Cut $1 Billion In Taxes: Scott To FL Lawmakers

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Florida Gov. Rick Scott is pushing lawmakers to pass $1 billion in tax cuts and to create a $250 million enterprise fund to help expand Florida businesses.

That was the focus of his State of the State speech Tuesday as he boasted that the state has created more than 1 million jobs since he took office five years ago.

Scott featured several successful Florida businesses in the speech, including a million-dollar company started by a 13-year-old Boca Raton girl.

The speech came as the Legislature began its 60-day session.

After pressing lawmakers to pass his tax package, Scott will leave Wednesday on a statewide bus tour to promote his proposals.

Earlier:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ The Florida Legislature is starting its annual 60-day session.
Leaders of the Florida House and Florida Senate officially gaveled lawmakers back to work on Tuesday.

They’re expected over the next few weeks to grapple with everything from guns to gambling.

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Gardiner pledged this year to work together.

They both promised to pass several bills they worked on in 2015 including a comprehensive bill dealing with water and measures helping children with developmental disabilities.

Crisafulli also said the House would come up with its own tax cut package.

Gardiner promised tax cuts, but did not commit to a specific amount.