The Florida Senate

288.971  Legislative findings.--The Legislature finds that the Federal Government is in the midst of major post-Cold War reductions in the nation's defense industry with more than 40 percent reductions in defense spending and 30 percent decreases in military personnel by 1997 resulting in many military base closures and the elimination of numerous defense contracts for goods and services. Already, five communities of this state are facing the consequences of base closures and realignments with further actions expected during the next round of federal decisions in 1995. The Legislature also finds that defense programs and activities have been major factors in the state's economic and technological progress, responsible for over $16 billion in direct and indirect spending in the state, 50 percent of high-technology industry job growth in the early 1980's, and 177,000 military and civilian jobs on 15 military installations around the state. The Legislature further finds that the success the state, its communities, and its businesses will have in responding to these dramatic changes will depend on the ability of this state to act in a coordinated, well-planned, and prompt manner in response to defense downsizing impacts and issues.

History.--s. 2, ch. 94-323.