Praise isn't universal, but Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature are receiving accolades from various sectors for the $74.1 billion 2013-2014 Florida Families First Budget the governor signed into law Monday. Scott nevertheless vetoed nearly $370 million worth of appropriations.
Here's what the Sunshine State's politicos and interest groups are saying:
House Speaker Will Weatherford, R- Wesley Chapel
Governor Scott today signed the Legislatures balanced budget, which funds the states essential priorities without raising a dime in tax increases. By doing so, we provided Floridas education system with more than $1 billion in new funding and ensured all of Floridas high-performing teachers will receive a significant merit raise. While we did not agree on every line item, he signed 95 percent of our budget, which is a resounding endorsement of the House and Senate work product.
Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Destin
While many will disagree with some of Governor Scotts line-item vetoes, that is his constitutional role as chief executive. The next budget and policy cycle begins at sunrise tomorrow and we in the Senate look forward to our role as partners with the House of Representatives and the governor.
Florida Democratic Party (Scott Arceneaux, executive director)
"Today Rick Scott made his wrong priorities clear to all Floridians. After doling out hundreds of millions in corporate giveaways, Scott vetoed $368 million in funding for much-needed programs across the state. His vetoes include $2 million to assist veterans attending college, $3 million in abuse prevention education, and nearly $100 million in funding for Florida's schools and universities. At a time when our state is coming out of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, investments in education, transportation, health and human services, and infrastructure are absolutely essential to communities across Florida. But instead of joining in the Senate's bipartisan consensus around this year's budget, Governor Scott imposed his rigid ideology on our state to the detriment of Florida's future."
Florida TaxWatch (Dominic M. Calabro, president and CEO)
"Florida TaxWatch applauds Governor Scott for thoughtfully and properly vetoing [more than two-thirds of the budget turkeys TaxWatch identified], which are projects that did not receive the same analysis and deliberation as the rest of the budget. The $71.1 million worth of vetoed budget turkeys that could have been used by the Legislature to fund core functions and services will now enhance our state's budget reserves.
"The governor's line-item veto power, along with the constitutional requirement of a balanced budget, is part of the system of checks and balances that help ensure our state's fiscal situation is strong, unlike that of the federal government's. The line-item veto is a constitutional responsibility that holds the Legislature accountable for the costs they incur on behalf of taxpayers throughout the state and we appreciate Governor Scott's commitment to this task. By vetoing these budget turkeys, the governor has protected the integrity of the budget process.
"It is clear from the high number of vetoed projects that the governor carefully scrutinized all of the budget turkeys TaxWatch identified, which is the intent of the Turkey Watch Report. The budget processes that TaxWatch relies upon to identify turkeys are important assurances that taxpayer dollars are being appropriated to the highest and best use."
Associated Industries of Florida (Tom Feeney, president and CEO)
A business-friendly climate is essential to a strong state economy. The budget signed by the governor today will help draw more companies to Florida, bringing new jobs and opportunity. Florida manufacturers will now be more competitive through the elimination of sales tax on the purchase of manufacturing machinery and equipment. Investments in our ports will increase trade and enable Florida businesses to expand their customer bases. And, funding for the Career and Professional Education Act of 2013 will ensure our students are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
Associated Industries of Florida thanks Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature for continuing to promote policies that encourage job creation and economic growth, and establishing a state budget that sends a clear signal that Florida is open for business.
Frank T. Brogan, chancellor of the State University System of Florida
By all accounts, this has been a remarkable legislative session for the State University System. Nevertheless, we understand that the governor must make tough choices when evaluating the projects in the state budget, and we respect that. We look forward to continued work with Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford as we all strive to elevate our universities to national prominence.
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (Carol Dover, president and CEO)
This years budget exemplifies Governor Rick Scotts commitment to Floridas tourism and hospitality industry, which is essential to the growth of our states economy. We commend the Florida Legislature for working diligently to put this budget on the governors desk, in turn creating jobs for thousands of Floridians, generating billions of dollars in sales tax revenue, and ensuring millions of tourists will continue to enjoy what the Sunshine State has to offer.
In particular, and through our Hospitality Education Program (HEP) funding, these dollars will help better prepare Floridas high school students planning to enter into the tourism and hospitality industry. This program allows our young people the opportunity to gain skills necessary to be a successful part of our workforce while building Floridas next generation of business leaders.
Everglades Foundation (Eric Eikenberg, CEO)
Governor Scotts signing of the state budget continues Floridas commitment to Everglades protection. This renewed commitment includes $70 million for Americas Everglades, with $38 million going toward the historic Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Projects with a portion for Best Management Practices north of Lake Okeechobee, as well as $32 million for implementing the Governors Water Quality Plan.
"The governor has been a tireless advocate for the ongoing implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, and his leadership in reaching an agreement with the federal government concerning pollution cleanup projects will provide much-needed jobs and ensure water quality standards are finally met.
This is the most important environmental and economic restoration project in the world, and the leadership of the governor and the Florida Legislature does not go unnoticed.Our Foundation is grateful to be a part of protecting and preserving this very special ecosystem that Florida families and our growing population can rely on for years to come as a clean-water source and natural wonder.
Florida Ports Council (Bill Johnson chairman and PortMiami director)
Governor Scotts budget invests in critical infrastructure that will benefit our state for years to come. On behalf of Florida ports, I applaud Governor Scotts vision and commitment in moving our states maritime industry forward and creating jobs for Florida families. We are fortunate to have a governor who understands that transportation infrastructure investments, such as roads and ports, will pay dividends in attracting new businesses and enable Florida to grow as a center for international trade and commerce.
Tampa Port Authority (Paul Anderson, CEO and port director)
Under the leadership of Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature, the state is investing in legacy seaport projects that will contribute generational impacts. The unprecedented support in the fiscal year 2013/14 budget, signed by Governor Scott today, will benefit the Port of Tampa, our state and its citizens for decades to come.
The Arc of Florida (Michelle Poole, president)
Its important for us to recognize that Governor Rick Scott and the Legislature are listening to the people we serve. Many good things happened during this session for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ... Florida consistently ranks among the lowest funding levels for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so we still have a lot of work to do. The managed care proposal that was sneaked into legislation toward the end of session would have been devastating for our families. It will likely come up again. The Arc of Florida will remain vigilant as we continue to protect our clients and families moving forward.
Reach Eric Giunta at egiunta@sunshinestatenews.com or at (954) 235-9116.
