Sen. Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg) sent a letter to Governor Crist urging his veto of frivolous member projects added to the budget in the waning hours of session.
“I write this letter to urge your veto of member projects that made it into the state budget at a time when we are struggling to meet the funding needs for education, healthcare and economic development.”
“…newspapers have noted projects totaling well over $40 million. These estimates do not include a line item for a fifty-million-dollar biomedical center, which would push the estimate closer to $100 million dollars.”
“The people of Florida deserve better than this kind of corrupting budget practice. Even our colleagues in Washington, D.C., have curbed the abusive earmark process. A clear message has to be sent that frivolous spending will not be tolerated. We talk a lot about being fiscally responsible, and holding ourselves accountable. Now is the time to show true leadership on this issue and veto any member turkeys that made it into the budget.”