Last Call — A prime-time read of what's going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking state legislators to embrace a $114.4 billion recommended budget in the coming year.
It includes boosts for teacher pay, Everglades restoration and a one-time cut in taxes and fees paid by residential homeowners on their insurance policies.
The overall budget would be smaller than the current year's budget, a feat accomplished by trimming back on new construction projects, not spending as much on one-time items, and forgoing an across-the-board pay increase for state workers. State workers, however, will not see an increase in health insurance premiums despite a projected deficit in the account that pays for their benefits.
While the spending plan's unveiling certainly garnered attention, it once again found itself fighting for the lead role on a news day that also brought a handful of new developments regarding the sexual assault allegations facing Republican Party of Florida Chair Christian Ziegler.
Notably, three more statewide elected Republicans are now calling for Ziegler's resignation: Attorney General Ashley Moody told Florida Politics she cannot see him staying on as party leader; Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said he cannot see a way Ziegler remains as party Chair, and suspects if he doesn't leave the post, that other party leaders will force the issue; and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said the seriousness of the allegations "make it impossible for him to effectively carry out the responsibilities of Chairman …"
DeSantis had already urged Ziegler to resign, as had U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. The lone holdout is Florida's senior U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
The issue may indeed be forced as Patronis predicts. Late Monday, RPOF Vice Chair Evan Power wrote members of the party Executive Board to request a special meeting to discuss the allegations and, ultimately, determine Ziegler's fate as party leader. If board members agree, the meeting will be held Dec. 17 in Orlando.
Evening Reads
—"Ron DeSantis wants the state to spend less next year; plus spend $1 million for FSU's bowl game snub" via Michael Moline of the Florida Phoenix
—"DeSantis debuts Florida budget for next year; touts themes from presidential campaign" via John Kennedy of the Tallahassee Democrat
—"In Florida's hot political climate, some faculty have had enough" via Stephanie Saul of the New York Times
—"Floodgates open on calls for Florida GOP chairman to resign amid rape investigation" via Max Greenwood of the Miami Herald
—"Moms for Liberty chapter splits from group after rape allegation" via Nikki McCann Ramirez of Rolling Stone
—"Billionaires had a surprisingly bad day in the Supreme Court today" via Ian Millhiser of Vox
—"Hard Rock sports betting app is now available to everyone in Florida" via Shira Moolten of the Orlando Sentinel
—"How to be antisemitic and get away with it" via Yair Rosenberg of The Atlantic
Quote of the Day
"Maybe I am old school; you can do whatever you want to as a couple, but I have a certain viewpoint about the conduct that is consensual and admitted to that I don't want that guy as my party Chair."
— House Speaker Paul Renner, on the Zieglers' adventures in throupledom.
Put It on the Tab
Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.
Every Floridian — yes, you too — would save a few bucks under Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposed budget. Maybe even enough to call it Tax Relief.
Now that nearly every statewide elected Republican is calling for Christian Ziegler's resignation, maybe he'll take the hint. Either way, the AG, CFO and Ag Commish are in line for a nice liquor cabinet from Santa for speaking out.
As for Ziegler, well, his career in party politics most closely resembles a Dumpster Fire.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis says exiting Chief of Staff Peter Penrod hates compliments, but he'd probably enjoy an Attaboy or two as he preps for his next venture. Grab one for Frank Collins, too, while you're at it.
Breakthrough Insights
Tune In
Gators look to snap two-game losing streak
It looks like the Florida Gators have a chance to be a very good basketball team this season. But they have to learn to win. In Florida's three losses this season (to Virginia, Baylor and Wake Forest), Florida had a chance to win each game.
Against Virginia, the Gators had two free throws to tie the game in the final minute only to miss one.
Facing Baylor, Florida was tied with just over 10 minutes to play but could never take the lead after that and lost by four.
Against Wake Forest, the Gators led by seven with just over 12 minutes to play only to be outscored 38-20 the rest of the way.
Todd Golden's team isn't likely to face a similar challenge tonight against Merrimack College (7 p.m. ET, SECN+) but the opportunity to improve shouldn't be taken lightly. After tonight's game, Florida faces Richmond, East Carolina and then Michigan over the course of the next 14 days. Sweep those games and the Gators will have the attention of the college basketball world.
The Gators will open the SEC schedule on Jan. 6 at home against Kentucky.
ALSO TONIGHT
6:30 p.m. — NCAAM: Florida Atlantic Owls @ Illinois Fighting Illini
7 p.m. — NCAAM: New College Mighty Banyans @ FGCU Eagles
7 p.m. — NCAAM: Edward Waters Tigers @ UNF Ospreys
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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
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