MEMORANDUM
TO: Members of the Florida House of Representatives
FROM: Ray Sansom, Speaker
DATE: December 16, 2008
RE: Florida’s Economic Recovery and Progress
During these challenging times, our focus for the 2009 Session must be on Florida’s economic recovery, the adoption of a responsible balanced budget, and the streamlining of the overly demanding regulatory system. The challenges we face are complex, and we should strive to capitalize on the opportunities for improvement to our economy presented by the financial challenges we are experiencing.
With revitalizing Florida's economy the top priority for the upcoming 2009 Legislative Session, in mid-November I directed staff to begin work on economic recovery proposals. Now that Councils and Committees have been organized, I am directing the Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council along with the General Government Policy Council to accomplish the following:
• provide members with a historical, economic and demographic overview of where our state has been economically and where we may be headed;
• complete a comprehensive review of economic development stimulus initiatives;
• complete a thorough evaluation of workforce training enhancements; and most importantly,
• conduct a systematic examination of Florida’s regulatory structure and present substantial changes to streamline the way permitting processes are accomplished in Florida.
• The talents and expertise of outside professionals and specialists may be utilized whenever necessary.
In the end, the goals are to provide an environment that fosters business innovation and growth for Florida to return to a position of national economic leadership; revive our once vibrant economy; and make every effort to reduce the costs, the barriers and the burdens of government. I anticipate the work by these Councils will assist members of the House in making decisions on Florida’s short and long-term economic recovery and progress.
Finally, I encourage members to attend the Senate Committee hearings scheduled for their region. In these tough economic times, our state resources will be better spent working together to solve this crisis. We must work together with the Senate and the Governor to ensure that Florida’s families and businesses can benefit from a swift, sustained economic recovery.
