Transportation Advocates Deliver Thousands of Petitions to Gov; Push for Veto
~ Effort to stop Transportation Trust Fund Raid & save more than 8000 Florida jobs ~
TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) delivered nearly 3600 signatures to Gov. Rick Scott asking for a veto of the $150 million raid on the State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF). According to the most recent estimates from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the $150 million sweep will have an approximate $301.4 million negative impact on FDOT’s construction work program through the end of June 2012. Such a measure would equate to a loss of more than 8,400 Florida jobs.
In addition to the petition, FTBA was joined by eight supportive Florida organizations and transportation advocates in signing a letter to the governor which outlined the long-term impacts of the multimillion dollar raid. Additional supportive organizations signing the letter included the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida, Associated Industries of Florida, Florida Engineering Society, Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers, Florida Public Transportation Association, Florida TaxWatch, Florida Trucking Association and the Underground Utility Contractors of Florida.
A copy of the letter and the FTBA petition can be found below or at www.FTBA.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA PUSH: In addition to the petition drive, FTBA, their members and supporters have organized the following social media initiatives:
A video message to Governor Scott in defense of the STTF – you can view it here: http://bit.ly/Message2GovScott.
Twitter & Facebook Outreach – starting at NOON TODAY and continuing throughout the week…Follow #Save8000FLJobs on Twitter or visit Governor Scott’s Facebook page (select “Most Recent” tab) to see supportive posts from Floridians across the state.
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May 23, 2011
The Honorable Rick Scott cc: Mike Prendergast, Chief of Staff
Governor Pamela Pfeifer, Policy Director
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Dear Governor Scott:
We applaud you on your efforts during your inaugural legislative session to push for policy which creates jobs and helps ensure Florida is a state companies want to bring their business to. While there have been many successes, there currently is a job-killing budget appropriation that deserves your attention. We, the undersigned, believe the 2011-2012 General Appropriations Act (SB 2000) is a conservative appraisal of our state’s dire fiscal reality, but unfairly places a burden on Florida’s ability save and create jobs with a multimillion raid on the State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF). We encourage you to veto this portion of the budget and restore the $150 million back to the STTF.
The proposed $150 million raid on the transportation trust fund creates a potential $301.4 million reduction in the Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) construction work program from now through June 2012. This one-time sweep has the potential to eliminate more than 8,400 Florida private sector jobs and will only add to Florida’s strained unemployment compensation and healthcare systems.
In 2014, the expansion of the Panama Canal will be complete and Florida will be poised to serve as the capital of foreign trade on America’s eastern seaboard. To help prepare for added port-related trade, legislation was passed to help Florida’s ports expand and streamline operations. Without a substantial transportation infrastructure in place to help move those goods, Florida will jeopardize its chance to fully take advantage of this unique trade opportunity.
Florida’s transportation industry has always been a key element in the strength of our state’s economy. We know that for every $1 spent on road construction, $7 is returned to the economy. Over the past few years, the legislature has worked to divert transportation dollars out of the trust fund to balance the budget. However, stripping funds from an industry which offers immediate economic stimulus only exacerbates Florida’s economic woes and will undoubtedly impact unemployment figures.
By vetoing the trust fund raids, you will be making a proper investment in Florida’s transportation system which supports our diverse economy and the needs of Floridians. In the midst of rising unemployment rates and a struggling economy, your veto would be one action that surely moves Florida in a positive direction. A recent survey from a leading executive magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation, found transportation infrastructure is the second contributing factor (only behind labor costs) when companies choose to locate or relocate their businesses. We’ve attached that survey from Area Development for you to review and take into consideration as you make this critical decision concerning transportation infrastructure funding.
A veto is the right choice for Florida. Our organizations encourage you to veto the $150 million raid of the State Transportation Trust Fund. More than 8,400 Florida private sector jobs are dependent on your decision.
SINCERELY,
Bob Burleson, President
Florida Transportation Builders’ Association
Co-Signing Partners:
Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida
Associated Industries of Florida
Florida Engineering Society
Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers
Florida Public Transportation Association
Florida TaxWatch
Florida Trucking Association
Underground Utility Contractors of Florida
