NUCA of Florida 2016 Legislative Days
Tallahassee, Florida
Subsequently, Majority Leader Representative Dana Young (R-Tampa) gave an overview of the many issues lawmakers must balance and deal with and the “flow” of this year’s Session. She mentioned that Suncoast Utility Contractors Association (SUCA) was one of the first groups to financially support her campaign when she first ran for the Florida House of Representatives. Speaker Young also commented that she felt confident that the Legislature would pass a budget before sine die on March 11. In closing, she mentioned that with the Senate districts redrawn, she would be running for an open seat in the Florida Senate.
There was plenty of discussion when Drew Winters, Deputy Director of Professions and Jerry Wilson, Director, Division of Regulation, at the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, addressed the attendees. Both spoke about the recent activities and improvements at the department, such as the new mobile app for reporting unlicensed activity. They asked for feedback from the NUCA FL members on ideas to better serve contractors.
Last, (but not least) Wayne Bertsch, Vice President of Political Operations at Wilson & Associates gave an overview of the redistricting debacle, the impact on future elections and the current political “shape” of our state. He also gave a plug for the importance of NUCA FL members to contribute to the PAC to support industry-friendly candidates.
After breakfast, NUCA FL attendees converged on the capitol to “walk the halls” and to ensure the voice of the state’s underground utility contractors was heard “loud and clear.” On behalf of your state association, we thank our Legislative Days sponsors—Utility Service Company (Platinum) and Nelson Construction (Gold)—along with those who took the time to travel to Tallahassee and participate –it makes a difference!