Gov. Rick Scott released his recommended state budget Monday in Jacksonville.
Here is a compilation of reactions to his proposal.
Ag. Commissioner Adam Putnam:
“I’m disappointed that the governor left Florida wildland firefighter salary increases out of his budget, but I’m not surprised after last year’s veto. With a starting salary of $24,000 per year, our firefighters are at least as deserving as those who got pay increases last year and those who have pay increases included in the budget this year. I look forward to working with the Legislature again to meet the needs of our wildland firefighters.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll:
“We are working hard every day to make Florida the safest state in the nation for all vulnerable populations, especially children and those with behavioral health issues. The Governor’s recommended budget will improve DCF’s capacity to make a difference in the lives of struggling Floridians by ensuring they receive the right amount and types of services they need to pursue safe, healthy and independent lives.”
FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold:
“This budget continues Governor Scott’s commitment to keeping Florida First in the nation for transportation. The Governor’s budget recommendation will ensure Florida has the world class transportation system it needs for its growing population and record visitors, and new and expanding businesses.”
Agency for State Technology’s Jason Allison:
“Governor Scott’s commitment to leveraging technology to provide the best and most valuable services for its customers is reflected in this budget. We applaud the Governor for this investment and his focus on technology.”
Florida Education Association’s Joanne McCall:
“Before we add further tax cuts for businesses, we should be certain that we’re taking care of the students of our state. The Florida Constitution says that providing for public education is of paramount importance, but today’s budget proposal barely exceeds the budget for education from nine years ago in terms of total dollars and falls short when one accounts for inflation. The state continues to shift the burden of paying for education increases onto local property owners. The state should get it right and make our public schools a top priority.”
Associated Industries of Florida’s Tom Feeney:
“The $79.3 billion budget unveiled by Governor Rick Scott today for FY 2016-17 is sure to have a positive impact on Florida employers and employees. As the Florida affiliation of the National Association of Manufacturers, AIF is pleased to join the Governor in calling for elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment and income tax reduction efforts. One billion in tax cuts, including reducing commercial lease sales tax, will help accelerate job growth and prosperity for our state.
“AIF encourages the Legislature to work with the Governor to provide $250 million in resources and develop a competitive approach to economic incentives that will allow Florida to close on top corporate development opportunities confidentially with a process accountable to Florida taxpayers.
“We applaud the Governor and look forward to working with him and the Legislature to ensure hardworking citizens from the Panhandle to the Keys continue to feel tangible results, and that our state continues to foster a pro-business environment that brings new economic opportunities to the Sunshine State. We must do all we can to help our businesses and families flourish for years to come.”
Americans for Prosperity’s Chris Hudson:
“In these special times of thanksgiving, Governor Rick Scott should be focused on shrinking the size of government and eliminating unnecessary regulation to protect and encourage entrepreneurs to pursue the American dream. Adding hundreds of millions of dollars in special carve-outs to a few well-connected industries will not be the golden ticket Florida families need to keep moving forward. We applaud Governor Scott for remaining focused on cutting taxes, but encourage him and the Legislature to do everything possible to give even more money back to Florida’s hardworking families and entrepreneurs.”
The Everglades Foundation’s Erik Eikenberg:
“The Everglades Foundation applauds the Governor’s recommendation for spending on Everglades restoration. Securing a dedicated, recurring revenue stream for restoration projects – and specifically CERP projects – is something desperately needed.
“We look forward to working with Governor Scott, Speaker Crisafulli and President Gardiner this upcoming legislative session to ensure reliable funding for years to come. Whether it’s Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries, or Florida Bay, the solution to these water crises is completed Everglades projects.”
Florida TaxWatch’s Dominic Calabro:
“The governor’s budget includes smart, targeted tax cuts to stimulate business growth while investing in critical areas like child protection and education to ensure all Floridians have the opportunity to pursue success in school and in life. Florida TaxWatch will continue to urge the governor and the Legislature to include other cost savings and policy improvements in the final budget, such as those included in the 2015 Florida TaxWatch Government Efficiency report, which will result in billions of dollars of savings for Florida taxpayers for years to come.
“Florida’s manufacturing sector is vital to diversify and strengthen the state economy and provides high-wage jobs and a stable income stream. Gov. Scott’s commitment to protecting the manufacturing machinery and equipment sales tax exemption will help Florida secure the nation’s best destination for businesses.”
