State CFO Jeff Atwater on Monday unveiled his agenda for the 2012 legislative session.
Atwater, a Republican who was president of the Florida Senate before being elected to his current post in 2010, said his focus would be on cutting back regulations, fighting fraud and increased transparency and consumer protection.
“In this challenging economic climate, we have a deep responsibility to create the conditions that will bring down costs for Florida’s families and businesses while helping them protect their hard-earned dollars,” Atwater said in a statement. “I’m confident the Legislature is equally committed to fostering economic success and reducing financial burdens on Florida’s businesses and families.”
Atwater pointed to round-tables he has held with the business community in his first year as CFO in which businessmen said state regulations are hurting their growth in the continuing sluggish economy. The state CFO plans to push the Legislature to repeal “burdensome, unnecessary or redundant regulations within the Divisions of Insurance Agent and Agency Services and Workers’ Compensation” that do not add value to Florida’s consumers or businesses.”
“Regulations grow like weeds and stifle growth,” Atwater said. “We are looking at regulations through a new scope and if they don’t add value or aren’t necessary for public protection, we are encouraging the Legislature to take them off the books.”
Atwater called for more transparency in state government and will be asking the Legislature for expanded powers to monitor state agency procurements for compliance with the law. Awater also is looking for his office to be given the power to review state contacts -- and the power to approve or reject them. He also called for allowing more competition in the state bidding process and higher standards for state workers managing contracts.
“As your elected representatives, you have entrusted us to watch over the money you send to your government,” said Atwater. Strict contracting standards are simply a reflection of how seriously we take that responsibility.”
Atwater also turned to a subject that he and Gov. Rick Scott have been highlighting in recent weeks -- reforming the state Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system. Atwater noted that he had brought in Robin Westcott, the state insurance commissioner advocate, to lead a group that will be making recommendations to cut down on PIP fraud and make changes to the current system.
“Now is the time to stop throwing consumers to the wolves and encourage our legislative leaders to support meaningful PIP reforms that will give honest Floridians the insurance rate relief they deserve,” said Atwater.
Atwater has also set up a group to examine the state workers’ compensation system, which, he maintained, is riddled with fraud. This group is expected to make recommendations to the Cabinet in the weeks to come.
Atwater also plans to work to streamline IT for state agencies and to fight for better protection of Floridians’ information from identity theft.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.