Welcome to AIF’s first edition of our new “Monthly Message”
Advocating on behalf of Florida’s business community is a full-time job and there seems to be an endless number of critical issues faced by our members. Issues affecting your bottom line do not wait for the legislature to be in session so the business community needs vigilant representation here in the state capitol.
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AIF Vice President -
Governmental Affairs
Jose Gonzalez |
During the last couple of weeks, AIF has been working with other business groups and industry leaders on developing a strategy to counteract a dangerous proposal coming down from Washington that would enact costly numeric nutrient criteria for Florida’s water bodies. This regulatory change has the potential to cost consumers and employers hundreds of millions of dollars. If enacted, this new nutrient criteria would stifle any possibility of Florida recovering from the current economic downturn. (Read More)
The Florida Legislature is also gearing up for the 2010 legislative session. Both the House and Senate held interim committee meetings in the months of October and November. (See latest interim brief below). A number of issues important to business community have begun to be considered and debated, including unemployment compensation, oil drilling, the budget deficit, economic development, and property insurance reform. AIF staff has presented before a number of committees on these issues, and we will continue to play a major role in shaping legislation to be considered next session. In fact, with more than three months before the start of the 2010 session, AIF is already tracking close to 200 pieces of legislation. One additional interim committee week will be held in early December, and there is a potential for there to be a Special Session during this week (December 7th – 11th) to consider the SunRail and Seminole Gaming Compact Issues. More information on this possible Special Session will be made available if legislative leaders and the Governor do indeed agree on bringing legislators back to Tallahassee.
Stay tuned to all the issues and activity of AIF on our web site at www.aif.com.
In this Edition:
Citizen's Rates Increase Statement
“As the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida continue to bring rain and wind to Florida and other Gulf states, we are reminded how vulnerable our coastal communities are to the strength of Mother Nature...read more...
Council Award
 Rep. Bryan Nelson (R-Apopka) attended a recent luncheon of AIF’s Financial Services Council and was recognized for his leadership and determination in passing legislation last session that dealt with increasing Citizens rates, reducing Cat Fund coverage, and allowing insurers to more fully reflect in rates the cost of private reinsurance purchased in lieu of Cat Fund coverage. These changes substantially reduce the “hurricane tax” potential for all business owners. AIF is proud to honor Rep. Nelson for his efforts on behalf of Florida businesses.
New Councils Announcement
Associated Industries of Florida is proud to announce the creation of two new councils – the Environmental Sustainability Council (ESC) and the Florida Development & Infrastructure Council (FDIC). The Councils of Associated Industries bring together unique sectors of the business community in order to develop and promote issues vital to those respective industries...read more...
November 6 Interim Brief
Legislators returned to Tallahassee for the second time this week to kick off another round of committee meetings since the end of the 2009 session. Bringing us one week closer to the 2010 session, little time was wasted in discussing vital legislation to Florida and its business community. November’s round of committee meetings continued to focus on hearing various presentations and updates on a number of issues, which will likely surface during next year’s legislative session...read more...
Latest Candidate Meet & Greet
 On Friday, November 6, 2009, the AIF Political Council (AIFPC) held its second luncheon of the Candidate Meet & Greet series at AIF’s headquarters. The meet and greet luncheons are an exclusive benefit to AIFPC members and will be scheduled each month leading up the 2010 Florida Session...read more...
Federal Issues Publication
 As the 111th Congress begins its work in the new session of Congress, there are several major issues that are in play that could have a major impact on the business community. This special report highlights four of the biggest business issues that, if passed, could have an impact on the business community. They are: Card Check, Health Care Reform, Climate Change and Internet Sales Tax....Read more...
AIF Joins Important Environmental Battle
 Associated Industries of Florida participated in a press conference to increase awareness of how the federal government is poised to impose drastic new regulations for water treatment in Florida that will damage the state’s struggling economy, threaten jobs and increase costs on Florida’s families...read more...
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