Weatherford Vows to Make Florida a 'Pocket of Personal, Economic Freedom'

Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford laid out the Florida House agenda for the 2013 legislative session that began Tuesday. Among the priorities of the Florida Work Plan are restoring trust in government, education reform and protecting the states fiscal future.

In his remarks during the first session of the House Tuesday morning, the Republican of Wesley Chapel said the Legislature will make Florida a pocket of personal and economic freedom, since the federal government has not tackled the nations debt crisis nor has it passed a budget in years.

The speaker laid out an agenda to reach that goal that includes reform of the states pension system and not expanding Medicaid in the state.Weatherford said this year, the state will pay $500 million of general revenue to shore up the state's pension fund. He said a plan would be passed that is fair and would not require raising taxes down the line to keep the pension fund afloat.

He also vowed to pass an annual budget and show lawmakers in D.C. how it's done.

The House reconvenes at 11 a.m. in a joint session with the Florida Senate.

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