The Florida Chamber’s Bottom Line public affairs program spoke with Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) about recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Florida’s tourism industry, and the issues surrounding VISIT FLORIDA’s budget.
“Every day we get a little better in the keys. We’ve got our essential needs covered right now – food, fuel, water and communications. But now, we are in the harder long-term recovery phase and housing is a critical need right now,” Representative Raschein said. “Tourism is our number one industry, so just letting folks know that we are back open for business, we are a little bit changed right now, but we are getting better day by day.”
Representative Raschein said she wants to see a unified approach to solving VISIT FLORIDA’s budget from both the House and the Senate.
“VISIT FLORIDA is an incredible agency,” Representative Raschein said. “It is my hope that we see both chambers come together and understand that these dollars pay for themselves and are so beneficial to our state. It is my hope that the Senate will see and come to the House’s position.”
Get Involved
Florida’s tourism industry is at risk with the proposed funding for VISIT FLORIDA cutting more than one-third of their 2016 budget. To help keep Florida’s tourism industry thriving or for more information, please contact Carolyn Johnson at cjohnson@flchamber.com or (850) 521-1235.