Okaloosa County Business Issues
Heard in 2009 Legislative Session
At the July 2008 EDC Policy Board meeting, Senator Don Gaetz talked about economic and business incentives/disincentives and government. He then challenged the audience to identify disincentives government has placed on business that impede growth and how they might be corrected. He agreed to carry our issues with him to Tallahassee.
The EDC took up the Senator’s challenge and scheduled a series of focus groups that addressed the area’s major business sectors. The nine sectors designated for discussion groups were: 1) Real Estate/Development /Contractors; 2) Tourism; 3) Defense/Manufacturing; 4) Healthcare; 5) Retail; 6) Utilities; 7) Finance/CPA/Legal; 8) Technology; and 9) Education. Each group identified their top issues with explanations of current situations and possible solutions. Senator Gaetz was invited back to the September Policy Board Meeting where he received a printed report form those focus groups as well as a presentation from each sector. Senator Gaetz listened, questioned and took our concerns with him. We did a good job and suspect that it was from Okaloosa’s example that there were several “forums” held during this year across the state to discover these same type business “issues”.
The 2009 Legislative Session was not an easy one to be successful in, but when it came down to the final gavel it was obvious that several of Okaloosa County’s issues and concerns had been addressed. In 2009 only 238 bills were passed as compared to the historical average of 400 passing in a session. Senator Gaetz was a sponsor or co- sponsor on several bills that reflected the concerns of our area. A few that read from the Okaloosa Playbook included:
SB852/HB73 “Economic Development Projects and Expedited Permitting
SB1502/HB485 “Fast Track Economic Stimulus for Small Business”
CS/CS/SB360 “Community Renewal Act”
SB2262/HB425 “Streamlining and Simplifying Professional Regulation
CS/CS/HB485 “Fast Track Stimulus for Small Business”
SB 1986 “Stopping Medicaid Fraud and Abuse”
SB556/HB285 “Low Income Pool/Unreimbursed Health Care”
CS/HB 903 “Attorney’s Fee In Workers Compensation Cases”
HB7123/SB2322 “Protection of Florida Military Bases and Missions”
CS/CS/HB7031 “Economic Development
SB456/HB535 “The Deputy Anthony Forgione Act”
These are a few samples that represent what our focus groups outlined and it is provide to remind you that your voice and concerns are heard in the State House. We are well represented in both the Florida House and Florida Senate. You can view all the bills and amendments by going to www.flsenate.gov or www.myfloridahouse.gov or www.myflorida.com .
Thank you Senator Gaetz for allowing the EDC, and the business leaders of our county to take on your challenge. Let’s do it again this year!
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