Cretul Opens the House

The Florida House of Representatives opened the 2010 session on a gloomy wet day in Tallahassee and the mood in the House chamber reflected the weather. Even the opening prayer stressed how Floridians were discouraged by the economic situation and were losing faith.

In his Opening Day remarks, House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, offered a grim assessment of Floridas economy and the tasks the House during the session.

Floridians are worried about their homes, their jobs, their families and their future, Cretul said. Over the next 60 days we must focus on ways to recharge Floridas economy and put Floridians back to work. The best way to strengthen Floridas financial future is to restore Floridas economic prosperity.

Cretul called for the House to streamline both government agencies as well as repealing out-of-date laws so that the Florida Statutes will actually be smaller. The only specific measure that Cretul called for was revamping the OPPAGA and the Auditor General into a new Legislative Accountability Office.

Cretul specifically addressed the budget. Quoting a New York Times article from 1931 describing the Florida Houses efforts during the Great Depression, Cretul reminded the House that we are not the first Florida Legislature to face shrinking revenues and growing needs.

Cretul said, We will not play accounting games like they do in other capitals. The Speaker took aim at Gov. Charlie Crists proposed budget that relies on unsecured funds from a possible agreement with the Seminole Indians on casino gambling. Cretul said We will balance our budget with the dollars we have, not ones that may possibly arrive at some point in the future. He later added, But we wont base our budget on a wing and a prayer.

Cretul specifically noted, One of the major issues in the budget is the issue of reserves. Florida must have reserves appropriate for the fourth largest state in the nation.

In these tight financial times, he continued, the need for reserves is more important than ever. Cretul noted that while the Legislature planned for a $1 billion in reserves, the stagnant economy and increasing Medicaid costs, whittled the reserves down to $130 million.

Cretul also said that all members of the Florida House should have input on the budget and he criticized members who have refused to participate.

Cretul ended his speech by noting that he hoped the House would be civil under his leadership. Noting Im not seen as a tough cop, Cretul pointed out a recent story on him, comparing him to Barney Rubble from The Flintstones. Thats okay, Cretul said, youll remember that Barney was the one with the prettier wife.

Cretul closed with a tribute to his late friend, Rep. Mike Davis, R-Naples.