Special Session Set For Florida’s Budget

TALLAHASSEE, FL — While Florida Gov. Rick Scott approved most of Florida’s $82.4 billion budget Friday, lingering issues related to school funding, job growth grants and tourism won’t be resolved until a special session next week. The announcement was made by Scott just days after he promised to review the proposed budget “line by line.”

In addition to announcing the signing of most of the budget, Scott said he vetoed “$410 million in legislative projects that do not provide a great return for Florida families.” One of the bills vetoed is HB 5501, which would have cut funding for Visit Florida by more than 60 percent.

The special session will take place June 7-9. It will focus on three primary areas, according to Scott’s office:

• Kindergarten through 12th-grade funding – Scott wants the Legislature to increase funding for schools by $215 million, which adds up to a per-student increase of about $100.
• The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund – This $85 million expense would “establish the new Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to promote public infrastructure and individual job training.” Scott says it would encourage more businesses to open up shop in the Sunshine State.
• Increase funding for Visit Florida – Scott wants the beleaguered agency’s funding set at $76 million “to bring more tourists and support for Florida small businesses. The legislature’s budget approved on May 8 only included $25 million for the agency that is meant to promote Florida tourism.

The announcement of the special session was made in Miami with Sen. Joe Negron and Rep. Richard Corcoran present.

“I am proud to stand with Governor Scott as we fight for continued strong job creation, giving every child a competitive and world class education, ensuring Florida competes as a tourist destination, and faithfully stewarding taxpayer dollars — goals that unify us,” Corcoran said in a statement issued Friday.

Scott said money to pay for his desired increases in spending for schools, Visit Florida and job incentives would come from the $410 million he cut from the budget. Whether he'll get buy-in from the legislature remains to be seen.

A copy of Scott's proclamation calling the special session is available online.

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