2012 state legislative priorities Economic Development/Tourism Support the Governor’s Office in efforts to retain Florida’s Spring Training teams, and attract new teams to the State. Support continued use of public funds for professional sports facilities. Internet Sales Tax Support measures to close this internet sales tax loophole; and streamline sales tax information and definitions to make it easier to collect sales taxes for interstate and intrastate Internet commerce. Property Insurance Support providing more affordable and available hurricane insurance to Florida’s business owners and reducing current and potential assessments on Floridians from insolvent state-run insurers. Transportation Continue monitoring and working with the FDOT to pursue efforts to redirect freight traffic from Lakeland’s downtown corridor.
The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce will closely monitor and lobby accordingly on the following issues throughout the 2012 Legislative Session.
Energy Solutions Support comprehensive energy policy that balances affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy sources while promoting economic and national security. Medicaid Reform Support efforts to reduce fraud and abuse within the Medicaid system. Streamlined Government Support efforts to eliminate duplicative functions, bureaucracy and red tape burdens on employers. Unemployment Compensation Support legislation that will mitigate the costs of unemployment compensation tax increases on employers and protect businesses that are creating jobs in Florida. Tort Reform Support the passage of comprehensive tort reform to lessen the burdensome costs imposed by our current legal system on Florida’s employers and consumers.
Environment Oppose unnecessary regulatory measures by the EPA related to numeric nutrient water quality criteria while supporting state water policies that protect and promote state water quality standards and the natural environment. Presumptive Disability Reform Support local efforts to reform pension programs, specifically related to presumptive disability. Support legislative efforts to place a reasonable evidentiary standard in Statute in regards to workers’ compensation claims for hypertension and other heart-related ailments, lung disease and certain mental conditions. Support prohibiting the application of presumption for users of tobacco products. changes can occur rapidly during Legislative Session. As such, the Chamber will closely monitor and act accordingly on issues related to business.
Education priorities The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce supports strengthening our education and workforce systems to close the talent gap and provide Florida with long-term economic success through a highly skilled and educated workforce. The Chamber will lobby to support our Educational Institutions in Lakeland and Polk County in the following areas: Florida Southern College Recognizing the tremendous contributions that Florida Southern College brings to the City of Lakeland and our Central Florida Region in the areas of academic excellence, economic impact and quality of life, the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce supports the following Florida Southern Initiatives: • Continued funding of the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) program. • Funding for the Frank Lloyd Wright Tourism and Education Center. • Funding for the Historic Preservation Fund to support Anne Pfeiffer Chapel grant.
LakelandChamber.com (863) 688-8551
Polk County Public Schools • Focus on local initiatives and local control, instead of “state-wide” approach. • Real flexibility for school districts in expending all funds. • Return control of school start date to local school boards. • Replace non recurring federal EduJobs funding with recurring state funds. • Removal of stringent financial penalties for class size reduction. • Repeal of unfunded or underfunded state regulations. University of South Florida Polytechnic • Continued funding of the new campus construction project.
Polk State College The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes Polk State College as the most efficient way for the county to produce college degrees and shrink the educational attainment gap, thereby advancing the cause of economic development. Therefore, the Chamber requests the state’s support for Polk State in the following areas: • Fully fund enrollment growth to enhance access. • Expand the College’s base budget to facilitate program expansion. • Meet the state’s match obligations for scholarships and facilities. • Invest in the College’s PECO priorities to allow the physical plant to catch up with the curricular infrastructure. The Chamber also recognizes Polk State’s historic commitment to innovation and excellence and requests the state’s support of local and statewide initiatives to expand access to high-quality charter school opportunities, such as the two operated by Polk State College on its campuses.