Tampa Bay Partners Support Transportation Tax Referendum

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce voted in their Board meeting this morning to support the transportation tax referendum, joining community partner the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, who voted on Monday to support the referendum.

“The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to support this important referendum because it gives our community the right to decide to invest in our transportation future. We are supportive of efforts to expand local private and public revenue sources dedicated to transportation and expanding transit services and options for Tampa Bay,” said Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Business leaders in the community see this transportation tax referendum as the first step in the right direction towards finding transportation solutions in a city that has had its fair share of growing pains when it comes to finding public transit options in Tampa.

“The South Tampa Chamber supports the All for Transportation referendum because we believe that this is the best proposal to date to provide much needed, long-term funding for multimodal transportation options, including expanding our county bus system, but also providing opportunities to increase the safety of streets in our neighborhoods,” said Kelly Flannery, President and CEO of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Community partners such as the Tampa Downtown Partnership have also joined in to support the referendum with a unanimous vote in support of it at their Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday.

“The Partnership’s Board and Executive Committee fully support the efforts of the “All for Transportation” campaign. As a diligent steward of Downtown Tampa and its stakeholders, our organization believes that increased investment in transportation initiatives will improve the quality of life in our community and encourage physical, as well as economic development,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

The referendum provides the framework and funding for the community to build and develop a robust transportation system that would relieve rush-hour bottlenecks, enhance bus services, and expand public transit options while providing a significantly improved transportation network in the cities of Plant City, Tampa, Temple Terrace, and throughout Hillsborough County.

Chamber Supports Concept of Tampa Bay Passenger Ferry Project

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce wrote the seven Board of County Commissioners today to express support of item B12 on the Wednesday, June 20^th Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners meeting agenda to extend the public-private partnership contract for continued pre-construction and design services for the concept of the Tampa Bay Passenger Ferry with a connection between South and East county and MacDill Air Force Base.

The Chamber and its Military Council are proud to maintain a dialogue with MacDill Air Force Base and recognize that transportation improvements are one of the areas we as a business community can best support our installation. MacDill’s four gates are access points for thousands of vehicles every morning and are heavily congested. It’s essential that we identify alternative transportation options to support personnel commuting to base but also address congestion relief on thoroughfares in and out of the base.

The Chamber is hopeful the site consultants will take the following into consideration during their site analysis:

1.) Environmental impacts associated with the location of Ferry launch sites.
2.) Needed infrastructure investments at sites to accommodate additional commuter transportation in addition to existing transportation use.

Policy & Transportation Digest

Tell the Mayor what you think is important

Mayor Bob Buckhorn wants to hear from the community about what they think is important for the future of the City of Tampa and its residents.

How do autonomous cars understand the road?

On the Alphabet campus, test tracks are being developed to help advance driverless car technology.

Colorado uses driverless truck to aid road crews

Last week in Denver, the first driverless truck was used as a type of escort to help protect road crews.

Upcoming event:

Professional Development Speaker Series III Engaging Young Professionals in the Political Process
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Tampa Old City Hall
315 East Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33602

As things are changing in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and here in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Chamber is watching those issues that are important to the community and your business.

Here is some of what we are watching:

• DOT budget
• Infrastructure Plan
• Possible BRAC
• Federal budget
• Proposed Federal Tax Plan
• Health Care
• Medical Marijuana and what that means to Tampa Bay
• Premium Transit Study
• Tampa Bay Next

Policy & Transportation Digest

President announces new policy on travel to Cuba

Today, President Trump announced changes in the rules that allows Americans to travel to Cuba.  The new restriction reverse some of the changes made by President Obama.

Florida House Speaker talks about schools and local government in Tampa

House Speaker Richard Corcoran was in Tampa today to talk with Tampa Bay residents about the 2017 Legislative Session including the controversial K-12 legislation and bills that limited the scope of local government.

As things are changing in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and here in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Chamber is watching those issues that are important to the community and your business.

