Citing continued transit service in Polk County as a business, employment and economic issue, the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have unanimously approved a resolution of support urging voters to approve a charter county transportation surtax of one-half percent (1/2 percent) to be considered on our November 2, 2010 ballot. You can read the full text of the resolution here.
The Board discussion noted that our transit system allows our citizens to work, shop, and seek healthcare and other pursuits through transportation that would not otherwise be available. These are the people who take care of our loved ones in clinics and hospitals, serve us in retail stores, scan our groceries, attend our colleges and universities as well as some who, due to physical limitations, have no other transportation available to help meet their needs.
Chamber President, Howard King noted, “Polk’s citizens have acted collectively to fund indigent healthcare needs as well as endangered land preservation. We believe public transit helps our citizens live with dignity and stay gainfully employed — and we believe our voters need to consider this investment a key element in taking care of one another. We urge our citizens to vote for the transit referendum.”
Representative Baxter Troutmann and Representative John Wood spoke to Leadership Winter Haven alumni and the Chamber Government and Legislative Affairs committee at their combined June meeting. State Farm recorded and edited video of the legislators remarks.
We thank both legislators for providing their legislative insights.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has released the 2010 Legislative Report Card, an online tool that grades legislators based on their support of pro-job and pro-business issues during the legislative session. Calculated annually based on legislators’ voting records on the issues outlined in the Florida Chamber’s 2010 Florida Business Agenda, the Legislative Report Card also honors legislators from your area for their support on initiatives that will help move the state forward.
The Florida Chamber applauds the following lawmakers for making pro-business decisions and pro-job legislation their top priorities: (Polk Delegation members in bold.)
The following list displays: Legislator’ Name (2010 Grade) Voting Percentage
Sen. J.D. Alexander (A) 100
Sen. Mike Bennett (A) 100
Rep. Rachel Burgin (A ) 100
Rep. Jim Frishe (A) 100
Rep. Rich Glorioso (A) 100
Rep. Denise Grimsley (A) 100
Rep. Doug Holder (A) 100
Rep. Ed Hooper (A) 100
Rep. John Legg (A) 100
Rep. Seth McKeel (A) 100
Rep. Ron Reagan (A) 100
Rep. Robert Schenck (A) 100
Rep. Will Weatherford (A) 100
Rep. John Wood (A) 100
Rep. Kelli Stargel (A) 98
Sen. Victor Crist (A) 96
Rep. Faye Culp (A) 95
Rep. Peter Nehr (A) 95
Rep. Ron Schultz (A) 95
Rep. Thomas Anderson (A) 94
Rep. Bill Galvano (A) 94
Rep. Baxter Troutman (A) 94
This year, 56 percent of the entire Florida Legislature earned an “A” (score of 90-100) on the Legislative Report Card, in comparison to 46 percent last year. In the Florida House, 68 legislators earned an “A,” an increase from 65 last year. The Florida Senate continues to improve significantly, as a record-breaking 21 Senators earned an “A” this year, compared to only nine Senators in 2009 and seven in 2008.
In the coming weeks, the Florida Chamber will also release How They Voted 2010, a detailed publication summarizing the priorities of the Legislative Session and incorporating the 2010 Legislative Report Card.
To view the Florida Chamber’s complete online Legislative Report Card with all legislators’ grades, please visit here. Be sure to thank your legislator for their hard work by using the quick email link on their individual report card!
The Chamber conducted a short member survey on April 21 asking the following two questions:
1. Are you aware of the proposed Amendment 4 (sometimes referred to as the Hometown Democracy amendment) that will be on the ballot this fall as an amendment to the Florida Constitution?
Yes – 69% No – 31%
2. If you answered yes to the previous question, and you are aware of the proposed amendment, do you plan to vote for or against this proposal?
For – 16% Against – 84%
Though the survey made no mention of the fact, the Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has taken a position in opposition to this amendment. The proposal would require a voter referendum on all changes to your local comprehensive plan — a tedious burdensome step that would tangle election ballots and pose a serious threat to economic prosperity.
The defeat of the amendment proposal depends on a well-informed electorate aware of its dangerous ramifications. Share this information with your friends, neighbors and employees.
