Scott Axes $5 Billion From State Budget
Editor’s Note – A very good analysis of Rick Scott’s budget details. Be sure to click on the ‘Full Story’ link at the end of the article to get all the figures.
Gov. Scott is certainly taking a different approach to the budget process, making this statement today;
“I do things different. The world does not revolve around Tallahassee…that’s why I’m announcing my budget in the real world.”
The question is will Tallahassee understand that the people are looking for a different approach? All one had to do was look at the crowd response to the Governor today to figure that out!
By: Kenric Ward
Sunshine State NewsGov. Rick Scott unveiled “Florida’s first jobs budget” Monday, calling for more than $5 billion in spending cuts and pledging to return $2 billion to taxpayers.
Appearing before an enthusiastic, overflow crowd in excess of 2,000 at the First Baptist Church of Eustis, Scott took aim at public-sector jobs and publicly financed retirement funds.
Noting that 1.1 million Floridians remain out of work, Scott said, “Things will not improve until we figure out how to grow private-sector jobs and shrink the public sector.”
“Government has to get back to its core functions — and only its core functions. As long as 1.1 million Floridians are out of work, we cannot afford government that runs wild with spending taxation and frivolous lawsuits,” he said.
To the disgust of a few hecklers in the crowd, Scott vowed to “constrain the growth of entitlement programs” and “streamline state agencies.”
On Medicaid, Scott said “patient directed” Medicaid reforms will save $400 million over two years.
On prisons and juvenile offender programs, the governor outlined $500 million in savings over the same period.
While calling for billions of dollars in spending cuts, Scott’s budget earmarks $800 million for economic development incentives.
Full Story – http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/scott-axes-5-billion-state-budget
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by silly girl, Lance Stinson. Lance Stinson said: RT @orlpolpress Scott Axes $5 Billion From State Budget http://bit.ly/hhLwVf [...]
Governor Scotts’ budget can be the herald of a new fiscally responsible era for Florida. He is one of the few who is willing to step up and actually do something about government overspending, That takes real courage and dedication. The attitude of “Yes something has to be done but not something that will take money away from me.” has to go. Public employees are just that public employees, they work for us the private sector and what employee ever makes more than the employer. Public employees don’t create the wealth, they take it from the private sector which does create it. When the economy is good and the private sector is making money the public sector can expect to make more but when the economy is bad the public sector has to dial their financial expectations back and adjust to the situation. Governor Scott is on the right track I hope he stays on it.