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Lawmakers: faltering economy a blessing in disguise
The new genomics lab at Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center could pave the way for an economic renaissance.
TALLAHASSEE (Bay News 9) -- By almost every measurement, Florida's in trouble: employment is down, foreclosures are up and the budget deficit is bigger than ever.
But Sen. Gary Siplin, (D) - Orlando, says the faltering economy may be a blessing in disguise.
"We must stimulate our economy," Siplin said. "I'm going to file a bill that would encourage our 67 counties to start purchasing locally-grown, fresh produce and fruit to do two things to create new jobs in Florida, as well as improve our kids' health."
His plan to require school districts to buy their cafeteria food from local farmers died in committee last year. But since his idea doesn't really cost any extra money, it has a better chance of passing this year.
The economic crisis also has Florida looking to the future -- particularly in the area of biological technology.
The new genomics lab at Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center could pave the way for an economic renaissance.
Rep. Kevin Ambler, (R) - Tampa, thinks the state can spare a little extra money for Moffit so the federal government will offer more to match.
"The Democratic Congress and our incoming president are looking at rescinding some of the barriers that have impeded stem cell research," Ambler said. "The community in Tampa will tremendously benefit by all of the new research programs and dollars from the national institutes of health that would come into our area and help spawn jobs and get people working on those projects."
Gov. Charlie Crist is also making more investments in green energy, one of the state's top priorities. He says the industry is full of opportunities for new jobs and businesses.
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