Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island
Congratulations to Rick Scott on becoming the 45th governor of Florida. Im excited to work with Governor Scott as a partner in achieving an agenda that benefits all Floridians.
Our first priority will be creating opportunities that lead to greater job growth in our state. Floridians are struggling right now but they should take comfort in knowing that Governor Scott, House Speaker Cannon and I are committed to doing everything within our ability to spur economic growth. Our message to the business community is simple: Well provide certainty during these uncertain times so that theyll know Florida is open for business. Reduced regulations, lower taxes, fewer lawsuits and a frugal state government await companies ready to create jobs in Florida.
I look forward to working with our new governor.Today is reason to celebrate. Tomorrow we get to work.
House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park
I am proud to congratulate Governor Scott as he is sworn in as Floridas 45th governor today, and I am confident that he will be an exceptional leader of our great state.
Governor Scotts commitment to streamlining government practices, reducing burdensome regulations on Florida businesses and bringing jobs back to our state resonates with hard-working families and businesses looking for new opportunities in Florida.
We look forward to working with Governor Scott, Lieutenant Governor Carroll and the new members of Floridas Cabinet to achieve our common goals. Together we can work to foster a business-friendly environment that empowers Florida businesses to create the jobs that provide Floridians the opportunity to prosper.
Sen. John Thrasher of Jacksonville, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida
Congratulations to our newly sworn-in all-Republican Cabinet: Governor Rick Scott, Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. With strong Republican leaders at the helm, Florida is open for business in 2011 and beyond. There is considerable work ahead for our state, but I know Floridians will be impressed by the leadership and results that this Cabinet will provide. As Governor Scott says, Lets get to work!
Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich of Weston
As Governor Rick Scott assumes the role of Floridas chief executive, I wish him well. He will surely need all of our best wishes.
Our state faces daunting problems. And it is my sincere hope that the direction he sketched today delivers fresh solutions to an unrelenting double-digit unemployment rate, a surge in personal bankruptcies, and an ongoing foreclosure crisis. I look forward to hearing the specifics.
It is my greatest wish that the words lets get to work are aimed at creating well-paying jobs that do not come at the cost of our environment, and that the same devotion for boosting the climate for corporations is shown to small businesses, the engine that drives this state. And that the personal war he has declared on Washington doesnt adversely affect the essential services Florida provides, from public education to health care.
And so as Governor Scott takes his first steps into his term, I urge that he also take a step back. The hope and new beginning this state yearns for goes far beyond partisan dogma and special interests domination. It is, as our president so aptly said, for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to work through our differences; to overcome the numbing weight of our politics. For while the people who sent us here have different backgrounds, different stories, different beliefs, the anxieties they face are the same. The aspirations they hold are shared: a job that pays the bills; a chance to get ahead; most of all, the ability to give their children a better life.
House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami
I am honored to congratulate Floridas newest executive leader, Rick Scott, on his inauguration as Floridas 45th governor.
Governor Scott understands that lower taxes and a limited scope of government will encourage growth for Floridas struggling small businesses and bring critical jobs back to our state. I am hopeful that his tireless work ethic and strong conservative principles will help unleash Floridas powerful economic engine and am confident that along with the Republican leadership in the Florida House, Governor Scott, Lieutenant Governor Carroll, the new members of the Florida Cabinet, and our counterparts in the Florida Senate will work diligently to promote conservative pro-jobs policies.
I look forward to working with our new leaders to continue to lay the groundwork for a diverse and thriving economy that will help Floridas businesses and families prosper for generations to come.
Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando
I would like to congratulate Rick Scott on officially becoming Floridas 45th governor today. It was inspiring to witness the crowds of Floridians who traveled for the inaugural events.
Florida is a remarkable state rich with history, resources and people like nowhere else on Earth. Governor Scott acknowledged the opportunities and dreams which our state allows. I join him in his mission for job creation and giving decision-making power back to Floridians with the increased use of free markets.
"I applaud Governor Scott for taking a great first step by signing an executive order that creates a State Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform to review all proposed and existing regulations to determine their impact on job creation.
"Today was a milestone for Florida. We have the opportunity to forge ahead and work together to get our state back on track. I look forward to working with Governor Scott and his Cabinet.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
