Joe Smith talks about the economy
It was barely two years ago that Florida seemed unsinkable, with a strong housing market, booming tourism industry and a technologically superior space program. Yet that has gone, as other states compete to take Florida's place as the home of space development, as companies leave and close, as unemployment mounts and as homes lay empty.
In this new decade, it's time to focus on what we need to do to get Florida working again. For more than 30 years, I've worked in this state as a businessman and as a state legislator. I know what businesses need to thrive and how to get the job done in politics.
My economic plan calls for looking at what we do best, and fighting at every level to ensure that Florida benefits from future growth. As your senator, my priorities would be:
- Jobs - we went from having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country to one of the highest in under two year. This is my main priority.
- Education - Florida has a great college system. As your senator, I will work to increase funding for retraining, while fighting for more money and accountability in K-12 education.
- Extend the homebuyer's tax credit - our economy still depends on a thriving property market. I will work at the federal level to make this support last longer that April 30th.
- Space program - successful lobbying by other states has thrown the Space Coast's lead in this industry into jeopardy. We need to change that. As senator, I will take the fight to Washington and secure Florida's place in space.
- Energy policy - this is tied directly to foreign policy. We're naturally placed to benefit and lead the way in the generation of solar power. As your senator, I'll fight for solar development in our state.
The next few years are crucial to Florida's future. The roads we lay today will pave the way to a brighter tomorrow. As your senator, I will fight where others have not for the future they failed to deliver. Please join my campaign and together we will get Florida growing again.
