The 2010 Florida State Budget
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Granted, it was a huge challenge this year to write a budget. The Legislature began the session facing a $3 billion shortfall. Thankfully, our state was able to rely upon another $2.3 billion in federal stimulus money approved last year by Congress and President Obama along with another $270 million in assistance that Congress is expected to approve. A new five-year gaming compact with the Seminole Indian tribe also helps to balance the budget with a projected $433 million in revenues for our state during the first year.
The budget also makes cuts to a highly successful program that helps new mothers considered at risk for abusing or neglecting their children. A $10 million cut to the Healthy Families program amounts to more than a third of its budget. As a result, roughly 3,500 of more than 8,700 families are expected to be dropped from the program.
In my opinion, the budget doesn’t hold education harmless. While it increases the annual per-student funding by $1.22, school officials say their expenses, including insurance, retirement and utilities will outstrip that increase. In terms of overall school funding, this budget presents the second-worst per student funding level since 2006.
It’s also of serious concern to me that funding for nursing homes and hospitals are cut, including a seven-percent reduction in state payments for the care of indigent patients.
| District Office: 4221 North Himes Avenue, Suite 102 Tampa, FL 33607-6228 Phone: (813) 673-4673 |
Capitol Address: 1401 The Capitol - 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 488-9460 |