Governor Crist Issues Budget-Balancing Recommendations

Dec 23, 2008

Florida Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter to Florida legislative leadership and Chief Justice Peggy Quince today, December 23, 2008 regarding the State’s 2008-2009 General Revenue Budget.

The letter, which is attached for your review, outlines Governor Crist’s suggestions for balancing the current year budget.  Also attached are the following supporting tables:

  • Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Recommended Spending Adjustments
  • “Sweep” Available Reserve Balances
  • Unexpected General Revenue Fixed Capital Outlay Projects

The press release from Governor Crist’s Office is reprinted below.

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Colodny Fass.

 

Memorandum:  Governor’s Letter Regarding the 2008-09 General Revenue Budget

Please see the attached letter from Governor Charlie Crist to Chief Justice Peggy Quince, Senate President Jeff Atwater, House Speaker Ray Sansom, and Legislative Budget Commission chairmen Senator Ken Pruitt and Representative David Rivera regarding the 2008-09 General Revenue Budget.  The letter outlines Governor Crist’s suggested options for balancing the current year budget.  In addition, Governor Crist encouraged legislators to quickly consider the compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as an economic stimulus package.

Please note the following highlights of the Governor’s recommendations:

  • Many of the reductions represent a previous four-percent withholding of available appropriations
  • No furloughs or layoffs
  • Continued critical services to the most vulnerable Floridians
  • Continued investment in Florida’s classrooms for our students and hard-working teachers, with the recommendation to redirect funds to K-12 education should a Federal Economic Stimulus Package become available