AIF Weekly Legislative Update from January 27, 2012
To no surprise, AIF continues to generate significant buzz within the halls of the Florida Capitol. Such efforts continue to advance the business community’s top priorities in what is otherwise considered to be a fickle year in Florida policymaking. Looking at Week 3 in review, here’s a snapshot of this week’s highlights...read more...
AIF Daily Legislative Brief from January 26, 2012
In Week 3 of the 2012 Legislative Session, a number of high priority bills are continuing to see action in both the House and Senate. Specifically, AIF-supported legislation in the areas of taxation and environmental sustainability were passed by their respective committees today. Perhaps most importantly, AIF experienced a significant victory...read more...
AIF Daily Legislative Brief from January 25, 2012
Regardless of industry or practice, most Florida employers must pay premiums on automobile insurance to operate their business. Today, the business community stood in support of meaningful reform that will lower such costs and reduce fraud associated with the current system...read more of today's Daily Brief...
AIF Stands Up in Support of Accident Fraud Reform
January 25
On Wednesday, January 25, AIF joined with Governor Rick Scott, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and members of the business community to demonstrate the need for reform to Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system.
Speaking to a crowd of over 200 concerned citizens, AIF President & CEO Tom Feeney condemned the practice of automobile accident fraud and called on policy makers to pass effective legislation to combat this epidemic. ”Florida is the No. 1 state in the nation for fraudulent auto insurance claims and home to four of the 10 worst cities for auto...read more...
AIF Stands in Support of Hiring Military Veterans
January 25
On Tuesday, January 24th AIF stood with Governor Rick Scott, Workforce Florida, military leaders and members of the business community to celebrate Florida National Guard Day at the Capitol...read more...
AIF Daily Legislative Brief from January 24, 2012
Picking up momentum this week, many of the business community’s top priorities – from across the spectrum – saw progress in the Legislature on Tuesday...read more...
Parents, State and Business Leaders Endorse More Parental Involvement in Schools
Foundation for Florida's Future, January 24
Tallahassee, FL – Today, House and Senate Leaders; the Parent Revolution, which represents thousands of parents across the country; and representatives from the Foundation for Florida’s Future; The Florida Chamber of Commerce; Associated Industries of Florida; Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options; and Students First joined together to support empowering Florida parents with more information and tools to be actively involved...read more...
Put the Brakes on Accident Fraud Coalition Rally
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) premiums continue to be an unnecessarily high cost for Florida’s employers. This inequity is caused by increased litigation, few cost controls for medical services, and few effective measures to reduce rampant fraud and abuse. As a top priority for AIF and the business community this year, we strongly encourage you to make your voice heard....read more...
AIF Daily Legislative Brief from January 23, 2012
With Presidential candidates gearing up for the Florida Presidential Preference Primary, all eyes appear to be focused on the upcoming elections as Republican nominees prepare to contend in the battleground state. Nonetheless, AIF continues to focus its advocacy on the premier issues facing Florida employers...read more...
AIFTV Episode 2
January 23, 2012
This week AIFTV is pleased to reintroduce a unique component of its regular session coverage. In episode 2, AIF’s lobby team hosted a one-on-one interview with Representative Matt Hudson (R-Naples) concerning workers’ compensation legislation that is a top priority for the business community. HB 511 will save Florida approximately $62 million dollars a year by leveling the playing field as it relates to dispensing repacked drugs...read more...
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South Florida Tea Party announces support for GOP casino bill
January 20, 2012
Everett Wilkinson, chairman of the South Florida Tea Party and state coordinator for the Florida Tea Party, this week announced his support for the casino bill that would allow three Las Vegas-style casino resorts in...read more...
Destination Resorts Will Jumpstart Florida's Economy
Florida Voices, January 19, 2012
Florida needs jobs. Plain and simple. It’s been nearly two years since Florida’s average unemployment rate has dipped below double digits. We’re facing another $1.5 billion revenue shortfall that will once again force us to make cuts to our education, public safety and health care budgets...read more...
Legislation to Close Loophole in Workers’ Compensation System Passes First Committee in Senate
January 19
Tallahassee, Fla. – Senate Bill 668, sponsored by Senator Alan Hays (R-Umatilla), today passed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, its first committee of reference. SB 668 focuses on correcting a loophole in the workers’ compensation system that allows physicians to dispense repackaged drugs and charge employers exorbitant prices that greatly exceed the statutory reimbursement for the same pharmaceuticals dispensed by pharmacies...read more...
Poll Calls for Smart Justice Reforms
January 19
As Floridians face the harsh realities of a $2 billion budget shortfall, policymakers are tasked with looking at further ways to cut wasteful spending. “As with all government services, criminal and juvenile justice spending must answer directly to the taxpayers. Public accountability in justice demands getting the best results at the lowest possible price tag—both in terms of cost and public safety impact...read more...
NEW VIDEO ILLUSTRATES HURRICANE TAX RISK FLORIDIANS FACE
BASED ON CURRENT CAT FUND STRUCTURE
January 18, 2012
Tallahassee, Fla. – A video supported by Associated Industries of Florida as well as consumer, business and insurer associations was released today in an effort to educate and inform the public about how “hurricane taxes” associated with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (Cat Fund) will affect all Floridians following the next major storm or series of storms to hit the state. Illustrating how and why the Cat Fund was created...read more...
Message from the CEO: Business is key to Florida's job growth
January 13
For the first time in years, moving vans are bringing families into our state at a greater rate than they are moving people out. Florida's unemployment rate continues to creep downward, as more private-sector jobs are created. Both signal that Florida's economy may be turning the proverbial corner and demonstrate that the policies put into place by Gov. Rick Scott, the Cabinet and legislative leaders are slowly, but surely, producing positive results...read more...
Statement By: Associated Industries of Florida
January 9
Today, Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, House Speaker Dean Cannon and
U.S. Representative Steve Southerland spoke to the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Board of Directors at their annual board meeting in Tallahassee and discussed the issues facing Florida’s business community this upcoming legislative session. Their messages confirmed that our elected officials share the goals of the state’s business leaders to remove barriers to competition and economic growth so Florida will continue its evolution into an international trade leader...read more...
