Peter Schorsch
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris King said he plans spend the next month rolling out policy proposals detailing how his administration would improve Florida’s job market and economy if elected next year.
“Too many people are stuck in low-paying jobs, and they’re not moving up the ladder,” King said in a video. “So we’ve got to move fast to create a more fair and homegrown economy that creates the type of jobs that support Florida families.”
King highlighted that half the jobs in the state pay less than $15 an hour, a figure many state and national Democrats have said is the minimum living wage for employees.
“Our number one priority as a state – my number one priority as your next governor – is to do something about this,” he said.
King added that the Sunshine State was at the “back of the pack in almost every economic and quality of life measurement” and said Florida is in last place among the 10 most populous states when it comes to wages, incomes and per-capita GDP.
The would-be governor’s policies include “investing in and lifting up and caring for” small businesses. King said he is confident helping grow small business will bring living wage jobs to the state due to his experience with his own business, Elevation, which provides affordable housing options to seniors in the southeastern United States.
The Orlando businessman also pitched better skills training programs to help Florida workers compete in the modern job market.
“This can be a front-of-the-pack state,” King said. “Our prized climate, our beautiful state, our hardworking people. We can be first in class, but we need fresh vision for Florida’s future and I intend to work with you to get us there.”
King is one of the three major Democrats to announce campaigns for governor. His primary opponents are former congresswoman Gwen Graham and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum.
