Florida is facing a crisis in human capital that represents the growing demand for a highly skilled and educated workforce. Even with a labor force of more than nine million people, prospective employers are challenged to find available skilled workers.
Florida’s economy continues to change, moving toward an economy driven by innovation and the prospect of high-wage, high-value jobs in emerging industries. A strong pool of globally competitive workers will be a powerful lure for businesses who hope to prosper in the state of Florida.
The Florida Chamber will work to ensure Florida remains a national leader in producing a talented workforce through the Quick Response Training – a program designed to assist new businesses and provide existing businesses the necessary training for expansion – and other high-value programs.
Together we can ensure Florida remains a national leader in producing a talented workforce.
Current and Former Military Personnel (SB 922)
Honoring the courageous men and women serving our country, as well as those returning home from deployment, lawmakers passed a Florida Chamber-backed bill that provides vital support programs for men and women in uniform and encourages job creators to hire Florida’s heroes.
Under a bill sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton) and Rep. Bryan Nelson (R-Apopka), members of the military deployed overseas can receive a property tax exemption, and grants will be made available for military base retention programs and priority course registration at public postsecondary institutions will be available to veterans that receive GI Bill education benefits. The bill also expands and renames an existing program to the Florida Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunity Act that will provide wartime veteran business owners vendor preferences and other benefits.
Governor Scott is expected to sign this bill into law.
State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan and Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson discuss higher education governance, aligning goals and resources in the latest edition of The Florida Chamber’s Bottom Line.
Unless Congress extends the emergency benefits, the net effect could be a reduction in combined state and federal compensation, which once offered up to 99 weeks of benefits, to 20 weeks or less for Florida workers who lose their jobs in 2013 or beyond. Those currently drawing compensation or who apply before the end of this year are facing less drastic reductions.
Florida Governor Rick Scott is traveling the state to promote a number of bills he’s signed that are part of his jobs and economic growth package, but Regan McCarthy reports some experts question whether the governor’s policies will help Floridians get back to work.
