Florida’s Commitment to Worker Freedom: Alan Jernigan on Charlotte County Speaks
With strong rankings and smart policy, Florida is poised to lead the next wave of worker-focused reform.
Florida is a desirable place for people and businesses to set up shop. ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Manager Alan Jernigan said as much when speaking with WCCF host Ken Lovejoy during a segment of Charlotte County Speaks, explaining how the state is taking major steps to become a hub for worker freedom.
“Florida is doing fantastic,” Jernigan said when asked about Florida’s performance. “ALEC just released a new report titled States at Work: A Labor Policy Roadmap Across America. And this report looks at ten ALEC model policies focused on worker freedom… and Florida finished number eight, which is great news for Florida.”
Arizona took the top spot, with Georgia and Alabama tied ahead of Florida.
Asked what the ranking means for the state, Jernigan said, “It means that Florida is a desirable place for people to want to come and work and for businesses to set up shop. They’re really powered by flexibility… which really makes it a place people want to work.”
When asked which states at the bottom of the rankings, Jernigan listed Alaska, Oregon, New York, and Connecticut. “They just haven’t gotten a lot of the really good pro-worker policies,” he said of Alaska in particular.
On Washington State, Jernigan said, “Washington is an interesting one — it has the highest minimum wage in the country at $16.60, which really kind of limits them on entry-level jobs.”
Lovejoy agreed. “People don’t seem to realize basic economics,” he said. “When you jump up the minimum wage, you’re going to increase the overall economy. Prices are going up. Everywhere they find a robot to replace you.”
Looking ahead, Jernigan zeroed in on West Virginia as an example of a state that is making smart reforms.
“Earlier this year, West Virginia passed some occupational licensing reform — the universal recognition,” Jernigan said. “Something as simple as that really opens the door for people to move in and then get moving in the economy right away.”
With momentum building across the country, pro-growth and pro-worker states like Florida are well-positioned to lead the way. As more states pursue flexible labor policies and economic opportunity, the future looks bright for workers, businesses, and the communities they call home.