Legislators share goals for upcoming legislative session

On February 20, the Chamber's Legislative Action Committee hosted an Eggs & Issues breakfast meeting with Reps. Dorothy Hukill, Dwayne Taylor and Pat Patterson.

The legislative session begins March 3 in Tallahassee and a $4 billion budget shortfall will be the main issue. No legislation will be considered that costs any money.

Rep. Taylor stated that he has filed H 457 to provide for flexibility in a school district's operating budget and deletes restrictions on expenditure of their capital outlay millage for educational facilities.

Rep. Hukill spoke of H 69 which would revise the duties of Space Florida to include supporting development and operation of Space Transportation Research & Development Institute. It also establishes a multi-university Space Transportation Research & Development Institute within OTTED. This is an effort to help offset the impact of the space shuttle program.

Rep. Patterson spoke of legislation regarding excess and surplus lines of insurance as well as legislation that addresses workers compensation attorney fees.

In the upcoming session, the Chamber will continue support for affordable health insurance for small businesses; funding for Florida's Economic Development and Incentive programs; collection sales tax on Internet transactions (via catalogues and TV solicitations) when authorized by Congress; replacement funds for public schools including no new unfunded K-12 mandates for school districts; delay education incentives for the 2009-2010 school year; and support for SunRail to provide regional rush-hour commuter rail service from Kissimmee to Orlando to DeLand.

As we have done for over 20 years, we will continue our walking the halls in Tallahassee and promoting the business viewpoint. In addition, the Chamber's Legislative Status Report will be sent to Chamber members each week and will focus on issues of interest to the Halifax Area business community.

If you would like to receive additional information regarding legislation, please email jim@daytonachamber.com.