2012 Legislative Priorities
We, as empowered members of the Suncoast League of Cities and elected officials representing one million citizens, advocate on a regional level the following 2011 Legislative Priorities:
2012 Legislative Priorities
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1 - PENSION REFORM
The Suncoast League of Cities will support legislation that provides comprehensive municipal firefighter and police officer pension reform. The league supports pension reform that returns control to local governments in negotiation with local employee groups.
2 - TABOR: REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CAPS
The Suncoast League of Cities opposes state-mandated revenue or expenditure caps. State-mandated caps usurp the home rule powers of municipal residents to self-determine the form of their government and their desired level of service. A cap would be unworkable for any level of government in Florida, unless such proposal, at a minimum:
1. Applies to either revenues or expenditures, but not both;
2. Includes a "time-out" provision in case it becomes necessary to suspend the cap proposal due to unusual economic circumstances;
3. Reflects the true level of inflation incurred by Florida governments in providing services.
3 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Suncoast League of Cities will support legislation that strengthens Florida’s economy through the creation of jobs. Such legislation should:
• Fund Municipal public infrastructure projects through various means, such as the leveraging of private investments through state tax credits;
• Establish public/private partnerships to promote redevelopment and encourage infill development, preservation and reuse in Florida’s cities;
• Enact an urban economic development policy for the State of Florida;
• Create a highly skilled workforce by investing in educational initiatives that reflect the needs of existing and emerging business markets;
• Solicit additional federal tax credits for environmentally sustainable and affordable housing and local government infrastructure; and
• Preserve tourism and the local economy by opposing offshore oil drilling.
SLC Member Municpalities
Belleair, Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Brooksville, Clearwater, Crystal River, Dade City, Dunedin, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Inverness, Kenneth City, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, Port Richey, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Seminole, South Pasadena, St. Leo, St. Pete Beach, St Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, Treasure Island, Zephyrhills
Effective Lobbying By: Lars A. Hafner, Ph.D.