Yesterday was a historic day in Florida. Gov. Charlie Crist sent a clear message to the current and future legislatures that Trust Funds are not to be messed with. They are not the personal piggybank of the Legislature.
During the Legislative session I sat through committee after committee in the House where statements were made that members had no choice other than sweep money from the State Transportation Trust Fund. How could we possibly expect legislators to pick transportation over funding for children and education or the needy? I would agree that is difficult. Certainly budgets are all about priorities. Amazingly, at the end of session a large number of special projects appeared in the budget- having nothing to do with young children or the needy.
Many of these projects are worthwhile. I am not questioning the merits of any of these projects. I would make 2 points. First, these projects should compete with all other items for GENERAL REVENUE funding in the budget. Stay away from TRUST FUNDS! Second, please be upfront with us. Don't tell us that you have no choice but to steal from the trust fund. Obviously you had many choices as evidenced by the large amount of vetoed projects.
I am hopeful that the veto yesterday will force the Legislature to really examine their budget process and their priorities. If the budget does not contain enough revenue for all of the Legislature's priorities maybe it is time to consider raising revenues. The budget next year is facing a huge deficit with no federal stimulus funding left to help bail us out.
Transportation spending creates more jobs quickly than any other government spending. It also produces a very tangible and much needed product. The sweep of the trust fund could have resulted in the loss of as many as 11,000 jobs in Florida over the next 12 months. That job loss comes in a state with 12% unemployment overall and over 20% in construction. We are already borrowing $300 million a month from the federal government to pay our unemployment. That makes no sense.
I congratulate Governor Charlie Crist on his courage to stand up for the workers of this state. Governor Crist understands that Floridians need jobs. Governor Crist understands trust funds. Thank you, Governor Crist.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend to everyone!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A Rally in Tally
On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) held what was our first protest of legislative action in 20 years. Not since the Florida Department of Transportation essentially went bankrupt in 1989-1990 did our organization have to stand up and make noise for lawmakers to see the impact of their decisions.
More than 450 of FTBA’s members and their employees descended on Florida’s Capitol – the lobby of the building was orange with the reflective vests of hundreds of construction workers whose jobs are on the line. After a little rain and a hearty lunch, our rally began – we were fortunate to have the support of Senate President Jeff Atwater and Rep. Greg Evers. They encouraged the crowd to continue their efforts and work to tell lawmakers and Governor Crist about the hardships the raid on the transportation trust fund will cause their companies. We were also honored to have the support of Florida’s business community – representatives from heavy-hitting organizations such as Dominic Calabro of Florida TaxWatch, Barney Bishop of Associated Industries of Florida, Doug Callaway of Floridians for Better Transportation and Gabe Sheheane of the Florida Chamber of Commerce also spoke to rally attendees. Following the rally, protestors entered the main Capitol building and visited with lawmakers to ensure they were introduced to the face of our industry and the people behind the jobs that are now at risk.
We’ve worked diligently throughout the legislative session to make sure the House of Representatives was not successful in their attempts to steal more than $450 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund. Our efforts have not proven to be in vain and with a heavy heart the Senate agreed this week to officially pull $160 million from the trust fund to cover state budget deficits. All told, that equates to 11,200 jobs that will now be put in the crosshairs. This week’s rally showed us the power and strength of our membership. Our next stop: the VETO pen.
Visit my blog later this week to see why the Governor needs to VETO this legislation – in my opinion; it would be a legacy move that would not be forgotten.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Cabinet Members in Our Corner
From the start of this legislative debacle, FTBA was confident the state’s leadership would see the certain negative impacts of stealing transportation funding to balance the state’s ever growing budget deficits. Thus far into the fight to keep 85,000 transportation contracting jobs safe, both Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink have pledged their support and called on members of the House of Representatives to stop raids on the State Transportation Trust Fund.
Approximately three week ago, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink sent a letter directly to my attention which also highlighted the importance of keeping the State Transportation Trust Fund intact:
“…I fully support using the State Transportation Trust Fund for the purpose in which it was established: to pay for transportation projects. Any other use of these gas tax dollars breaks faith with our citizens…I join with the members and leadership of the FTBA in opposing any raid on the State Transportation Trust Fund. Legislative leaders should be encouraging quick job growth by protecting the funding of state transportation projects, not raiding the piggybank.” Full letter can be found here.
This week, Attorney General McCollum wrote House Speaker Larry Cretul and stated:
“While I understand the need to find dollars and using some trust funds may be suitable, it is important that the Transportation Trust Fund be spent on highway construction right now to help create as many jobs as possible…Sweeping the state Transportation Trust Fund would only compound the challenges we face, not alleviate them…The dollars accrued in transportation-related user fees should be left to fulfill their original objective, not used to fill unrelated budget gaps.” Full letter can be found here.
