Poppell 'Scores' With Bill That Weighs Costs, Benefits

Retiring state Rep. Ralph Poppell is going out a winner, with Gov. Charlie Crist's signing of "dynamic scoring" legislation.

The Vero Beach Republican has long pushed for a more sophisticated analysis of the fiscal impact of proposed legislation.

Currently, legislative staff and state economic estimators focus on the immediate, short-term effects of proposed bills and the budget impact for the upcoming fiscal year. By looking beyond the ramifications on the next budget cycle, legislators will be better equipped to engage in long-range planning, Poppell said.

In other words: Sometimes you have to spend money to make more money. As an example, lawmakers could reduce tax rates on certain items if projections indicate that higher sales volumes on those items would yield greater overall revenue.

Poppell's House Bill 121 became the foundation for Senate Bill 1178. He thanked Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, for pushing the idea through.

"The law gives government an extra tool to help jump start Floridas economy by attracting business and increasing the business we already have without raising taxes. As a lawmaker and businessman, I can think of no better piece of public policy for the long-term economic future of Florida because now lawmakers will have complete information when making decisions, Poppell said.