Dear Friend, The 2009 Legislative Session finally came to a close today with a final vote on the state budget. The $66.5 billion budget, which passed the Legislature today, raises taxes, fees and university tuition, drains trust funds, relies on federal economic recovery monies, cuts state employee salaries, trims vital programs, and fails to end inequities in the tax structure.
It puts public health and our water supply at risk of contamination and cuts an estimated 750 jobs by decimating the Inland Protection Trust Fund, puts jobs at risk for thousands of Tri-Rail commuters, eliminates hundreds of state positions on principle and cuts the pay of hundreds more, and forces schools to lay off untold numbers of teachers throughout the state. Despite all the talk of relief for Florida homeowners, this budget leaves Floridians vulnerable to a property tax increase, because if our real property values continue to decline and the dollar amount for education is not realized, Floridians will face an increase in their millage rate.
Several revenue raising alternatives were proposed by those who voted against the budget, but they never even received a hearing in one committee of the Florida House. Unfortunately, we have once again fallen into the same trap of making simple, short-sighted, across-the-board spending cuts in lieu of very difficult, deliberative and courageous decisions that put our state back on the right track.
For these reasons, I voted against this irresponsible, short-sighted, “aimed at hurting the middle class” budget.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.
All the best. Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90.
For more information, visit my official website at
http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4364&SessionId=61
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Read Mort Mazor's article in this past Sunday's Sun-Sentinel. CLICK HERE.