Visit scgovXtra during the Florida legislative session from March 3 to May 1, 2009, for updated information on legislation and funding that affect Sarasota County programs and services.

Sarasota County Areas of Focus for the 2009 Florida Legislative Session 376 KB

2009 Surface Transportation Authorization Priorities 3.64 MG

Sarasota County’s state legislative priorities include infrastructure investments that create an economic stimulus, energy policies that promote independence and a green economy, fiscal responsibility, and policies that avoid unfunded local mandates or cost shifts.

Economic stimulus/vitality: Partner with local governments to invest in infrastructure, create jobs and promote sustainable economic development.

• Invest in transportation infrastructure. Leverage state dollars by funding locally matched, shovel-ready projects.

• Fund non-Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) state highways and arterial roads to stimulate capital investment, create jobs and address backlogs impeding growth.
• Avoid raiding the State Transportation Trust Fund – fund the Florida Department of Transportation Work Plan, including U.S. 41/Venice Bypass.
• Provide incentives to reward maximum use of local option transportation revenues.
• Invest funds in housing programs to create jobs in home repairs, storm hardening and retrofitting, and to lower home energy costs.
• Provide tools/incentives for local governments to attract regional economic development and create jobs.

Sustainability/energy independence and community building: Pursue aggressive energy policies to promote energy independence and stimulate a green energy economy.

• Establish a resource center for sustainable, applied alternative energy. Adopt community/regional decision-making to implement sustainable practices and create a green economy.

• Provide incentives for sustainable energy practices, green building, alternative fuels and carbon emission reductions.
• Promote sustainable regional economic development and green jobs.
• Cultivate sustainable communities/developments that integrate walking, bicycling, public transit, and energy efficient land use/growth management practices.

Fiscal responsibility/sustainability: Avoid unintended consequences from budget cuts and assure a fair, efficient tax structure.

• Retain local/community control – without caps – for local revenues and budgets.
• Address state budget shortfalls without shifting costs to local governments.
• Reform the sales tax structure and expand revenue by reducing sales tax exemptions and collecting sales taxes on internet sales.
• Assure that property tax reforms create a fairer tax system for all taxpayers and preserve the county’s ability to provide services.
• Protect our most vulnerable citizens in making budget reductions.

Community-based governance:  Refrain from unfunded mandates, cost shifts or preemptions of local authority.

• Reduce county jail overcrowding by removing zero tolerance for felony probation violators, housing parole violators in state prisons and reducing mandatory sentencing guidelines.
• Fulfill the state’s obligation to fund Regional Conflict Counsels.
• Maintain county authority to regulate sustainable growth and protect natural resources.
• Don’t expand the Medicaid Pilot Program until identified deficiencies are addressed.