Rick Scott's critics pummel him plenty for abusing his executive privilege on bragging rights. And it's true, since 2011 our governor's self-promoting press releases have morphed into a kind of waterboard torture for those of us who get to read them daily.
But let's be fair here. There's no getting around the fact that Scott has been a powerful magician for Florida economy good -- which is exactly what most of his press releases are about.
Let's cut him some slack.
I realized that again Thursday morning when I saw Executive Director Jesse Panuccio's take on Floridians' consumer confidence in a Department of Economic Development press statement.
"Florida’s impressive economic growth and job creation numbers are fueling Floridians’ consumer confidence, which rose more than five points over the year from November 2014," said Panuccio. "The University of Florida survey shows consumer sentiment is up to 91.5 points in November 2015, an increase of more than two points from October."
Naturally, it was a lead-in for a Rick Scott boast. Scott is quoted next as saying, “In less than five years, Florida has added nearly one million jobs, the unemployment rate has been cut in more than half, and families have saved their hard-earned money thanks to our work to cut taxes 50 times. This incredible growth has helped to attract new businesses and opportunities to our state, and we will keep working to diversify our economy so Florida can become first for jobs.”
OK, nothing we haven't heard before. But, you know what? It particularly rings true right now, with the holidays upon us. The governor's accomplishment deserves a little respect.
It's Christmastime. Black Friday was quiet as a church sanctuary in much of the rest of the country, particularly in the blue states, but in Florida, consumers turned out in force and spent money -- if not like drunken sailors, at least with the spirited intent of making this Christmas 2015 better for their families than it was last year.
As Panuccio points out, among the five components measured in Florida’s Consumer Sentiment Index, perception of personal financial situation today compared with one year ago had the highest over-the-month increase, climbing 6.4 points.
The Florida Retail Federation reports the forecast retail sales in the Sunshine State are expected to increase 4.5 percent this holiday season -- that's beating the nation, which is expected to increase its retail sales by only 3.7 percent.
“Florida’s resurgent economy provides good reasons for high consumer confidence," Panuccio said.
I absolutely agree.
"We are one of the best states in the nation for job growth, and the trend should continue if we keep supporting low taxes and key investments in economic development, infrastructure, and education,” Panuccio adds.
I agree again.
Two days before Thanksgiving USA Today reported that nationally, consumer confidence in the economy eroded in November "as Americans became more worried about the job market."
According to the USA Today story, the business research group Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell to 90.4 in November, down from 99.1 in October. The index is at its lowest level since September 2014.
Again, compare that, as Panuccio did, to UF's November consumer survey report: "Perception of personal finance ... surged 6.4 points to 86.2." See the UF report on consumer sentiment here.
So here it is: The economic and business climate in Florida is and has been improving steadily since January 2011. The state’s debt has been paid down, Florida has paid back to the federal treasury billions in unemployment insurance, and the state now operates regularly with a “rainy day” fund, or a budget surplus. Floridians notice. I guarantee you, it's the reason Rick Scott won reelection, period.
If you believe, as they say, it's “all about jobs,” then you have to admit, Scott's boasts have teeth: Floridians have seen the unemployment rate drop from 11.1 percent when he took office to 5.1 percent in the latest report. However annoying the governor's repetition of his successes, his focus after five years on the job has the Florida economy at the top of its game, and consumers are paying attention.
Reach Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com or at 228-282-2423. Twitter: @NancyLBSmith
