Florida’s first legislative Caucus focused on manufacturing to host first meeting
In celebration of Manufacturing Day, Senator Tom Wright and Representative Tommy Gregory announced today the first meeting of the Caucus will take place at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum on November 15 at 5:30 p.m. Held annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month, MFG Day—Manufacturing Day— is an opportunity to promote the importance of manufacturing on a local, national, and global level.
Manufacturer and supply chain companies are reliable and supportive community partners who have played a significant role in Florida’s economic recovery. The caucus will focus on bringing awareness to the educational, societal and economic benefits of our Florida manufacturers. It will also serve as a resource for members of the legislature and community who wish to learn more about how they can support their local manufacturing associations.
“As a manufacturer myself, I know first-hand the impact manufacturing jobs have on the quality of life of families,” said Senator Tom Wright, Co-Chair of the Caucus. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to advocate for and elevate the importance of manufacturing in Florida.”
The Florida Manufacturing and Supply Chain Caucus was created during the 2020-21 legislative session. It is the first of its kind in the Florida legislature and it is comprised of 16 legislators committed to support state investment in Florida’s manufacturing, supply chain and logistics through appropriations and policy bills; by exploring more ways to move university research opportunities into commercialization or applications that serve societal and industry needs; and by working with the Department of Education to ensure the inclusion of manufacturing education curriculum for primary and secondary students.
“Manufacturing is a multiplier for our State’s economy,” say Representative Tommy Gregory, Caucus Co-Chair. “We are not only creating goods or widgets, we are creating prosperity for Floridians. Manufacturing makes up over 20% of our neighboring states’ GDP. In Florida, that number is less than 6%. We need to do better.”
The members of the Caucus include:
Senator Audrey Gibson
Senator Debbie Mayfield
Senator Keith Perry
Senator Victor Torres
Senator Tom Wright (Co-chair)
Representative Thad Altman
Representative Robin Bartleman
Representative Jason Fischer
Representative Tommy Gregory (Co-Chair)
Representative Andrew Learned
Representative Stan McClain
Representative David Smith
Representative Cyndi Stevenson
Representative Allison Tant
Representative Geraldine Thompson
Representative Clay Yarborough
