Chamber of Commerce talks priorities.

As the regular session of the 2018 Legislature heads toward a close in Tallahassee, the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board sought out Mark Wilson, the president and chief executive officer of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, to ask what legislation the chamber would still like to see advance.

The Florida Chamber’s priorities have included reducing the cost of living for Floridians. What are specific policies that would advance this priority? Floridians pay the sixth-highest automobile insurance rates, and homeowners are facing up to a 10 percent increase in their property insurance rates. Unchecked fraud and legal scams are known to be contributing to rising insurance rates, and the Legislature should put consumer protection first by finally closing the well-known “assignment of benefits” scam that is raising rates.

The chamber also wants to reduce the cost of doing business in Florida. What are some of the ways the Legislature could accomplish this goal? Florida’s business community is facing a $1.5 billion impact from workers’ compensation rates that remain 14.5 percent higher than they should be. The Legislature should fix Florida’s workers’ compensation system by addressing the true cost drivers of the system, including attorney fees. Doing so wlil bring stability to the system and lower unnecessary costs.

Florida is among the worst states in the U.S. — the bottom five — in terms of its legal climate. This environment is an open invitation for “gotcha” lawsuits that cost Florida families an average of $3,400 each year in lawsuit abuse costs. The Legislature should fix Florida’s “judicial hellhole” lawsuit climate through common-sense reforms.

The chamber is on record as supporting long-term investments. What areas does the chamber have in mind? As of early March, there were 261,600 jobs looking for people, and 374,000 people looking for jobs. Building a qualified work force is a top concern for job creators. Employers need talent that is prepared to enter the work force, and Florida wins when we close the talent gap. That means redoubling efforts on work-force education, and expanding access to pathways to Florida’s attainment goals.

Also, by 2030, 5 million more people will call Florida home. A growing Florida means a growing need for infrastructure investments in Florida’s energy, water, transportation, telecommunications and other infrastructure sectors. Therefore, the Florida Chamber is advocating for long-term, sustainable water and environmental policies, supporting proactive economic planning and development, championing innovations in all modes of transportation, and advocating for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Florida has been adding about 900 people a day to its population lately. What kind of challenges does this present for our state and its leaders? Long-term investments in Florida’s infrastructure are vital. In addition to the 5 million new Floridians who will call Florida home in 2030, there will be 5 million new drivers, and Florida will need 20 percent more water. As the third most-populous state, it’s crucial that we focus on the right policies that will position Florida for smart growth. Year after year, the Florida Chamber has been at the forefront of solving issues that impact the competitiveness and future of Florida’s business climate. Our focus remains steadfast in our efforts to be the driving force uniting Florida’s business community, creating economic opportunity and growing jobs.