Greetings everyone from the early chill of the state capital. The temperature dipped down to 27 degrees in Tallahassee last night thus, contradicting two schools of thought: 1. The Florida legislature is full of enough hot air to raise the relative temperature and, 2. We are experiencing the phenomenon called global warming.
Now the dust has settled from the November 4th elections, the climate in Tallahassee hasn't really changed all that much. The Republican Party maintained the super majority in the Florida House of Representatives (76 Republicans to 44 Democrats) as well as the Florida Senate (26 Republicans to 14 Democrats). So, the ball is still in the court of the Republican Party to help re-invigorate Florida's stagnant economy. Although the R's have the overwhelming majority, many of the races around the state were very close and could have gone either way (R or D). This isn't surprising given Florida Governor Charlie Crist has managed to stay in the middle of the political spectrum, and enjoys ample popularity within the state and nationally.
So, here is what's at stake in Florida: The state's economy is in the ditch. Despite the best efforts of our leaders to reform property taxes and insurance, citizens just are not getting the warm and fuzzy feelings. Secondly, with a recent Florida Supreme Court ruling, Florida's businesses have more reasons to get antsy as the 4 consecutive quarters of Workers Comp premium reductions could disappear as early as March 2009. *FYI- Florida Supreme Court overturned caps on attorney's fees in Worker Comp lawsuits. Early indications are premiums could increase by as much as 18.6%, negating the progress made since 2003. So, homeowners and business owners are seriously concerned about the economic forecasts.
Secondly, tourism and home sales are down! Since Florida's economy is primarily dependent on sale-tax collections and documentary stamp revenues, legislators are going to have to re-invent the terminology of doing a lot more with a lot less. There has been a lot of chatter around a potential special legislative session in December to further reduce state budget allocations for the 2008-09 Fiscal Year. And to add a little more flavor to the mix, I have been told by people higher in the food chain that state agencies may be asked to cut another 10% for Fiscal Year 2009-10. For those of you at home keeping score, that is a little over a 20% cut in budget allocations in roughly 2 years. Scary stuff, right?
Now aside from the doom and gloom of the state's economy which the Republicans are desperately trying to salvage and the need to make good public policy which we all support, there is one other seemingly minor, but, in fact, HUGE item at stake..... What, you may ask? R-E-A-P-P-O-R-T-I-O-N-M-E-N-T. "Reapportionment"! The forgotten crown jewel. In line with the updated census numbers, Florida's Legislature is required to reapportion legislative districts. And, as you may expect, the majority party will have the most representation and sayso on how the "new" legislative districts are drawn. The Democrats would love nothing more than to pick-up enough seats in the state legislature to ensure they are in the majority in 2010. By the same token, the Republicans do not want to give any ground because they want the lead on drawing the new districts. For those who have never witnessed reapportionment, the process gives a whole to meaning to: "Everybody is equal, some more equal than others!"
With all of this drama going on, it is almost forgetful that we have a new Speaker of the House and President of the Senate. Officially elected Tuesday during "Organizational Session," Sen. Jeff Atwater R-Royal Palm Beach was elected by his peers to preside over the Florida Senate during (2009-10) legislative sessions. Rep. Ray Sansom R-Destin was selected by his colleagues in the Florida House to preside over the lower chamber. Also assuming their leadership roles, the Minority Party elected Sen. Al Lawson D-Tallahassee and Rep. Franklin Sands D-Weston to the highest positions within their party.
Congressional Florida was home to some very interesting races. All were very heavily contested. We saw a friend get caught with his pants down and two other incumbents from presumably "safe" districts fall to their challengers. When all the votes were counted the Democratic Party picked up one additional seat in Florida's delegation. The specific races were: Incumbent Tom Feeney (R-24) lost to Democratic challenger Suzanne Cosmos, incumbent Ric Keller (R-8) lost to Democratic challenger Alan Grayson and incumbent Tim Mahoney (D-16) lost to Republican challenger Tom Rooney.
In other Washington news, Florida's very own Congressman Adam Putnam (R-12) resigned his powerful leadership position as Republican Policy Chairman, the number three position in the party. Although rumors galore have circulated about Putnam's decision, it seems appropriate to only put weight into the words of the Congressman himself. In a recent interview, Putnam stated he "wanted the opportunity to work across the aisle on legislation to help his constituents, his state and country."
Lastly, on Tuesday, November 18th, Sen Carey Baker (R-Eustis) officially announced his intentions to run for the position of Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a seat to be vacated by term limit incumbent Charles H. Bronson in 2010.
So, there was a lot of talk about change. Maybe some will happen. Maybe change is nothing more than a re-visiting of policies and ideas we shared 15 years ago? Regardless, this is our sandbox and we had all better figure out how we are gonna play in it together.
Stay tuned to Tallahassee talk for more insight, facts, puns, ribs and information.
Until next time,
Jim
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Things to ponder in 2008
You know, I have heard when it rain, IT POORS! Well to be quite honest the virtual rain is really for the birds. We need real mother-nature induced rain to replenish the aquifer, our lakes and streams.
