Rick Scott Responds to Obama's State of the Union Address

Gov. Rick Scott weighed in on President Barack Obamas State of the Union -- and took aim at the president and his administration.

Tonight, we heard President Obama describe this moment in America as a Sputnik moment. But to face the challenges of our day, we dont need decades-old history lessons, we need leadership, said Scott. We need elected officials who will take on special interests, make tough choices and focus on the right priorities. We need fiscal conservatives who recognize the solution to every problem is not a new government program. We need to take less money out of the pockets of Americans, and we need to get government out of the way of those who create jobs. Innovation comes from creating an environment where Americans want to build new companies. Government seldom does a good job of selecting successful innovators.

In the next few weeks, I will unveil a budget for the state of Florida that reflects leadership and demonstrates the will to make tough choices, added Scott. It will reduce the tax burden on Floridians and champion a less-burdensome government.Florida will be the place for innovators, not because the state of Florida knows which individuals will succeed, but because we are the place where innovators want to live, raise their families, and build their companies.

In the months ahead, this budget and the reforms I propose for Florida will reflect my belief that Florida's best days are ahead of us, not trapped in the memory of days gone by, concluded Scott. All that is required to get there is the courage to lead.

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