Sen. Jeff Brandes and Rep. Ray Rodrigues, both Republicans, were included in a news release from the company Monday announcing introduction of the company's home rooftop products into the Sunshine State. The two lawmakers also sponsored a bill (SB 90) this spring that carries out the constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 4. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into law Friday.
“SB 90 represents a real tax cut to those homeowners and businesses who choose to invest in their own energy future,” said Rodrigues, the Florida House majority leader from Estero. “It lowers the cost of doing business and helps Florida families. It also creates jobs and economic opportunities, and I welcome job creators like Sunrun to the state of Florida.”
Amendment 4, which passed during last August's primary elections, called for extending a renewable-energy tax break to commercial and industrial properties and making renewable-energy equipment exempt from state tangible personal property taxes.
According to the news release, Brandes agreed with Rodrigues: “The decision to create new jobs in the renewable energy market in Florida continues to move our economy forward with tax cuts like those in SB 90,” Brandes said. “We have a bold job growth agenda that prioritizes a diversified energy portfolio, and I look forward to further efforts in the Legislature to continue this positive momentum.”
Chris Spencer, a Brandes spokesman, said there was no compensation for the statement. “They reached out to us and told us they were planning a press release once SB 90 was signed and asked if we would provide a statement for their release,” Spencer said Monday. Sunrun projects its services will result in nearly 80 jobs in the Orlando-to-Tampa region this year.
