TALLAHASSEE — Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, today announced his organization’s support for continued funding of the Florida Forever Program.
“The Florida Chamber believes the Florida Forever program makes an important contribution to the long-term economic well-being of our state and preservation of the quality of life of our next generation,” said Wilson. “Florida’s economic future is dependent on a ‘knowledge workforce’ and that future workforce is looking for a high quality of life, sustainable communities and a commitment to the environment.”
Wilson announced at a news conference at the State Capitol that he has sent to Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Larry Cretul letter expressing the Chamber’s backing of an appropriation of $4.875 million in the FY 10 State budget. This funding would continue Florida Forever next year and enable the issuance of as much as $50 million in bonds for land purchases.
The Florida Forever Coalition is comprised of more than 175 groups that promote the program’s many environmental, recreational, water supply, hunting, fishing, and agricultural benefits.
Among the Florida leaders who have previously expressed their support for Florida Forever funding are former Governors, Jeb Bush, Bob Martinez, Bob Graham, and Reubin Askew, and Attorney General Bill McCollum, CFO Alex Sink, and State Senator Paula Dockery.
