Gov. Rick Scott’s top priority -- jobs -- once again made headlines in Florida Friday after the governor announced businesses created more than 1.4 million private sector jobs since he took office seven years ago.
The number’s are a boon to the Scott administration, which aimed to create 700,000 jobs in seven years. Instead, the governor insisted Florida upped the ante, doubling those numbers altogether.
“Over the past six and a half years, we have worked relentlessly to cut taxes, reduce burdensome regulations and completely turn around Florida’s economy,” Scott said in a statement Friday.
A promise made is a promise kept, Scott said, not only did the state go on to beat the goal of 700,000 jobs, but Florida also did it three years early.
“Our goal was to create 700,000 jobs in seven years and while we were proud to reach that ambitious goal three years early, we did not slow down.”
Last month alone Florida added more than 26,000 private-sector jobs while keeping the unemployment rate at 4.1 percent, the lowest rate in a decade.
The construction industry added the most number of jobs, with nearly 36,000 new jobs, followed by education and health services, which added a little over 35,000 jobs. The professional and business services and leisure and hospitality industries trailed behind, adding 35,400 jobs.
Speaking in Tampa, Scott also highlighted his efforts to cut taxes, one of his primary concerns when entering office in 2010. Cutting taxes, Scott said, was a main reason why Florida was able to meet its jobs promise so quickly.
“ I am proud to announce today that after cutting taxes more than 75 times, Florida businesses have created more than 1.4 million new jobs, officially doubling our promise to create 700,000 jobs in seven years,” Scott said.
Still, the governor said there was more work to be done.
“While our efforts to cut taxes have helped save Floridians and job creators more than $7 billion, we must make sure our progress is not undone.” Scott said.
Scott said he would fight for his newfound effort to push a new legislative rule, requiring a supermajority to raise any taxes or fees in Florida.
The governor’s proposal would be placed on the ballot for 2018 and Florida voters would need to approve it before it hits the books. Sixty percent of voters would need to vote in favor of Scott’s measure in order for it to become law in Florida.
“Together, we can make sure future generations are not burdened with unfair taxes and that our state remains a national leader in job creation and opportunity,” he said.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity executive director Cissy Proctor said the numbers were welcome news for Floridians statewide.
“This shows that the Sunshine State’s economy is stronger than ever and Floridians are able to find a good job, start a business or grow their career in this great state,” she said.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
