Rick Scott Slams Obama's Net Neutrality Proposal

On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla., slammed President Barack Obamas call for Net neutrality. Last month Obama called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement Internet neutrality -- at least, not without a fight. And one of the largest groups representing Florida's business community has spoken up in opposition to Net neutrality, as well. Obama said the FCC needs to do more to ensure Internet providers offer additional transparency and don't block or slow down access to sites.

President Obamas Net neutrality proposal, which regulates the Internet as a utility, would cost consumers billions of dollars a year while stifling innovation and job creation in the technology industry, Scott said on Wednesday. Under President Obamas recommendations, consumers could be taxed by more than $18 billion a year for the simple act of using the Internet.

In Florida, weve cut taxes 40 times while reducing regulations and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, Scott added. The results are clear: Florida businesses have created almost 680,000 new private-sector jobs in the last four years, but President Obama continues to propose policies that harm job creators and force businesses to want to leave the United States.

The Internet is a powerful tool that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship across all segments of the economy, and must be protected, Scott concluded. But President Obamas plan increases taxes on Florida families and places burdensome regulations on the technology industry.