Education heads state legislative agenda.(Florida)

TALLAHASSEE - What does business want out of this year's legislative session? Tax breaks, tort reform, less red tape?

Actually the biggest subject facing business this year isn't about business at all, but education, according to representatives of Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber and other business lobbyists.

"Education is the main issue facing business because we are getting the employees who get out of the schools and they are unemployable, without even the basic skills like reading and writing. It's probably the most important issue of business groups," said Jon Shebel, president and chief executive officer of Associated Industries.

"It's a public policy issue for today and the state's future," Shebel said. "Education is probably the No. 1 issue for all the business groups." …