CFO Alex Sink Statement On FL Legislature Retreat On HB 5603

TALLAHASSEE— Florida CFO Alex Sink today blasted the Florida Legislature for backing down from their previously unanimous support of HB 5603, a bill that would save Florida taxpayers millions by addressing the rising costs of workers’ compensation claims in the state risk management program, and limit the cost of repackaged medications which have increased the costs of prescription drugs.

According to the Miami Herald, a single company directly benefiting from the veto, Automated Healthcare Solutions, “gave more than $1 million to political spending committees headed by the incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon.” Additionally the Herald reports that following Governor-elect Rick Scott’s primary victory, the company poured “$735,000 into the Florida Republican Party and another $145,000 to Scott’s (Let’s Get to Work) spending committee.”

“This gives the appearance that the Florida Legislature and Governor-elect Rick Scott are getting square with the special interests who funded their campaigns,” said CFO Alex Sink. “This was a perfect opportunity to save taxpayers millions of dollars and reduce workers’ compensation costs for Florida businesses. Once again, Tallahassee business-as-usual prevailed.”

According to the Department of Financial Services Division of Risk Management, HB 5603 would have saved taxpayers at least $18 million over the next five years.

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