Governor Charlie Crist on Thursday signed the $70-billion 2010-11 budget, prioritizing Florida’s economy and job creation, keeping communities safe and educating the young people of the Sunshine State.
“With positive indicators beginning to appear, we must continue to keep our economy moving,” Governor Crist said. “The budget I signed today focuses our resources on helping families in need and giving Florida businesses incentives and opportunities to expand and create jobs.”
Governor Crist vetoed $371 million in projects that did not receive adequate open and transparent review and others that did not follow established processes or benefited only select groups. Among the vetoes is a $160-million sweep of the State Transportation Trust Fund in order to keep transportation projects funded that provide jobs for Floridians. In addition, he vetoed a reduction to the Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to nursing-home providers, a reduction to the rates that affect providers that serve Florida’s most vulnerable, and a prohibition against the use of any funds appropriated to the state to support human embryonic stem cell research.
“In reviewing every item in the budget, I have taken great care to fulfill my constitutional duty to ensure the appropriate use of the people’s money,” said Governor Crist. “Additionally, the people of Florida deserve an open and transparent government so they have every opportunity to shape the services and programs they support with their taxes.”
The legislature included a total of $260 million contingent upon passage of federal law to extend the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) through June 30, 2011. The enhanced FMAP rate will allow additional funding in the areas of transportation, economic development, health and human services, education and environment. Florida has already received over $3 billion from increased federal Medicaid funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In addition to signing the state budget, Governor Crist today also signed Senate Bill 1752, Florida’s Jobs Bill, providing strategic investments in a number of priority areas which will trigger job growth, business development and ensure long-term economic expansion for Floridians. The Jobs Bill includes funding for the State’s economic development incentive programs, assistance to small businesses, calculated support for Florida’s space business sector, critical relief for the unemployed and rural communities, and targeted assistance for Florida’s innovative film and entertainment industry.
“The Florida Jobs Bill will improve the long-term quality of life for every Floridian by providing high-wage jobs and helping diversify our economy,” said Governor Crist. “Through a variety of economic development incentive tools, this legislation will help meet the needs of Florida’s businesses and help ensure a prosperous future for our state.”
