AIF Urges Senate to Maintain Dialogue on Gambling Bill

Associated Industries of Florida, a proponent of the destination gaming bill that died in the state House Friday, pushed for the Senate to continue moving foward the similar proposal -- SB 710 -- now before its members.

The following release is from Brewster Bevis, AIF's vice president of external relations:

Since its founding, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has advocated for policies that are in the best interest of Floridas businesses. And, since this economic downturn began, our focus has been on helping the business community create jobs so more Floridians can get back to work.

The construction and operation of three Florida destination resorts will open up employment opportunities for nearly 100,000 Floridians, helping us move almost 10 percent of the states jobless off the unemployment rolls. Destination resorts will also bring a minimum $6 billion in upfront, private-sector investment that will help jump-start our economy. Additionally, this proposal will add strong regulation to Floridas gaming structure and result in a net reduction in slot operations in the state.

Today, the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee heard testimony from people across the state who support the jobs and economic opportunity the destination resort industry will bring Florida. We appreciate the subcommittees time and thoughtful consideration of the views shared today. On behalf of Floridas business community, we encourage the Legislature and Florida Senate, which still has a destination resorts bill in motion, to continue the dialogue on this important proposal.

AIF believes destination resorts can be part of the solution to creating the high-quality, well-paying jobs Floridians need now. We look forward to working with the Legislature on this proposal, and others, which will bring more jobs to Florida.