Now that the people of Florida and our nation have spoken, it is time for our nation to unite and rally behind our leaders – and our new President Elect, Obama – with one purpose – to strengthen our economy and increase opportunity for our people. It is time to focus on getting things
done – just as we have done in Tallahassee.

I have been very privileged to work together alongside Republicans and Democrats.

Together, we have accomplished much for the people of Florida. It is amazing what we can achieve when we keep our focus on the people who really matter – the people we serve – our boss.

This week I visited a small business here in Florida that is struggling because of the shape our economy is in. I want to continue working with both parties to bring that business and the many others like it relief and prosperity.

We are moving forward in a bipartisan manner – not for the next election – but for the next generation.

God bless you and God bless Florida.

To ensure the maximum number of Floridians has every opportunity possible to participate in the electoral process, I was pleased earlier this week to sign an Executive Order extending the hours of early voting throughout our state. Our goal is to make it convenient for you to cast your ballot in this very important election.

One of our most fundamental rights as Floridians —and Americans — is choosing the next President of the United States. Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and many have died to secure your right to vote.  I urge you – no matter your political party affiliation — to make your voice heard in this very important election.

Not only are we choosing our nation’s leader, we are also deciding on representatives on the local and state level. I encourage you to research these candidates and choose the person you believe will best represent you.

We continue to focus on Florida’s economy this week as we support our communities and industries.  

I was pleased to announce this week that the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund will provide $75,000 in grants to long-term recovery organizations to help storm survivors rebuild from the devastation of Tropical Storm Fay.  I am proud of the generosity of individuals and businesses in helping their fellow Floridians.

I attended the dedication ceremony for Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Florida remains committed to the future legacy of space exploration and technology development. The aerospace economic cluster will create new jobs and benefit related sectors such as biotechnology and environmentally-friendly energy solutions vital to Florida’s future.

Our state continues to thrive during these tough economic times, and I am grateful for the hard-working and entrepreneurial spirit of my fellow Floridians.

Thank you very much and may God continue to bless our beautiful Florida.

I met with Hispanic business leaders at a roundtable to discuss how state government can help encourage growth among small business and with our most prominent international business partners.

Also, through our Accelerate Florida plan, state agencies are removing the red tape so that private business can thrive and make use of all the available resources our state has to offer. We have been able to speed up road construction projects. They will pump $1.4 billion into the economy through much needed transportation projects. During the next several months, these projects alone will employ 39,000 people in our state.

We are also working to ensure that Florida’s target industries remain competitive. Florida’s businesses benefit from research and development in biotech, green technology, aviation and aerospace. We continue to see new innovative technology and ideas emerging in these sectors – and look to them as leaders in helping Florida’s economy grow and thrive.

I also want to remind you that early voting begins next week and I encourage you, no matter who you are voting for, to cast your ballot in this very important election.

Thank you very much and may God continue to bless our beautiful Florida.

I met with Hispanic business leaders at a roundtable to discuss how state government can help encourage growth among small business and with our most prominent international business partners.

Also, through our Accelerate Florida plan, state agencies are removing the red tape so that private business can thrive and make use of all the available resources our state has to offer. We have been able to speed up road construction projects. They will pump $1.4 billion into the economy through much needed transportation projects.  During the next several months, these projects alone will employ 39,000 people in our state.

We are also working to ensure that Florida’s target industries remain competitive.  Florida’s businesses benefit from research and development in biotech, green technology, aviation and aerospace. We continue to see new innovative technology and ideas emerging in these sectors – and look to them as leaders in helping Florida’s economy grow and thrive.

I also want to remind you that early voting begins next week and I encourage you, no matter who you are voting for, to cast your ballot in this very important election.

Thank you very much and may God continue to bless our beautiful Florida.

In celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month – we honored businesses that are in Florida helping persons with disabilities work and maintain their independence.

We also launched the Silver Alert Program that will help law enforcement officers alert the public about missing seniors who may be in danger.  This program is important to ensure the safety of our senior population.

I also visited the Statewide Heart Gallery exhibit in Tallahassee where visitors can leran about children who need a loving and permanent family and home.  Florida has experienced a record number of adoptions this year.  Over 3 thousand children have been placed into loving homes.

We are fortunate that so many Floridians are willing to open their hearts and their homes and help others.

Thank you very much and may God continue to bless Florida.

In celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month – we honored businesses that are in Florida helping persons with disabilities work and maintain their independence.

We also launched the Silver Alert Program that will help law enforcement officers alert the public about missing seniors who may be in danger.  This program is important to ensure the safety of our senior population.

I also visited the Statewide Heart Gallery exhibit in Tallahassee where visitors can leran about children who need a loving and permanent family and home.  Florida has experienced a record number of adoptions this year.  Over 3 thousand children have been placed into loving homes.

We are fortunate that so many Floridians are willing to open their hearts and their homes and help others.

Thank you very much and may God continue to bless Florida.

NASA’s aerospace efforts continue to strengthen Florida’s economy by contributing to scientific research, satellite communications, national defense, research and development. These endeavors are vital to helping Florida advance to the forefront of future space discovery.