In addition to the support of AG McCollum and CFO Sink, Governor Charlie Crist has traditionally not encouraged raids on trust funds. We need his support more than ever – the people’s Governor must step up and do what’s in the best interest of the people. We encourage Governor Crist to veto any legislation that comes to his desk that attempts to raid the State Transportation Trust Fund. We hope you encourage him to do the same – call Governor Crist today at (850) 488-7146 and tell him there is too much at stake to steal from the State Transportation Trust Fund.
Approximately three week ago, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink sent a letter directly to my attention which also highlighted the importance of keeping the State Transportation Trust Fund intact:
“…I fully support using the State Transportation Trust Fund for the purpose in which it was established: to pay for transportation projects. Any other use of these gas tax dollars breaks faith with our citizens…I join with the members and leadership of the FTBA in opposing any raid on the State Transportation Trust Fund. Legislative leaders should be encouraging quick job growth by protecting the funding of state transportation projects, not raiding the piggybank.” Full letter can be found here.
This week, Attorney General McCollum wrote House Speaker Larry Cretul and stated:
“While I understand the need to find dollars and using some trust funds may be suitable, it is important that the Transportation Trust Fund be spent on highway construction right now to help create as many jobs as possible…Sweeping the state Transportation Trust Fund would only compound the challenges we face, not alleviate them…The dollars accrued in transportation-related user fees should be left to fulfill their original objective, not used to fill unrelated budget gaps.” Full letter can be found here.
In addition to the support of AG McCollum and CFO Sink, Governor Charlie Crist has traditionally not encouraged raids on trust funds. We need his support more than ever – the people’s Governor must step up and do what’s in the best interest of the people. We encourage Governor Crist to veto any legislation that comes to his desk that attempts to raid the State Transportation Trust Fund. We hope you encourage him to do the same – call Governor Crist today at (850) 488-7146 and tell him there is too much at stake to steal from the State Transportation Trust Fund.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Are People Really the Priority?
As the House voted their budget forward yesterday, FTBA released a statement on the actual number of Floridians who would be affected if the Transportation Trust Fund is allowed to be drained. Lawmakers in the House have continued to say their budget prioritizes people over things, but that is simply not the case. If it prioritizes people, then why are thousands upon thousands of jobs hanging in the balance? With lower revenue collections and the House’s determination to continue stealing from the State Transportation Trust Fund, we’re talking 85,000 jobs to be exact. Read the full statement here.
On a happier note, I’m pleased to report the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has stood up against the current raids to the State Transportation Trust Fund. Their letter to Speaker Cretul this week was a timely plea in the fight for Florida’s jobs. The Tampa Chamber seems to understand the detriment this sweep will cause our state as early as this year and they aren’t going to stand idly by as the House forges on with this “job killing” bill.
Their letter specifically cited:
“The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s legislative agenda was created this year with the primary focus of job creation, retention, and expansion. Toward that end, the passage of HB 5503 will result in both direct and indirect job losses as the sweep will cause cuts from the Florida Department of Transportation priority project construction list. Transportation funding, unlike many other forms for government funding, shows a direct, tangible result that benefits all Floridians.”
The entire letter can be found here - Thank you for your efforts in this cause, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
On a happier note, I’m pleased to report the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has stood up against the current raids to the State Transportation Trust Fund. Their letter to Speaker Cretul this week was a timely plea in the fight for Florida’s jobs. The Tampa Chamber seems to understand the detriment this sweep will cause our state as early as this year and they aren’t going to stand idly by as the House forges on with this “job killing” bill.
Their letter specifically cited:
“The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s legislative agenda was created this year with the primary focus of job creation, retention, and expansion. Toward that end, the passage of HB 5503 will result in both direct and indirect job losses as the sweep will cause cuts from the Florida Department of Transportation priority project construction list. Transportation funding, unlike many other forms for government funding, shows a direct, tangible result that benefits all Floridians.”
The entire letter can be found here - Thank you for your efforts in this cause, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
No Compromises on Cuts
Yesterday, the Florida Senate voted 36-0 to approve a $68.6 billion spending plan, and now must begin negotiations with the Florida House, where leaders insist on spending $1 billion less. While the House has decided to avoid budget cuts in certain areas by sweeping $788 million from trust funds, which includes $466 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund, the negotiations between both chambers’ budgets will continue throughout the month of April.
According to today’s front-page article in the Tallahassee Democrat, Democratic critics are labeling this sweep the "Job Killing Act of 2010," claiming it would cost 8,000 construction jobs. While current reductions in FDOT work, without the Trust Fund cuts, have already resulted in the elimination of 40,000 jobs in this industry, we believe if you add these cuts into account, that’s another 50,000 jobs that will be abolished. The impact of unemployed Floridians by the hundreds of thousands is an economic strain we all know we cannot repay. We cannot even afford a compromise in the middle – these trust fund raids simply cannot be allowed.