The WH Chamber’s Legislative and Government Affairs Committee arms you with the tools you need to keep a close watch on our lawmakers in Tallahassee. The upcoming legislative session is fast approaching, and you’ll want to view the 2010 Legislative Workshop slideshow. It’s packed with tips and tricks for tracking legislation affecting your business – and for making an impact with state policymakers when it counts. You can download the Power Point presentation here.
State Farm Public Affairs Manager Chris Neal speaks to theLegislative and
Gov’t Affairs Committee on January 20.
The committee will meet next on February 17 at 4:00 p.m. here at the Chamber.
Meetings are open to any interested member.
Winter Haven Chamber’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee hosts Polk County lawmaker – by Justin Glover
WINTER HAVEN—Outgoing State Representative Baxter G. Troutman (left) recently provided an in-depth preview of his final legislative session, saying Florida’s economy remains “front and center” for lawmakers as they convene in Tallahassee.
Rep. Troutman spoke to members of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee. The Legislative and Public Policy Committee was formed by the Winter Haven Chamber to address the public policy concerns of local businesses at city, county and state levels.
At the meeting, Troutman said he expected lawmakers would be forced to trim another $1-3 billion off of an already scaled-back state budget. Unlike other issues addressed by the legislature which sometimes have limited impacts, the state’s budget is one in which, “we’re all affected,” according to Troutman.
Troutman, who is term-limited in 2010, serves as Chairman of the powerful House General Government Policy Committee and has represented Polk County since 2002. Look for his committee to be involved in several important debates next session, including another high priority for lawmakers and businesses: energy policy. Troutman said he believes the Legislature will pass a sweeping energy package aimed at finding more sustainable energy sources. At the same time, Troutman said he’ll make sure the final bill doesn’t overburden small businesses with huge costs for compliance.
“We’ll keep the ratepayer in mind,” Troutman said.
Property insurance reform will also demand attention in Tallahassee, and Troutman expects to again support a measure giving consumers more choices in insuring their homes and businesses. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed HB 1171 to allow property insurance consumers to choose whether to pay a higher premium for private coverage or opt for coverage through state-run Citizens Property Insurance. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Crist.
Of the measure, Troutman said, “If the consumer wants to pay, why should government get in the way?”
Polk County residents could also see the debate over commuter rail resurrected. Troutman said it’s possible House and Senate leaders will call for a Special Session in December to deal with public transportation and the long-debated issue of expanded gambling on Florida’s Seminole reservations.
The Chamber’s next Government and Legislative Affairs Committee meeting is today, Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m. in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium. Sam Killebrew will present an overview of the status and challenge in addressing the Hometown Democracy amendment. The Committee will also review the results of a Chamber member legislative issues survey. Chamber members are invited to attend.
The Chamber hosted a City Commission Candidate Breakfast Forum this morning (August 5, 2009). The breakfast was organized by the Chamber’s Government and Legislative Affairs Committee. The candidates were asked a series of questions relevant to the business community including transportation priorities, economic development opportunities, public transit funding, city responsibility to the Chain of Lakes and their opinion of the Hometown Democracy amendment (requiring all future comprehensive plan amendments to be put forth in voter referendums) expected to be on the 2010 state ballot.
Candidates for Seat 4 (Mayor Yvonne Brooks and Jamie Beckett) both pointed to the economic development potential of the Winter Haven Municipal Airport along the US 92 corridor. Beckett noted his view that runway length would not support increased use by corporate jets. Beckett felt the city’s responsibility with regard to the Chain of Lakes required cooperation with the various agencies from the canal commission to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Brooks pointed to the number of lakes preservation goals outlined in the “Our Future By Design” visioning document that the city has accomplished including the urban lakefront design guidelines. Their most divergent views were expressed regarding the Hometown Democracy amendment with Brooks favoring continuing the current regulatory process and Beckett supporting the amendment. (Ed. Note: While candidate Beckett originally stated that he felt comprehensive plan changes should be left to voters, he has since clarified his position and opposes the Hometown Democracy amendment. His clarification is noted in the first comment below. – BG 8/13/09)
Candidates for Seat 5 (Commissioner Mike Easterling, Steven Hunnicutt and Bob Jardine) were in general agreement on most issues. Easterling expressed his continued commitment to the community visioning plan and Hunnicutt and Jardine both agreed it was an important guide for decisions. Jardine noted his interest in representing the needs of sight and physically impaired including his work to secure audible crossing signals for key city intersections. All Seat 4 candidates favor retaining the current regulatory system for changes in comprehensive plans and opposed the Hometown Democracy amendment.
