TheRepublic.com - Will Weatherford News

Stadium decision hurts Miami's Super Bowl chances

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:21:43 -0400

MIAMI - As Dan Marino campaigned for Miami to be chosen the site of the 50th Super Bowl, he made no pretense about being objective on the subject.

Fla. Gov. wins OK of priorities after fight

Sat, 04 May 2013 15:23:23 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida Gov. Rick Scott came into his third legislative session as governor with a very short list of things he wanted to accomplish.

Lawmakers protect bunnies, not the uninsured

Sat, 04 May 2013 14:34:37 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida lawmakers couldn't find a way to provide health care coverage for the state's 1.1 million uninsured residents, but they did pass a bill that would make it illegal to dye bunnies and chicks and another that would prevent people from using food stamps at strip bars.

Fla. lawmakers wrap up annual session

Fri, 03 May 2013 21:17:15 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Lawmakers ended their 60-day session Friday, waiting until the final hour to pass a $74.5 billion budget and then leaving town without passing a bill to extend health care coverage to 1.1 million Floridians.

Fla. Legislature passes $74.5 billion budget

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:38:46 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Flush with cash for the first time in seven years, Florida lawmakers ended their session Friday by passing a $74.5 billion budget that includes a big boost for schools.

Fla. Legislature approves small changes to insurer

Thu, 02 May 2013 19:21:41 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida lawmakers took modest steps Thursday to shrink the size of the state-created Citizens Property Insurance - but they rejected a plan to allow the insurer to dramatically raise its rates.

Scott signs ethics, campaign finance bills

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:29:13 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Gov. Rick Scott signed a wide-ranging ethics bill and a separate measure that will raise campaign contribution limits, waiting until the final hours Wednesday before taking action on the bills.

Gov. gets tax cut ok amid legal doubts about vote

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:46:37 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida lawmakers passed a tax break for the state's manufacturing sector, a top priority of Gov. Rick Scott this legislative session.

Scott mulls alimony, 2 other bills on deadline

Wed, 01 May 2013 18:56:48 -0400

TALLAHASSSEE, Florida - Florida Gov. Rick Scott was waiting until the final hours Wednesday evening before deciding whether to sign or veto three high-profile bills, including a controversial measure that changes the state's alimony laws.

Will House bite on potential Medicaid compromise

Wed, 01 May 2013 16:10:51 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Senate leaders are working on a compromise proposal that would expand health coverage to an estimated 1.1 million residents using more than $50 billion in federal funds, in hopes of ending a contentious debate with less than three days left in the Legislative session. But it seems unlikely House Republicans will bite.

Fla. Dems stall session to force health care vote

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:04:25 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The annual session of the Florida Legislature nearly came to halt on Tuesday amid acrimony and finger-pointing.

Sexual abuse survivor finishes 1,500-mile walk

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:03:39 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Child sexual abuse survivor and victim advocate Lauren Book finished a 1,500-mile walk through Florida on Tuesday, but she still has unfinished work in the Capitol.

Fla. governor signs sweeping education bill

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:09:56 -0400

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Monday signed into law a sweeping education bill that rolls back graduation standards adopted just three years ago.