Orlando leaders travel to Tallahassee in Teslas to meet with lawmakers to advocate the region’s priorities.
Today, a convoy of 10 electric vehicles carrying a delegation of elected, business and community leaders traveled to Tallahassee for the opening day of the 2020 legislative session to meet and discuss the region’s priorities with key members of the legislature. Hosted by the Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership), the group traveled in Teslas sponsored by OUC – The Reliable One to highlight the need for electric vehicle-friendly policies that build a state-wide EV charging station infrastructure, reduce diesel emissions and increase use of electric buses.
“We’re partnering with the Partnership on this drive-up to encourage legislators to support EV-friendly policies that promote adoption of greenhouse gas-reducing EVs and consider equitable solutions for replacing gas taxes,” said Clint Bullock, OUC General Manager and CEO. “We want to make legislators aware of and encourage them to support building a statewide EV charging infrastructure along major corridors and hurricane evacuation routes, intended to eliminate range anxiety.”
“The Orlando Economic Partnership is focused on advancing broad-based prosperity, which means ensuring opportunities are available for all,” said Tim Giuliani, Partnership President and CEO. “To accomplish this, we ensure our business community’s voice is heard by state lawmakers who represent Central Florida and advocate for the many key issues that need to be addressed in the Orlando region.”
The group will champion priorities focused on advocating for workforce development and funding for key initiatives that further economic development including BRIDG, Visit Florida and Space Florida, as well as affordable housing and transportation solutions. More details on the Orlando region’s 2020 Legislative Priorities can be found here.
“Ensuring we meet the transportation needs of our growing community is critical to the success of our economy,” said Mark Shamley, Tupperware Brands Vice President of Global Social Impact, Partnership Board member and Public Policy Council chair.
“Supporting tools that enhance our economic development efforts, seeking affordable housing solutions, expanding our transportation options and enhancing our workforce are all closely tied together. They broaden access, mobility and prosperity for all who participate in the regional economy.”
Mark Shamley , Tupperware Brands Vice President of Global Social Impact
Joining the Partnership are close to 30 community and business leaders from OUC, City of Orlando, Orlando Regional Realtors Association, Wyndham Destinations, University of Central Florida, Valencia College and AdventHealth, among others.
Coordinating with the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Capitol Days, the delegation will hear from policy experts who will provide briefings and updates on the political environment in Florida, hear Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address, meet one-one-one with legislators and return to Orlando on Jan. 16.
The 2020 Tallahassee Drive-Up is sponsored by Orlando Regional Realtors Association, AdventHealth, Charter Communications, CNL, Florida Blue, Full Sail University, Lockheed Martin, Massey Services Inc., Orlando Magic, Orlando Sentinel Media Group, OUC, Truist (formerly SunTrust), Tavistock Group, Tupperware Brands, Universal Orlando Resort, University of Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort, Wyndham Destinations and GrayRobinson.
