The Road to Tallahassee
BY LAURA SHAY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
GREAT AMERICAN REALTOR ® DAYS - MARCH 27-29 EACH YEAR , FLORIDA ’ S REALTORS ® SPEND A DAY IN TALLAHASSEE MEETING THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO REPRESENT THEM . IT ’ S THE BEST TIME FOR REALTORS ® TO TALK ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE ISSUES CHALLENGING HOMEOWNERS AND THE INDUSTRY , AND THOSE TALKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE .
There are a handful of issues every year that our local Realtors ® take to Tallahassee during Great American Realtor ® Days , with the goal of getting answers from our lawmakers . We had the opportunity to ask Governor Rick Scott about some of the biggest concerns the people of Southwest Florida have , and how he plans to tackle those in his remaining two years in office .
One of the highlights of your recently released 2017 – 2018 budget was a proposed 25 percent reduction in the tax businesses pay on their commercial leases ( business rent tax ). Can you explain why a reduction in this tax is important and how it would impact Florida ’ s economy ?
“ This year , I am prosing to cut $ 618 million in taxes , including cutting the tax businesses pay on commercial leases by 25 percent . Florida is the only state in the nation with this tax , which puts us at a competitive disadvantage . The commercial lease tax also unfairly targets small businesses and prevents them from investing more money in growing their companies and creating jobs for our families .
When we cut taxes , it helps businesses create jobs - jobs that ultimately help the poorest , most disadvantaged families in our state . Over the last six years , we have cut taxes by $ 6.5 billion , and we have seen our economy make an incredible turnaround . In order to fight for the futures of our students , our small businesses , our veterans , and our families , we must continue to make these important tax cuts .”
As you are no doubt aware , we have some water issues here in Lee County that are having a negative , measurable effect on property values and tourism . Do you have some ideas that would help mitigate these issues ?
“ While the state has continued to step up and invest in important restoration projects to help South Florida waterways , it is clear that more work has to be done . It is up to all of us – the state , Florida ’ s local communities , and the federal government – to work together on long term solutions to improve the quality of our water . That is why my proposed Fighting for Florida ’ s Future budget invests $ 60 million for the Indian River Lagoon and Caloosahatchee Cleanup Initiative , which is a long-term solution to improving water quality in this area . If approved by the Legislature , this voluntary program will provide funding to encourage residents to move from septic tanks to sewer systems in order to curb pollution that is currently entering into these water bodies . This proposal will also support local communities to help build wastewater systems to meet the increased demand for wastewater services .”
You frequently visit Fort Myers to promote the growth of local businesses . Why are you so passionate about small business and why is it important to you to highlight these successes ?
“ I am always proud to recognize Florida job creators for their commitment to creating new opportunities in their communities . Over the past six years , I have had the opportunity to travel across the state and hear directly from families on what matters most to
12 RPCRA . ORG | MAR / APR 2017