Issue Position: Prosperity and Economic Opportunity

Issue Position

*Our legislature should have no higher priority than increasing economic mobility and resiliency for people who want to work. Nothing lifts people out of poverty -- financial poverty and poverty of purpose -- like the dignity of work.
*While Florida's unemployment rate has improved dramatically in recent years, there is room for improvement, especially in key industries that are likeliest to supply solid middle-class careers. Nationally, labor force participation rates are low, real wage growth is stagnant, and faith in the American Dream is too often disappointed. That's why our legislature should:
*Preserve and promote our business- and entrepreneur-friendly environment.
Invest in our ports and other infrastructure, without which high-value jobs, especially in export manufacturing and processing, will simply go elsewhere.
*Make it as easy as possible for manufacturers to locate and thrive here. For every 10 jobs created in export-oriented manufacturing, 12 more jobs are created in transportation, warehousing, and retail.
*Look for opportunities to invest in our workforce and promote real economic stability that gives families the ability to survive economic downturns --and disruptive technological change, like automation -- by providing tax credits and loan relief for people who seek vocational and technical training in high-demand fields.
*Small businesses provide two out of three jobs in Florida's economy. Our legislature should be mindful of regulatory burdens that fall disproportionately on small businesses.
*It should be a point of special pride that, with over 800,000 businesses owned by women, Florida ranks third in the nation for the number of female entrepreneurs. Our legislature should look for ways to preserve and expand the critical role that women play in building wealth for our families and communities.
*Our legislature should help veterans find work. As it was after World War II, Florida should be a place where men and women who've served find a welcoming climate. I applaud the legislature's important work in this regard last session, extending in-state tuition benefits to veterans at our state institutions of higher learning. I will work to extend incentives to veterans who want to compete in the global economy from right here in Florida.

Source