Governor Rick Scott Unveils 2013-2014 Florida Families First Budget

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Governor Rick Scott Unveils 2013-2014 Florida Families First Budget
Calls for $2,500 Teacher Pay Raise and Eliminating Sales Tax on Manufacturing Equipment

Tallahassee, Fla. –Governor Rick Scott today unveiled his Florida Families First Budget for fiscal year 2013-2014. Governor Scott’s Florida Families First Budget includes $18.47 billion in total funding for K-12 education, an increase of $1.25 billion over last year’s budget, which also invested 1 billion in K-12 education. Governor Scott’s proposed budget also supports the elimination of tax barriers on manufacturers who buy equipment, which will help build up Florida’s manufacturing sector and create more jobs.

Governor Scott said, “My message is simple – everything we do in government must be focused on helping families pursue their dreams by getting a great job and accessing a quality education.

“Over the last two years, we made the tough choices to get our economy back on track. Through cost-savings efforts, we were able to cut taxes and eliminate regulations on businesses to help them succeed and create more jobs. As a result of our work over the last two years, we have created an environment where Florida’s private sector was able to create thousands of jobs. We have also had the second largest drop in our unemployment rate in the nation. The Sunshine State is now among the best states in the country for our drop in our unemployment rate. Florida’s economy is back on track.

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Memorandum from Senate President Mike Haridopolos Re: Budget Conference

TO: All Senators and Staff

FROM: Mike Haridopolos, President

SUBJECT: Budget Conference

DATE: April 26, 2011

Please find below the conferees for the 2011 budget conference. The organizational meeting of the budget conference will be Wednesday, April 27 at 8 A.M. in 412 Knott Building.

All budget conferees should attend the Wednesday morning meeting.

Pursuant to Senate Rule 2.19(1), Conference Committees are authorized to notice and meet beginning at 8:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 27, until 12:00 P.M. on Friday, April 29, at which point any remaining conference issues will be bumped to the budget chairs. As the host of the conference process this year, I would request that conference committee chairs avoid meeting during pre-scheduled floor sessions or standing committee meetings.

Senate/House Budget Conference

Senate Chair: Alexander
Senate Vice-Chair: Negron
At-Large Conferees: Gaetz, Gardiner, Rich, Siplin, Thrasher

Assigned Bills: HB 5011
SB 1292, 1314, 1738, 2000, 2002, 2094, 2096, 2098, 2104, 2106, 2110

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Memorandum from House Speaker Dean Cannon Re: Budget Conference

MEMORANDUM

TO: Members, Florida House of Representatives

FROM: Dean Cannon, Speaker

DATE: April 26, 2011

RE: Budget Conference

Below please find the list of conference chairs and conference managers appointed to negotiate the FY 2011-2012 budget as well as a tentative schedule for conference meetings. The chairs, vice chairs, and ranking members of fiscal committees and subcommittees were appointed to the appropriate budget conferences. Other appointments were based on Member requests, which I attempted to accommodate to the fullest extent possible.

House / Senate Budget Conference

House Chair: Grimsley

At-Large Conferees: Aubuchon, Chestnut, Hukill, Kreegel, Legg, Lopez-Cantera, McKeel, Proctor, Rouson, Sands, Saunders, Schenck, Snyder, Weatherford

Assigned Bills: HB 5011
SB 1292, 1314, 1738, 2000, 2002, 2094, 2096, 2098, 2104, 2106, 2110

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Representative Barbara Watson Blasts House Budget for Favoring Corporations Over Kids, Families

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida House of Representatives is set to begin negotiations this week with the Senate to craft a new state budget that will take effect in July.

The proposed budget that the House approved last week cuts funding for critical education, health care and social service programs. Accordingly, Representative Barbara Watson (D-Miami) voted against the proposal.

“Instead of protecting Florida’s most fragile and vulnerable residents, the proposed budget cuts important programs as an excuse for balancing the budget,” said Representative Barbara Watson, House District 103. “If this budget wins approval, our most dependent populations will be forced to live without a safety net.”

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“Balance the Budget Challenge” Shows Floridians Real Life Fiscal Decisions Lawmakers Face

Millions of Floridians who find a way to balance their monthly budgets and checkbooks may be the best advisors to Florida Governor Rick Scott and legislative leaders in their struggle to balance the state budget in the midst of a nearly $4 billion revenue shortfall. And now, those Floridians from every part of the state and at every income level can take the “Balance the Budget” challenge created by The Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida.

This new interactive tool on The Graham Center website enables anyone to try to build a new state budget to meet Florida’s needs, with dramatically fewer dollars.

Here’s the challenge: Build a state budget that promotes public education, protects people’s health and safeguards communities – while closing a deficit of nearly $4 billion.

