Rep. Perry Thurston Suggests a 'Limited State Income Tax' for Florida

Surely everyone would agree that balancing a budget is tough, especially when Florida's facing a projected $3 billion plus shortfall in 2011. But Rep. Perry Thurston, D-Plantation, suggested the unthinkable Tuesday during a round table-style discussion in Fort Lauderdale with Gov.-elect Rick Scott.

"Perhaps we should think about a limited income tax," Thurston said.

Immediately, the room erupted with laughter and jeers.

"Members of the media," Scott declared with a smile above the commotion, "I want you all to take note that those words came from Rep. Perry Thurston."

Someone else quickly pointed out that it's against Florida's Constitution to have a state income tax, let alone the fact that many people are attracted to live here because of its absence.

But Thurston didn't mean it as a joke. He simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "Well, you're looking for ideas."