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The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – September 14, 2015

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015…..Florida lawmakers will return to the Capitol next week for the first round of committee meetings leading up the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January. The most-controversial issue during the week likely will be proposals that would allow people with concealed-weapons permits to carry guns on college and university campuses. Senate and House panels will take up the issue during back-to-back meetings Wednesday.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

VETERANS ISSUES DISCUSSED: The Veterans Florida Board of Directors will meet. Lawmakers last year created the program to help encourage veterans and military families to move to the state and to promote veterans' hiring and education. (Monday, 9 a.m., Residence Inn, 600 West Gaines St., Tallahassee.)

GRIMSLEY STAFF ON THE ROAD: Staff members for state Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, will hold "mobile office hours" in Okeechobee, Martin and St. Lucie counties. (Monday, 10 a.m., Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce, 55 South Parrott Ave., Okeechobee. Also, noon, Indiantown Chamber of Commerce, 15545-B S.W. Warfield Blvd., Indiantown. Also, 2 p.m., Treasure Coast Research Park, UF/IRREC Building, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce.)

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ISSUES DISCUSSED: Tallahassee clemency and parole lawyer Reggie Garcia will speak to students and faculty at St. Petersburg College about criminal-justice, transition and re-entry issues. (Monday, 11 a.m. St. Petersburg College, Downtown Campus, 244 Second Ave. North, St. Petersburg.)

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS RECRUITS WORKERS: The Florida Department of Corrections will take part an employee-recruitment event in Taylor County hosted by CareerSource North Florida. (Monday, 3 p.m., Taylor Technical Institute, 3233 South Byron Butler Parkway, Perry.)

ROS-LEHTINEN, LOPEZ-CANTERA SPEAK TO GOP WOMEN: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.., and Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera are scheduled to speak to the Women's Republican Club of Miami Federated. Lopez-Cantera is running for the U.S. Senate in 2016. (Monday, 6 p.m., Crave Restaurant, 4250 Salzedo St., #1425, Coral Gables.)

CLAWSON HOLDS DISTRICT MEETING: U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, R-Fla., will hold one in a series of district meetings. (Monday, 7 p.m., Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library, 4820 Leonard St., Cape Coral.)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

Legislature:

BUDGET SURPLUS OUTLINED: The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, which is made up of House and Senate members, will take up a series of issues, including a long-range financial outlook. The report, presented by economist Amy Baker, shows a projected budget surplus of more than $600 million for the upcoming 2016-17 fiscal year. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

LATVALA SPEAKS TO REPUBLICAN CLUB: Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, is expected to speak to the Sunrise Leadership Republican Club in Pinellas County. (Tuesday, 7:30 a.m., Perkins Restaurant, 2626 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater.)

RUBIO STAFF HOLDS OFFICE HOURS: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's staff will hold "mobile office hours" in Miami-Dade, Osceola and Seminole counties. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 N.W. First St., Miami. Also, 10 a.m., Robert Guevara Community Center, 501 Florida Parkway, Kissimmee. Also, 2 p.m., Jean Rhein Central Branch Library, 215 North Oxford Road, Casselberry.)

REGULATORS LOOK AT LONG-RANGE UTILITY PLANS: The Florida Public Service Commission will hold its regular meeting to consider a series of issues related to water, telecommunications and power companies. Later in the day, it will hold a workshop to discuss 10-year plans for electric utilities, addressing issues such as power-plant upgrades and changes. (Tuesday, regular meeting at 9:30 a.m., workshop at 1:30 p.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

CLAWSON HOLDS DISTRICT MEETINGS: U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, R-Fla., is scheduled to hold two district meetings. (Tuesday, noon, East County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres. Also, 5:30 p.m., Bonita Springs Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs.)

GRIMSLEY STAFF ON THE ROAD: Staff members for state Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, will hold "mobile office hours" in Osceola County. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., St. Cloud City Hall, 1300 Ninth St., Building A, St. Cloud.)

