Florida CFO Jeff Atwater stressed the importance of getting government out of the way of small businesses during an address to the Federalist Society, a conservative group focused on legal reform and returning constitutional interpretation to how the Founding Fathers intended, at Walt Disney World on Saturday morning.
Speaking Saturday morning at Walt Disney World, Atwater, considered by many a likely contender for gubernatorial and U.S. Senate elections in the near future, noted his background in the private sector helped him understand the important role small businesses play. Before his time in public service, which led to the presidency of the Florida Senate as well as two terms in his current post, Atwater spent a quarter of a century in banking. He called it a privilege to help small businesses get off the ground.
Citing numerous examples of American ingenuity throughout history, Atwater said great inventors and achievers pursued their goals without the government playing a role. Taking aim at regulations, he insisted the government is standing in the way of expanded opportunity.
Were adding $15 billion a year in regulatory costs and were not even thinking about it, Atwater said.
Floridas CFO stressed small businesses are in the front lines in the ongoing restoration of the American dream and greatly shaped the American character. This is who we are, Atwater said about small businesses national role.
Noting he had sworn an oath to defend the Constitution, Atwater insisted conservatives do not have the option to give up on the fight for less regulation and more opportunity. Quoting at length from President Abraham Lincolns first State of the Union address in 1861, Atwater reaffirmed his belief that America represents the last, best hope on earth despite increased regulations crippling innovation.
Atwater closed his speech insisting government cannot take the place of the human spirit when it comes to new opportunities.
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., had been sheduled to address the Federalist Society Saturday morning, but he was delayed in Washington and had to cancel his appearance.
Active for more than 30 years, the Federalist Society has more than 200 chapters and more than 10,000 members across the nation.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
