US Senate & Gubernatorial Candidates Address Transportation Builders Today
~ Candidates share vision for Florida’s future with FTBA members at annual convention~
ORLANDO – Today, the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) welcomed gubernatorial candidates, along with current governor and US Senate candidate, Charlie Crist at the Association’s annual convention in Orlando where candidates outlined their respective transportation platforms. More than 400 FTBA members were addressed by gubernatorial candidates CFO Alex Sink (D), Attorney General Bill McCollum (R) and Rick Scott (R), as well as Independent US Senate candidate Governor Charlie Crist. On the heals of a tumultuous legislative session where multimillions of dollars were poised to be raided from the State Transportation Trust Fund, FTBA members focused on the gubernatorial candidates’ visions to protect the trust fund and Florida jobs.
“At the end of session, lawmakers were positioned to raid $160 million from the transportation trust fund resulting in the termination of 11,000 Florida jobs,” said FTBA President Bob Burleson. “Governor Crist made the right choice in vetoing those raids as he recognized proper investments in Florida’s transportation system support a diverse economy and a robust transportation system which millions of Floridians depend on. We’re honored to have the candidates here today as we know transportation funding will continue to be targeted by lawmakers. Their stances on our issues are vital.”
Burleson continued saying he was pleased with the fact that the three major contenders for governor were present at FTBA’s convention. The crowd of transportation builders heard from each candidate individually as they relayed the importance of Florida’s transportation system to the economy, job creation and the need to ensure the trust fund remains untouched.
“Governor Crist’s veto earlier this year made transportation funding a front-and-center issue. With elections just around the corner, we felt it was important for our members to hear from the candidates who would have the most impact on ensuring Florida’s transportation infrastructure has a dedicated funding source for years to come,” concluded Burleson. “One by one, each candidate stated they would not allow the transportation trust fund to be raided on their watch. Whoever Florida’s next governor will be, it is clear all candidates recognize the importance of our industry.”
For more than 75 years, FTBA has been the voice of the road and bridge building industry in Florida. The nonprofit organization consists of businesses and individuals actively engaged in the construction of transportation infrastructure or the furnishing of materials, equipment or services for such construction. Visit www.FTBA.com for more information.