WATER BOARD CONSIDERS BUDGET: The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board will hold a public hearing on a tentative budget and a tentative millage rate for the 2015-16 year. (Tuesday, 5:01 p.m., Tampa Service Office, 7601 U.S. 301 North, Tampa.)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Legislature:

SENATE, HOUSE PANELS CONSIDER GUNS ON CAMPUS: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee and the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee will consider controversial bills (SB 68 and HB 4001) that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on college and university campuses. The bills are sponsored by Senate Criminal Justice Chairman Greg Evers, R-Baker, and Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota. (Wednesday, Senate committee at 9 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol. House subcommittee at 10:30 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES AT ISSUE: The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee will hear a presentation from Bill Johnson, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, about economic-incentive programs. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE MEMBERS LOOK AT BUDGET REQUESTS: The House Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee and the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will consider budget requests from state agencies. (Wednesday, Education Appropriations, 10:30 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol. Also, Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations, 10:30 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol. Also, Justice Appropriations, 4 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, Capitol.)

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS DISCUSSED: The House Health Quality Subcommittee will receive a presentation from the Department of Health about prescription-drug related issues. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

CORCORAN DESIGNATED TO BE SPEAKER: The House Republican Conference will hold a ceremony to designate Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes, as the next House speaker. Corcoran will succeed Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, after the 2016 elections. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

CITIZENS 'DEPOPULATION' AT ISSUE: The House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee will discuss efforts to move policies out of the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and into the private insurance market --- a concept known as "depopulation." (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATORS LOOK AT EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT: The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee will hear a presentation from Wansley Walters, chairwoman of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, and Mimi Graham, director of the FSU Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy, about early childhood development. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENSIONS EXAMINED: The Senate Transportation Committee will hear presentations from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Florida Clerk of Courts Association and the Florida Public Defender Association about driver-license suspensions. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Veteran & Military Affairs Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Health Policy Committee (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health Innovation Subcommittee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Higher Education &Workforce Subcommittee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)


Also:

PAROLE CASES HEARD: The Florida Commission on Offender Review will consider numerous parole cases involving crimes committed in the 1970s and 1980s. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 4070 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

RUBIO STAFF HOLDS OFFICE HOURS: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's staff will hold "mobile office hours" in Levy, St. Johns, Collier and Lee counties. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Haven Hospice Community Building, 311 N.E. Ninth St., Chiefland. Also, 10 a.m., The River House, 179 Marine St., St. Augustine. Also, 11 a.m., Florida SouthWestern State College, Building M, 7505 Grand Lely Dr., Naples. Also, 2 p.m., Florida SouthWestern State College, Building U, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers.)

USF TRUSTEES MEET: The University of South Florida Board of Trustees will meet. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., University of South Florida, Marshall Student Center, Tampa.)

GRIMSLEY STAFF ON THE ROAD: Staff members for state Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, will hold "mobile office hours" in Polk County. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Mulberry Library, 905 N.E. Fifth St., Mulberry. Also, 1 p.m., Fort Meade Community Center, 10 S.W. Third St., Fort Meade. Also, 3 p.m., Latt Maxcy Memorial Library, 15 North Magnolia Ave., Frostproof.)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

Legislature:

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS DISCUSSED: The House Judiciary Committee will receive a presentation from the Department of Corrections, which has faced a series of controversies during the past year that have included allegations of inmate abuse and cover-ups. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE PANEL GETS BRIEFED ON FINANCIAL OUTLOOK: The Senate Appropriations Committee will receive a presentation from economist Amy Baker about a long-range financial outlook that shows the state with more than a $600 million surplus for the upcoming 2016-17 fiscal year. (Thursday, 11 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE MEMBERS LOOK AT BUDGET REQUESTS: The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, the House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee and the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee will consider budget requests from state agencies. (Thursday, Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations, 12:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol. Also, Government Operations Appropriations, 3 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol. Also, Health Care Appropriations, 3 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

HUMAN TRAFFICKING TARGETED: The House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee will receive updates from Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Christy Daly and the Department of Children and Families about efforts to curb human trafficking in Florida. (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY AT ISSUE: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee will get an update about how education-accountability measures are being carried out. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House K-12 Subcommittee (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee (Thursday, 3 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Business & Professions Subcommittee (Thursday, 3 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee (Thursday, 3 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Transportation & Ports Subcommittee (Thursday, 3 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

DEFENSE ISSUES DISCUSSED: The Florida Defense Support Task Force, which works to protect Florida's military installations and missions, will meet. (Thursday, 9 a.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 116 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine.)

