Gov. Rick Scott spoke to senior citizens from across the state Tuesday, praising them for their volunteer activities and reiterating his support for a budget with reduced government spending and lower taxes.
With legislators from both parties seated around the podium, Scott said the hundreds of senior citizens who had gathered in Tallahassee for Ambassadors for Aging days represented the states 4.45 million senior citizens. He said they volunteer 7.6 million man hours annually across Florida.
The governor thanked them for it, noting that the flag was at half mast to honor the passing of Frank Buckles, the last American veteran of World War I, who died at the end of February. Scott said that coming generations owed much to those who came before.
You have built this state, said Scott. You have built this nation.
Scott noted that the state continues to face challenges and said the largest one in the Sunshine State remains unemployment. In January, the states unemployment rate stood at 11.9 percent -- the third highest in the nation behind California and Nevada.
The biggest problem we have is jobs, jobs, jobs, said Scott, reiterating a point that he made on the campaign trail and in his first weeks in office.
Scott also touched on fiscal matters, hoping that the Legislature would reduce the size of government while keeping necessary programs intact.
We have to prioritize how we spend our money, said Scott.
Scott also expressed his hope that the Legislature would push for lower taxes. Last week, House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, said that while he would certainly like to lower taxes, the main priorities in the Legislature remained reducing the size of government and not increasing taxes.
The governor, who rejected federal funds for a high-speed rail project connecting Tampa and Orlando, repeated his call for fiscal responsibility in Washington.
We have to make sure we dont waste our federal dollars, said Scott, adding that federal programs like Social Security have to remain priorities.
Scott encouraged the senior citizens to remain active in public affairs and stay in touch with their elected officials, calling it one of the great aspects of democracy.
We have a voice, said Scott. Thank goodness we have a voice.
Scott said that one of the most important things that Floridians can do is meet with their legislators in Tallahassee.
Please let us know what you think, urged Scott. It makes a difference.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
