Crisafulli Reports On Recent Florida House Activities
By Steve Crisafulli, Florida State Representative // May 31, 2013
DISTRICT 51 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR MAY 31, 2013
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – I am thankful to be home in the district after the 2013 Legislative Session ended earlier this month.
I look forward to meeting with you at my office or at events around our community to discuss issues important to you. Please do not hesitate to contact my district office if you need to set up an appointment or would like me to attend a meeting of your civic organization.
GOVERNOR SIGNS BUDGET
On May 20th, Governor Scott signed the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year budget into law. This responsible, balanced budget focuses on our state’s core priorities – education, healthcare, and public safety – without raising taxes or fees on Florida families and businesses.
About a $1.5 billion increase in education funding, pay raises for teachers, law enforcement, and state employees, $78 million for Everglades restoration, $198.4 million for economic development programs, as well as $2.8 billion in budget reserves to help our state weather potential future economic uncertainty.
Some key highlights of the budget include a $1.5 billion increase in education funding, pay raises for teachers, law enforcement, and state employees, $78 million for Everglades restoration, $198.4 million for economic development programs, as well as $2.8 billion in budget reserves to help our state weather potential future economic uncertainty.
With regards to our community, some key budget highlights include $28million for infrastructure improvements at Port Canaveral, $33.4 million for Eastern Florida State College (the new name of Brevard Community College), and $500,000 to complete renovations at the historic Cocoa Village Playhouse.
FLORIDA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CONTINUES TO IMPROVE
This month, we received more positive news about Florida’s economic outlook.
First, unemployment continued to fall in Brevard County as well as the state as a whole. Brevard’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.3%, while the state’s overall rate fell to 7.2%. Both are now beneath the national average.
First, unemployment continued to fall in Brevard County as well as the state as a whole. Brevard’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.3%, while the state’s overall rate fell to 7.2%. Both are now beneath the national average.
Visit Florida reported this month that the first quarter of 2013 was the best ever for tourism in our state. Florida saw a 4.7% increase compared to the same time frame in 2012. Preliminary numbers are saying 26 million people visited our great state in January, February, and March. As a result, jobs in the tourism sector increased by 3.4% during the first quarter.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE ROSE
Furthermore, consumer confidence rose for the third straight month in May, bringing Florida’s consumer confidence index to its highest level since the Great Recession began in 2007.
And, earlier this week, Chief Executive Magazine ranked Florida as the state with the second best state for business in 2013.
We cannot be satisfied until every Floridian who wants a job can find one.
EXCELLENT NEWS FOR FLORIDA
This is all excellent news for Florida, which as we all know, was hit especially hard by the recent economic recession. We have seen over 330,000 private sector jobs created in our state over the past few years, and I am confident that our economy will continue moving in the right direction. I am committed to supporting pro-jobs policies that make Florida the best state to grow, start, or relocate a business.
We cannot be satisfied until every Floridian who wants a job can find one. Have you downloaded the Florida House app on your smartphone and tablet devices? Visit here to download this free app for your mobile device today!
Also, for updates on House District 51, be sure to follow me on Facebook (Steve Crisafulli) and Twitter (@SteveCrisafulli). Links to follow me on social media can be found below.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 321-449-5111 or Steve.Crisafulli@MyFloridaHouse.gov
