Sound Bytes from House Speaker Will Weatherford's Opening Address

"A government that grows too big grows too intrusive and threatens our liberty and democracy."

"The federal government is trying to buy states off one by one. I'm not buying it. Florida shouldn't buy it."

"Will we earn the people's trust, or will we confirm their worst fears about us?"

"If we accomplish nothing else this session, we should be able to look ourselves in the mirror and know we have made that ladder up (for Floridians) easier ..."

Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, also made it clear Tuesday morning that he stands behind an initiative to move new public employees, including state workers, school employees and county workers, in the Florida Retirement System the states main pension fund into 401(k)-type plans beginning in January 2014.

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