AIF President Tom Feeney Backs Gov. Rick Scott's Jobs Agenda

Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, released the following statement after Gov. Rick Scott signed the 2012 economic development bills on Wednesday:

Florida just became a brighter place to do business thanks to a landmark economic development and job creation package advanced by Governor Rick Scott and passed by the Florida Legislature.

Critical tax relief and reforms contained within this package will enable Florida employers to make investments in their businesses that pay dividends for the whole state, including new jobs for out-of-work Floridians.

This comprehensive legislation includes assistance to every single Florida employer by cutting unemployment compensation tax increases in half -- a top priority for Associated Industries of Florida. Most importantly, the legislation signed into law today takes a fresh approach to how we address unemployment in our state and refocuses our efforts to where they need to be -- on returning people to work.

"Streamlined rules and regulations that affect many industry sectors will remove barriers to economic growth and expansion, while the reauthorization of the New Markets Tax Credit program will foster urban redevelopment and new job opportunities. Additionally, sales tax exemptions and incentives for manufacturers -- provisions for which Governor Scott aggressively advocated -- will help breathe new life into an industry that has incredible potential within the Sunshine State.