Friday, January 30, 2015

Florida Lawmakers Going to Do What Governor Scott Won't

I've spent the last week identifying hypocrisy and waste in the state's "new" stadium subsidy process, but it seems Florida's legislative leaders may actually do something about it.  Well, maybe...

According to the News Service of Florida, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, and Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, "want a top state economist to rank four professional sports facilities that are seeking sales-tax dollars to help pay for construction projects."

In a written statement, Crisafulli expressed frustration that the state's Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), under Governor Scott, didn't rank the projects this year, as expected. 

So while the governor - through lack of action - has indicated determining the projects' return on investment is not a priority, it's a good thing for taxpayers the legislature seems interested in the exercise.

Previous coverage:1/29/15 - Gov. Scott stumbles through stadium questions again
1/28/15 - Stadium bill also makes it easier for spring training teams to leave
1/28/15 - Campaign contributions fuel pro teams' incentives
1/27/15 - Group want to end tax help for pro stadiums
1/26/15 - Fla's "new" stadium subsidy process is no improvement so far
1/25/15 - Teams renovate stadiums even after getting rejected for tax $$
1/22/15 - Gov. Scott's non-answer answers on stadium subsidies

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