senate Select Committee on PPACA’s (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) vote against Medicaid expansion.
542
Today, on the opening day of the 2013 Legislative Session, the Florida House of Representatives passed priority election reform legislation, HB 7013 regarding the Florida Election Code.
541
Remarks as prepared by House Speaker Will Weatherford
540
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today released the following statement regarding the House Select Committee on PPACA’s (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) recommendations on Medicaid expansion.
539
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) today announced an innovative new way for Floridians to interact with the Florida House through a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The app will be available the first week of the 2013 Legislative Session.
538