“The James Madison Institute commends Florida’s legislative leaders for outlining prudent and achievable goals for the 2014 legislative session. In particular, JMI welcomes the emphasis on making state and local governments more accountable to the taxpayers through greater transparency. We also welcome the proposals to return some of the taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars to them by lowering taxes and fees.The Sunshine State has a great story to tell, one grounded in economic freedom and opportunity not government largesse or central planning from the state capital. This has allowed our state to lead the nation’s economic recovery.?In addition, given the chronic gridlock in Washington, D.C., and in various other states’ capitals, we believe Floridians can be pleased that Senate President Don Gaetz, House Speaker Will Weatherford, and Gov. Rick Scott seem well positioned to work cooperatively toward enhancing Florida’s status as a state that continues to attract new residents and job-creating businesses. While they may differ from time to time on specifics, they share the same views regarding what creates prosperity and improves quality of life.Moreover, JMI believes that Florida’s business climate – already among the nation’s best – would be further enhanced if legislators this year build upon the state’s recent education reforms by expanding school choice, further linking education and job skills, and by ratcheting up the measures of educational accountability to ensure that the money provided through taxes, tuition, and fees is well-spent.JMI also believes it is crucial for lawmakers this year to follow through with solutions for long-term problems such as the costs of current pension system for government employees.”If Florida’s Governor and legislative leaders can work together achieve their stated goals on the critical issues in this election year, they will have earned the gratitude of the taxpayers — not only this year but for many years to come.”
