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Politics

Backing Rick Scott, NFIB Unveils 2014 Legislative Agenda

March 9, 2014 - 7:00pm

The Florida chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) launched Small Business Days on Monday as it pushes its agenda in the Legislature and rallies behind Gov. Rick Scott who is facing a tough re-election battle in November.

The NFIBs program for Small Business Days included a reception at the governors mansion with Scott on Monday night and the group left no room for doubt that they backed the Republican for a second term. Bill Herrle, the executive director of the Florida chapter of the NFIB, praised Scott on Monday, saying the governor was good for small businesses. Herrle also expressed support for Scotts call to cut business retail taxes by $100 million, which is one of the governors chief goals for the current legislative session.

"From cutting corporate income tax so four out of five businesses no longer pay it, to reducing annual business filing fees, to pushing for a decrease in the sales tax businesses pay on commercial leases, Gov. Scott has shown he is committed to doing everything he can to help businesses grow and succeed in Florida,? Herrle said. ?We are confident Florida's business-friendly climate will continue to strengthen throughout this year and look forward to seeing more businesses move their operations to the Sunshine State."

With the 2014 legislative session starting last week, the NFIB unveiled its agenda on Monday. Besides backing Scotts call for cutting the business rent tax, NFIB is supporting the governors proposal to roll back $400 million in vehicle registration fees. The NFIB is also behind Sen. Dorothy Hukills, R-Port Orange, bill to cut $240 million from the Communications Services Tax (CST). The NFIB is also backing House Speaker Will Weatherfords, R-Wesley Chapel, and Sen. Wilton Simpsons, R-Brooksville, proposal to reform public employee pensions and legal reforms. On other state matters, the NFIB stands against increasing the state minimum wage and increasing the penalties imposed on workplaces that are found guulty of discrimination.

On federal matters, the NFIB continues to support a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution and opposes President Barack Obamas proposal toraise the federal minimum wage. The NFIB also continues to oppose expanding Medicaid.

Besides the reception with Scott, the NFIB program features Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, state CFO Jeff Atwater, Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, Weatherford and Rep, Mike Hill, R-Pensacola. Media figure Tucker Carlson is scheduled to meet with some members of the NFIB on Tuesday night.

Herrle insisted Small Business Days offered a chance for legislators and business owners to meet and touch on the concerns of the small-business community.

This event is one-of-a-kind and a tremendous opportunity for the small-business owners of Florida to network with fellow business owners and to meet and speak directly with those political leaders who represent them," Herrle said. ?We are grateful to the small-business owners who take the time to come to Tallahassee, and equally appreciative of the lawmakers who join us to discuss the legislative issues most important to the small-business community.


Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.

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