Rick Scott Lists Budget Triumphs

In a morning press release, Florida Gov. Rick Scott cited highlights from his 2013-14 budget and other statistics to show he's scored a fiscal triumph so far in his administration. Here they are:

-- Overall savings in budget: $1.2 billion.

-- 3: Gov. Scott submitted Floridas three smallest budgets in the last decade (adjusted for inflation and population growth).

-- Largest decline in size of state government workforce per 1,000 residents over last 14 years.

-- State debt was paid down in the 2013-2014 budget for the first time since 1994.

-- 2.2 million increase in Floridas population since Gov. Jeb Bush submitted his third budget.

-- 8: Number of state workers per 1,000 Florida residents in Gov. Jeb Bushs third budget.

-- 5.2: Number of state workers per 1,000 Florida residents in Gov. Scotts budget.

-- Due to a 5 percent decline in recidivism rate over the past two years, Department of Corrections employees will receive performance incentives.

-- $30.4 million saved from contract renegotiations and lease savings.

-- Lowering Floridas prison recidivism rate saved $44 million.

-- Florida saved $132 million from consolidating 19 correctional facilities.

-- Elimination of 3,647 state positions (3.1 percent).

-- Gov. Scotts budget eliminates business taxes for 80 percent of Florida businesses ($19.7 million).

-- Florida companies will save an estimated $141 million annually with the elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment.

-- Privatizing 14 work release centers will save taxpayers $4.4 million.

-- Electronic submission of tax returns saves $1.1 million.

-- Florida saved $3.5 million by reducing juvenile crime.