Florida TaxWatch applauds DEO call for refund from Sanford Burnham

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - On behalf of all Floridians, we applaud Gov. Rick Scott and DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor for their rapid and forceful demand for Sanford Burnham to return more than $77 million to taxpayers.

The California-based institute received $350 million from local and state taxpayers yet failed to create the jobs it promised. Earlier this year, the institute announced it was withdrawing from the state ten years before they met their contractual agreement.

Within the complexities of this failure lies one simple truth: Sanford Burnham took taxpayers money and, in exchange, promised to create a certain number of high-paying jobs. Not only did they fail to keep that promise, Sanford Burnham’s duplicity has led to an uncertain future for many Central Florida workers and businesses.

We believe taxpayers can benefit by the strategic use of targeted incentives to attract and retain high paying jobs in Florida. But Florida cannot and will not be a piggy bank for out-of-state businesses operating in bad faith. DEO is absolutely correct in demanding that businesses keep their end of the deal. Taxpayers must trust our leaders to protect every penny they send to Tallahassee. The strong leadership from DEO is welcome assurance for taxpayers.

About Florida TaxWatch

As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog for more than one third of a century, Florida TaxWatch works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on citizens and businesses.

Florida TaxWatch is supported by voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants, and does not accept government funding. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled Florida TaxWatch to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the citizens it serves since 1979. For more information, please visit http://www.floridataxwatch.org.