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Measure to allow campaign funds for child care expenses glides through first committee hearing

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4 months ago

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floridaphoenix.com – Mitch Perry – 2025-02-18 09:50:00

Measure to allow campaign funds for child care expenses glides through first committee hearing

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
February 18, 2025

A proposal to let candidates spend campaign funds used for campaign-related childcare expenses if the expense derives from the candidates’ campaigns advanced unanimously on Tuesday in its first hearing before a legislative committee in Tallahassee.

Existing state law prohibits a candidate or spouse of a candidate from using campaign funds to defray living expenses for them or their family other than for transportation, meals, and lodging for the candidate or family member during a campaign.

A 2018 advisory opinion from the Federal Election Commission declared that campaign funds may be used to pay for a candidate’s childcare expenses incurred directly from campaign activity. Since then, 13 states have enacted their own laws allowing candidates running in state and local contests to use financial contributions for campaign-related child-care expenses.

“The campaign’s funds cannot be used for general family living. They have to be directly tied to a campaign-related event, and they can’t cover just routine childcare,” said South Florida Democratic state Sen. Lori Berman in describing the legislation (SB 72) before the Senate Ethics & Elections Committee.

“I think that this is a great bill because we’re going to encourage more working families, more working parents, to be able to run for office,” she added. “And they certainly bring a different perspective because they are part of the workforce.”

Only about 8% of state legislators around the country are mothers with children under 18, according to a recently released report by the Vote Mama Foundation. That means that they’re represented in state legislatures at less than half the rate they appear in the general population.

A companion to the bill in the House (HB 61) is being sponsored by Sarasota Republican Fiona McFarland & Palm Beach Democrat Kelly Skidmore.

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City of St. Augustine files eminent domain lawsuit against property owners amid flood mitigation project dispute

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5 hours ago

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July 2, 2025

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www.news4jax.com – Yvette Sanchez – 2025-07-02 10:34:00

SUMMARY: The City of St. Augustine has filed an eminent domain lawsuit against owners of two properties near Lincolnville to acquire land for the Lake Maria Sanchez Flood Mitigation and Drainage Improvements Project. Funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the project aims to reduce flooding in about 200 acres of the city’s historic downtown. Planned upgrades include enhancing stormwater systems on Granada, Cordova, and Bridge Streets, building a new pump station and flood wall near the properties, and installing one-way tide check valves. The case is currently in St. Johns County court.

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Hundreds will enter ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ tonight: Florida AG

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9 hours ago

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July 2, 2025

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www.abcactionnews.com – Forrest Saunders – 2025-07-02 15:54:00

SUMMARY: Florida’s new migrant detention facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” opened in the Everglades with capacity for 3,000 detainees, beginning to receive hundreds tonight. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized swift processing and due process. The facility drew support from Republicans but strong opposition from Democrats and environmentalists concerned about the Everglades’ impact and human rights. Critics urge Governor DeSantis to halt construction and conduct environmental reviews. Meanwhile, a second facility at Camp Blanding, housing 2,000 detainees, is planned soon. Despite protests, state and federal leaders remain committed, with Florida funding \$450 million and expecting federal reimbursement.

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Maddie Soto case: Stephan Sterns’ pre-trial for sex crimes taking place today

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17 hours ago

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July 2, 2025

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www.youtube.com – FOX 35 Orlando – 2025-07-02 07:19:24

SUMMARY: A pretrial hearing is being held today for Stephan Stearns, accused of sexually abusing and killing 13-year-old Maddie Soto. The current case focuses on sexual assault charges, with Stearns facing six counts including sexual battery, molestation, and possession of child pornography. The trial has faced multiple delays; it was postponed from May to July as attorneys requested more preparation time. A key issue is whether evidence from Stearns’ cell phone, obtained without a warrant, will be admissible. The defense argues consent was limited, while prosecutors say urgent evidence destruction justified their actions. A judge’s ruling on the evidence is pending.

Today, there will be a pre-trial hearing in the Stephan Sterns case. Sterns is accused of killing and sexually abusing 13-year-old Maddie Soto. FOX 35’s Amanda McKenzie shares updates on the case.

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