Legislative Review
Philip L. Leary, AICP
pleary@LearyGAC.com www.LearyGAC.com
2015 Legislative Session Begins
With the start of the New Year came the swearing in of Gover- nor Scott and Florida Cabinet members and the first week of
Committee meetings in Tallahassee, where Members of the Florida House and Senate began the process of crafting legislation. There were various presentations made by state agency and department leaders to familiarize new Members with the jurisdictions of their committees and provide up- dates on important issues facing the state. The November elections resulted in republicans in the
House of Representatives now under new Speaker Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island) gaining a super-majority and republicans in the Senate under new President Andy Gard- ner (R-Orlando) retaining a majority. Both leaders have a pro-business and cut taxes agenda for the upcoming ses- sion.
In the weeks ahead, four more interim committee
weeks will be held leading up to the start of the 2015 Legislative Session on Tuesday March 3rd. State economists are now projecting a 2015-16 budg-
et surplus of over one billion dollars, which will allow legislators an opportunity to make tax cuts and fund member projects. In a revenue estimating conference report released last month, economists stated that con- sumer confidence continues to solidify and economic indicators point to a continued recovery from the re- cession. And, with the downward spiral of gasoline, there will be more disposable income for consumers to spend, which will increase sales tax revenue in the state. And this quote by Speaker Crusafulli sums up the
feeling of leadership in both Houses – “While it appears we will once again see a budget surplus in the upcom- ing fiscal year, it is important we don’t forget the prin- ciples that brought us here. We will continue our com- mitment to fiscal responsibility with every dollar as we prioritize funding initiatives and seek ways to continue tax relief for Florida’s families.” Based on this news, Governor Scott is proposing tax cuts of over $500 mil- lion, a $300 million increase in education funding and a significant reduction of the corporate sales tax. Legislation that is expected to be high profile and
controversial this session will include Gambling and the Seminole Indian Gaming Compact, Medicare Funding, State Water Policy and Water Resource Protection and School Vouchers. For Fairs we will be watching closely the House Finance & Tax Committee which will be re-
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viewing sales tax exemptions, working with Commissioner Putnam’s Office on key Fair funding and the continued gun carry legislation, including broadening the concealed weap- ons carry law. And finally, One very important note, House and Senate
members are term limited to eight years, four two year terms in the House and two four terms in the Senate. This creates a need for continually being involved in the legisla- tive process and campaigns so that newly elected members understand our industry and issues. The Federation contin- ues to fight for you and your respective Fair, but we need your help in educating your State Representative and Sena- tor about our industry. As the 2015 Fair Season begins, make a point to invite your legislator, help us help you! Get involved today!!
Contact your legislators:
https://www.flsenate.gov/senators
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/representatives Regular sessions of the Legislature begin on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March and continue for 60 consecutive days, which may be extend- ed by a three-fifths vote of each house. Special sessions may be called by the Governor, or may be convened by joint proclamation of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Special sessions may not exceed 20 days, unless extended by a three-fifths vote of each house.
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