Rick Scott Talks About Jobs and the Budget

After only two weeks in office, Gov. Rick Scott had the greatest share of the spotlight as Florida leaders met in Tallahassee on Wednesday to speak at the annual Legislative Planning Session held by the Associated Press. Among other issues, Scott spoke about his economic plans and his plans for the budget.

My whole focus is jobs, said Scott, who made the economy and employment growth the core message of his campaign.

Were competing with 49 other states, insisted Scott, adding that Florida also faced international rivals looking to lure businesses. If were going to grow jobs in the state of Florida, we have to be better than everyone else.

Scott added that the state had to grow jobs in the private sector -- and not add more government employees to the payroll. Reviewing his first two weeks in office, the governor said he was optimistic about what he had seen so far, noting that Vision Airlines was set to add 4,000 jobs in the state with its expansion in Florida. Scott also noted that he met with the foreign minister of Japan and the president of Colombia to build closer economic ties to those nations.

The new governor also focused on crafting his administrations proposed budget which he is set to unveil on Feb. 4.

Its the most thankless task, said Scott, who estimated the state faced a $3.5 billion deficit to overcome to craft the constitutionally mandated balanced budget.

Were going to have to make some tough choices, insisted Scott. Thats what I was elected to do.

Scott called for reining-in state spending. Its too big, he said in regard to state government. We dont need to be spending that much money.