With the session winding down, the governor and his staff have played a more hands-on role than in his freshman session.
In addition to one-on-one sit-downs in the governors office with legislators, Gov. Rick Scott has maintained direct contact with legislative leaders in the effort to reform personal injury protection, increase funding for Floridas public schools, cover business tax cuts and throughout the overall budget process.
Both Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, said they and other members have been trading phone calls with Scott over the various aspects of his budget that have been used as a blueprint for the session.
Hes emphasizing his priorities and in the House we are supportive of all his priorities, Cannon said. Its been helpful that hes been communicative in terms of working through the system.
Haridopolos was more direct in saying that Scott has been much more engaged this year.
Scott, in an email, noted that During my State of the State address, I emphasized the importance of working together with the Legislature and I am so grateful to them for responding to that call.
Scott took some criticism a year ago for failing to follow up on his bold agenda that legislators said had set the tone for 2011, though most of his goals were backed by the House and Senate.
Instead of effectively lobbying legislators, he was seen as having waited until the session ended before backing up some of the directions of his pre-session proposals.
A year ago, Scotts staff didnt include longtime Capitol insider Steve MacNamara as chief of staff and Haridopolos former deputy chief of staff Chris Finkbeiner, Haridopolos noted.
They let it be known early that they wanted to engage us more and, to the credit of the governor, they have, Haridopolos said.
Scott returns the credit.
I am so thankful that both the House and Senate have embraced my call to add $1 billion to education this year, and for their efforts to pass bills that will help the private sector grow jobs in Florida, Scott stated in the email.
I'm optimistic they will also pass meaningful legislation to eliminate the billion dollars' worth of increased insurance rates Floridians pay because of accident fraud. I believe fixing PIP will have the biggest impact this year on lowering the cost of living in Florida, and based on the cooperation I've seen so far, I'm confident the House and Senate will get it done.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
