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.