Florida Chamber of Commerce Unveils 2011 Legislative Agenda

The Alliance works closely with the Florida Chamber of Commerce to support policies that are intended to make Florida a more attractive place to do business. Reducing the tax burden on all businesses – particularly small business and the self-employed – easing the regulatory environment, and encouraging innovation and growth are priorities shared by Alliance Members and the Chamber. The Alliance also works closely with the Florida congressional delegation to address these issues at the federal level.

In February 2011, the Alliance participated in the Florida Chamber’s Capitol Days, an annual event where businesses, associations and organizations band together to create a “Florida Business Agenda” that outlines the chamber’s legislative priorities for the coming year. Attendees also have the opportunity to dialogue directly with Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, and other members of the state legislature.

“With Florida’s unemployment rate hovering at 12 percent, and more than 1.1 million Floridians out of work, it’s time to say no to the old ways, and yes to being open for business,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Our agenda is to put Floridians back to work, grow our economy, and once again become the number one private sector job creator in the country.”

The 2011 Florida Business Agenda is categorized into its Six Pillars of Florida’s Future Economy: Talent, Innovation and Economic Development, Infrastructure and Growth Leadership, Business Climate, Governance, and Quality of Life.

Specific legislative priorities important to job creation and economic growth are:

• Reform Regulations and Cut Red Tape
• Reform Government – Make it faster and return it back to core services
• Legal Reform – Dramatically improve Florida’s unfair legal climate
• By example and performance, lead the United States in education reform

The success of the 2011 Florida Business Agenda will be measured by its goals of:

• Creating 135,000 net new jobs
• Growing Florida’s population by 138,000 new residents
• Achieving $40 billion in economic activity with manufacturing, information services, and education and health services leading the way

A complete copy of the Florida Business Agenda can be found at www.FloridaChamber.com.