Florida Gov. Rick Scott delivered his third State of the State address Wednesday with a strong focus on job creation and economic development.
Citing Florida's improved unemployment rate, now hovering around the national average of just under 8 percent, Scott made it clear Florida is dedicated to job creation and economic opportunity.
"Our economy has created around 200,000 new private sector jobs in the last two yearsmeaning that thousands of Florida families now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams," Scott said.
Economic development is still a priority issue for Florida's cities and the Florida League of Cities will continue to work with the governor and elected officials to create legislation that helps small businesses prosper with economic development resources.
The success of small businesses has a significant impact on the prosperity of local communities. While the Florida League of Cities supports many of the governor's efforts to help stimulate economic growth at the local level, the League does have concerns about economic development efforts to help Florida's cities.
The Florida League of Cities believes one of the numerous issues standing in the way of growth and prosperity is the union-backed, state-mandated burden on taxpayers created by municipal pension costs soaring to unsustainable limits.
Fact Box
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida's municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida's cities. Florida's cities are formed by their citizens and governed by their citizens. The League is founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. For more information, visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com.
The Florida League of Cities opposes unfunded mandates from any level of government and will continue to advocate for legislation that ensures city leaders are not held accountable for decisions made by others who live far away and are do not feel the fiscal impact on local taxpayers.