Candidates for Commission Seat 4:
Mayor Yvonne Brooks
Jamie Beckett
Candidates for Seat 5:
Commissioner Mike Easterling
Steven Hunnicutt
Bob Jardine
The Chamber collected candidate information including background, city strengths and challenges, revitalization, top priorities and more. A comparison of that information is available at this link.
The city election will take place Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s annual survey brings together the collective voices of thousands of employers for the legislative session and it’s your opportunity to speak to your elected officials in Tallahassee with one voice as a united business community. In the survey, you can provide input on topics including taxes, insurance, workforce issues, lawsuit abuse, healthcare, constitutional amendments, energy solutions and more. We also encourage you to comment about issues that are not yet mentioned in the survey.
This is a proven tool in the fight to improve Florida for employers and business owners. For example, thousands of you told us in last year’s survey that you wanted lower workers’ compensation insurance costs. You then rallied behind your agenda through a grassroots campaign to pass legislation that resulted in a $172 million savings for Florida employers’ insurance costs effective July 1. The Florida Chamber worked with your industry associations and local chambers of commerce to deliver this and many other business agenda results.
Homeowners want Freedom of Choice for Homeowner’s Insurance
Legislation approved by formidable margins in both the Florida House and Senate is on its way to Governor Crist’s desk for signature. If you support free market choice for homeowner’s insurance, please use the link below to urge the Governor’s support of HB 1171. Share with your family and friends who are also Florida residents at risk …
The message is clear: homeowners want freedom of choice. The people are asking for the freedom to choose, and the Legislature has answered by approving the Consumer Choice bill (HB 1171) with a clear majority. With this action, legislators proved they were listening. They showed they understood the importance of allowing consumers the right to choose their own insurance company for homeowners insurance.
Promise of Protection
Homeowners deserve protection. In addition to offering consumer choice, the bill holds the promise of protection. Homeowners will be protected from insurance companies who are not financially sound enough to pay claims. They can rest secure in the knowledge that if the unexpected happens, they can count on their trusted insurance company to help them recover.
o Prior to this legislation, consumers were often forced to find coverage through state-run Citizens or smaller, unknown start-up companies.
o Under the bill, consumers would have the option to choose financially strong insurance companies as they compete for the business.
Protection:
The bill does NOT force a single consumer to pay more for insurance. Consumers will continue to have access to lower-cost alternatives.
After a storm, the ability to pay claims is critical. With news of the Cat Fund and Citizens potentially being unable to meet obligations, this bill is welcome news because it potentially allows well-funded insurance companies to expand available coverage to Floridians facing the next storm.
The policies offered under this legislation are NOT unregulated. Key state requirements for claims paying ability and fair customer treatment continue to apply.
Education:
Consumers will be educated on their options.
o Lower-cost alternatives policies will be offered through a comparison shopping requirement contained in the bill.
o Consumers will be asked to acknowledge they are purchasing a “Consumer Choice” policy through a signed disclosure.
Bill Summary:
HB 1171 was proposed in response to the thousands of consumers who found themselves without property insurance from a large, well-known company and were forced to obtain coverage through Citizens or an unknown provider. This legislation is designed to give consumers greater insurance choices.
The bill allows qualified insurance companies to offer policies with market-based rates to customers wanting greater insurance options. Companies qualify to participate by meeting financial requirements, ensuring that only strong companies better-able to meet their claims obligations offer these products.
Consumers will continue to have access to Citizens and other lower-cost options through companies offering policies subject to state price controls.
Please note that the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce may, in our sole discretion, reject comments for any reason we deem appropriate. Links of value to the business community are welcome, but please use them sparingly - wield spam and you're banished forever. If you have an issue with a Winter Haven area business, please address that issue directly with that business. This is a moderated site and comments will appear if and when they are approved. We will review the queue several times daily, so please don't resubmit if your comment doesn't appear immediately.
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
