From March 13, 2008

Energy issues once again dominated the scene today as the Senate Environmental Preservation & Conservation Committee took up a series of amendments on the Senate’s main energy package, SB 1544 by Senator Burt Saunders (R-Naples).  The business community was in full force hoping to persuade committee members to consider the costs and impacts associated with the numerous provisions of the bill.  No vote was taken today, but Chairman Saunders announced that the package will be voted on next week and will be considered on the floor of the Senate during the fourth week of session.

Affordable Workforce Housing is another top priority for AIF, and today several committees discussed the issue.  The House Economic Development Committee heard a presentation by Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Secretary Tom Pelham on his agency’s growth management legislative package.  The package contains some important affordable housing provisions, which allow for fast-tracking of local and state review of land use and building permit applications for affordable housing projects.  In addition, all 160 legislators received informational packets from the Sadowski Coalition, which AIF is a member of, detailing the importance of leveraging trust fund dollars for affordable housing and the potential these funds have for stimulating Florida’s economy…to the tune of $6.2 billion dollars.