Hasner Opens Session with AIF

Florida House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, spent early Monday afternoon speaking on the House floor. Instead of the usual legion of House members, Hasner was addressing members of the Associated Industries of Florida with its President and CEO Barney Bishop in the first row.

While acknowledging that both the state and the nation were facing tough economic times, Hasner stated there was no recession of ideas and promised that the House would push a bold agenda in 2010.

Hasner spent a considerable portion of the speech on energy, promising that the House would once again move the ball forward on Rep. Dean Cannons, R-Winter Park, oil drilling proposals. Hasner reminded his audience that a similar measure passed the House last year.

Hasner offered no predictions on if the Senate would pass similar legislation being sponsored by Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island.

Hasner also noted that the Florida House would rally against the federal EPAs proposed water standards for Florida.

Despite the opening of the session tomorrow, Hasners address had many characteristics of a valedictory address. While he made a few jokes about term limits, Hasner stated that he still remained a supporter of them despite this being his eighth, and therefore final, session. He also thanked AIF for their support over the years, especially twice naming him as a Champion of Business, most recently in 2009.