Florida has one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation—and in order to compete in a global market, we need policies in place that attract investors and top talent.
It’s time for lawmakers to invest in our state’s economy and pass the Competitive Workforce Act, a bill which would ensure everyone in Florida is protected from discrimination—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
More than 450 Florida businesses—from Fortune 500 companies to locally owned shops—support the FCWA because they know it’s good for the bottom line. Many actually already protect their LGBT employees from discrimination, including, but not limited to: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Darden Restaurants, Office Depot, Walt Disney World, and Tech Data.
Non-discrimination laws foster new investments and enable businesses to attract and retain top talent—that’s why 82% of the nation’s largest companies have adopted comprehensive nondiscrimination policies that protect LGBT people.
The Competitive Workforce Act would bring Florida state law in line with business best practices and ensure our innovative and fast-growing industries continue to thrive.
We know that anti-LGBT discrimination comes with a steep price tag here in Florida: $362 million dollars a year when you figure in lost productivity, turnover, and inability or difficulty in recruiting.
And there is mounting proof that $362 million dollars in losses is a conservative estimate. Consider North Carolina, where lawmakers passed the hostile HB 2 law in March of 2016, targeting LGBT people for discrimination. Since then:
The state has forfeited approximately $350 million in conventions and tourism revenue according to the Charlotte Chamber, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, and officials in Greensboro and Asheville.
Deutsche Bank, PayPal, and CoStar canceled planned expansions, costing the state thousands of jobs and $250+ million dollars.
The NBA pulled the All-Star Game out of the state, costing the region more than $100 million in revenue, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
The NCAA relocated 7 championship games, which officials in Greensboro expect to cost them more than $16 million, while officials in Cary estimate they’ll lose around $2.5 million.
The ACC pulled its title game among seven other championships, costing Charlotte as much as $30 million. The game was relocated to Orlando, a city with longstanding LGBT-inclusive protections.
These types of boycotts and business backlashes send clear signals to Florida and other states that protecting LGBT residents and visitors from discrimination is a sound economic decision.
Strong businesses lead to strong communities. When Florida’s communities are stronger, our state is a healthier and more vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.