Here is some of what we are watching:

• Boarder Adjustment Tax issue
• Federal budget
• Proposed Federal Tax Plan
• Possible changes to the Affordable Health Care Act
• Possible changes with the relations between the U.S. and Cuba
• Medical Marijuana and what that means to Tampa Bay
• Premium Transit Study
• Regional MPO

Policy & Transportation Digest

Governor Rick Scott announces budget deal

Governor Scott agrees to sign the $82.4 billion state budget after reaching deal with Corcoran, Negron

Changes in regulations on travel to Cuba could come soon

Insiders believe  President Trump may soon make changes to the existing regulations on travel to Cuba, which is something that has been anticipated since the President’s inauguration.

Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority looking at changes

In an effort to save money, HART is looking to changing their bus network to provide better service

Governor deciding what to do about budget

Earlier this week, the Legislature sent their 2017-2018 budget package to Governor Scott for action.  The Governor has 15 days from delivery to decide what to do.

Constitution Revision Commission still working on rules

After 2 months, the Constitution Revision Commission is still working on the rules to govern the panel.

 

As things are changing in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and here in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Chamber is watching those issues that are important to the community and your business.

Here is some of what we are watching:

• Border Adjustment Tax issue
• Governor’s possible vetoes
• Federal budget
• Proposed Federal Tax Plan
• Possible changes to the Affordable Health Care Act
• Possible changes with the relations between the U.S. and Cuba
• Medical Marijuana and what that means to Tampa Bay
• Workers’ Comp. Rate
• Premium Transit Study
• Regional MPO

Policy & Transportation Digest

President releases infrastructure plan and budget proposal

This week, President Trump released his $ 1 trillion infrastructure plan as well as his proposed budget.  Along with the plan, a “statement of principles”  with the promise of more to come from the administration.

Administration looks at incentives to privatize public assets

The President’s administration is looking into the possibility of providing incentives to  privatizing some  public assets to help the infrastructure plan.

Tourism dollars still may not be secure

The $25 million dollars the Florida Legislature placed in the budget still faces an uncertain future once the bill appropriating the funds is received by Governor Rick Scott

 

As things are changing in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and here in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Chamber is watching those issues that are important to the community and your business.

Here is some of what we are watching:

• Boarder Adjustment Tax issue
• Governor’s possible vetoes
• Federal budget
• Proposed Federal Tax Plan
• Possible changes to the Affordable Health Care Act
• Possible changes with the relations between the U.S. and Cuba
• Medical Marijuana and what that means to Tampa Bay
• Workers’ Comp. Rate
• Premium Transit Study
• Regional MPO

Policy & Transportation Digest

Possible impact of Homestead Exemption ballot measure on city budget
The City of Tampa’s CFO, Sonya Little told City Council this week that the impact to the city budget could be close to $6 million dollars.

Many Floridians still awaiting changes to Cuban policy
Throughout the state, many advocates on both sides of the debate are anxiously awaiting President Trump’s decision on Cuban policy.

Florida Supreme Court rules against slot machines
This week, the Court ruled in favor of the state who had denied slot machine licenses.  The ruling will affect several counties where voters have approved the use.
As things are changing in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and here in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Chamber is watching those issues that are important to the community and your business.

Here is some of what we are watching:

• Federal budget
• Proposed Federal Tax Plan
• Possible changes to the Affordable Health Care Act
• Possible changes with the relations between the U.S. and Cuba
• Appropriations request rule changes in Tallahassee
• Medical Marijuana and what that means to Tampa Bay
• Workers’ Comp. Rate
• Premium Transit Study
• Regional MPO

Policy & Transportation Digest

Florida Legislature passes budget now up to Governor Scott

As you probably have already heard, the Florida Legislature passed their $83 billion dollar budget on Monday night.  The next step is the governor’s desk.

This week in Tallahassee:

In addition to the beginning of budget negotiations, there were a few bills moving through the process that the Chamber is watching and/or supporting.

Governor Rick Scott undecided about budget

The Governor has yet to indicate if he will accept or veto the budget.

Statement from Governor Scott Regarding the budget

Want to know how many bills passed this session?  Click here for bill statistics.

To learn more about the legislative session and the outcome of the Chamber’s priorities, register today for the  Legislative Wrap Up on May 19^th.   Learn more about what the Hillsborough delegation has to say about the 2017 Legislative Session.

