Tony Villamil, Founder and Senior Advisor of the Washington Economics Group, Inc. (WEG), was quoted in an article by Skyler Swisher published on May 31, 2019 on the trade missions around the world by Florida Governors leading to questions over whether taxpayers are footing the bill for politicians to enjoy lavish, self-serving outings at their expense.
This is not the case, and taxpayers are getting a good return, said Villamil, who oversaw trade for former Gov. Jeb Bush. Trade missions are essential to keeping Florida competitive on the world stage, he added. “They are not junkets,” Villamil said. “It is critical for the CEO of the state to be out in the forefront. In the world of global trade, Florida is competing with the other 49 states.” Villamil helped organize trips to Germany, Spain, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Israel. He said private dollars pay most of the expenses. Read more.
