In Weekly Address, Gov. Scott Says He 'Won't Compromise' on Tax Cuts

Gov. Rick Scott has repeatedly said that business and property tax cuts included in his budget proposal are essential to getting Florida's economy back on track, but he went a step further Friday in his weekly radio address, saying he won't compromise with the Legislature, which doesn't include those tax cuts in the House and Senate budgets.

Here is the governor's complete statement:

"This is Governor Rick Scott. This week the Florida House and Senate began negotiating the budget priorities of our state. I encourage you to get involved. Call and write your House and Senate members and ask them to support the state government and budget Floridians deserve.

I remain certain that any budget I sign into law will do the following things: reduce the size and scope of government, reduce the cost of government, and pass those savings on to taxpayers in the form of tax cuts. The budget proposal I sent to the Legislature does those three things. I will not compromise on these principles.

I am grateful that the Legislature is moving forward with bringing together the states economic development functions into one agency. This will streamline government, eliminate wasteful inefficiencies and grow Floridas economy. It will also merge all economic development, work force training and community development functions currently spread across government.

Business and property tax cuts are critical to make Florida No.1 in job creation. Lowering taxes will attract businesses and jobs to our state. I am confident that, with your help, the Legislature will make the right decision.

I understand that our state is competing for jobs, and we must do all we can to make Florida the No. 1 state to start, grow or bring a business."

The House and Senate passed their budget versions last week, but have not yet engaged in formal talks between the chambers. The two budgets differ mainly over pension reforms (the House includes a flat 3 percent contribution rate while the Senate has a tiered rate based on salary), and whether or not to bring in the budgets of the water management districts and the clerks of court into the overall budget (the House leaves them out, the Senate brings them in).

Budget talks will be delayed at least one week, as senators have next week off for the Easter/Passover holidays.