Gov. Rick Scott Announces $65.8 Billion 'Jobs Budget'

Gov. Rick Scott unveiled his budget Monday at a tea party event in Eustis, touting his $65.8 billion budget proposal as a "jobs budget."

Here are some of Scott's prepared remarks:

"When I ran for governor, I offered Floridians a specific, detailed plan -- seven steps to 700,000 jobs in seven years.

"This budget puts that 7-7-7 plan into action. As I promised to do during the campaign, this budget reduces state spending by over $5 billion while returning $2 billion directly to the taxpayers.

"After 35 years in business, I know the importance of focusing on clear goals.This jobs budget is focused on the goal of shrinking government, reducing your taxes, creating private-sector jobs and holding government accountable.

"Its not a budget that dabbles.It doesnt offer a little something for every special interest or sweeteners for certain people.

"Its a two-year budget that faces realities NOW, rather than putting them off for later.

"It makes the hard decisions. But it makes the right decisions for Floridas future.

"The fact is that government has to get back to its core functions. Only its core functions! And we must hold our government accountable when it fails to do so," Scott said.

Scott's full budget proposal is available here.

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