Florida Chamber: Pleased Casino Question is on the Back Burner

Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, released the following statement following the decision by state Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, to postpone the destination gaming bill:

The Florida Chamber of Commerce would like to commend Rep. Eric Fresen, Chairman Doug Holder and the members of the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee for effectively closing the books on this years distracting mega-casino debate. For all intents and purposes, todays decision to postpone consideration of the gambling legislation is a decision to let what happens in Vegas stay in Vegas and frees up the Florida Legislature to address critical issues facing our state.

We are pleased House members are putting the mega-casino question on the back burner. Now, lawmakers can intensify their focus on the pressing issues that are critical to Floridas business community, including lowering unemployment insurance rates, reducing workers compensation costs, closing the Internet sales tax loophole, continuing to improve education and helping small businesses grow

With a few more weeks left in the legislative session, with the mega-casino issue quickly moving into the rearview mirror, we look forward to working hand-in-hand with lawmakers to pass the Florida Chamber of Commerces 2012 business agenda.