It’s All About Jobs
October 12th, 2011 by Mike VasilindaGovernor Rick Scott unveiled his seven step legislative agenda to create new jobs in Central Florida this morning. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, the Governor has been dropping hints about the agenda for weeks.
During his first legislative session, he got two minor tax cuts and a new state agency. The focus? Jobs and economic opportunity.
At this friendly, pro-business group, Scott outlined his 2012 agenda. He wants to change the states focus from unemployment to reemployment.
“If you’re going to get paid during the time you are unemployed, shouldn’t we as taxpayers, expect you to spend time either looking for a job or training for a job,” he said.
After a scandal in central Florida over how a Workforce board spent tax dollars, Scott wants more control.
“Those dollars are supposed to be spent on helping people get back to work,” he said. “Not buying things like capes that people won’t wear.”
And with gas tax collections going down as people drive less with more efficient cars, the state wants private companies to build roads–toll roads.
“So we’re going to look at where we can toll, so we can get a return and hopefully the private sector will put up that money,” Scott said.
Under Scott’s plan, funding for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math would replace classes like journalism or anthropology.
“There’s a lot of new jobs in journalism, right? No, it’s tough!” Scott said.
As other governors have learned, a legislative proposal is just a wish list, and lawmakers will have plenty of ideas of their own.
While Scott can only propose what lawmakers enact, he has the power to veto anything they send him that he doesn’t like. The legislative session begins on January 10th.
Posted in Economy, Education, Rick Scott, State News, Unemployment | No Comments »