FL Dems Statement: RICK SCOTT’S STUNNING ABOUT-FACE ON MEDICAID

Gov. Rick Scott Embraces Medicaid Expansion In Florida [Politico] “Democrats and advocates of the health law were jubilant — but annoyed that it took so long.

‘Three years of staunch opposition and tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars later, embattled Gov. Rick Scott today flip-flopped on the central issue which has defined his political career,’ said Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant.”

Tea Party Not Happy About Gov. Rick Scott’s Medicaid Expansion Announcement [Tampa Bay Times] 

TWEET OF THE DAY: “Henry Kelley of the Florida Tea Party Network (@henrykelley): Will Medicaid Expansion cover me for the knife @FLGovScott just buried in my back?”

Ouch! Americans For Prosperity Not Fans of Scott’s Medicaid ‘Flip-flop’ [Tampa Bay Times] “‘He was elected because of his principled conservative leadership against ObamaCare’s overreach, and led the charge, with Attorney General Pam Bondi, to take ObamaCare to the Supreme Court. But today he came out in support of the Medicaid expansion he vowed to oppose.’” 

Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s Obamacare Medicaid Mea Culpa [Forbes]

Editorial: Legislature Should Follow Governor and Expand Florida’s Medicaid Program [Palm Beach Post] 

Ex-Obamacare Foe Gov. Rick Scott Waves White flag On Medicaid Expansion [Washington Examiner]

Must Read: On issues, public is more aligned with Obama than GOP [USA Today]

 *DON’T MISS TODAY’S CALL ON THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SEQUESTRATION FOR FLORIDA’S MILITARY FAMILIES*RSVP to [email protected]

Military Cuts Would Force Thousands of Furloughs In State [Pensacola News Journal] “Thousands of civilians who work at military installations across Florida will face temporary pay cuts of up to 20 percent unless Congress acts to stop automatic budget cuts set to take effect March 1, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. That includes 12,145 Air Force employees and 3,299 Army employees. Florida is home to some 12,000 civilian Navy employees and most could be subject to the furloughs as well, according to the Navy.”

REP. DARRYL ROUSON ELECTED INCOMING HOUSE DEM LEADER

Darryl Rouson Victor In Tight Florida House Dems Leadership Battle [Palm Beach Post] “Florida House Democrats selected Rep. Darryl Rouson, a St. Petersburg lawyer, as their next leader with a 23-21 victory over Mia Jones of Jacksonville. The 44-member caucus handed the 2014-2016 leadership post to Rouson after a first vote ended in a 22-22 tie. ‘The best interest of this caucus is at stake. And the honor and integrity of this caucus today was at stake. The world was watching,’ a tearful Rouson told the caucus.”

RUBIO POLL NUMBERS UNDERWATER

Post Water-swigging Pew Poll: Marco Rubio Upside Down [Miami Herald] “From a Pew Research poll that also surveyed opinions about Chuck Hagel (nominated to be defense secretary) and Secretary of State John Kerry: The survey also finds that the public expresses mixed views of Marco Rubio, following his response to Obama’s State of the Union address. Overall, 26% view Rubio favorably, 29% unfavorably, and 46% cannot offer a rating. Rubio has a strong image among Republicans and receives particularly high ratings among those who agree with the Tea Party.“

Public’s View of Marco Rubio Mixed, Poll Shows [ABC] “The public’s view of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is mixed, according to a new poll conducted in the days after the Florida senator delivered the Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union address.”

JOE GIBBONS FIGHTS FOR FLORIDA’S FAMILIES

Budget Should Give Every Floridian a Fair Opportunity [Florida Voices Op-Ed by Dem Rep Joe Gibbons] “I believe Florida’s budget for 2013-2014 should be guided by one simple premise: that every Floridian deserves a fair opportunity to achieve the American dream…In the House Democratic Caucus, our priorities are clear: putting children, families and education first; investing in jobs and innovation for Floridians; protecting our environment; and promoting public safety and health, as well our state’s great diversity and workforce.”