Could Rick Scott, awealthy former healthcare executive and Florida’s new governor, actually writethe most conservative state budget in the nation? If news reports are to bebelieved, it’s certainly possible.
On Monday, February7, Scott will unveil his budget proposal in Eustis. In a break with tradition,Scott won’t release his budget through a news conference or a speech to invited guests at thecapitol, as most governors would do, but instead will do it at a Tea Partyrally. He promises not todisappoint.
Scott says that the Sunshine State'sbudget is bloated and far beyond what Florida taxpayers can afford. In fact, Florida faces a$4 billion budget deficit in the next fiscal year. To any other state governor,closing a budget gap of this size is a monumental task by itself. However, Scott claims thathe can write a budget that not only eliminates next year's deficit, but also cuts taxes. Although exact details of the budget plan are stillunknown, Scott has hinted that he will produce savings by consolidating stateagencies and requiring state employees to contribute to their retirementsavings for the first time. Media reports also say that Scott has told legislatorsand some groups that he will propose $2 billion in tax cuts in his budget, to be acheived by reducing property taxes and phasing out the corporate income tax.
Scott’s budget plansare bold and turning heads, even among his own party. Whether he can actually pull offthe feat of writing and enacting most conservative budget in the nation remains to be seen, but let’s hopehe can. If he does, he could usher in a whole new chapter and way of thinkingabout budgets, taxes, and the role of government. Florida is known as thesunshine state. It could also be a shining, guiding light on budget matters for the nation.