AIF Urges Legislators Back Rick Scott's Budget Proposal

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla., the president and CEO of the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), applauded Gov. Rick Scott’s budget proposal on Wednesday. 

“The governor’s $79.3 billion budget proposal for FY 2016-17 will foster a pro-business environment, having a positive impact on Florida employers and employees,” Feeney said.  “As the Florida affiliation of the National Association of Manufacturers, AIF joins the governor in calling for the elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment and income tax reduction efforts. One billion dollars in tax cuts, including reducing commercial lease sales tax, will help accelerate job growth and prosperity for our state.”

Feeney called on legislators to back Scott’s proposed budget. 
 
“AIF asks Florida lawmakers to support the governor’s budget proposal that will not only create jobs, but develop a competitive approach to economic incentives that will allow Florida to close on top corporate development opportunities confidentially with a process accountable to Florida taxpayers,” Feeney said.  “Having served 12 years in the Florida Legislature, including two as House Speaker, and 6 years in Congress, I have never witnessed the intense bipartisan voter frustration that a decade of stalemate under President Obama and the U.S. Congress has generated. Florida legislators, having partnered with Gov. Scott to make Florida the fastest growing state economy in the U.S., have a chance during the 2016 Legislative Session to further distinguish themselves as statesmen (contrasted with D.C. rhetoricians). By adopting a budget based upon Gov. Scott’s proposal, including his pro-growth, pro-jobs tax cut agenda, Florida leaders can elevate the state and make it the gold standard for 49 other states and a malfunctioning federal government.”