Jim Rosica
Bluegrass State, beware: Florida Gov. Rick Scott is coming for you next.
Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private economic development organization, on Wednesday released a radio spot to air on Kentucky stations, cajoling businesses to move to Florida.
The ad is in advance of Scott’s “economic development trade mission” to Kentucky later this month, according to a press release. Scott said in his second inaugural address he would travel the country to create jobs for Floridians.
“The new ad released today continues to highlight why Florida is a better place than Kentucky to do business,” Scott said.
“I look forward to highlighting Florida’s AAA credit rating to Kentucky business leaders and demonstrating how Florida out-competes Kentucky for the best place in the nation to grow their business,” he added.
Scott, a Republican, already has visited Pennsylvania and California in an effort to poach companies and jobs.
Two years ago, Scott began mailing letters to companies in states with Democratic governors, pitching them on Florida’s lower taxes, friendlier regulatory environment and – of course – clement weather.
Kentucky’s governor is Steve Beshear, a Democrat in office since 2007. He struck back after learning of Scott’s letter-writing campaign.
“Gov. Scott’s description of the business climate in Kentucky is so far from existing reality that one wonders whether he’s had too much of that Florida sun (and the high property taxes that go with it),” Beshear said in a statement to the Tampa Tribune.
“…Based on the litany of new businesses coming to Kentucky, and existing businesses expanding their workforces, product lines and facilities, I’m confident Kentucky offers an attractive business atmosphere,” he said.
