With only eight days left to go in the 2015 regular legislative session, it seems like politics in Tallahassee have come to a screeching halt. The players are in their respective positions to make power moves on a variety of issues this year (with the biggest being passing a balanced budget) but its now likely state lawmakers will be duking it out into a special session this year.
Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli will of course be key figures in the coming days, but heres who else to keep an eye on as the 2015 regular session putters out:
Richard Corcoran
House budget chair and speaker-designate Richard Corcoran, R-Land OLakes, has wielded his strong arm in the states budget showdown -- he boldly declared earlier this month the House wouldnt be accepting the Senates $2 billion plan to expand Medicaid, setting the stage for a political showdown which will likely lead the Legislature into a special session.
For Corcoran, almost as much of his power comes not from what he can complete during this years legislative session, but what power he will have over state lawmakers during the next election cycle. Hell be in charge of Republican House funds in 2016 and can call the shots on how much -- or how little -- money House members receive for their campaigns. Lawmakers thinking ahead who are hoping to get a good chunk of cash will have to play their cards right with Corcoran.
Fierce and calculated, it becomes more and more evident every day this years session progresses that his behind-the-scenes influence makes Corcoran not your average future speaker.
Bill Galvano
The Bradenton Republican and Senate majority leader is a key figure in the state Legislature. Galvano is involved a lot of behind-the-scenes work and is close to Senate budget chair Tom Lee. As majority leader, Galvano will have a great deal of sway within the Senate. Hes already made it clear the Senate wont be backing down from its push to expand Medicaid.
Rene Garcia
Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, has also stepped into the crossfire of Floridas Medicaid expansion battle. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Garcia has warned about the potential fallout that could occur if the state doesnt expand Medicaid.
If the Low Income Pool funding goes away, Garcia has said large health-care providers around the state, like Jackson Health Systems, could lose up to $200 million a year.
Blaise Ingoglia
Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, might be a newcomer to the Florida House, but hes no stranger to political drama in the Sunshine State. Ingoglia has a special role in state politics since he also holds the title of chair of the Republican Party of Florida.
That title gives Ingoglia power, but it wasnt one that came to him without some maneuvering. Ingoglias election to the top position in the state party in January came with a surprising overthrow of former chair Leslie Dougher, who was hand-selected by Gov. Rick Scott to continue leading the party.
Now, Ingoglias been allegedly wrapped up in House infighting for the title of House speaker in 2020-2022, edging out supporters of Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, R-Orlando. The Spring Hill Republican has denied rumors hes staged a coup against Eisnaugle, but his past experiences with Rick Scott and Leslie Dougher have made it crystal clear Ingoglia is not meant to be taken lightly.
Jack Latvala
Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, knows the ins and outs of how to leverage bills. Sitting on six committees, Latvala has working knowledge of a lot of bills making their way through the state Legislature. A strong ally for causes he supports, Latvala can be equally as devastating for causes he does not support. Time and time again, Latvala has proven hes not afraid to kill legislation if he doesnt like it, hammering bill sponsors so much they can be forced to temporarily postpone and subsequently kill their own bills.
Tom Lee
Former Senate president Tom Lee, R-Brandon, has one of the most powerful positions among state legislators as the Senates budget chief. Lee is in the middle of the biggest struggle taking place during this years legislative session. Despite a $1 billion surplus, Lee will have to wrestle with Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida House who oppose expanding Medicaid in the Sunshine State.
Lee has been a force to be reckoned with this session, and with a $4 billion difference between the House and Senates proposed spending plans, the Brandon senator will have all eyes on him as the session moves forward.
Bill Montford
Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, has become a quick favorite among education groups statewide. Also serving as chief executive officer of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, Montford wields significant power and prowess when it comes to education issues and has been highly critical of the states standardized assessment roll-out, which has been littered with technical malfunctions.
Considered a moderate senator by many, Montford is well-respected among Republicans which can prove beneficial in passing legislation.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