RUBIO STAFF HOLDS OFFICE HOURS: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's staff will hold "mobile office hours" in Sumter, Duval, Broward and Lake counties. (Thursday, 10 a.m., The Savannah Center, 1545 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages. Also, 1 p.m., Five Star Veterans Center, 40 Acme St., Jacksonville. Also, 3 p.m., Eglise Du Nazareen, 5901 Taylor St., Hollywood. Also, 3 p.m., office of state Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, 2775 South Bay St., Unit D, Eustis.)

SUPREME COURT TO RELEASE OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)

BRANDES TAKES SPIN IN A TESLA: Senate Transportation Chairman Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, will test drive a Tesla during a press availability that is part of Drive Electric Florida Day at the Capitol. (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., the Capitol.)

CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE AT ISSUE: The health-care advocacy group Florida CHAIN will start a two-day conference, with the topics including the state of children's health coverage in Florida. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Dr., Orlando.)

GREENWAYS AND TRAILS DISCUSSED: The state Office of Greenways and Trails will continue a series of meetings across the state to seek public input about "opportunity maps" for the state's network of trails. (Thursday, 4 p.m., Winter Garden City Hall, 300 West Plant St., Winter Garden.)

ABLE TRUST CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY: The Able Trust, which helps people with disabilities enter the workforce, will hold an event to mark its 25th anniversary. The event, which is by invitation, will include a keynote address by Florida Chamber of Commerce President Mark Wilson. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando.)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Legislature:

HOUSE MEMBERS HEAR FROM EDUCATION CHIEF: The House Education Committee will receive an update from Florida Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. (Friday, 8 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

STATE COLLEGE PRESIDENTS MEET: The Florida College System Council of Presidents will meet and discuss issues such as the 2016 legislative session. (Friday, committee meeting starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by council meeting, Tallahassee Community College Capitol Center, 300 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

BOARD DISCUSSES HOUSING ISSUES: The Florida Housing Finance Corporation's Board of Directors will meet in South Florida. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables.)

AHCA, OIR OFFICIALS SPEAK AT HEALTH CONFERENCE: Justin Senior, a deputy secretary with the state Agency for Health Care Administration, and Rich Robleto, a deputy secretary with the Office of Insurance Regulation, are expected to be among the speakers during a conference held by the health-care advocacy group Florida CHAIN. (Friday, 9 a.m., Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Dr., Orlando.)

UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS RELEASED: The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will release August unemployment figures. (Friday, 10 a.m.)

RUBIO STAFF HOLDS OFFICE HOURS: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's staff will hold "mobile office hours" in Citrus and Hernando counties. (Friday, 10 a.m., Central Ridge Library, 425 West Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly Hills. Also, 2 p.m., Hernando County Public Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville.)

HEARING TO BE HELD ON LAWYER 'RECIPROCITY:' The Florida Bar will hold a hearing on a controversial proposal that would allow out-of-state lawyers to practice in Florida without taking the state Bar exam --- a concept known as "reciprocity." (Friday, 1 p.m., Tampa Airport Marriott, 4200 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa.)

ACCESS TO COURTS AT ISSUE: The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice, which was created by Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga, will meet as it continues to look for ways to help low-income people have greater access to the court system. (Friday, 1:15 p.m., Tampa Airport Marriott, 4200 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa.)

LOPEZ-CANTERA SPEAKS TO NASSAU GOP: Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2016, is scheduled to speak at the Nassau County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner. (Friday, 7 p.m., Omni Amelia Island Plantation Conference Center, 39 Beach Lagoon Road, Amelia Island.)

SENATE CANDIDATES AT DEMOCRATIC WOMEN'S EVENT: The Democratic Women's Club of Florida will begin a weekend convention, with the expected speakers Friday including U.S. Senate candidates Alan Grayson and Pam Keith.(Friday, Hilton Cocoa Beach, 1550 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach.)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015

JAMES SPEAKS TO VENICE DEMOCRATS: Edward James, a Democratic candidate in Sarasota County's House District 72, is scheduled to speak to the Venice Area Democratic Club. (Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 620 Shamrock Blvd., Venice.)

FRANKEL, BULLARD AT DEMOCRATIC WOMEN'S EVENT: U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., and state Sen. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, are among the expected speakers during a weekend convention of the Democratic Women's Club of Florida. (Saturday, Hilton Cocoa Beach, 1550 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach.)