AIF Weekly Legislative Update from February 3, 2012
Traditionally, the 4th week of any legislative session has often been considered a “fork in the road” as it relates to the weeks ahead. 2012 has proven to be no different. Some of the top priorities that AIF has pushed for in the 2012 Legislative Session were brought forth for consideration as most subcommittees prepare to conclude their work for this year. Here’s a recap of the week in review...read more...
Florida’s Top Business Groups Commend Lawmakers for Major E-Fairness Vote in Florida Senate
Stand With Mainstreet, February 3, 2012
Top business leaders today thanked lawmakers for advancing E-Fairness legislation through two key Senate Committees. Chaired by Senator Jim Norman (R-Tampa), the Florida Senate Finance and Tax Committee introduced S.B. 2098. The bill, which was championed by Senator Evelyn Lynn (R-Daytona Beach)...read more...
AIF Daily Legislative Brief from February 2, 2012
With the House focused on redistricting and the Special Order Calendar today, the Senate directed its attention to arguably two of the year’s most controversial reforms – an overhaul of Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system and the modification of the sales tax schedule for online retailers...read more...
House Committee Scheduled to Consider “Destination Resorts” Act
February 2, 2012
On Friday, February 3rd the House Business and Consumer Affairs Committee is scheduled to take up HB 487 – legislation that will introduce world-class Destination Resorts to South Florida’s wealth of existing culture & attractions. AIF has continued to support Destination Resorts as an effective method to create high-wage jobs, promote economic expansion and help existing industries in Florida. In fact, the “Destination Resorts” Act has been greeted with support by several members of Florida’s business community, including the Associated Builders and Contractors, Florida Carpenters Regional Council, Florida Concrete & Products Association, Florida United Businesses Association and Latin Builders Association...read more...
AIF Daily Legislative Brief from February 1, 2012
As the Legislature remains on course to shore up over $1 billion in budget shortfalls, Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne) announced changes to this year’s committee assignments with just four weeks...read more...
2012 Senate Committee Changes
February 1, 2012
Today, Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne) enacted changes to certain committee assignments for the 2012 Legislative Session. Use the link below to view President Haridopolos’ full statement.
President Haridopolos’ Memorandum: Change of Committee Assignments
Tom Feeney, AIF: Defeat of 'Bad Faith' Reforms Disappointing
Sunshine State News, January 31, 2012
“Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is extremely disappointed that the House Civil Justice Subcommittee took a vote last week that effectively stopped any further legislative consideration this session for reforms to the insurer bad faith laws. The current system allows third parties to pierce the insurance contracts of individuals...read more...
AIF Daily Legislative Brief from January 31, 2012
Despite the hustle and bustle coinciding with Florida’s Presidential Preference Primary on Tuesday, state legislators remained focus on the issues facing Floridians. Often times AIF will focus on the passage of legislation conducive the growth of Florida’s economy and workforce; however, there are occasions in which the business community...read more...
Call to Action - AIF Calls Upon Floridians to Support Affordable Housing Trust Fund
January 31, 2012
The Florida House Subcommittee that commands housing appropriations has already finished its budget and has not included any appropriation of housing trust fund monies for FY 2012-2013...read more...
AIF Daily Legislative Brief from January 30, 2012
Week 4 begins at anything but a slow pace this legislative session. AIF was pleased to stand among business leaders and Floridians today to demonstrate support for some of the business community’s top issues...read more...
Call to Action - It’s Time for E-Fairness
January 30, 2012
Associated Industries of Florida, along with fellow members of the Florida Alliance for Main Street Fairness, launched a new web-video on Monday calling for the support and passage of E-Fairness legislation. AIF is calling upon small business owners to contact their state representatives and voice their support for HB 861 – a proposal that represents...read more...
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Strengthen—Don’t Consolidate—Local Toll Agencies
January 30, 2012
TALLAHASSEE – Rather than consolidating local toll agencies in Florida’s large urban areas with the Florida Turnpike, those agencies should be made independent of the Florida Department of Transportation so...read more...
AIF on the Recent Defeat of Pro-Business “Bad Faith” Reforms
January 30, 2012
“Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is extremely disappointed that the House Civil Justice Subcommittee took a vote last week that effectively stopped any further legislative consideration this session for reforms to the insurer bad faith laws. The current system allows third parties to pierce the insurance contracts of individuals and businesses and force companies to settle claims expensively and without due investigation simply for the sake of avoiding...read more...
AIFTV Episode 3
January 30, 2012
In Week 3 of the 2012 Session, lawmakers are moving quickly in effort to advance their top priorities to the finish line. With Subcommittees scheduled to finish their business in Week 4, time is of the essence. Nonetheless, AIF continues to advocate diligently and was rewarded with many of its top priorities seeing progress. Some of the topics covered in episode 3 include...read more...
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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...
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...
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...
