The James Madison Institute (JMI) has released its 2024 Policy Priorities, presenting a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at promoting liberty and prosperity in Florida. The institute's senior vice president, Sal Nuzzo, emphasized the importance of continuing the momentum from the 2023 legislative session, which he described as "the single most transformational session in the last 100 years…in any state."
Nuzzo stated, “On the heels of the 2023 session, in which Florida policymakers and Governor DeSantis enacted more conservative reforms than any state in history, the goal for 2024 should be singular…press forward. Those opposed to economic liberty, free markets, and limited government would welcome even the slightest of toeholds they could leverage to turn the Sunshine State in the direction of New York, California, and Illinois. We look forward to working with Speaker Renner, President Passidomo, committee chairs, members, and the best Governor in the Country to further the cause for liberty and cement Florida as the blueprint for conservative governance that propels prosperity. Press forward.”
Dr. Bob McClure, President and CEO of JMI, reiterated their commitment to limiting government control and promoting free markets. He remarked, “JMI remains steadfast in the belief that an ongoing commitment to limiting the footprint of government control in our lives, pursuing free markets through competition, protecting private property, and expanding the ability of parents to choose the best educational settings for their children will continue to make the Sunshine State a beacon of liberty and prosperity for the rest of the world. In so many ways, we count ourselves fortunate to do what we do in Florida.”
Dr. Edward Longe, Director of JMI’s Center for Technology & Innovation highlighted technology's role in future legislative sessions: “Technology and Innovation will inevitably be at the forefront of lawmakers’ minds during the upcoming legislative session. The James Madison Institute urges the legislature to continue its commitment to a light touch agenda and free-market principles that have allowed innovators to innovate and entrepreneurs to build a dynamic economy. Continuing to follow these principles will ensure Florida continues to attract Americans who are rejecting big government and making the Sunshine State home.”
William Mattox, Director of JMI’s Marshall Center for Educational Options praised Florida's universal school choice scholarships but noted areas needing improvement: “The Florida Legislature’s adoption of universal school choice scholarships has been a smashing success. The Sunshine State now has 350,000+ students benefiting from K-12 scholarships — more than the entire public school population in 15 different states! We still have some work to do; however — 96,000 families applied for and were awarded scholarships but couldn’t find a good fit for their child. We need to lift regulatory barriers that are hindering new education enterprises' growth.”
JMI reaffirms its dedication to advocating for limited government and economic freedom while engaging with policymakers and citizens across Florida.
The full list of policy priorities can be found on JMI's website.
The James Madison Institute is a non-profit organization committed to research on issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare policies, tax regulations, and broader regulatory environments.