PCB 1701-Relating to Economic Programs
On Wednesday, February 8th, PCB 1701, relating to Economic Programs, sponsored and heard by the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee, passed by a vote of 10 yeas to 5 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in opposition of this bill.

This legislation threatens to eliminate ALL incentive programs that help many of Florida’s businesses and economy thrive, specifically incentives for;

• Enterprise Florida,
• VISIT FLORIDA,
• Qualified Defense and Space Contractors tax refund,
• Qualified Target Industry business tax refund,
• the research and development tax credit,
• the Quick Action Closing fund and,
• Office of Film & Entertainment and entertainment industry tax programs.
  
  

Enacting this legislation would be detrimental to not only our state’s economy but our tourism industry, an industry that sets Florida apart from the rest.

PCB 1701 is currently not assigned to another committee of reference.

AIF OPPOSES removing agency incentives as it would result in an economic downfall for Florida.

Please see below statement from our President & CEO, Tom Feeney, released Wednesday, February 8th, regarding PCB 1701:

AIF Statement Regarding Economic Programs Legislation

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released the following statement on behalf of its President & CEO Tom Feeney regarding the opposition to PCB 1701 relating to Economic Programs that was today heard in the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee.

“As a voice for Florida’s business community, AIF opposes PCB 1701, which would take away Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA.  These two public-private partnerships are good for Florida, as they are significant contributors to our state’s economy.

“We cannot emphasize enough just how instrumental these two agencies have been in helping build a business-friendly environment in the Sunshine State.  Because of these agencies, job growth and prosperity has accelerated considerably, having a positive impact on Florida’s employers and employees.

“Transparency and accountability measures are always a good idea, but we simply cannot put Florida at a huge disadvantage by getting rid of these successful economic development programs.”

Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, AIF has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state.

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