FEDC Inside Track for Legislative Affairs: Week of Feb. 11-15, 2008

FEDC Legislative Report
Week of February 11-15, 2008

In order to work through recommendations for initial budget reductions for consideration by the entire Florida House of Representatives during the first week of the Regular 2008 Session, House Speaker Marco Rubio scheduled additional House Council meetings during the week of February 11-15, 2008.

The Senate did not meet.

The week’s most relevant legislative meeting pertaining to economic development took place on Friday, February 15, when the House Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council, chaired by Representative Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park) met to hear public testimony on the following three topics:

• Investing in Florida’s economic future
• Freeing citizens and businesses from unnecessary regulation
• Reducing the size of government

Various economic development officials, as well as business and community leaders from around the state each were given several minutes to share their concerns and ideas with the Council.

A copy of the Council meeting packet, which includes agency recommended spending reductions, may be viewed by clicking here.

 

News from the Governor’s Office

Governor Crist Announces Baseline Measurement for State Government Greenhouse Gas Emissions

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist on February 14, 2008 released Florida’s first comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions produced by state government. The study, Florida State Government Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scorecard, identifies the amount of greenhouse gases produced by state agencies during the 2006-07 fiscal year. The data serves as the baseline to track greenhouse gas emissions so state government can make state buildings and vehicles more energy efficient, as outlined in Governor Crist’s Executive Order 07-126.

To read the complete story, click here.

 

Governor Crist Celebrates Opening of Cott Corporation’s ‘Green’ Headquarters

TAMPA – Governor Charlie Crist on February 15, 2008 continued the week’s environmental focus for the administration. He joined Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Cott Chief Executive Officer Brent Willis and local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of Cott Corporation’s new 60,000 square foot “green” U.S. corporate headquarters. One of the largest nonalcoholic beverage companies in the world, Cott is locating its corporate headquarters in Tampa, which will bring 100 jobs to the community.

To read the complete story, click here.

 

FEDC to Hold Legislative Road Shows

The FEDC is kicking off a series of statewide legislative updates designed for FEDC members to interact with prominent Legislators from their local area. 

The sessions will include updates on anticipated issues for the 2008 Regular Session, along with question and answer sessions.  

February 27:  The Florida Economic Development Council and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Council cordially invite you to attend a Pre-Session Legislative Luncheon with special Honored Guest, State Representative Dean Cannon.  To access a copy of this invitation, click here.

February 28:  The Florida Economic Development Council cordially invites you to attend a  Pre-Session Legislative Breakfast with special Honored Guests: Senator Jeremy Ring and House Minority Leader, Representative Franklin Sands.  To access a copy of this invitation, click here.

A downloadable copy of each invitation also has been attached for your convenience.

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact:

Frank Mayernick at (850) 251-8898
Tracy Mayernick at (850) 445-3000
at Colodny Fass