Legislative Agenda

Legislative Agenda Approved
Issues that affect the Chamber, its members and the business community have been identified and prioritized by our Governmental Affairs Committee. The Chamber Board of Directors will forward these top issues, listed in our 2007 Legislative Agenda below, to our state legislative delegation for their information and use.
2007 Legislative Priorities
Economic Development Issues
• Support continued funding of state grant programs as incentives to assist in recruiting new business and capital investment to our region.
• Passage of legislation to attract and invest early stage venture capital in emerging companies to create and expand new Florida businesses and technology.
Education & Workforce Development Issues
• Support $8 million funding for Polk Community College northeast area expansion.
• Support continued funding for University of South Florida’s Northeast Polk County campus at the intersection of I-4 and County Road 557.
• Increase the level of funding for kindergarten through higher education to ensure equitable, quality education to meet the needs of children in the Haines City-Northeast Polk County area.
• Passage of legislation addressing the shortage of affordable and workforce housing in the Haines City-Northeast Polk County area.
Transportation & Infrastructure Issues
• Support funding for road improvements on State Highway 17-92 through the town of Lake Alfred.
• Support funding to four-lane State Route 544 from east Haines City to Winter Haven.
• Support funding for road improvements related to the CSX freight terminal locating in south Winter Haven.
• Increase dedicated funding sources to meet growth management and economic development demands.