(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) today thanks the members of the House Insurance, Business & Financial Affairs Policy Committee for passing HB 717 out of committee.

The bill, known as the Hospitality Education Program (HEP), preserves America’s most successful “school to career” program where over 20,000 High School students in 225 High Schools participate statewide.

“Thank you to the members of the committee, and to the bill’s sponsor, State Representative Joseph Abruzzo (D-Wellington),” said FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover. “This legislation allows for High School students from across the state to receive hands on training for a future in the hospitality industry.”

Also speaking before the committee in support of the measure was Emily Christianson, a graduate of the Hospitality Education Program. Christianson, who resides in Kissimmee, graduated from the Rosen School of Hospitality after participating in HEP and is currently employed by The Ritz Carlton Hotel Orlando.

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About FRLA:
In existence since 1946, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is Florida’s premier non-profit, hospitality industry trade association. FRLA safeguards the needs of the hospitality industry, improves the business climate, promotes the highest levels of quality and safety for our patrons, provides legislative advocacy, and eases navigation of government regulation. The Association represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members, including theme parks and the largest casual theme restaurant company in the world. For more information, please go to www.FRLA.org.