Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, named former Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon, as the chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. Gardiner also tapped Anitere Flores, R-Miami, to lead the newly formed Fiscal Policy Committee. The new Senate president weighed in on what he hoped the two committees would accomplish in the next two years. "Each year we have a constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget," Gardiner said. "Sound management and … [Read more...]
Crisafulli Taps 16 House Commitee Leaders
With committee meetings for the 2015 legislation session set to start next month, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli on Monday announced the lawmakers who will chair 16 panels for the House. "The brand that marks this House is that every word, action, thought, and deed is all about Florida," said Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island. "I believe the individuals I have appointed to these leadership positions will truly put Floridians first." Crisafulli had already announced that Rep. Richard Corcoran, a … [Read more...]
Enterprise Florida Wants To Speed Up Incentives To Help Land Apple-like Firm
Florida may be trying to entice Apple Inc. to build a manufacturing plant in the state. Or a top economic-development leader could just be using the prospect of landing the multinational electronics and technology company to get state lawmakers to allow more leeway on state incentives packages through a program known as the "Quick Action Closing Fund." Enterprise Florida President and Chief Executive Officer Gray Swoope told the agency's board members Tuesday that Apple is the kind of … [Read more...]
Weekly Message from Amy Evancho: April 19, 2013
Good Afternoon, Show your Support of Economic Development: Session is coming to a close in just two weeks but our work is far from done. It is time for a full court press in order to make sure economic, workforce and community development tools are fully funded. We need each of you to help by taking just a few moments and letting your local delegation know just how important economic development is to the success of our state. By the end of next week both the House and Senate will begin … [Read more...]
Weekly Message from Amy Evancho: April 12, 2013
Good Afternoon, Today is the 39th day of Session and as week 6 comes to a close, we need your continued, time-sensitive responses to support FEDC's and our statewide partners' legislative successes. Here are updates and next steps: Today, HB 663 - Economic Gardening Technical Assistance passed it's third reading on the House Floor. Representative Hudson, Porter and Combee have been great champions for this program. The companion in the Senate, SB 1012 by Senator Hays, passed in Senate TED … [Read more...]
Weekly Message from Amy Evancho: April 5, 2013
Good Afternoon, The House and Senate have both released their budget recommendations. As we move into the second month of Session we need your help in contacting legislators. It is imperative that you stress the importance of a strong economic development toolkit. You can use the "Why we do economic development" talking points to create a message and email your legislators. Enterprise Florida provided a great breakdown of the Governor's Office, House and Senate recommendations: Image Source: … [Read more...]
Support SB 1012 – Economic Gardening Technical Assistance
A top priority on our 2013 Legislative Agenda is the Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Program. FEDC supports efforts to create an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for attracting, retaining and growing jobs in Florida and thus supports funding state measures to increase access to capital needed for growth for Florida small businesses. Specific items we are advocating for include: Support $2M recurring funding for Grow Florida, the state’s Economic Gardening Program. Economic Gardening assists … [Read more...]
Support Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Program
A top priority on our 2013 Legislative Agenda is the Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Program. FEDC supports efforts to create an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for attracting, retaining and growing jobs in Florida and thus supports funding state measures to increase access to capital needed for growth for Florida small businesses. Specific items we are advocating for include: Support $2M recurring funding for Grow Florida, the state’s Economic Gardening Program. Economic Gardening assists … [Read more...]
Weekly Message from Amy Evancho: March 22, 2013
Good Afternoon, Happy Anniversary! Please join me in congratulating Gray Swoope as he celebrates his two-year anniversary as Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida. Gray’s tenure here has resulted in a more cohesive and robust framework for Florida’s economic development network. Gray, we are happy you are part of the team! As we finish week three of the 2013 Session here are some noteworthy legislative items and areas for you to participate in the … [Read more...]
2013 Legislative Session Week Three Call to Action
Contact Senate Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommitte Today! Most importantly to note, this week the Senate Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee came out with their first round of budget recommendations. The Committee recommended a substantially lower number than what the Governor requested for the fund containing economic development incentives. The Governor's recommendations were $105M. The Committee recommendation was $16M. This … [Read more...]
