Governor recommends tax relief
To the editor:
Recently I proposed my budget recommendations for the 2010-2011 budget year.
Florida’s economy is a crossroads and I am committed to creating new opportunities for businesses to tap into new markets. Now more than ever, we must strengthen businesses and create jobs for our people.
That is why I am recommending $100 million in tax relief. Businesses can keep more of their revenue, and Florida can attract new businesses as a result.
Our budget also includes a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday for parents and students, because Florida families deserve this critical savings.
As the space shuttle program comes to an end, we must remain focused on human space exploration missions and attract space businesses that will create high-technology, high-wage jobs. I am recommending $32.6 million for Space Florida to strengthen Florida’s commitment to the Space Coast.
In addition, I propose $125 million to continue our efforts to attract leading research institutes and companies that expand Florida’s innovation economy.
Florida’s economy depends on a talented workforce developed through education. My budget includes a record $22.7 billion for Pre-K through 12 a 2.61 percent increase in per-student funding. Rewarding achievement is the way to secure results in the classroom.
To further develop the talent of our workforce, I am proposing $100 million in new funds to Florida’s 11 state universities for science, math, technology and medicine.
Florida’s past education reforms have positioned us to succeed and I urge the Florida Legislature to quickly ratify the compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida to secure more funds for Florida’s students.
My environmental budget recommendations include $2.1-billion to safeguard Florida’s natural resources. During the past three years, I have signed budgets designating $300 million toward Everglades restoration. This year, I propose important Florida Forever funding with a $50 million investment to continue the preservation of Florida’s unique natural resources and wildlife.
I also proposed $10 million for solar rebates and $319.5 million to support the programs that will continue to ensure production and promotion of Florida’s vibrant agricultural and aquacultural industries.The future of our economy depends on the stewardship of our natural resources.
Florida is proud to support our military and I am proposing $10.5 million to make sure Florida’s military bases remain open and our defense industry is protected.
I continue to support families and protect the best interests of Floridians, especially the most vulnerable among us.I recommend $2.7 billion in additional funding for low-income families with children, as well as senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The safety and security of the people of Florida is government’s most important responsibility. That’s why I propose $5.2 billion to ensure prisoners serve at least 85 percent of their sentences and are not released early. I also support increased background checks on those who care for our children and prevention programs that are keeping our juvenile crime rates low.
I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming legislative session. Together, we can redirect our refocus on our economy making life better for Floridians. May God continue to bless the great state of Florida.
Charlie Crist
Florida Governor
Tallahassee
Governor recommends tax relief
To the editor:
Last week I proposed my budget recommendations for the 2010-2011 budget year.
Florida’s economy is a crossroads and I am committed to creating new opportunities for businesses to tap into new markets. Now more than ever, we must strengthen businesses and create jobs for our people.
That is why I am recommending $100 million in tax relief. Businesses can keep more of their revenue, and Florida can attract new businesses as a result.
Our budget also includes a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday for parents and students, because Florida families deserve this critical savings.
As the space shuttle program comes to an end, we must remain focused on human space exploration missions and attract space businesses that will create high-technology, high-wage jobs. I am recommending $32.6 million for Space Florida to strengthen Florida’s commitment to the Space Coast.
In addition, I propose $125 million to continue our efforts to attract leading research institutes and companies that expand Florida’s innovation economy.
Florida’s economy depends on a talented workforce developed through education. My budget includes a record $22.7 billion for Pre-K through 12 a 2.61 percent increase in per-student funding. Rewarding achievement is the way to secure results in the classroom.
To further develop the talent of our workforce, I am proposing $100 million in new funds to Florida’s 11 state universities for science, math, technology and medicine.
Florida’s past education reforms have positioned us to succeed and I urge the Florida Legislature to quickly ratify the compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida to secure more funds for Florida’s students.
My environmental budget recommendations include $2.1-billion to safeguard Florida’s natural resources. During the past three years, I have signed budgets designating $300 million toward Everglades restoration. This year, I propose important Florida Forever funding with a $50 million investment to continue the preservation of Florida’s unique natural resources and wildlife.
I also proposed $10 million for solar rebates and $319.5 million to support the programs that will continue to ensure production and promotion of Florida’s vibrant agricultural and aquacultural industries. The future of our economy depends on the stewardship of our natural resources.
Florida is proud to support our military and I am proposing $10.5 million to make sure Florida’s military bases remain open and our defense industry is protected.
I continue to support families and protect the best interests of Floridians, especially the most vulnerable among us. I recommend $2.7 billion in additional funding for low-income families with children, as well as senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The safety and security of the people of Florida is government’s most important responsibility. That’s why I propose $5.2 billion to ensure prisoners serve at least 85 percent of their sentences and are not released early. I also support increased background checks on those who care for our children and prevention programs that are keeping our juvenile crime rates low.
I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming legislative session. Together, we can redirect our refocus on our economy making life better for Floridians. May God continue to bless the great state of Florida.
Charlie Crist
Florida Governor
Tallahassee