We are working feverishly and urging our elected officials to create solutions that allow us to responsibly pay what we are asking the state to provide. Florida needs to consider increasing user fees in all areas – not just transportation. User fees, like tag and title fees which were increased last year, are designed to be spent specifically for the purposes collected. Similar increases might actually allow for amplified growth and state spending. Any cuts to the State Transportation Trust Fund will not only destroy an economic driving industry, it will ruin our state. At some point, we have to pay. Eventually, even the government’s checks will bounce.
According to today’s front-page article in the Tallahassee Democrat, Democratic critics are labeling this sweep the "Job Killing Act of 2010," claiming it would cost 8,000 construction jobs. While current reductions in FDOT work, without the Trust Fund cuts, have already resulted in the elimination of 40,000 jobs in this industry, we believe if you add these cuts into account, that’s another 50,000 jobs that will be abolished. The impact of unemployed Floridians by the hundreds of thousands is an economic strain we all know we cannot repay. We cannot even afford a compromise in the middle – these trust fund raids simply cannot be allowed.
We are working feverishly and urging our elected officials to create solutions that allow us to responsibly pay what we are asking the state to provide. Florida needs to consider increasing user fees in all areas – not just transportation. User fees, like tag and title fees which were increased last year, are designed to be spent specifically for the purposes collected. Similar increases might actually allow for amplified growth and state spending. Any cuts to the State Transportation Trust Fund will not only destroy an economic driving industry, it will ruin our state. At some point, we have to pay. Eventually, even the government’s checks will bounce.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A Chance for Change – Florida’s Budget Shortsightedness
On Monday, the St. Petersburg Times published an editorial addressing Florida lawmakers’ shortsightedness about the state budget crisis. It highlights some of their short-sighted proposals that barely fill the budget gaps temporarily, including raiding of $466 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF).
You’ve listened to me share this message before but it still must be said: Raiding the State Transportation Trust Fund would be a certain budget no-no for Florida.
Adding $466 million to general revenue in the budget may seem like a great idea now but it is just a quick fix. In the mean time, state construction projects will come to a screeching halt and then what do we do? The STTF is a crucial element to Florida’s stability because our industry drives economic development. When construction stops, so does economic growth.
It is clear legislators are running out of funds to cut, but removing the money allocated for state construction projects is not the next place to look. Maybe it is time to stop shuffling money around like a deck of cards and find ways to generate new revenue.
Bolstering the State Transportation Fund has proven to be an effective way to not only subsidize but expand our economy in tough times. At its current level of funding, it is estimated that the STTF can have more than a $3 billion positive economic impact on our state. Instead of talking about cutting this fund to fill the gaps in other struggling areas, our lawmakers should be looking at the STTF as a way to stimulate our economy.
We all realize today’s hardships, but looking forward, what will this kind of piece-meal budget structure leave for Floridians? The St. Petersburg Times concluded with a concerning message:
“Republicans like to say they're building a budget for Florida to live within its means. They aren't. They're living on Uncle Sam's largesse and delaying for yet another year the real issue of how to pay for the services Floridians rely upon. That's not leadership.”
The State Transportation Trust Fund let’s Florida live within its transportation means – so why won’t they let us?
Today, the Florida House of Representatives will meet to discuss the various budget issues our state must address. We are calling on all supporters of our effort to reach out to their local House members immediately to share their concerns. For Florida’s future, we must keep the State Transportation Trust Fund intact. Please call today.
You’ve listened to me share this message before but it still must be said: Raiding the State Transportation Trust Fund would be a certain budget no-no for Florida.
Adding $466 million to general revenue in the budget may seem like a great idea now but it is just a quick fix. In the mean time, state construction projects will come to a screeching halt and then what do we do? The STTF is a crucial element to Florida’s stability because our industry drives economic development. When construction stops, so does economic growth.
It is clear legislators are running out of funds to cut, but removing the money allocated for state construction projects is not the next place to look. Maybe it is time to stop shuffling money around like a deck of cards and find ways to generate new revenue.
Bolstering the State Transportation Fund has proven to be an effective way to not only subsidize but expand our economy in tough times. At its current level of funding, it is estimated that the STTF can have more than a $3 billion positive economic impact on our state. Instead of talking about cutting this fund to fill the gaps in other struggling areas, our lawmakers should be looking at the STTF as a way to stimulate our economy.
We all realize today’s hardships, but looking forward, what will this kind of piece-meal budget structure leave for Floridians? The St. Petersburg Times concluded with a concerning message:
“Republicans like to say they're building a budget for Florida to live within its means. They aren't. They're living on Uncle Sam's largesse and delaying for yet another year the real issue of how to pay for the services Floridians rely upon. That's not leadership.”
The State Transportation Trust Fund let’s Florida live within its transportation means – so why won’t they let us?
Today, the Florida House of Representatives will meet to discuss the various budget issues our state must address. We are calling on all supporters of our effort to reach out to their local House members immediately to share their concerns. For Florida’s future, we must keep the State Transportation Trust Fund intact. Please call today.
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