Brand USA bill moves forward
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, says his bill in Congress — the Travel Promotion, Enhancement and Modernization Act — passed the House recently by a vote of 347-57.
“Tourism is an integral part of our economy, especially in Florida,” Bilirakis said, in a release. “Increased tourism means more American and Floridian jobs.”
Bilirakis says his bill will create job growth without utilizing any taxpayer dollars.
The U.S. Senate is taking up a companion bill that Bilirakis has asked them to pass “without delay.”
The bill strengthens American competitiveness in the global travel and tourism markets by reauthorizing Brand USA — a public-private partnership designed to encourage tourism in the country, according to Bilirakis. The Congressional Budget Office says Brand USA would reduce the nation’s deficit by $231 million.
The travel and tourism sector is the top industry in Florida, employing more than 1 million Floridians and generating nearly $71.5 billion in spending.
Goulbourne gets state appointment
Christine Goulbourne of Trinity has been appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to serve on the Florida Rehabilitation Council.
Goulbourne, director of programs at the Family Network on Disabilities, fills a vacant seat for a term that ends June 30, 2016.
Also appointed are John Pribanic of Bushnell, Shawn Peters of Royal Palm Beach, Janet Servet of Edgewater, Kara Tucker of Neptune Beach, and Rebecca Witonsky of Boca Raton.
