Log In | Become a Member

Economist Says Government Has Role in Job Creation

August 20, 2012 | WMFE - While state and local governments are limited in what they can do to stimulate job growth, economists say, they are far from powerless. As the state continues to struggle with an unemployment rate near nine percent, one central Florida economist says the state should follow the example of Orlando and Orange County.

Play Audio Story  


The health care and hospitality industries continued to add jobs during the past year, but the construction industry, traditionally a mainstay of Florida’s economy, is still laying off workers. 

Economist Hank Fishkind says state and local governments can play a significant role in reviving that industry. With interest rates low, he says the state should borrow money to develop infrastructure such as road and bridge building projects. State government, he says, should emulate Central Florida’s success with its entertainment venues and other projects. 

"We’ve seen great leadership in Orange County where the venues are being financed, one is already been built, the Amway Center, the second is under construction and the commuter rail project is underway.” 

Fishkind says those capital investments create jobs in the short term and leave a legacy of improvements that enhance the competitive position of the region in the long run.

 

All active news articles