Mike Haridopolos Backing Rick Scott on High-Speed Rail Funds Lawsuit

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, weighed in on the lawsuit offered by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, and Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, against Gov. Rick Scotts rejection of federal funds for high-speed rail.

While Senators Altman and Joyner are free to file their petition with the Florida Supreme Court, I do not support their efforts, said Haridopolos, who is planning to run against Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. The Florida Senate will not join in their lawsuit. For reasons Ive previously explained, funding of the high-speed rail project is not something we, as a state and a country, can afford. It is my intention to ensure that there is no money in the upcoming 2011-12 state budget to fund high-speed rail. Florida is facing a $3.6 billion shortfall and that money can be put to better use. During these tough economic times, state government should focus on its needs not its wants.

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