Gov. Rick Scott wants to double the amount of money available for "Quick Response Training" grants handed out by the Department of Economic Opportunity for training for new or expanding businesses.
Scott said in an interview this morning on WOKV FM-106.5 and AM-690 in Jacksonville he wants the fund increased from $6 million to $12 million.
Scott is in Jacksonville to mark the arrival of Bi-Lo-Winn Dixie's headquarters. The combined company announced in March it would put the headquarters for its merged company in Jacksonville, a move that included about $1 million from the quick response training fund.
"It's all to get more jobs for Floridians," said Scott about doubling the fund.
The quick response training grants are available for companies planning to create jobs in certain targeted industries that require specialized training that's not otherwise available.
The grants also are available for companies to create jobs in certain areas that need jobs.
The department said for the fiscal year that ended June 30, the program handed out $5.9 million in grants, resulting in the creation of almost 4,000 jobs and a 47 percent average increase in wages.