Adam Putnam in 2018 FL Governor's race
On Education:
More emphasis on technical training, not college
"Two-thirds of our people do not have a university degree. That's OK, as long as we are exposing our young people to the opportunities to earn as welders, heavy equipment operators, nurses, IT tech, regional sales, farmers, manufacturers,
the construction trades, all jobs that are paying more than the barista at the coffee shop with the sociology degree who has a $60,000 student loan. Lets bring back career technical education to the schools."
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Aug 9, 2017
On Homeland Security:
Use conservation money to protect military bases
Putnam said the state needs to increase spending for land preservation to help protect military bases from closure. Putnam said he views the use of conservation dollars as a means to protect land around military bases--an allowed use of the money. That c
Source: Palm Beach Post on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2017
On Corporations:
Cut regulations & taxes for farms & businesses
Working on his family's citrus and cattle farm taught him that business is not just business. It's personal. Adam knows what ramifications government regulations can have on Florida farms and small businesses.
That is why Adam is committed to cutting taxes and eliminating burdensome regulations in order to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and put more money back in Floridians' pockets.
Source: 2018 Florida Gubernatorial campaign website AdamPutnam.com
Jul 12, 2017
On Education:
Parental control of education, not state or federal
As parents, Adam and Melissa understand that no two children are the same. Parents know what is best for their children, not Washington or Tallahassee.
Supports policies that allow parents to choose the education that best fits their child's needs. Wants Florida to have stronger career training programs that lead to long-term, well-paying careers.
Source: 2018 Florida Gubernatorial campaign website AdamPutnam.com
Jul 12, 2017
On Gun Control:
Expanded concealed weapon licenses program; largest in US
Adam believes the Second Amendment is an inalienable right. He is committed to defending that right from progressive liberals. As Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam expanded the state's concealed weapon license program so it is now the
largest in the country. He expedited over 75,000 Florida concealed weapon license applications for active military members and veterans. He believes if you carried a gun in Iraq, you should be able to own one at home.
Source: 2018 Florida Gubernatorial campaign website AdamPutnam.com
Jul 12, 2017
On Homeland Security:
Make Florida the most military friendly & vet friendly state
Adam knows that no one understands our constitutional freedoms better than our veterans. He is committed to honoring the sacrifices made by our country's military and families. Adam launched "Operation Outdoor Freedom,"
which offers wounded veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces hunting and fishing opportunities, at no cost to them. He is committed to making Florida the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.
Source: 2018 Florida Gubernatorial campaign website AdamPutnam.com
Jul 12, 2017
On Education:
Urges veto of school choice bill
Putnam bashed a major conservative education bill and said Gov. Rick Scott should "take a hard look at vetoing" the school-choice bill, putting the Republican more in line with Democratic-leaning teacher unions and public school boosters.
Unwilling to detail any criticisms with the substance of the bill, Putnam focused on process.
"I have concerns about the way that that bill, along with much of the budget, was fashioned completely in the dark and behind closed doors to the point that not only the public but many of
the members who were asked to vote on it were unaware of all the different things that were taped together at the last second and then shoved into the pipeline," Putnam said.
Source: Politico.com on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
May 24, 2017
On Budget & Economy:
Don't make Florida into California & their debt
A letter sent by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam's political committee and signed by Putnam made issue out of the social and economic liberalism of California, stating:"Unsustainable debt, disastrous environmental regulations, unfunded pensions
for public employees, and massive government work projects they can't afford are a recipe for disaster. I will work day and night to prevent that. The crippling left-wing policies of their Golden State must never take root here in our Sunshine State!"
Source: The Florida Squeeze on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Apr 16, 2017
On Tax Reform:
Opposes a "kayak tax" on non-motorized boats
Putnam asked for help to sink the possibility of new fees on canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized vessels. "There's a plan afoot to impose new fees on paddle boards, kayaks and canoes,"
Putnam said in an email blast early Wednesday. "Really?! This has gone too far." Putnam's email contained a link to a petition against the "kayak tax."
Source: Sunshine State News on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Feb 9, 2017
On Environment:
Unravel the EPA mess; it kills jobs & increases costs
EPA's financial blow affects every American, as it negatively impacts our gross domestic product, kills thousands of jobs and increases the cost of living in our country.
Not only do the EPA rules have serious economic consequences, but they are far outside the EPA's scope of authority, violating states' rights and, in many cases, violating the U.S. Constitution.
The end of the Obama EPA cannot come soon enough. With Scott Pruitt in charge, we can finally unravel the mess of the EPA, and begin developing and implementing
thoughtful policies that will make measurable improvements to our natural resources and unleash an energy revolution that will bring jobs and higher wages to Americans.
Source: Orlando Sentinel OpEd for 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Jan 4, 2017
On Energy & Oil:
Florida positioned to be˙oil˙hub˙for energy independence
The "revolutionary" shift in oil and natural gas production in the last decade domestically has helped Florida. "We have established North American energy independence," Putnam said. "It's a new dynamic." "Northeast
Florida is uniquely positioned to take advantage of that renaissance in manufacturing," Putnam said, and "can be that hub of activity for energy development, port and trade business, and energy storage."
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Dec 15, 2016
On Technology:
Get Fed money for infrastructure for roads
Congestion is a statewide impact, Putnam noted, along with lack of infrastructure.These issues affect commuters, but they also affect businesses reliant on infrastructure to make their margins.
Putnam speculated on a big federal infrastructure bill, urging that "Florida gets its fair share," and adding that there is "no better time than to be investing in infrastructure projects."
Source: FloridaPolitics.com on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Dec 15, 2016
On Immigration:
Opposed anti-immigrant laws that might affect workers
Putnam has been vocal in his opposition to what he considered anti-immigration legislation. Back in 2011, Putnam pointed to proposals in Georgia and Alabama which he considered anti-immigrant and said nothing like that would happen in Florida.
Putnam also has been a longtime critic of Arizona's immigration law.
He took aim at the Arizona law in 2011 and continued his criticism into 2012. Earlier this year, Putnam slammed a proposal to bring an Arizona style immigration law to Florida.
Of course, the agriculture community, which Putnam has deep ties to, have been critical of efforts to crack down on immigration.
Source: Sunshine State News on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Apr 2, 2016
On Immigration:
Muslim ban is offensive to American values
Putnam denounced a proposal by Donald Trump to prevent Muslims from entering the country. "It was a ridiculous statement. It was offensive to American values," Putnam said.Trump called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the
United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." [Trump later identified seven particular countries for the immigration ban, and the Supreme Court added additional rules for vetting instead of a ban.]
Source: WJXT-Channel 4 on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Apr 2, 2016
On Drugs:
Opposes marijuana legalization as a gateway drug
Putnam said, "The legalization of marijuana has the potential to destroy Florida's sterling reputation as a family-friendly and business-friendly state. Not only does this poorly written amendment give anyone with as much as a headache access to this
gateway drug, the legalization of marijuana would severely impact businesses. As we are making our way out of the recession, the last thing we need is to create a climate that will decrease productivity and increase risk for businesses."
Source: FLchamber.com on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Oct 1, 2014
On Welfare & Poverty:
Weeding out fraudulent charities
Pushed by Putnam, who oversees charitable solicitations in Florida, HB 629 bans charitable groups that have violated certain laws in other states from doing business here. Under the new law, paid telemarketers hired by charities
will have to undergo background checks. Putnam said, "This law will weed out the bad actors who are defrauding generous givers and thus bring integrity back to Florida's network of reputable charities."
Source: Miami Herald on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Jun 13, 2014
Page last updated: Jun 10, 2019