Florida TaxWatch Weighs in on Budget Surplus

With an additional $150 million added to the more than $1 billion Florida state government surplus , Florida TaxWatch released a report on the matter late on Friday and urged the Legislature to remain fiscally conservative.

"Florida lawmakers should continue to push for opportunities to save taxpayers' hard-earned dollars during the budgeting process, even as the budget outlook is improving after years of shortfalls brought on by the Great Recession," said Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. "In order to continue on the path to financial recovery, Florida must remain prudent during its budget allocations."

"While lawmakers will have more than enough money to fund a continuation budget, there are many factors that impact the estimate of a budget surplus and most of them have changed," said Kurt Wenner, the vice president for tax research on the Florida TaxWatch. "Lawmakers should continue to examine the base budget for efficiencies and spending that may no longer be needed. Only this way will they be able to put limited funds into the areas that are important to Florida taxpayers today and tomorrow."

Florida TaxWatchs report can be read here.