February 25, 2008
UM Rosenstiel School Faculty Member Selected to Help Inspire Changes in Public Policy
VIRGINIA KEY, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch has appointed Dr. David Letson, associate professor of marine affairs and policy at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, to its new Council of Economic Advisors. The Council will provide professional, non-partisan public policy advice and recommendations to all appropriate branches and units of Florida state government, including the Executive, Legislative, and Cabinet branches, to promote the long-term sustainable growth and development of the Florida economy. Letson is among eight individuals from non-profit, private and public sector organizations chosen for their distinguished record of professional achievement in economic and/or public policy research to be selected to the panel.
Florida TaxWatch is a private, non-profit, non-partisan research institute that over its 30 year history has provided the citizens of Florida and public officials with high quality, independent research and education on government revenues, expenditures, taxation and public policies.
Florida’s economy faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. Public policies will assume heightened importance in an era where solid economic growth can no longer be viewed as inevitable. Effective public policies will require counsel, advice and recommendations from talented people who possess the knowledge, expertise, and interest to make a significant difference and contribution to Florida’s future.
“Florida’s current problems with property tax reform, the rising costs of windstorm insurance, and the prospect of a sluggish national economy don’t have clear-cut answers. My hope is to help expand, or at least clarify, the range of choices available to decision makers,” said Letson. “By interpreting current economic conditions in Florida, promoting public understanding of these matters and identifying factors that shape long-term growth, my role on the Council of Economic Advisors will be to help appraise programs that promote Florida’s economic well being and the sustainability of our local resources.”
Letson’s research at UM’s Rosenstiel School focuses on natural resource economics, particularly on extreme weather and climate variations. He participates in ongoing multi-disciplinary evaluations of climate forecasting for agricultural and water resources management in the southeastern U.S. and Argentina, as part of the Southeastern Climate Consortium (SECC), representing six universities (Alabama-Huntsville, Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Florida and Florida State). The SECC receives support from NOAA, the National Science Foundation and the USDA. Letson is also a member of NOAA's Hurricane Socioeconomic Working Group, convened by the National Weather Service and the Office of Atmospheric Research to develop a hurricane socio-economic research agenda.
Founded in the 1940's, the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.rsmas.miami.edu
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Barbra Gonzalez
Communications Director
University of Miami
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Virginia Key, FL 33149
Tel: 305-421-4704
Fax: 305-421-4711
