GOVERNOR CRIST PROMOTES ECONOMIC INCENTIVES FOR JOB CREATION
~~ ~~Applauds Tampa Bay Tech High School for preparing students for jobs in innovation economy ~~ ~~
February 8, 2010
Contact:
GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
TAMPA – During a visit to the Florida State Fair, Governor Charlie Crist today emphasized his commitment to growing Florida’s economy through job retention and creation, workforce training, and economic development. The Governor applauded the Florida State Fair for its economic impact and praised efforts to strengthen Florida’s economy through recruiting and retaining innovation industries and jobs. Earlier today, Governor Crist visited Tampa Bay Tech High School to observe the school’s focus on preparing students for career paths in Florida’s innovation economy.
“We are focused on diversifying our economy beyond housing, agriculture, and tourism, which are all crucial industries, but have recently seen unprecedented challenges,” Governor Crist said. “We must continue to work to retain and attract new industries that provide jobs and economic development, and Florida schools have a key role in equipping our students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle 21st century jobs in a knowledge-based, innovation economy.”
A 2006 economic impact study conducted by the University of South Florida Center for Economic Development found that the Florida State Fair Authority creates 1,267 jobs statewide and has an economic impact of $171.4 million in sales and over $43.3 million in wages. Organized under the leadership of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson, the 2010 Florida State Fair opened Thursday, February 4, and runs through Monday, February 15.
Tampa Bay Technical High School works to assure top quality technical and educational opportunities exist for all students. With programs in commercial arts, health professions, alternative energy and green construction, the school uses a cooperative team approach to provide a nurturing environment to assure student success.
Governor Crist recently announced his $307.5-million economic-incentive budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010-11. The Governor’s recommended budget will increase Florida’s competitiveness in key business sectors, including information technology, aviation and aerospace, defense, biotechnology, tourism, sports, and film and entertainment through the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED). The Governor’s proposed budget also includes $100 million in tax relief through a one-percent reduction in the corporate income tax rate on the first $1 million of a corporation’s taxable income and a 10-day Back to School Sales Tax Holiday.
Governor Crist recently called for a formal partnership among state education and workforce development leaders and Florida’s business sector to develop a strategic plan to ensure Florida’s workforce is trained to meet the demands of a global, knowledge-based economy. Known as Florida’s Talent Supply Chain, the partners will work to ensure students can access educational opportunities and gain skills that will increase Florida’s economic competitiveness. To achieve this goal, the Governor’s proposed $7.1 billion higher-education budget includes a $100-million increase to state universities to build research and education capacity in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM). The Governor also announced a $67-million increase for Florida’s 28 community colleges to meet rising enrollment without increasing tuition.
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