By James Call
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-947466.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Governor Rick Scott said he intends to keep his campaign promise to cut taxes as part of his plan to create 700 thousand new jobs. But as James Call reports, leaders of both the House and Senate say a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall will make that a hard promise to keep.
The Senate President and House Speaker say the numbers they've seen don't add up to a tax cut this year. However, Governor Rick Scott, in his first elected position, says his budget proposal will cover a projected 3.6-billion dollar budget shortfall and a promised two billion dollars in tax cuts.
I'm going to put out a budget that shows them how to do it. Hmmm. And I'm going to go do what I do everyday. I'm going to talk to people around the state and explain why I believe in it. And I believe we'll get those reductions."
The governor's budget proposal is due the first week of February and he has not shared any details as of yet. But he did say that writing a budget is an exercise in setting priorities. Speaking at the Associated Press annual legislative planning session, he told writers and editors and that he intends to reduce government spending and the tax burden on businesses. Senate President Mike Haridopolos says he's waiting to see the Scott plan.
"The first priority I have as president of the senate is that we will reduce spending by 3.62 billion dollars. That is our first step. If there are other opportunities to reduce taxes on corporations or on property owners, we will look at that option. But the first thing I would like the governor, the speaker and I and most important the members of the respective bodies to agree upon is 3.6- billion in cuts."
Haridopolos refers to himself, the Governor and House Speaker Dean Cannon as the three amigos; all have a history of advocating tax cuts and less government spending. But in public remarks, Haridopolos and Cannon indicate they think it will be difficult to build a budget that pays for the reductions in property taxes and corporate taxes that Scott wants. Speaker Cannon.
"I think if we achieve the goal of not raising taxes then I would consider that a success. If there is a way they can be reduced and meet the critical needs then I'm open to it but I think that is going to be a big challenge."
Scott, as a candidate, promised to reduce property taxes by 19-percent and cut the corporate income rate by almost half as the first step in eliminating it. The reductions are part of his plan to make Florida more business friendly, a key component in fulfilling a promise to create 700 thousand new jobs in seven years.
"The first thing is I'm focused on how can we be number one. Number one means we don't create any jobs in government. But we can make this the place to say I want to open a business there because I can get a better return. There's a greater chance for success, so I'm talking to people all the time about moving here and if they decide it is not the right place I want to understand why and make sure how we can sell this. So that everybody knows this state is open for business."
And to that end Scott says reducing taxes and regulations will entice business leaders to look to Florida as a place when they are ready to expand or as a home base for new projects. Ironically, while Republican leaders are hesitant about reducing property taxes, The Republican Governor picked up support from the House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders who said property taxes are the most unfair of taxes.
"If he can convince the house speaker and senate president who supported him in the general election to vote for his budget he can surely convince me. I don't think he will be able to but we will see."
The governor is expected to release his budget proposal Feb. 4. It will explain how he intends to make up an expected 3. 6 billion dollar budget shortfall and reduce taxes by another two billion dollars.