Legislative Leaders Praise Rick Scott's Inaugural Address

The two leaders of the Florida Legislature -- Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island -- weighed in on Tuesday, offering their takes on Gov. Rick Scotts inaugural and looked ahead to the legislative tasks to come.

My Senate colleagues and I congratulate Gov. Scott, Lt. Gov. Lopez-Cantera, General Bondi, CFO Atwater and Commissioner Putnam and look forward to a continued partnership as we work to keep Florida on the path to long-term economic recovery, Gardiner said. Over the last four years, our state has made tremendous progress. Weve passed a balanced budget every year. Weve reduced the tax burden on families and businesses. Weve invested in education, economic development and transportation infrastructure. Weve responsibly saved for the future, and weve worked to maintain a business climate that gives private-sector job creators the confidence to locate and expand their businesses here in Florida.

As the Senate begins its committee work this week, we applaud our friends in the executive branch and look forward to the work that lies ahead, Gardiner added.

Crisafulli also praised Scott and said the House would work with the governor in his call to reduce taxes.

On behalf of the Florida House, I would like to congratulate Gov. Scott, Lt. Gov. Lopez-Cantera, Commissioner Putnam, General Bondi and CFO Atwater on their inauguration today," Crisafulli said. The House looks forward to working together to continue making Florida the best state in the nation.

Under Gov. Scotts leadership, our state has seen jobs grow and unemployment shrink by creating an environment where businesses can thrive, Crisafulli added. For the past four years, Floridians have seen a reduction in their tax burden and we look forward to working with the governor and the Cabinet to continue that trend.