Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Gov. Rick Scott’s annual State of the State speech didn’t surprise lawmakers from Southwest Florida, they said Tuesday.
“I think there are opportunities for success when you’re consistent, and the governor continues to be consistent with his priorities for job growth in the state of Florida,” said Sen. Garrett Richter, a Naples Republican and Senate President pro tempore. “There’s something to be said for consistency, and as long as the state continues to grow job opportunities, it’s hard to argue his message.”
Scott used the majority of his 25-minute speech to state lawmakers to highlight the state’s job growth, while pitching his tax cut proposal. Scott called on lawmakers to cut $1 billion in taxes and create a $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund.
“The governor has made (job growth) the focus of his remarks, and really his agenda since he’s been in office, appropriately so,” said Rep. Matt Hudson, a Naples Republican and House Speaker pro tempore.
“Florida is one of the nation’s leading job creators and there’s a reason why people want to come to Florida, not only to retire but to build a family and grow a great career. We’ve worked with him to create that climate.”
In his remarks Tuesday, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli said Rep. Matt Gaetz, chairman of the House finance and tax committee would unveil a $1 billion tax cut proposal “that will lower taxes for all Floridians.”
Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, a Fort Myers Republican, said she would need to see more details about the tax cut proposal, but would support it if the state could financially do it.
“I think it’s a lofty (goal), but I think it’s a very positive goal,” she said. “If we can do it and be able to afford to meet the needs of Floridians, then I would wholeheartedly support it. Obviously no one wants higher taxes in Florida.”
Balancing tax cuts with the needs of the state is key, said Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, a Fort Myers Republican and the former Senate Majority Leader.
“There are priorities for each of us legislators and certainly we’re keenly aware of what the governor is interested in,” she said. “We’ll need to balance those needs with what’s important to the whole.”
