As the House and Senate try to resolve the complicated --- and heavily lobbied --- issue, Gov. Ron DeSantis used his State of the State address this week to call for changes in the controversial insurance practice known as “assignment of benefits.”

Assignment of benefits, or AOB, is a major issue in the legislative session that started Tuesday. Insurers contend that abuses of the practice are leading to higher insurance premiums, a position that DeSantis echoed.

On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., with other Florida Republicans, brought back a proposal making Daylight Savings Time (DST) permanent across the country. 

Last March, Rubio unveiled the “Sunshine Protection Act” after the Florida Legislature passed a bill calling on Congress to make DST permanent across the Sunshine State. Rubio reintroduced the bill this week. 

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., has brought back a proposal to cut down on truck underride crashes. 

Rubio, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., and U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., brought back the “Stop Underrides Act” this week. 

The divisions and battles in politics are something most of us have come to expect. However, mostly what we are used to are those battles across the aisle involving party lines. It's a little different when you witness a conflict erupting between a politician and the heads of a government agency. 

But, when Ted Deutch is that politician, the surprise is diminished.

Following a roundtable discussion with Floridians and healthcare leaders to hear their personal stories of dealing with soaring prescription drug costs this week, Sen. Rick Scott spoke to the Federation of American Hospitals to share his commitment to finding common-sense solutions to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Florida families.

Read his remarks as prepared for delivery below:

Following is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address, as prepared, on the first day of the 2019 legislative session:

After trying last year, two members of the Florida delegation with a background in law enforcement--Republican U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and Democrat U.S. Rep. Val Demings--teamed up again to champion a proposal cracking down on criminals who attack law enforcement officers. 

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., is doubling down in his effort to change how the VA handles veterans impacted by Agent Orange. 

Following are House Speaker Jose Oliva’s remarks, as prepared, on the first day of the 2019 legislative session:

Thank you. I’d like to offer a warm welcome to all that are joining us today. Especially all of our friends and family. It is through their sacrifice and constant support that we can dedicate ourselves to this work, we thank you.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, named Hog Technologies, of Stuart as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week.

Florida's senior senator released the following video message to congratulate the up-and-coming business. A broadcast quality version can be found here.