- May 3, 2024
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We recently learned that Florida’s unemployment rate decreased in December to 9.9 percent, down for the fourth straight month. That’s a 2.1-percent drop in points in a year. For the first time in two-and-a-half years, Florida’s unemployment number is in single digits.
These numbers provide clear evidence that Florida’s economy is moving in the right direction. But most importantly, these numbers mean that Floridians who didn’t have jobs one year ago are now able to find jobs. I am committed to working to make Florida the best place to start, grow or move a business so that every Floridian who wants a job has the opportunity to get to work.
As one of the nation’s leaders in job creation, Florida totaled 141,500 private-sector jobs last year. That’s nearly 12,800 new jobs every month. In December alone, Florida added over 5,000 private-sector jobs at a rate of more than 12 jobs for every job that was lost as local, state and federal governments trimmed their workforce in order to live within their means.
Florida’s lower unemployment rate is proof that businesses, not governments, create jobs, and it is Floridians who deserve the credit.
With the help of the Legislature, I am committed to making changes that continue moving Florida in the right direction. I am focused on streamlining government, removing barriers to job creation, eliminating burdensome regulations and keeping the cost of living as low for families and businesses.
There is still much work to be done. We must build on our success and ensure the short-term and long-term success of Florida’s businesses. Our achievements must serve as a platform for attracting new businesses to Florida from around the world.
I have no doubt that Florida can be the No. 1 destination for global business. To achieve that goal, we must have the best educated workforce with the skills necessary to compete in our 21st century global economy. A good education is essential to getting a good job, so I have proposed adding $1 billion for K-12 education. This is the third largest amount of state funding for K-12 in the past decade.
To ensure we do not let the children of our state down, I will not sign any budget into law that does not contain significantly more state dollars for education than we had last year. The Florida House of Representatives shares my vision and has allocated more than $1 billion for education. I am grateful for their support for the young people of our state.
Another step that will make Florida a better place for business is to make sure we focus on the transportation projects that are best for Florida. Preparing Florida’s ports for increased trade from the expanded Panama Canal and free trade agreements will ensure Florida is a global trading hub and attract businesses to our state from across the world.
Florida is already the top tourist destination, and we are well on our way to being the leading place for business. We are making great progress in the Sunshine State, and I look forward to working closely with the Legislature to identify ways to ensure that every Floridian that wants a job, can get one.
I remain focused on three things: making sure Florida’s children can receive a good education, making sure that Floridians can find a job and keeping the cost of living low in our state. Please share your ideas with me by emailing [email protected]. Working together, we can get Florida back to work!
