Haridopolos addresses Chamber members

Tomorrow morning Historic City News reporters will be on hand when local business leaders attend the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast.

Flagler President, Dr. William T. Abare, Jr., will convene the meeting at 8:00 a.m. in the Virginia Room of the Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College.

Government Relations Manager for the Chamber, Carol Saviak, will introduce this year’s keynote speaker; Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos who will make his presentation; “Florida’s Future: Breaking down barriers to opportunity”.

As Senate President, Haridopolos laid out an agenda this year that was bold—both in principle and in substance—promising, and delivering, on five major promises to Floridians.

In spite of facing an almost $4 billion budget deficit, Haridopolos insisted on balancing Florida’s budget without raising taxes. He did that and also cut $308 million in taxes on small businesses and homeowners.

Haridopolos promised to pass the Health Care Freedom Act to place a protection in our State Constitution to keep Floridians from being impacted by federal health care insurance mandates and penalties. This constitutional amendment was passed and will appear on the November 2012 ballot.

He has fought for a Smart Cap since he was elected to place stringent controls on government, ensuring that state government spending will never grow faster than family income. This initiative passed the Florida Legislature this year and will be considered by Florida voters on the 2012 ballot.

Haridopolos also led the fight for the Student Success Act. This legislation enacted unprecedented education reform for our students that will pay our best teachers like the professionals they are and continue to raise the bar for our students to compete with their peers from around the globe.

He also took on Public Pension Reform and instituted landmark legislation which respects the contributions of our state workers but requires them to contribute to their own pensions, just as those in the private sector do.