By James Call
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-989766.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Gov. Rick Scott Tuesday provided a Tallahassee business group a preview of his agenda for the next Legislative Session. James Call reports high on his list are job creation and lowering the cost of living in Florida.
Governor Rick Scott told the Tallahassee Northeast Business Association he wants to build the world's most successful economy here in Florida. As he prepares to roll out his Legislative agenda he found a receptive audience to hone his talking points.
"I want to focus on streamlining business permitting and relieving burdensome rules and regulations as you expect."
Also on the governor's list is refocusing the state's education system on teaching job skills. As examples he questioned whether Florida needs more anthropologists and journalists. And on the day when economists projected a billion dollar shortfall for next year's budget, Scott said he will push for tax cuts.
"We're going to continue to look at we have programs to provide tax relief and reform for Florida working families and businesses. Put more money in individuals pockets. Last session we dropped property taxes $210 million. We eliminated the business tax for half of the business owners paying the tax. We've got to continue to look at every tax and fee that we have and what can we get rid of."
The governor says low taxes and few regulations attract business and an educated workforce enables businesses to grow. He conceded that a projected budget shortfall of about a billion dollars will make it difficult to implement his plans for tax cuts and education reforms. Sitting in the audience was Tallahassee Representative Alan Williams. He said he supports the governor's support for schools to improve engineering, math and science education. However, Williams dismisses the governor's proposals to cut taxes, spending and regulations.
"What I heard today was the exact same thing I heard at the inauguration. So I don't think he has had over the year, or nine months that he has been in office... I haven't heard anything different than what he had said on whatever the inauguration day was."
The Governor will begin releasing specifics about his Legislative proposals Wednesday. The 2012 Legislative Session begins the first week of January.