No one immune as state works to balance budget
This morning I’m setting in the gallery of the Senate listening to a lively debate regarding a bill related to merit pay for teachers in the public school system. As I listen I’m reminded of a briefing last week by some of our state legislators. Obviously, the budget (and trying to balance it) is their number one priority . Even with the influx of $3+ billion of federal stimulus funds put in reserve after last year’s session, the state is still facing a $3 billion deficit.
In his presentation, Speaker Designate Dean Cannon indicated that if all budget related items for education, healthcare and public safety were separated, the remaining budget for ALL other services is $1 billion. When you do the math, balancing this year’s budget is going to require cuts in all services. The goal is to minimize the impact on education, healthcare and public safety.
Some state trust funds, such as the transportation trust fund have already been raided to the tune of $427 million with the money being transferred to general revenue for the purpose of balancing the budget. And there’s no doubt this is only the beginning.
During my time in Tallahassee, I’ve been and continue, to work hard to tell our legislators that imposing unfunded mandates on local government is NOT part of the solution. We are working in the SAME economy, in the SAME state, trying to do the SAME thing…balance our budget with minimal (if any) impact on services. Remember, unfunded mandates result in increased costs for local services, PAID BY LOCAL TAX DOLLARS!
That’s why encourage citizens of Apopka to let your voices be heard all the way up in Tallahasse. Send a message to allow the government closest to the people do their job and remain fiscally responsible for our citizens.
