Gov. Rick Scott will release his 2012-13 budget recommendations Dec. 7, as lawmakers get ready to grapple with a shortfall of up to $2 billion — and state programs brace for another round of spending cuts.
Scott’s office confirmed the date Wednesday, though it was not immediately clear whether he would release the recommendations in Tallahassee or elsewhere. Last year, Scott proposed his budget in the Lake County town of Eustis during a Tea Party-flavored event.
The governor’s recommendations are the first formal step in a months-long process of lawmakers writing a budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Senate budget committees are expected to receive presentations Dec. 8 about Scott’s recommendations, according to the Senate calendar.
While details of Scott’s recommendations remain unclear, the Republican governor reiterated during a meeting this week with The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board that he does not favor raising taxes. He made those comments in part in response to a proposal to start collecting taxes on items purchased over the Internet.
The recommendations, however, will likely include another round of spending cuts across various parts of state government. Agencies and legislative committees have already started considering options for making reductions, as the economy has continued to struggle and limit tax revenues.
During a meeting with reporters last week, House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, said “worthy programs will have to take reductions.”
By Jim Saunders
