Since 1987, the Daytona Regional Chamber worked closely with our Volusia delegation and others to relay the local business viewpoint on matters that come before State government. In an effort to keep you, our members, informed of the Session in Tallahassee, we present our Legislative Status Report.  If you have any questions regarding its content, please contact
Jim Cameron at 386.566.2140.
Governor Scott opens Legislative Session 
with State of the State Presentation
Gov Scott addresses Opening House/Senate Session


In his final State of the State address, Gov Scott stressed his commitment to "create jobs for Florida families." He also used this opportunity to outline his proposed $87.4 billion budget which calls for $180 million in "back-to-school" tax cuts as well as increased spending for K-12 education..
 
However, several House/Senate leaders say Scott's proposed budget is much too high and that it relies on higher property taxes (which must be approved by local School Boards) to balance the education budget. While Scott says it's based on higher property values, House Speaker Richard Corcoran calls this proposal a tax increase.
Others criticize taking $92 million out of the Sadowski (affordable housing) Trust fund and applying it to General fund purposes.  
Scott also discussed addressing the opioid abuse crisis and Hurricane Irma's aftermath...both will negatively impact revenues and create a tight budget year. While Hurricane Irma's costs are not yet been totaled, Scott is seeking $53 million to combat opioid addiction in next year's budget.
 
The Governor also promoted a proposed constitutional amendment that would require a two-thirds vote by the Legislature before a tax increase can become law (see article below). Any change to the state constitution requires 60 percent voter approval.

The budget will be one of the most contentious issues of the Session. More news to come.....
Rep Patrick Henry hosted the Kickoff Luncheon


Fla Housing Finance Corp's Jacqui Peters, Trey Price discuss workforce housing with Pt Orange's Alan Rosen, Councilman Chase Tramont

Chamber Hosts Volusia Days at the Capitol 

On January 10-11, the Chamber hosted Volusia Days at the Capitol. We began with a luncheon that included presentations from Agriculture Secretary Adam Putnam, Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier and Enterprise Floirda CEO Peter Antonacci. 

Approximately 40 people were in Tallahassee to the lobby on behalf of business issues and Volusia County projects.

Some of the major issues included funding for First Step shelter, East Volusia flood control study, Volusia County road projects, addressing Assignment of Benefits (insurance), Vacation Rental Units as well as other issues.

The group met with State Education Board Chair Marva Johnson, State Emergency Management Director Wes Maul, Florida Housing Finance Corporation Exec Trey Price, Senators Lizbeth Benacquisto, Wilton Simpson, Bill Montford, Audrey Gibson, Aaron Bean, Oscar Braynon; Representatives Jason Brodeur, Jay Fant, Matt Caldwell, Tom Goodsen, Joe Gruters, Larry Metz, Carlos Guillermo-Smith, Evan Jenne, Bobby Olszewski, Asst Director on Office of Homelessness Zachary Summerlin, Florida League of Cities President Mike Sittig and others.

Visit Florida President Ken Lawson, and Dept of Economic Opportunities Exec Cissy Proctor updated attendees on their agencies.

The group also heard legislative updates from House members Tom Leek, Patrick Henry, David Santiago, Paul Renner, Senator's Dorothy Hukill, David Simmons, and Travis Hutson.

Senators Dorothy Hukill, David Simmons, Rep Tom Leek recap opening day's issues


Rep David Santiago outlines budget details 

The Chamber would like to thank our Event Sponsors  






Chief Economist Amy Baker discusses budget with Chamber Vice President Jim Cameron
Revenue Estimating Conference explores FY 2018-19 Budget

The Revenue Estimating Conference met continuously this week. Chamber staff Jim Cameron met Chief Economist Amy Baker who stated "due to Hurricane Irma, there is virtually no budget surplus this coming fiscal year. Most likely, the legislature will focus first on funding state programs before any appropriations for local projects".
 
Once this group has completed their projections, the House and Senate budget committees will have a better understanding of how much revenue the State can expect for the coming Fiscal Year.
Tourist Development Tax

H 585 by Rep Fine would expands how "bed" tax money can be spent to include infrastructure projects pedestrian overpasses in tourist areas.
 
Bill proponents says the bill expands the scope of control for local officials....."designated projects have to be directly related to tourism.....tourism is more than advertising on TV."
 
The Chamber is concerned that tourist-development money to pay for infrastructure projects that should be funded in other ways - and will divert money from tourism promotion and advertising.
 
H 585 was approved in a 9-4 vote by the House Tourism & Gaming Control Subcommittee and now goes to the House Ways and Means Committee (Rep Paul Renner - Chair; Rep Tom Leek - member).
 
Senate version S 658 by Sen Jeff Brandes is pending in the Finance and Tax Appropriations Subcommittee .
Rep Tom Leek
Supermajority Vote for State Taxes or Fees

HJR 7001 by Rep Tom Leek is an amendment to the state Constitution stipulating that any new or increase in state tax or fee must have two-thirds of the membership of each house of the legislature; and that any proposed state tax or fee imposition, or increase must be contained in a separate bill that contains no other subject.
 
HJR 7001 would not apply to any tax or fee imposed/authorized a county, city, school board, or special district. Upon Legislature's approval, it would go to the 2018 general election or earlier special election and must receive 60% voter approval.

HJR 7001 was approved by the Appropriations Committee 20-8 and is set for a House floor vote.
 

Transportation Planning
 
H 575 by Rep Beshears while Federal law requires Transportation Planning Organizations (TPOs) in urban areas and there are specific membership requirements any MPO governing board. H 575 reduces the maximum number of members on a TPO Board and limits the number of members based on the metropolitan area's population. It prohibits an entire county council from serving as TPO Board members, requires by-laws for TPOs, and prohibits weighted voting structure; limits TPO's Board membership to two 4-year terms (amended in committee to 12 years).
 
Meanwhile the River to Sea TPO leadership sees H 575 intending to reduce the voting membership of TPO boards to eleven (11) members; limit local government participation in transportation funding decisions; eliminate eight (8) voting seats from the current R2CTPO board;
 
The House Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee approved H 575 by a 13-1 vote (Reps Tom Leek, Paul Renner voted YES). Leek and Renner said to expect substantial changes to this bill as it moves through committees.
 
Senate companion S 1516 by Sen Perry has been referred to the Transportation Committee (Sen Dorothy Hukill - member).
Chamber's 2018 Legislative Priorities

Click 2018 Legislative Priorities to see the Chamber's recommendations for the Session. Compiled by our Legislative Action Committee - Bob Williams, Chair (Halifax Health), this list was presented to the Volusia delegation at their November 3 meeting.  

These recommendations will be tracked throughout the session and reported each week in the Chamber's Legislative Status Report.
Legislative Directories

Click these links to contact YOUR Volusia delegation  
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce |126 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach | 386.255.0981 | Visit our Website
Any questions regarding this Legislative Status Report should be directed to 
Jim Cameron,  Sr Vice President, Government Relations, 386.523.3673.
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