FEDC Inside Track to Legislative Affairs: Week of March 10-14

Scenes from the legislative budget process: House Speaker-designate and Policy & Budget Council Chairman Ray Sansom, R-Fort Walton Beach, left, is congratulated by Majority Leader Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, center, as the House version of the budget reduction proposal moved forward Wednesday, March 5, 2008, in Tallahassee, Florida. Right shows Majority Whip Rep. Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale.

 

Budget Bill Announcment (Above):  House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami, right, with Policy/Budget Charmain and Speaker-designate Ray Sansom, R- Fort Walton Beach, at his side, left, fields questions from the media as both voiced the importance of an approval vote on the budget adjustment bill during a news conference Tuesday, March 11, 2008, in Tallahassee, Florida.
 

FEDC Legislative Report–Second week of Florida’s 2008 Regular Legislative Session (March 10-14)

The Legislature passed out a budget bill, which is awaiting signature by the Governor, and continued to move legislation and gather information on Florida’s economic outlook. The House may hold committee meetings only through next week, whereas Councils would continue to meet to hear bills and work on their budgets.

Listed below we have provided an overview of the week here in Tallahassee.

Committee Meetings

House Economic Expansion & Infrastructure Council

The Council met on March 13 to hear agency and department recommendations on budget reductions for the next fiscal year.  With a request made last week that each agency return a proposal outlining a 10 percent reduction, the Council gave each group the opportunity to express their preferred area for budget cuts.  To view the Council meeting documents, click here.

Jorge Nunez, Budget Coordinator for the Office of Tourism Trade and Economic Development (“OTTED”), provided proposed reductions on behalf of his department. To view OTTED’s reduction recommendations please click here (and go to page 56). 

Chairman Dean Cannon opened the Council meeting by updating the members and the public on the most recent revenue estimates placing the state around a $4 billion shortfall. He also stated that in tough times he viewed the Council as a “donor committee” so that the needs for the healthcare, public safety and education budgets could be adequately funded.  Allocations are expected to be received within the next week, at which time the Legislature will begin preparing its budgets.

House Economic Development Committee

The House Economic Development Committee, chaired by Representative Dorothy Hukill, will hold its last meeting on Thursday, March 20. During that meeting, the Committee will release its recommendation for an economic stimulus package.  To view the March 13 meeting packet, click here.

The Committee also heard the following member bills:

• HB 217 – Relating to Tax on Sales Use and Other Transactions–sponsored by Representative Thad Altman (R-Melbourne)

HB 217 defines fractional aircraft ownership programs; provides exemptions for sale or use of aircraft for primary use pursuant to fractional aircraft ownership programs, and for parts and labor used in maintenance, repair, and overhaul associated with aircraft sold or used pursuant to such programs; provides a maximum tax on sale or use of fractional aircraft ownership interests. Effective Date: July 1, 2008.

The bill passed unanimously with one amendment that was suggested by the Florida Department of Revenue. Next, the bill will go to the Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council for consideration.  In response to Committee member inquiry, Representative Altman stated that other states were offering these types of exemptions and that it was vital for Florida to do the same in order to promote competition. 

• HB 1055 – Relating to the Space Industry–sponsored by Representative Altman

HB 1055 creates the “Space Technology Research and Diversification Initiative Act”; establishes the multi-university Space Technology & Research Diversification Initiative within OTTED and provides for its duties and administration; revises duties of Space Florida to include supporting development and operation of this initiative. Effective Date: July 1, 2008

The bill passed unanimously and will proceed to the Economic Expansion & Infrastructure Council.  Committee members expressed support for the Space Industry and its efforts to continue with projects after the shuttle launches have ended. Legislators felt that this bill will help with a successful future transition. Representative Altman expressed how important it was for Florida to be more competitive through Space industry economic development, and that by utilizing universities located proximal to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida could ensure its ability to remain competitive.

• HB 1379 – Relating to Tax on Sales Use and Other Transactions–sponsored by Representative Ralph Poppel

HB 1379 reduces the tax rate for the sales and use of aircraft; revises criteria for sales and use tax exemption for sales of aircraft removed from state; deletes a provision authorizing return of aircraft to state for repairs without violating any law or incurring any tax liability under specified circumstances; provides presumption that specified aircraft are not purchased for use in state under specified circumstances. Effective Date: July 1, 2008

The bill passed unanimously and is scheduled to be heard next by the Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council.

Senate Transportation and Economic Development (“TED”) Appropriations

The Senate TED met to hear the same agency and department presentations that were given in the House relating to budget reduction. The Senators will await their funding allocation and then begin the difficult process of budget creation in regard to revenue shortfalls.  To view a copy of these proposals please click here.

 

News from the Governor’s Office

Governor Crist And Secretary Browning Announce Online Training To Enhance Understanding Of Sunshine Laws

Governor Charlie Crist and Secretary of State Kurt Browning on March 17, 2008 announced training related to public records management will now be available online. During Sunshine Week, observed March 16-22, 2008, the Florida Department of State, State Library and Archives of Florida, will begin facilitating eight online training sessions for records management liaison officers and other individuals whose duties include records management in public agencies. The training sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about Florida’s Sunshine Laws.  To read the complete story, click here.

 

Governor Crist Appoints Six To The Florida Governor’s Action Team On Energy And Climate Change

Governor Charlie Crist on March 13, 2008 announced the following appointments to the Florida Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change:

• Kathy Baughman McLeod, 38, of Tallahassee, deputy chief of staff, Chief Financial Officer’s office, appointed for a term beginning March 13, 2008, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
• Timothy L. Hernandez, 49, of Fort Lauderdale, principal, New Urban Communities, appointed for a term beginning March 13, 2008, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
• Robert “Buzz” Hoover, 68, of Jacksonville, president, Gate Biofuels, appointed for a term beginning March 13, 2008, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
• R. David McConnell, 52, of Orange Park, area vice president of Florida, Waste Management, appointed for a term beginning March 13, 2008, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
• Kathy E. Viehe, 50, of Gainesville, assistant general manager of customer support services, Gainesville Regional Utilities, appointed for a term beginning March 13, 2008, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
• Michael B. Wilson, 53 of Fernandina Beach, forest resources governmental affairs manager, Smurfit-Stone Corporation, appointed for a term beginning March 13, 2008, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.

 

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact:

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