March 28, 2011

Statement By:
Tom Feeney, President & CEO, Associated Industries of Florida
Regarding Gov. Scott Signing the 2012 Economic Development and Jobs Package

“Florida just became a brighter place to do business thanks to a landmark economic development and job creation package advanced by Gov. Rick Scott and passed by the Florida Legislature.

Critical tax relief and reforms contained within this package will enable Florida employers to make investments in their businesses that pay dividends for the whole state, including new jobs for out-of-work Floridians. This comprehensive legislation includes assistance to every single Florida employer by cutting unemployment compensation tax increases in half – a top priority for Associated Industries of Florida (AIF). Most importantly, the legislation signed into law today takes a fresh approach to how we address unemployment in our state and refocuses our efforts to where they need to be – on returning people to work.

Streamlined rules and regulations that affect many industry sectors will remove barriers to economic growth and expansion, while the reauthorization of the New Markets Tax Credit program will foster urban redevelopment and new job opportunities. Additionally, sales tax exemptions and incentives for manufacturers – provisions for which Gov. Scott aggressively advocated – will help breathe new life into an industry that has incredible potential within the Sunshine State.

AIF shares Gov. Scott’s vision of making Florida the absolute best place in the nation to conduct business. On behalf of our members, I applaud Gov. Scott for delivering on his promise to return Florida to a state of economic prosperity by improving our business climate and clearing pathways to job creation.”

Here’s a quick overview of the legislation that Governor Scott signed into law as part of his Job Creation and Economic Growth Agenda:

HB 7027 Relating to Unemployment Compensation by the House Business & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee
Click here to learn more about AIF’s position
HB 7087 Relating to Economic Development by the House Finance & Tax Committee
Click here to learn more about AIF’s position
HB 7023 Relating to Regional Workforce Boards by the House Business & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee
HB 7029 Relating to Nullification and Repeal of Administrative Rules by the House Rulemaking & Regulation Subcommittee