Governmental Affairs Update – April 2015

At the most recent Governmental Affairs Committee, had an extended discussion about the Healthy Florida Works bill currently being discussed in the Florida Legislature. In 2015 as part of the Affordable care Act, the Low Income Pool funds will no longer be available to community hospitals to offset the cost of caring for the uninsured. There is a bill currently in the senate that would address this issue. The chamber and its members have been asked to send the legislature a resolution in support of this initiative. After careful consideration, the committee sent its support to the Board of Directors for their discussion and support of the resolution.

We also had a discussion concerning a proposal to create a national marine sanctuary off the coast from Jacksonville to Ft. Pierce. We were asked to send a resolution to our board asking that this not be approved. Those in favor look to protect certain marine life that already have protection in place and prevent seismic testing and drilling within the area. Nothing would stop this activity on the perimeter of the Sanctuary. Those against suggest that the commercial, recreational fishing and tourist industries will be adversely affected as a result. This resolution was also sent to the board of directors for their consideration.

These are examples of discussions within the Governmental Affairs Committee. If you would like to join this committee, we meet on the third Thursday of each month. Our next meeting is April 16th here at the chamber at 8:00 am.