TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday unveiled a nearly $74.2 billion proposed budget. Here’s a few key items you should know about:
EDUCATION: Scott has proposed raising public school spending by $542 million, which translates into a nearly 3 percent increase. The per-pupil spending amount would be $6,948.
PROPERTY TAXES: The increased money for public schools, however, relies on a rise in property values that is expected to generate nearly $375 million in additional local property taxes. Schools in Florida are paid through a combination of state and local money.
PAY RAISES AND BONUSES: Scott is proposing to spend $167 million on performance bonuses for state workers, but not across-the-board pay raises.
TUITION: The governor wants to keep college and university tuition at its current levels.
CHILD PROTECTION: The governor is proposing to spend nearly $32 million to hire more than 400 child protection investigators to reduce caseloads for those who investigate child abuse allegations.
ENVIRONMENT: Scott has proposed $130 million for Everglades restoration, $25 million for beach restoration, and $55 million to help restore and improve water quality at the state’s freshwater springs. The budget also includes $30 million in cash to purchase conservation lands.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Scott recommends for the fourth year in a row that he and other top state officials pay the same for health insurance as rank-and-file state workers. Scott currently pays less than $400 a year for family coverage. Legislators have rejected this proposal previously.
BUDGET CUTS: Scott is recommending cuts in several areas, including the elimination of more than 1,200 jobs, although most of them are vacant. Scott does recommend outsourcing custodial services, which would lead to the elimination of roughly 50 positions.
TAXES: Scott does not recommend any tax hikes to pay for his budget. He is recommending nearly $600 million in tax and fee cuts, including a cut in sales taxes charged on commercial rates and a rollback in auto registration fees. He is also proposing a back-to-school sales tax holiday and a small cut in the corporate income tax.
BUDGET TOTAL: The governor’s proposed budget is nearly $74.2 billion, or a decrease of 0.1 percent from last year.
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