“This is a challenging online game that shows the daunting task currently facing lawmakers in Tallahassee,” said Senator Bob Graham. “People who use this interactive tool will be able to see what happens when strong campaign trail rhetoric intersects with the tough realities of governing. Anyone who plays the online game will go away with a better understanding of the real choices facing Florida today and in the future.”

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Rep. Alan Williams on Budget Agreement Reached Avoiding Government Shutdown

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Representative Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) today issued the following statement on Congress reaching an agreement to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year:

“I commend President Barack Obama, House Speaker John Boehner, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for their efforts in reaching an agreement on budget negotiations and working together to avoid a government shutdown.

“We have a responsibility to the constituents we represent to provide the essential services needed. This shutdown would have adversely impacted the well-being of the citizens of Florida. Reaching this agreement will ensure that Floridians continue to receive funding for our parks, and providing funds for those who depend on Head Start, Medicaid, Medicare, Pell Grants, VA benefits, and Social Security income.

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Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich on Rejection of Republican Senate Budget

TALLAHASSEE – Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich (D-Weston) released the following statement on Thursday following her ‘no’ vote on the Senate 2011-2012 budget:

“The Republican spending plan passed by the Senate today further underscores the disconnect between Tallahassee and the people of Florida. I cannot support a budget balanced on the backs of Florida’s middle class and our public servants.

“The hand we were dealt pitted health care against school children, public safety against nursing homes, universities against libraries. In closing a $3.8 billion deficit, the Republican leadership attacked everything but where the responsibility for the deficit lies, namely their deference to corporate special interests that continue to dodge their financial obligations.

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Florida 11th in Fortune 500 Companies Due to Republicans’ Failed Budget Priorities

PREVIEW OF REP. SOTO’s STATE BUDGET DEBATE

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida is the fourth most populous state in the nation but is ranked 11th in regard to the number of Fortune 500 companies. The three most populous states are: California (which has 57 Fortune 500 companies—ranking 1st in the nation), Texas (home to 57 Fortune 500 firms, tied for 1st) and New York (with 56 companies), according to Fortune Magazine and CNN.com

Fortune Magazine reports that Florida hosts 16 Fortune 500 companies, ranking it 11th in the nation.

Representative Darren Soto (D-Orlando) says the shortfall in top corporate performers in Florida is due to Florida’s failure to invest in its universities, workforce training, transportation and public works projects. “Florida’s inadequate share of Fortune 500 companies proves that our state needs to make the investments that will attract top corporations to our state,” said Representative Soto. “These findings contradict the jobs mantra touted by Governor Rick Scott and the Republican Legislature in the 2011 budget that less regulation and lower taxes are the key to our prosperity.”

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Florida House Appropriations Committee Passes 2011-12 Budget Bills

Budget bills include reform of the Florida Retirement System and comprehensive deregulation legislation designed to foster re-employment opportunities and empower private sector job creation

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, chaired by Representative Denise Grimsley (R-Sebring), today passed the House proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-12 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as well as a comprehensive list of related implementing bills and conforming bills.

“The Florida House crafted a realistic and responsible budget that offers achievable cuts in order to prioritize critical needs without raising taxes on families and businesses,” said House Speaker Cannon (R-Winter Park). “The House budget package ensures that we fulfill our constitutional responsibility to balance the state budget in the near-term, but also provides for future security through the preservation of our bond rating by setting aside adequate reserves.”

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Appropriations Committee Passes House Budget and Conforming Bills

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami) today issued the following statement regarding the Appropriations Committee passing the budget and conforming bills.

“Over the last few years, the Legislature has streamlined programs and made many cuts to reduce spending. All non-essential programs have been removed, and now we must make the difficult decisions for which we have been preparing.

“The current economic climate requires that our state government do everything in its power to ensure economic growth in the private sector. This includes reducing the regulations on Florida’s business community and keeping taxes low. In order to keep taxes low, strategic cuts must be made to ensure government lives within its means.

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Florida House Announces “Build Your Own Budget” Exercise Is Now Available to the Public

Tallahassee, Fla. – Representative Denise Grimsley (R-Sebring), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that the budget writing exercise that Florida lawmakers recently completed, is now available to the public. The budget writing exercise gives those using the program the opportunity to balance the budget and decide where they deem cuts to Florida’s budget should be made.

“The appropriations process is a challenging one,” said Representative Grimsley. “Members of the Florida House completed this budget writing exercise so that we can better prioritize state funded programs, services and activities. And now, we’re asking Floridians to give us their input as well, by going online and downloading the program and sharing the results of the budget they create with lawmakers.”

