March 2, 2010 - 6:00pm
"The 2010 session promises to deliver no shortage of surprises and high drama probably more so than usual given the number of legislators and Cabinet members running for some other office. The business community is hopeful since the underlying goal for most is job creation, but given the states precarious financial position, we remain on high alert for proposals that will hinder economic activity and affect our members ability to make a profit."
-- Jose L. Gonzalez, vice president, governmental affairs, Associated Industries of Florida, Tallahassee
"You never know what they're going to do. We just know that there's no money."
-- Joe Baird, Indian River County administrator, Vero Beach
"What happens in Tallahassee should stay in Tallahassee. Too often, lawmakers have 'great' ideas that they want someone else to pay for. Our states government should focus on state-level issues and let the free market of ideas take hold at the local municipal level."
-- John Marks, mayor, Tallahassee and president, Florida League of Cities
"With more than 283,000 Florida construction workers jobless and costly mandates to doing business threatening the building industrys livelihood, its more important than ever for lawmakers to focus their attention on job creation and economic stimulus."
-- Florida Home Builders Association, Tallahassee
Farm Bureaus goals and expectations are simple: we want to create a regulatory environment that allows the states agricultural industry to continue to thrive and serve as a mainstay of Floridas economy, while also protecting our states environment and consumers. For example, legislation has been introduced that would prohibit the duplication of regulation by different levels of government; to prevent additional and excessive fees; and to encourage the use of Best Management Practices. Additionally, we hope to protect the Greenbelt agricultural property tax classification, which makes it possible for our farmers and ranchers to remain in operation.
-- John L. Hoblick, president, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Gainesville
"There will be a budget battle with special-interest groups. They'll try to increase taxes. The state isn't in a position to do this. Our goal is to have a balanced budget with a surplus."
-- Everett Wilkinson, Florida state coordinator, South Florida Tea Party, Palm Beach Gardens
"The expectation of school leaders is that a clear and legally supported position be provided to all school districts relative to the class-size reduction. Our calculations show that to be 100 percent compliant will require that more than 230 additional teachers be placed into classrooms. This will cost approximately $13 million just in St. Lucie County in a year of probable 2 percent to 10 percent further revenue reductions."
-- Michael Lannon, superintendent, St. Lucie County School District, Fort Pierce
"We're looking for the Legislature to start helping small business. We're not sure what the state is capable of doing, but it always seems to find some pork lying around. How about targeting something for the hardest-hit counties, like Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades?"
-- Edd Weiner, chairman, Economic Development Commission, Lehigh Acres
"Florida has set itself up for a real problem if the wind blows. The Legislature recognizes this is an untenable situation. We're looking for baby steps to bring more capital in."
-- Guy Marvin III, president, Florida Insurance Council, Tallahassee
