By James Call
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-951598.mp3
Tallahassee, Fl – The President of the Florida Senate is holding out the possibility that Governor Rick Scott may get some of the tax cuts he proposed. However, James Call reports, the senate leader says cutting the budget must come first.
Senate President Mike Haridopolos had expressed doubts that the state could afford tax cuts. Lawmakers have to close a 3.6 billion dollar shortfall that will force cuts in the education and health care budgets. Thursday Haridopolos acknowledged there will be some tax cuts too because the Governor asked for them and law making is a give and take process. Scott wants to cut property and corporate taxes by about two billion dollars, Senator Haridopolos.
"And we'll work through the budget process starting next week in full and if he can make the sale to at least 21 that additional tax relief can be put in place. Again, I told people from game one I would be game to it but our first priority is spending less."
The new Republican governor wants to cut spending and taxes during the budget year that begins July 1. Haridopolos, who is seeking the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate, said lawmakers want to be team players with Scott.