by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
The area’s legislative delegation has more experience, more clout and big hopes for the upcoming session.
“We were freshmen two years ago,” said Rep. Mark Mahon at a board meeting of the local builders association Wednesday morning. “Now, we think we can start to make an impact. We’re together on a lot of issues, plus our interests are diverse — we’re in a lot of places.”
Mahon and eight others heard Florida Home Builders Association lobbyist Richard Gentry call them “the best delegation in the state.”
Rep. Dick Kravitz seemed to agree: “We have good people. We may have different interests but that’s good. We can bring expertise to others.”
All agreed that the session, which starts next week, will be a budget battle.
“There’s no question that the budget crisis will overshadow the session,” said Gentry. “There already is tension between the governor, the speaker of the house and the Senate president over it.
“There are many other pressing issues. We have several, such as straightening out the workers comp situation, but the budget will come first.”
All agreed. And, when the budget battle simmers, all agreed that a revamp of the system to get constitutional amendments on the ballot will come next.
“The people soon will realize just how much it costs to do the things they voted in such as limiting classroom size and funding a bullet train,” said Rep. Stan Jordan.
Also participating were Sen. Steve Wise and representatives Terry Fields, Don Davis and Audrey Gibson.
Of primary interest to builders is the workers compensation issue. Insurance carriers are raising rates and, said Gentry, “it’s not just a matter of affordability; it’s a matter of availability. The insurance companies don’t want the small businessman.”
Although several bills have been filed to heal what Gentry called “a badly broken system,” he predicted rough going.
“You’ll see a bill moving along well, and then the trial lawyers will come up with amendments, which will blow it apart.”