today 1.5 million more floridans have jobs and our economy is one of the best in the nation. [ applause ] senator scott, your laser-like focus on improving florida's economy has meant so much in the lives of so many here in our state. you are leaving a strong foundation from which we here today can build. i wish you and ann fair winds and following seas in our nation's capital. i know he had to leave early, because his swearing in is in a couple of hours. he will continue to be a champion for florida in the united states senate. [ applause ] so it now falls to me to build upon the foundation that has been laid to navigate the challenges, economic, environment and constitutional that lie ahead and to steer florida to a stronger, cleaner and safer future. florida competes with other states to attract investment, jobs and opportunities for citizens. too many states have sought to match run-away public expenditures with ever-increasing levels of taxation. this creates a vicious cycle that leads productive citizens to flee, repels investment and leaves the people overburdened with less oppor