Florida Today: Posey noted for stance on business

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Florida Sen. Bill Posey is, in the eyes of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, a “Distinguished Advocate.”

The Rockledge Republican and 13 of his legislative colleagues earned that sobriquet for championing the chamber’s 2008 business agenda, which included economic stimulus efforts and a push for energy solutions for the state.

The designation follows the recognition of Posey, who chaired the Banking and Insurance Committee, as one of the Associated Industries of Florida’s Champions for Business in 2008.

Beyond announcing its advocates, the state chamber also released its annual legislative report card that counts how many times a legislator votes in favor of a chamber position and on issues outlined in the chamber’s Florida Business Agenda.

The Space Coast delegation fared well in that regard.

State Reps. Thad Altman, R-Viera, and Mitch Needelman, R-Melbourne, received A’s. Rep. Tony Sasso, D-Cocoa Beach, got a B.

Posey and state Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic, got B’s.

This year, 52 percent of the Legislature received A’s, down from last year’s 62 percent.

“Our Legislative Report Card is one of the important tools chamber members use to make education decisions when it comes to elections,” said Marian Johnson, chamber’s vice president of political strategy. “Increasingly, employers across the state look to ‘How They Voted’ as a guide.”

Reprinted from Florida Today