Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, is the latest state lawmaker to endorse Governor Rick Scott’s plans for Enterprise Florida. Scott is trying to get more lawmakers to back his bid for a $250 million boost to the public-private business recruitment agency. Along with the increase in funding, Scott has also pledged to reform the agency.
The money would create a new fund that would earn more interest. And the Governor, House Speaker and Senate President would have to approve deals over $1 million. Companies would have a greater return on the state’s investment in them, and no money would be doled out until the company meets job creation goals spelled out in a contract.
Earlier this year Scott and state lawmakers argued over whether Enterprise Florida was running out of money; the agency had $100 million in an escrow account, but the Governor argued that money was already earmarked.
Rep. Michelle Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, says Enterprise Florida helped recruit the New York-based Kaye Scholer law firm to Tallahassee, which includes 100 new jobs. And she says the reforms will strengthen the agency and its ability to continue its efforts in business recruitment.
"Governor Scott’s proposal to reform Enterprise Florida provides added accountability and improved return on the investment of Florida's taxpayers while keeping our competitive edge in gaining jobs for our state and our Capital City. I'm proud to support it," she said.