“With the state experiencing an estimated $4.6 billion budget shortfall, it’s paramount that all Floridians have an opportunity to voice where they believe cuts to the budget should be made and which state funded activities we simply cannot do without,” concluded Representative Grimsley.

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Right Decisions for Florida’s Future

Dear Friend:

This week I rolled out my “Jobs Budget” designed to reduce state spending, lower taxes and hold your government accountable. As I promised to do in my 7-7-7 plan during the campaign, this budget reduces state spending by over $5 billion while returning $2 billion directly to the taxpayers. Please take a moment to visit LetsGettoWork.net to review the detailed steps I plan to take in order to reduce taxes for Florida taxpayers, energizing the economy and helping Floridians get back to work.

Read My Jobs Budget

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Governor Scott Unveils Florida’s First “Jobs Budget” Before a Capacity Crowd in Eustis

Eustis, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott, unveiled the state’s first “Jobs Budget” before a capacity crowd in Eustis, today.

The Governor said his “Jobs Budget” was “designed to reduce state spending, lower taxes and hold your government accountable.”

Governor Scott’s budget proposal also went up online at www.letsgettowork.net during the speech.

Governor Scott’s remarks as prepared for delivery: … Continue Reading

Governor Rick Scott to Introduce his Budget Proposal on Monday, Feb. 7

Tallahassee, Fla. – On Monday, Feb. 7, Governor Rick Scott will introduce his 2011-2012 budget proposal in Tallahassee.

WHAT:           2011-2012 Budget Background Briefings

WHEN:   4:00 p.m. Governor Scott to introduce his budget, and budget staff will be available to answer questions

WHERE:          The Capitol, Large Conference Room

400 South Monroe
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Governor Rick Scott to Unveil his Highly Anticipated Budget Proposal on Monday, Feb. 7

Tallahassee, Fla. – On Monday, Feb. 7, Governor Rick Scott will unveil his 2011-2012 budget proposal during a speech in Eustis.

WHAT:   2011-2012 Budget Rollout Unveiling

WHEN:   Governor Scott’s remarks are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Alice McClelland Band Shell

Ferran Park
601 North Share Avenue
Eustis, FL 32726

Governor Rick Scott Will Discuss Key Budget Proposals During a Tour of Chromalloy Manufacturing on Thursday, Feb. 3

Tallahassee, Fla. – On Thursday, Feb. 3, Governor Rick Scott will visit Chromalloy Manufacturing in Tampa and discuss key proposals of his budget.

WHAT: Chromalloy Manufacturing Tour

WHEN: 3:00 p.m. (Media should arrive by 2:30 to pass security)

WHERE: Chromalloy Manufacturing

3401 Queen Palm Dr (Sabal Park Office Complex)
Tampa, FL 33619

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CONTACT: Amy Graham
850-488-5394

Letter to Governor Scott Granting Budget Extension

TO: Interested Media
RE: Governor’s Budget Recommendations Extension

Please find attached the letter sent by Senate President Mike Haridopolos to Governor Scott approving an extension for submission of the Governor’s budget recommendations. Also attached is Governor Scott’s letter to President Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon.

governor_budget_letter

president_response_governor_budget

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Senate President Mike Haridopolos Makes Budget Committee and Subcommittee Assignments

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos today announced assignments to the Budget Committee and seven budget subcommittees.

“Because of their singular constitutional responsibility to approve a budget, I’ve assigned every Senator to serve on at least one budget subcommittee,” said President Haridopolos. “These are difficult economic times and we all must have a significant role in assuring that state government lives within its means and that we don’t further burden our fellow Floridians.”

The membership of the Budget Committee and subcommittees include:
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2010/2011 Budget On Transparency Florida

Site revised to include new information and tools

www.TransparencyFlorida.gov

Tallahassee, FL – As the new fiscal year begins, the Florida Senate has updated Transparency Florida, the website that provides Floridians with access to detailed information on how their tax-payer dollars are being spent.

Under the leadership of Senate President Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach) and Appropriations Chair JD Alexander (R-Lake Wales), the Florida Senate conducted the most transparent budget process in history, ensuring that every elected official, advocate, and member of the public had the opportunity to participate in Florida’s budget process.

“I am committed to providing every Floridian the opportunity to know how each penny of their taxpayer monies are being spent,” said President Atwater.  “Transparency Florida allows Floridians to continue to hold government accountable for daily spending decisions.” … Continue Reading

Senator Gelber on Budget Vetoes

TALLAHASSEE – State Senator Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach)on Friday released the following statement regarding the Governor’s budget actions:

“I’m glad Governor Crist vetoed some of the ideological pork in the budget like the stem cell research ban. I’m also glad he provided some protection to the most vulnerable of our citizens by rejecting health care cost reductions. … Continue Reading