Rick Scott builds on President Trump's economic success

For most Americans, February 2020 seems like the dim and distant past. The economy was robust, the stock market on a prolonged upward trend, and COVID-19, if recognized at all, was a local health issue confined to China.

As COVID-19 spread across America leaving in its wake calamitous blows to our economy, leaders of every stripe faced the task of offering a path to recovery. Whether discussing the national economy or a local business, it is important to recognize that there is no “silver bullet”; rather, our success will be determined by our economic fundamentals. Just as any coach knows that a comeback victory isn’t achieved by a single stroke of fortune, but by focusing on fundamental skills while exerting tremendous effort we, too, know that our economic fundamentals can and must be maintained as we work our way out of this crisis.

President Donald Trump and Sen. Rick Scott’s focus on economic fundamentals have created a bedrock that our nation can stand on as we face new challenges. Americans and policy makers have the difficult task of moving the economy forward in a responsible and safe way. Close to home, notable policy makers and other Florida leaders are emphasizing proven fundamental economic policies, such as fewer government regulations and incentives for job growth. The decisions we make today will impact our future generations.

Both Trump and Scott continue to battle overreaching government regulations that impose limits on our economy. Under Trump, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which doubled the Child Tax Credit. Working parents received an extra $1,000 per child in tax relief. That money flows back into our economy. Small businesses, which are the backbone of our national economy, saw a 20% tax cut, allowing them to create economic growth and provide employment opportunities. Before the pandemic, Trump’s economic policies led to historic lows in unemployment for Asian, Hispanic and African Americans, while women saw their highest employment rate in 65 years.

Scott has brought to Washington a track record of the successful institution and application of economic fundamentals from his successful stint as governor of Florida. Recently Scott led the way in introducing the Unnecessary Agency Regulations Reduction Act. The legislation is aimed at annually reducing duplicative and overly burdensome government regulations that stifle economic growth.

Scott had already repealed thousands of unnecessary regulations during his time as Governor of Florida, which, combined with other policy efforts, resulted in a staggering 1.7 million new jobs for the state. Scott also made it easier to start and grow businesses that employ Floridians when he cut fees on professional licenses. In fact, during his terms as governor, the GDP rose to $1 trillion – a first in our state’s history.

As we look to propel our economy forward, our state leadership recognizes the importance of another economic fundamental – developing new industries. Florida’s robust space industry serves as a tremendous example of an industry that is rooted in Florida, and is poised to grow exponentially, because of wise economic policies that incentivize innovation and industrial expansion. During Scott’s time as governor, he invested in the Space Coast and created more than 1,100 aerospace jobs. Scott continues to support NASA and the space industry as a member of the Commerce Science and Transportation Senate Committee.

Every time we see a spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral, we know that professionals in thousands of well-paying jobs — citizens in our communities and residents of our state — call Florida home because of the wise application of economic fundamentals that incentivize innovation and job creation on the part of Scott and other state leaders. This focus and investment is critical to national security and long-term economic growth; a commitment and priority which continue with Gov. DeSantis' leadership.

As an educator and businessperson, I recognize the absolute importance of redoubling our commitment to applying sound economic fundamentals as we embrace the challenges before us. Along similar lines, in my role as an educator, I am leading a project to help students of the university I serve as vice chancellor to overcome personal challenges brought by COVID-19.

Through this 16-week leadership initiative — offered free of charge to every student — students are presented with dynamic content that is timely and applicable to today’s circumstances. However, the lessons learned almost always point students back to practicing tried-and-true fundamentals for facing adversity, I will not make excuses; In moments of adversity, I will be better not bitter. Again, there are no silver bullets to magically dispatch adversity, only hard work and executing sound plans.

As an appointed member of Enterprise Florida, an organization that aims to ensure that Florida is at the forefront of job creation and economic development, I believe wholeheartedly that our state can and will lead the way in fostering a marketplace that provides our citizens with opportunities that today seem unimaginable. As we move forward in times of uncertainty, what remains clear is our responsibility to support legislators who will incentivize hard-working American families and who are faithful to the deliberate, consistent, and steady application of time-tested economic fundamentals.

I remain hopeful, just as a house built on solid rock will weather storms, that our brightest days lie ahead. However, that hope hinges on legislators who will continue to focus on the fundamentals of economic growth and development to lay a solid foundation for a bright future.

Belinda Keiser is an educator, workforce development professional, board member of Enterprise Florida, board member of Space Florida, and former member of the Constitution Revision Commission.