Rick Scott Talks Economic Issues to Florida Rural Conference

Gov. Rick Scott spoke to the Florida Rural Economic Development in St. Augustine on Friday and reviewed his first weeks in office, pledging that he would continue his fight to lure more jobs to the Sunshine State.

Everything I have ever done in my life is tied to jobs, said Scott, who added that he believed education and employment were the most important components to change peoples lives.

Having pledged on the campaign trail to bring 700,000 new jobs to Florida in seven years, Scott reviewed his six weeks in office, talking about his efforts to ease state regulations as a way to expand jobs.

Were not adding regulations that kill jobs, pledged Scott. Anything new that any agency wants to propose, were going to look at first.

The governor raised the example of conservative Catholic school Ave Maria University in Naples, noting that the institute needed 75 land permits to establish itself.

Scott noted that his administration would reduce costs and taxes to attract businesses to Florida.

Were going to make sure every piece of government is accountable, pledged Scott, whose team was reviewing state contracts and expenses.

Scott promised that his proposed budget would lower taxes by $2 billion and said it would help add to Floridas advantages to lure jobs to the Sunshine State.

He also said the challenging economy required a new, leaner approach to government.

Every family in the state is prioritizing, said Scott. Were going to do the same thing at the state level.

Scott vowed that he would use the bully pulpit of the governors office to reach out to businesses across the nation to bring jobs to Florida.

I have no problem with cold calls, said Scott. I should have been a salesperson.

Scott promised to fight impediments and touch base with businesses looking to set up shop in the Sunshine State.

I will make phone calls, promised Scott. I will go to events.

Scott, who received a standing ovation from summit attendees after his speech, pledged that economic development would be a major priority of his administration and he repeated his promise to set up an office for that purpose two doors down from his own.

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