I Already Have a Dog

What makes legacy legislation? It’s something that’s always seems to be fluid. Is it sweeping reform or is an economic initiative? Whatever the issue may be, it’s significant enough to catapult a lawmaker’s career from a no-name to a household name. Our Governor is most likely one of the most well-known Governor’s our state has seen but a legacy is more than public recognition, it’s about sound, responsible policy that will help Florida’s citizens.

As you may have read by now, the House and Senate agreed earlier this week to raid $160 million out of the State Transportation Trust Fund. Actions speak louder than words, we all know that. The loudest legislative action is a VETO and that is exactly what we need from Governor Charlie Crist. If he has a chance to save the 11,000 jobs that are in jeopardy – it is now.

The Governor listens to the people of Florida and he needs to hear from us in order to save our industry. The Governor understands and appreciates the positive impacts of a good transportation system and immediate job creation of transportation construction spending. We must do everything in our power to take this job-killing legislation down.
Governor Charlie Crist will notice if we start our outreach today. Will he veto the raid on the trust fund? At this point we do not know, but we are going to make an all out effort for a veto. It certainly makes sense to veto the sweep. The Governor has been focused on jobs and this is the biggest job killer in years.
Last year, Sonny Bunn, a contractor from Alabama and President of the Alabama Road Builders’ Association wrote a great article in which he quoted President Harry Truman who said, “If you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog”.
Sonny went on to say that applied in Alabama’s capitol of Montgomery and it certainly seems to hold true in Tallahassee. Borrowing from Sonny’s rhetoric again, I believe it is time to send a message to the Florida Legislature:
“If you cannot support [our state’s] transportation construction program by being on the side of economic growth, safety, jobs and quality of life – and prove it by casting the tough vote when it matters – we can still be friends, but we won’t be able to help you with your campaign this time. I’ve already got a dog, and don’t need any more. I need someone to stand up for our industry” and the people of Florida.

Thanks, Sonny, well said.