Associated Industries of Florida, which refuses to publish its board of directors, always finds a way to give us a little clue as to who has given the business lobbying group some of the most generous donations. This year it's clear it is the casino industry -- perhaps Las Vegas Sands, Genting and Wynn? The clue: the organization has made it a top legislative priority to pass legislation to bring destination resort casinos to Florida.
"AIF plans to aggressively lobby for legislation that will allow up to three destination resorts in South Florida, create up to 100,000 jobs for Floridians and bring billions in revenue to the state,'' the group said in a press release issued today.
This puts AIF squarely at odds with the Florida Chamber, which is opposing the issue as its board is now led by Anthony Connelly, a senior vice president with Disney global theme-park division, and Disney is one of the chamber's largest benefactors. This comes at the same time a survey by the Miami Chamber of Commerce indicates most of the Miami chamber members favor the resort casino plan.
AIF has already financed a focus group conducted by Republican pollster Frank Luntz in which the bill's sponsors, Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff and Rep. Erik Fresen, spoke to the group to test their message. The story was first reported here but the focus group was not on Saturday as indicated, but last week on Wednesday.
Here's the AIF press release:
“Bringing the destination resorts industry to Florida would be the greatest job creator in the state’s recent history. With this kind of potential, a single industry could help us move approximately 10 percent of our state’s jobless off the unemployment rolls and we could get paychecks in the hands of tens of thousands of people within the next 12 months,” said Brewster Bevis, AIF Vice-President of External Relations. “This will also help alleviate the burden of a 150 percent increase in unemployment compensation taxes facing half a million employers across the state.”
“Front-end investments made by destination resort developers will provide a much-needed economic boost by injecting more than $6 billion new dollars into state coffers and the recurring tax dollars generated will help stabilize annual revenue streams,” added Bevis. In addition to its efforts in the capitol halls, AIF will focus attention on educating the public on the benefits of destination resorts and marshalling support from statewide organizations, businesses and individuals.
AIF’s “More Jobs for Florida” website lists information on the high-paying jobs destination resorts will create for Florida workers, outlines the economic benefits to the state and local community, dispels myths and misinformation about the destination resort concept and provides visitors with an opportunity to sign an online petition supporting destination resorts. Some of the benefits of destination resorts highlighted on the website include:
* An up front, minimum $6 billion dollar capital investment ($2 billion per destination resort)
* Creation of 80,000 to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs resulting from the construction and operation of three destination resorts
* Development of new revenue streams, including more than $100 million in annual local property tax revenues which can be bonded for infrastructure
“Since 2008 when we released our first ‘Economic Stimulus Package,’ AIF has been leading the charge for job and economic growth. As we have every session since the economic downturn, AIF will pour its energy into ensuring passage of policies that will have a positive impact on our state. We have consistently supported the concept of destination resorts and believe passage of Sen. Bogdanoff’s and Rep. Fresen’s destination resorts legislation is a critical part of the solution to Florida’s job and economic needs,” said Bevis.
No no no . Business groups shouldnt support job developmnet. They should oppose competition like the Chamber and act like paternal protectionists - fearful that Disney might lose some convention business to Miami.
Posted by: rty | November 17, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Its interesting that Disney are the Chamber's largest contributor... That in its self says a lot as to why they so strongly oppose destination casinos... Mickey Mouse is greedy... There's plenty for all. They type of people that would go to a casino are probably not the same people that would visit disney - lets face facts... and, there is enough convention business for all...
Posted by: Mini Mouse | November 17, 2011 at 09:08 PM
The Chamber is run by Disney! Everyone I know is for the Genting Resort because it will create jobs and bring people to South Florida.
Posted by: Mary Jo | November 18, 2011 at 03:23 AM
Ya'd havta be Goofy ta oppose this. See mini casinos, (Hardrock,etc)have Native American loopholes, in them. We already have a contract signed by Crist and it was I believe a 10 year deal. So if Gent, and Wynn's ,and COC want to pay up the penalty portions of that contract, then re-open the bidding, to include Native Americans, do it. It does though seem that once again, Native Americans are about to be screwed. Wonder if they will sign it on Thanksgiving?
Posted by: Robert jenkins | November 19, 2011 at 11:02 AM
This will be sung (to the tune of the mouskateer Song) by Native Americans soon.F-U-#-K-E-D- A-G-A-I-N!!!
Posted by: Robert jenkins | November 19, 2011 at 11:05 AM
If AIF has brought in Frank Luntz the really big money boys are involved in this casino stuff. Frank would happily accept the contract to devise a strategy of selling genocide as simply an opportunity to provide less crowding at the mall for surviving shoppers. He has assisted the Republicans in virtually every major successful effort to bamboozle the American public for many years.
Posted by: Can't take it anymore | November 19, 2011 at 03:38 PM