Next week, I will be leading an economic development mission to Spain. Along with a delegation of more than sixty Florida business leaders and economic development professionals, I will work to develop economic ties between Florida and Spain. The objective of this mission is twofold. We will promote the five-hundredth anniversary celebration of Spanish presence in Florida and further cement our cultural ties. Next, I will promote Florida as the ideal location for Spanish companies to do business.
Spain has been one of the fastest growing foreign investors in Florida in recent years. Well over 300 Spanish companies maintain operations in our state. Spain is also an important source of tourism to Florida and I will promote Florida as the world’s number one tourist destination. By developing and maintaining relationships with key economic partners, we can ensure that Florida’s economy continues to grow.
I recently signed legislation that increases funding to Florida schools by $1 billion.
During the past few weeks, I have spent time listening to teachers, parents and students about the best ways we can improve Florida’s K-12 education system. My job as Governor is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are invested so that Florida’s children receive the best possible education.
One way the Florida Department of Education is doing this is by ranking the performance of Florida’s schools. Now, schools in our state can better understand how they stack up. Also, taxpayers will know exactly what they are getting for their money.
It is important to continue to set goals and monitor schools to ensure that they achieve success. I will continue to listen to teachers, parents and students about additional ways we can implement this funding. By doing this, we can ensure that your tax dollars are being invested properly and that Florida’s students are given every opportunity to succeed.
This week, I signed legislation that increases funding to Florida schools by $1 billion. I would like to thank the Florida House and Senate for answering my call and putting Florida’s students first.
During my time as Governor, I have spoken with Floridians across the state. I quickly learned that the two issues that they care about the most are jobs and education. These two issues go hand-in-hand. Employers want to locate in states that have quality educational systems. Read More…
During the recent legislative session, the Florida House and Senate passed my 2012 Jobs and Economic Development Package. This is a huge victory for all Floridians and will ensure that our unemployment rate continues to drop. My agenda is designed to get Floridians back to work and is based on the principle that private companies, not government, create jobs.
By eliminating burdensome regulation and lowering taxes, Florida will be in a better position to create, attract and retain jobs. Since I became governor, this has been my primary focus. I continue to work every day to make sure that every Floridian who wants a job has the opportunity to get one.
This plan, coupled with $1 billion in additional education funding, will have a tremendous impact on the lives of Floridians.
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This week, I would like to congratulate the Florida House and Senate on another successful legislative session. At the beginning of the session, I called on lawmakers to increase K-12 funding by $1 billion. This was my top priority.
I would like to thank Speaker Cannon and Senate President Haridopolos, as well as the entire Legislature, for putting Florida’s children first.
Lawmakers also passed key components of my 2012 Jobs and Economic Development Package, including:
• Turning our unemployment system into a re-employment system.
• Making workforce boards more accountable.
• Delivering business and property tax relief.
Like me, lawmakers realize that private companies create jobs, not government. I look forward to signing legislation that strengthens Florida’s business climate and invests in our children.