We have made it to 2008. Some of us are limping, some were carried across kicking and screaming nevertheless, we all made it. As I think back on 2007 and look to the horizon of 2008 I can't help but take measure in what we have gained and lost personally as well as professionally. As an industry we are still climbing the mountain, since the last industry plateau we have endured hurricanes, numerous invasive pests, a steady increase in government regulation, drought and associated water restrictions, fertilizer ordinances..... and did I mention plant are still under priced! These various hurdles and pitfalls have caused some people to leave our industry, some change their marketing strategy or the plant lists, yet others have somehow prospered. As an association, we have also experienced our share of growing pains, through dues increases, strategic planning, renewed focus and fresh ideas with the association's trade shows and a very new focus on filling the very large shoes associated with the mantra of "The largest segment of Florida's Agricultural Industry."
As we focus on the excitement and hopes of 2008 here are some things to consider:
1) How do we as leaders of Florida's "green Industry" carve out our place in the public policy arena? The place where customers and regulators come to us for answers to difficult questions, the place where water conservation leads the discussion and the general public grasps the tie between environmental sustainability and water conservation?
2) How do we change the public perception on immigration and labor issues? The immigration debates cuts to the heart of our industry yet, it has so sharply divided our country and state that a reasonable solution sometimes seems unreachable. What can we do individually and collectively to change the debate?
3) Expanding the horticultural market. The business world we operate in seems to change so fluidly however, many of us in the horticultural industry are still clinging to the "way it used to be." This is not referring to new plant varieties.... I am referring to new niches and trends which fit seamlessly with our industry yet, like the 400 lbs gorilla, I am not sure we are nimble enough to catch it. For example, the debate on Carbon Trading, Alternative Fuels Sources, Bio-medical research and development, Energy Efficient, Environmentally Sustainable Developments, to name a few. Each of these new frontiers have one thing in common, plants, in some form or fashion, plants are the key to the ultimate success or failure of these programs.... But where do we fit in?
Without question, 2008 will be busier than ever! There are some monumental public policy debates which will take place in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and every local media outlet. We have truly come of age in the horticultural industry and now is the time for each of us to seize the day and lead the association, the industry and the state into the future. Now is the time for financial commitment and also, equally as important, charismatic persons to step forward and lead. Every FNGLA members has a specific skill set which can take the industry a step forward. The only thing which holds us back is ourselves!
I hope each of you stand ready to do your part in 2008. As Benjamin Franklin once said "If we don't hang together, we will surely hang separately." As we approach to 2008 Florida Legislative Session, please pay attention to your emails; FNGLA's Legislative Action Center, Ben's Babbles and Tallahassee Talk will be teaming with information. Thank you for your leadership, your involvement and your energy. And most of all Thank you for being members of FNGLA.
We have made it to 2008. Some of us are limping, some were carried across kicking and screaming nevertheless, we all made it. As I think back on 2007 and look to the horizon of 2008 I can't help but take measure in what we have gained and lost personally as well as professionally. As an industry we are still climbing the mountain, since the last industry plateau we have endured hurricanes, numerous invasive pests, a steady increase in government regulation, drought and associated water restrictions, fertilizer ordinances..... and did I mention plant are still under priced! These various hurdles and pitfalls have caused some people to leave our industry, some change their marketing strategy or the plant lists, yet others have somehow prospered. As an association, we have also experienced our share of growing pains, through dues increases, strategic planning, renewed focus and fresh ideas with the association's trade shows and a very new focus on filling the very large shoes associated with the mantra of "The largest segment of Florida's Agricultural Industry."
As we focus on the excitement and hopes of 2008 here are some things to consider:
1) How do we as leaders of Florida's "green Industry" carve out our place in the public policy arena? The place where customers and regulators come to us for answers to difficult questions, the place where water conservation leads the discussion and the general public grasps the tie between environmental sustainability and water conservation?
2) How do we change the public perception on immigration and labor issues? The immigration debates cuts to the heart of our industry yet, it has so sharply divided our country and state that a reasonable solution sometimes seems unreachable. What can we do individually and collectively to change the debate?
3) Expanding the horticultural market. The business world we operate in seems to change so fluidly however, many of us in the horticultural industry are still clinging to the "way it used to be." This is not referring to new plant varieties.... I am referring to new niches and trends which fit seamlessly with our industry yet, like the 400 lbs gorilla, I am not sure we are nimble enough to catch it. For example, the debate on Carbon Trading, Alternative Fuels Sources, Bio-medical research and development, Energy Efficient, Environmentally Sustainable Developments, to name a few. Each of these new frontiers have one thing in common, plants, in some form or fashion, plants are the key to the ultimate success or failure of these programs.... But where do we fit in?
Without question, 2008 will be busier than ever! There are some monumental public policy debates which will take place in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and every local media outlet. We have truly come of age in the horticultural industry and now is the time for each of us to seize the day and lead the association, the industry and the state into the future. Now is the time for financial commitment and also, equally as important, charismatic persons to step forward and lead. Every FNGLA members has a specific skill set which can take the industry a step forward. The only thing which holds us back is ourselves!
I hope each of you stand ready to do your part in 2008. As Benjamin Franklin once said "If we don't hang together, we will surely hang separately." As we approach to 2008 Florida Legislative Session, please pay attention to your emails; FNGLA's Legislative Action Center, Ben's Babbles and Tallahassee Talk will be teaming with information. Thank you for your leadership, your involvement and your energy. And most of all Thank you for being members of FNGLA.
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