The second week of the legislative session in Tallahassee offered something of a contrast to a relatively calm first week as a lower state revenue estimate caused some concerns and campus carry once again looks dead in the Senate.
Rick Scott’s two main priorities -- a $1 billion tax cut package and an additional $250 million for Enterprise Florida to lure businesses to the Sunshine State -- could be impacted by estimates showing $388.5 million less than expected flowing into Tallahassee. Both the House and the Senate have the appetite for tax cuts but Scott might not get all that he wants. In the meantime, both the left and right are increasingly grumbling about the money penciled in for Enterprise Florida, dismissing it as “corporate welfare.” Scott again might not get all that he’s asking for in this front, especially as legislators look ahead to the primaries.
The Senate Judiciary Committee effectively killed campus carry with Miguel Diaz de la Portilla ensuring it won’t see the light of day. With Democrats expected to make gains in the Senate after the latest round of redistricting, the road won’t get any easier for campus carry. Speaking of redistricting, the Senate announced this week that it won’t challenge the latest state Supreme Court ruling.
In the meantime, the buzz is growing louder on Adams Street that there won’t be much done this session with plenty of bills -- like campus carry -- simply withering on the vine in committees. Some in the know expect fewer bills passed this session than last year.
People from across Florida continue to come to Tallahassee to make their voices heard. On Tuesday an estimated 10,000 parents and activists across the state rallied in support of school choice, while members of political and business groups walked the legislative halls.
Much of the second week of session was spent positioning for the days ahead. Announcing the state unemployment numbers in Southwest Florida on Friday, Scott turned his attention to his tax cut proposal and the increased funds for Enterprise Florida. Reports emerged that the House and Chamber would unveil their initial budgets in the days to come. With campaign finance numbers coming in from the last quarter of 2015, increasingly eyes are turning to November, especially in light of all 40 Senate seats up for grabs after redistricting.
The start of session -- and the pleasantries that go with it -- are over, even as Scott signed three bills into law passed during the session's first days. Now comes the shadow boxing, maneuvering and dancing over the budget.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