As things are changing in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and here in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Chamber is watching those issues that are important to the community and your business.

Here is some of what we are watching:

• Federal budget
• Proposed Federal Tax Plan
• Possible changes to the Affordable Health Care Act
• Possible changes with the relations between the U.S. and Cuba
• Appropriations request rule changes in Tallahassee
• Medical Marijuana and what that means to Tampa Bay
• Workers’ Comp. Rate
• Premium Transit Study
• Regional MPO

Policy & Transportation Digest

Bill eliminating the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission passes

During the last week of session, the Florida Senate passed a local bill that will eliminate the PTC, the only like agency in the State of Florida.  The bill will be sent to Governor Scott for signature.

Appropriations bill completed

Late Thursday evening the Senate and House agreed on the details of the $83 billion dollar budget.  Both chambers will vote on Monday after the constitutionally required 72 hour “cooling off” period.

Will Governor Scott veto the budget?

Governor Scott dropped hints this week that he may consider vetoing the entire state budget once it reaches his desk.

 

This week in Tallahassee:

In addition to the beginning of budget negotiations, there were a few bills moving through the process that the Chamber supported.

Public Transportation Commission bill PASSED

The Florida Senate passed HB 647 sponsored by Representatives Jamie Grant and Jackie Toledo. The bill allows for the elimination of the Hillsborough Public Transportation Commission

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Supports HB 647

Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority PASSED

SB 1672 sponsored by Senator Jack Latvala unanimously passed the House.

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce supports SB 1672/HB 1243.

 

Upcoming Events

Want to hear more about what happened during the 2017 Legislative Session? Register for the Legislative Wrap Up on May 19^th.   Learn more about what your elected officials have to say about session.

 

As things are changing in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and here in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Chamber is watching those issues that are important to the community and your business. Here is some of what we are watching:

• Federal budget
• Proposed Federal Tax Plan
• Possible changes to the Affordable Health Care Act
• Possible changes with the relations between the U.S. and Cuba
• Appropriations request rule changes in Tallahassee
• Medical Marijuana and what that means to Tampa Bay
• Workers’ Comp. Rate
• Premium Transit Study
• Regional MPO

Policy & Transportation Digest

Ridesharing bill passes Senate

The Florida Senate voted this week to pass a bill that will allow a statewide regulation for ridesharing in Florida.

Florida State Senator Artiles resigns

After a long week of controversy over a conversation with another senator, Senator Frank Artiles resigns effective immediately from the Florida Senate.

This week in Tallahassee:

Ridesharing

HB 221/SB 340 PASSSED THE SENATE AND HOUSE GOVERNOR HAS 7 days upon receipt to sign.

A Statewide regulation for ridesharing is a top priority for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Workers Compensation

Senate: SB 1582 sponsored by Senator Rob Bradley is waiting to be heard on the floor of the Senate.

House: HB 7085 sponsored by Representative Danny Burgess passed House (82-37) this week and is heading to the Senate.

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce supports changes to the Worker’s Compensation system and is monitoring the Senate and House bills.

Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP)

Senate: SB 1766 Sponsored by Senator Tom Lee – two more stops in Senate before Floor vote.

House: HB 1063 Sponsored by Representative Erin Grall passed the full House this week by a vote of 89-29 and is heading to the Senate.

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce supports mandatory personal injury protection for auto insurance and is monitoring the Senate and House bills.

Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority

Senate: SB 1672 sponsored by Senator Jack Latvala will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, April 25^th.

House: HB 1243 sponsored by Representative Dan Raulerson is waiting to be heard on the floor of the Florida House.

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce supports SB 1672/HB 1243.

Upcoming Events

Register for the Legislative Wrap Up on May 19^th.   Learn more about what the Hillsborough delegation has to say about the 2017 Legislative Session.

As things are changing in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and here in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Chamber is watching those issues that are important to the community and your business. Here is some of what we are watching:

• Possible changes to the Affordable Health Care Act
• Possible changes with the relations between the U.S. and Cuba
• Appropriations request rule changes in Tallahassee
• Medical Marijuana and what that means to Tampa Bay
• Workers’ Comp. Rate
• Premium Transit Study
• Regional MPO