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Labor statistics released today show 1.1 million Floridians are looking for work catapulting Florida’s unemployment rate to 11.9 percent. But both major candidates for governor say they can fix the problem. But as Whitney Ray tells us, they’re plans to create jobs are very different.

Victims of the great recession who quit looking are now back on the job hunt. The latest numbers show 1.1 million Floridians fighting for work.

“Florida’s unemployment rate has been higher than the nation since February of 2008,” said Rebecca Rust, the chief economist at AWI.

Despite a Republican bank bailout followed by a Democratic stimulus package, Florida’s unemployment rate continues to climb to nearly 12 percent. Both major candidates fighting to call the Governor’s Mansion home say they have a plan to fix the problem.

Republican Rick Scott says he can create 700-thousand jobs in seven years. Scott wants to reduce state government by 10 percent, cut property taxes by a whopping 19 percent, and phases out the corporate income tax. The Florida Chamber of Commerce and Association Industries of Florida are backing Scott’s claims.

“It’s very possible. It will take a lot of hard work and we are going to have to make a lot of hard choices, but the bottom line is, it’s very possible to do,” said Barney Bishop, AIF president.

Democrat Alex Sink wants to increase access to loans to encourage companies to move to Florida, Provide a tax credit that create Florida jobs and eliminate government waste and middle managers. Democrat Strategist Steve Vancore says it’s about creating opportunity.

“A plan that will actually grow jobs, create local business, incentivize local businesses to hire people. You got to like the meat on the bones of that one. That’s a very good specific plan,” said Vancore.

Two candidates, two plans, and 1 million Floridians holding out hope that the best strategy prevails.

We’ve link the plans to our page.

Sink’s Plan: http://www.alexsink2010.com/issues?id=0001

Scott’s Plan: http://www.rickscottforflorida.com/home/turn-florida-around/