As our nation’s leaders attempt to work together to help our economy – we continue to encourage our economic strengths here in Florida.

May God continue to bless the sunshine state.

Thank you very much.

NASA’s aerospace efforts continue to strengthen Florida’s economy by contributing to scientific research, satellite communications, national defense, research and development. These endeavors are vital to helping Florida advance to the forefront of future space discovery.

As our nation’s leaders attempt to work together to help our economy – we continue to encourage our economic strengths here in Florida.

May God continue to bless the sunshine state.

Thank you very much.

Florida is known for its business friendly climate – and I firmly believe that government must support this innovative spirit.

Florida’s businesses are realizing that there is in fact gold in green. Green energy is creating economic opportunity for our people. Innovation is a part Florida’s DNA, and Florida businesses and entrepreneurs are responding to the call for a cleaner energy future.

This also means making sure our commitment to clean energy remains strong. This administration is encouraging both state agencies and private business to be greener, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible – because it is the right thing to do, and we know it will reap economic benefits in the future.

This week I also shared what Florida is doing to encourage gold in green with leaders at the climate change summit, hosted by the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. Florida is leading by example. I am very proud of Florida’s innovation and the progress we are making.

May God continue to bless the Sunshine State.

Florida’s businesses are realizing that there is in fact gold in green.  Green energy is creating economic opportunity for our people. Innovation is a part Florida’s DNA, and Florida businesses and entrepreneurs are responding to the call for a cleaner energy future.

This also means making sure our commitment to clean energy remains strong. This administration is encouraging both state agencies and private business to be greener, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible – because it is the right thing to do, and we know it will reap economic benefits in the future.

This week I also shared what Florida is doing to encourage gold in green with leaders at the climate change summit, hosted by the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. Florida is leading by example.  I am very proud of Florida’s innovation and the progress we are making.

May God continue to bless the Sunshine State.

International trade is very important to Florida’s economic growth. That is why this week I was excited to announce the upcoming Team Florida Trade and Business Development Mission to the United Kingdom, as well as to France, Russia and Spain, on July 12-22 of this year.

This trade mission to Europe will encourage trade and investment in Florida and its international partners with a focus on aerospace, aviation and alternative energy.

This week, I also held Citizens Hours in Bradenton and had the opportunity to listen to the concerns of our fellow Floridians. By listening to the people of Florida, my boss – we are able to better understand how we can better serve you. We want to know what your priorities are for improving our state and the quality of life that residents and visitors expect.

Thank you very much and may God continue to bless Florida.

I am very grateful to the Legislature for passing green energy legislation that will help increase energy efficiency and our use of renewable energy throughout our beautiful Florida. It will also provide a strategy for businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The legislation signifies Florida’s commitment to protect our natural beauty and stimulating our economy at the same time, as well as reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil.

This legislation builds on the policy framework established by the Executive Orders I signed last summer to preserve Florida.

Thank you very much and may God bless Florida.

I am very grateful to the Legislature for passing green energy legislation that will help increase energy efficiency and our use of renewable energy throughout our beautiful Florida. It will also provide a strategy for businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The legislation signifies Florida’s commitment to protect our natural beauty and stimulating our economy at the same time, as well as reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil.

This legislation builds on the policy framework established by the Executive Orders I signed last summer to preserve Florida.

Thank you very much and may God bless Florida.

This week, I met with health insurance providers who have expressed their great interest in negotiating with the state to meet the needs of Florida’s uninsured citizens.  Insurers have indicated affordable health insurance coverage may cost about $150 per month or less.

This coverage would be available to uninsured Floridians ages 19 to 64.  And most importantly, our Cover Florida plan will not cost you, the taxpayers a dime.

I applaud the health insurance companies for their willingness to step forward to increase access to health care for the people of Florida.  I look forward to seeing the affordable benefits packages that insurers will develop to help provide affordable, quality choices for the people of our state.

This week we also celebrated Earth Day.  When we look at the beauty of our state, it is clear that our environment is something to safeguard preciously.  That is why I have made environmental protection a top priority for my administration.  Each of us can take small steps in our daily lives to help preserve our environment – and protect our economy.

Thank you and may God continue to bless our beautiful Florida.

This week, I met with health insurance providers who have expressed their great interest in negotiating with the state to meet the needs of Florida’s uninsured citizens. Insurers have indicated affordable health insurance coverage may cost about $150 per month or less.

This coverage would be available to uninsured Floridians ages 19 to 64. And most importantly, our Cover Florida plan will not cost you, the taxpayers a dime.

I applaud the health insurance companies for their willingness to step forward to increase access to health care for the people of Florida. I look forward to seeing the affordable benefits packages that insurers will develop to help provide affordable, quality choices for the people of our state.

This week we also celebrated Earth Day. When we look at the beauty of our state, it is clear that our environment is something to safeguard preciously. That is why I have made environmental protection a top priority for my administration. Each of us can take small steps in our daily lives to help preserve our environment – and protect our economy.

Thank you and may God continue to bless our beautiful Florida.